American tourist joins pandas in 'surreal' earthquake ordeal
(AFP)
AFP - An American tourist who survived China's deadly earthquake says he is not only lucky to be alive -- he had a "surreal" experience of sharing the moment with giant pandas.
AFP - The world's wildlife populations have reduced by around a quarter since the 1970s, according to a major report published Friday by the WWF conservation organization.
AP - Put at risk by global warming, the polar bear is getting a life line: The government has declared it a threatened species in need of increased protection. But another round of legal battles surrounding the majestic animal may be just beginning.
AFP - The US government has listed polar bears as a threatened species owing to a drastic reduction in Arctic sea ice, but insisted the step did not mark a policy shift to attack global warming.
AP - The Interior Department declared the polar bear a threatened species Wednesday because of the loss of Arctic sea ice but also cautioned the decision should not be viewed as a path to address global warming.
Greenpeace says Japanese whalers stealing meat
(AFP)
AFP - Greenpeace on Thursday accused Japanese whalers of stealing meat from the country's annual research hunt in the Antarctic and selling it on the black market.
Dog back in Calif. after 1,400-mile trek
Kobe the terrier is back with his family after a 1,400-mile trip. The small white pooch vanished from his Bellflower home last month and was found by a stranger in Denton, Texas. A microchip implanted in his neck contained his owner's information. more info
Pets banned by Saudi religious police
Saudi Arabia’s religious police, normally tasked with chiding women to cover themselves and ensuring men attend mosque prayers, are turning to a new target: cats and dogs. The police have issued a decree banning the sale of the pets, seen as a sign of Western influence. more info
'Yappie hours’ are for the dogs
Canine cocktail parties give entrepreneurs a chance to push their high-priced wares to consumers who are drawn in by the chance to socialize with other dog lovers.
Man crushed to death by pet python
A 14-foot pet python crushed its owner to death, authorities said Tuesday after finding the snake loose in a southern Indiana shed with the man’s body. more info
Cat rescued from stadium implosion honored
Philadelphia tabby named best household pet by Cat Fanciers Association more info
