Animals

Animals
Scientists described the ichthyosaur as a reptile version of a dolphin. Dearcmhara shawcrossi. Artist: Todd Marshall/ PA

Ancient sea monster found in Qld

Australia’s most complete ichthyosaur fossil has been unearthed in outback Queensland, with the seven-metre long skeleton set to reveal new secrets about the ancient marine predators

Explainers
Great White Shark, Carcharodon carcharias, close up, at Guadalupe Island, Mexico, East Pacific Ocean...Großer Weißer Hai, Carcharodon carcharias, in Nahdistanz, Guadalupe Island, Mexiko, Ost Pazifischer Ozean.

Stay safe from sharks this season

It’s scary when there’s a shark attack on the news – but these are very rare. The best way to stay safe is arming yourself with the facts. Here are some top tips to reduce risk when ocean swimming

Animals
KIDS NEWS 2025: Eland calf Tshepo (pronounced: seh-poh), is a new arrival at Werribee Open Range Zoo and his savannah keepers have big plans for his future. Picture: supplied

Clickety-clack calf who will be king

At just 160kg, this baby antelope has big hooves to fill as Werribee Zoo’s future breeding bull, where adults tip the scales at more than a tonne – what secret sound is the key to his success?

Environment
Images of the health of the Great Barrier Reef, coinciding with the release of the 2024 Reef Long-Term Monitoring Program. MUST CREDIT - Australian Institute of Marine Science,

Reef resilience tested amid decline

Nearly 30 per cent of coral cover between Proserpine and Cape York has vanished in a single year, but scientists remain buoyed by reef’s proven resilience as annual findings are released

VIDEOAnimals
KIDS NEWS ONLY, please do not use. Part of Reuters Connect deal. Panda captivated by singing at ZooParc de Beauval in France. Picture: screengrab/@plumesofficiel/Newsflare via Reuters Connect

Panda sways to French serenade

A lone musician’s impromptu performance at ZooParc de Beauval drew an unexpected fan, as a panda watched spellbound – should more zoo animals be treated to the sound of music? Take the poll

Kids news HP promo
VIDEOAnimals
Victorian zoo  announce the birth of a giraffe at Melbourne Zoo, the first calf to be born at the zoo in almost 20 years. First-time mother Nakuru and her yet-to-be-named son are bonding in the privacy of the barn in this critical early period. Supplied: Zoos Victoria

Historic giraffe birth at Aussie zoo

First-time mother Nakuru has made history at Melbourne Zoo with the safe – and swift – birth of a healthy calf, the first giraffe born at the city zoo in almost two decades WATCH THE VIDEO

Animals
Monster rat found in home, locals disgusted

Rodent size goes rogue in the UK

French charm in the animated film Ratatouille helped lift the rat’s reputation but the heebies have hit hard after one giant creature was caught in the UK – but is widespread rat revulsion deserved?

VIDEOAnimals
Supplied pictures of a Cheetah cub being hand-raised behind the scenes at Taronga Western Plains Zoo now has a name, Rozi and has been introduced to a companion puppy named Ziggy who is a labrador-cross-kelpie-cross-collie. Rozi is pictured here at 5 months old. Picture: Shallon McReaddie

Dog becomes cheetah cub’s BFF

When single-litter cheetah cub cutie Rozi came along, the keepers at Taronga Western Plains Zoo knew they would need to find her a surrogate sibling. Then along came Ziggy, the playful pooch pal

VIDEOAnimals
The bird's eye view of the osprey nest at Red Rock on a fixed nesting platform by nbn.

Birdcams beam in bird’s eye view

Newly installed birdcams will reveal the nesting habits of some of Australia’s high-flying birds of prey – see the incredible early footage capturing their sky-high nests (these birds can pick view)

Animals
Dingo puppies Muffin and Rusty with Lily Gabriel, River Craig and Wyatt Craig at the Australian Reptile Park. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

Dingo pups melt hearts at park

Eight-week-old dingo duo Muffin and Rusty are winning over young crowds at the Australian Reptile Park with their playful antics, leaving some wishing they could take the playful pair home

VIDEOAnimals
A big cat expert has revealed the shocking truth after footage of a ‘panther’ lurking in Victoria went viral.

Aussie ‘panther’ questions remain

A big cat expert has weighed in after footage claiming to capture a ‘panther’ in Victorian bushland went viral, boosting hopes among folklore lovers that tall tales are true – what do you think?

Explainers
Mosquito stock image. Picture: WHO

Aussie bloodsucker series: mozzies

Part 5: Mosquitoes. These pesky little flies can cause serious health problems if they bite you, but did you know not all mozzies are bloodsuckers? So what do ‘vegetarian’ mosquitoes eat?

Explainers
24/04/2001 PIRATE: 24/04/2001. Jim Paltidis had his ear bitten off by a dog, then sewn back on. Leeches were used to help his recovery.

Aussie bloodsucker series: leeches

Part 4: Leeches. They may have a bad reputation as being slimy and gross but these wriggly worms are vital for human health and the survival of other animals. Find out why they are so important

Explainers
head lice

Aussie bloodsucker series: lice

Part 3: Nits and head lice. These sneaky creatures are hard to spot but boy, do they itch! Luckily you can prevent them from making a feast of your scalp by following these simple steps

Explainers
Flea2. LOCALS are being reminded about the importance of guarding against parasitic insects that can spread from pets to people this summer. To avoid fleas, treat pets with a product that kills both juvenile and adult fleas and stops them from biting. It's also important to treat areas where your pet moves about, like its bedding.

Aussie bloodsucker series: fleas

Part 2: Fleas. These tiny critters pack an itchy bite that can drive you and your pets crazy. But why are they so hard to get rid of? And how can you keep them away once and for all?

Explainers
KIDS NEWS: Paralysis Tick, Ixodes holocyclus, is found in Eastern Australia and is a parasite to native mammals, livestock, pets and people. Picture: iStock

Aussie bloodsucker series: ticks

Part 1: Ticks. They’re small, thirsty and sometimes hard to spot, but if you do find a tick on yourself or your pet, don’t ever rip it out. Here’s how to safely remove one to start our explainer series

VIDEOAnimals
Mother koala

Koala’s healing hug from its mum

The touching moment a koala joey was reunited with its mum following a traumatic car accident has warmed hearts across the country. See the photos of the cutest koala cuddle

Animals
Supplied image of the Large Whale Disentanglement Team, volunteers at ORRCA and NSW Police Force Marine Rescue NSW, to free a young 2 to 3-year-old whale from entangled ropes earlier this week of Sydney's Northern Beaches.   , Originally spotted late Sunday afternoon off Sydney’s Northern Beaches, this young 11-tonne whale was tracked by ORRCA volunteers so that our disentanglement team could take to the water and try to free it.   , The team made multiple cuts and removed several rope loops from the whale’s body. Two small pieces of rope remain on the whale; we expect them to naturally fall off in time. Pic: ORRCA Australia. **Imagery disclaimer** Special permission was given for this drone to be flown within 100 metres of the whale to assist in disentanglement activities.

Whale free after daring rescue

Rescuers risked their lives to free a whale that was tangled in rope off Australia’s east coast. But why are whale rescues so dangerous and how can we stop such situations from happening?

Health
Sugar Bag Bees on flowers

Sugarbag honey ‘the bee’s knees’

Honey from Australia’s stingless ‘sugarbag’ bee has been found to have amazing antimicrobial properties, meaning it could be used to heal infections. But what gives it its amazing power?