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Researchers Identify Priority Zones for Golden Lion Tamarin Vaccination

Researchers Identify Priority Zones for Golden Lion Tamarin Vaccination

Researchers have identified priority zones for vaccinating golden lion tamarins against yellow fever in Brazil's Atlantic Forest. A recent study found that environmental factors such as habitat connectivity and human population density were linked to higher mortality rates during a yellow fever outbreak between 2017 and 2019, which killed about 30% of the tamarin population. The study aims to guide vaccination efforts to protect these endangered monkeys from future outbreaks. The golden lion tamarin population has rebounded to approximately 4,800 individuals, but they remain vulnerable to disease due to their limited habitat.
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Study Explores Primate Interactions with Other Species, Suggests Evolutionary Roots of Pet-Keeping

Study Explores Primate Interactions with Other Species, Suggests Evolutionary Roots of Pet-Keeping

A new study published in the journal Primates explores the interactions between primates and other animal species, suggesting that the behavior of pet-keeping may have evolutionary roots. The study, led by evolutionary anthropologist Cyril Grueter, documents 427 cases involving 88 primate species and 127 other animal species. These interactions range from grooming and playing to more complex social behaviors. The research highlights instances where primates form long-term affiliative relationships with other species, drawing parallels to human pet-keeping. The study suggests that such behaviors may not be unique to humans but have deeper evolutionary origins among primates.
Asheville Citizen-Times Asheville Citizen-Times
Yellow-legged hornets confirmed in NC for first time. Are they in Western NC

Yellow-legged hornets confirmed in NC for first time. Are they in Western NC

The invasive species yellow-legged hornets, while not the same as the infamous 'murder hornet,' can cause problems for native wildlife.
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Vermont Increases Monitoring as Screwworm Threatens Southern States

Vermont Increases Monitoring as Screwworm Threatens Southern States

Vermont is enhancing its monitoring efforts for the New World screwworm, a parasitic fly that has led to disaster declarations in Texas and parts of the South. Although the screwworm has not yet reached Vermont, state officials are taking preventive measures to ensure it does not spread to the region. The Vermont Agency of Agriculture has implemented a temporary policy that shortens the testing timeline for animals entering the state from infected areas to five days before travel. This policy aims to prevent the screwworm from becoming a problem in Vermont, where it could spread rapidly if not contained.
The Dodo The Dodo
Snake Looking For A Snack Winds Up Stuck In A Very Tight Spot

Snake Looking For A Snack Winds Up Stuck In A Very Tight Spot

It was a typical summer day in Austin, Texas, when a pair of homeowners spotted something unusual in their yard.
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Beloved Bald Eagle Jackie Undergoes Treatment Amid Health Concerns

Beloved Bald Eagle Jackie Undergoes Treatment Amid Health Concerns

Jackie, a well-known bald eagle from Big Bear Valley, California, is currently receiving intensive care at the Ojai Raptor Center due to severe anemia and kidney inflammation. Despite extensive testing, a definitive diagnosis has not been reached. Jackie has shown some improvement after a blood transfusion but experienced a setback with declining blood values. The center is providing supportive treatment and monitoring her condition closely. Jackie became famous through the Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam, where she and her partner, Shadow, have raised their young, attracting a large following.
USA Today USA Today
Beloved bald eagle Jackie gets good news amid illness. See new update

Beloved bald eagle Jackie gets good news amid illness. See new update

Beloved bald eagle Jackie took an "encouraging step forward" on July 29, but she's not "out of danger," the Ojai Raptor Center said.
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Jackie the Bald Eagle Undergoes Treatment for Anemia at Ojai Raptor Center

Jackie the Bald Eagle Undergoes Treatment for Anemia at Ojai Raptor Center

Jackie, a bald eagle known as the Big Bear, is currently receiving treatment for anemia at the Ojai Raptor Center. Jenny Voisard from the Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) has been providing updates on Jackie's condition, emphasizing the ongoing concerns about her health. The Ojai Raptor Center is dedicated to rehabilitating birds of prey and is working to ensure Jackie's recovery. The center's efforts highlight the challenges faced by wildlife rehabilitation organizations in caring for injured and sick animals.
Palm Springs Desert Sun Palm Springs Desert Sun
Jackie the eagle out of intensive care, not out of 'danger’

Jackie the eagle out of intensive care, not out of 'danger’

Jackie, the mama bald eagle from Big Bear Lake, is out of intensive care, but still not out of 'danger,’ according to the Ojai Raptor Center.
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Houston Zoo and Baylor College of Medicine Develop Promising mRNA Vaccine for Elephants

Houston Zoo and Baylor College of Medicine Develop Promising mRNA Vaccine for Elephants

After over 15 years of research, Baylor College of Medicine and Houston Zoo have developed an experimental mRNA vaccine to combat elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV), a deadly disease affecting young Asian elephants. The vaccine has shown promising results, with vaccinated elephants at Cincinnati Zoo successfully withstanding natural EEHV1A infection without severe symptoms. This development marks a significant milestone in the fight against EEHV, which remains a leading cause of death in juvenile Asian elephants in North American zoos and poses a threat to elephant calves in Asia.
The Knoxville News-Sentinel The Knoxville News-Sentinel
Appalachian Bear Rescue welcomes first bear cub after 18-month pause

Appalachian Bear Rescue welcomes first bear cub after 18-month pause

In 2025 the TWRA said it would stop sending bears to the ABR following 16 deaths. After meeting a list of state demands, the rescue welcomed a cub.
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East Tennessee Bear Rescue Rehabilitates Underweight Bear Cub

East Tennessee Bear Rescue Rehabilitates Underweight Bear Cub

Appalachian Bear Rescue (ABR) in East Tennessee has taken in a black bear cub, nicknamed 'Hemlock,' found near Gatlinburg. The cub, weighing only 7.7 pounds, is underweight for its age and is being treated for parasites. This marks the first bear cub ABR has admitted in over a year and a half, following a pause due to an illness outbreak. The cub was brought to ABR after being spotted without its mother for more than two weeks. ABR staff, in collaboration with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, are working to rehabilitate the cub.