Animals

More trails, more damage? Why marking additional hiking routes in Israel should be avoided

A new study examined what happens to wildlife when new hiking trails are opened in previously inaccessible areas, finding that certain species move away from the paths or alter their activity hours.

A total of 288 cameras placed at various distances from the trails recorded wildlife before, during, and after the disturbance.
Deni, the new Persian leopard at Ramat Gan Safari.

The Persian leopard named after the NBA star arrives at the Safari

German shepherd barking (illustrative)

Using babies, Israeli study reveals why AI fails to truly understand animal calls

Dr. Galia Melman Shalev will receive the World Small Animal Veterinary Association's 2026 Animal Welfare Award for her efforts to rescue and treat hundreds of pets following the October 7 massacre.

Negev Vet clinics founder Dr. Galia Melman Shalev to receive award for Oct. 7 animal rescue efforts


What the Bible says about endangered species - opinion

Scripture helps shape how I see the world, so I turned to it after the Trump Administration finalized a rule narrowing protections under the Endangered Species Act.

A softshell turtle

Marine researchers rescue sea turtle tangled in fishing line off the coast of Caesarea

Shortly after the team rescued the turtle, it was transported to the National Sea Turtle Rescue Center to receive treatment.

Sea turtle rescued from fishing lines off the coast of Caesarea.

Rare box jellyfish spotted in Red Sea waters

Although the jellyfish's sting can be painful, it is not the deadly species known from Australia, and there is no reason to avoid swimming – Just be alert.

A rare box jellyfish, the Red Sea, July 2026

Bambi's big break: Israel Police, IDF rescue two gazelle fawns during weapons raid in West Bank

The suspect, a 39-year-old resident of the area, was taken for questioning and admitted to several offenses involving harming and illegally possessing protected natural assets.

IDF, Israel Police rescue two gazelle fawns during weapons raid in West Bank, July 7, 2026.

Returned from the beach in Ashdod, and discovered a whole family of birds of prey

A Nature and Parks Authority employee received a unique glimpse into the lives of a whole family of little owls – an impressive small nocturnal bird of prey.

"After a few minutes I saw movement near the male, and then a female appeared at his side along with four fledglings"

New exhibition connects people and animals

The exhibition, initiated by Let the Animals Live in cooperation with Tevel from the Egged Group, will feature moving photographs of people with disabilities alongside dogs and cats.

From the exhibition "This Is All the Magic: 40 years of unconditional love"

The discovery exciting nature enthusiasts in Israel

For the first time since the ecological restoration began at the Ma'agan Michael Birding Park, a nesting site of the African softshell turtle has been discovered.

A softshell turtle

California authorities uncover suspected mass killing of hundreds of rescue dogs

A majority of the dogs were microchipped, and many were found to have been killed by gunshots, police confirmed after forensic testing.

A woman walks her dogs as Orange County sheriff's deputies block Western Avenue after a chemical leak from a large storage tank prompted evacuations in Garden Grove, California, on May 24, 2026.

Chetz the dog, wounded in Iranian strike during Operation Rising Lion, learns to walk again

“At first, I'd have given him a low chance [of survival], but the more I got to know him, I saw he wanted to. He wants to live, he wants to fight. So let’s give him that chance,” his vet said.

Chetz the dog and Dr. Talia Adler.

Larry the cat, chief mouser of Downing Street, outlasts sixth UK prime minister as Starmer resigns

Larry’s tenure began after multiple rat sightings on the steps of 10 Downing Street in early 2011, causing a "pro-cat faction" within Downing Street to lobby for an expert to be brought in.

Larry the cat at Number 10 Downing Street on June 22, 2026 in London, England.