Animals
380 newsThe page turns scattered updates into useful context for people who live in Spain, visit Spain or follow Spanish affairs from abroad.
Tetiaroa Atoll sees record surge in green turtle hatchlings
Over 54,000 green turtle hatchlings emerged from Tetiaroa’s beaches this season, shattering previous records. Intensive monitoring and targeted protection have transformed the atoll into a rare sanctuary for a species under global threat.
Woman killed by bull during festival run in Ayna
A 64-year-old woman died after being gored by a bull during Ayna’s festival run. Emergency teams intervened but could not save her. The tragedy forced the suspension of all planned festivities.
Bombus impatiens Workers Transform When the Queen Disappears
When the queen vanishes from a Bombus impatiens colony, a select group of workers steps up. New research reveals these bees become more mobile, central, and reproductively active, reshaping the colony’s entire social structure.
Parents Jailed Without Bail After Baby's Remains Found in Santa Bàrbara
A Catalan court has ordered the parents of a deceased 18-month-old into custody without bail. The case involves charges of homicide, child abandonment, and animal cruelty after police discovered the baby's remains and dozens of neglected dogs.
Police Investigate Baby's Disappearance After Animal Rescue in Tarragona
A missing baby in Santa Bàrbara has led to a major police investigation. Authorities rescued 28 neglected dogs from a sealed home, and a couple was detained in Valencia on suspicion of homicide.
Couple Arrested in Valencia Over Missing Baby Case in Tarragona
A couple was arrested in Valencia after their baby disappeared in Tarragona. Police searching their home found 28 malnourished dogs and dead animals. The search for the missing child is ongoing.
Orca Attack Disables Yacht Off Vigo: Scientists Reveal the Real Trigger
A yacht’s steering was destroyed by an orca near Vigo, forcing a tense return to port. Marine biologists on the scene say the animal’s actions were a direct response to the vessel’s speed, not aggression. The incident highlights a growing pattern along Spain’s Atlantic coast.
Catalonia Expands Financial Aid to Businesses Hit by Swine Fever Controls
Catalonia will offer financial support to businesses affected by swine fever restrictions. The aid targets restaurants and farms in closed green areas. Companies must show a 30% drop in turnover to qualify.
David Galán Achieves Historic Indulto with ‘Triunfador’ in Tarifa
David Galán secured an indulto for ‘Triunfador’ in Tarifa, earning four ears and two tails. Daniel Crespo and Manuel Escribano also left the ring with top honors. The event marked a standout evening for Lagunajanda.
EU Sets New Limits on Tethering Dogs and Cats, Spain Already Ahead
A new EU regulation will restrict how long dogs and cats can be tethered in breeding, sales, and shelter facilities, with Spain already enforcing even tougher national rules. The changes mark a significant shift in animal welfare standards across Europe.
Andalusian Government Blocks Major Irrigated Farm in Almería Biological Corridor
The Junta de Andalucía has rejected a 500-hectare irrigation project near Almería. The decision cites water scarcity and irreversible harm to protected habitats. Environmental groups call it a key victory for local biodiversity.
Hotels in Spain Must Display This Sign If They Ban Pets
Travelers with dogs in Spain should look for a specific sign at hotel entrances. A recent law lets hotels choose whether to accept pets, but obliges them to visibly warn guests if animals are not allowed. Here’s what you need to know before booking.
Catalonia Cuts Rabbit Population by 68% With Night Hunts in Lleida
Catalonia has reduced rabbit numbers in Lleida by 68% in one year. Nighttime hunts with thermal imaging and off-road vehicles targeted high-density areas. The region remains on alert as authorities continue intensive measures.
Helicopter Airlifts 90 Native Plant Platforms to Restore Washington Wetland
In a bold ecological experiment, the Tulalip Tribes used a helicopter to install 90 pre-planted wooden platforms in a Washington wetland overrun by invasive grass. Early results show most trees survived, but the project’s long-term impact on native vegetation and salmon habitat remains under review.
Two Owners of Navalcarnero Dog School Investigated for Animal Abuse
Guardia Civil has launched an investigation into two men after discovering severe neglect at a dog training school in Navalcarnero. Authorities found 46 dogs, many in critical health, and one dead animal on site.
Madrid Deploys AI Sensors to Track Urban Bird and Bat Populations
Madrid has launched 15 AI-powered sensors in key parks to monitor birds and bats around the clock. The system collects real-time data on species and activity. Early results reveal sharp contrasts between urban and forested areas.
Spanish Waiter in Switzerland Turns Campervan Life Into 48-Hour Escapes
Pablo, a Spanish waiter in Switzerland, lives year-round in a compact campervan with his dog Bellota. He organizes his split shifts around her care and uses his two days off each week to travel the country, making the most of his mobile lifestyle.
Severe Storm in Tarragona Leaves Over 100 Pigeons Dead at Port
A violent storm struck Tarragona, flooding streets and causing over 100 pigeons to die at the port. Emergency services responded to hundreds of incidents. Weather alerts remain active across Catalonia.
Wildlife Returns to Chernobyl as Human Absence Transforms the Zone
Four decades after the Chernobyl disaster, large mammals are reclaiming the exclusion zone. New research links this resurgence to strict limits on human activity, not to the absence of radiation’s effects. Scientists now see Chernobyl as a unique natural laboratory.
Emergency Plans in Spain Now Urge Families to Include Pets
Spanish experts call for pets to be part of family emergency plans. Clear protocols help avoid chaos during evacuations. Updated identification and ready-to-go kits are now essential.
Spain Faces Irreversible Spread of Invasive Red Crab in Doñana
The American red swamp crayfish, once introduced to Andalusia for economic gain, has become an unstoppable force in the Guadalquivir marshes and Doñana. Its presence has altered ecosystems, threatened native species, and created a new industry that Spain can no longer simply remove.
Shepherd’s Warning: Livestock Beat 100 Workers in Fire Prevention
Shepherd Jesús Sola from Tortuera claims that sheep and cattle are more effective than large crews in clearing flammable brush. As wildfires remain a threat, his call for support to livestock farmers highlights the challenges of generational renewal and rural survival.
Guardia Civil Deploys Helicopter and Drones After Lion Sighting in Toledo
A delivery driver reported seeing a lion near the Sierra de San Vicente. Guardia Civil responded with aerial and ground units. Local authorities urged residents to stay alert as the search continues.
Illegal Bird Medicine Lab Dismantled in Terrassa: Four Arrested
Spanish authorities have shut down a clandestine lab in Terrassa producing illegal bird medicines. Four people were detained, 150 drugs seized, and international distribution links uncovered.
Three Brothers Land 230-Kilo Bluefin Tuna After Grueling Two-Hour Battle
Ludovic, Florian, and Jonathan Delmée spent nearly two hours fighting a 230-kilo bluefin tuna just 5.5 kilometers off Sète. The massive fish, measuring 2.6 meters, had to be towed to port and lifted with special equipment. Their catch highlights both the thrill and the strict regulations of Mediterranean tuna fishing.
Andalusian Rivers Face Collapse as Tourism Overwhelms Fragile Ecosystems
Tourist pressure is devastating rivers in Andalucía. Authorities are imposing new limits, but fragile habitats remain at risk. Local experts warn that reopening sites like Chíllar could accelerate environmental decline.
Valencia Activates Maximum Wildfire Alert and Closes Natural Parks
Valencia has declared a level 3 wildfire pre-emergency due to soaring temperatures. Natural parks are closed, outdoor events halted, and strict fire bans imposed. Authorities urge caution as the heatwave intensifies.
Costa Rican Street Named After Canelo, the Dog Who Walked 35 Kilometres Home
Canelo, a stray dog who escaped from an animal shelter and walked 35 kilometres to return to his old neighborhood in Costa Rica, has been honored with a street named after him. The initiative, led by local residents, was officially recognized by the municipality in early 2026.
China’s Massive Reforestation Uncovers New Threat to Birds and Pollinators
China’s record-breaking reforestation has transformed vast landscapes, but new research reveals that monoculture plantations near natural forests are fragmenting habitats and putting bird and pollinator populations at risk. The findings challenge assumptions about the benefits of large-scale tree planting.
What to Do If You Hit an Animal on Spanish Roads
Every year, thousands of drivers in Spain face the shock of hitting an animal on the road. Knowing how to react can protect your safety, avoid fines, and help injured animals. Here’s what the law and experts say.
Three Common Garden Plants That Can Hide Scorpions
Scorpions rarely invade gardens by chance. Certain plants, like bromeliads that trap water, palm trees with dead leaves, and dense climbing vines, can create the dark, humid spaces these arachnids prefer. The real risk comes from how these plants are maintained, not the species themselves.
Court Orders Moscow Pensioner to Remove Exotic Animals From Tiny Flat
A Moscow court has ruled that a retired woman must remove nearly all her animals—including a caiman, boa, fox, ten dogs and 13 birds—from her 52-square-metre apartment. Only two dogs may remain, and the home must be thoroughly cleaned. The case highlights the limits of pet ownership in shared buildings.
Why White Lines on Windows Are Saving Millions of Birds
Those white lines on glass aren’t just for decoration—they’re a crucial safety measure for birds. By making windows visible, these markings help prevent countless collisions each year. Here’s how the right design can make all the difference.
Gandia Fishermen Remove Over 4 Tons of Jellyfish From Local Beaches
Fishermen in Gandia have collected 4,320 kilos of jellyfish from the coastline in July 2026 alone. The cleanups, organized with the city council, now stretch into December as warming seas and changing currents alter the Mediterranean’s rhythms.
Greek Island Offers Free Housing to Volunteers Caring for Stray Cats
Syros Cats on the Greek island of Syros will soon open applications for volunteers to care for stray cats in 2027. The program covers housing, breakfast, and supplies, but volunteers must cover their own travel and meals. Minimum stay is one month.
Page 1 by 11