Rarest Whale Focus of New Study

Thailand Sends Nearly 1,000 Endangered Tortoises and Lemurs from Trafficking Ring Back to Madagascar

Thai police found 1,117 animals being trafficked in Chumphon last May, and nearly 1,000 of them are now on their way back home to Madagascar. Exotic animals are often trafficked due to their popularity in Asian countries, where many people desire them as pets. However, owning an exotic animal can be dangerous, as its natural environment is challenging to imitate within the home.

Trafficking operations also harm animals, and these offenses are severe for endangered species. Many animals recovered at the trafficking operation included species classified as “most endangered,” such as spider tortoises and ring-tailed lemurs. As 961 animals head to Madagascar on Saturday, Thailand is showing its commitment to animal welfare and promoting a stance against the illegal wildlife trade.

Two Pet Retailers Have Supported Over 17,000 Adoptions This Year Alone

Last year, Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash dedicated 2024 to supporting 15,000 pet adoptions. However, they drastically exceeded that number, supporting approximately 17,215 pet adoptions this year. As 2025 approaches, the two retailers hope to increase the pet adoption rate by continuing work with local shelters and rescues. In fact, Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash held over 1,500 adoption events in 2024 alone. Find out more about pet adoption events here.

Scientists Begin Study of Rarest Whale in the World

Scientists are closely examining the rarest whale in the world this week as they try to uncover its mysterious origin and life. A spade-toothed whale washed up on a beach in New Zealand last July. Only seven spade-toothed whales have ever been spotted in the deep blue, making them highly elusive and mysterious to marine life experts.

The dissection of the whale specimen is the first of its kind. Many questions concerning the spade-toothed whale stump scientists, who are working continuously to find answers. Scientists still don’t know how the whale that washed up on New Zealand’s beach died. Other unknown facts about the spade-toothed whale include where it lives, how it processes food, and what its brain looks like. Hopefully, experts will soon discover more about the rarest whale in the world.