Good Animal News

Celebrating positive news about animals making a difference for people — and people making a difference for animals

A bonobo holds up a red tube full of food to its ear

New study finds apes feel more optimistic after hearing laughter, indicates 'evolution of positive emotions'

A new study from Indiana University discovered that bonobos, humans’ closest living relatives, make similar vocalizations that share evolutionary origins with human laughter.
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A unique hut structure is made of timber planks and bamboo baskets, with a portrait of an elephant in the center

Amid deforestation, elephants are running out of food. This architect built them a bamboo dining barn 'to restore balance'

Boonserm Premthada is passionate about human-animal architecture and has also built structures with elephant dung bricks.
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A frog floating and looking to the camera with its head above water

Conservationists restore endangered frog population in Patagonia: 'Most threatened animals on the planet'

Researcher Federico Kacoliris, who mobilized the conservation movement around the species, recently received a Whitley Award, known as the "Green Oscars."
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Jane Goodall stands in a lush forest of green trees, reaching out to touch the leaves.

When USAID cuts hit Jane Goodall's reforestation efforts, this search engine stepped in to save the day (and the trees)

The tree-planting search engine has dedicated funds and support to maintain the Jane Goodall Institute’s presence in Tanzania.
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Two mules stand next to a banner that reads "Welcome Back Yosemite Mules," hand-drawn by children

Yosemite National Park puts mules to work in the busy season: 'If you've used the bathrooms, thank a mule'

Yosemite National Park’s “mounted patrol” has long used mules to help navigate the backcountry. This year is no different.
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A photo collage of a woman and a dog sitting next to each other, an overlooking shot of a national park in the mountains, two female athletes wearing a shirt saying 'Immigrant City Football Club', a huge tree perched on a home garden, and two women sitting on a carriage decorated with flowers

Good News This Week: June 21, 2025 - Parks, Trees, & Quilting Clubs

Your weekly roundup of the best good news worth celebrating...
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Microscopic image of a deep-sea spider, black in appearance, with egg sacs surrounding it

New species of methane-eating creature discovered 3,000 feet below the ocean

Biology professor Shana Goffredi calls these new curious creatures “extremely adorable” — although arachnophobes may disagree.
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A distant view of Waterton Lakes National Park, with ice blue waters and huge mountains

New butterfly species wows scientists: 'This discovery reveals a lineage shaped by 40,000 years of evolutionary solitude'

The “curiously isolated hairstreak” butterfly is only known to inhabit a small corner of Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada.
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Late Minnesota state representative Melissa Hortman hugs a golden retriever against a green wall.

Minnesota shooting also took the life of lawmaker's dog. Now, donations to local service dog program are pouring in

Minnesota state lawmaker Melissa Hortman, her husband, and their family dog were fatally shot Saturday morning. A beloved nonprofit has become an outlet for grief.
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A woman walks up a staircase towards a lit room at a spa village in a rainforest.

This 5-star island paradise doubles as a sea turtle rescue

The Gaya Island Resort boasts stunning villas and gorgeous ocean views, but the real jewel lies in its local conservation efforts.
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A photo collage of a coral reef underwater, two guys posing for a photo, two 3D-designed cells, a person sleeping on a bench while holding a blanket, and a woman sitting next to an artificial coral reef

Good News This Week: June 14, 2025 - Fireflies, Skateparks, & Reefs

Your weekly roundup of the best good news worth celebrating...
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A peak through an opening out from a forest clearing looking out to water, sand, and more trees beyond.

Park rangers in Senegal celebrate as beloved 'Ghost elephant' makes rare appearance

African forest elephants have become so rare in this Senegalese national park that they are simply called “ghosts.” But one beloved elephant took rangers by surprise.
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