Author: Rachel Maddow

Palo Alto officials introduced a sweeping “dark sky” ordinance that requires residents to turn off outdoor lights by midnight. The City Council will review the proposal on November 10, aiming to protect wildlife and reduce light pollution across the region. Under the new policy, light trespass limits would tighten from 0.5 to 0.1 foot-candle. The rule would affect most outdoor areas, including trails in the Baylands Nature Preserve. Officials said the measure would protect nocturnal species, reduce disorientation among birds, and restore natural habitats. “This law focuses on protecting ecosystems from constant artificial light,” city planners explained in a report.…

Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary in Whangārei announced it will euthanize seven elderly lions after exhausting all financial options. The sanctuary confirmed its permanent closure on Tuesday, citing the inability to fund care for the aging animals. “There were no real options left,” said sanctuary operator Janette Vallance. “The staff and I are devastated.” The lions, aged between 18 and 21, have already surpassed their typical lifespan in the wild. The sanctuary explored relocation but found no realistic rehoming opportunities within New Zealand. “The memories and legacy of these incredible animals will live on in many hearts,” the park said in a…

Fota Wildlife Park in County Cork confirmed it will remain closed until at least the end of November. The closure follows a serious outbreak of avian influenza that led to the euthanasia of 73 birds. The park first shut its gates in mid-October after several Greylag Geese tested positive for bird flu. Park officials said 83 birds now remain in isolation while 12 confirmed avian flu cases have been recorded since the outbreak began. “This was a necessary population management measure for non-endangered bird species,” the park explained. Staff said the decision to humanely euthanise infected birds aimed to protect…

Kent Wildlife Trust launched an urgent appeal after repeated vandalism and antisocial behaviour damaged its parks and woodlands. The organisation, which manages 80 sites, said annual repairs now cost tens of thousands of pounds. The campaign, called the Nature Nightmares Appeal, aims to raise awareness and funds to protect wildlife habitats under threat. Senior wilder grazing ranger Jessica Allam said, “The money we spend fixing damage could instead fund vital conservation projects.” She explained that Blue Bell Hill has become a major target, with volunteers constantly cleaning up litter, fireworks, and broken plates from a social media trend called “letting…

Authorities located one of three monkeys that fled after a truck overturned on a Mississippi interstate. The truck had been transporting 21 monkeys from Tulane University in New Orleans when it crashed near Heidelberg. The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the recovery several days later in a Facebook statement. “A homeowner on Highway 503 near Heidelberg found one of the monkeys this morning,” the post read. “The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks captured the animal and now has custody.” Officials said they had no additional information at the time. Research Transport Sparks Controversy The monkeys were reportedly part…

Cotswold Wildlife Park in Oxfordshire celebrated the birth of a baby white rhino, marking the only birth of its kind in the UK this year. The calf, named Markus, joined a group of eight rhinos—called a crash—and became the twelfth born at the park in the past twelve years. Park officials confirmed that Markus arrived healthy and strong, and that his birth was recorded on camera. He continues to nurse successfully from his mother, Nancy, who has now produced seven calves with breeding male Monty. Keepers Witness the Remarkable Arrival “Keepers were present the evening Markus was born,” the park…

The Nigerian Parliament passed sweeping legislation to combat illegal wildlife trafficking. Once the president signs the bill, offenders will face fines of up to 12 million naira ($8,300) and prison sentences of up to 10 years for trading elephant ivory, pangolin scales, and other endangered species products. Lawmakers describe the bill as one of West Africa’s strongest measures against wildlife crime. Conservation experts, however, warn that without strict enforcement, the law could become symbolic rather than effective. The Nigerian Senate approved the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill 2024 on October 28. This new law brings Nigeria into closer alignment…

A wildlife charity has warned that artificial spider webs used during Halloween can endanger local animals. Surrey Wildlife Trust said plastic cobwebs placed on trees, fences, and hedges can trap hedgehogs, birds, and insects. The group explained that the fine plastic strands often used in these decorations do not biodegrade and can cause lasting environmental harm. “We don’t want to be killjoys, but keep your plastic webs inside,” said Oliver Fry from the charity during an interview with BBC Radio Surrey. Fry urged people to reduce plastic use and consider alternatives. “Go easy on the plastics and use other stuff…

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) confirmed that officials killed several wolves from the Beyem Seyo pack in Sierra Valley, north of Truckee. The “lethal removal” followed months of unsuccessful attempts to stop livestock killings in the region. CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham said, “This decision was not made lightly nor easily. Despite extensive non-lethal efforts, these wolves continued to prey on livestock.” Bonham explained that the pack’s behavior made long-term wolf recovery across California and the western U.S. increasingly difficult. Officials removed a breeding pair, two adults, and one juvenile mistakenly identified as an adult. The agency…

Alberta’s new program to manage problem wildlife has claimed its first grizzly bear. Officials confirmed that a licensed hunter shot the animal after it attacked livestock in southwest Alberta. The province did not release the date or exact location. The kill occurred under a provincial initiative launched last year that allows trained hunters to respond when grizzlies threaten humans or ranch animals. Alberta Forestry and Parks spokesperson Mike Plentis said in an email Tuesday, “Four grizzly responders have been deployed so far, with one bear removed.” Officials stated that in all four cases, grizzlies had killed livestock. The cull marks…