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captive cetaceans

Russia Closes Notorious ‘Whale Jail'

Almost 100 whales were released from the secretive facility after an intense campaign by animal rights and environmentalist groups.

special delivery

Moscow Zoo Welcomes Orphaned Manul Kittens

The manul, or Pallas's cat, has been the zoo's symbol and mascot for over 30 years.

ancestral hunting grounds

First Endangered Tiger Footprints in 50 Years Found in Northeast Siberia

The Amur tiger's population is recovering after hunting brought to the brink of extinction in the mid-20th century.

quadruple implant

Russian Dog Given 4 Prosthetic Paws

Monika was found as a stray with all four of her paws cut off, but is now able to enter her new life with her best food forward.

Polar Bear Who Wandered Too Far South Finds New Home in Moscow

A polar bear that walked 1,950 miles south into the northeastern Siberian mainland is now thriving at the Moscow Zoo.

German Shepherd Becomes First Russian Dog to Win Canine Loyalty Award

The 9-year-old police dog was recognized for rescuing a 15-year-old girl from rape.

conservation change

Russian Amendments Legalize Trophy Hunting of Endangered Species, Activists Say

The new amendments permit the killing of rare and endangered species in “exceptional cases.”

four-legged flight

Ruff Landing: Russia Tests Dog Parachutes

The canine parachute system could be used to allow dogs to join paratroopers or rescuers.

Russian Villagers Rescue Beached Beluga Whales

A team of 17 adults and children kept the animals hydrated for eight hours until belugas could escape to the sea with the rising tide.

Russia Arctic Sailors Rescue Lost Dog After Weeklong Search

Aika the Samoyed had wandered some six kilometers out onto the inhospitable ice fields.

Snowy Owl Becomes Kremlin’s Newest Security Recruit

Don't ruffle this owl's feathers.

Berlin Zoo Blames Russian Mix-Up for Polar Bear Incest

Polar bears Tonya and Volodya were brought from Russia to Berlin, where they gave birth to a cub — despite being brother and sister.

mysterious die-off

Some 170 Endangered Seals Found Dead on Russia's Caspian Coast

Authorities previously reported the death of nearly 300 endangered seals on Dagestan's Caspian shore in December.

'not an object'

Russia Outlaws Seizing Pets from People in Debt

The practice was occasionally used in the same way as the confiscation of furniture or real estate.

Russia Approves 'World’s First' Coronavirus Vaccine for Pets

The vaccine was tested on dogs, cats, mink and other animals and is believed to provide protective immunity for at least six months.

back 'from the dead'

Russia Hails Rare Sighting of Amur Leopard Mum With Cubs

Conservationists said the video footage showed that efforts to boost the population of the threatened species had borne fruit.

National cat day

Russia’s Newest Instagram Star Is an Ice-Fishing, Nature-Loving Cat

Simba the Kurilian Bobtail is living his best life.

climate adaptation

Melting Arctic Forces Polar Bears to Adapt to Land-Based Diet – Russian Scientists

Russian researchers say they are seeing fewer malnourished polar bears despite shrinking Arctic ice pushing the animals further south.

threatened wildlife

Rare Deer Mauled to Death by Stray Moscow Dogs

Activists blamed Losiny Ostrov (Elk Island)'s new administration for making cuts to its ranger service, leaving the animals vulnerable.

Chemical brothers

Pink and Green Dogs Join Blue Strays on Russian Streets

More dogs colored by chemical waste have been spotted across Russian towns.

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