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increasing encounters

Moscow Veterinarians Save Siberian Polar Bear With Tin Can Stuck in Mouth

The exhausted young polar bear was spotted near Dixon, Russia’s northernmost permanent settlement.

Russian Cats Banned from International Shows Over Russia’s Actions in Ukraine

The International Cat Federation promised to allocate some funds to cat fanciers and breeders in Ukraine.

feathered enforcer

At Moscow's Kolomenskoye Estate, a Goose Runs the Show

Martin is a caretaker of the stable yard in the Kolomenskoye Museum-Reserve, making sure everything is in order.

paw-erful presence

Ukrainian City’s ‘Cat Mayor’ Rises to TikTok Fame

Levchyk the cat went from living on the streets of a western Ukrainian city to winning a spot in the mayor’s office.

monkey business

Siberian Zoo Scraps Mascot Vote After Orangutan Becomes Opposition Hero

The orange ape was dubbed “the candidate of the people” before authorities saw the vote had become a political tug-of-war.

Moscow Zoo Pandas Predict Beijing Olympic Winners

No one is more qualified to predict the Beijing Games' outcome than a panda.

Moscow Zoo Welcomes Baby Yak

The baby girl is the first for Kora, a female yak living at the zoo.

four-legged firefighter

Stray Cat Joins Russian Fire Department

Semyon the cat takes his job — wearing a uniform and lounging around the fire station — very seriously.

Russian Baby Tiger Fights for Life after Frostbite, Surgery

This year's harsh winter has "significantly complicated" life for Russia's tiger population, an environmental expert said.

Russian Police Investigate Siberian Horse Herd Slaughter

Local officials called the killing of 53 free-range horses — most of them mares and foals — the result of a bitter dispute between farmers.

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.

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