Photo: waitandshoot/Depositphotos

Earlier this year, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) shared trail cam footage of a gray wolf letting out a remarkable howl. The video, uploaded on January 23, 2024, shows what appears to be a lone gray wolf howling at the moon and then cuts to it with the rest of its pack. It is believed that these wolves belong to the Yowlumni Pack, which was found in summer 2023 in “the Sequoia National Forest in proximity to the Tule River Tribe of California’s reservation and ancestral lands.” This particular pack has the distinct honor of being the first wolves spotted in Southern California in more than 150 years. They are also one of four new wolf packs discovered in the state of California in 2023.

Currently, gray wolves are considered a recovering endangered species, after they were almost hunted to extinction by settlers in the western United States. Interestingly, gray wolves were never formally reintroduced in California—researchers say that they made their way back on their own. It is believed that gray wolves naturally roamed towards areas burned by wildfires across the Golden State. (Wolves are known to create dens for birthing in burn scars, as the open area allows them to survey their surroundings better to spot other predators.) According to the CDFW, there are at least 44 gray wolves and seven active wolf packs in the state.

While many people in the state view the wolves' return as a good thing, it does pose concerns for ranchers and farmers. As an endangered species, it is illegal to injure or kill a gray wolf, even if it is attacking one's livestock. The same rules apply to pet owners, as wolves sometimes view domesticated dogs as competitors or prey. Fortunately, the CDFW is tracking the wolf populations in the region, and continuing to learn more about their habits. They write: “The key overarching objectives includes monitoring wolf populations, expanding scope of conservation, management and research focus, and manage and mitigate wolf-livestock interactions to minimize loss.”

A howling wolf captured on a California trail cam is believed to be part of the first pack of wolves found in California in over 150 years.

h/t: [PetaPixel]

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Photo: isanbar/Depositphotos

On March 1, a whale was spotted swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 30 miles south of Nantucket, Massachusetts. Spotting whales around this time of year isn't unusual for New England Aquarium scientists, but something about this creature gave them pause. Upon closer inspection, they discovered that they were looking at a gray whale, which is a species thought to have been extinct in the Atlantic for nearly 200 years.

The gray whale is routinely found in the North Pacific, but has not been seen in the Atlantic Ocean since the 18th century, making the researchers' find extremely unique. Experts are not entirely sure why the animal disappeared from the region, but whaling could be a factor. Now, researchers say that the whale's sighting in the region is due to climate change, as the ice that normally dots the region hasn't been forming, allowing for easy travel.

According to researchers, there have been five spottings of gray whales in the Atlantic over the last 15 years, with the most recent being seen off the coast of Florida in December. The New England Aquarium believes that this is the same whale that was just spotted around Nantucket.

Gray whales are identifiable by blotchy coloration and lack of a dorsal fin. They are also expert migrators, traveling between feeding and breeding grounds every year. Like many other whales, a healthy gray whale has a particularly long lifespan for a wild animal, estimated to live between 50 to 70 years.

Earlier this month, a gray whale that was previously thought to be extinct in the Atlantic Ocean, was spotted about 30 miles south of Nantucket, Massachusetts.

Photo: isanbar/Depositphotos

h/t: [Bored Panda]

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Photo: ©Galápagos Conservancy

The Galápagos are known as one of the most incredible natural environments on Earth. Full of rich flora and fauna, conservationists are particularly interested in preserving the incredible species found there. Among the most famous are the giant tortoises which roam the islands. These sweet, slow-moving creatures come in 13 species indigenous to the island and can live extremely long lives. Since only 15,000 across these species roam wild today, breeding programs are used to preserve these iconic reptiles. Recently, conservationists celebrated a success with the release of 136 juvenile tortoises into the wild.

The tortoises were bred at the Arnaldo Tupiza Chamaidan Breeding and Rearing Center on Isabela Island. Their health was top priority and each animal was chipped for tracking. Having reached ages between 5 and 9 years old, these young ones are ready to take their first step into the wild. The cohort of 136 tortoises were not easy to transport. A helicopter and giant net was used to delicately transport the heavy passengers to the Cerro Azul volcano's slopes on Isabela Island. Volunteers freed the youths, allowing them to establish new lives in the wild.

The tortoises play a critical role in the local ecosystem. They chomp on plants and keep growth in check, while also transporting seeds around the island. Dr. Jorge Carrión, director of conservation at Galápagos Conservancy, noted in a statement, “[W]e need to remain vigilant because this species is under threat from invasive species. Therefore, we will continue to closely monitor the situation.” The tortoises are prepared for their new lives, and tracking them will help keep a close eye on this magnificent and vital species.

Conservationists have accomplished a historic win in the Galápagos by successfully releasing 136 juvenile tortoises into the wild.

Photo: ©Galápagos Conservancy

The tortoises play a vital role in the environment and will be watched closely to make sure they remain safe.

Photo: ©Galápagos Conservancy

Galápagos Conservancy: Website

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Galápagos Conservancy.

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READ: Conservationists Have Released 136 Juvenile Galápagos Tortoises Into the Wild

Photo: wrangel/Depositphotos

Gray nurse sharks, or sand tiger sharks, are a critically endangered species that can be found in the waters of Japan, Australia, South Africa, and the east coasts of North and South America. Given their conservation status, it's always an exciting moment when these sharks breed. A video shot by Australia's Wolf Rock Diving Centre is making the rounds online and has people fascinated by the behavior of these sharks during that process. That's because they display a behavior known as tonic immobility (TI).

Colloquially known as “playing dead,” this temporary state of paralysis occurs in many different animal species. This trancelike state involves a decrease in heart rate and limp muscles that can last anywhere from one to 15 minutes if left undisturbed. Often, it's a defensive strategy to fool a predator into leaving the animal alone. But for gray nurse sharks and a few other shark species, TI is also an important part of the courtship and mating process.

Mating in the shark world can be rough business. Male sharks will bite the female on her fins and gills to turn her over into a position suitable for mating. This also induces temporary paralysis, which is useful for the male as it's believed that they can better position their sperm to enter into the female's uterus if she's not moving. Researchers believe that this behavior developed over time as a way for sharks to protect themselves from injury during the mating process. And, in fact, gray nurse sharks aren't the only ones who behave in this manner.

Tonic immobility has also been observed during mating in other shark species, including the zebra shark. So, while it may appear strange to us, it's all in the norm of shark behavior. Once the mating is finished, the female shark will come out of the trance and continue on her normal routine.

Interestingly, tonic immobility is also used by shark conservationists, who use the phenomenon to handle or subdue sharks safely for breeding purposes or health checkups.

Divers in Australia captured gray nurse sharks going into tonic immobility during mating.

This paralysis is induced by male sharks who bite the females and then flip them over. It's believed the behavior helps keep the animals stay safe during mating.

Luckily, the trancelike state is only temporary, and the sharks return to normal shortly after.

h/t: [reddit]

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READ: Learn Why Some Sharks Experience Temporary Paralysis While They Mate

 

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Humankind has pushed the northern white rhinoceros to the brink of extinction. Critically endangered, only two individual females are currently alive. In nature, this would be the end. The species would become a thing of the past, lost to time and human greed for rhino horns. However, modern science might just reverse the dismal course of events. Researchers have recently succeeded in using invitro fertilization (IVF) to implant a viable rhinoceros embryo in a closely related southern white rhino mother, simultaneously planting a seed of hope that this modern reproductive technology will save their northern brethren.

The northern white rhino was once abundant in northern Africa. However, the massive animals were hunted and poached for their keratin horns, which are sold on the black market. Recent efforts have included preemptively and painlessly removing the horns of rhinos to make them less attractive targets. However, for the northern white rhino it was largely too late. Since 2009, the only living members of the species have lived in captivity mimicking their natural environment at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. At that time there were four, two male and two female. But both males perished in 2014 and 2018 respectively.

That leaves only the females: Najin and Fatu. They are mother and daughter. With no males left, the future of the species now rests with 30 carefully preserved embryos already created and which are stored frozen in Europe. Impregnating rhinos is tricky due to the species’ immense size, so it was necessary to practice the skills. Therefore, researchers used IVF on southern white rhinos, who are much less endangered. Combining eggs and sperm from captive rhinos, they chose surrogate mothers. On the 13th try, the pregnancy stuck with a rhino named Curra, proving the technique can result in a viable, healthy embryo. Sadly, while the embryo was still developing, Curra was poisoned by Clostridia bacteria, which was brought up naturally by intense rain.

Despite this sad ending, the rhino IVF worked. Now it can be attempted with the northern white rhino embryos, the genetic children of Fatu and the deceased males. However, Najin and Fatu are unable to carry the baby rhino due to their health. Another southern white rhino surrogate will be selected. Scientists feel confident that their biology is similar enough to avoid issues. But this breeding plan must be supplemented by new genetics if it is to create a true new start for the species. Researchers plan to attempt creating sperm and egg cells from stem cells, so that they can promote genetic diversity. Samuel Mutisya, Ol Pejeta's head of research and species conservation, noted his organization was “committed to do all that is humanly possible to nurture, protect and recover the species.”

There are only two northern white rhino females left, so saving the species will take innovation and modern technology.

 

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One of the last Northern White Rhinos at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. (Photo: Lengai101 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0 DEED)

h/t: [BBC]

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READ: World’s First IVF Rhino Pregnancy Might Save the Northern White Rhinoceros Species

 

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When we think of fearsome wild cats, tigers, lions, and leopards are usually the first species that come to mind. As it turns out, the most dangerous cat isn't the largest. But it is very cute. Utah's Hogle Zoo introduced an 8-month-old black-footed cat, which has earned the title of “world's deadliest cat” due to its remarkable hunting success rate.

The young feline, named Gaia, is part of the North American breeding program run by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Black-footed cats are considered vulnerable with about 9,700 animals left in the wild, so it is their hope that she will mate with the 3-year-old male at Utah's zoo named Ryder. The two cats are currently kept in separate enclosures until Gaia matures.

Although black-footed cats only weigh between two and six pounds, they are master hunters who catch their prey—usually rodents, reptiles, birds, and insects—60% of the time, which is all the more impressive considering large wild cats have an average success rate of 25%. “While animals like Ryder and Gaia may be found in Africa, far away from what we do on a daily basis… they become representatives of a conservation message that applies to everything here,” says Bob Cisneros, Hogle Zoo's associate director of animal care. Hopefully things go well between the two future love birds and conservation efforts go according to plan.

A black-footed cat named Gaia was recently introduced to Utah's Hogle Zoo.

 

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Utah's Hogle Zoo: Website | Instagram
h/t: [Smithsonian Magazine]

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The endangered sea turtle who washed ashore, now called Squirt. (Photo: Seaside Aquarium)

Green sea turtles are gentle giants of the ocean. Herbivores whose plant diet gives them their trademark green color, they roam the waters of the Earth. Certain populations of the green sea turtle are sadly dubbed endangered species. They weigh up to 350 pounds as adults and stretch up to 4 feet. But one individual member of the species proved much smaller, almost diminutive, when she washed ashore on an Oregon beach suffering from hypothermia. The 22-pound turtle was scooped up by rescuers from Seaside Aquarium, who immediately commenced lifesaving efforts for Squirt, as she is now called.

Squirt was found on Manzanita Beach on Saturday, January 6, 2024. Discovering a sea turtle on such a northern coastline is rare, and they are typically so cold that their heart rate is almost imperceptible. They must be rescued and stabilized before they can return to their watery home. After the Seaside Aquarium staff scooped up the turtle, they reported the following on their Facebook page: “When we arrived we were surprised by the turtle's small size. This little squirt was only 22 pounds, making it one of the smallest turtles we have seen. She was very active, moving her head up and down and when picked up would move her flippers as if she was swimming.”

They then took Squirt to Oregon Coast Aquarium where she will be rehabilitated before release. Adorable images of the turtle posted by the rescue show her snuggled under warm blankets to bring her temperature back up. She also fits perfectly in what appears to be a dog bed, flippers hanging over the edge. This lucky turn of events for Squirt is just one small part of a larger campaign for marine life. This involves cleaning up our waters and preventing plastic debris from harming wildlife, while fighting climate disaster. And for many like Squirt's rescuers, it means rescuing and warming cold turtles who wash ashore, as many did in Texas in 2021. Each little reptile rescued is a victory.

An endangered green sea turtle washed up on the Oregon coast suffering from hypothermia. A dedicated team of rescuers revived her.

Squirt warms up. (Photo: Seaside Aquarium)

They named her Squirt, because technically at 22 pounds she is tiny for her species.

Squirt is safe. (Photo: Seaside Aquarium)

Seaside Aquarium: Website | Facebook | Instagram
h/t: [Oregon Live]

All images via Seaside Aquarium.

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Photo: mountainpix/Depositphotos

Like so many animals today, Saharan antelope are severely threatened. However, a recent announcement offers a glimmer of hope for their future. The scimitar horned oryx—which can be identified by its long, arched horns and white-and-brown face—has been brought back from the brink of extinction. After previously being labeled extinct in the wild in 2000 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species, rigorous conservation efforts have led to its status being downgraded to endangered.

This amazing turnaround was made possible by the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi (EAD), supported by the Zoological Society of London. After two decades, there have been 510 scimitar horned oryx calves born in Chad's Ouadi Rimé, at the Ouadi Achim Faunal Reserve. “At a time when biodiversity is being lost at unprecedented rates, the return of the scimitar horned oryx can give us hope for other species whose fate is—quite literally—in our hands,” says Dr. Andrew Terry, director of conservation and policy at the Zoological Society of London. “To have the fate of the flagship species for the initiative dramatically reversed proves the potential for the other species surviving only in zoos and reinforces the need for urgent support from funders and policy makers.”

The comeback of the scimitar horned oryx also underlines the importance of collaboration among organizations and governments to help protect and reestablish rare animal populations. “Projects like the scimitar horned oryx show that reversing the fate of these species is possible—we just need to be able to give the same resource and commitment to the other Extinct in the Wild species that survive only under human care,” adds Professor John Ewen. Hopefully, the fortune of the scimitar horned oryx will continue into the future, and lead the way for more species to rebound in their natural habitats.

The scimitar horned oryx, which was previously extinct in the wild, has been brought back from the brink of extinction through rigorous conservation efforts.

Photo: DJHolmes86/Depositphotos

h/t: [Zoological Society of London]

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Photo: Ami Vitale/Courtesy of Vital Impacts
“Lorok and Ngilai comfort one another as they explore the wilderness at Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in northern Kenya. The sanctuary is unique in that it is the first community owned and run elephant sanctuary in Africa. It is also the first to hire indigenous women to be elephant keepers. They understand that the best protectors of wildlife are often the people living closest to them.”

Wildlife photographers capture poignant stories of survival and hope with their cameras. While their labor brings visibility to the issues animals face, over 100 photographers have taken their efforts to the next level. Vital Impacts, a non-profit dedicated to boosting environmental art and photography, is launching a fundraising fine art print sale in support of Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, Africa's first indigenous-owned elephant sanctuary.

The efforts of the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary help in two ways. First, they raise orphaned elephants with the appropriate care so they can be safely released back into the wild once they come of age. Currently, the sanctuary is working with 47 elephant calves, of which 13 will soon return to the wild. “From being weaned from their bottles to extended explorations of the landscape on longer walks, they also increased their encounters with other wild animals and sourced more of their own food,” writes Vital Impacts.

At the same time, the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary also aspires to turn elephant conservation into an opportunity that will improve livelihoods in local communities, especially those of women. “All the keepers are from the local community and are formally trained in the care, rehabilitation and release of elephant calves. An elected board from within the community oversee all operational aspects of the Sanctuary,” states the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary on their website.

To support their efforts, renowned photographers such as Ami Vitale, Reuben Wu, Michael “Nick” Nichols, Jim Naughten, and Gunnar Gunnarson have donated their work to Vital Impacts' annual print sale. From a tender encounter between Jane Goodall and a primate to a sci-fi-like desert landscape, the available images speak to a large number of sensibilities.

The photographs donated by photographer Ami Vitale were taken at the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in Northern Kenya. For example, one of her image features two of the elephants that will be benefited from the print sale in an act of play as they explore the land that they call home. While another moving photograph showcases a baby elephant sweetly embracing one of its caretakers.

To browse all the images available as part of the print sale, visit Vital Impact's website. You can also take a look at some of the photographs donated to this cause and learn their stories, below.

Vital Impacts, a non-profit dedicated to boosting environmental art and photography, is launching a fundraising fine art print sale.

Photo: Jim Naughten/Courtesy of Vital Impacts
“Our perception is that wildlife is something other, apart from humanity. It happens elsewhere, in far away lands, in nature documentaries, zoos or safari parks. This impression is fictional and bears little resemblance to reality, both because wildlife barely exists at all in this harmonious state, and also because despite our perceived separation, we are still very much bound to the laws of the natural world. The images in this series reflect this by using natural history specimens and dioramas, themselves a fictional human construct, and adding layers and altering and exaggerating colors to highlight the artificial and nature of what we are seeing.”

The funds will go towards Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, Africa's first indigenous-owned elephant sanctuary.

Photo: Ami Vitale/Courtesy of Vital Impacts
“Mary Lengees comforts Lodokejek, an orphaned calf at Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in northern Kenya. The sanctuary is changing the lives of both elephants and people. Elephants are orphaned as a result of drought, human-wildlife conflict, natural mortality, and in rare cases, poaching. Reteti sanctuary is unique as the first community owned and run elephant sanctuary in Africa.”

Currently, the sanctuary is working with 13 of their 47 elephant calves, which are getting the appropriate care so they can be safely released back into the wild once they come of age.

Photo: Reuben Wu/Courtesy of Vital Impacts

At the same time, the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary aspires to turn elephant conservation into an opportunity to improve livelihoods in local communities, especially those of women.

Photo: Michael “Nick” Nichols/Courtesy of Vital Impacts
“Late one afternoon as she was checking on the zoo chimps that her organization had been feeding, Jane Goodall approached the cage of a dangerous and aggressive male. Disarming him with a language learned from her years of research, she offered her golden hair for him to touch. It was a simple moment that came to represent so much.
Jane Goodall Institute does not endorse handling or close proximity to wildlife. This represents a historic context.​”

To support their efforts, renowned photographers such as Ami Vitale, Reuben Wu, Michael “Nick” Nichols, Jim Naughten, and Gunnar Gunnarson have donated their work to Vital Impacts' annual print sale.

Photo: Jim Richardson/Courtesy of Vital Impacts
“The sight was breathtaking. Tens of thousands of gannets flew out from cloud-wrapped Boreray to greet us as our boat pitched wildly on the Atlantic waves.
This uninhabited island is part of St. Kilda, forty miles out in the Atlantic beyond the Outer Hebrides.The last islanders abandoned St. Kilda in 1930, leaving it to the wild Atlantic storms and invoking melancholy memories of a lost world — and creating a haven for migrating and nesting seabirds like Gannets and Puffins. Together these stories of human abandonment and wildlife sanctuary have garnered St. Kilda dual UNESCO World Heritage Site awards.
When I came that evening I was simply seeking scenes of a remote island at sunset. I was disappointed to find Boreray shrouded in clouds. But as we came around the sun broke through and the birds swept down upon us in multitudes. The spectacle totally eclipsed my expectations, and here was the gift of wild splendor and transforming wonder. I remember whooping and hollering while the crew member held on to my belt so I wouldn’t plunge over the side and into the sea.”

To browse all the images available as part of the print sale, visit Vital Impact's website.

Photo: Nick Brandt/Courtesy of Vital Impacts
“The elephant was killed by poachers in Tsavo in southern Kenya in 2004. His tusks were stored in Kenya Wildlife Service’s ivory strongroom. It is doubtful that there is an elephant left alive today on the African continent with tusks this size.
The rangers in this photo work for Big Life Foundation. Big Life protects over 1.6 million acres with more than 350 rangers in 36 permanent and mobile outposts. With the aid of multiple patrol vehicles, tracker dogs, night vision equipment and aerial monitoring, this co-ordinated protection for the ecosystem has brought about a dramatic reduction in poaching of all animals in the region, and an attendant increase in key populations.”

Vital Impacts: Website

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Vital Impacts.

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READ: 100+ Photographers Contribute Their Work To Raise Funds for 13 Orphaned Elephants

 

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Any animal birth at a zoo is cause for celebration, but one newborn also offers a glimmer of hope for its critically endangered species. On November 12, the Chester Zoo in the UK welcomed a baby eastern black rhino, which is among the rarest animals in the world. With fewer than 600 eastern black rhinos remaining in the wild, the birth of this female calf is a vital step in conserving this amazing species.

The young mother rhino, Zuri, was captured pacing her exhibit before finally delivering the baby rhino. It didn't take long for the calf to get on its feet and follow her mother in a youthful trot. “We’d been eagerly awaiting this birth for 15 long months and, as it’s quite unusual for a rhino to give birth in daylight hours, we really didn’t expect it to happen right in front of us as we were going about our day,” says Emma Evison, Chester Zoo's rhino team manager. “To be able to witness the calf safely entering the world, in front of our very own eyes, was just the most incredible privilege.”

To this day, eastern black rhinos are at risk in their natural habitat due to illegal wildlife trade. However, the Chester Zoo works with other European conservation zoos to preserve the species, with the longterm goal of relocating more rhino breeds in captivity to a protected National Park in Africa. Scientists at Chester Zoo even developed a way to track rhino hormones by analyzing their dung, which has led to more successful mating statistics—a technology that they are sharing with conservations in Kenya to further improve black rhino breeding chances. Mike Jordan, director of animals and plants at Chester Zoo, adds: “Zuri and her new arrival is testament to the unwavering dedication of conservationists here at Chester, and around the world, who are working to safeguard these incredible animals and ensure that they thrive long into the future.”

Chester Zoo is in the process of choosing a name for the young rhino with Lumi (meaning “bringer of life”), Lulu (meaning “precious”), and Lilo (meaning “generous one”) being the top choices. You can comment on Instagram to cast your vote for your favorite name.

An eastern black rhino was born at Chester Zoo in the UK.

 

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There are fewer than 600 eastern black rhinos remaining in the wild.

 

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This birth offers a glimmer of hope for this rare species.

 

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Watch this video to learn more about eastern black rhinos:

Chester Zoo: Website | Instagram | YouTube
h/t: [IFL Science]

All images via Chester Zoo.

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READ: Critically Endangered Eastern Black Rhino Was Born in UK Zoo