Animals

December 31, 2025

Expansive Photography Book Is a Contemporary Look at Over 200 of Our Feathered Friends

This is no ordinary bird book. Aviary: The Bird in Contemporary Photography comprises 223 photos from over 50 internationally acclaimed photographers expertly capturing the beauty and fragility of birds. Presenting the winged creatures in a very stylized and intentional manner, it positions them as elegant, statuesque figures. Aviary has six chapters or “Acts,” organizing the birds by genre rather than scientifically. Authors Danaé Panchaud and William A.

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December 19, 2025

185 Countries Agree To Protect 70 Species of Endangered Sharks and Rays

At the 20th conference of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), more than 185 countries voted to increase legal protections for 70 shark and ray species. It was announced in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, that new protections under an international wildlife trade treaty are to be implemented, and they will take effect within three to 18 months.

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December 1, 2025

Gramma the Galapagos Tortoise, Oldest Resident of the San Diego Zoo, Dies at 141

Gramma, a Galapagos tortoise known for being the oldest animal in the San Diego Zoo, has died at about 141 years old. Born in her native habitat on the Galapagos Islands, her caretakers weren’t sure about her exact age. But what they did know is that she spent almost a century delighting visitors and serving as a beacon for conservation efforts around this endangered species.

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November 25, 2025

Photographer Shares Why His Animal Portraits Are Shot From Bottom Up [Interview]

Photographer Andrius Burba captures his animal portraiture from the bottom up. That’s not just an expression—it’s the basis of his ongoing project (now brand) known as Underlook. The premise is simple, but the logistics can be complex: Burba places a cat, dog, reptile, or even horse on a piece of glass and then photographs their bellies, feet, and whatever else they care to share with us.

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.