Endangered Animals

July 17, 2025

Photographer Documents Elusive and Majestic Red-Crowned Cranes in Hokkaido

Symbolizing loyalty and longevity in Asian culture, the red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis) is an elusive creature. Tall and majestic, these birds can live up to 30 years in captivity, but their habitat has been severely restricted. To see them, photographer Alex Yazlovsky made the long journey from the United States to the Japanese island of Hokkaido, which is home to a growing non-migratory population.

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April 9, 2025

Long-Extinct Dire Wolf Is Successfully Brought Back to Life by Biotech Company

Fans of Game of Thrones will be familiar with dire wolves, which were the faithful companions of the Stark children. But now, they're much more than characters in a hit television show. The species, which has been extinct for over 12,500 years, has been brought back to life by Colossal Bioscience. The de-extinction company announced that it had successfully birthed three dire wolves, a landmark achievement.

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February 21, 2025

Adorable Marsupial Who Nearly Went Extinct in South Australia Is Now Making a Comeback

With its miniature kangaroo looks, the brush-tailed bettong is about as cute—and rare—as they come. The bettong carry their young in pouches much like kangaroos, but when faced with a predator they differ. When in danger, the animal ejects their joey from protection and flees in the opposite direction. A surprisingly brutal instinct, yes, but also a tactic for survival honed over generations.

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December 6, 2024

Prehistoric New Zealand Bird Thought to Be Extinct Returns to the Wild in a Conservation Victory

The takahē is quite a sight. This flightless bird from New Zealand is known for its spherical body and blue-green plumage, which makes it look a bit like a bird-shaped Earth if it weren't for its bright red beak and legs. These fascinating birds were long thought to be extinct, but now, thanks to a concerted conservation effort, they are once again thriving in New Zealand’s South Island.

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