The peach kitty was around so my human took me out to visit with him.
We shared treats and his usual PDAs.
But then he started doing something weird!
He started messing with my leash!
It was like he was trying to tangle himself in it.
Then he acted like he was going to grab it.
Then he stopped and looked cute while my human took a few photos.
Sometimes I can’t figure him out.
We are often moved, entertained, and emotionally invested in stories of triumph and tragedy involving our domesticated feline friends. In this case, however, it is their giant ancestors – the king of the beasts – that is taking a starring role. Three of them, to be exact.
On January 15, 2026, three African lions – Cyrus, Zephora, and Juancito – placed their tentative paws onto the ground of what will hopefully be their forever home. Following years of coordinated efforts among conservation leaders, veterinary professionals, and accredited sanctuaries, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and rescue operation protecting survivors of the exotic animal trade, welcomed the lions to the spacious habitats designed specifically to meet their long-term needs.
This is the first international relocation of large felines from Honduras, with eight big cats in total finding homes in permanent US sanctuaries. Five tigers were transferred to Carolina Tiger Rescue, while the remarkable journey of Cyrus, Zephora, and Juancito spanned multiple countries and modes of transport, travelling by ship, by air, and finally reaching their destination by way of American highways, all while adhering to strict international and US regulations.
The lions had been kept for years at Little French Key Resort in Honduras as attractions for visiting tourists, in enclosures unsuitable for the complex needs of these apex predators. In collaboration with the resort leadership, these magnificent creatures have been removed from the spectacle of display and are now adjusting to their new home, a spacious, species-appropriate habitat designed specifically to meet their physical, behavioral, and psychological needs. The TCWR prides itself on creating custom environments that provide rescued big cats with the dignity, expert care, and lifelong protection they deserve.
“This mission represents everything sanctuary work stands for – international cooperation, compassion in action, and a future where rescued animals are given the lives they deserve,” said Scott Smith, TCWR vice president, who participated in the rescue. “After an unbelievable journey, these lions are finally home.”
Of course, such an epic journey is far more complicated than simply sedating and relocating the lions; this is a complex undertaking with many moving parts that has been years in the making, which would not have been possible without the leadership and long-term commitment of Leo Lahijani of Little French Key Resort, whose dedication to securing a better future for the animals in his care has been instrumental in moving the initiative forward.
“This rescue has been years in the making, driven by a deep responsibility to secure the best possible future for these animals,” said Leo. “From the beginning, our focus was on improving outcomes and finding partners with the experience and integrity to provide lifelong care. Working alongside Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge and Carolina Tiger Rescue made it possible to move forward with confidence, knowing the lions and tigers would be placed in sanctuaries where their well-being, dignity, and long-term care come first.”
Environmental officials in Honduras feel that the relocation project is a national milestone, setting a precedent for responsible wildlife management and reinforcing the country’s commitment to conservation and the fight against illegal wildlife trade.
For Cyrus, Zephora, and Juancito, the result is simple but profound: safety, space, and a lifetime of care at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge.
Founded in 1992, the 459-acre Refuge, located 7 miles south of Eureka Springs, is an ethical animal tourism destination accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS). They are members of the American Association of Zoo Keepers and licensed by the USDA and the Arkansas Game and Fish. Their mission is to rescue and provide a lifetime sanctuary for captive wild animals. Since its inception, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge has rescued and provided sanctuary, and assisted other accredited sanctuaries and zoos in rescuing and transporting over 500 animals. For more information, visit tcwr.org.
A kitten spotted in the cold, hiding under a deck, began to change when he was given a chance to become a house cat.
Whiskers-a-GoGo
Leanne, a dedicated volunteer with Whiskers-a-GoGo, was on a rescue mission to help a colony of cats living in a neighbor’s backyard.
With freezing temperatures setting in, a black-and-white kitten had taken shelter under the deck with his two siblings. Leanne and her team set humane traps near a small opening in the fence, using food to coax the kittens to safety.
“Finally, they found their courage (and hunger) and ventured into the yard with the traps,” Leanne told Love Meow.
Whiskers-a-GoGo
The kittens were terrified, hissing and growling as they tried to protect themselves the only way they knew how. On the drive to the spay/neuter clinic, their hisses faded, replaced by tiny, tentative meows. Leanne knew immediately that these kittens had potential and deserved a chance.
The little one with cow-like markings was especially displeased, unaware that everything was about to change for the better.
Whiskers-a-GoGo
When Delilah, a foster volunteer, met the kitten, she was instantly smitten. “He is so rotund and cute and looks like a Beanie Baby. I decided to give him the most ridiculous, reactionary name ever: Gosh Darnit,” Delilah told Love Meow.
To begin socializing him, Delilah gently wrapped him in a towel and held him close. His eyes darted nervously, his heart pounding out of his chest, but soon, his defenses began to soften.
Whiskers-a-GoGo
Working through the initial squirming and hissing turned out to be much easier than expected. “I would put him in a burrito and sing to him very cheesy 1980s rock songs. I think singing helped him relax and get more acquainted with humans.”
A steady stream of kisses, cuddles, and treats did the trick. Within a few days, he was completely won over.
Whiskers-a-GoGo
Once he realized he was safe and that his foster mom was kind, his true personality began to shine. He explored his surroundings, claiming everything he touched. Curious, he wanted to be part of whatever was happening.
“Nothing seems to faze him now, and I can’t even remember him being scared or grouchy when I think of him.”
Whiskers-a-GoGo
While the kittens continued to thrive in foster care, the adult cats were spayed or neutered and returned to the backyard they had called home. They now have access to a heated shelter and a dedicated caretaker who ensures they are fed and safe.
No longer the hissy little jalapeno he once was, Gosh Darnit transformed into a tiny supervisor. He perched on the piano keys, as if offering himself as a muse or insisting on being involved in the creative process.
Whiskers-a-GoGo
As his confidence grew, so did his voice. Even as a small kitten, he was chatty and loud, announcing his presence wherever he went. “I never had trouble finding him because he loves making his presence known.”
“He’s a perfect cat. His only ‘flaw’ is his love of playing ‘broken neck’ when he sleeps.”
Whiskers-a-GoGo
When it came time for adoption, Gosh Darnit didn’t have to wait long to find his perfect match. “We had more than a dozen applications for this little grouch,” Leanne shared.
“He’s doing really well in his new home and gets along beautifully with his new sibling.”
Whiskers-a-GoGo
Thanks to the tireless efforts of the volunteers, the kittens were given a second chance at life. They will never again face the cold or spend another day outdoors. Their future is bright, filled with warmth, comfort, and love.
The moment Gosh Darnit spotted a big, soft blanket in his new home, he hopped onto the bed and claimed it as his own.
Whiskers-a-GoGo
Share this story with your friends. More cats and kittens at Whiskers-a-GoGo on Instagram @whiskers_agogo and Facebook.
Related story: They Bring in a Litter of Kittens and Notice One is Extra Small, Turns Out the Tiny Cat Needs Special Help
Today, weather-wise, has been unspeakable – sleet, a freezing gale force wind, and we are all very miserable and bored of this. Apparently Shetland has been stuck in a bad weather system for a while now.
So, Daisy and I decided to get everyone inside for a rest from this. A Duvet Day, if you will.
No one needed asking twice. The Shetland ponies were straight in and with no mucking around either about which stall to go in. Oh, no. In they went and waited quietly while Daisy took Tiddles’ rug off.
Silver was a white/grey pony before he rolled.
But the ponies are happy and eating unlimited hay to their hearts’ content.
Then it was the turn of the old folk. Straight in, no questions asked and, again, waiting patiently while I undid all their rugs without rolling first, which grosses me out (I have a thing about wet sand).
It is the first time anyone has had their rug off for many weeks and it was good to see a) how well they looked and b) how perfectly dry they all were.
And lastly, the old ladies trotted enthusaistically in, once Daisy had been to catch them because they were determined to wait by their bowls rather than follow the others like they should’ve.
Again, nice and dry and also looking rather good for the time of year. I am pleased.
The sheep are also having a Duvet Day.
They don’t believe in going outside and quite honestly, I don’t blame them.
Daisy and I went back to the big shed after lunch to find everyone was just fine (and had poo’ed a lot). Seeing Waffle having a snooze was exactly what I wanted. It is important that everyone has a rest from the weather and relaxes for 24 hours.
I am intending to throw them all out tomorrow as it should’ve thawed considerably by then and normal service can then resume.
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January 31, 2026
She was found in the road, unable to stand, and neighbors lifted her to a safe spot on their verandah. Sometimes shepherds will leave an injured kid to die rather than to seek treatment. This must have been the sad case with Marshmallow. Luckily, the villagers knew about Animal Aid, and called us to rescue her.
She had no visible wounds, but she couldn’t lift her head at first. We treated Marshmallow for pain, hydrated her with an IV drip, and lay her down in a cozy secure little spot knowing that rest was essential. Within hours, her appetite roared (as goats love to nibble almost constantly.) Up she sat and began to munch on grass. Meet Marshmallow now, an authentic living angel. To meet Snow is simply to fall in love.
Watch Episode 51 of The Pawsitive Post in Conversation on Youtube or below, listen wherever you get your podcasts (Apple, Spotify) or below, or scroll down for the show notes.
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Away to Me is Patricia McConnell PhD’s first mystery novel, and it’s gorgeous. I fell in love with the main character, Maddie, and all of the dogs in the book, and I know you will too. Kristi and I chatted with Patricia to learn more about the book and why she decided to write fiction set in the dog world.
We talk about:
Away to Me will be published on Feb 24th and is available for pre-order wherever books are sold, including Bookshop, which supports independent bookstores in the US.
Also mentioned:
The book Patricia recommend is The Salt Stones by Helen Whybrow.
Patricia McConnell PhD is an internationally-renowned applied animal behaviourist who has dedicated her life to improving the relationship between people and animals. Amongst her many treasured dog training books, The Other End of the Leash draws our attention to the human side of dog training. Her memoir, The Education of Will, is a beautifully-written and uplifting account of how to reclaim life after trauma, for both humans and dogs. Her first mystery novel, Away to Me, publishes on 24 Feb 2026.
Learn more about Patricia and her book, Away to Me, on her website.
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| Patricia McConnell first told us about the book at Bark! Fest |
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Since wetlands offer a variety of unique characteristics distinct from other ecosystems, wetland animals adapt their habits and their physical appearance to blend well within these habitats. Common characteristics include webbed feet, streamlined bodies, camouflage, and feeding techniques/adaptations that allow for probing in the mud.
Wetlands are especially vital as breeding grounds, and their destruction has far-reaching impacts. In fact, 95% of commercial fishing revenue in the U.S. is linked to species that breed in wetlands. Without these habitats, not only does biodiversity suffer, but so does a significant portion of our economy and food supply.
Under the Clean Water Act of 1972, wetlands that are connected to Waters of the United States (WOTUS)—such as major rivers, lakes, and coastal areas—are federally protected. These connected wetlands play a crucial role in commerce, environmental health, and flood control.
However, isolated wetlands that aren’t linked to WOTUS often fall through the cracks. Without federal protection, they are vulnerable to being drained, filled, or developed.
Here’s where the Endangered Species Act (ESA) steps in. More than one-third of all species listed under the ESA depend on wetlands for survival—whether for breeding, feeding, or shelter. This includes amphibians (ex: eastern hellbender salamanders), birds (ex: whooping crane), mammals (ex: Florida panther), and fish (ex: killfish) that are increasingly threatened by habitat destruction.
State governments have passed protections for wetlands and endangered species too, but it’s a patchwork of protections that vary in strength – some states don’t have any protections at all. And, political border lines mean nothing to water and wildlife. That’s why national frameworks for protections are an important part of the strategy to save wetlands.
Since returning to office in 2025, the Trump administration has proposed extreme rollbacks to the implementation of both the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act.
While protecting wetlands helps save frogs or keeps birds chirping, it’s about preserving ecosystems that support human life, too. The fight to save wetlands is ultimately a fight to sustain the balance of nature and the services it quietly provides every day.
Julia pig came to Farm Sanctuary because authorities alerted us to the violent abuse the pregnant pig was facing, after a factory farm worker recorded her screams of pain and fear. As she was being moved from a gestation crate to a farrowing crate, where she would have given birth, she was beaten and shocked with an electric prod. When she collapsed, she was dragged by her ears. As heartbreaking as her story is, the cruelty Julia faced is common in animal agriculture, where mothers and babies are treated like commodities.
Thankfully, just eight hours after arriving at our New York sanctuary, Julia gave birth in safety. Her 16 piglets were born prematurely, and Julia was still injured—but with round-the-clock care, we helped this family heal. Unlike most pigs born into the heartless world of factory farming, Julia’s babies grew up at her side, and this protective mother never needed to be afraid again.
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is thrilled to announce that its collaborative research paper, “Growing together: Strengthening the partnership and impact of a zoo and community‐led conservation organization,” has been published in Ecological Solutions and Evidence! The study highlights the strengths, challenges, and growth opportunities of a decades-long partnership between the Zoo and the South Rift Association of Land Owners (SORALO), a community-driven conservation organization representing 30 Indigenous Maasai communities in Kenya, and provides a model that can be adopted by other international conservation organizations.
“This paper provides a roadmap for other conservation organizations to join forces with community-driven organizations, and its publication makes the principles it contains more widely accessible,” said Cincinnati Zoo coexistence manager and publication lead author Bailey Cadena. “Zoos have an opportunity and even a responsibility to support the work being done by our conservation partners and to learn and grow alongside them. One way we can do this is to grow our collective capacity, and this model facilitates greater impact.”
Cincinnati Zoo has been mentored by SORALO on why community-driven conservation work is vital to a world where both people and wildlife thrive. The SORALO team invited the Zoo’s leaders to listen and learn from African community conservation leaders as they developed what is now called the Naivasha Vision.
“It was an honor for our leaders to be present to hear what our conservation partners discussed as they crafted this guide to effective partnerships. The Naivasha Vision, which is described in more detail in the publication, includes a strong call to action for organizations like our Zoo to establish a shared purpose and vision and to put the needs of the community first,” said Cadena.
Key findings from the paper emphasize:
The effectiveness of trust-based, long-term partnerships in achieving conservation and community development goals.
The importance of cultural respect, transparency, and empathy in fostering collaboration between international organizations and local communities.
Practical recommendations for conservation organizations worldwide to strengthen partnerships and enhance coexistence strategies.
The study was conducted by Cincinnati Zoo staff and SORALO staff, including the founder and executive director, Mr. John Kamanga. The collaboration led to a friendship between Kamanga and the Zoo’s new CEO, David Jenike. Kamanga has taught Jenike and the Zoo the meaning of coexistence between wildlife and people, which has steered the strategic direction for all the Zoo’s conservation efforts. This collaboration was also recognized by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and received its 2025 International Conservation Award.
“Working together to document our collective work reflects the dedication of both organizations to advancing conservation through collaboration, capacity building, and shared vision,” said Dr. Lily Maynard, vice president of conservation impact at the Cincinnati Zoo. “Our hope is that more organizations will embrace this conservation model, and that is why we’re excited about the paper being published to share applicable best practices.”
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden has ongoing partnerships with other conservation organizations around the globe in support of its mission to create a future where people and wildlife thrive together. Learn more about how the Zoo is Saving Wildlife and supporting the next generation of conservation leaders.
Birds are incredibly intelligent creatures with complex cognitive abilities that rival those of many mammals. In the wild, they spend hours foraging, exploring, and problem-solving. When kept as pets, however, they often lack these natural stimuli, which can lead to boredom, stress, and even destructive behaviors. Bird mental enrichment toys are not just accessories but necessities for maintaining your feathered friend’s psychological health and happiness.
Mental stimulation is as crucial for birds as proper nutrition and physical exercise. Without adequate cognitive challenges, birds can develop behavioral issues like feather plucking, excessive vocalization, and aggression. The right enrichment toys can prevent these problems while encouraging natural behaviors and keeping your avian companion mentally sharp and emotionally fulfilled.
Different bird species have varying intelligence levels and natural behaviors that influence their enrichment requirements. Parrots, for instance, are known for their problem-solving abilities and need more complex toys, while finches might benefit from simpler forms of enrichment that encourage natural foraging behaviors.
Recognizing when your bird is understimulated can help you address the issue before problematic behaviors develop. Watch for these warning signs:
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to reassess your bird’s environment and introduce more engaging mental enrichment toys.
The market offers a wide variety of bird mental enrichment toys designed to challenge different aspects of avian intelligence. Understanding the purpose behind each type will help you create a well-rounded collection for your feathered friend.
In the wild, birds spend a significant portion of their day searching for food. Foraging toys replicate this essential activity by making your bird work for treats or regular food items.
Popular foraging toy options include:
Foraging toys not only provide mental stimulation but also extend feeding time, which better mimics natural eating patterns and prevents obesity from rapid food consumption.
Birds are natural problem solvers, and toys that require them to figure out mechanisms or sequences provide excellent cognitive exercise.
Effective problem-solving toys include:
These toys are particularly beneficial for larger parrots like African Greys, Amazons, and Macaws, who have the cognitive abilities comparable to toddlers and need regular intellectual challenges.
Birds naturally chew, shred, and destroy materials as part of their foraging and nest-building behaviors. Providing appropriate destructible toys allows them to engage in these instinctual activities safely.
Safe destructible toy materials include:
These toys should be replaced regularly as they become worn to prevent ingestion of small pieces and maintain your bird’s interest.
Some enrichment toys are designed to be used together with your bird, strengthening your bond while providing mental stimulation.
Bonding enrichment activities include:
These interactive experiences not only stimulate your bird mentally but also build trust and communication between you and your feathered companion.
Even the most engaging toy will eventually lose its appeal if it’s always available. Creating a rotation system keeps your bird’s environment fresh and interesting.
Follow these guidelines for an effective toy rotation:
When introducing new bird mental enrichment toys, place them outside the cage first so your bird can observe them from a safe distance. Once your bird shows curiosity rather than fear, move the toy to the cage periphery before finally placing it in an accessible location.
Creating homemade enrichment toys can be cost-effective and allows you to customize based on your bird’s preferences. Simple DIY options include:
Always ensure DIY materials are bird-safe, avoiding toxic materials, small parts that could be swallowed, or dyes that might be harmful.
While providing mental stimulation is important, safety must always come first when selecting bird enrichment toys.
Key safety guidelines include:
Mental enrichment extends beyond physical toys to include the overall environment and experiences you provide for your bird.
Additional enrichment strategies include:
Investing in quality bird mental enrichment toys is truly an investment in your feathered friend’s overall wellbeing and longevity. Birds are remarkably intelligent creatures with complex emotional and cognitive needs that must be met for them to thrive in captivity.
Regular mental stimulation through varied toys helps prevent behavioral issues while strengthening the bond between you and your avian companion. By understanding your bird’s natural behaviors and providing appropriate challenges, you create an environment where they can express their instincts and abilities.
Start enhancing your bird’s environment today with toys that challenge their mind and satisfy their natural instincts. Your feathered friend will reward you with better behavior, increased interaction, and the joy of watching them engage with their world in meaningful ways. Remember that the happiest birds are those whose physical and mental needs are both thoughtfully addressed through proper care, nutrition, and enrichment.
