Critter News

MARCH 10, 2009

I responded to a post on animalblog that cited a recent article in the journal "Proceedings" of the National Academy of Sciences. Here's my response on medical research in general. I recently had a discussion about medical research using animals. This story on HIV research is one example. It’s just a question of WILL.

Medical Research 100

Medical Research Medical Research Monkeys 100

4 The Love Of Animals

MARCH 17, 2011

Scientific research shows that many animals are very intelligent and have sensory and motor abilities that dwarf ours. Many animals also display wide-ranging emotions, including joy, happiness, empathy, compassion, grief, and even resentment and embarrassment. In many ways, human emotions are the gifts of our animal ancestors.

Emotional 100

Emotional Animal Whales Whaling 100

10,000 Birds

JUNE 21, 2019

I couldn’t help thinking this–me, the anthropomorphism hater– as I watched a pair of Philippine Eagles tend their nest, raise a chick, and tear monkeys apart in Bird of Prey: The Story of the Rarest Eagle on Earth , a well-crafted, beautifully filmed documentary with a mission. The Philippine Eagle has a kind face.

Eagles 203

Eagles Philippines Eggs Birds 203

10,000 Birds

APRIL 15, 2015

I returned home with very mixed feelings, which have spurred this article. They are large passerines and research has shown them to be an ancient basal offshoot from the passerine tree (at approximately the same time as rockjumpers, were even placed in the same family until quite recently).

Ghana 188

Ghana Hunters Guinea Gambia 188