Animals
Lurking beneath the surface: 7 surprising creatures you’d never guess live in the River Thames
A recovering river is revealing its secrets, with a surprising cast of wildlife returning to its waters
How do racehorses get their names?
Why do racehorses sometimes have ridiculous names? Naming conventions for racehorses can get creative at times. Here's how the monikers are chosen...
Meet the rat-eating snake that's as long as a queen-size bed... and lives in London's trees
The Aesculapian snake has become a global healthcare emblem, here's how its journey began back in ancient Rome.
This pocket-sized speaker might be your new favourite outdoor companion
We review the Tribit StormBox Micro 2 Portable Speaker to see how it stands up to the competition
Crufts winners through the years: A gallery of the Best in Show champions from everyone's favourite dog show
From regal retrievers to spirited terriers, explore every dog that has claimed Crufts’ top prize in history
What's new?
Caught on camera: Otter and heron busted stealing fish from Northumberland fishing boat
After bait began disappearing in Amble harbour, a skipper installed a camera – and discovered some bold nighttime visitors
Crufts’ new star: Here's everything you need to know about the Clumber spaniel (including its aristocratic origins)
Heavy-set, calm, and loyal, Clumber spaniels are rare winners at Crufts – but this year, Bruin stole the spotlight
Meet the special Clumber spaniel named Bruin, winner of Crufts 2026
The rare Clumber spaniel dog breed hasn't won Crufts since 1991. Here's how the pup won over the judges...
Villains or victims? These are Britain's least loved animals
These are the creatures often misunderstood – and perhaps unfairly maligned
"I thought I didn't have time for a dog – but getting one was the best decision I ever made"
Gaining a canine companion not only gets you out walking more, but also gives you a whole new appreciation of the natural world, discovers ecologist and television presenter Mike Dilger
Farm animals
Can sheep and goats cross-breed?'
Can sheep and goats crossbreed? There’s considerable debate, with evidence and claims on both sides.
What’s the tallest cow in the world? At over 6ft tall, she would tower over many people
Discover the record-breaking cow, named Blosom
How many stomachs do cows have? The biology behind the myths
Do cows really have four stomachs? We take a look at their rather complicated digestive system
Horses
The silent architects: How horses have sculpted the British countryside over centuries
The countryside would look very different were it not for horses. Tiffany Francis- Baker reveals some of the surprising ways horses have sculpted our landscapes.
With just 300 left in the world, is this the rarest horse on the planet?
Once the lifeblood of Scotland’s island communities, this rare pony now faces a fight for its future
How real was 'War Horse'? Discover the harrowing story and the true horrors of horses on the front line of WWI
The charity The Brooke brings to life the horrors horses faced during the First World War
Pets
Is my cat lonely – and should I get another one?
It’s normal to worry about your pet and whether they’re happy as a singleton. Cat behaviourist Jess Williams explains how to tell if your cat is lonely, or is something else is going on.
Is the Scottish terrier facing extinction? Puppy births for the iconic dog breed continue to plummet
Once the third most popular breed in Britain, the Scottie recorded just 387 puppy births in 2024, keeping it on The Kennel Club's ‘At Watch’ list.
How long do cats live? Vet shares cat life expectancy and what to expect
When we adopt pets into our family, we hope to spend a long life with them. Cats Protection’s veterinary officer Sarah Elliott shares the different life stages to expect for your cat.
poultry
Mike the Headless Chicken: the real-life chicken that lived for 18 months without a head
After a failed decapitation in 1945, a chicken in Colorado stunned the world by surviving for 18 months without a head
Meet the bizarre blue-egg laying chicken taking over British backyards
Bird flu: what is it, which populations are affected and what are the long-term impacts?
As bird flu hits the headlines again, we take a look at what it is, the long-term impacts and what to do if you find an infected bird
