Apes in study more likely to choose treats linked to sound of peers having fun, suggesting emotions influence learning

Orangutans base their food choices on whether others appear to be having a good time, research suggests.

Scientists studying captive orangutans have found that when the great apes heard the sound of their peers laughing before they searched a bowl for a tasty treat, they valued the reward more highly.

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© Photograph: Elisabetta A Villa/Getty Images

© Photograph: Elisabetta A Villa/Getty Images

© Photograph: Elisabetta A Villa/Getty Images

A dramatic animal rescue took place on the island of Kythera, when a group of climbers discovered an injured and newborn baby seal without its mother. The baby seal estimated to be 7 days old was dehydrated and malnourished and weighed approximately 15 kilograms. Members of the “Outdoor Activities Greece” team spotted the injured baby […]

The post Dramatic rescue of newborn and orphaned baby seal on Kythera (video) appeared first on Keep Talking Greece.

As several states report surges in animal cases, federal officials are warning about an apparent increase in human exposures.

Bukang-i successfully guided out after month in which it drew 1.6m visitors and was watched over by YouTubers

In South Korea, they call them jagyeongdan, a word whose meaning sits somewhere between vigilante group and neighbourhood watch. Each night they put on hi-vis vests, picked up their selfie sticks and gathered around the harbour in Busan to keep watch over an unlikely charge: a stranded shark affectionately known as Bukang-i.

On Wednesday, after more than a month in the canal and at the third attempt, the shark was successfully guided out, South Korea’s oceans ministry said. Officials expect her to move into open water in time.

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© Photograph: Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters

© Photograph: Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters

© Photograph: Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters