A truck driver spotted a whale that is basking close to shore at Auckland's waterfront.

This baby rhino was spotted cuddling up to a car after poachers killed his mother in Kruger National Park, South Africa.

A woman who was forced to give up all her animals and banned from owning any more for 10 years is challenging the penalties.

One of Cecil the lion's cubs has reportedly been killed by a rival male who was trying to mate with his mother.

Four adorable labrador pups, who arrived from Australia on July 28, are doing a three-month intensive training course in the art of sniffing out illegal drugs and cash.

A UK-based Kiwi vet has been hailed a hero after saving the life of a woman who had just seen her mother's beloved dog put down.

Ridley the endangered sea turtle has settled in to her new home at Kelly Tarlton's aquarium after washing up on a Wellington beach last month.

Doodlebug the adorable orphaned wallaby has taken the internet by storm after a picture of him cuddling his teddy bear went viral.

Safe from harm and cuddling up together, these are the pictures that show Cecil the lion's cubs - orphaned when a US dentist killed their father.

Dunedin cat Pisa has an inquisitive lean after a clash with a hedge trimmer.

Denis O'Callahan says he "got lucky" when he snapped this picture of a pair of dolphins diving out of the water at Omaha Beach, north of Auckland.

An adventurous or possibly hopelessly lost seal gallivanted about on a farm Helensville yesterday, prompting a police call-out.

Accident Compensation Commission claims have long revealed a steady rise in claims, reaching 12,406 in 2013, writes Brian Rudman. Dog apologists have hidden behind the ACC's definition of dog bite.

A Michigan police officer had a close encounter, when he tried to help a baby skunk with its head trapped in an empty yoghurt container. This footage shows Officer Taylor jumping to escape the skunk's spray, but as Rochester Police explained in their post, "baby skunks can't spray like adults," so he escaped unharmed. Source: Rochester Police/Facebook

An Auckland family offering $10,000 for the return of their "beautiful" pooch say they are not giving up, despite him being missing for almost three months.

Dozens of people were thrilled by a wildlife show only metres offshore as a pod of 10 bottlenose dolphins made their way up Whangarei Harbour.

When Cecil the lion was lured out of his sanctuary in Zimbabwe, a train of events started that ended in his beheading and an American trophy hunter going underground, writes Sandra Kyle.

More people are reporting concerns about the welfare of farm animals, official data shows, particularly on lifestyle blocks.

They woofed and they walked with their owners yesterday to kick off a fundraising appeal for people in need of assistance dogs.

We have a dog. His name is Colin. He's an 8-month-old miniature schnauzer, jack russell cross. He's my best buddy. I love him, writes Matt Heath.

The father of a young boy who was savagely attacked by a dog is shocked by new dog bite statistics.

Despite the initial reports, there are hopes Jericho is still alive after the team tracking his GPS said news of his death was 'utter sensationalism'.

The Minnesota dentist is the target of worldwide odium after it was revealed he had wounded a well-known and much-loved lion who was king of the Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe has called for the American dentist who shot Cecil the lion dead on a hunting trip to be extradited to Africa to face poaching charges.

When Cecil the lion was hunted down and killed by a US dentist, it was feared the slaughter would not stop there.

Terrifying footage of a mega shark attacking a tiny boat in New Zealand waters is making fresh waves online.

A surfer's desperate attempt to fight off a shark that was mauling him has been described as a "Mick Fanning replay" by a friend who witnessed the attack.

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service wants to talk to Walter Palmer. But it can't find him.

Margot Robbie was given a rat by Jared Leto while filming Suicide Squad. Leto, who plays the Joker, sent his co-stars creepy gifts to get in character.

Police take custody of lion's head in bid to diffuse the anger surrounding US dentist's hunting trophy.