If the research produces essential results of value to humanity that cannot be produced in any other way, despite its cruelty, it should be permissible, writes Alexander Gillespie.

Three suspects will appear in court in Kenya today after six elephants, including four juveniles, were found shot dead in a private reserve, in one of the worst poaching incidents for several years.

The owner of two rottweilers which mauled an 8-year-old Christchurch boy has pleaded guilty.

A disoriented little blue penguin which was taken to safety after being found wandering along the road in suburban Auckland is recovering well at a bird rescue centre.

Jerry Starr thought he was taking the safe approach when a twister was reported heading towards his suburban neighbourhood outside Oklahoma City last May.

Stressed at work? Not getting along with your colleagues? The answer is simple. Take your pooch into the office - and many Kiwis are doing just that.

What is it about these little ankle biters that we love so much? I say 'we' as I have gone to the small side myself with two pomeranian X Japanese spitz balls of fluff.

These are the top ten small breed dogs in the US.

Remnants of human habitation on New Zealand's remote Campbell Island are at risk of being wiped out.

"Mummy the yucky dog tried to eat me," are words etched in Hayley Taylor's mind.

One of eight young brown kiwi added to a North Auckland farm sanctuary yesterday has been named after Prince George.

Two young kea have died after suspected car surfing at Deaths Corner in the Otira Gorge.

People all across the globe erupted into fawning fits of hyperbole when the latest family photograph of the Cambridges (William, Kate, baby George and dog Lupo) at their Kensington Palace apartment was released.

Deadly piranhas were the unlikely cause of a badly backed-up English sewer, according to water company inspectors.

'I just bolted.' A swarm of wasps nesting under a fire hydrant gave firefighters more than they bargained for over the weekend.

Throughout history, a select band of the brave has willingly turned into human guinea pigs in the cause of science.

Man's best friend is increasingly taking antidepressants to get a new leash on life.

A giant, one-tonne crocodile has been caught by Ugandan villagers, after allegedly eating a man and maiming several others in a village.

Not quite a duck face, but Bruce the koala and his friend Jay have become quite the experienced selfie-snappers at Wildlife Sydney Zoo.

Members of New Zealand's navy were tasked with protecting nine very precious kiwi this week.

An aquarium in Ireland has welcomed what is believed to be one of the world's only lesbian penguin couples, after keepers observed two females exhibiting courting behaviour.

Sharks have forced themselves back into the minds of Australians.

Surf lifesavers are scouring the water for remains after a woman in her 60s was killed by a shark near Tathra Wharf in New South Wales.