DOC staff are investigating reports of another 12-15 metre humpback whale caught in rope and plastic in the Far North.

A large humpback whale which was tangled in rope off the Far North coast has been freed this afternoon.

Auckland Zoo is sending one of its female red pandas, Khosuva, to India in exchange for a male red panda at Darjeeling Zoo in India.

Fierce monkeys and snake charmers have been deployed at several Commonwealth Games venues to try to protect athletes.

Department of Conservation staff attempting to free a humpback whale tangled in ropes in Doubtless Bay in the Far North have called off the operation for the night.

A man is defending accusations that he held a rabbit by its ears and thrust it at passers-by in Auckland's Queen Street.

Cape Kidnappers is a rugged, chaotic and whiffy bird-lovers' paradise, writes Paul Rush.

Some British consumers say they won't buy New Zealand lamb because of concerns over the halal method of killing animals.

We have a family pass valued at $390 for two adults and two children to venture out to one of the most diverse marine parks in the world - Auckland's own Hauraki Gulf.

DoC was forced to end the misery of seven whales that re-beached themselves at Rarawa Bay.

Volunteers last night comforted stranded whales that had been moved from a Far North beach to a nearby stream.

The recent severe weather may have played a part in the birth of a zebra at Auckland Zoo.

Gales and heavy rain pounding the North Island have shattered weather records, and winds last night hampered rescue efforts after a mass whale stranding at the northern tip of NZ.

More than 40 of the 80 pilot whales stranded at Spirits Bay have died and the rest will have to be relocated by road because of rough weather conditions.