INSIDER
25 dogs, 10 reptiles, prairie dogs, seized from Clay County home; owner could be charged with animal neglect
Read full article: 25 dogs, 10 reptiles, prairie dogs, seized from Clay County home; owner could be charged with animal neglectAn animal owner in Clay County is facing potential charges after multiple animals, including dogs, prairie dogs, and lizards, were seized from a home on Wednesday.
Caught on camera: Pig goes “hog wild” after escaping Robinson’s Racing Pigs at Jacksonville Fair
Read full article: Caught on camera: Pig goes “hog wild” after escaping Robinson’s Racing Pigs at Jacksonville FairA runaway pig kept Jacksonville police officers on their toes during the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair one night when it was in town.
Bats in the belfry? The do‘s and don’ts of humane bat removal during eviction season
Read full article: Bats in the belfry? The do‘s and don’ts of humane bat removal during eviction seasonThe Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says that fall is the perfect time to evict bats from your home.
‘Bridge that connection’: EPIC Outreach volunteers learn compassion through helping rescued farm animals
Read full article: ‘Bridge that connection’: EPIC Outreach volunteers learn compassion through helping rescued farm animalsHalloween will be here before we know it, and EPIC Outreach Farm Rescue is getting ready to celebrate with its upcoming Fall-O-Ween event.
Jacksonville Humane Society searching for families to foster pets during Hurricane Milton
Read full article: Jacksonville Humane Society searching for families to foster pets during Hurricane MiltonIf you are looking for a way to make a pawsitive impact during the storm, there’s still time to serve as a temporary foster with the Jacksonville Humane Society (JHS).
Jacksonville Equestrian Center sheltering hundreds of horses evacuated for Hurricane Milton
Read full article: Jacksonville Equestrian Center sheltering hundreds of horses evacuated for Hurricane MiltonThe increased threat of storm surge and wind gusts from Milton is causing families with horses to head to the Jacksonville Equestrian Center to ensure they’re well protected.
3-year-old gorilla passes away at the Jacksonville Zoo due to bacterial infection
Read full article: 3-year-old gorilla passes away at the Jacksonville Zoo due to bacterial infectionA fourth primate at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has died after suffering from Shigella, a bacterial infection that’s affecting apes at the zoo.
Jacksonville Zoo increases safety measures to protect other primates from catching deadly bacterial infection
Read full article: Jacksonville Zoo increases safety measures to protect other primates from catching deadly bacterial infectionThe Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens gave an update Wednesday on its efforts to keep animals safe after two bonobos and a gorilla died within days of each other from the Shigella infection.
Brother bonobos die at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens due to bacterial infection
Read full article: Brother bonobos die at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens due to bacterial infectionTwo brother bonobos, Jumanji and Jenga, died at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens after suffering from Shigella, a bacterial infection that’s affecting apes at the zoo.
‘It’s disgusting’: Volunteers pitch in to clean up beaches after 4th of July celebrations
Read full article: ‘It’s disgusting’: Volunteers pitch in to clean up beaches after 4th of July celebrationsThe city of Jacksonville and groups like Keep Jacksonville Beautiful and Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol work together to clean up the beaches after the Fourth of July holiday every year.
Thousands of dogs, cats search for forever homes at Mega Pet Adoption event in Jacksonville
Read full article: Thousands of dogs, cats search for forever homes at Mega Pet Adoption event in JacksonvilleThe Jacksonville Humane Society will host its annual Mega Pet Adoption event at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds next weekend.
Gov. DeSantis signs bill that makes it easier for people to shoot, kill bears in self-defense
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis signs bill that makes it easier for people to shoot, kill bears in self-defenseGov. Ron DeSantis on Friday signed a controversial measure that will bolster self-defense arguments for people who kill bears on their property, while vetoing a bill that would have prevented motorists from cruising in the left lanes of highways.
Spot the difference: Here’s how to tell an alligator from a crocodile
Read full article: Spot the difference: Here’s how to tell an alligator from a crocodileFrom afar, it can prove challenging to tell the difference between crocodiles and alligators. So, how can you identify the two? We are here to help!
‘We can’t cuff him’: JSO removes nuisance gator from 104-year-old woman’s home
Read full article: ‘We can’t cuff him’: JSO removes nuisance gator from 104-year-old woman’s homeThe Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office released video showing Officers Kopp and Johnson removing a small alligator from the 104-year-old woman's home near Atlantic Boulevard and Art Museum Drive.
Furever homes needed: Nassau Humane Society assists in rehoming 2 dogs abused, neglected in Qatar
Read full article: Furever homes needed: Nassau Humane Society assists in rehoming 2 dogs abused, neglected in QatarThe humane society is now urgently seeking donations and community support to continue providing loving homes for these deserving animals.
EPIC Outreach faces urgent deadline: Local farm and animal rescue needs help for $3.2M expansion
Read full article: EPIC Outreach faces urgent deadline: Local farm and animal rescue needs help for $3.2M expansionEpic Outreach is a farm and animal rescue on Jacksonville’s Northside that takes in abused, neglected, and lost farm animals and gives them a new lease on life. Their mission has grown so much in that time that they’ve outgrown their space.
SnapJAX Stories: Rescues and second chances at love
Read full article: SnapJAX Stories: Rescues and second chances at loveIn this week’s SnapJAX stories, a picture of a pack of some very well-behaved golden retrievers got my attention. So I traveled to St. Marys, Georgia, to find the story behind the picture.
‘Owe him each day that I’m here’: Handler of Marion County K9 killed in line of duty speaks on coping with his loss
Read full article: ‘Owe him each day that I’m here’: Handler of Marion County K9 killed in line of duty speaks on coping with his lossK9s United held a fundraising event Saturday in St. Augustine that will benefit four-legged law enforcement throughout Northeast Florida and beyond.
Dream come true: Marching my happy feet behind the scenes with the Jacksonville Zoo’s penguins
Read full article: Dream come true: Marching my happy feet behind the scenes with the Jacksonville Zoo’s penguinsAs someone who is obsessed with penguins, celebrating World Penguin Day (April 25) was my in for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Jacksonville Zoo's Tuxedo Coast exhibit. Still, I almost couldn’t believe it when the zoo officials said yes!
🔒Meet the penguins! How to spot all 29 penguins in the Jacksonville Zoo’s colony by name
Read full article: 🔒Meet the penguins! How to spot all 29 penguins in the Jacksonville Zoo’s colony by nameI thought it would be fun to share the list of who’s who in the Jacksonville Zoo's Tuxedo Coast exhibit so the next time your family visits, you can really “meet” the penguins.
9K for K9s: Fundraiser for K9s United benefits 4-legged law enforcement
Read full article: 9K for K9s: Fundraiser for K9s United benefits 4-legged law enforcementIn a few weeks, K9s United will hold a big fundraising event to benefit four-legged law enforcement throughout Northeast Florida and beyond.
After raccoon attacks St. Augustine woman in home, what should you do with wildlife invaders?
Read full article: After raccoon attacks St. Augustine woman in home, what should you do with wildlife invaders?Did you see that story about the 75-year-old St. Augustine woman who was attacked by a raccoon?
Neighbor helps 75-year-old St. Augustine woman fight off raccoon attack inside home
Read full article: Neighbor helps 75-year-old St. Augustine woman fight off raccoon attack inside homeA St. Augustine woman was hospitalized overnight after a 30-pound raccoon chased her and her dog into her house, the woman’s neighbor told News4JAX.
Groups release 34 rehabilitated sea turtles back into the ocean on Jekyll Island
Read full article: Groups release 34 rehabilitated sea turtles back into the ocean on Jekyll IslandStaff members with the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and other agencies released 34 rehabilitated sea turtles on Jekyll Island in Georgia on Wednesday.
Caught on camera: Child helps wrangle alligator on MLK Parkway
Read full article: Caught on camera: Child helps wrangle alligator on MLK ParkwayThe Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office had to call for backup Monday night after an alligator ended up on Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway. The help they got was shorter (and younger) than they expected.
500 miles in a toy car: A Guinness World Record attempt from Jacksonville to Key West for a worthy cause
Read full article: 500 miles in a toy car: A Guinness World Record attempt from Jacksonville to Key West for a worthy causeTwo women are attempting a 500-mile drive down the coast of Florida to receive the Guinness World Record for longest distance by toy cars, and their journey began right here in Duval County.
FWC unveils interactive website to help explorers find recreation sites near them
Read full article: FWC unveils interactive website to help explorers find recreation sites near themThe Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is now offering a website that offers an easier way for nature lovers to plan their excursions.
Education farm sanctuary in Jacksonville honors its 26 rescue pigs on National Pig Day
Read full article: Education farm sanctuary in Jacksonville honors its 26 rescue pigs on National Pig DayFriday is National Pig Day, and an education farm sanctuary in Jacksonville is using this day to honor its rescue pigs that live on the property.
Darling debut: Malayan tiger cub triplets make main exhibit entrance Thursday at Jacksonville Zoo
Read full article: Darling debut: Malayan tiger cub triplets make main exhibit entrance Thursday at Jacksonville ZooMina, Machli and Beppy have been spending the last four months mostly behind the scenes so they could bond with their mother, Cinta.
Volunteers, donations needed for 70 dogs, cats removed from Middleburg home
Read full article: Volunteers, donations needed for 70 dogs, cats removed from Middleburg homeClay County Animal Services said all of the animals have been examined by their staff. And those that need any advanced medical care, have those appointments scheduled.
FOUND GOAT: Police looking for owner of goat seen roaming around Westside
Read full article: FOUND GOAT: Police looking for owner of goat seen roaming around WestsideThe Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is asking for the community’s help in locating the owners of a goat that was seen on the city’s Westside Saturday morning.
Reminder: Blue crab traps must be removed from St. Johns River before Jan. 16
Read full article: Reminder: Blue crab traps must be removed from St. Johns River before Jan. 16Recreational and commercial blue crab traps in all waters of the St. Johns River system must be removed from the water before Jan. 16, the first day of a 10-day trap closure, the FWC said in a news release Monday.
FPL celebrates National Bird Day with some feathered-friend photos
Read full article: FPL celebrates National Bird Day with some feathered-friend photosIn honor of National Bird Day on Friday, Florida Power & Light shared some images of birds that have been spotted at FPL solar energy centers across the state.
Penguins welcome Santa to ZOOLights holiday village
Read full article: Penguins welcome Santa to ZOOLights holiday villageThe Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens' Colors of the Wild holiday ZOOLights experience launched Thursday night with a special encounter between the zoo's penguins and Jolly Old St. Nick.
Jacksonville animal shelters to offer free pet adoptions over Black Friday weekend
Read full article: Jacksonville animal shelters to offer free pet adoptions over Black Friday weekendHundreds of available dogs and cats will be available at the JHS Adoption, Education and Pet Help Center located at 8464 Beach Blvd. and at ACPS located at 2020 Forest St.
‘Kindness goes a long way’: Local farm animal rescue shares its mission of spreading compassion
Read full article: ‘Kindness goes a long way’: Local farm animal rescue shares its mission of spreading compassionEPIC Outreach works closely with law enforcement throughout Northeast Florida, including area sheriff’s offices and Animal Control. Right now, 61 animals call the farm home.
Jacksonville Zoo breaks ground on expanded Manatee River habitat, new VyStar SkyScape entrance
Read full article: Jacksonville Zoo breaks ground on expanded Manatee River habitat, new VyStar SkyScape entranceThe Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens broke ground Friday on Manatee River, a gift from J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver, and the new VyStar SkyScape entrance.
Springfield Kitty Cat Shack Rescue is in dire need of donations & needs your help
Read full article: Springfield Kitty Cat Shack Rescue is in dire need of donations & needs your helpThe rescue said they have more than 150 cats in their care and can’t continue to operate unless they get a “substantial amount of donations.”
New department will enforce animal laws in Columbia County
Read full article: New department will enforce animal laws in Columbia CountyColumbia County has created an Animal Enforcement Department that will begin enforcing all county ordinances and state statutes involving animal control, starting Sunday.
IN PHOTOS: Giant pandas in Washington, D.C. through the years
Read full article: IN PHOTOS: Giant pandas in Washington, D.C. through the yearsThe pandas are currently in Washington, D.C. because of a loan agreement established between the Zoo and the Chinese government. But that arrangement is about to end.
Baby jaguar ‘Banks’ makes big debut at Jacksonville Zoo
Read full article: Baby jaguar ‘Banks’ makes big debut at Jacksonville ZooThe newest jaguar cub at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens made his highly anticipated first public appearance Thursday, exploring the Range of the Jaguar exhibit for the first time.
Sea turtle watchers standing guard for nests at Naval Station Mayport
Read full article: Sea turtle watchers standing guard for nests at Naval Station MayportSea turtle watchers have set up orange barriers across Mayport beach to protect 17 Loggerhead sea turtle nests -- an unexpectedly high number for the beach since several dunes were destroyed in recent hurricanes.
Helpful ‘Hero’: Women’s Center of Jacksonville welcomes new, comforting four-legged employee
Read full article: Helpful ‘Hero’: Women’s Center of Jacksonville welcomes new, comforting four-legged employeeHero, a 6-year-old yellow lab and trained therapy dog, was adopted by the Women's Center of Jacksonville in April from K9s For Warriors.
Unearthing the Past: Scientists discover fossils of mammoths, sabretooth cats, rhinos that once roamed Florida
Read full article: Unearthing the Past: Scientists discover fossils of mammoths, sabretooth cats, rhinos that once roamed FloridaFlorida is one of the richest states when it comes to paleontology, and new discoveries are being made every day.
Registration opens for annual Florida Python Challenge
Read full article: Registration opens for annual Florida Python ChallengeThe incredibly popular python hunt is returning to Florida in August, and hunters who want to accept the challenge of removing invasive Burmese pythons from the wild can register now.
Safety First: The unseen cost of speeding in no-wake zones & what to check before renting a boat
Read full article: Safety First: The unseen cost of speeding in no-wake zones & what to check before renting a boatMeteorologist Katie Garner got a chance to go out with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to see the issues they deal with firsthand on the St. Johns River.
Celebrate wildlife on Endangered Species Day
Read full article: Celebrate wildlife on Endangered Species DayFriday is the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act. An estimated 291 species have been saved from extinction since the law was signed in 1973. To date, the law has saved more than 99% of species under its protection.
Pilots take to the skies flying dogs to new homes, saving pets’ lives
Read full article: Pilots take to the skies flying dogs to new homes, saving pets’ livesAs animal advocates are thinking of creative ways to save lives, a national nonprofit looks to pilots to help transport animals to a better life.
Endangered tortoise wheeled out in stroller by thieves returned to alligator farm, police say
Read full article: Endangered tortoise wheeled out in stroller by thieves returned to alligator farm, police sayOne of two endangered tortoises is back at a popular St. Augustine attraction after being stolen late last year. Two men have been arrested in connection with the theft of the reptiles.
Less than a week left to legally block bats from your Florida home before maternity season
Read full article: Less than a week left to legally block bats from your Florida home before maternity seasonIf you've lived in Florida long enough, you know that critters are just part of the equation. From raccoons and birds of all kinds to gopher tortoises, gators and bats. Living in the Sunshine State means sharing our habitat.
Bears? Oh my! How to avoid attracting bears to your neighborhood
Read full article: Bears? Oh my! How to avoid attracting bears to your neighborhoodIt's spring, and that means black bears in Florida will be more active, including moms and their cubs. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has some advice to help you avoid bear conflicts.
What is this? Woman finds odd creature in yard, leading to much debate
Read full article: What is this? Woman finds odd creature in yard, leading to much debateKelly Garrahan, a resident of Titusville, found a creature with oddly shaped head and tail in her yard, which started disrupting her farm animals.
After husky puppies make a mischievous escape, Jacksonville police officers come to the rescue
Read full article: After husky puppies make a mischievous escape, Jacksonville police officers come to the rescueIt appears a group of husky puppies was enjoying the cold temperatures so much on Tuesday that they just had to escape their home and explore the outdoors.