Story
How Elephants Talk Across the Savanna
Elephants are among the most socially sophisticated animals on the planet, and anyone who studies a herd for long enough begins to sense it. A family
The World of Animals
The extraordinary
The extraordinary
lives of animals.
Species, behaviour, stories and habitats, from the fox in the field to the whale in the deep. A digital atlas of animal life.
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Animal of the Week
Common Octopus
Octopus vulgaris
The common octopus is a marvel of the invertebrate world, a soft-bodied cephalopod of exceptional intelligence equipped with eight sucker-lined arms and a large, expressive eye. It is a master of disguise, able to transform its colour, p…
HabitatOceanDietCarnivore — crabs, molluscs and small fishStatusLeast Concern
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Stories from the Animal World
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Story
Why a small pond turns into a living world
A small pond can blossom into a thriving little world. Even a modest patch of water draws a surprising wealth of life. Within weeks, creatures arrive
Story
Surviving the Arctic Winter
When the sun sets for months and the land locks itself in ice, the animals that remain do not merely endure the dark; they have rewritten their bodies to live inside it.
Wildlife
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Animal Behaviour
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Behaviour
How Pets Shape the Daily Habits That Keep Us Healthy
The routines our animals demand, from the dawn walk to the evening wind-down, quietly build some of the healthiest patterns in an owner's day.
Behaviour
How Owls Rule the Darkness
Owls have inhabited human imagination for thousands of years. Symbols of wisdom and omen, they stir deep feelings. These silent hunters are superbly a
Behaviour
What Your Dog Is Actually Telling You
Dogs are forever communicating with us, even when they make no sound at all. A wag, a glance, a shift of weight all convey meaning to anyone who learn
Animal Science
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Science
Why Cats Knead, and What Those Paws Are Saying
The rhythmic pushing of a cat's paws against a soft blanket is more than a quirk. It reaches back to kittenhood and carries a surprising amount of meaning.
Science
What Dog Walkers Can Teach Us About Daily Energy
The simple rhythm of walking a dog twice a day quietly builds some of the healthiest habits there are. Here is what pet owners can learn from their own routines.
Science
The Secret Language of Honeybee Dances
A returning forager can tell her hivemates exactly where to find flowers using nothing but a looping, waggling walk across the honeycomb.
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Conservation
The Ancient Navigation of Sea Turtles
Sea turtles are among the ocean's most timeless travellers. They have roamed the seas for countless millions of years. These gentle giants undertake e
Conservation
How to Find the Right Animal Companion
Bringing an animal into your home is one of the most significant decisions you can make. It is also a serious undertaking that deserves careful though
Conservation
The Genius in Eight Arms
The octopus may be the closest thing to an alien intelligence we will ever meet on our own planet. Its last common ancestor with humans lived more tha
Guides
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Dogs
How to Care for a New Puppy
Everything you need to settle a new puppy into your home with confidence in those first crucial weeks.
Cats
Understanding Your Cat's Body Language
Learn to read the subtle signals cats use to tell you exactly how they feel.
Dogs
Choosing the Right Dog Breed for Your Lifestyle
A practical guide to matching a dog's needs with your home, routine and energy levels.
Dogs
A Beginner's Guide to Basic Dog Training
Simple, kind techniques to teach your dog the essentials and build a lasting bond.