Animals

Minnehaha off-leash dog park in Minneapolis will close by the end of the year 
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board voted Wednesday night after hearing public comments regarding the closure of the off-leash dog park at Minnehaha Regional Park. The off-leash area will close by Dec. 31.
Meet Merlin the duck, a Mexico City streetside regular turned World Cup mascot
Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez may have scored for Mexico, but Merlin the duck stole the show. The 2-year-old duck dressed in Mexico’s national colors became an internet sensation during Mexico’s World Cup-opening victory over South Africa.
Lions, tigers, and ocelots? In Minnesota? Rural Sandstone is home to a unique sanctuary
The Wildcat Sanctuary is 40 acres of rolling hills and woodlands that is home to over 150 wildcats, including lions, tigers, cougars, snow leopards and the oldest living ocelot in human care.
Peregrine falcons at Mayo Clinic: How the world-renowned hospital came to raise birds of prey
For almost four decades, Mayo Clinic has raised peregrine falcons as part of a national recovery effort to save what had been an endangered species. Now, the peregrine falcon program is a beloved part of the world-renowned hospital's offerings.
Black bears move farther south and west in Minnesota; expert says don't fear
Andrew Tri, bear project leader at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, told MPR News their range has been stretching south and west since the ‘60s and ‘70s, but “markedly so over the last 20 years.”
Pup-date from Ridglan beagle foster mom ahead of dog's adoption day
Tristan Keene has been caring for a beagle she calls Theo and says she’s surprised with how well he’s adjusting to his own firsts: touching grass, being on a bed and playing with a toy.