Animals

A 'golden age' of rat research may be here. What the often unwanted companions can teach us about us
Rat and human lives have long intersected, but there's little relatively little research about them. Thanks to advances in genomics and paleoarcheology mean a lot more study may be on the horizon.
If you’re gonna keep a goat in St. Paul: What I learned about the mini farm animal craze
Americans are showing more interest in owning miniature cows, goats, alpacas and other diminutive farm animals. It is a trend driven by hobby farmers looking for easy-to-manage livestock and homesteaders who like the idea of having a petite pig or a scaled-down sheep as a pet.
Amur tiger cubs explore their habitat in public debut at Minnesota Zoo
The species of tiger is native to far eastern Russia and northern China and faces endangerment according to Zoologist Trista Fischer. She says there’s an estimated 500 Amur tigers left in the wild.  
A Duluth cat was found underground after missing for nearly two months
“Drifter” the cat went missing in July. After giving up almost all hope, his family found him underground in construction work for a sewer and sidewalk.
Pair of rare Amur tiger cubs debuting at Minnesota Zoo are raising hopes for the endangered species
A pair of rare Amur tiger cubs are making their public debut at the Minnesota Zoo, raising hopes for preserving an endangered species that’s native to far eastern Russia and northern China. 
Support dog's presence didn't bias sex abuse trial, Minnesota appeals court rules
In July 2023, a Stearns County jury found Jairo Fernandez Sorto guilty of first-degree criminal sexual conduct for abusing a teenage girl for years starting when she was eight. Stearns County’s facility dog, Nova, was present in the courtroom as the 15-year-old testified.
'Mr. Greedy,' a prolific penguin dad, has died at age 33
Mr. Greedy, a beloved member of the Maryland Zoo, was a prolific breeder who helped boost the endangered African penguin population. He died following an age-related health decline, the zoo said.