News about Animals

Brain-altering parasite turns ants into zombies at dawn and dusk

It takes over the brains of ants, causing them to cling to the tops of blades of grass where they can be eaten by cattle and deer. The common liver fluke has an exceptional life cycle as it moves through snails, ants an…

Willingness-to-pay for reduced carbon footprint and other sustainability concerns relating to pork production

In this 2022 questionnaire-based study, we investigated willingness-to-pay for more sustainable pork among consumers in Denmark, Germany, the UK and Shanghai, China.

Disguised as tree bark and another species: Newly discovered gecko is a master of disguise

An international team of scientific researchers, among them a University of Copenhagen herpetologist, has discovered a new gecko species in Madagascar that resembles tree bark during the day and had been mistaken for a…

Ethicists’ commentary on attitudes towards pet ownership among people experiencing homelessness

Ethical question of the month, June 2023 As a veterinarian working for a nonprofit that provides support to both people and their pets, I often encounter situations where people with low or no income are looked down upo…

Wildlife ethics: The Ethics of Wildlife Management and Conservation

New book out September 2023: 'Wildlife ethics: The Ethics of Wildlife Management and Conservation' by Clare Palmer, Bob Fischer, Christian Gamborg, Jordan Hampton and Peter Sandøe

Making a Stand for Animals

Peter Sandøe's book review of 'Making a Stand for Animals' by Oscar Horta.

Denmark is crawling with the world's most resilient creature

They’re found on Mount Everest, in the deep seas, aboard the International Space Station and thousands of them have even crash landed and been spilled onto the moon. The microscopic water bear has a nearly unfathomable…

Denmark is crawling with the world's most resilient creature

They’re found on Mount Everest, in the deep seas, aboard the International Space Station and thousands of them have even crash landed and been spilled onto the moon. The microscopic water bear has a nearly unfathomable…

Quarantine system update

The quarantine from unit 16.4 to the Biocenter has been repealed, which means that animals and personnel can now move freely between these two units without quarantine restrictions. The quarantine restriction between…

Comparison of physiological and ethological indicators and rein tension

This study is a first step to investigate the influence of riding on horses affected by Quine Headshaking Syndrome (EHS) and, in general, contributes to a better understanding of EHS.

The Parrot–Owner Relationship and Problem Behaviors in Parrots

This study investigates 1) the relationships between companion parrots and their human owners and 2) the associations between the relationships and potential welfare-related problems.

Ethicists’ commentary on navigating options when clients refuse care due to cost

Ethical question of the month, May 2023 You provide ambulatory veterinary services for pets. You are contacted by the local animal welfare enforcement agency to perform an at-home euthanasia of a dog that was recently…

Life on Earth didn’t arise as described in textbooks

No, oxygen didn’t catalyze the swift blossoming of Earth’s first multicellular organisms. The result defies a 70-year-old assumption about what caused an explosion of oceanic fauna hundreds of millions of years ago.

Number cruncher calculates whether whales are acting weirdly

We humans can be a scary acquaintance for whales in the wild. This includes marine biologists tagging them with measuring devices to understand them better. These experiences can make whales behave erratically for a…

Refurbishment of breeding unit 10-4 in the Panum Building

AEM is in collaboration with Campus Service (CAS) planning a much needed renovation of the breeding unit at 10-4 in the Panum Building which will commence April 2024. Prior to that the unit needs to be vacated. AEM will…

Number cruncher calculates whether whales are acting weirdly

We, humans, can be a scary acquaintance for whales in the wild. This includes marine biologists tagging them with measuring devices to understand them better. Now, University of Copenhagen researchers have figured out…

Ethicists’ commentary on Cooperation in the veterinary field and emergency care practices

Ethical question of the month, April 2023 On a Friday morning, a patient is presented with a mild fever and has been acting depressed for a few days. Radiographs reveal a pointed, metallic foreign body lodged in the…

Perceptions of the rabbit as a low investment ‘starter pet’ lead to negative impacts on its welfare

This paper shows that many rabbits live in unsuitable conditions, and owners who perceive rabbits as low investment ‘children’s pets’ are more likely to not provide recommended resources.

New tracking device to keep better tabs on wolves

Keeping up with the journeys of wolves and welfare of wild horses has never been easier. With a GPS wildlife tracker powered by an animal's own movements, University of Copenhagen researchers have solved a problem faced…

Ethicists’ commentary on weighing owner and veterinarian judgments on the best course of treatment

Ethical question of the month, March 2023 A client contacts you after a distressing incident in an emergency clinic with her 8-year-old English bulldog. The dog has some respiratory compromise typical of the breed but…

A critical review of animal-based welfare indicators for polar bears (Ursus maritimus) in zoos

This review provides an overview of current valid and promising welfare indicators along with identified gaps in knowledge, relevant for the provision of a methodology for assessing and monitoring welfare of captive…

Qualitative Behaviour Assessment for zoo-housed polar bears (Ursus maritimus)

This study aimed to assess the ability of Qualitative Behaviour Assessment (QBA) to discern emotional state in zoo-housed polar bears, and further to investigate its validity through associations to behavioural and…

Spaghetti-armed egghead strives to move people with facts

Hans Henrik Bruun is an especially active voice of reason in public discourse about the present and future of Danish nature. Whenever engaging, he often greets strong emotions with facts. This year's recipient of…

Spaghetti-armed egghead strives to move people with facts

Hans Henrik Bruun is an especially active voice of reason in public discourse about the present and future of Danish nature. Whenever engaging, he often greets strong emotions with facts. This year's recipient of…