Do you think that animals should be kept in zoos and aquaria?

Proposal Would Allow Killing of Wild Cats

A firefighter in Wisconsin wants wild and feral cats (unfriendly ones without collars) to be declared an unprotected species, like skunks or gophers, so that they can be shot if they kill birds on people's land. He has met with considerable opposition.

Petting Zoos Scrutinized Over E. Coli

During the past two months at least 22 people, mostly children, have fallen seriously ill after visiting one of three fairs in Florida. Although it has not yet been confirmed that petting the animals caused the illness, several upcoming fairs have canceled their petting zoos or switched suppliers.

Yucca Scientists Investigated Over E-Mails

U.S. Geological Survey staff emails released ahead of next week's hearing by the House Government Reform Subcommittee on the Federal Work Force and Agency Organization shows that staff were planning to make up records concerning the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste dump project. Several departments including the FBI are investigating. The emails have increased the doubts about the safety of the project which has already been delayed.

Study: Salmon Thrived Above Klamath Dams

Biologists have verified that salmon spawned considerably upriver of the Klamath River hydroelectric dams that have blocked fish since 1917. An application to renew a license to operate four dams is currently under consideration by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. It is opposed by Indian tribes, commercial fishermen and conservationists who want the salmon to be able to spawn upriver again.

Scientists Artificially Inseminate Whale

Scientists at Mystic Aquarium are trying artificial insemination on a 24 year old Beluga whale for the first time as there has been no success from importing captive Belugas from elsewhere. Transporting whales can be stressful for them, and there are only about 30 in captivity.

Monterey Aquarium Releases White Shark

A great white shark that survived a record 198 days in captivity has been released back into the wild. It was the first to eat regularly in captivity. It had put on 100 pounds and grown 16 inches, so it was growing too large, and it had started eating other fish at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The aquarium hopes to capture a replacement shark, which was popular with customers.

Did you spot the fishy April Fool tale yesterday? Hint: "poisson d'avril" - literally "fish of April" - is French for April Fool.

Do you think that animals should be kept in zoos and aquaria?