A Chicago-based animal care expert is playing a key role in an unprecedented effort to save thousands of critically endangered tortoises that were found in squalid conditions in an abandoned home off the southeast coast of Africa.
Stories by alex ruppenthal
Chicago Zoo, Brewery Partner on Beer to Help Parrots Hurt by Hurricane
One of the world’s most endangered birds finds itself in even greater peril after a hurricane ripped through its habitat last year. But you can help – by drinking beer.
Lisa Madigan Challenges Proposal to Lower Fines for Automakers
A group of 13 attorneys general are speaking out against a Trump administration proposal to reduce penalties for automakers that violate fuel efficiency standards.
Shedd Scientists, Volunteers Track Migrations of Great Lakes Fish
Why more than two dozen volunteers have been tracking migrations of white and longnose suckers, an often overlooked family of fish.
Illinois Senate Passes Bill to Protect Environmental, Labor Standards
A bill moving through the state legislature would prevent the weakening of federal safeguards that were in place as of Jan. 1, 2017 – about three weeks before President Donald Trump took office.
High Levels of Manganese Found in Soil of Southeast Side Homes
Test results from soil samples collected at 27 homes near a bulk storage facility along the Calumet River reveal high levels of manganese.
Durbin, Duckworth Urge EPA to Dump Proposal for Weaker Coal Ash Rules
A group of U.S. senators are trying to preserve regulations for the disposal of coal ash generated by coal-burning power plants, a mixture that can pollute drinking water if disposed of improperly.
Bill to Legalize Industrial Hemp Passes Illinois Senate
Agriculture advocates say industrial hemp would offer Illinois farmers an additional crop – one with a lucrative future.
Bill to Create Urban Agriculture Zones Passes Illinois House
A bill aimed at breaking up food deserts in Chicago and other cities across the state by establishing “urban agriculture zones” moved forward last week in Springfield.
Shedd Aquarium Welcomes 6 Wood Ducklings
New residents of the aquarium’s “At Home on the Great Lakes” exhibit are spending their first days bonding with their mother.
At Nearly 7 Feet, Corpse Flower Spike Sets Botanic Garden Record
Remember Spike the corpse flower? The plant made famous in 2015 for being the first of its kind to (nearly) bloom in Chicago is on the comeback trail – and climbing to new heights.
Brookfield Zoo Performs CT Scan on 2,300-Pound Black Rhinoceros
Hoping to identify the source of an infection, veterinarians performed what is thought to be the first ever CT scan on a rhinoceros.
Adler to Honor NASA Volcanologist With Women in Space Science Award
A conversation with NASA research scientist Rosaly Lopes, who will be recognized this week at an event celebrating women in space science.
Scientists Discover ‘Suicidal’ Octopus Colonies Near Ocean Floor
A team of scientists was exploring a rocky patch of ocean floor when they found something that shouldn’t have been there: octopuses – lots of them.
Chicago Gets ‘F’ Grade in 2018 Air Pollution Report
Chicago is the country’s 22nd most polluted city, according to a new study of air pollutants by the American Lung Association.
White Sox to Ditch Plastic Straws at Guaranteed Rate Field
In an effort to reduce plastic waste, the White Sox have become the first team in Major League Baseball to get rid of disposable straws for nearly an entire season.
‘That’s Not Where it Hurts’: Gymnast’s Former Coach Under Investigation for Sexual Abuse
In 2014, a suburban gymnast told police her coach sexually abused her. Now, with that coach under investigation again, she is sharing her story publicly. “I felt very alone during all of it,” she said. “I’m hoping my story can help other people.”
‘Explosive Breeding’ Underway for Wood Frogs in Lake County
Spring serves as mating season for all sorts of animals found in Illinois, but no creature goes about it quite like the wood frog.
Fracking Transparency Bill Moves Forward in Illinois Senate
A bill that supporters say would make fracking operations in Illinois more transparent cleared its first legislative hurdle last week.
Watchdog: Staff Driving Chicago Park District Vehicles Without Licenses
A Park District landscaper who had previously lost his license after a drunk driving conviction is among those found to have operated vehicles without proper documentation, according to a new report.
Brookfield Zoo Euthanizes Beloved Gorilla Ramar
The 50-year-old gorilla was the zoo’s oldest animal. “Knowing it’s the right decision doesn’t make it hurt any less,” said Amy Roberts, curator of mammals for the Chicago Zoological Society.
African Penguin Chick Hatched at Lincoln Park Zoo
On Feb. 10, Lincoln Park Zoo welcomed a new baby bird, the first African penguin chick hatched and reared at the zoo's new penguin habitat.
Bat Houses in Cook County Missing Just One Thing: Bats
Three years after they began installing bat houses along waterways in Cook County, conservationists are hoping the bats will start moving in this year.
March for Science Returns to Chicago as Science Fair, Rally
After drawing an estimated 60,000 people to the inaugural event last year, Chicago’s second installment of the March for Science returns this weekend – with a few changes.
Osprey Sighting in Cook County a Sign of Spring
Despite the early April snow showers, a recent bird sighting in Cook County is a strong sign that warmer spring weather is just around the corner.
Chicago Joins Lawsuit Against EPA Over Methane Emissions
A coalition of states and cities sue the EPA over its regulation of emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.
