(ANIMAL SCIENCE) A new species of pit viper has been confirmed in the highland forests of Honduras. Named after late conservationist Mario Guifarro, the new species of snake could be an extremely rare occurrence in the wild. In fact, some scientists  argue the new viper should be classified as critically endangered, as threats to the snakes’ limited environment are increasingly imminent. Continue reading for more on the details surrounding this new discovery. — Global Animal

(SKIES) MINNESOTA — The Duluth International Airport received two unscheduled layovers a few days ago, when a pair of bald eagles crash-landed on to the tarmac. Although fighting for territory is customary among bald eagles, incidents like this are extremely uncommon. The two birds of prey fell to the ground when their talons became intertwined. But fear not, bird lovers—both animals are expected to make a full recovery. Continue reading below to find out how these two birds were saved. — Global Animal

(ANIMAL SCIENCE) The swine flu virus has been found in elephant seals off the central coast of California, according to a recent study. The research is the first to report the H1N1 virus in marine mammals, which shows influenza viruses can be transferred among species. During the study, scientists encountered two northern elephant seals who were infected, and they discovered an additional 28 seals carrying swine flu antibodies. Keep reading for more information on the highly contagious virus and this enlightening study. — Global Animal

(CELEBRITY ACTIVISM) The Great Gatsby star Leonardo DiCaprio is saving the wildlife, one celebrity donation at a time. The famed actor hosted the 11^th hour auction in New York on May 13, raising $38.8 million for his charity, The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation. The foundation will use the funds raised during the art auction to protect endangered species as well as the various wild lands they inhabit. The best selling piece of the nigh, an oil painting created by Mark Grotjahn, sold for $6.5 million—an auction record for the artist. Continue reading below for more information on the compassionate auction. — Global Animal

(POACHING) With elephant poaching at an all-time high, one elephant actually managed to save their own life after trampling a poacher who was attempting to shoot him/her. The poacher’s remains were found in Charara National Park in Zimbabwe after entering the reserve sometime between April 19 and 26 with another poacher. While many elephants normally don’t charge their attackers, this elephant’s defense could possibly mark an aggressive change in their behavior due to the frequent loss of their family members at the hands of poachers. Read on for more about this elephant’s brave resistance. — Global Animal

(POLITICS) TENNESSEE — Score one for free speech, and animal welfare. After lengthy consideration, Governor Bill Haslam has decided to veto Tennessee’s Ag Gag bill. Haslam’s decision rests on his claim that the bill is “constitutionally suspect.” Although agriculture remains the top industry in Tennessee, Governor Haslam recognizes that the bill could potential violate a number of constitutional rights. Continue reading below to find out what the future holds for Ag Gag bills in Tennessee, and how the state intends to handle them. — Global Animal

(ANIMAL WELFARE) Due to strong public outrage, hen cages were expected to be a thing of the past by now as most people realize how awful and debilitating the condition of a cramped metal cage can be for these poor chickens who are forced to spend their entire lives in captivity. But instead of listening to their consumers, the chicken/egg industries are pushing legislation that would allow "furnished" cages. PETA writes, "the United Egg Producers industry is pushing federal legislation that would trade one cruel metal cage for another, and their bill could never be challenged or changed by state law or public vote...Misleadingly named 'furnished' cages can house as many as 60 birds." Many animal welfare groups are settling for this compromise arguing that a bigger cage is better than a small cage. Unfortunately, even though the dimensions of the metal cell may change, the cramped, claustrophobic conditions of being housed with too many other chickens remains the same. Watch the video below for more information and find out how you can get involved. — Global Animal

(ANIMAL EXTINCTION) A team of Taiwanese zoologists have been looking for the Formosan clouded leopard—indigenous to Taiwan—for 13 years now. Sadly, last week, their greatest fears were confirmed. The leopard is extinct, and most likely has been for decades. Formosan clouded leopards, a subspecies of those found on mainland Asia, were once highly sought-after by poachers for their valuable skins. This, combined with the lack of prey, is most likely what led to their unfortunate extinction. Read on for information regarding this beautiful leopard species, how their extinction came to be, along with their spiritual connection to the forests of Taiwan. — Global Animal