
Inside SeaWorld Florida’s effort to rescue, grow, and restore Caribbean corals
Read full article: Inside SeaWorld Florida’s effort to rescue, grow, and restore Caribbean coralsWalk into SeaWorld Florida’s Coral Rescue Center, and the first thing you notice is the light - a deep, oceanic blue that washes over rows of tanks filled with some of the rarest coral on Earth.

‘They failed us:’ Neighbors say loose dogs reported to animal services before woman killed in street
Read full article: ‘They failed us:’ Neighbors say loose dogs reported to animal services before woman killed in streetA deadly dog attack raises questions why two large dogs that neighbors say were always running loose weren’t taken away from the dog owner sooner.
‘#DoBetter:’ Dogs found tied to dumpster at Central Florida rest stop, troopers say
Read full article: ‘#DoBetter:’ Dogs found tied to dumpster at Central Florida rest stop, troopers sayA pair of dogs was found tied to a dumpster at a rest stop in Central Florida, leading investigators to ask for help from the public, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Mr. Ginger, youngest of the Sloth World sloths, dies at Central Florida Zoo
Read full article: Mr. Ginger, youngest of the Sloth World sloths, dies at Central Florida ZooCentral Florida Zoo officials say Mr. Ginger, one of the dozen or so sloths from Sloth World under the zoo’s care, has died. The zoo announced the youngest of the Sloth World sloths died despite round-the-clock efforts, including being hand-fed every few hours and spending time much of his time in an incubator to regulate his body temperature. Mr. Ginger was believed to be only four to six months old.
Central Florida Zoo sloth fundraiser shirts back in stock, available online
Read full article: Central Florida Zoo sloth fundraiser shirts back in stock, available onlineFor those who can’t make it to the Sanford Welcome Center, the shirts are available for purchase online through the Sanford Main Street website.
Florida to temporarily stop sloth importation in wake of Sloth World deaths
Read full article: Florida to temporarily stop sloth importation in wake of Sloth World deathsFlorida wildlife officials are stopping the importation of all sloths into the state in the wake of the deaths of dozens of sloths meant for an Orlando attraction.
🐢Everyday Wild: Gopher tortoises, Florida’s underground neighborhood, and why we keep building on it
Read full article: 🐢Everyday Wild: Gopher tortoises, Florida’s underground neighborhood, and why we keep building on itJoey Manna travels to a Gainesville-area state park to photograph Florida’s gopher tortoise and meets Katherine Saylor of Defenders of Wildlife, who explains why this keystone species—and the fire-dependent, high-and-dry habitat it relies on—is disappearing fast. The search reveals a surprising truth: gopher tortoises (and the conservation choices that protect them) aren’t just “out there” in the wilderness—they’re often right in our own neighborhoods
Orlando to rehome Lake Eola swans amid FWC review and coming construction
Read full article: Orlando to rehome Lake Eola swans amid FWC review and coming constructionThe city of Orlando will begin rehoming its resident Lake Eola swans as the city prepares for a massive renovation plan around the lake. The deaths of dozens of swans and other birds from avian influenza earlier this year also influenced the decision.
Lake County woman accused of animal cruelty after 31 emaciated cows are found
Read full article: Lake County woman accused of animal cruelty after 31 emaciated cows are foundA Lake County woman was arrested after Lake County detectives found 31 emaciated cows on a property in Tavares. According to a probable cause affidavit, 31 zebu-style cattle were found in “extremely poor body condition, with prominent ribs, spine, and pelvic bones clearly visible, consistent with severe emaciation.”
‘Truly unacceptable:’ Lawmakers demand accountability in Sloth World animal deaths
Read full article: ‘Truly unacceptable:’ Lawmakers demand accountability in Sloth World animal deathsJoined by Orange County commissioners and sloth conservation experts who traveled from Costa Rica, Eskamani spoke outside the shuttered Sloth World facility on International Drive.
55 sloths now dead in connection to Sloth World
Read full article: 55 sloths now dead in connection to Sloth WorldNewly obtained records by Orange County Community Correspondent, Jayna Manohalal, show another 21 sloths died while under the care of Sloth World, bringing the total number of known sloth deaths connected to the facility to 55.
Palm Coast woman accused of abandoning children at hospital, deputies find dozens of animals at home
Read full article: Palm Coast woman accused of abandoning children at hospital, deputies find dozens of animals at homeA Palm Coast woman is accused of abandoning her three children at a hospital — allegedly angry over a dead dog — while deputies say more than 40 animals were living in squalid conditions at her home.
Here’s when these invasive termites may put all of Florida at risk, experts warn
Read full article: Here’s when these invasive termites may put all of Florida at risk, experts warnA recent study shows that two destructive termites are spreading much farther throughout the state than experts initially predicted.
Florida looking into criminal investigation for Orlando Sloth World deaths
Read full article: Florida looking into criminal investigation for Orlando Sloth World deathsFlorida prosecutors are looking into whether criminal charges are possible after dozens of sloths died ahead of the opening of Sloth World in Orlando. On Friday, Attorney General James Uthmeier responded to a call for a criminal investigation from State Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando.
Florida looking into criminal investigation for Orlando Sloth World deaths
Read full article: Florida looking into criminal investigation for Orlando Sloth World deathsFlorida prosecutors are looking into whether criminal charges are possible after dozens of sloths died ahead of the opening of Sloth World in Orlando. On Friday, Attorney General James Uthmeier responded to a call for a criminal investigation from State Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando.
Central Florida cancer patient loses thousands to online puppy con tied to fake delivery company
Read full article: Central Florida cancer patient loses thousands to online puppy con tied to fake delivery companyA Umatilla woman battling cancer found a dog on Facebook to help her through treatment, but she says it was all part of a lie, and now, she is out thousands of dollars.
Lawmaker calls for criminal investigation after rescued sloth dies from failed Orlando attraction
Read full article: Lawmaker calls for criminal investigation after rescued sloth dies from failed Orlando attractionA rescued sloth’s death is prompting renewed scrutiny of an Orlando attraction, as a state lawmaker calls for a state and federal investigation into animal deaths, alleged mismanagement and potential legal violations.
2 of 13 rescued Sloth World sloths die at Central Florida Zoo
Read full article: 2 of 13 rescued Sloth World sloths die at Central Florida ZooThe zoo confirmed the remaining 12 sloths are currently in stable condition. Staff said their full focus has now shifted to ensuring those animals continue to recover.
Trooper Steve on Patrol: Paws for Peace Walk marks 15 years of hope, healing, and community
Read full article: Trooper Steve on Patrol: Paws for Peace Walk marks 15 years of hope, healing, and communityAt Harbor House of Central Florida, family members have a safe place to go, right alongside their pets.
Sloth attraction on I-Drive shut down before opening after dozens of animal deaths, officials say
Read full article: Sloth attraction on I-Drive shut down before opening after dozens of animal deaths, officials sayA planned tourist attraction along International Drive has been shut down before ever opening its doors after state investigators say more than 30 sloths died while in the care of the business.
Pomeranian stuck in gate going viral after firefighters rescue with Jaws of Life
Read full article: Pomeranian stuck in gate going viral after firefighters rescue with Jaws of LifeA Pomeranian named Odin became an internet sensation after Brevard County firefighters used the Jaws of Life to rescue him when his head got stuck in a metal gate at his home in Merritt Island.
Trooper Steve on Patrol: How pets at Harbor House of Central Florida are helping save lives
Read full article: Trooper Steve on Patrol: How pets at Harbor House of Central Florida are helping save livesTrooper Steve on Patrol went behind the scenes to show you exactly how your donations are changing lives.
Investigation kicks off after Florida gopher tortoise found sprayed with insulation
Read full article: Investigation kicks off after Florida gopher tortoise found sprayed with insulationAn investigation has kicked off this week after a gopher tortoise was found sprayed in the face with insulation, according to state officials.
Could hidden mold in your home be making you sick? This Orlando K-9 is on the case
Read full article: Could hidden mold in your home be making you sick? This Orlando K-9 is on the caseShe’s built like a police dog and trained like one, but Radar’s mission is very different, and it could be impacting your health right now.
Ancient creatures, modern medicine: Horseshoe crab monitoring in Brevard County
Read full article: Ancient creatures, modern medicine: Horseshoe crab monitoring in Brevard CountyOn a windy morning at Kelly Park East, a small group of volunteers fan out along the shoreline, clipboards and buckets in hand, eyes scanning the surf for one of nature’s oldest survivors.
Dollars & Sense: As divorcing couples ask ‘who gets the dog,’ pet prenups are on the rise
Read full article: Dollars & Sense: As divorcing couples ask ‘who gets the dog,’ pet prenups are on the riseAs dogs, cats, and other pets increasingly take on the role of family members, some couples are planning for the possibility of a breakup before it ever happens. So-called “pet prenups” – agreements that spell out who gets custody of an animal and how expenses are handled – are gaining traction as a way to avoid costly and emotional disputes down the road.
Bodycam video shows 14-year-old being arrested for swinging baby alligator by tail in DeLand
Read full article: Bodycam video shows 14-year-old being arrested for swinging baby alligator by tail in DeLandNews 6 has obtained body camera video from the Volusia Sheriff’s Office that shows a deputy arresting a 14-year-old boy accused of picking up a baby alligator and swinging it by its tail.
Dogs die after being left in hot truck in DeLand Walmart parking lot; owner arrested
Read full article: Dogs die after being left in hot truck in DeLand Walmart parking lot; owner arrestedA man was arrested on animal cruelty charges in Volusia County after police say two dogs, left in a truck for hours in a Walmart parking lot, died of apparent heat stroke.
Manatee Melby returns home, drawing crowd to Brevard County park
Read full article: Manatee Melby returns home, drawing crowd to Brevard County parkA manatee’s journey from a storm drain to the open water captivated a community. And for one Melbourne Beach family, it became something even more personal.
Teen arrested for swinging, kicking baby alligator in Volusia County, report states
Read full article: Teen arrested for swinging, kicking baby alligator in Volusia County, report statesA 14-year-old boy is facing a felony charge after Volusia County deputies say he was seen swinging a baby alligator by its tail and kicking it at a Stetson University facility.
Nearly 70 horses seized from Central Florida rescue during abuse case
Read full article: Nearly 70 horses seized from Central Florida rescue during abuse caseTwo people have now been arrested months after nearly 70 horses were seized from a Central Florida rescue, according to the Marion County Sheriff's Office.
These snails may be the key to one of Florida’s biggest problems, experts say
Read full article: These snails may be the key to one of Florida’s biggest problems, experts sayMany Florida residents may have seen these issues pop up at natural springs across the state. But researchers now say they may have figured out the solution.
Volusia County sea turtle rescues surge as animals wash ashore. How you can help
Read full article: Volusia County sea turtle rescues surge as animals wash ashore. How you can helpVolunteers in Volusia County are sounding the alarm after a dramatic spike in stranded sea turtles washing ashore — and they need the public’s help.
CUTE ALERT! Red river hog triplets arrive at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Read full article: CUTE ALERT! Red river hog triplets arrive at Disney’s Animal Kingdom LodgeDisney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge welcomed three red river hog piglets, born recently and currently thriving under the watchful eyes of the resort’s dedicated animal care team.
Sanford closes dog park to treat invasive caterpillars; experts warn residents not to touch them
Read full article: Sanford closes dog park to treat invasive caterpillars; experts warn residents not to touch themSanford officials temporarily closed Paw Park to treat a surge of tussock caterpillars after reports of skin irritation and concerns about pet safety, with plans to reopen the park Friday afternoon.
Avian Reconditioning Center in Apopka: Up-close with Florida raptors, and how you can visit
Read full article: Avian Reconditioning Center in Apopka: Up-close with Florida raptors, and how you can visitWe spent the day at the Avian Reconditioning Center (ARC) in Apopka getting up close with birds of prey—and seeing what it takes to rescue, rehab, and (hopefully) release some of the most intense animals in the state.
Trooper Steve on Patrol: Orange County breaks ground on $49M animal services facility
Read full article: Trooper Steve on Patrol: Orange County breaks ground on $49M animal services facilityThe $49 million investment is set to transform how animals and the people who care for them are supported in our community.
Orange County leaders break ground on new animal shelter, coming in 2027
Read full article: Orange County leaders break ground on new animal shelter, coming in 2027A new animal shelter in Orange County is officially underway. The shelter, which will cost $49 million, will be the largest in Florida at 123,419 square feet, and will have a much larger medical suite to help increase capacity for medical needs such as spay and neuter services.
Florida investigators look into viral video of people in airboat firing on alligator
Read full article: Florida investigators look into viral video of people in airboat firing on alligatorThe Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced that the agency is looking into an infamous video that’s gone viral on social media.
Melbourne Beach manatee, Melby, recovers at SeaWorld after storm drain rescue
Read full article: Melbourne Beach manatee, Melby, recovers at SeaWorld after storm drain rescueA young manatee known as Melby is on the mend at SeaWorld Orlando, capturing the hearts of visitors and the Melbourne Beach community after a dramatic rescue from a storm drain left him in need of critical care.
Pet Alliance finally opening new Orlando shelter later this month
Read full article: Pet Alliance finally opening new Orlando shelter later this monthPet Alliance of Greater Orlando announced Wednesday that it will cut the ribbon on the new shelter on John Young Parkway on Saturday, March 28. The grand opening celebration will include a party starting at noon with live entertainment, food trucks, activities and adoptable dogs and cats.
Dog dies from injuries after being thrown in dumpster, Osceola County deputies say
Read full article: Dog dies from injuries after being thrown in dumpster, Osceola County deputies sayDeputies said surveillance video showed a man exiting a pickup, lifting a dog from the truck bed, placing the animal in a cardboard box, and tossing the box into a dumpster.
Orange Audubon eyes nature center near Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
Read full article: Orange Audubon eyes nature center near Lake Apopka Wildlife DriveVolunteers at Apopka Birding Park spent a cloudy, damp morning spreading mulch, staking gopher tortoise burrows and clearing invasive plants as Orange Audubon Society moves closer to opening a nature center at the site.
🐐Baby goat yoga near Orlando: What it’s really like at Wildflower Farm adorable dairy goat sanctuary
Read full article: 🐐Baby goat yoga near Orlando: What it’s really like at Wildflower Farm adorable dairy goat sanctuaryI tried baby goat yoga at Wildflower Farm near Orlando. Here’s what to expect: from bottle-feeding and cuddles to tiny hooves on your back during yoga.
Emergency pet shelter opens for Central Florida domestic violence survivors
Read full article: Emergency pet shelter opens for Central Florida domestic violence survivorsA ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Wednesday for the Culler Pet Resource Center, which serves Flagler, Volusia, and Brevard Counties.
From cobras to kangaroos, here is a list of strange Florida animal runaways
Read full article: From cobras to kangaroos, here is a list of strange Florida animal runawaysAn Orange County toucan sighting has revived memories of some of Florida’s strangest escaped animals, including a king cobra found under a dryer.
Orlando man arrested after emaciated, flea‑infested dog found abandoned following eviction
Read full article: Orlando man arrested after emaciated, flea‑infested dog found abandoned following evictionAn Orlando man is facing animal-cruelty charges after being accused of abandoning a dog in a home after an eviction, according to an arrest-warrant affidavit.
‘I’ll f****** kill her:’ Mom caught on video viciously beating cat, Brevard sheriff says
Read full article: ‘I’ll f****** kill her:’ Mom caught on video viciously beating cat, Brevard sheriff saysA Merritt Island woman was jailed after she was seen viciously attacking a cat to “get back at” a family member over the weekend, according to Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey.
America’s most dangerous invasive lizard lives in Florida. Here’s why it’s a big problem
Read full article: America’s most dangerous invasive lizard lives in Florida. Here’s why it’s a big problemFlorida residents are no strangers to invasive reptiles. But this 6-foot-long African lizard poses an especially big threat.
Florida Senate passes bill creating public registry of animal abusers
Read full article: Florida Senate passes bill creating public registry of animal abusers“I mean, if we can’t get together on puppies, what can we get together on?” People who abuse animals would be put on a public registry under a bill passed unanimously by the Florida Senate on Friday. The bill (SB 1004) will require the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to include information about people who violate animal cruelty laws on its website.
Dead tilapia found in Winter Garden as Florida wildlife officials attribute recent fish kills to cold weather
Read full article: Dead tilapia found in Winter Garden as Florida wildlife officials attribute recent fish kills to cold weatherDozens of dead fish and a strong odor raised concerns Wednesday evening at Newton Park along Lake Apopka, prompting questions from park visitors and a News 6 viewer who asked the station to investigate.
Animals evacuated from Seminole County pet daycare after next-door unit catches fire
Read full article: Animals evacuated from Seminole County pet daycare after next-door unit catches fireFive animals and a worker were successfully evacuated from a pet daycare in Seminole County after the unit next door caught fire, according to the fire department.
Nature’s Valentine: Paired for life, sandhill cranes begin nesting season in Florida
Read full article: Nature’s Valentine: Paired for life, sandhill cranes begin nesting season in FloridaSandhill cranes may not trade chocolates or roses, but the tall, gray birds are among Florida’s most devoted romantics, forming long-term pair bonds that often last for life.
Manatees nurtured at SeaWorld Orlando released at Blue Spring State Park
Read full article: Manatees nurtured at SeaWorld Orlando released at Blue Spring State ParkCardiTee, Clawford, and Lilypad all arrived at SeaWorld Orlando as orphaned calves and have now reached the health and weight benchmarks needed to survive on their own.
Birding is growing as a hobby, as bird populations fall
Read full article: Birding is growing as a hobby, as bird populations fallThe Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival brings in tourists from around the country, and they fill hotel rooms during a traditionally slow part of the season. But that success may be in jeopardy. Studies show there are fewer birds to watch.
‘Doesn’t happen again:’ Melbourne Beach could install grates after manatee gets stuck in storm drain
Read full article: ‘Doesn’t happen again:’ Melbourne Beach could install grates after manatee gets stuck in storm drainAfter rescuers saved a 400 lb. manatee that was stuck in a storm drain, Melbourne Beach is now considering how to stop cold sea cows from swimming into drains.
Crews rescue manatee trapped in storm drain beneath road in Brevard County
Read full article: Crews rescue manatee trapped in storm drain beneath road in Brevard CountyFirst responders rushed to a scene in Melbourne Beach on Monday afternoon after a manatee became stuck in a storm drain, state officials told News 6.
All of Florida is now at risk thanks to these invasive termites, experts say
Read full article: All of Florida is now at risk thanks to these invasive termites, experts sayA new study from the University of Florida shows that two destructive termites are spreading much farther throughout the state than experts initially predicted.
‘Tragic accident:’ Woman’s body found trampled in Winter Haven field
Read full article: ‘Tragic accident:’ Woman’s body found trampled in Winter Haven fieldAn elderly woman's body was found in a field on Thursday afternoon, leading investigators to determine what caused her death, according to the Winter Haven Police Department.
Protecting Florida’s Brown Pelicans: A collaborative effort to preserve a coastal icon
Read full article: Protecting Florida’s Brown Pelicans: A collaborative effort to preserve a coastal iconThe Florida Wildlife Hospital has embarked on a mission to safeguard one of the state’s most iconic birds-the Brown Pelican.
DeLand parrot sanctuary asks for community help as utility bills spike during cold snap
Read full article: DeLand parrot sanctuary asks for community help as utility bills spike during cold snapA DeLand parrot sanctuary faces mounting utility costs as it struggles to keep more than 100 tropical birds warm during Florida's unusually cold winter.
SeaWorld Orlando rescues 16 cold-stunned green sea turtles for rehabilitation
Read full article: SeaWorld Orlando rescues 16 cold-stunned green sea turtles for rehabilitationShowing visible signs of stress on their shells and skin, the team’s goal is to stabilize and rehabilitate the turtles so they can be safely returned to their natural habitat once they are healthy and environmental conditions improve.
‘Good little deer:’ Deputies guide slippery‑footed animal out of Orange County home after surprise entry
Read full article: ‘Good little deer:’ Deputies guide slippery‑footed animal out of Orange County home after surprise entryDeputies were called to an Orange County home after a deer crashed through a living room window before ending up in the kitchen, struggling to gain footing on the home’s tile floor.
How do Florida alligators cope in cold weather? Gatorland experts explain
Read full article: How do Florida alligators cope in cold weather? Gatorland experts explainAlligators may not like freezing temperatures either, but they have been coping with the cold far longer than we have. On Wednesday, our News 6 team visited Gatorland, known as the “alligator capital of the world,” to talk to the experts.
Trial delayed in DeLand dog attack death case, family demands justice and new charges
Read full article: Trial delayed in DeLand dog attack death case, family demands justice and new chargesTwo women who owned dogs that Volusia deputies say killed an 8-year-old boy in DeLand had a hearing today as they prepare for trial.
Orlando says no new bird flu cases among Lake Eola swans, but volunteers still want changes
Read full article: Orlando says no new bird flu cases among Lake Eola swans, but volunteers still want changesWhile no swans at Lake Eola have died from bird flu in the past week, Orlando officials say a dead bird infected with avian influenza has been found at nearby Lake Davis Park. Local volunteers argue this outbreak could indicate broader issues with swan care at the city’s iconic lake.
