In the Texas flood zone, volunteers help reunite lost pets with their owners Hundreds of pets have been reported missing after the devastating floods in central Texas. Volunteers have been combing through debris to help reunite them with their owners. Kat Lonsdorf
Thousands celebrate baby hippo Moo Deng's first birthday at a Thailand zoo The Khao Kheow Open Zoo was overrun with Moo Deng fans on the first of four days of activities marking the birthday of the adorable social media sensation. The Associated Press
A battle is unfolding in Europe over the future of wolves Europe recently downgraded the protected status of wolves, sparking concern among conservationists who warn this may undo decades of progress and lead to the species becoming threatened again. Ruth Sherlock
Sea lions are released after toxic algae bloom in California Marine mammal researchers are investigating how sea lions were affected by the longest toxic algal bloom on record off the coast of Southern California. Some sea lions are being released back into the wild. NPR Staff
Man kicked and injured a CBP beagle during airport baggage search An Egyptian traveler who kicked the 25-pound dog was ordered to pay its vet fees and turn himself in for removal from the country. Alana Wise
As California's gray wolf population grows, so do conflicts with ranchers California has seen its Gray Wolf population grow quickly over the last decade. Now, ranchers say the wolves are killing and stressing their livestock. They advocate for more options to ward them off. Manola Secaira
Sea lions return home after toxic algae exposure After the longest toxic algal bloom on record off the southern California coast, marine mammal researchers are investigating how sea lions were affected, and releasing the last few back into the wild. Kira Wakeam
Pilot who died in N.C. plane crash tried to avoid a turtle on airport runway The pilot of a small plane that crashed near an airport tried to avoid hitting a turtle on the runway, according to a National Transportation Safety Board report. The pilot and a passenger were killed. The Associated Press
A new study knocks down a popular hypothesis about why birds sing at dawn The reason why birds make such a racket at dawn is still unclear. But researchers are now pouring cold water on one popular idea about why. James Doubek
Goliath the Galápagos tortoise celebrated his first Father's Day and 135th birthday Goliath had been paired with several female tortoises before, in hopes of producing a hatchling, but the process wasn't successful until earlier this month. Ayana Archie