Scientists want an evolutionary explanation for animal play. But maybe the answer is simply: It brings them joy.

Why adults are suddenly into stuffed animals

A new book explores the roots of our love for certain creatures—and our indifference toward many others.

A handful of images of the tens of billions of individual animals divided among some 10,000 species, inhabiting nearly every environment on Earth

Images of animals around the globe, both affected by, and coping with, a suddenly changed world

"Suppose, just suppose, that the Animal Welfare Act were replaced by an animal-rights act, which would prohibit the use by human beings of any animals to their detriment. What would be the effect on medical research, education, and product testing?"  

Writers wonder if animals have minds like ours—and how important that question is: Your weekly guide to the best in books

And why do we yawn at all? YouTube clips of yawning animals offer a hint.

A roundup of animals in the news from recent months, seen from the perspectives of their human observers, companions, captors, and caretakers