The Rotorua SPCA has been "flat out" over the holiday period, with the kitten season in full swing. SPCA shelter manager Karen Rolfe

This pair of oystercatchers have set up their nest right in the middle of Mount Maunganui's main surf beach - during the busiest time of the year. Despite being visited by hundreds (maybe even thousands) of holiday-makers, they have hatched two chicks. But they have a long road ahead as they could be trampled by beach-goers or killed by roaming dogs. Source: Kimbirdley

A little blue penguin was spotted in central Christchurch today after making its way up the Avon River.

Bieber has already ditched his pet monkey, a hamster and a snake. Now he's given up his new puppy who needs an $11,300 operation.

A woman barricaded herself in a hallway while a rampaging possum wreaked havoc in her home.

Two people have been attacked hurt by animals in two separate incidents in Northland this afternoon. St John attended the incidents

A wild lizard headed to the beach for a sip of water from a kind human's bottle.

A Gisborne family have made a plea for the return of their stolen husky.

Source: Facebook / Mundoo Island Station

For Pets on the Net founder Kim Buchanan, it is the sheer joy of helping people find their pets that has kept her in the business for 14 years.

Disturbing images of a massive python strangling and consuming a wallaby whole have emerged. WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES

Those visiting Aussie beaches this summer better be careful as tiny, invisible and deadly jellyfish are on a southern invasion.

In a rare occurrence, twin giraffes were born at Auckland Zoo, though sadly one calf had to be put down. According to Auckland Zoo, only about 30 cases of giraffe twins have been reported worldwide. Here is 7-year-old giraffe mum Kiraka with her new female calf.

Footage of a deadly brown snake eating a carpet python in Australia has proved popular internet viewing.

The rare birth of twin giraffes at Auckland Zoo came with a bittersweet blow after one calf had to be put down.

From getting their heads stuck in strange places to getting tangled in lingerie, owners have shared dog fails that are bound to make you laugh out loud.

This week, the Herald takes a look at Kiwis who are dedicated to helping our animals. Today Jamie Morton talks to Project Jonah's Daren Glover.

Last year 60,000 animals, including severely abused dogs and kittens with extra toes, made their way through the doors of the SPCA's

When an Invercargill teen was told she couldn't have a horse, she took matters into her own hands.

Feel dogged by news of the Kardashians this year? We've got another one for you.

New Zealand native bird, the Kaka, is one of bird keeper Sarah Anderson’s favourites – especially cheeky Ned. Join Sarah in the Forest aviary for an early more cashew with a Kaka. 5 January

First one, then another. Bite! Slap! Bite! Before you know it, mosquitoes are descending from the skies to disrupt your backyard summer

This dog found the meat on Christmas Eve, wrapped in tin foil under a tea towel, and had left only a tiny fragment by the time she finished.

Source: LiveLeak. This dog-drawn rickshaw was spotted last week on the streets of Baoding City in the Herbei province, China.

Urgent action is needed to stop the cheetah - the world's fastest land animal - sprinting to extinction, experts have warned.

Stranded on a train track for 2 days, this terrified dog faced certain death. But thanks to her loving companion, Lucy survived the horrifying ordeal.

Andrew Woodward was stoked as he opened his Christmas gifts, but that excitement soon turned to horror - and it was all caught on video.

A massive seal is running amok in Tasmania, with authorities struggling to keep it under control.

With Christmas come and gone, most of us were feeling our most festive - however, there are a few who were struggling to get in the mood.

Taking home a foster pet from a shelter or rescue home can be one of the most rewarding things for animal-lovers of all ages. 'Fostering'