Japanese bird researcher 1st in the world to prove animals use words, grammar

Good News Notes: “A Japanese researcher studying a bird common to the country’s forests and urban parks has proven for the first time that animals communicate using words and grammar. Toshitaka Suzuki, a 38-year-old assistant professor at Kyoto University’s Hakubi Center for advanced research, first became interested in Japanese tits — each about 15 centimeters…

Ukrainians try to rescue exotic animals from abandoned zoo

Good News Notes: “A group of Ukrainian volunteers is attempting to rescue animals from a private zoo near the capital that was abandoned after the Russian army bombed and occupied the area. Vitaly Mukhanov told ABC News that he had volunteered to help bring supplies to Ukrainian soldiers when he came across the Yasnohorodka family…

TikTok influencer featured in beach cleanup campaign

Good News Notes: “Visit St. Pete/Clearwater and Keep Pinellas Beautiful have teamed up with local TikTok influencer Caulin Donaldson for a new campaign aimed at getting visitors to pick up their beach trash. “I feel so incredibly grateful that I am the one that gets to spread this message with the county,” said Donaldson, 25. “That we’re working…

How 600 Sheep Will Help Maintain a Solar Array

Good News Notes: “Janna Greir, a shepherd in Alberta, Canada, knows solar farms can sometimes be controversial. In rural areas, large arrays take over hundreds of acres of former agricultural land. That can be a tough loss for local farmers, especially ones with links to the land going back generations.  But Greir, a farmer herself…

Burger King Opens a Vegan Location in London with 25 Plant-Based Options

Good News Notes: “On March 14, Burger King’s flagship location in London’s Leicester Square is going entirely vegan. This means the fast-food chain is replacing its regular menu items with all plant-based offerings. The all-vegan Burger King location will be open until April 10, and the one-month trial will help inform the company on whether…

Miami Beach ditches Coke, picks Pepsi as plastic-free drink sponsor

Good News Notes: “The city of Miami Beach is breaking up with Coca-Cola as the city’s exclusive water and soft drink sponsor after Coke wouldn’t reduce the plastic packaging for its products. On Wednesday, the city officially announced its new partner — PepsiCo North America — which is committing to a green new deal with…

Hero vet braves Ukraine battle zone to rescue animals

Good News Notes: “A veterinarian is being hailed as a hero after he navigated war-torn Ukraine to save animals caught in the crossfire of the rising conflict. Jakub Kotowicz has rescued over 200 cats and 60 dogs from Lviv, across three convoys. The 32-year-old entered the war zone last week as part of a caravan from…

Lamb Once Too Weak to Move Is Now Standing Thanks to Wheelchair

Good News Notes: “Kiki the lamb is ready to walk into the next chapter of her life. According to New Hampshire-based pet mobility company Walkin’ Pets, Kiki was born in Massachusetts and struggled in her early days. The lamb’s mother rejected Kiki shortly after birth, which affected the baby animal’s nourishment in her first weeks of…