• Polar bears are back in Britain. But should they really be living here?

    Polar bears are back in Britain. But should they really be living here?
    In 2000, only one of these Arctic beasts was resident in the UK. Now there are 16. Is there any benefit to captivity for this climate-ravaged species?A small boy calls out the sights as the train speeds through the Suffolk countryside from London Liverpool Street.“Tractor. Church. Pigs. Polar bear! Dad! A polar bear!”Sailors visit the polar bear enclosure at London zoo in 1930. Below: a bear at Dudley Zoo in Worcestershire, 1937 (left), and Brumas, the first baby polar bear to be suc
  • Animals become less sociable as they age in similar way to humans, research shows

    Animals become less sociable as they age in similar way to humans, research shows
    While decline in interactions is seen as negative for humans, it can have health benefits for animalsWhile Victor Meldrew was a cantankerous caricature, humans are known to become less social as they get older. Now researchers say we are not alone with many animals behaving in the same way – and the trait is not always a bad thing.Experts studying animals from wild deer to insects, monkeys and birds have revealed a host of insights into the relationship between age and social connections.

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