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15 Of The Cutest, Cuddliest, And Most Hilarious Animal Stories Of 2021
This year has been full of funny and heartwarming animal stories. From rescue stories to adorable photos, we've got you covered. Celebrate National Puppy Day (any day of the year) with puppy facts and adorable photos. Share your own animal stories with CNN iReport.
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Five-Year-Old Poppy Seller Inspires Community With Dedication to Veterans' Appeal
While most five-year-olds spend their holidays playing or watching cartoons, little Ivy Knighton-Leake has been busy selling poppies to support veterans. The Bradford, England, youngster is believed to be the youngest volunteer helping her local branch of the Royal British Legion ahead of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day. Her dad, Steve Knighton, a former Royal Signaller and liaison officer for the Dog & Gun Wibsey Veterans Group, said Ivy’s involvement was entirely her idea. “Ivy actually asks to volunteer,” he said proudly. “It was all her idea. She wanted to come and sell poppies and have a little shop. Last year she started doing that and we’ve continued this year.” Now in her second year helping with the Poppy Appeal, Ivy spends up to an hour and a half at a time manning a table with her dad at their local Tesco in Buttershaw. “We normally do about an hour, an hour and a half, depending on how Ivy’s feeling, or a bit longer if she’s feeling okay,” her dad said. Asked why she wanted to volunteer, Ivy’s answer was simple: “It makes me happy. I wanted to remember the soldiers.” For those running the appeal, Ivy’s enthusiasm has made a big impression. “Ivy is quite an inspiration,” said Gillian Carr, Poppy Appeal Manager for Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees. “At four years old last year she was our youngest in the area to volunteer at our stalls. Generally, we start at around 18, but we do have our cadets and they start at around 16. Ivy’s such an inspiration — it’s not all about the grown-ups. She’s looking to the future.” Her dad agrees. “It’s important that we hand this over to our next generation as we all get older,” he said. “I’m quite a young veteran myself, but I think it’s important that we inspire young people to get involved and to help and to support and to continue the good movement on.” For Ivy, the motivation is simple — to help others and to honor those who served. And for the veterans who see her in action, it’s a reminder that remembrance isn’t just about looking back, but about passing that spirit forward.
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Scientists Just Cracked The Code For Perfect Spaghetti
Ever wonder why spaghetti holds together so well during cooking? Scientists say the answer lies in gluten — and surprisingly, salt plays a key role too. Researchers at Lund University studied both regular and gluten-free pasta down to the microscopic level using neutron scattering and X-ray techniques. They discovered that gluten acts like a safety net, holding the starch in place and helping pasta keep its shape, even under tough cooking conditions. Gluten-free pasta, on the other hand, lacks this natural support system. It uses artificial structures that can easily break down if not cooked just right. But here's the twist: the amount of salt in the water changes everything. According to senior lecturer Andrea Scotti, pasta boiled in water with the right amount of salt becomes more structurally resilient — and not just tastier. The study could help improve future gluten-free options by making them tougher, more nutritious, and easier to cook. In other words, pasta science is boiling over — and it might change your next dinner. 🍝
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At 65, This Minnesota Woman Discovered her Hidden Strength — and Became a World-Class Powerlifter
When 65-year-old Kathy Casper first walked into a Minneapolis gym, she wasn’t looking to break records. She just wanted to lose a little weight. “I grew up in Highland Park,” she said. “There's seven kids in our family.” She laughs remembering that, as a kid, there was nothing about her that hinted she’d one day become one of the strongest women her age. “Nothing,” she said. “Nothing.” After raising three children and spending decades working as a mental health nurse, Kathy’s life took an unexpected turn. Her marriage ended. Her kids had grown up and moved out. “I didn’t know what I was going to do with myself,” she said. That’s when she walked into Los Campeones Gym in south Minneapolis. Trainer Tyler Caldwell remembers her first day vividly. “When she started, she couldn’t even pick this weight up,” he said, pointing to a 45-pound plate. Kathy nods. “Nope. I couldn’t even squat the bar.” Six years later, things look very different. On a recent afternoon, 120-pound Kathy squatted 135 pounds like it was nothing. “She’s 100 times stronger than she was 10 years ago,” Tyler said. “And not a lot of 65-year-olds can say that.” Her dedication has paid off in medals and records. Kathy now holds several Minnesota powerlifting records and recently represented the United States at the International Powerlifting Federation’s world championships in South Africa, where she won four silver medals in her age and weight classes. Her lifts included a 170-pound squat and a 237-pound deadlift. “I think I unlocked something,” Kathy said. “Never in a million years did I think I would do this.” Her trainer agrees she’s only getting started. “I think she’s got more in the tank,” Tyler said. “She’s just getting warmed up. I honestly think she’s going to be stronger at 70 than 65.” For Kathy, powerlifting isn’t just about strength. It’s about self-discovery — and proving that it’s never too late to surprise yourself. “It's never too late,” she said. From a woman who once couldn’t lift an empty bar to one of the strongest lifters in her class, Kathy’s story is a reminder that sometimes, the best version of yourself is still waiting to be found — no matter your age.
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American Climber Shares Experience After Historic Ski Descent of Mount Everest
For most climbers, summiting Mount Everest is the ultimate achievement — the pinnacle of mountaineering. But for American skier and alpinist Jim Morrison, the summit was just the start. On October 15, Morrison made history by becoming the first person to descend Everest’s infamous Hornbein Couloir on skis — a 9,000-foot, high-risk route so steep and dangerous that only five people have ever successfully climbed it. “It’s very steep, unrelenting, and technically just really challenging the whole way,” Morrison said in an interview with Good Morning America. The daring descent is now the subject of an upcoming National Geographic documentary, produced in collaboration with Morrison’s longtime climbing partner and filmmaker Jimmy Chin — best known for his Oscar-winning film Free Solo. The pair had been working toward the Everest project for five years, and it took three separate attempts to complete. They trained extensively, but Chin emphasized that no amount of preparation can substitute for decades of mountain experience. “You need to really bring all of your experience with risk assessment and understanding the risks and stakes,” he said. Morrison and Chin climbed the north face of Everest and began the descent from just over 1,100 feet below the summit, starting in the Hornbein Couloir and continuing through the Japanese Couloir. The full descent — from 29,032 feet to the base of the mountain — took about four hours. “There’s only about a one-day window each year when conditions are right,” said Chin. “And it happened on the very last day of our permit.” Morrison, now 50, completed the descent at 7:45 p.m. local time, after spending more than six weeks on the mountain. He said reaching the summit was emotionally complex, especially after the loss of his partner, Hilaree Nelson, who died in 2022 during a ski descent on Mount Manaslu in Nepal. “As my friends were taking selfies and celebrating being on the summit of the world's highest mountain, I started getting prepared to ski down,” Morrison said. “I was in a really calculated, focused place where the consequences were extraordinary. I had to be very precise.” The stakes were enormous. “You can't make a single mistake — like a blown edge, or if you slip,” Chin said. “It's pretty high stakes, high consequence.” At the end of the descent, Morrison said the emotions finally caught up with him. “I was just really elated,” he recalled. “Had a huge emotional release. Screamed a lot and cried a lot, and it was really an amazing moment.” Both Morrison and Chin said that fear played a key role in their approach. Not as something to suppress, but as something to work with. “You have to try to decide what part of that fear is irrational,” Morrison said. “What part of it can I channel to focus on what the real risks are?” Chin agreed. “Fear can either serve you or it can debilitate you. You learn how to discern between fear that’s useful and fear that’s not.” For Morrison, this was more than a record-setting feat. It was the culmination of years of work, risk, loss, and persistence — and a new high in the world of high-altitude skiing.
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Chunkosaurus Rex Triumphs In First-Ever Fat Squirrel Week At Dinosaur Valley State Park
In a nut-to-nut battle of fluff and fame, Chunkosaurus Rex of Dinosaur Valley State Park has officially been named Texas royalty — at least when it comes to squirrels. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department wrapped up its first-ever Fat Squirrel Week, a bracket-style showdown between the state’s roundest, most charming squirrel residents. Modeled after Alaska’s beloved Fat Bear Week, this Lone Star spin crowned Chunkosaurus Rex as champion after a week of fierce online voting. The title didn’t come easy. Chunkosaurus Rex had to claw past 15 other worthy contenders, including fan-favorite finalist Chunk Norris from Fort Richardson State Park. When the final acorns were counted — in the form of Facebook likes and comments — the behemoth from Dinosaur Valley came out on top. “Dinosaur Valley is proud to be the home of this behemoth!” the park wrote online. “We appreciate all the support for Chunkosaurus Rex during this hard-fought battle.” The contest, which kicked off October 19, was dreamed up as a playful way to get more Texans engaging with their local wildlife. Sixteen squirrels from 16 different state parks were selected, with each park posting photos and bios of their fluffiest residents. But this wasn’t about weight. As Meridian State Park superintendent Carolanne Brannon explained, “Rather than measuring pounds, this Texas twist focused on heftiness, silliness, and charm.” And the competitors delivered. There was Twiggy Swift from Goose Island State Park. Stanley “The Texas Tank” from Cleburne State Park, known for his “pecan barrel” belly. And Nutella from Lake Mineral Wells, whose “training regimen” included popcorn heists and campsite snack raids “in the name of science.” Chunk Norris gave a strong final push, but in the end, it was Chunkosaurus Rex who won hearts — and the title. “I think this could be a fun way to raise awareness for our state parks,” Brannon said. “No matter the distance or size of our parks, if we're national or state, we all just love the same things.” Fans flooded social media with cheers for the chonky champion. “Was there ever a doubt that Chunkosaurus Rex would be the champion?” one commenter wrote. Others called for an expanded competition next year, more squirrels, and more time to root for their regional rodents. Organizers say they’re already planning a bigger and even more acorn-stuffed event for 2026. Until then, Texas squirrels have their marching orders: it's never too early to start working on that winter physique.
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Forget Dopamine Hacks, Purpose Might Be the Real Path to Happiness For Gen Z
Gen Z is in the middle of an unprecedented mental health crisis. Rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness are sky-high. Nearly half of Gen Zers — people aged 13 to 28 — have already been diagnosed with a mental health condition. And over 70% say they feel stressed about money, work, or the future. They’re also the most digitally connected generation in history, and ironically, one of the loneliest. Many say social media makes things worse, whether through algorithm-driven emotional manipulation or the constant comparison game with influencers who seem to have it all together. In response, a whole ecosystem of self-help trends has sprung up — dopamine detoxes, therapy-speak, happiness influencers. But new research suggests that a far simpler solution might work better: helping young people find a sense of purpose. A $400 experiment with big results Psychologist Anthony Burrow at Cornell University wanted to know what would happen if you simply gave students the chance to do something meaningful — no strings attached. So in 2019, he launched The Contribution Project. Students were handed $400 and told to use it to “pursue what matters most,” whether that meant helping themselves, their communities, or their families. The impact was immediate and measurable. Compared to peers who didn’t receive the contribution, students who got the $400 scored significantly higher on well-being, belonging, usefulness, and sense of purpose. The effects lasted for up to eight weeks after receiving the money. The idea wasn’t about buying happiness. It was about unlocking it through contribution. “Invite people to think about a contribution they want to make and help them make that contribution,” Burrow told The Washington Post, “and that person may walk around with greater purpose than if they hadn’t done that.” Even more striking: 95% of students used the funds to benefit others. Why Gen Z needs purpose now more than ever It’s not just that purpose feels good — it seems to directly protect against poor mental health. A recent study found that 58% of young adults said they felt little to no meaning in their lives in the past month. Half of them said their mental health was negatively affected by not knowing what to do with their life. That lack of direction is tied to the erosion of traditional sources of meaning. Faith, community, and even long-term career paths — the places people once looked to for purpose — are less stable or accessible than they used to be. Unsurprisingly, those who reported lacking a sense of purpose were twice as likely to struggle with anxiety and depression. The Contribution Project may seem small, but it points to something powerful: when people are given the opportunity — and the permission — to contribute in ways that matter to them, their mental health improves. Not because they’re chasing happiness, but because they’re creating meaning. It turns out, purpose might not just be the key to feeling better. It might be the thing we’re missing most.
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Astronomers Discover Trio Of Earth-Size Planets In Binary Star System, Just Like Tattooine in Star Wars
Astronomers have discovered a record-breaking trio of Earth-sized planets orbiting not one, but two stars — a find that challenges long-held assumptions about planet formation in binary systems. Using NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), a team of researchers has identified three rocky worlds in the TOI-2267 system, located about 190 light-years from Earth. What makes this discovery especially significant is that each of the system’s two stars hosts its own transiting planets — the first time this has ever been observed. "This makes TOI-2267 the first binary system known to host transiting planets around both of its stars," said Sebastián Zúñiga-Fernández, a researcher at the University of Liège and a member of the discovery team. Binary systems — where two stars orbit each other — were long thought to be too chaotic for stable planetary systems to form, especially when the stars orbit in close proximity. The gravitational forces in such “compact binaries” were expected to disrupt planet formation or destabilize any planets that did manage to form. But TOI-2267 defies that expectation. Not only have three planets formed, but two orbit one of the stars, while the third orbits the companion star. It’s a rare and unexpected arrangement that suggests planetary formation in binary systems may be more robust than once believed. “Our discovery breaks several records,” said Francisco J. Pozuelos, study co-leader and researcher at the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía. “It is the most compact and coldest pair of stars with planets known, and it is also the first in which planets have been recorded transiting around both components.” The three Earth-sized planets were first hinted at through data collected by TESS and flagged using a custom detection tool called SHERLOCK. That prompted the team to conduct follow-up observations using several ground-based observatories specially equipped for hunting small exoplanets around faint stars. These included the SPECULOOS network in Chile and Tenerife and the twin TRAPPIST telescopes in Belgium. With their help, the researchers confirmed the existence of the planets and uncovered the unexpected structure of the system. "This system is a true natural laboratory for understanding how rocky planets can emerge and survive under extreme dynamical conditions," Pozuelos said. Beyond breaking records, the TOI-2267 system opens the door to deeper exploration. Because of their size and location, these planets are prime candidates for future study with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and upcoming ground-based telescopes. Scientists hope to gather precise data on the planets' masses, densities, and potentially even their atmospheric chemistry. “Discovering three Earth-sized planets in such a compact binary system is a unique opportunity,” said Zúñiga-Fernández. “It allows us to test the limits of planet formation models in complex environments and to better understand the diversity of possible planetary architectures in our galaxy.” The system also offers a visually compelling possibility: dual sunsets. Much like the fictional planet Tatooine in Star Wars, the worlds in TOI-2267 could experience starsets from both their suns — an evocative image that underscores how strange and varied planetary systems can be. The team’s findings were published on October 24 in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics.
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NICU Babies Embrace Halloween Spirit With Spooky Costumes
Tiny patients in a neonatal intensive care unit have donned their spookiest outfits for Halloween. The premature and poorly babies - who are in the Cleveland Clinic Children's NICU - got into the Halloween spirit by dressing as a ladybug, boxer, and cheerleader for the celebration. Other tots in the unit wore outfits such as a penguin, a football, a skeleton, and Sully from Monsters Inc. to celebrate the spooky season. The miniature costumes were donated - some outfits were even crocheted outfits by NBabies in NICU don spooky outfits for Halloween ICU caregivers, while others were brought in by parents. "Dressing our babies in costumes brings moments of connection to families during what can be an uncertain time," said Julie Gamary, NICU nurse manager. "It's a small gesture that helps families celebrate milestones and create special memories, even in the hospital setting. During what can be an emotional time for our families, we hope this fun event brings them joy. We'd say Halloween couldn't be sweeter."
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Wearable Patch Detects Early Signs Of Deadly Skin Cancer, Offering Hope For Easier Home Screening
A new wearable patch could transform how we detect the deadliest form of skin cancer — without the need for needles, batteries, or even a trip to the doctor. Developed by researchers at Wake Forest University in North Carolina, the lightweight patch can pick up early signs of melanoma by measuring subtle changes in the skin’s electrical properties. It’s battery-free, chip-free, and wireless, making it a promising tool for at-home screening. “Skin cancer is most treatable when caught early,” said Dr. Mohammad Moghimi, who led the development. “But many people don’t have easy access to specialised dermatology care.” That’s what the patch is designed to change. Using a small external reader, the patch detects what’s known as bioimpedance — a measure of how easily electrical signals pass through tissue. Cancerous lesions tend to have different electrical profiles than healthy skin, and this tool can pick up those differences. In a small trial of 10 volunteers, researchers placed the patch over a suspicious mole or lesion and then over nearby healthy skin. The device used safe, low-level electrical signals to measure bioimpedance, and statistical analysis showed clear differences between normal and abnormal tissue. “It could empower patients and primary care providers to monitor suspicious skin lesions and seek help sooner,” Moghimi said. Unlike standard methods that rely on visual inspection or invasive biopsies, the patch offers objective, numerical data — reducing the chances of missed diagnoses and unnecessary procedures. It also works across all skin tones, a key benefit in a field where darker skin has often been underserved or misdiagnosed. Beyond its technical promise, the patch is also designed to be practical. It’s disposable, low-cost, and doesn’t rely on built-in electronics, making it easier to scale for wider use. The team hopes to improve the device further by adding conductive hydrogel electrodes for better comfort and accuracy. Larger clinical trials are planned to evaluate its effectiveness in real-world settings and to see how reliably it can distinguish between benign and malignant lesions. “Our goal is to make early skin cancer detection accessible to everyone,” Moghimi said. “By providing a tool that can be used at home or in primary care settings, we hope to reduce the number of missed or late diagnoses and improve patient outcomes.” The study was published in the journal npj Biomedical Innovations.
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A Nonprofit Rescued 180 Dogs And A Turtle After Devastating Floods in Alaska
When historic flooding forced hundreds of Alaskans to evacuate remote villages earlier this month, many had no choice but to leave their pets behind. Now, a small but determined nonprofit has stepped in to rescue them — including at least 180 dogs and, in one case, a classroom turtle. Bethel Friends of Canines (BFK9), an animal rescue based in the western Alaska hub of Bethel, has been working around the clock to reach villages cut off by floodwaters and high surf from the remnants of Typhoon Halong. The storm slammed into Alaska’s western coast with strong winds and heavy waves, triggering evacuations in communities with no road access in or out. For BFK9, that isolation posed one of the biggest challenges. “It is hard for people outside of Alaska, and even some in Alaska, to fathom not being able to just drive and save these dogs,” said Jenna Stewart, the nonprofit's director of development. Instead, the group has relied on an informal network of pilots and small airlines willing to fly into affected areas with kennels — and fly out with animals in tow. The organization, which normally takes in around 500 animals a year, has more than tripled its usual pace in just a few weeks. They’ve also leaned on locals who stayed behind. In Kipnuk, one of the hardest-hit villages, a group of teachers and residents began gathering dogs for the rescue flights. Without proper carriers, they got creative. “The first dogs they sent in to us arrived in a plastic tote and a couple puppies in a Spiderman backpack,” said Stewart. “They had nothing else to hold these dogs, but knew they had to get out of the village and to safety with BFK9.” The group has rescued mostly dogs, though this month marked a first: a red-eared slider turtle, once a classroom pet, is now recovering in Bethel under the care of a local vet. Cats are rarely found in Alaska’s remote coastal communities, Stewart said. The group might see three to five cats a year, at most. Once the dogs reach Bethel, the work isn’t done. BFK9 immediately begins efforts to reunite them with their owners. In tight-knit communities where “everyone knows everyone’s dog,” as Stewart put it, that process is usually straightforward. For unidentified animals, the group shares photos online, and offers temporary foster care until the owners are ready. But not every dog is easy to catch. As of Friday, BFK9 was still hearing from villages about animals in need of help. “A lot of these dogs left out there are the scared ones,” said Stewart. “They are so scared, and so confused and are hiding. This ordeal is far from over.” The rescue operation has drawn support from across the state and beyond. BFK9 is now partnering with national and local groups like Humane World of Animals, Best Friends Animal Rescue, and the August Fund in Anchorage to house and care for rescued dogs. Stewart says the outpouring of help has been overwhelming — and essential. “Bethel Friends of Canines has an incredible village,” she said. “We are doing great things, but we couldn't do it without all the people helping us.” With more flood-affected animals still being reported, the group isn’t slowing down anytime soon.