Equus

Spain’s weak economy leads families to abandon domesticated horses to die

Spain’s economic recovery has been slow — if at all. And as the economic malaise persists, families are making choices about what they spend. So, when the $400 bill comes to keep a horse another month, many families are saying no more and abandoning them. Within months, the horses are dead, if not rescued.

In Spain, Horses the Latest Victims in Economic Slump

Global Politics

Wild Horses Spark Debate Among Wyoming Ranchers

The World

Horse Whispering

Prison Ponies

The World

Putting Zebra Mussels to Work

Normally a nuisance to native species in eastern US waters, the exotic Zebra mussel is now being employed by home aquarium owners as living filters. But what at first seemed like a good, low cost alternative to mechanized filters, has now proven to have its drawbacks. Kevin Niedermeier reports from Cleveland.

The World

The Future of the Barrier Island Horses

Melinda Penkava reports from the outer banks of North Carolina on the fate of the islands’ wild horses. Horses roam freely on the barrier islands along the US southeastern coast, but for how long? Development is shrinking their range and the horses’ destructive grazing habits may pose a threat to the delicate barrier islands themselves.

The World

Running with Horses

In the West, lack of rain for several years has dried up plants that herds of wild horses depend on for food. Groups of committed volunteers round up horses and feed them, but many starve. Arizona Public Radio’s Laurel Druley reports some favor a different alternative.

The Living on Earth Almanac

This week, facts about wild horses. The Kentucky Derby features some of the most well-bred equines, but in the western U.S. wild horses still roam free.

The World

Birdman

Arts, Culture & Media

Paul Bartlett was slogging through a PhD in animal behavior when he decided he would rather be painting. Bartlett finished his studies, left behind the zebra finches in his research lab, and now depicts razorbills, puffins, and other shore life in his native Scotland. Produced by Ari Daniel Shapiro.