WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville
Together, Carol Pearce and her husband, Julian, look after hundreds of animals at their home in Mayo, Florida.
Read More »A Lafayette County couple acts as Noah’s Ark for the county’s surrendered animals
Large alligator killed that menaced Florida paddleboarder in viral video
Florida wildlife officials have now killed a nearly 12-foot alligator that swam within inches of a frightened paddleboarder in a popular state park during an encounter in September recorded on video that went viral. The male alligator – 11 feet, 10 inches long – was shot in the head one …
Read More »Alachua County Youth Fair and Livestock Show builds life skills in competitors
The event, which began with animal weigh-ins and camper check-ins on Thursday and runs through Tuesday, seeks to build confidence and responsibility in students through livestock and other agricultural projects. The students participate in Future Farmers of America and 4-H, two youth agriculture programs available to students through Alachua County Public Schools and the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS).
Read More »Bill permitting development on manatees’ food source stalls in Legislature
TAMPA, Fla. – Environmental advocates are encouraged that a bill to open Florida’s seagrass beds to development – which could be devastating for the dwindling manatee population – has only a slim chance of passing the Legislature this session. “We would be destroying what little seagrass we have left in …
Read More »UF veterinary hospital in Ocala looks to increase quality of care for horses
World Equestrian Center is the largest equine center in the United States, and with the addition of the veterinary hospital, it is likely to continue growing.
Read More »Marion County combating stray animal stereotypes with help of the Humane Society
The Humane Society of Marion County continues to combat animal stereotypes through engaging with community members and promoting educational interactions with children.
Read More »Fort McCoy horse rescue continues to trailblaze amid debt
It began with a few stray horses. If Tina Nichols saw a horse in need, she’d take them in. It didn’t matter if the horse was starving or blind – only if they needed care. When she got up to six horses, Nichols had to find a way to generate …
Read More »Tennis players celebrate American Heart Month
February is American Heart Month. Play Tennis Gainesville hosted clinics to increase outreach about heart health. WUFT visited the clinic to take a closer look.
Read More »Sheriff’s office names new bloodhound Miss Peggy after beloved employee who died from COVID-19
A sheriff’s office in Florida’s Panhandle is naming its new bloodhound puppy “Miss Peggy” in a heart-warming tribute to a beloved, longtime office employee who died after battling COVID-19. Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford over the weekend asked for the blessing of the family of Margaret “Peggy” MacDonald, 63. She …
Read More »UF veterinary oncologist works to take medicine to new heights with melanoma vaccine, model airplane hobby
From an early age in South Africa, model airplanes have been a go-to pastime for Rowan Milner, the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine's small animal clinical sciences director.
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