animals

Clinical Nutrition Heats Up in China’s Pet Health Industry

Timely reports on issues and events from across China. Drawing on a vast range of sources, these succinct articles provide insights into the significance of each issue in a wider context.

NEWS

With an increasing number of elderly pet cats and dogs in China, veterinary experts are calling for better treatment of pets based on science about nutrition.

Fan Yiying

In China, Pet Psychics and Their True Believers 

From making requests for their owner’s funeral attire to sharing their plans in the afterlife, pet psychics in China are making pets’ voices heard — and making big bucks while doing it.

He Qitong

The Villages Caught Up in China’s Massive Panda Conservation Drive

Articles that cut to the core of contemporary China. In-depth, informed, and carefully crafted, every piece is carried by the voices of the story’s participants.

FEATURES

China has created a giant new national park to protect its wild pandas. There’s just one problem: Tens of thousands of people already live there.

Ni Dandan

Netizens Go Crazy For Cockroaches’ Northern Expedition 

As temperatures rise across the country, northern residents are reporting increased cockroach sightings. Unable to deal with their new reality, some are turning to spiritual solutions.

Yang Caini

Controversy Over China’s Captive Breeding Rumbles On

Translations, cross-publications, and collaborative projects from Sixth Tone’s external partners. 

SIXTH TONE ×

As a five-year legal case on macaque breeding closes in Henan, concerns remain about China’s new wildlife protection law.

China Dialogue

Shanghai Court Convicts ‘Goddess of Medicine’ in Cat Drug Scam

She earned the nickname for developing a cure for a deadly cat disease. Then her involvement in shady business dealings came to light, leading to her arrest.

Zhu Yinran

Rare Raptors Found Dead Near Chinese National Park: Volunteers

While wildlife volunteers say the birds died due to electrocution, authorities denied the claim and said the deaths were being investigated.

Li Xin

Can China’s Cat Cafés Build Awareness for Animal Rights?

Contributions from individuals with unique perspectives to share. Hear from everyone, from experts and commentators to those whose voices are often marginalized.

VOICES & OPINION

Or are they just another site of exploitation?

Zhao Yizheng

How a Chinese Town Made a Fortune From the World’s Lockdown Pets

During the pandemic, millions around the world adopted cats and dogs to keep them company during lockdown. That produced a bonanza for a small factory town in eastern China.

China Wakes Up to Danger From Illegal Lab Monkey Trade

In China, thousands of wild-caught monkeys are being illegally certified as captive-bred and used in clinical trials for new drugs and vaccines. The practice poses a severe public health risk, experts warn.

Li Pasha

China’s Plant-Based Meat Industry Falters After Initial Hype

The meat alternatives have failed to break through the mainstream in China, amid a slowing down of the industry globally.

Ye Zhanhang

Outrage as Chinese Man is Caught on Tape Butchering Wife’s Dog

While the man has since been arrested, the incident has reignited calls for legislation to prevent cruelty to animals.

In China, Panda Superfans Want More Than Just Bear Necessities 

Panda fans have grown beyond sharing adorable videos. Their intense passion and online influence can even impact park management and policy.

Wu Peiyue

Chinese ‘Hachiko’ Encourages Moviegoers to Adopt Pets 

The film sheds light on stray dogs that have mostly been abandoned by their owners.

The Forgotten History of Hong Kong’s Tigers

It has been several decades since a tiger was last spotted in Hong Kong. But big cats were far more common in the city — and for far longer — than most realize, a new book claims.

Faye Bradley

In China’s Chongqing, Police Squirrels Can Now Sniff out Drugs

The Chongqing police believe drug-sniffing squirrels may perform even better than dogs.

Bunny Business Picks Up in the Year of the Rabbit 

While some people are getting pet rabbits, demand for other rabbit-related items has also surged.

Fishing for Likes With China’s ‘Fish Tail Guy’

Boat pilot captures the imagination with photos of colorful research specimens caught around the world.

The Paper

Elephant in the Courtroom: In Yunnan, a Landmark Lawsuit Begins

In a legal first, a nonprofit is suing a popular tourism company in southwest China for using elephants in public performances, arguing that its training methods amount to animal abuse.

In Southwest China, Dozens of Unique Species Have Quietly Gone Extinct

The lakes of Yunnan province were once teeming with endemic species of fish and other freshwater wildlife. But their unique biodiversity is rapidly being lost.