Island survivor: A tiny dog named Valerie managed to survive alone in the wild for 529 days on Kangaroo Island, off the southern coast of Australia. The miniature dachshund vanished during a camping trip and avoided rescue efforts for months, despite trail cameras, food traps, and even her owner's scent being used to lure her in. Volunteers with a local wildlife group finally gained her trust by sitting calmly with treats and familiar objects, waiting until she was ready. After countless hours and kilometres travelled, they brought her to safety. Though she's still adjusting, Valerie's story has warmed many hearts. Against all odds, the little dog proved just how far resilience can go.
Lifeline calls: In the small village of Sharrington in England, residents rallied to save their historical red phone box by queueing up to make dozens of calls in a single day. Though slated for removal due to low usage, the booth has served as an emergency resource for locals and visitors alike, including paramedics unable to get mobile reception. The campaign's leader says the surge in calls shows strong support and that the box is more than a relic, it's a real necessity. Community members described it as a piece of history and a symbol of unity, especially in an area where vital services have slowly disappeared. Whether or not the phone company moves ahead with removal, the signal from locals is loud and clear.
Tortoise breakthrough: A century-old Galapagos tortoise has become a first-time mother, marking a milestone for a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA zoo and a hopeful step for her endangered species. The hatchlings' parents, who are two of the zoo's oldest tortoises, were paired through a breeding program designed to protect this rare subspecies. Four babies recently emerged and are now growing behind the scenes, with more eggs still being monitored. The mother, known as Mommy, had never passed on her genes, making these hatchlings especially valuable. With so few of these tortoises in captivity, each new arrival adds critical genetic diversity. Their tiny steps mark meaningful progress for conservation.
Face rocks: In Chichibu, Japan, an unusual museum houses more than a thousand naturally formed rocks that bear a striking resemblance to human faces. Known as Chinsekikan, or the Hall of Curious Rocks, the collection includes stones that unintentionally mirror everything from famous musicians to cartoon characters. None are carved, but each was shaped solely by nature, then spotted for its personality-packed expression. The founder, who spent decades collecting these stony lookalikes, insisted on no alterations, preferring only rocks that seemed to gaze back on their own. Experts say the shapes result from mineral fractures, weathering, and erosion that mimic facial features. Still, whether you see Elvis or E.T., it's hard not to smile back.