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Whales were happier during the COVID pandemic when humans weren't around, scientists find

Scientists find eastern Australian humpback whales benefited from a reduction in human activity on the ocean during the first year of the pandemic, recording lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. 
A whale splashes around

Horse therapy helps heal trauma and improve wellbeing for First Nations youths

Athena Perkusich says her special bond with a horse helps her connect and relax. She is among thousands of young people benefiting from an equine program in the Kimberley.  
A girl with brown hair standing next to a white horse.

Did you see a series of mysterious fireballs fly through Melbourne's sky overnight? Astronomers say the sightings were 'unusual'

Multiple unrelated fireballs were detected over Victoria last night. Experts say the back-to-back sightings were a "bit of a fluke".
Updated
A streak of light across the night sky over a busy street.

Famous orca Split Fin excites South Coast residents by returning with new family member

With distinctive characteristics, Split Fin and Bent Tip are part of an orca family that has thrilled South Coast residents since being spotted more than 20 years ago.
two orcas pop out of the water with cliffs in the background

Major IVF clinic accused of using the wrong sperm asked to destroy thousands of samples

An audit of Queensland Fertility Group semen samples frozen before 2020 found thousands to be at high risk of misidentification because of a lack of double witnessing, a report by the state's health ombudsman says.
A woman stands in a room with bookshelves behind her. She is looking up and has her hands on her hips.

How would you feel about having a nuclear reactor in your backyard?

Traralgon residents fear the Coalition's proposal to build a nuclear plant nearby will drive down property prices, but some also see it as a chance for an economic boost when the coal power station closes.
A man with a moustache on left, couple at their store's cash register in centre and woman wearing pink and black jacket

Could caretaking at Australia's most isolated bird observatory be the ideal post-retirement gig?

Empty-nesters and retirees are among the volunteers who keep the Eyre Bird Observatory running in "a wild, special place" on the edge of the Nullarbor Plain. So what does it take to be a caretaker here?
Updated
A woman stands on sand dunes.

Paddle boarders risk $30k fine to free humpback whale trapped in shark net

The group says it reported the distressed whale in waters off the Sunshine Coast to authorities but when no-one had arrived almost an hour later, they took action fearing it was "drowning".
A video still of a humpback whale trapped in a shark net.

Plant store becomes goldfish adoption agency to help save pets from the flush

Few things make Tegan Warren as upset as the idea of a goldfish about to be flushed down the toilet.
Updated
Tegan looks at a fish in a bowl

Space trackers and trailblazers reunite to celebrate Australia's starring role in lunar history

It's been six decades since NASA first touched down in outback WA, and it's given current and former residents of Carnarvon plenty of reasons to celebrate.
A large rocket and satellite dish point upwards into the evening sky.

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