One of the world's rarest stick insects has successfully bred at Bristol Zoo raising hope for the critically endangered species.

According to a press release, three pairs of Lord Howe stick insects have mated and laid tiny eggs. It is the first time the species has done so outside of Australia.

Keepers expect the stick insects will become founder members of Europe's first captive breeding programme in an international effort to prevent the species from becoming extinct.

The National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT) is asking people to sign its 'puppy pledge', which aims to prevent pet owners from buying puppies from unlicensed breeders or puppy farmers. The pledge is designed to be taken by all those with an interest in animal welfare, not just puppy buyers.

The pledge calls for people to do three things - read NAWT's puppy buyer checklist for advice on buying a happy, healthy puppy; make sure people check puppies are microchipped and registered by the breeder on an approved database before they visit, and walk away if not; and finally, promote the NAWT puppy pledge by sharing the campaign.

Take the pledge here: www.nawt.org.uk/puppy-pledge

Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS) are calling on vets and veterinary nurses to take part in their Zambezi Canoe Challenge.

The fundraising challenge will take place between 2-10 September and will see participants canoe down the Zambezi river.

As well witnessing the most incredible wildlife, participants will also have a unique opportunity to visit an elephant orphanage in Lusaka where many of these animals are rehabilitated.

For further informationor to book your place visit wvs.org.uk

Over 43,000 people have signed an online petition to make hedgehogs a protected species. Oliver Colvile MP, who launched the petition, has also received more than 3,000 paper signatures. But the petition closes in less than a month and it needs 100,000 signatures to be debated in parliament.

Hedgehog numbers have fallen by a third in urban areas and 50 per cent in rural areas since 2000. Mr Colvile said: "Their numbers are in serious decline and it is our responsibility and duty to help reverse that in any way we can." To sign the petition, visit: petition.parliament.uk/petitions/121264

Following Theresa May's appointment as Prime Minister, Andrea Leadsom has been appointed as the new secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs.

Ms Leadsom, who was previously minister of state at the department of energy and climate change, said on Twitter that she was "Delighted to be Sec of State @DefraGovUK at this historic time!"

She replaces South West Norfolk MP Liz Truss, who has been appointed as justice secretary.

Image (C) Department of Energy and Climate Change

Whipsnade Zoo are celebrating the arrival of Four West African dwarf crocodiles - the first to hatch in 18 years!

Zookeepers say the reptiles, which measure just eight inches long, are already exploring their tropical enclosure and pool within the Zoo's Butterfly House.

Classified as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the crocs will be added to the European Studbook (ESB) for West African dwarf crocodiles.