Happy New Year 2026!

31.12.2025 by Mervi

The year 2025 was again an ‘annus horribilis’ as Queen Elizabeth expressed it in one of her speeches. However, we must try to keep an optimistic mind and hope the lunatic world leaders will forget their mega egos and show at least a piece of intelligence, compassion and goodwill during the new year. I’m asking a miracle but miracles do happen ….

When the times are hard we need a place where to escape the cruel world for at least a moment or two. Of course, we can’t close our eyes for the evil that’s happening in our world but I hope our virtual world of animals and animal lovers will offer you a nice hiding place!

Naturally, we have to deal with sad news even here. We have lost many dear four legged friends during the year.

Kap, Antonia, Hope and many others are now facing the new year in the Bear Heaven.

Not many polar bear cubs were born during 2025 so Mika has been – and is – everybody’s darling.

I’m not writing so much about things that happened during the year – you can read articles in this Magazine if you want to refresh your memories. 🙂

Anna and Elsa in Brno are ready for the new year.

In our virtual world we don’t care if our animal friend live in the East or in the West. We love them anyway!

Belka and Strelka in Novosibirsk have stolen our hearts ….

… and Berit in the Henry Vilas Zoo has charmed us all. She has now two new friends with her – Siku and Nora.

Venus in Ranua is happy about the rebuilt enclosure and, of course, she’s gladly welcoming Kara and Inuvik in Finland.

The Rostock ladies Sizzel, Lili and Noria are getting along just fine in Rostock.

I want to thank all photographers/reporters who have made it possible for me to run this Magazine. I don’t list any names because I might forget someone. I’m truly grateful for your generousity with the photos and videos!

Otis and mama Frimas are happy in the Eindhoven Zoo.

This is an old card with Flocke and her kids Indie, Yuma and Tala but I’m sure they all wish you a happy new year even now that they don’t live together. Flocke & Tala live at the Jimmy’s Farm and Indie & Yuma are still staying in the Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

Sisu and, of course, even his friends Nobby, Hamish, Luka, Indie, Yuma and Brodie in Yorkshire send you their best wishes and greetings.

My thoughts are with all people suffering from the cruelties of war. My special new year greetings go the Mykolayev Zoo in Ukraine.

Sweet Zefirka is hoping there will finally be peace in her country.

Finally I wish all the contributers and readers of this Magazine a very happy New Year! May the year 2026 be better than the year 2025!

Bye bye 2025!

Welcome 2026!