New Polar Bear Cub Pics, a Baby Giraffe, Invading Owls, & Dogs on Parade

German born polar bear cub Flocke, meaning snow flake, was growing fast, according to her keepers at the Tiergarten Zoo in Nuremberg, this week.

The almost five week-old cub was in excellent condition, according to the zoo's animal doctor Dr Bernhard Neurohr but it remained under careful watch as it was still highly vulnerable to illness due to its young age.

Flocke was taken into care two weeks ago after keepers became concerned at the ability of her mother, Vera, to raise cubs.

She has since captured the public's affection, with her first appearances on camera.

The latest pictures of Germany's new favorite polar bear were released on Sunday.

The Houston Zoo has a new family member - a baby giraffe.

Veterinarians say the calf was born Friday night.

Right now, the little one is sleeping a lot but is reported to be healthy.

Zoo officials are now trying to come up with a name for the six-feet tall tot.

Bird watchers in Chicago are getting a rare treat this winter.

Some long-eared owls have found a home in a park very close to downtown. The reclusive bird is more at home in the woods and is almost never seen in the city.

The owls are native to Illinois but usually spend springs and summers in Canada. Park officials don't know why they stopped in Chicago on their migration south.

Ten owls were seen in the park in November, but that number has been reduced to three. Officials believe they've stayed because they're finding plenty of mice and rats to feed on.

It's so rare to see the long-eared owl in the city that park officials do not want their exact location to be known. They fear too many birders will come see the owls and drive them away.

Stotz "It's a little unusual for them to be in the city. More typically you will find them in rows of pines in rural areas or forest preserves."

It was a dog day in Missouri after thousands of furry friends and their  owners celebrated Mardi Gras Sunday.

Thousands of dogs dressed in costume for the Annual Barkus Pet Parade in the Soulard neighborhood in St. Louis. Their owners got in on the fun too. Some said they stayed up all night getting ready.

The event helped raise money for the Open Door Animal Sanctuary, a no kill shelter.

Sharon Elfrink - "Having my babies made over. I mean, everybody.They're almost getting a reputation."