Our regular reminder that there is great conservation work being done by wonderful people.

(Featured image credit: Nubian giraffe in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda. Valmulondo, Wikimedia Commons)

1. Scientists have identified a new species of penguin for the first time in more than 100 years!

The first of two ‘new species’ stories from recent days: a timely reminder that just when we think we’re getting a handle on the diversity of nature, it’s going to surprise us every time.

Scientists have identified a new species of penguin for the first time in more than 100 years. The gentoo penguin found in the Antarctic and on remote islands in the Indian Ocean had historically been treated as a single species.

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— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost.com) 29 September 2026 at 22:15

2. After 150 years, kiwi once again live in the hills surrounding Wellington

And the first of a couple of ‘species returning’ stories. It is wonderful when re-wilding works, and the places in which we live become more alive.

For the first time in 150 yrs, kiwi once again live in the hills surrounding Wellington. More than 250 were successfully translocated back to the region, thanks to the efforts of the iwi (nations of Aotearoa), community members, and the Capital Kiwi Project. They join the podcast this week:

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— Mike DiGirolamo (@mikedigirolamo.bsky.social) 29 September 2026 at 21:50

3. In war-torn South Sudan, giraffes retain a surprisingly healthy gene pool

Conservation stories are seldom simply good or bad. This one reminds us that, amid all the human horror of war and conflict, nature can be remarkably resilient.

DNA analysis of critically endangered Nubian giraffes in South Sudan reveals surprisingly strong genetic health and low inbreeding despite decades of war. The findings suggest the region is a crucial genetic stronghold and underscore the value of conserving conflict-affected areas.

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— Mongabay (@mongabay.com) 30 September 2026 at 17:35

4. The first new cat species described since 1923

The second of our ‘new species’ stories, reminding us of nature’s great diversity and the value of every population, however small.

Discovered in Bolivia’s Yungas cloud forests, the tilcayo is the first new living cat species described in over a century. Genetic analysis revealed the tiny feline diverged from other tiger cats 1.4 million years ago, confirming a truly novel species rather than a reclassification.

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— Mongabay (@mongabay.com) 29 September 2026 at 20:18

5. Bluefin tuna return to British waters

Yes, they used to be here, and yes, it’s not only improved fisheries management but also climate change that is facilitating their return. But nevertheless, how wonderful to see these magnificent animals returning to my little home island where, when I was a kid, our more fearsome animal was a rabbit having a bad-hair day.

Country diary: The breathtaking sight of a tuna taking flight in British waters | Anita Roy

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— Guardian Environment (@environment.theguardian.com) 3 October 2026 at 05:35

6. A critically endangered Grauer’s gorilla has given birth in DRC’s Virunga National Park

There’s nothing more touching than a ‘gorilla overcomes adversity’ story. We look forward to a time when she doesn’t face adversity in the first place!

Rescued from wildlife traffickers in 2016 and reintroduced to the wild in 2024, a critically endangered Grauer’s gorilla named Lulingu has given birth in DRC’s Virunga National Park. Conservationists say the birth marks a major milestone for the world’s largest primate. mongabay.cc/M62FJ2

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— Mongabay (@mongabay.com) 29 September 2026 at 17:35

7. And finally, a reminder that amid myriad other ecosystem services, nature can also make us smile.

Comedy wildlife photography award finalists 2026 – in pictures

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— Guardian Environment (@environment.theguardian.com) 3 October 2026 at 06:02

Have a wonderful and optimistic week! Go protect something amazing!

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Wildlife Conservationist at Conservation Optimism
I have been fascinated by wildlife and the natural world since I was a young child, and a conservationist since I worked out what the word ‘endangered’ means. I spent many years working on long-term projects in Africa and Asia Later, I monitored and evaluated conservation projects across the European Union. In more recent years I’ve worked on climate change at WWF, tigers and elephants at the Zoological Society of London, coral reefs and cetaceans in various places, and most recently before joining Conservation Optimism in 2024 I was Managing Director at Save the Rhino International. I have over 30 years of experience in conservation and sustainable development, which is a nice way of saying I'm getting old. But I still wonder at our beautiful world every day, and I love helping to support and guide the next generation of brilliant conservationists.