'Pawsome' Animal Tales In Essex County: A Look Back At 2021

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A “miracle dog.” Debunked rumors of an escape at the zoo. And a professor who gets his kicks jamming with the cicadas. That’s Essex County for you.

Essex County has seen its share of animal tales in 2021. Catch up with some of the year’s most interesting stories below.

NJ 'Miracle Dog' Who Survived Gas Chamber Dies In Nutley

Daniel the beagle's amazing survival story inspired a movement in his wake.

Animals Didn't Escape Turtle Back Zoo In Storm, Official Says

Things got hectic as the remnants of Hurricane Ida passed through New Jersey. But a social media rumor isn't true about the zoo, an official says.

NJ Music Professor Finds His Zen Jamming With Cicadas (WATCH)

David Rothenberg: "Playing along with these guys is like joining into a fantastic trove with millions of singers."

Movement To Save Butterflies, Pollinators Growing In Essex County

The migration of the monarch is one of nature's most awe-inspiring feats. These NJ gardeners are trying to save it for another generation.

Bald Eagle Survives Brush With Death, Lands At Turtle Back

"Freedom" has officially arrived in Essex County. Ironically, the bird was saved by gunfire.

Spring Bear Sighting In Essex County: 'Stay Clear,' Officials Say

Black bears are an integral part of the state's natural heritage and a vital component of healthy ecosystems, NJ wildlife authorities say.

Turtle Back Zoo Celebrates Birth Of Its First Baby Sloth

Things are moving fast for an infamously slow critter at the Turtle Back Zoo in New Jersey.

Firefighter Wades Into Nutley River To Rescue Panicked Dog

They got wet. They got bit. But in the end, they saved a dog's life, authorities say.

No Shadow For 'Essex Ed' On Groundhog Day 2021: VIDEO

An annual Groundhog Day tradition in Essex County produced a bit of good news on a dreary winter day.

K-9 Dog At Newark Airport Sniffs Out Suspicious 'Swine Sausages'

Some police dogs are trained to find bombs. Others are taught to detect drugs. Kody sniffs for sausages.

Cat Survives Ride Underneath Hood Of Car, Found In Bloomfield

A driver discovered the cat when they parked their car in Bloomfield. He suffered some bumps and bruises, as well as a broken jaw.

Future Guide Dogs Take Flight In Essex County: Photos

The mission? Transport some adorable pooches to their "puppy raisers," who will train them to be guide dogs for people with vision loss.

Dog Saved In Essex County After Falling Through Pond Ice

A "pawsome" animal rescue took place in Essex Fells after two dogs fell through the ice of a pond at a local golf club, police said.

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