Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Shuttle blasts birds heavenward

Saturday 04 March 1995 19:02 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

An animal rights group is asking the US Fish and Wildlife Service to punish the space agency Nasa for failing to remove a great horned owl and three hatchlings from the space shuttle pad before its launch.

All four birds were killed when Endeavour blasted off on Thursday. "They've delayed launch for various reasons and saving the lives of infant animals is a pretty good reason," said Leslie Gerstenfeld-Press, a biologist of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Nasa knew that the adult owl was there, but didn't know about the hatchlings until their bodies were found on the tower.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in