Daily News Lesson

SHOW ALL

Feb. 10, 2023, 6:58 a.m.

Top stories: Monkey theft, leopard escape + News wrap 2/10/23 + Student video

Summary

The mystery of two missing monkeys and the death and disappearance of other animals from the Dallas Zoo has captured the country’s attention over the last couple of weeks. Wednesday at the Houston Zoo, zookeepers are on high alert after a cut was discovered in the mesh fence around the pelican habitat. Authorities are still trying to pin down exactly what has happened.
News wrap alternative : Check out the latest segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching! You can make a Google doc copy of our Five Facts and discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.

Five Facts

  • Who are the individuals and creatures involved in this story?
  • What are the circumstances surrounding the incidents in Houston and other zoos across the country?
  • Where and when are the incidents of sabotage taking place?
  • Why did Davion Irvin say he was freeing the animals? Why do authorities say these were acts of sabotage and animal cruelty?
  • How should managers better protect zoos from break-ins?

Focus Questions

What do you think should happen in cases of zoo break-ins and sabotage? Would Davion Irvin agree with the word 'sabotage'? What are other ways to try to protect animals inside zoos? Media literacy : What follow-up questions would you ask the zoo mangers and police officials featured in this story? What questions would you ask Irvin? Alternative : See, Think, Wonder : What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What story would you want to find out more about? Where would you go to learn more?

For More

What students can do : Learn about what some zoos are doing to protect animals using this Student Reporting Labs story, Animal Rehabilitation at the Chattanooga Zoo .

Student Video of the Day


Fill out this form to share your thoughts on Classroom’s resources. Sign up for NewsHour Classroom’s ready-to-go Daily News Lessons delivered to your inbox each morning.

SUPPORTED BY VIEWERS LIKE YOU. ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY:

Copyright © 2025 NewsHour Production LLC. All Rights Reserved

Illustrations by Annamaria Ward