FL Animal Tales: St. Pete Chickens, Manta Ray Greets Officers

FLORIDA — In case you missed them, here are some of Florida Patch's best animal and pet stories from the past week.

Watch: Manta Ray Swims Up To Sarasota Police's Marine Patrol Unit

Officers came across the manta ray as they patrolled the Gulf waters just north of New Pass on Saturday.

Sheriff Facebook Fans Speculate On Pup's Involvement In Car Theft

Bandit was returned to his owner unharmed, but the sheriff's office honored the gutsy little dog with the title of honorary K-9 for the day.

'Sadism Or Pure Incompetence': Who's Duct-Taping Florida Gators?

Someone has used duct tape at least three times to close the mouths, shut the eyes and bind the legs of alligators, and no one knows why.

Watch: New Body Cams Capture Police Rescue Of Dog In Hot Car

Sarasota police are rolling out their new body-worn camera program and training officers to use the Axon Body 3, Axon Flex 2 cameras.

Chicken Life: Clementine Rules The Burlington Roost

A St. Pete family made up for lack of entertainment during the pandemic with three chickens who provide a show with their personalities.

Watch: Lost Sheep Rescued After Wandering Bradenton Streets

A lost lamb "was having a b-a-a-a-a-d night" Thursday until it was rescued by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

ZooTampa Celebrates Mother's Day With Birth Of Rare Eastern Bongo

Just in time for Mother's Day, ZooTampa is celebrating the birth of a critically endangered Eastern bongo.