The Muppets Do Queen
We don't know why this is a real thing, but thank you Internet.
Filed under: Critters
Puppy Dog Warms Stone Cold's Heart
Former whoopass can opening, brewski slamming, man crushing wrestler "Stone Cold" Steve Austin was rendered absolutely defenseless yesterday after he locked horns with a fluffy-wuffy, cuddly-wuddly little puppy dog while in Canada.
What a stunner.
Filed under: Paparazzi Photo, Critters
Skating with the Bears
This is why bears attack people.
The Russian Ice Circus has gone against the laws of nature and put skates on a bear and trained him to play hockey.
There's gonna be a face-off ... and it ain't gonna involve a puck.
Filed under: Talk Sports, Critters
One Thousand Angry Spiders ... On a Plane?!
Even Samuel L. Jackson isn't badass enough to handle this nightmare. Some English pet shop owner was busted in an airport in Brazil for trying to smuggle 1,000 LIVE SPIDERS onto an airplane. 
He almost made it too -- dude was arrested on Wednesday right before he boarded his flight back to Europe at Rio de Janeiro's international airport ... when an x-ray of his suitcases revealed he was traveling with an army of illegal 8-legged cargo ... including tarantulas.
He hoped to sell the creepy crawlies once he got home -- but now faces up to a year in jail if convicted of animal trafficking, plus millions in fines.
Filed under: Critters
Pro Paddleboarder Spots Whale Tail
... and not of the exposed thong variety.
While filming a TV project in September, paddleboarding champ Jamie Mitchell got up close and very personal with a humpback whale off the coast of Australia -- and the footage is pretty incredible.
At one point, the giant mammal was literally inches from Mitchell -- who never loses his footing.
Filed under: Paparazzi Video, Talk Sports, Critters
Despite Son's Death, Pooch Still Goes Gaga
Sure, Lady Gaga dons a bunch of crazy outfits and dances her ass off in the new video for "Bad Romance," but what we really care about: The return of Lava, the Great Dane whose son was found dead last month.
As TMZ previously reported, Lava and son Rumpus were featured in Gaga's videos for "Paparazzi," "Love Game" and "Poker Face," but Rumpus died unexpectedly in October after a hike in Los Angeles.
Like a true professional, Lava carried on without her pup ... and managed to pull it together for the 8 second appearance above.
Jackson Kids Save the Day
Meddling kids and Scooby Doo go hand-in-hand -- so it makes total sense that Michael Jackson's kids helped save a dog named Scooby Roo.
As we told you last month, Prince and Paris Jackson saw Scooby on the news and decided to help out. Well it worked -- Scooby was outfitted with a custom cart this weekend.
Fuzzy Rescue, the organization that rescued Scooby, tells us it will take about 1-2 weeks for him to get used to the car -- and he'll be running around in no time.
Filed under: Michael Jackson, Critters, Photo Galleries, Exclusives
Lady Gaga Music Video Star Found Dead
There is an investigation under way into the mysterious death of an actor who starred in multiple Lady Gaga music videos -- a 5-year-old Great Dane named Rumpus. 
Rumpus, who was featured in the videos for Poker Face, Love Game and Paparazzi, was found dead earlier this month after a hike in Los Angeles. But Rumpus' owner, Suzzane Kelleher-Duckett, tells TMZ the champion show dog had no signs of injury and appeared to be in perfect health.
An autopsy was performed a few days ago -- results are expected soon.
Rumpus was supposed to appear in Gaga's upcoming video for "Bad Romance" -- but we're told only Rumpus' mother Lava (pictured left) will now do the gig. 
R.I.P. Rumpus.
2004-2009
Filed under: Music, R.I.P., Critters, Exclusives, Lady Gaga
Michael Jackson's Giraffes in $100,000 War
Michael Jackson's giraffes could be forced out of their home -- for the second time -- unless their keeper comes up with $100,000 quick. 
Freddie Hancock of the Banjoko Wildlife Preserve in Page, Arizona, tells TMZ she acquired giraffes Rambo, Jabbar Jr. (JJ), Princess, and Annie Sue from Neverland in 2006 and has been caring for them since -- but now the Page city council is demanding the preserve hand over a $100,000 bond to cover the giraffes in case of emergency ... or else they're out.
But here's the problem: in order to get a $100,000 bond from an insurance company, the keeper claims she needs a special form issued by the city itself ... which Freddie says the city refuses to hand over -- leaving Freddie's hands tied and the giraffes' futures up in the air.
Freddie claims the city wants the bond ASAP -- calls to Page City Hall weren't returned.
Filed under: Michael Jackson, Critters, Exclusives
Brangelina's Dog -- Ruff Life
It ain't easy being Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's bulldog ... it's downright luxurious.
The A-list pup got the Hollywood royal treatment at the groomers in France on Monday.
When was the last time you brought Fido in for a little mani/pedi/botox?!
Filed under: Paparazzi Photo, Beauty, Brad & Angelina, Critters
Paris Accused of Pig-Like Behavior
PETA has unleashed a brutal attack against Paris Hilton for buying a pet mini-pig recently, claiming she's setting a "wretched example" by treating animals like they're "as disposable as her friends and fiances."
PETA says of Paris: "The Chihuahuas, ferrets, and kinkajous she's paraded through her home in the past were not accessories, and pot-bellied pigs aren't either."
The good news: Paris told us she doesn't think she'll get swine flu because she doesn't eat pork.
Filed under: Paris Hilton, Critters, Exclusives
'X-Men' Star's Dog -- Breakin' the Law
Famke Jannsen -- who played Dr. Jean Grey in "X-Men" -- is responsible for a New York restaurant breaking the law ... and she can thank her furry little friend for helping her do it.
According to New York City Health Code, it's illegal to bring a dog into a restaurant -- including the patio, if food is being served -- but Famke was snapped sharing an intimate meal with her canine at Il Sole on Sunday anyway.
We spoke to the owner of Il Sole, who told us she wasn't aware Famke was there with her pooch -- or she wouldn't have let it happen.
The only exception to the law is if the dog is specially trained -- such as a seeing eye dog -- but we're pretty sure Famke doesn't need one of those ... despite the giant black sunglasses.
Filed under: Paparazzi Photo, Critters, Exclusives
David Hasselhoff -- Doggy Ventriloquist?
Move over Cesar Milan, there is a new Dog Whisperer on the block -- and his name is David Hasselhoff.
We caught up with The Hoff and his daughter Hayley in Malibu yesterday -- and while we wanted to talk about David's recent troubles in London, he just wanted to talk ... through his dog.
Perfectly normal.
Filed under: Critters, David Hasselhoff
