Meet the creatures we love to hate
Cities like to believe they are human-only spaces. Everything else is an intrusion. Animals that adapt to our waste, noise, and disappearing green cover are quickly branded as pests — a word that disguises discomfort as blame. These creatures didn’t invade the city; they evolved alongside it, learning our rhythms, exploiting our excess, surviving our neglect. From rooftops to drains, footpaths to food dumps, they occupy the margins of urban life. This photostory documents five organisms commonly labelled as nuisances, to question what it really means to belong in a city built without room for anyone else.
Cities like to believe they are human-only spaces. Everything else is an intrusion. Animals that adapt to our waste, noise, and disappearing green cover are quickly branded as pests — a word that disguises discomfort as blame. These creatures didn’t invade the city; they evolved alongside it, learning our rhythms, exploiting our excess, surviving our neglect. From rooftops to drains, footpaths to food dumps, they occupy the margins of urban life. This photostory documents five organisms commonly labelled as nuisances, to question what it really means to belong in a city built without room for anyone else.
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Rats. The city’s original night shift workers — thriving in sewers, subways, and our collective denial. Image Courtesy/ Pexels
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Pigeons. Once messengers of love and war, now vexing birds with little shame. Image Courtesy/ Pexels
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Crows. Hyper-intelligent, emotionally complex, and can recognise humans. Image Courtesy/ Pexels
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Simultaneously community guardians and municipal scapegoats, surviving on scraps and social contradictions. Image Courtesy/ Pexels
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Victims of habitat loss turned expert thieves — urbanisation’s most chaotic mirror
A fashion empire, mansions, luxury yacht… Who shall inherit Valentino’s riches?
Valentino Garavani, iconic Italian fashion designer, has died at age 93 in Rome, prompting tributes from celebrities and industry leaders. Valentino built a billion-dollar global fashion empire, dressing Hollywood stars, royals, and First Ladies, and was known for his signature "Valentino Red." His estate, reportedly worth $1.5 billion, is believed to be managed through private trusts with longtime partner Giancarlo Giammetti playing a key stewardship role.
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