Stories about cute animals are a great way to attract readers, but it seems that the BBC has found something even more eyecatching: cute animals with prosthetic limbs. Over the last few years, the news organization has extensively covered the reconstruction and rehabilitation of some of our favorite domestic and wild animals.

The first major BBC foray into this area seems to be an article on disabled pets (including the Queen's corgi!) that get around in carts. While the article focuses on dogs, it also features an adorable picture of a rabbit with a tire for a leg.

In 2004, it was the story of Fuji the Japanese dolphin, who lost most of her tail to disease. She was fitted with a prosthetic made by a tire company. (This story would repeat itself late last year, as Winter, a dolphin in Florida, was also fitted with new tail.)

Next was a 2005 article on Motola the Thai elephant who lost her leg to a landmine in 1999 and was fitted with a prosthesis filled with wood shavings. (Not to be outdone, CNN followed up with a recent video on Motola's progress.)

Last year, the BBC picked up speed, featuring the story of a wild kiwi that was fitted with a new limb that included a functional ankle joint. Late 2006 also brought a picture of Betty Blue, a cheetah in need of a new hind leg. As it turns out, the prosthetic leg is still not quite ready.

Another animal on the prosthetic waiting list is perhaps the most charismatic of them all: a giant panda. Niu Niu, it seems, lost her left front paw in a fight with other wild females and now has trouble feeding herself and, according to the article, mating normally.

Be sure to stay tuned to the BBC as this story—and other prosthetic prose of similar cuteness levels—unfold.

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