Rescued Ukrainian lions touch grass for first time
Rescued lions from war-torn Ukraine have taken their first steps outside at their new home in Kent.Rori, Amani, Lira, and Vanda have joined Yuna, who was brought to Kent in August 2024, following a 10-month rescue mission. It comes as the Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden announced the official opening of the Lion Rescue Centre, which was built following a £500,000 fundraising campaign. The sanctuary said the African lions had suffered "neglect and abuse", with four out of the five having never touched grass before.
'We are so relieved'
Yuna was traumatised when debris from a missile attack landed 300m (985ft) from her small enclosure in Ukraine, said the sanctuary. The lions were confined to concrete enclosures, used for illegal breeding, or kept as family pets. Some were suffering shellshock or could not stand, due to the heavy shelling in Ukraine. "We are so relieved to have these lions safe and settled in their forever home," said Cam Whitnall, managing director of The Big Cat Sanctuary.
Mr Whitnall said seeing their feet touch grass for the first time was an "emotional moment". "Nervous at first, all five cats are now starting to relax, play and explore their new habitat," he added. The sanctuary said its new enclosures had been specifically design to provide the big cats with an ideal environment to recuperate, while their carers would ensure they receive the physical and psychological care need to recover from their ordeal.The public will be able to visit and see the lions during the sanctuary's open days in July.
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Belfast Telegraph
14 hours ago
- Belfast Telegraph
The Twelfth 2025: Full details of parades across Northern Ireland
Bands and marchers will take to the streets at 18 locations across all six of Northern Ireland's counties to mark the 334th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne. This year Dundonald will host a Twelfth demonstration for the first time in more than 50 years, as it has been named among the venues for this year's Twelfth of July celebrations. It will join 18 other venues across Northern Ireland including Belfast, Ballymena, Kesh, Coleraine, Keady Coagh, Sixmilecross, Augher, Dromara, Dundrum, Kilkeel, Cullybackey, Rasharkin, Carnlough, Lisburn, Glengormley and Maghera. The Twelfth demonstrations in Northern Ireland will follow the traditional Rossnowlagh parade held in Co Donegal on the preceding weekend on Saturday 5 July. The Belfast Telegraph has compiled the main details of all events below which will see approximately 600 marching bands take to the streets across the country. Watch: Highlights from the Twelfth of July parade in Belfast BELFAST Leading the procession will be the County Grand Lodge of Belfast, setting off at 10:00am sharp from Belfast Orange Hall at Carlisle Circus. The parade route sweeps through the heart of Belfast, passing Clifton Street, Donegall Street, Royal Avenue, and Donegall Place en route to a special Act of Remembrance at Belfast City Hall, where a wreath will be laid at the Cenotaph just before 10:30am. That short act of remembrance will be a moment of solemn reflection in the midst of the celebration and the Orange Order said it is 'an opportunity to honour the sacrifices of those who gave their lives in defence of their nation'. From there, the parade continues through Donegall Square West, Bedford Street, and Dublin Road, onto Shaftesbury Square, Bradbury Place, Lisburn Road, Balmoral Avenue, and Malone Road, before reaching its destination at Barnett's Demesne — an epic 6-mile journey (each way!), making this the longest Orange procession on the Twelfth. The County Grand Lodge, comprised of nine Districts, they will be under the command of Rt. Wor. Bro. Spencer Beattie, who celebrates seven years at the helm as County Grand Master this Twelfth. This year's parade will include 77 bands — from all across Northern Ireland and Scotland. Upon reaching Barnett's Demesne, the official platform proceedings and traditional speeches will commence at 2:30pm. The return parade begins at 3:30pm, as the bands and Lodges make their way home to their respective areas via the city centre. A supporting programme of activities hosted by Belfast Orangefest will once again bring added excitement to the Twelfth, with family-friendly activities, cultural showcases and something for everyone to enjoy. From 9:00am to 2:00pm, the city will be alive with a variety of family-friendly activities including music, street performers, food vendors, and interactive displays. Shops across the city will open from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. DUNDRUM Dundrum will host the annual Battle of the Boyne Celebrations on Saturday, 12th July, with Castlewellan District LOL No. 12 welcoming several thousand participants and spectators for what promises to be a day of tradition, colour and pageantry. Over 3,000 Orange members, accompanied by 70 bands will take part in this year's 'Mid and East Down' celebrations. The parade will leave the assembly point on the Belfast Road at 12:00 noon, making its way along Main Street and Old Road, to the Demonstration field on the Ballyloughlin Road. The return parade will leave the field at approximately 4:00pm, retracing its steps back to the Belfast Road where the visiting Districts will board their busses. Roads will close from 11:15am, and in order to minimise disruption and congestion, spectators and participants are encouraged to arrive early. Accessible parking is available at Dundrum Football Pitches (Old Road) for Blue Badge holders only. Public parking in Dundrum village is limited; however ample parking will be available in the demonstration field car park which is accessible by turning off at Clough and then following signposted routes. COAGH Coagh may be one of County Tyrone's smaller villages, but on the Twelfth of July, it will host the largest Orange celebration in the County. The Main Parade will commence at 12:30pm from Ruskey Road on the outskirts of the village before making its way along Tamlaght Hill, Coagh Bridge, Main Street, to the Demonstration Field on the Drumconvis Road. The organisers expect that around 70 Lodges and 50 Bands will take part, making this one of the largest processions in the country. The return parade will start at approximately 3:45pm along Drumconvis Road, Main Street and disperse at Cookstown Road. This marks the first Twelfth celebration in Coagh since 2016 since it was delayed from its normal 7-year rotation due to the Covid pandemic in 2021/21. RASHARKIN This year, the village of Rasharkin will be hosting the North Antrim Combine Twelfth of July celebrations. The assembly point will be on the Finvoy Road with the parade starting at 1:00pm, before making its way through the village arriving at the Demonstration field at 'The Turnpike.' Platform proceedings start at approximately 2:30pm. The return parade will commence at 4:15pm, leaving the Demonstration field and returning through Rasharkin village with dispersal on the Finvoy Road. AUGHER Bands and Lodges will assemble in Augher from 12:15pm at the field on Favour Royal Road, just inside the town boundary. The parade will proceed through Favour Royal Road, Main Street, Augher, turn left at the junction with the Belfast–Enniskillen Road, Clogher Road and arrive at the Demonstration field at around 1.00pm. Platform proceedings begin at 2:15pm in the Demonstration Field and will feature a religious service at the heart of the day's celebration. The return parade will retrace the same route, departing at 4:15pm and concluding back at Favour Royal Road. BALLYMENA Apart from Belfast, Ballymena is the only town in Northern Ireland to host a Twelfth demonstration every single year. The parade will assemble at Wakehurst Road at 12:30pm, passing along Larne Road, Larne Street, Henry Street, over Harryville Bridge, through Waveney Road, Galgorm Road, the Pentagon, then down Lower Mill Street, Wellington Street, Ballymoney Street, and finally Thomas Street, arriving at The People's Park. The Platform Proceedings will take place at 2:30pm with a religious service led by Grand Chaplain Wor. Bro. Ian McClean . CARNLOUGH The 'Braid' Twelfth this year will be held in Carnlough and will include 11 local lodges. The parade will begin at 12.00 noon from the assembly field located at the park on Bay Road. From there, the route continues through the heart of the village, before making its way up Largy Road to the Demonstration field, situated near St. Patrick's Church. The platform proceedings will begin around 2.30pm when the principal speakers will include Wor. Bro. Rev. William Anderson and Wor. Bro. Robin Swann MP for South Antrim. The parade will leave for its return leg, following the same route, at around 4.00pm. MAGHERA This year, Maghera will host the South Londonderry Twelfth of July celebrations, bringing together 8 Districts comprised of over 50 local Lodges and their accompanying bands. The Assembly Point will be at the junction of Station Road and Crew Road with a parade start time of 12noon. The parade will make its way along Station Road, Grove Terrace, O'Hara Road, Coleraine Road, Main Street, Church Street and then to Mullagh Road and the Demonstration Field, kindly provided by Maghera Presbyterian Church. The return parade will begin at 3:30pm taking in Mullagh Road, Church Street, Main Street where the procession will split as the visiting Districts make their way to their respective dispersal points and transport. The platform proceedings will start at 2:00pm at the Demonstration field. SIXMILECROSS This year's North & West Tyrone demonstration will take place in the village of Sixmilecross. The parade will commence at 12:30pm and proceed along Cooley Road, continue through Main Street, and conclude along Tirooney Road. The parade route is approximately one and a half miles long, allowing plenty of opportunity for spectators to enjoy the pageantry and music. The platform proceedings will start at 2:30pm. The return parade will start at 4.00pm. KEADY The Co Armagh Twelfth Demonstration is one of the largest Orange gathering each 12th of July — and annually attracts 40,000 spectators given the county's extensive history with the Orange Order. With around 130 Orange Halls, it is the highest concentration to be found anywhere in the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Ireland. Adding to the spectacle, nearly 70 award winning pipe, accordion, silver, and flute bands will take part in the parade as well as dozens of iconic Lambeg Drums. As always, several Scottish bands will also travel over to take part, reinforcing the strong cross-channel bonds involved in the event. This year the job of hosting the Twelfth falls to Keady District LOL No. 8. Local members assemble at 9:00am at the District Hall with the Main Parade starting at 10:30am, led by Derryhennett True Blues LOL 37 and Crosskeys Victoria Flute Band. The parade will make its way along Tassagh Road and Crossmore Road to the Demonstration Field. The return parade starts at 2:45pm, reversing the route. The official platform proceedings will begin at 1:45pm. DROMARA The South-West Down Combine parade will this year be hosted by Lower Iveagh District LOL No.1 in Dromara. The Assembly field will be located on the Banbridge Road, while the Demonstration field will be on the Rathfriland Road, directly facing Dromara Football Club. At 11:30am, District Officers and Dignitaries will depart from Dromara Orange Hall and parade to the Assembly Point. The main demonstration will then commence at 12:00 noon, featuring approximately 2,500 Brethren and 43 bands on parade. It is expected to take around one hour and forty-five minutes for all participants to reach the Demonstration Field. Platform proceedings will begin at 2:45pm, chaired by Bro. Baird of the South-West Down Area Committee. The return parade will leave the demonstration field at 4:00pm, making its way back to the assembly point. KILKEEL The Mourne District LOL No. 6 Twelfth of July 2025 celebrations will this year be hosted in Kilkeel – the 'capital' of the Kingdom of Mourne. With around 1,700 participants on parade, including 15 local bands and more than 3,000 spectators expected to line the streets. Mourne District LOL No. 6 is proud to be the largest district in the Orange Institution, boasting over 1,100 members. The day will begin with Kilkeel Lodges assembling at Kilkeel Orange Hall at 11:00am before stepping off on a 1.5-mile route to Leestone Road on the outskirts of the town. There, they will join with the rest of the Mourne District for the return parade into Kilkeel, which will conclude at Queen Elizabeth II Park on Manse Road. After the parade, friends, family, and spectators are invited to join the Brethren in the Demonstration Field for a complimentary picnic provided by the Lodges. Platform proceedings will begin at 2:15pm. The homeward parade will commence at 4:00pm. The Annalong Lodges will return to their village and conclude their day with a local parade, while the Kilkeel Lodges will march through the town, taking in Newry Street, Harbour Road, Harbour Drive, Knockchree Avenue, and Greencastle Street where they will disperse at Kilkeel Orange Hall. GLENGORMLEY The East Antrim Combine's annual Twelfth Parade will this year be hosted by Carnmoney District LOL No. 25 and held in Glengormley. The main parade will start at 11:00am from Jubilee Way, making its way along Ballyclare Road to Lilian Bland Park where there will be a wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph. The procession will then make its way to Antrim Road, O'Neill Road, Church Road arriving at V36 Park around 1.30pm. The return parade commences at 3:30pm from V36 Park, making its way along Church Road, Prince Charles Way, Church Way and Antrim Road, before finishing at Ballyclare Road. Cloughfern District LOL No. 24 will leave the main parade at O'Neill Road roundabout and return to Cloughfern Protestant Hall. A day full of colour and culture is expected with approximately 3,000 participants, 66 Lodges, and nearly 40 bands from Northern Ireland and Scotland as well as traditional Lambeg Drums. KESH This year's Twelfth in Kesh is expected to be rich in pageantry and tradition. The day will commence at 12.00 noon, with participants assembling on Enniskillen Road, before parading along Main Street and Ederney Road and finishing at Valley Park on Ederney Road. In addition to the parade, the event will cater for all ages with a wide array of children's entertainment available throughout the day. The parade will see over 70 bands and 90 lodges from Fermanagh and the neighbouring border counties take part. COLERAINE Lodges from North Londonderry, City of Londonderry and East Donegal will this year gather in Coleraine to mark the 335th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne. Coleraine District LOL No.2 will assemble on Union Street at 9:15am before stepping off at 9:30am for a route through the town which includes Railway Road, Church Street and The Diamond as they make their way to the assembly area to meet the visiting Lodges. Members from the City of Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge, Limavady District LOL No. 6, and Macosquin District LOL No. 8 will arrive via Strand Road, and form up at Shuttle Hill from 10:30am ahead of the main parade which will begin at 11:15am and will be broadcast across the UK on GBNews. The parade will make its way to the Demonstration Field behind Coleraine Leisure Centre. En route, the parade will salute the War Memorial in The Diamond, honouring those who served and paid the supreme sacrifice. The Platform Proceedings, beginning at 2:15pm with Rt Wor. Bro. James Evans, County Grand Master as main speaker and will include a Religious Service led by Wor. Bro. Rev. Joseph Andrews, Grand Chaplain. At 3:30pm, the return parade commences, led by Coleraine District LOL No.2. On Church Street they will open ranks and allow their guests to pass through as they make their way to their dispersal areas and transport. CULLYBACKEY For the first time in living memory two districts will co-host what is known as the 'Triangle' Twelfth in the heart of Co. Antrim. This year, Portglenone District LOL No. 7 and Ahoghill District LOL No. 12 will jointly organise the Twelfth celebrations in the renowned village of Cullybackey. The parade will commence from Ard Na Maine at 12.30pm and proceed the full length of the village's main street, taking the direct route to the Cullybackey Community Playing fields. The parade will be led by Brethren from Cullybackey District, followed by the lodges of Portglenone and Ahoghill and will include award winning bands such as Cullybackey Pipe Band, Killycoogan, Milltown and Killyless Accordion Bands together with McNeillstown Pipe Band, former world champions. Platform proceedings will commence at 2:15pm led by Wor. Bro. Robert Edwards. A large turnout of Lambeg drums is also anticipated and they will join forces in a Massed Lambeg Drumming display in the demonstration field before the return parade leaves the field at 3:45pm and makes its way to the Fenaghy Road. LISBURN This year, the City of Lisburn plays host to the 335th Anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne on Saturday, 12th July 2025, organised on behalf of the South Antrim Combine by Lisburn District LOL No. 6. The celebration promises to be a major cultural and historical event, with over 2,000 members of the Orange Institution—including Orangemen, women, and Juniors— with 65 lodges joining forces with up to 25 marching bands. The main parade will begin at 11:30am from the assembly field at Wallace Park and proceed to QEII / Ballymacoss Playing Fields (The Brambles). The parade route is as follows, Wallace Park (Magheralave Road), Railway Street, Market Square (through the ceremonial arch), Market Street, Smithfield Street, Hillsborough Road, Governors Road, Longstone Street (Chapel Hill Roundabout), Thiepval Road, Prince William Road, Knockmore Road finishing at QEII / Ballymacoss Playing Fields, where the procession is expected to arrive at around 1:00pm. Formal proceedings will commence at approximately 1:45pm and will include a short religious service by Wor. Bro. Rev. Stephen Kilpatrick. The return parade is scheduled to begin at 3:30pm, following the route of Knockmore Road, Ballinderry Road, Longstone, Chapel Hill and North Circular Road Members of the public are advised to plan ahead for parking. DUNDONALD Dundonald Purple Vine LOL 1056 are hosting the 2025 North Down Combine 12th July Celebrations on behalf of Holywood District LOL No 14. The last time the 12th July Celebrations were held in Dundonald was 1967. This year, 39 Lodges and 28 bands will begin to parade from Dundonald Playing Fields at 12:15pm, Holywood District LOL No.14 will lead the parade with Dundonald Purple Vine LOL 1056 taking pride of place at the front of the District as host Lodge, followed by Newtownards District LOL No.4, Upper Ards District LOL No.11 and then Bangor District LOL No.18. The Parade will exit the school grounds onto the Upper Newtownards Road (Country Bound Lanes), turning left onto Robbs Road before joining Church Road, Grahamsbridge Road, Comber Road (Belfast bound), before rejoining the Upper Newtownards Roads (City bound lanes from Ruby's Bar to East Link Road junction) and Upper Newtownards Road (Country bound lanes Dunlady Road to Dundonald High School). It is envisaged that all Brethren and bands will be back in the Field for 2:00pm. Platform proceedings will begin at 2:30pm. The Return Parade will commence at 4:30pm, leaving Dundonald High School Playing Pitches turning right onto the Upper Newtownards Road, Robbs Road, Church Road, Grahamsbridge Road, Comber Road. The Parade will officially conclude at the Comber Road / East Link road junction where Holywood District LOL No.14 will split and form a Guard of Honour for the visiting Brethren.
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
Family stunned to find their pet Joey the tortoise is actually a girl after 95 YEARS
Joey spent decades being passed down through the family CAME OUT OF SHELL CAME OUT OF SHELL Family stunned to find their pet Joey the tortoise is actually a girl after 95 YEARS A PET tortoise thought to be a boy for 95 years turned out to be a girl. Joey finally came out of her shell at a vet's examination shortly before her death from a stomach tumour last week. 2 Joey, who ate lettuce and strawberries, was well-known among locals in Whitwell Credit: Supplied The African spurred tortoise was bought from high street chain Woolworths in 1930 by Louise Dimmock, as a gift for son Alan. Joey spent the next nine decades being passed down through the family — ending up with Alan's granddaughter Lorraine Steward. The cabin crew trainee, 43, said: 'We always thought he was a boy until we took him to the vets to be examined before his death. 'We knew something was wrong as he wasn't taking his food. 'He had never needed to go to the vet before and it's difficult to check the gender. They were stunned he had done so well. 'They were examining him and revealed, 'I'm led to believe he's actually a girl'. 'We couldn't believe it. Maybe he was more of a Josephine than a Joey all this time. But after knowing him as a boy for 95 years, we're not going to change now.' Joey, who ate lettuce and strawberries, was well-known among locals in Whitwell, Herts. Lorraine added: 'We will all miss him greatly. He lived a simple life. He was very low maintenance and happy as anything.' 2 The pet tortoise thought to be a boy for 95 years turned out to be a girl Credit: Supplied Giant tortoise found again after it was believed to be extinct for a century
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
'I was watching TV at home when deadly African scorpion crawled past my feet'
The homeowner from Swindon was given the shock of her life when the deadly scorpion appeared on her living room floor - but acted quickly to trap it under a wine glass A woman has been been lauded for her brave actions after a terrifying African scorpion appeared on her living room floor while she was watching TV. The homeowner, from Swindon, was given a huge shock when the exotic creature began scuttling across the carpet one evening earlier this month - and quickly trapped it under a wine glass. After carefully transferring the arachnid into a jam jar, she got in touch with the RSPCA, who told her to get in touch with a specialist. The scorpion - later found to belong to the venomous and potentially deadly Buthidae family - is thought to have hitched a ride in her luggage back to England after a recent trip to Africa. It was initially given to local expert Jonathan Cleverly, who lauded the anonymous woman for her quick-thinking response. He told the BBC: "She'd done a brilliant job of moving it from a wine glass into a jam jar with a secure lid so it couldn't move and escape. "She put in some lettuce for a bit of moisture. She looked after it brilliantly well." Mr Cleverly, who runs a 'Jungle Roadshow' that educates local children on different types of wildlife, said he did not believe the scorpion was an escaped pet - and believed it was likely a stowaway which had survived the trip over. He added: "The scorpion, I would like to say, is absolutely gorgeous - even if it is potentially harmful to humans, it's a very rare thing for these sorts of scorpion to make their way into the UK." The scorpion has since been sent to live with an expert who holds a Dangerous Wild Animals (DWA) licence. It's believed the critter was around 4cm long, with Jonathan calling it the "most dangerous animal" he ever had. It's not the first time a scorpion has made an unexpected visit to Britain. Last summer, a couple were left stunned after discovering a 'venomous' scorpion stowaway in their suitcase. John Gray, 27, and his girlfriend, Jodie Daly, 26, were unpacking their luggage after arriving back in England from Mexico when the unwelcome visitor suddenly emerged. He managed to trap the scorpion in a pint glass before transferring it to a takeaway container with added air holes and calling a local reptile rescue. Soon after, they discovered the arachnid was pregnant, and they kept it overnight before it could be taken to a rescue centre the following morning. Describing the incident last July, John, a client solutions manager from Streatham, South London, said: "We got back to the flat and Jodie was sorting out the washing. As she pulled out a t-shirt and the scorpion dropped out and ran into the bedroom. All I heard was her screaming and shouting - I had no idea what was going on. "She was shouting 'scorpion', but I still didn't know what she meant I ran in there and found a six-inch scorpion sitting in the bedroom trying to hide under the washing. We didn't even see one while we were in Mexico - I was shocked. I called Mitcham Zoo who work with non-native species and reptiles, and they wanted to send it over to their team to do some research. "They said it was highly likely it was highly venomous - we kept it in a container inside a Hello Fresh box. We were trying not to kill it but to also stop it from killing us."
