Week in wildlife: a flying zebra, chilling pelicans and a ghost elephant
A lone male elephant has been captured on camera in Senegal's Niokolo-Koba national park for the first time since 2020. Sightings are rare in the area due to the species' elusive behaviour and small population, earning this one the nickname Ghost Elephant Photograph: Senegal DPN/Panthera
High and dry … Ed the runaway zebra is airlifted by helicopter back to his owner following his capture after a week on the loose, in a rural area south-east of Nashville, Tennessee, US. The escaped zebra became an internet sensation, with memes showing him visiting tourist attractions and dining at a Waffle House Photograph: Rutherford County Sheriff's office/Reuters
Emperor penguins on the sea ice close to Halley research station on the Brunt ice shelf. Antarctica's emperor penguin population may be decreasing faster than we thought, and they are expected to be extinct by the end of the century, reveals the British Antarctic Survey. New analysis of satellite imagery suggests the birds' numbers have declined by a staggering 22% over a 14-year period in parts of the continent Photograph: Christopher Walton/British Antarctic Survey/SWNS
Lunch break … pelicans take over the benches in St James's Park, London, UK Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images
This tortoise was seized at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj international airport in Mumbai, India. It was taken from a passenger arriving from Thailand, who, officials said, was carrying nearly 100 wild creatures intended for trafficking, including lizards, sunbirds and tree-climbing possums Photograph: Indian Press Information Bureau (PIB)/AFP/Getty Images
A great egret chick begs its mother for a fish at Lake Eola park in Orlando, Florida, US Photograph: Ronen Tivony/Zuma Press Wire/Shutterstock
A fox rests in its enclosure at a dedicated vulpine rescue centre, The Fox Project, near Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, UK Photograph: Frank Augstein/AP
Griffon vultures squabble over scraps distributed by the Ornithological Group of Huesca at a feeding site for scavenger birds near Nueno in northeastern Spain Photograph: Ander Gillenea/AFP/Getty Images
These four hungry and exhausted wolf pups were taken into care after being found in Van, Turkey Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images
A swan dozes on its nest in St James's Park, London, UK Photograph: Toby Melville/Reuters
A beetle rests on wild parsnip flowers in Funks Grove, Illinois, US Photograph: Alan Look/Zuma Press Wire/Shutterstock
Pearl mullet swim against the current during their annual migration to their breeding grounds from Lake Van, Turkey Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images
This humpback whale was spotted earlier this week south of Sydney Harbour, Australia, in distress after it became entangled in ropes. Trailing a buoy, it was seen heading south when it should have been migrating northwards – a sure sign of distress. Rescue teams are watching for an opportunity to approach it and cut the ropes Photograph: Steve Trikoulis/ ORRCA
A young groundhog pokes its head out in Longueuil, Quebec, Canada Photograph: NurPhoto/Shutterstock
Living up to its name, a cattle egret flies on to the back of a cow in Dharamshala, India Photograph: Ashwini Bhatia/AP
An adult periodical cicada sheds its nymphal skin in Cincinnati, Ohio, US. It has two large compound eyes, which are used to visually perceive the world around them, and three small, jewel-like simple eyes called ocelli Photograph: Carolyn Kaster/AP
Common blue butterflies bask in the sun on a high-altitude plain in Sarıkamış district, Kars, Turkey Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images
Seals rest on a breakwater log near the Boston Harbor marina in Olympia, Washington, US Photograph: Jenny Kane/AP
Gazelles roam in a field in Israel near the border with Gaza Photograph: Jack Guez/AFP/Getty Images
A stingray among seagrasses in Kas district of Antalya, Turkey. The seagrass is known as the 'lungs of the Mediterranean' because it is so efficient at soaking up carbon dioxide – much more so than rainforest. However, it is in decline, threatened by rising sea temperatures and anchor damage Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images
A scarlet tiger caterpillar crawls along at Toronto Botanical Garden in Ontario, Canada. Although it's not scarlet itself, in butterfly form it has beautifully vivid red wings Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images
A tawny owl keeps watch in the woodland of Uludağ, a mountain in Bursa, Turkey Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images
Fallow deer explore a large new enclosure in Greenwich Park, London, UK. A herd of eight fallow and red deer has been introduced to the park after a previous herd was relocated to Richmond Park in 2021, ahead of construction and renovation works. Their paddock has been enlarged and improved to incorporate new access to woodland Photograph:A group of weaver ants attack a slender ant in a forested area near Tehatta, West Bengal, India Photograph: Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto/Shutterstock
Veterinarians and rangers from Kenya Wildlife Services rush to catch a sedated female eastern black rhinoceros that has been selected for translocation to Segera rhino sanctuary. Her home in Lake Nakuru national park has become congested, authorities say, so she and 20 others are being relicated to an area where the species was once endemic but died out due to human encroachment and poaching
Photograph: Tony Karumba/AFP/Getty Images
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Telegraph
23 minutes ago
- Telegraph
Five essential things to know before you board an Oceania Cruises' ship
Ever since its founding in 2002, Oceania has pitched itself as a premium foodie cruise line serving 'the finest cuisine at sea' – a tag line the company has trademarked. Backing up the claim, its ships have one chef for every 10 passengers and, because there's no point serving good food unless people eat it, there is no charge to dine in its speciality restaurants, unlike on other ships. The company originally chartered two small ships, Insignia and Regatta. Now it has eight vessels, including four larger new builds. The latest, Oceania Allura (1,200 passengers), launched in July 2025. Another new ship, Oceania Sonata, is due in 2027, with three sister ships to follow between 2029 and 2035. In recent years, Oceania has added 'leading destination line' and wellness to its attributes, along with excursions designed to connect passengers to places and cultures through history, food, yoga and 'go local' trips to quieter villages and places off the tourist trail in big cities. Since 2014, Oceania has been part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, parent of mass-market Norwegian Cruise Line and ultra-luxury Regent Seven Seas Cruises. 1. Where does Oceania cruise? Eight ships are enough to cover pretty much all corners of the world. Chances are wherever you want to go, Oceania can take you there, even if you want to go penguin-spotting in Antarctica. Staying with long-haul, Oceania has cruises in Asia, South America and through the Panama Canal, and island-hopping voyages in the Caribbean almost exclusively round-trip from Miami. Cruises in French Polynesia from Tahiti are among its best-selling cruises. Closer to home, cruises in the Mediterranean and Greek Isles in the summer and autumn visit popular places including Barcelona, Dubrovnik, Santorini and Rhodes. However, Oceania's ships are small enough (they hold 670-1,250 passengers), to call into lesser-known ports inaccessible to large vessels. Canakkale in Turkey, the gateway to Gallipoli and Troy, is one such; Olbia in Sardinia – where food, wine and 4x4 adventures are among excursions – is another. In the Baltic, with calls into St Petersburg no longer an option, Oceania has found new places for passengers to explore, including Kotka in Finland and Liepaja in Latvia, the former offering nature walks and rafting, the latter known for its art nouveau heritage and the world's largest mechanical organ. For those who prefer not to fly, five cruises from Southampton in 2026 either circumnavigate the UK and Ireland, explore Scandinavia or combine the two. Durations range from seven nights to a month or more and often include overnights in A-list cities such as Istanbul, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro. There are 180-day world voyages each January. In 2027 passengers will depart Miami for Southampton, and there's an option to sail on to New York, extending the cruise by 64 days. 2. Who does Oceania Cruises appeal to? A typical Oceania cruiser is a well-travelled, well-off American, aged 65 or over who likes smaller ships, enjoys the refined but not dressy atmosphere on board and wants to see the world in comfort without paying top dollar for an all-inclusive and more spacious ultra-luxury cruise line. Oceania pitches itself as a luxury line with fares that cover tips, Wi-Fi and soft drinks as well as dining in speciality restaurants. Alcohol and excursions cost extra, likewise flights and transfers. While the majority of Oceania passengers are from North America, the brand counts plenty of British and Australians of a similar age and social profile among its fan base. Families are welcome, but you are more likely to see older multi-generational groups, as there is no child care or entertainment for children. Wherever they're from, passengers will likely have an appreciation for good food. Those who are really keen can improve their skills in culinary centres on the four new ships and sign up for food-themed excursions, such as shopping with a chef or cookery lessons with locals. Passengers also enjoy Oceania's longer cruises. As proof, all cabins and suites on the 180-day world cruise in January 2026 are already wait-listed. 3. Oceania Cruises' fleet Regatta-class Oceania Insignia, Oceania Nautica, Oceania Regatta, Oceania Sirena (670 passengers) Built 25 or more years ago, these are the old ladies of the fleet, but plenty of Oceania cruisers prefer them for their more intimate size. They've been spruced up over the years but they are not as luxurious as their newer fleet mates, and cabins and suites are quite compact, although many have balconies. Expect two speciality restaurants – the Asian-inspired Red Ginger and Tuscan Steak on Sirena; Toscana and Polo Grill on the others – in addition to the grand dining room and buffet, and an alfresco grill by a small pool. Sails to: Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia, Caribbean, Mexico, South America, Panama Canal, Canada and New England, Australia and New Zealand, the South Pacific and Africa Oceania-class ships Oceania Marina and Oceania Riviera (1,250 passengers) Oceania went larger with its first new vessels, almost doubling the size of its Regatta ships, so it could add two more restaurants – the French Jacques and Asian-inspired Red Ginger – as well as the first cookery schools at sea. Three butler-served Owner's Suites span the width of the ships and are furnished in Ralph Lauren Home. A Lalique staircase dazzles in each atrium; elsewhere expect an elegant, conservative look. Allura-class ships Oceania Vista and Oceania Allura (1,200 passengers) Oceania fans had to wait 10 years after Riviera for another new ship, with Vista launching in 2023 and Allura following in 2025. They are slightly smaller but the layout is similar and the look much brighter. Notably there's a larger culinary centre and a new restaurant, Aquamar, serving healthier food but only for breakfast and lunch. French restaurant Jacques makes a comeback on Allura (it will be added to Vista in October 2025). Sails to: Mediterranean, Northern Europe, British Isles, Caribbean, Mexico, South America, Panama Canal, Asia, Canada/New England, world cruises 4. Loyalty scheme Cruisers become members of the Oceania Club after their first sailing and then work their way up through seven levels, earning everything from bottles of wine and on-board credit to free drinks packages and even free cruises. 5. Access for guests with disabilities All ships have wheelchair-accessible cabins and lifts to all decks, except a half portion of deck at the very top, and front of the ships.
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
Brit tourists' terror as rampaging mum ELEPHANT protecting baby charges at boat & nearly sinks it in croc-infested river
BRIT tourists were left horrified after a raging elephant protecting its baby charged their boat and nearly sank it in a crocodile-infested river. Terrified passengers on the river safari tour were left fearing for their lives after the close encounter with the huge beast in Botswana. 5 5 The harrowing ordeal unfolded in the Okavango Delta, when the boat's captain mockingly bantered with the behemoth mammal. As the elephant closed the gap the guide turned around confidently and said: 'When she comes close we are going to zoom forward'. He then appeared to clap his hands while smiling and suggested that the group could let the elephant come close before speeding away. While the mum elephant let out frightening cries, the tour guide said jokingly: "Yes, we can hear you." But moments later, he was heard yelling in a panic as the beast got uncomfortably close to their small vessel. The engine reportedly cut out just as the elephant came within reach of the boat of Brit tourists. A loud thud was heard as the elephant violently rammed into the back of the boat - momentarily throwing it into the air. The tourists fell off their benches and dropped their cameras as the front of the boat headed straight after taking the weight of the five-ton female and its two ivory tusks. It nearly capsized before the crew were all seen in complete shock. The elephant was also heard roaring again during its intimidating assault. Safari Tragedy: Millionaire Game Reserve Boss Killed by Elephant in South Africa Luckily, the flimsy craft slammed back down onto the river just seconds later. The river is known to be infested with crocodiles and hippos. The infuriated elephant went on to slam her tusks into the boat three more times. In the frightening footage, one tourist can be heard shouting: "Oh no!" Meanwhile, another fearful holidaymaker says: "Holy s**t." After failing to capsize the boat, the elephant appeared to turn away. One shocked tourist said: 'Was that meant to happen?' And someone replied sternly straight after: "No." It is not known which company took the tourists out but reportedly nobody was injured. The Facebook post on Wildfriends Africa has clocked up 30,000 views since it was taken in June in the Okavango Delta - reportedly one of Prince Harry's favourite places in the world. The charging elephant weighed five tons and stood 11ft tall. Elephants, which are some of world's largest mammals, kill an estimated 500 people every year in Africa. It comes after the owner of one of South Africa's top game reserves was horrifically trampled to death as he tried to move elephants away from tourist lodges. Chief Executive Officer FC Conradie who co-owns the exclusive Gondwana Private Game Reserve, was suddenly charged at by the huge mammal. The 39-year-old millionaire was reportedly mauled by a six-ton African elephant. It is said to have attacked him with its tusks then stamped on him repeatedly. The horror left shocked rangers unable to save him in yesterday's 8am attack. FC Conradie was said by staff to have a "love for elephants and nature" and would often go out to photograph them. His wife of 10 years La-ida, 33, is said to be 'inconsolable' at his passing. 5
Times
7 days ago
- Times
Win an 11-night all-inclusive cruise to Antarctica with HX Hurtigruten Expeditions worth £20,000
Unleash your inner adventurer and head for the White Continent on this incredible sailing with expedition cruise specialists HX Hurtigruten Expeditions. You and a guest will join the 11-night, all-inclusive 'Highlights of Antarctica' itinerary, one of HX's most popular adventures. No surprise there — it promises opportunities to spot seals, penguins and whales in one of the most visually striking destinations in the world. You'll start with an overnight in Argentina's buzzy capital Buenos Aires, before flying to Ushuaia on day two to board the hybrid-powered ship that will take you across the Drake Passage to Antarctica, where dramatic glaciers and towering icebergs in polar waters will fill you with awe. As part of the trip, you'll join guided excursions, enjoy fascinating talks from experts in various fields and even have the chance to contribute to vital research programmes. A professional onboard photographer can give you tips on how to capture the best wildlife photos. There are also optional excursions (extra fees apply) such as kayaking through ice packs and camping under the Antarctic sky. In addition to the cruise, the prize includes return flights from London to Buenos Aires and domestic transfers. There are multiple departure dates between October 2025 and March 2026 (October and November are when penguins start to court; December and January are when penguin chicks begin to hatch; February and March are peak whale-watching months). You'll need to book the trip at least a month before travel. You'll also need to complete a mandatory medical form for Antarctica, which will be at your own expense. For more information, click here. For your chance to win, simply vote in each category in this year's Times and Sunday Times Travel Awards. There are 17 categories in total. Click here to vote. For the full list of prizes, see closes at 23.59pm on August 31, 2025. Open to residents of the United Kingdom who are aged 18 years or older, excluding employees and agents of the Promoter and its group companies, or third parties directly connected with the operation or fulfilment of the Promotion and their affiliates, and their immediate families and household members. One entry per person. Winners will be selected at random from all valid entries. No cash alternative and prize is non-transferable. Prize includes overseas transfers from airport to the ship. Prize excludes UK transfers. Winner and guest responsible for getting to and from UK airport at their own expense. Subject to availability, Prize must be booked not less than one month in advance. Once booked, dates cannot be changed other than in accordance with the booking terms and conditions of HX. Prize must be taken between October 2025 and March 2026. Winner and his/her guest(s) must travel on same itinerary and share the same cabin. All parts of Prize must be used in conjunction with same booking. Winner and his/her guest(s) are solely responsible for ensuring they are available to travel and have valid travel documentation (including passport/visa/visa waiver as may be required), obtaining adequate travel insurance and appropriate vaccinations/inoculations for foreign travel at their own expense. Passport must be valid for at least six months after travel. The Prize does not include travel insurance, food and drink (outside what is previously declared in the board basis), spending money, tax or personal expenses and any other costs incurred by each of winner and guest that are incidental to the fulfilment of the Prize are their own responsibility, including the cost for the completion of the mandatory medical form for Antarctica. Winner and guest will each be required to complete a medical to the satisfaction of HX and its medical partner (at their own expense) to be able to travel. By claiming Prize and making booking, each of Winner and guest accept HX's terms and conditions and the health and safety requirements applicable to the sailing and available at: and Your information will be used to administer this Promotion and otherwise in accordance with our privacy policy at and those of the partners. Promoter is Times Media Ltd. Full T&Cs apply — see
