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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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
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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
Telegraph
07-07-2025
- Telegraph
Five things to know before you board a Silversea ship
When Silversea launched in 1994, it brought unprecedented luxury and a true all-inclusive offering to cruise passengers. It was the first to include alcohol in the fare, introduce suite butlers and offer a complimentary in-room mini-bar. Three decades on, the line continues to meet the exacting standards demanded by its loyal clientele. The brand doesn't try to 'be' anything other than a luxurious hotel at sea offering grade-A service. Carpets bounce, décor is quietly elegant and easy-on-the-eye, and guest rooms have pillow menus, marble bathrooms, rain showers and walk-in wardrobes. Newer ships have ushered in a contemporary feel, with relaxed al-fresco dining areas and lots of exterior glass designed to let the ocean in. It's an 'all-suite' line, which means every guest room has a window-facing lounge area that can be partitioned off from the bedroom. Although it typically attracts an older demographic, Silversea doesn't rest on its laurels, and is constantly reinventing its shore experiences, dining offerings and destination portfolio. In the 2026-7 season, passengers can choose from 230 new cruises. Last year, the line announced plans to build a 150-room hotel in the Chilean city of Puerto Williams to accommodate guests transiting to Antarctica. Rooms will have views across the Beagle Channel to the snow-capped Patagonian mountains. A focus on quality ingredients and non-buffet dining has been a mainstay for the line. Foodies will appreciate the well-executed Salt (sea and land taste) food programme that explores a destination through food-focused excursions and interactive open-kitchen dinners on board. These are sometimes led by an accomplished local chef. The cruise fare includes 24-hour butler-in-tux service for every guest; round-the-clock in-suite dining; premium drinks in suite and throughout the ship; and private transfers and flights. There is a supplement for certain restaurants. Beyond that are three fare types: door to door (everything is included and transport organised from the minute you close the front door); port to port (transfers and air fare aren't included), and essential (transfers, air fare and excursions aren't included). Silversea's fleet consists of 12 ships, six of which have joined since 2020. Four are expedition vessels, including a ship that sails solely in the Galapagos. Headquartered in Miami, Silversea is one of five brands owned by the Royal Caribbean Group. 1. Where does Silversea cruise? Worldwide, including all seven continents. The 2026/2027 cruise portfolio features 131 expedition voyages, while ocean ships will visit more than 85 countries. A handful of cruises sail the British Isles from Portsmouth and Southampton in the spring, and there are cruises from Southampton and Belfast to Copenhagen in June. Expedition cruises visit some of the world's most remote regions, including the Arctic and Greenland, the Antarctic, South America, French Polynesia and the Pacific, the Galapagos and the Kimberley in north-west Australia. Each January, passengers can join a world cruise – which can be taken in its entirety or in sections. In 2028, a 132-day cruise from Miami to Nice will visit 58 destinations on five continents. For those who prefer to cross the Atlantic by ship, rather than plane, Silversea has 'transoceanic' crossings from Southampton and Belfast to New York, and from Lisbon to Barbados. Itineraries often dovetail with festivals, high-profile sporting events and seasonal highlights such as cherry blossom season in Japan, Carnival in Rio de Janeiro and the F1 Grand Prix in Monaco. 2. Who does Silversea appeal to? With a high proportion of longer cruises and the inclusion of big-ticket events, Silversea appeals to a well-heeled, largely American crowd that favours 'enrichment' (learning experiences) – and that wants to travel in comfort. Every effort goes into ensuring that passengers get the best experience from the destinations they're visiting – whether that's at a fine-dining experience onboard or during a shore experience. Although the demographic is generally older, and there are no children's clubs on board, families are welcome too. The minimum age for children on ocean-going ships is six months. The following age limits also apply: 12 months on Silver Cloud; five years on Silver Origin. Children younger than five cannot board zodiacs on Silver Endeavour, Silver Cloud and Silver Wind. Under-18s must be accompanied in the same or connecting suite by a parent or responsible adult aged 21-plus. Solo travellers pay 25 per cent of the full fare on selected voyages. An October cruise to Antarctica costs £11,150 instead of £12,900, and a Bridgetown to Lisbon cruise costs £3,150, down from £4,900. 3. Silversea's fleet Ocean Silver Ray (728 passengers) Launched in 2024, Ray is the identical sister ship to Silver Nova. The 13 room categories include new, corner master suites with 270-degree views. There are eight restaurants, four bars and lounges, an Otium Spa, plus a sea-facing gym and beauty salon. Powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas), Silver Ray is the most energy-efficient ship in the fleet. She has plug-in capability and is hydrogen fuel-cell ready. Silver Nova (728 passengers) Launched in 2023, Nova introduced the 'Nova' class of ship, featuring an asymmetrical design aimed at connecting guests with the water, wherever they are on board. It also introduced a buzzing all-day dining hangout, The Marquee. The deck 10 pool has 'floating' cabanas and a decent swimming length. Corner Otium Suites feature a private Jacuzzi and 270-degree views. Silver Dawn (596 passengers) Silver Dawn launched in 2022 and was the first to feature the brand's top-tier Otium spa. Otium wellness services are also available in-suite – that could be a massage, butler-drawn bath or a 'food and chill' evening. Silver Muse and Silver Moon (596 passengers) Built in 2020, Moon introduced Silversea's immersive culinary programme, Salt. Three dedicated venues include the Salt Kitchen, Salt Lab and Salt Bar, where dinners, demonstrations and drinks are tailored to regionally inspired menus. A signature French restaurant, the Japanese Kaiseki and Asian-inspired Indochine are among the eight restaurants. Built in 2017, Silver Muse shares the same restaurants as Moon, and both ships have the Zagara spa and beauty salon and a casino. Shows and films are held in the Venetian Lounge. Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper (392 passengers) The décor and layout of these two ships is classic rather than stylish. However, both offer a more intimate atmosphere and the same attention to detail when it comes to dining and service. Both ships have four restaurants, a show lounge, a card room, a library and a spa. Whisper was built in 2001 and last refurbished in 2024; Shadow was built in 2000 and last refurbished in 2019. Silver Spirit (608 passengers) Silver Spirit made headlines in 2018 when she was 'stretched' at a shipyard in Palermo. She left the yard 49ft longer, following a complex lengthening and extensive refurbishment. The result was roomier public areas and suites, an enlarged pool deck and a refreshed dining offering. The ship has an Arts Café, Observation Library, Zagara Spa and the chic Dolce Vita lounge. Expedition Silver Endeavour (220 passengers) Purpose-built for the polar regions, Silver Endeavour launched in 2022. She carries kayaks, zodiacs and a remote camera system that can capture high-quality images from over three miles away. Spread over eight decks, the all-suite ship has multiple restaurants, bars and lounges; a spa; a two-storey solarium with a pool and whirlpool; and several indoor and outdoor observation areas. Silver Wind (274 passengers) Refurbished in 2021 with an ice-strengthened hull, Silver Wind is a crossover ship, visiting polar and non-polar destinations. The nine-deck ship carries 24 zodiacs and has a show lounge, fitness centre and spa, observation library and jogging track. Her décor is more traditional. Silver Cloud (254 passengers on non-polar cruises; 200 in polar regions) Silver Cloud underwent a $40 million refurbishment and conversion to an ice-class ship in 2017. She carries 20 zodiacs and 10 kayaks and sails with a large team of expedition experts. The ship has four restaurants and a photo studio, and photography masterclasses are offered. Silver Origin (100 passengers) A stylish ship with sleek yacht lines, Origin was built for the Galápagos. Passengers travel with a team of Ecuadorian guides and a fleet of eight zodiacs. All suites have balconies and butler service, and an in-suite water purification system. The meeting point for zodiacs, the 'Basecamp', doubles as an information source for the islands. 4. Loyalty scheme Membership of the Venetian Society commences with the first voyage. Members accumulate Venetian Society Days on each voyage (one VS day per day sailed). 5. Access for guests with disabilities Suites can accommodate wheelchairs, scooters and other equipment. Dining and bar venues and other public areas offer wheelchair seating. Wheelchair accessible excursions are offered mainly in Europe and the US, and low-activity tours are available at almost every port. The 'View Deck Plan' tab on each ship page indicates accessible suites (
