Latest news with #Animals
Belfast Telegraph
8 hours ago
- General
- Belfast Telegraph
Belfast Zoo welcomes ‘spring baby boom' with new arrivals including sloth, emus and Colombian spider monkey
Among the newest arrivals is a cotton-top tamarin, emu chicks, a wallaby, two-toed sloth, meerkat pups and a Colombian spider monkey. Lara Clarke, Belfast Zoo Curator explained she was pleased to see such a fruitful spring at the zoo. 'This baby boom is something truly special. Many of these species are in real danger of disappearing in the wild,' she said. "Breeding success like this isn't just adorable - it's essential. It reflects the incredible care from our teams and the vital role modern zoos play in conservation, education and species survival,' she said. A cotton-top tamarin infant – one of the most endangered primates on the planet – was born to experienced parents Vicky and Spencer at the zoo and is their ninth baby since arriving in Belfast. With fewer than 2,000 mature individuals left in the wild, according to the IUCN Red List, the zoo said every birth of this critically endangered monkey is a 'beacon of hope'. In the zoo's 'Animals of Australia' habitat, there's double the reason to celebrate. Emu pair, Bruce and Sheila have welcomed an incredible five fluffy chicks, while a baby wallaby joey is also beginning to peek out from its mother's pouch. Both species are new additions to Belfast Zoo and are already delighting visitors. Meanwhile, over in their meerkat mob - a group that only arrived a few months ago – the zoo has welcomed two new pups, their second litter this year. Elsewhere in the zoo's Rainforest House, Linne's two-toed sloth parents Priscita and Enrique have had their second baby in under a year - what has been described as a 'rare and remarkable achievement' for the species. Nearby, in the primate section, the zoo is also celebrating the birth of a Colombian spider monkey, an endangered species threatened by habitat loss and hunting. Ruairi Donaghy, senior keeper, said it has been a privilege welcoming the babies. 'It's been amazing to watch Priscita become a mum again so soon - she's calm, caring and completely devoted. Seeing our young spider monkey thrive is equally rewarding. "These births make all the long hours worth it. They remind us why we do what we do - to protect species and inspire people to care about wildlife.' Many of the zoo's residents are part of coordinated European breeding programmes (EEPs), which work to safeguard healthy, genetically diverse populations of endangered species in human care. The zoo said visitors and animal lovers can look forward to seeing all the babies out and about at the zoo this summer.
Hans India
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Tripti Dimri Replaces Deepika Padukone in Prabhas's 'Spirit' — Here's What She's Charging
In a thrilling update from the world of Tollywood and Bollywood crossover, Tripti Dimri is all set to star alongside Prabhas in the much-anticipated Sandeep Reddy Vanga film, 'Spirit.' This comes after the film's original female lead, Deepika Padukone, stepped away from the project amid ongoing buzz. The exciting news was confirmed by both Tripti and director Vanga through their social media handles over the weekend, where Tripti shared a striking poster of the film featuring her name in multiple Indian and international languages — a clear sign of her rising global presence. Sources reveal that Deepika was reportedly charging a whopping ₹20 crores for the role, a price tag that Sandeep couldn't accommodate. Enter Tripti Dimri, whose fee is said to be a more modest ₹4 crores, making her a perfect fit for the director's vision and budget — though this figure remains unofficial. Fans will remember Tripti from her powerful performance in Sandeep's previous blockbuster, 'Animals.' Grateful and humble, Tripti took to social media, saying, 'Still sinking in… So grateful to be trusted with this journey. Thank you @ Honored to be part of your vision.' Sandeep welcomed her with open arms, posting the same promo poster captioned, 'The female lead for my film is now official.' Clearly, this movie is shaping up to be a massive milestone in Tripti's career! Meanwhile, speculations are swirling that Deepika Padukone is eyeing a comeback with Allu Arjun's upcoming film directed by Atlee. Although no official word has come yet, rumors also link her to Kalki's sequel and the Shah Rukh Khan starrer 'King.' Looks like Deepika is keeping her options open with some blockbuster projects!
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Reptiles Have Feelings Too: Study reveals highly emotional behaviour of reptiles
Reptiles have been dismissed for decades as cold-blooded, emotionless creatures, often viewed as primitive and instinct-driven. But new research is turning that stereotype on its head. A growing body of scientific evidence suggests that reptiles, from tortoises to lizards, are emotionally complex animals capable of experiencing a range of feelings such as anxiety, fear, excitement, and even social bonding. This revelation could reshape how we understand, treat, and protect reptiles, both as pets and in the wild, with major implications for conservation efforts, animal welfare, and public perception. What is the scientific evidence of reptile emotions A review of 37 studies published in the journal Animals provided solid evidence that reptiles do, in fact, feel. Research showed that being handled increased heart rates in lizards, and tortoises displayed signs of anxiety in unfamiliar environments. From elevated stress responses to clear signs of discomfort or curiosity, reptiles have shown a wide spectrum of emotional reactions. These findings emphasise that emotional behaviour is more widespread in the animal kingdom than once believed Debunking the 'Lizard Brain' myth The notion that reptiles lack emotional depth is rooted in the outdated idea of the "lizard brain", popularised in the 1970s. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo It refers to the primitive part of the human brain linked to survival instincts, which was believed to be inherited from reptiles. Since reptiles don't possess structures like the human limbic system, commonly associated with emotions, scientists long assumed they couldn't feel like mammals do. But modern neuroscience and behavioural studies are challenging this view, proving that emotions are not exclusive to creatures with complex mammalian brains. Social complexity in scaly creatures Contrary to their reputation as solitary animals, many reptiles display surprisingly complex social behaviours. In the book The Secret Social Lives of Reptiles, scientists describe rituals involving courtship, nesting, and even parental care. These behaviours vary significantly between species but indicate that reptiles are not only aware of others but often engage in meaningful social interactions. This challenges the long-standing assumption that reptiles are incapable of social bonds or cooperative behaviours. Chemical communication and hidden emotions Reptiles may not wag their tails or vocalise like mammals, but they do communicate, just differently. A 2021 study in Integrative and Comparative Biology found that many lizards use chemical signals to communicate, such as pheromones. This subtle and largely invisible form of interaction has likely contributed to the misperception that reptiles are emotionally detached. Their secretive nature and infrequent visibility in the wild make them harder to study, further compounding the gap in understanding. Why humans relate more to mammals than reptiles Psychological studies suggest humans are more likely to empathise with animals that resemble us physically or emotionally. This is why dogs, cats, and primates often get more public sympathy than snakes or iguanas. Even among reptile owners, emotional capacity is rated lower than among pet owners of other animals. These biases play a major role in how reptiles are treated in captivity, included in animal welfare laws, and supported in conservation initiatives. Conservation urgency and policy gaps Today, nearly one in five reptile species is endangered, with habitat loss and climate change posing growing threats. Yet reptiles receive less conservation funding and protection compared to mammals and birds. According to JJ Apodaca of the Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy, a lack of emotional understanding has led to gaps in conservation policies. 'They don't follow the same sort of rules that birds or mammals follow,' Apodaca says, 'so we understand them a lot less, and that leaves them out of crucial protections. ' Toward a future of better reptile care Understanding that reptiles feel not only helps improve their treatment in zoos, homes, and research labs but also highlights the need for stronger conservation measures. Recognising their emotions may encourage more humane handling, better captive environments, and deeper public engagement with reptile conservation. 'They're more complex, and they feel more, and they're smarter than we ever thought,' Apodaca adds. As science continues to unveil the rich inner lives of reptiles, it's time to shed outdated myths and embrace a more compassionate, informed perspective.
Metro
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Metro launches London Grassroots Music Tube Map to spotlight city's top venues
Metro is joining forces with the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and top music industry figures to put the capital's grassroots music scene centre stage. Many of the world's favourite musicians, from the Rolling Stones and Iron Maiden to Raye and Chappell Roan, made their names in London's vibrant grassroots venues. It's no exaggeration to say music is a fundamental part of the city's fabric, inspiring and entertaining millions over the decades. But with London's nightlife under threat, the time has come to shine a spotlight on the artists and venues that are at the heart of the city's music industry. In tomorrow's Metro, you will find an exclusive new interpretation of the iconic London Tube map – with the names of stations and interchanges replaced with those of artists and locations that form part of the capital's music heritage. That includes new stars like Loyle Carner, Arlo Parks and SAULT filling in the stops on the Piccadilly line, and legends like Billy Bragg, Adele and Madness on the Northern line. They have been matched with locations close to where they came from, or which formed an important part of their story. For example, Pink Floyd has a spot on the Northern Line near Battersea Power Station, which famously featured on the cover of the band's album Animals. Alongside those much-loved artists are places which have made invaluable contributions to the culture of London, the UK and the world. Among them are 100 Club on Oxford Street, operating for more than 80 years, and Heaven nightclub, at the heart of the city's LGBTQ+ community for decades. Many of London's most important venues have faced extensive challenges in recent years, following the Covid pandemic with its lockdowns and the pressures of the cost-of-living crisis. More Trending In 2024, around a quarter of the 810 grassroots venues supported by the Music Venue Trust across the UK had to ask for help from the organisation's Emergency Response Service to avoid permanent closure. Now, 179 grassroots remain in London. We want that number not only to be protected, but also to grow. The Tube map coming out tomorrow demonstrates the vital role those sites play in British cultural life, and why they deserve to be championed. Created with the Music Venue Trust, the Featured Artists Coalition and Universal Music, it forms part of Transport for London's 25th anniversary celebrations. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Map reveals the UK loan hotspots where people borrow the most money MORE: Cars catch fire at London shopping centre with smoke pouring into the sky MORE: Doctor found dead in bath after learning her boyfriend had one-night stand
Newsweek
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Cat Knows Not To Sleep on Baby's Bed—so He Makes a Compromise
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A cat on TikTok is earning praise and laughs for its crafty position between obedience and defiance. In a viral video, the tabby cat is seen lounging atop the back of a couch. But what is also on top of the couch? A baby's bed. But while the feline clearly knows it is not allowed to sleep on the baby's bed, it settles instead for a loophole: sleeping next to it with one paw gently draped over the forbidden cushion. Since the video was posted on May 7, it has received over 122,000 likes. "He knows he isn't allowed to sleep on the baby's bed," the creator captioned the video. "He's testing me." Stock photo: A ginger cat sleeps on its back on a white sheet. Stock photo: A ginger cat sleeps on its back on a white in the comments could instantly relate to the cat's defiant behavior—from the perspective of both the owner and the feline. "This is also entrapment, there is no reason for the bed to be in such a perfect napping place," one commenter posted, summing up a sense that the cat may have been set up for temptation. "That doesn't even look comfortable, he's just being ornery," another wrote, while a third weighed in with personal experience: "I have a cat just like this and I 100 percent believe the behaviors are intentional … like, they KNOW." Do Cats Know When They Are Being Bad? A 2020 study published in the journal Animals found that felines are capable of recognizing and responding to both human and feline emotions using visual and auditory cues. Researchers concluded that "cats integrate visual and auditory signals to recognize human and conspecific emotions and they appear to modulate their behavior according to the valence of the emotion perceived." In other words, cats can read the room—and therefore push its boundaries. The findings fit with a consensus among cat owners in the comments who insisted their pets aren't just aware of the rules—but the vibe of them, too. "I was having a random [conversation] with my boyfriend about hating the sound of scratching noises," one commenter shared. "Then, we look over at my cat scratching his food tray while staring at me … Petty." Others were more wistful. "I wish my cats did stuff like this instead of actively ignoring my instructions," another wrote. "I don't punish them other [than] saying no, so, that honestly might be why." As the cat in the video might argue, rules are rules—unless you can work around them with one paw. Newsweek reached out to @ for comment via TikTok.
