Latest news with #Bactrian
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Fluffy rare Bactrian camel calf Woburn Safari Park
Watch a fluffy rare camel calf as he goes exploring with mum for the first time at a UK Safari Park. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Meet the male Bactrian camel calf as he goes on a wobbly-legged adventure with mum for the first time. The adorable rare camel was born on April 22nd to proud parents Rita and Khan - and has not yet been named. Fluffy rare camel calf wobbles with mum in adorable video | woburn safari Camel soaks up the sun In the clip above (click to play), watch the cute calf as finds his wobbly legs and soaks up the sun at Woburn Safari Park. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Head of Reserves Tom Robson said: 'We're really delighted to welcome a male camel calf to the herd at Woburn Safari Park this month. This is Rita's second calf, with her first born three years ago, so this a truly special moment for the keepers, the Park, and the entire herd. Rita has been an attentive mum, staying close to her little one as he begins to explore his surroundings in the large camel paddock, alongside his brother Walter, dad Khan, and the rest of the herd.' Camel finds wobbly legs Fluffy rare camel calf wobbles with mum in adorable video | woburn safari What are Bactrian camels? Bactrian camels are social animals and live in groups of five to 30 individuals, typically led by a dominant male. At Woburn Safari Park, that role belongs to Khan, a true safari favourite, best known for his wild hairdos and big personality. While male Bactrian camels like Khan don't usually take part in rearing their young directly, they do play an essential role in leading and protecting the herd. Fluffy rare camel calf wobbles with mum in adorable video | woburn safari The camels at the Park belong to the domesticated species population, currently listed as 'Least Concern'. However, their wild relatives, the critically endangered Bactrian camels face serious threats in their natural habitats. That's why the team of expert keepers at Woburn are dedicated to helping preserve and care for this unique species through ongoing breeding and conservation efforts.
NDTV
6 days ago
- NDTV
5 Epic Road Trips Across The Himalayas For The Adventure Of A Lifetime
If you're the kind of traveller who gets a thrill from twisting mountain roads, thin air, and jaw-dropping views, the Himalayas offer some of the most unforgettable road trips in the world. These aren't just drives — they're full-blown adventures through dramatic passes, remote villages, and landscapes that look too surreal to be real. From the thrill of scaling the world's highest motorable roads to winding through apple orchards and pine forests, these five epic Himalayan road trips are absolutely worth adding to your bucket list. Expect unpredictable weather, limited phone signal, and scenery that'll make you forget Instagram even exists. Here Are The 5 Best Road Trips Across The Himalayas: 1. Manali to Leh via Keylong and Sarchu (Himachal Pradesh to Ladakh) Distance: Approx. 474 km Best time: Mid-June to September This route is basically the Everest of road trips in India. Stretching between Manali and Leh, this journey takes you over five high-altitude passes, including the Baralacha La (4,890 m) and Tanglang La (5,328 m), one of the highest motorable passes in the world. The road cuts through stark moonscapes (think Keylong), frozen rivers, and barren plateaus that look like Mars decided to have a holiday in India. You'll pass remote tent cities like Sarchu and vast open plains where you'll barely see another soul for hours. Carry extra fuel and get your vehicle checked beforehand — there's not much in terms of infrastructure, but the remoteness is what makes it magical. 2. Srinagar to Leh via Zoji La and Kargil (Jammu & Kashmir to Ladakh) Distance: Approx. 420 km Best time: May to October This route is an absolute stunner — and more forgiving in terms of altitude compared to the Manali-Leh highway. Starting from the green valleys of Kashmir, the road climbs over the treacherous Zoji La Pass (3,528 m), one of the most nerve-wracking mountain roads in India, before reaching the stark terrain of Ladakh. Along the way, make time for a stop in Kargil, not just for its war history but also for its raw beauty and underrated local culture. The road continues along the Indus River, with massive monasteries perched on cliffs, and if you're lucky, the surreal sight of double-humped Bactrian camels near Leh. 3. Shimla to Spiti Valley via Kinnaur (Himachal Pradesh) Distance: Approx. 450 km Best time: May to October If Ladakh is too intense for your first Himalayan trip, Spiti offers a quieter, yet no less dramatic, alternative. Starting from Shimla, the road winds its way through apple-laden slopes of Kinnaur, before reaching the high-altitude desert of Spiti. Think deep gorges, hanging glaciers, and villages like Nako and Tabo where life moves at a pace that barely ticks. The monasteries here, such as Key and Dhankar, are centuries old and perched in gravity-defying spots. This route demands slow driving — partly because of the rough roads, but also because you'll want to stop every 10 minutes for photos. 4. Guwahati to Tawang (Assam to Arunachal Pradesh) Distance: Approx. 520 km Best time: March to May and October to November Tucked away in the northeast, this road trip is often overlooked — big mistake. The drive from Guwahati to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh is a wild mix of lush forests, rushing rivers, and winding roads that cling to the mountainsides. The Sela Pass (4,170 m), which is covered in snow for most of the year, offers stunning views and a real sense of achievement once crossed. Tawang itself is a gem, home to one of the largest Buddhist monasteries outside Lhasa. This route also gives you a taste of diverse cultures — from Assamese plains to Monpa traditions in Tawang. 5. Darjeeling to Gangtok via Pelling (West Bengal to Sikkim) Distance: Approx. 250 km Best time: March to June and September to November This one's for those who want to mix their mountain fix with a bit more comfort. Starting in colonial-era Darjeeling with its tea estates and toy train, the road leads to Pelling, a small hill town in Sikkim that offers panoramic views of Kanchenjunga. From there, drive on to Gangtok, where things get a bit more urban but still keep the Himalayan vibe strong. There's a ton to see — from monasteries to lakes like Tsomgo and even a ropeway that gives you an eagle-eye view of the city. It's a gentler introduction to Himalayan road trips, but no less beautiful. Pro tips for all Himalayan road trips: Acclimatise properly — altitude sickness is real and not fun. Always check the weather and road conditions in advance. Go slow, stay hydrated, and don't push your limits. Mobile networks are patchy — download offline maps and keep someone informed.
Al Etihad
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
International Museum Day 2025: Shaping future through culture, connection, says DCT-Abu Dhabi
18 May 2025 12:42 ABU DHABI (WAM)Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism–Abu Dhabi ( DCT-Abu Dhabi), Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak, reaffirmed Abu Dhabi's belief in a future shaped not only by data or infrastructure, but by ideas, heritage, and human an Op-ed marking the International Museum Day, Al Mubarak said, "Abu Dhabi has always been a meeting point of worlds, where East and West, past and future, tradition and ambition converge. This is not just a matter of geography. It reflects who we are: a society shaped by ideas exchange, driven by curiosity, and united by a deep belief in the power of culture to move people and ideas belief takes centre stage as we mark International Museum Day [today/on Sunday 18 May]. This year's theme, The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities, could not be timelier. In an age defined by technological acceleration, climate disruption, and global uncertainty, museums are no longer just guardians of the past. They are engines of progress where creativity, inclusion, and innovation come together to shape more resilient and connected values guide the mission of Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi, one of the greatest concentrations of global institutions. Its shared narrative is a celebration of cultural dialogue, creative exploration, and the human story that binds us across time and District is more than a centre of global cultural and creative excellence; it is a lasting commitment to a society where knowledge and creativity are nurtured, offering pathways to inspiration, empowerment, and of Saadiyat Cultural District's institutions plays a distinct role. When Louvre Abu Dhabi presents a Bactrian 'princess' from 2,000 BCE beside a Tang Dynasty ceramic and a Mondrian masterpiece, it affirms that creative brilliance transcends borders and the newly opened teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi explores the fusion of art, science, and technology, it places the UAE at the centre of tomorrow's narratives. And when Zayed National Museum tells the story of our transformation from a nation of pearl divers, farmers, and traders, to a knowledge-driven economy, it offers a living model of resilience and the ambition of our cultural strategy reaches far beyond Saadiyat Cultural District. Across the emirate, a rich network of museums and cultural centres ensures that culture is deeply rooted in the identity and daily life of our Al Hosn, the oldest standing structure in Abu Dhabi, has been transformed into a living museum that tells the story of the capital's evolution from a fortified watchtower to a vibrant global Al Ain, the birthplace of our Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, both the Al Ain Museum, established by Sheikh Zayed in 1971, and his former home, Al Ain Palace Museum, stand as enduring symbols of our national identity and Qasr Al Muwaiji, that has played an important role in the history of the United Arab Emirates. Together, they reflect the values, vision, and leadership that continue to shape the nation's path the approach to the city centre, the newly-restored Al Maqta Museum, housed in a historic watchtower, explore the defensive and maritime heritage of the Delma Museum, located on one of the oldest continuously inhabited islands in the UAE, offers deep insights into the country's seafaring and pearling of these institutions is tailored to its community and context, enriching local pride while reinforcing a broader national narrative. They embody our belief that cultural heritage in Abu Dhabi should be celebrated everywhere, so that every visitor, from schoolchildren to scholars, can see themselves reflected in the stories they preserve and approach continues the legacy of Sheikh Zayed, who recognised long before the nation's formation, that culture was essential to building a cohesive and forward-looking society. Not only to preserve the past, but to inspire future generations. That vision is more relevant today than ever saw it take another step forward this year with the launch of the Abu Dhabi over many years by DCT-Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Collection brings together thousands of works that reflect the depth and diversity of our shared heritage. Spanning continents, centuries, and civilisations, the collection affirms that culture is not fixed or finite. It moves across borders. It connects people. And it belongs to us we navigate the complex terrain of the 21st century, from demographic shifts to climate challenges, from exponential technologies to multipolar geopolitics, culture offers something unique: the ability to convert uncertainty into reminds us that every leap forward begins with imagination, and that every solution is rooted in human the occasion of this International Museum Day, Abu Dhabi reaffirms its belief in a future shaped not only by data or infrastructure, but by ideas, heritage, and human connection. Through investment in cultural institutions, creative industries, and community engagement, we not only preserve the past, we also empower the present and inspire the future. Because culture remains humanity's oldest survival strategy, as well as its most enduring source of hope.''
Irish Independent
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Brendan O'Connor: With the camels and sheikhs and ‘YMCA', Baby Trump's Big Day Out was a blessed relief
Brendan O'Connor It was like high-end childcare. For the rest of the world, it was like if you were really struggling and someone surprised you by offering to take your toddler off your hands for a few days, to give you a break. And the toddler was clearly having a ball. His fun uncles in the Gulf had pulled out all the stops. They played YMCA at every available opportunity, possibly unaware it was a gay anthem. They even added a petting-zoo by bringing out the camels, prompting the toddler to say, and I quote: 'I appreciate these camels. I haven't seen camels like that in a long time.' Seriously? Does he remember the last time he saw camels? And he remembers the relative qualities of each camel he sees? And he can evaluate when the last time was that he saw camels like that? As against what? Camels that weren't like that? Did he mean dromedaries versus Bactrian? One hump or two? Of course 'I haven't seen camels like that in a long time' is a veiled insult. Because we know if Donald Trump was really impressed by the camels, he would have said: 'No one has ever seen camels like this before.' Like all the best fun uncles, they not only brought the toddler to McDonald's, they built a McDonald's for him. To make him feel at home, they even redecorated every building he went into to look like Trump Towers and the Oval Office. (Fact check: The Saudis and Qataris and Emiratis may have been into the whole gold/gilt aesthetic before Donald Trump.) They're tall, handsome guys that happen to be very smart Perhaps spurred on by the constant playing of YMCA, Trump flirted outrageously with his hosts. He said of Mohammed bin Salman: 'I like him a lot… I like him too much!' Did he mean he liked him 'too much' for Saudi Arabia's repressive anti-gay laws? He liked Sheikh Tamim in Qatar as well: Tamim and MBS were both 'tall, handsome guys that happen to be very smart.' Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa is, he said, 'young, attractive, a fighter.' Between the bling and the music and the flirting, it was like Eurovision in the desert. And even though the rest of us were acutely aware that the very real problems of the world hadn't gone away, it felt like we were able to relax a bit and enjoy watching Baby's Big Day Out. At least while he was being distracted by his rich uncles in the Gulf, being convinced he was doing amazing deals wherever he went, he wasn't, for a few days anyway, wreaking economic havoc for the rest of us. And also, he looked so happy. And maybe it's good for us all when baby is happy. Because we've seen baby when he's angry and it's not good for anyone. If you want baby to do something, you pretend to like him for doing it We have given up at this stage trying to predict or understand baby's behaviour. But maybe his Gulf uncles have figured something out. If you want baby to do something, you pretend to like him for doing it. Baby likes to be liked. And in the broader picture, maybe, just maybe, baby is figuring out that people seem to like him more when he's not wreaking economic havoc, when he's not supporting Russia and Israel too much. Maybe the lesson from last week is this: mol an óige agus tiocfaidh siad. .
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Mona, long-lived camel at Lee Richardson Zoo, dies
GARDEN CITY, Kan. (KSNW) — Mona, a 29-year-old Bactrian camel known for her intelligence and gentle presence, has died after a lifetime spent at Garden City's Lee Richardson Zoo. Zoo officials euthanized Mona on April 14 due to worsening age-related health issues. Despite years of veterinary care, her condition had declined, and treatments were no longer effective, the zoo said in a news release. Bactrian camels have a life expectancy of about 18 years, but Mona far exceeded that after arriving at the zoo in December 1996. Pet Project: Paul Blart: Mall Cop wants to secure a home During her nearly 30 years at the zoo, she raised 10 calves, including her youngest, a nine-year-old male named KJ. Mona became a grandmother 19 times, a great-grandmother eight times, and a great-great-grandmother twice. 'Mona was a determined and intelligent old lady. That's what Zoo staff and I loved about her; she knew what she wanted and how to get it,' Victoria Ortiz, Lead Keeper at the zoo, said in a statement. 'Some of her favorite things to do were laying in the shade of the barn peacefully, sticking her head out to watch her surroundings, and eating alfalfa. She will be missed by many.' Mona and KJ served as ambassadors for critically endangered Bactrian camels from Mongolia's Gobi Desert. Domesticated over 2,000 years ago, the camels are valued for their wool, milk, meat, and ability to carry heavy loads. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
