Latest news with #BlairDrummond
The Independent
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Meerkat pups welcomed at safari park
Meerkat pups are settling in and starting to 'show a bit of character' in their home at a safari park. The four pups were born on May 10 to parents Cardi B and Biggie at Blair Drummond Safari Park near Stirling. It is the third litter for the pair since they joined the park in 2022. Meerkat pups are born blind, deaf and almost hairless but keepers said that now, aged around one month, the animals have opened their eyes and begun exploring the outside world. Meerkats are described as incredibly social animals and live in tight-knit groups known as mobs which work together to raise their young. Carolyn Booth, Pets Farm Team Leader at Blair Drummond, said: 'The pups are just starting to find their feet and show a bit of character – it's a brilliant stage to watch. 'They're getting more confident by the day, and the rest of the mob has really stepped up to help raise them. It's a real family effort.' The pups have now started nibbling on bits of solid food and spend time following the adults around and practising their digging skills.
The Independent
08-05-2025
- General
- The Independent
Safari park welcomes two newly hatched penguin chicks
Safari park staff are 'absolutely thrilled' to have welcomed two newly hatched penguin chicks into the world. Blair Drummond Safari Park in Stirling said the Humboldt penguins hatched in April, after a 40-day incubation period, and are now being cared for by park keepers and their parents. They are living inside specially made nest boxes, meaning park visitors will not yet be able to see them, but park officials said they are growing quickly and are in good health. The first chick hatched on April 25 to parents Penny and Izzy, with the second just a few days later on April 29 to parents Pete and Bertie. Humboldt penguins are native to South America and are classed as vulnerable, with around 24,000 mature penguins left in the wild. Penguin chicks can weigh as little as 80 grams and teams regularly check their weight to ensure they are developing at the appropriate speed. Once they moult their grey baby feathers, they begin to venture outside and join the rest of the colony. Jen Carpenter, penguin team leader at Blair Drummond Safari Park, said: 'We're absolutely thrilled to welcome this year's chicks. 'It's always a joy to see the hard work of our penguin pairs pay off, and these little ones are getting the very best start to life. 'Every successful hatch is a step forward for the species, and we're proud to play our part. 'We can't wait to share their journey as they grow and eventually waddle out to meet the rest of the colony.' Humboldt penguins are classed as vulnerable in the wild, with populations declining due to habitat loss, overfishing, and climate change. The chicks have not been named yet, but followers can keep an eye on the Park's social media channels for the big name reveal, plus plenty of behind-the-scenes updates and milestones.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Safari park welcomes two newly hatched penguin chicks
Safari park staff are 'absolutely thrilled' to have welcomed two newly hatched penguin chicks into the world. Blair Drummond Safari Park in Stirling said the Humboldt penguins hatched in April, after a 40-day incubation period, and are now being cared for by park keepers and their parents. They are living inside specially made nest boxes, meaning park visitors will not yet be able to see them, but park officials said they are growing quickly and are in good health. The first chick hatched on April 25 to parents Penny and Izzy, with the second just a few days later on April 29 to parents Pete and Bertie. Humboldt penguins are native to South America and are classed as vulnerable, with around 24,000 mature penguins left in the wild. Penguin chicks can weigh as little as 80 grams and teams regularly check their weight to ensure they are developing at the appropriate speed. Once they moult their grey baby feathers, they begin to venture outside and join the rest of the colony. Jen Carpenter, penguin team leader at Blair Drummond Safari Park, said: 'We're absolutely thrilled to welcome this year's chicks. 'It's always a joy to see the hard work of our penguin pairs pay off, and these little ones are getting the very best start to life. 'Every successful hatch is a step forward for the species, and we're proud to play our part. 'We can't wait to share their journey as they grow and eventually waddle out to meet the rest of the colony.' Humboldt penguins are classed as vulnerable in the wild, with populations declining due to habitat loss, overfishing, and climate change. The chicks have not been named yet, but followers can keep an eye on the Park's social media channels for the big name reveal, plus plenty of behind-the-scenes updates and milestones.
Scotsman
01-05-2025
- General
- Scotsman
11 of the best pictures as beautiful new giraffe welcomed by Blair Drummond Safari Park zoo
An endangered Rothschild's giraffe has been welcomed to a safari park in Scotland in a bid to boost breeding. 'Noinin has already begun exploring her new surroundings, and we are excited for her and Sifa to hopefully form a successful breeding pair,' said Kristine Fennessy Alexander, animal collection manager at Blair Drummond. Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire | PA Noinin, a seven-year-old female, arrived at Blair Drummond Safari Park near Stirling on Thursday. The 16ft giraffe travelled from Fota Wildlife Park in County Cork, Ireland, in a special transporter, with a three-hour ferry crossing from Dublin to Holyhead, followed by a 337-mile road trip north. Noinin will be introduced to Sifa, a Rothschild's giraffe who arrived at Blair Drummond in 2023 as part of the European Endangered Species Programme, in a bid to create genetic diversity in the breeding programme. READ MORE: Police Scotland investigating a possible sighting of lynx in woodland The species has seen a dramatic population decline of 30 per cent since the 1980s, with less than 2,000 remaining in the wild, according to zoologists. Noinin will be integrated into the giraffe herd as part of a carefully managed breeding programme aimed at supporting the survival of the species, and will live in a mixed species habitat. The pair are hoped to contribute to preserving genetic diversity and ensuring the long-term survival of Rothschild's giraffes. Kristine Fennessy Alexander, animal collection manager at Blair Drummond, said: 'We're thrilled to welcome Noinin to the park. 'Rothschild's giraffes are facing significant challenges in the wild, and breeding programmes like this one are essential in helping secure the future of the species. 'Noinin has already begun exploring her new surroundings, and we are excited for her and Sifa to hopefully form a successful breeding pair.' 1 . Mingling with the herd Noinin (centre), a seven-year-old female Rothschild's giraffe after leaving its house as it is mixed with the rest of the herd. Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire | PA Photo Sales 2 . I'm coming out Noinin, a seven-year-old female Rothschild's giraffe, leaves its house at Blair Drummond Safari Park in Stirling. Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire | PA Photo Sales 3 . Getting cosy As part of the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP), Noinin is being introduced to Sifa, a Rothschild's giraffe who arrived at Blair Drummond in 2023. Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire | PA Photo Sales 4 . Getting to know the crowd An endangered Rothschild's giraffe has been welcomed to Blair Drummond Safari Park near Stirling in a bid to boost breeding. Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire | PA Photo Sales
