Latest news with #LoveYourZooWeek
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Animal that smells like popcorn arrives at zoo
An animal that smells like popcorn has arrived at a zoo as part of a breeding programme. Marwell Zoo has welcomed its second binturong, a peculiar animal often described as a cross between a bear and a cat with a distinct scent reminiscent of buttery popcorn. The new addition, a male named Hanoi, arrived from France and will join Bellatrix, completing the zoo's pair of binturongs. These creatures, also known as bearcats, are classified under the civet family. Refurbished habitat welcomes Marwell's penguins after months in temporary quarters (Image: Marwell Zoo) Notable for their lack of agility, binturongs predominantly dwell in trees, using their prehensile tails for balance and to grab branches. The zoo staff hopes that the new arrival will breed with Bellatrix. However, not all news about binturongs is positive. Native to Southeast Asia, they are listed as vulnerable, mainly due to threats such as poaching, the pet trade, and habitat loss. READ MORE: Marwell Zoo to host activities for Love Your Zoo Week Carrie Arnold, Marwell's carnivore team leader, said: "This is such an important addition to our Marwell family. "Binturongs are a vulnerable species, so this new arrival is a really exciting and important step in our breeding efforts. "Our hope is that Hanoi and Bellatrix will form a strong bond and help secure the future of this fascinating species." Carrie also noted that the animals can prove elusive to zoo visitors. She suggested checking the Marwell app for feeding times, as this would provide a better chance of spotting the binturongs in their treetop habitat. The zoo also has more good news to share this half term, with the reopening of the penguins' home following renovations. After three months in a temporary habitat, the penguins will return to the refurbished Penguin Cove, complete with an innovative advanced water flow system designed to create variable-speed currents, ideally improving the penguins' fitness and muscle development. Marwell has invited and encouraged the public to visit the zoo during half term, from May 24 to June 1, to see the new animal residents and join the Love Your Zoo Week celebrations, which offer countless fun-filled activities and animal-related adventures. Tickets and more information about the zoo can be found on the Marwell website.
Irish Independent
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
June bank holiday in Meath: Five fun things to do in the Royal County this weekend
A visit to Emerald Park Emerald Park in Ashbourne is always a perfect family destination, with over 45 rides and entertainment for all ages, however visitors might be more keen than ever to visit the park over the next few weeks to welcome a new addition to the diverse zoo. Emerald Park recently welcomed the arrival of a 13-year-old male Amur leopard called Manchurian, who joins resident Amur leopard, Freya. The park will also be holding it annual campaign on the bank holiday weekend, 'Love Your Zoo Week', with activities taking place both Saturday and Sunday. Activities on across the weekend include 'Wildlife Ally Workshops', which teaches people how to make bird boxes, feeders, and wildlife-friendly garden spaces. There will also be interactive zoo tours, talks, and a chance to track local pollinator species. Battle of the Boyne Living History Step back in time at the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre on Sunday and Monday from 11am to 4pm as Laoch Living History presents a 17th century military camp complete with blacksmiths, gunners, sutlers, monks, and soldiers. Costumed historian Tóla Collier will also hold a battlefield walk both days from 2pm to discuss tactics, strategy, geography, and personalities on the battlefield. Moynalty country music festival This one day festival offers performances from All Folked Up, The Highstool Prophets, The Whistlin' Donkeys, and Meadhbh Walsh and her band. ADVERTISEMENT The entrance fee is €35 and campers are welcome for the festival in the field at €20 per night, starting Saturday. There will be a full bar, food trucks, coffee dock and ice cream on site, for what promises to be a fantastic days entertainment in raising money for the local church. Blue Jean country Queen Festival Since 1987, the Blue Jean Country Queen Festival has been an annual staple organised by Macra. The event sees women from all around the country and abroad compete for a perpetual trophy and a golden sash. This year's event in Athboy includes live music from Rhythm and Sticks and The Fógues. The opening ceremony on Friday will be at The Darnley Lodge Hotel followed by a pub crawl through Athboy's main streets. Follow Independent Meath on Facebook EcoChic clothing swaps The first of the EcoChic Meath clothing swaps will be held on Saturday, May, 31 at 11am at Swift Cultural Centre in Trim. With clothing waste on the rise, this campaign aims to raise awareness on the impacts of clothing waste, and encourage sustainable alternatives. Visitors are encouraged to bring any unwanted clothing and swap it for something else. A maximum of 15 items can be swapped per person and tokens will be given based on what you bring, which can be used for swapping. All events are free to attend and aim to give participants awareness about the environmental impacts of their clothing choices and provide them with the tools and skills to be more sustainable.
Irish Independent
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Five things to do in Meath this bank holiday weekend
A visit to Emerald Park Emerald Park in Ashbourne is always a perfect family destination, with over 45 rides and entertainment for all ages, however visitors might be more keen than ever to visit the park over the next few weeks to welcome a new addition to the diverse zoo. Emerald Park recently welcomed the arrival of a 13-year-old male Amur leopard called Manchurian, who joins resident Amur leopard, Freya. The park will also be holding it annual campaign on the bank holiday weekend, 'Love Your Zoo Week', with activities taking place both Saturday and Sunday. Activities on across the weekend include 'Wildlife Ally Workshops', which teaches people how to make bird boxes, feeders, and wildlife-friendly garden spaces. There will also be interactive zoo tours, talks, and a chance to track local pollinator species. Battle of the Boyne Living History Step back in time at the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre on Sunday and Monday from 11am to 4pm as Laoch Living History presents a 17th century military camp complete with blacksmiths, gunners, sutlers, monks, and soldiers. Costumed historian Tóla Collier will also hold a battlefield walk both days from 2pm to discuss tactics, strategy, geography, and personalities on the battlefield. Moynalty country music festival This one day festival offers performances from All Folked Up, The Highstool Prophets, The Whistlin' Donkeys, and Meadhbh Walsh and her band. The entrance fee is €35 and campers are welcome for the festival in the field at €20 per night, starting Saturday. There will be a full bar, food trucks, coffee dock and ice cream on site, for what promises to be a fantastic days entertainment in raising money for the local church. Blue Jean country Queen Festival Since 1987, the Blue Jean Country Queen Festival has been an annual staple organised by Macra. The event sees women from all around the country and abroad compete for a perpetual trophy and a golden sash. This year's event in Athboy includes live music from Rhythm and Sticks and The Fógues. The opening ceremony on Friday will be at The Darnley Lodge Hotel followed by a pub crawl through Athboy's main streets. EcoChic clothing swaps The first of the EcoChic Meath clothing swaps will be held on Saturday, May, 31 at 11am at Swift Cultural Centre in Trim. With clothing waste on the rise, this campaign aims to raise awareness on the impacts of clothing waste, and encourage sustainable alternatives. Visitors are encouraged to bring any unwanted clothing and swap it for something else. A maximum of 15 items can be swapped per person and tokens will be given based on what you bring, which can be used for swapping. All events are free to attend and aim to give participants awareness about the environmental impacts of their clothing choices and provide them with the tools and skills to be more sustainable.
