Latest news with #Malindi
Leader Live
31-05-2025
- General
- Leader Live
Chester Zoo welcomes two bat-eared fox sisters to facility
The two sisters, named Maasai and Malindi, have been welcomed by the zoo's conservationists after travelling more than 500 miles from a zoo in Paris, France. First images show the pair exploring their home at Chester, located in the zoo's new Heart of Africa habitat – the largest zoo development ever undertaken in the UK, spanning more than 22.5 acres in size. The species is named after its distinctive oversized ears and is endemic to the open savannahs and arid grasslands of eastern and southern Africa. In the wild, bat-eared foxes face increasing threats, largely due to habitat loss caused by agriculture, human encroachment and hunting. Zoo experts say that, in future, they plan to introduce one of sisters to a male fox and go on to play a vital role in the conservation breeding programme that is working to safeguard the species. Chester Zoo David White, team manager at Chester Zoo, said: 'It's incredibly exciting to welcome bat-eared foxes back to Chester Zoo after a 30-year hiatus and they're a wonderful addition to our new Heart of Africa habitat. 'They're a truly unique and fascinating species with some amazing adaptations. 'Their enormous ears aren't just for show – they act like satellite dishes and help the foxes detect the tiniest of movements coming from insects beneath the ground, allowing them to detect prey with pinpoint accuracy. 'They're so sensitive that they can even hear termites chewing underground.' David added that Maasai and Malindi are settling in well so far, with new housemates – a family of 12 Cape porcupines. He added: 'These two species would often come across one another in the wild, so we've recreated this right here at Chester. 'In time, we hope to introduce one of the two sisters to a male fox, with the hope that we can contribute to the European conservation breeding programme – helping to ensure there's a healthy, genetically diverse back-up population in human care. 'Like many species found in the African savannah, bat-eared foxes are under threat as their habitat becomes more fragmented as a result of human activity. MOST VIEWED 'That's why our teams are on the ground in several national parks across Kenya and Uganda safeguarding some of the continent's rarest species like northern giraffe, giant pangolins, mountain bongo and Eastern black rhino. 'By protecting these species and their habitats we're also helping many of Africa's little known species like bat-eared foxes, that share the same habitats, to go on to thrive once again.' The zoo has long been at the forefront of protecting African wildlife, from supporting the safe translocation of northern giraffes to protected national parks in Uganda, to developing cutting-edge AI trail cameras to protect giant pangolins from illegal trafficking.
Travel Daily News
13-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Essence of Africa 2025 set to deliver immersive coastal event
Essence of Africa 2025 will return to Malindi, Kenya, combining immersive business meetings with coastal charm and sustainable tourism promotion. Following an inspiring site visit early May, organisers of Essence of Africa have confirmed plans are well underway for this year's edition, taking place on the Kenyan coast at Diamonds Malindi from 7-9 October 2025. With its lush oceanfront setting and open-air spaces, the resort and surrounding experiences, sets the stage for a powerfully immersive business event rooted in coastal charm and natural beauty. Curated by On Show Solutions and ATTA Events, Essence of Africa continues its mission to elevate African tourism through high-impact meetings between pre-qualified international buyers and top-tier African travel suppliers. The team's recent on-the-ground assessment underscored why Malindi is a destination with significant potential as a driver of sustainable regional growth. 'Come and do business at the beach!' stated Amanda Margison, co-founder of Essence of Africa. 'Hosting Essence of Africa at Diamonds Malindi allows us to welcome tourism professionals from around the world to meet on the sand, under the palm trees, with a backdrop of the Indian Ocean.' 'Essence of Africa is more than a trade show – it's an experience rooted in Malindi's vibrant coastal charm,' added Chris Mears, co-founder of Essence of Africa. 'We're bringing meaningful business to life in a setting filled with Swahili culture, hidden beach bars, boho boutiques, and ancient coastal treasures.' The upcoming edition promises up to 38 targeted quality appointments per participant over three days, with 150 buyers meeting 150 exhibiting companies. The inaugural edition of the event in 2024 attracted participants from 37 countries including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Africa. In addition to its core matchmaking programme between buyers and sellers, attendees can look forward to thought-leadership seminars led by African industry trailblazers; networking events infused with local culture; and educational experiences across Africa hosted directly by exhibitors. As part of its rotating format across key travel hubs on the continent, Essence of Africa aims to both facilitate trade relationships and reposition how global buyers perceive African destinations beyond traditional gateways. 'This is Africa's warmth, diversity, and opportunity – all in one unforgettable place,' concluded Mears.
