Latest news with #Oceans
IOL News
4 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Vivian Reddy launches R1. 4 billion Oceans North Tower, transforming Umhlanga's real estate landscape
Businessman Vivian Reddy is a Co-Developer of Oceans Umhlanga Mixed-Use Development Image: Supplied Property mogul Vivian Reddy has described the launch of the R1.4 billion Oceans North Tower as an incredibly meaningful venture that represented over a decade of unwavering commitment, overcoming obstacles, and believing in the transformative power of visionary development. This project featuring 520 luxurious apartments with stunning ocean vistas is a testament to his unwavering commitment to transforming the real estate landscape of Umhlanga. Reddy sees this accomplishment as not merely a personal victory but a celebration of South African resilience and excellence, driven by a decade of ambition and perseverance. At the official launch event on Friday, Reddy expressed his excitement: 'Since the launch we sold 15 more units to current buyers, with only 20 units left,' showcasing the rapid demand for the upscale offerings. The North Tower marks a pivotal phase in the R4.3 billion Oceans mixed-use development, which also included the internationally-acclaimed Oceans Mall and the five-star Radisson Blu Durban Umhlanga Hotel. "This project reflects a vision brought to life through the tenacity and perseverance of our developers," said Brian Mpono, CEO of Oceans Umhlanga Development. Mpono underscored the significant milestones achieved through this development, he said: 'The launch isn't just another property unveiling; it's a celebration of Durban's evolution.' The anticipation surrounding the North Tower has drawn international attention to KwaZulu-Natal's potential, further solidifying its status as a prime destination for luxury living. Reddy hinted at future developments, notably the R1.5 billion Southern Sun Oceans Hotel and Residences currently under construction. 'This partnership with Southern Sun will bring a five-star hotel and 80 luxury branded residences to Umhlanga, complementing the Radisson Blu Hotel,' Reddy elaborated. Together, the projects aim to establish Oceans as the definitive lifestyle and hospitality destination on the North Coast. As Umhlanga continued to grow as South Africa's premier coastal node, the leading edge design of the North Tower, combined with its lavish amenities, makes it a remarkable addition. With an impressive 96% of the apartments already sold, the project is synonymous with high occupancy rates, demonstrated by the neighbouring Radisson Blu Hotel. The development promises to create over 2,500 jobs and significantly enhance tourism revenue within the region. Reddy stated, 'We believe developments like these play a vital role in rewriting the economic narrative of our province.' The North Tower not only offers a variety of luxury apartments, from studios to spacious four-bedroom units, but each features premium finishes, all while providing convenient access to the adjacent Oceans Mall. This project is set to redefine luxury living along Africa's East Coast, establishing a new standard for residential offerings in the region. Friday's "roof wetting" celebration drew a large gathering of attendees. DAILY NEWS Suri Moodley Lushan Moodley Kashreya Moodley Image: Leon Lestrade/Independent Media Zunaid Rashid with, Nazareen and Maariyah Rashid. Image: Leon Lestrade/Independent Media Renu Balgobin, Dayika Balgobin and Shikhar Singh. Image: Leon Lestrade Lavanya, Ashira, Talvika, Timir, and Krishna Pyladh Image: Leon Lestrade/Independent Media Shaivaan, Rehya, Bash Naidoo, Sarojini Naidoo and Pragen Naidoo. Image: Leon Lestrade/Independent Media Sanjeev Nirghin, Vishwani Nirghin, Craig Jessop and Carol Jessop Image: Leon Lestrade/Independent Media Kerwin Thandroyen, Celine Thandroyen, Deborah Thandroyen and Wayne Thandroyen Image: Leon Lestrade/Independent Media Mpho Scott and Dr Mbali Ndlovu. Image: Leon Lestrade/Independent Media Chucks and Roshnie Raj Image: Leon Lestrade/Independent Media Uwais and Naseeha Kathrada Image: Leon Lestrade/Independent Media Vickesh and Allira Mungelpersad Image: Leon Lestrade/Independent Media
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Orcas Filmed Exhibiting Rare, Human-Like Behavior for First Time
If you're ready for a summer romance, you're not alone in the mammal kingdom. In fact, even your aquatic brethren are getting a little hot and heavy beneath the waves. A recent study published in the research journal Oceans has added yet another interesting, human-like interaction to the pantheon of orca behaviors observed in the wild. This time, the orcas were filmed "tongue nibbling," an affectionate behavior not unlike human kissing. 'This study presents the first recorded observation of tongue-nibbling between two wild killer whales," the study says, with video captured by a citizen scientist on a snorkeling expedition in the Kvænangen fjords in northern Norway. Although it's been observed occasionally by orcas in captivity as far back as the '70s, this is the first time the behavior was caught in the interaction, the study notes, "lasted nearly two minutes and involved repeated episodes of gentle, face-to-face oral contact. This behaviour closely resembles sequences observed and described in detail in zoological settings, suggesting that it forms part of the species' natural social repertoire. The observation also supports the interpretation of tongue-nibbling as a socially affiliative behaviour, likely involved in reinforcing social bonds, particularly among juveniles." Although the exact purpose of the behavior has not been determined, scientists compared it to kissing behaviors observed in primates and beluga whales, which serve communicative or bonding functions. 'This behavior appears to serve affiliative purposes and may play a role in reinforcing social bonds or resolving conflicts, akin to grooming or reconciliation behaviors in other highly social species," said co-author Javier Almunia to LiveScience. Check out the video below: Orcas Filmed Exhibiting Rare, Human-Like Behavior for First Time first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 3, 2025
Scottish Sun
02-07-2025
- Science
- Scottish Sun
Never-before-seen moment two frisky killer whales are filmed KISSING in incredible footage – and they even use tongue
Scientists described it as 'repeated episodes of gentle, face-to-face oral contact' PHWOAR-CA Never-before-seen moment two frisky killer whales are filmed KISSING in incredible footage – and they even use tongue THIS is the astonishing moment a pair of orcas was spotted kissing - with tongues - for the first time ever in the wild. The killer smooch was caught on camera by scientists during a snorkelling trip in northern Norway. Advertisement 4 Two orcas (also known as killer whales) were spotted kissing in northern Norway Credit: Javier Almunia, et al 4 One orca extends its tongue as the other gently nibbles it Credit: Javier Almunia, et al 4 The interaction lasted nearly two minutes Credit: Javier Almunia, et al The heart-warming interaction between the two orcas - also known as killer whales - took place in the dramatic Kvænangen fjords, about 68 miles northeast of Tromsø. In the nearly two-minute-long video, the orcas are seen engaging in three separate 'kissing' episodes, lasting 10, 26 and 18 seconds each. During these intimate moments, one orca extends its tongue while the other appears to gently mouth or nibble it. After the final 'kiss', the highly intelligent mammals part ways and swim off in opposite directions. Advertisement Read more tech news SHOCK & ORCA Pod of killer whales spotted in extremely rare sighting in the Channel In the paper published in the journal Oceans, researchers describe the two adult orcas as engaging in 'repeated episodes of gentle, face-to-face oral contact'. The snorkellers floated quietly and horizontally in the water - careful not to disturb the orcas - and filmed the interaction on a GoPro. Scientists call this tactile interaction 'tongue-nibbling'. Study author Dr Javier Almunia told Live Science that "tongue-nibbling is exceptionally rare", explaining that, until now, this behaviour had only been seen in orcas in human care. Advertisement While tongue-nibbling has not been recorded in other species, similar mouth-to-mouth contact has been spotted in belugas, according to Dr Almunia. He added: "This behaviour appears to serve affiliative purposes and may play a role in reinforcing social bonds or resolving conflicts, akin to grooming or reconciliation behaviours in other highly social species." Watch rare vid of 'glowing' albino killer whale as elusive real-life Moby Dick breaches waves leaving orca fan 'shaking' Mouth-to-mouth contact in orcas was previously recorded in 2013 at Loro Parque, a zoo on Tenerife. During that observation, 'one individual protruded its tongue while the other made gentle nibbling movements,' the study authors, Dr Almunia and colleagues, explain. Advertisement The zoo-keepers reported that tongue-nibbling behaviour had been noted in four individual orcas at the park. Mouth-to-mouth contact was first documented in captive orcas in a 1978 study by Paul Spong and Ingrid Visser, who suggested it plays a role in maintaining social cohesion. It comes as two pals on a fishing trip spotted what appeared to be a pod of killer whales in the Channel. David Hilton, 64, and Paul Bradshaw, 61, were angling off the South Coast when they saw several large creatures breaching the surface. Advertisement They appeared to be hunting dolphins in busy international shipping lanes, just five miles south of Plymouth, Devon. Orcas are found in oceans all over the world, but they are most commonly seen in the Pacific Northwest (US and Canada), Norway, Iceland and the Antarctic water. But sightings in the Channel are rare. The Channel is not a typical habitat for orcas as it is shallow and heavily trafficked. Advertisement 4 Sightings of orcas in the Channel are rare Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
02-07-2025
- Science
- The Irish Sun
Never-before-seen moment two frisky killer whales are filmed KISSING in incredible footage – and they even use tongue
THIS is the astonishing moment a pair of orcas was spotted kissing - with tongues - for the first time ever in the wild. The killer smooch was caught on camera by scientists during a snorkelling trip in northern Norway. 4 Two orcas (also known as killer whales) were spotted kissing in northern Norway Credit: Javier Almunia, et al 4 One orca extends its tongue as the other gently nibbles it Credit: Javier Almunia, et al 4 The interaction lasted nearly two minutes Credit: Javier Almunia, et al The heart-warming interaction between the two orcas - also known as killer whales - took place in the dramatic Kvænangen fjords, about 68 miles northeast of Tromsø. In the nearly two-minute-long video, the orcas are seen engaging in three separate 'kissing' episodes, lasting 10, 26 and 18 seconds each. During these intimate moments, one orca extends its tongue while the other appears to gently mouth or nibble it. After the final 'kiss', the highly intelligent mammals part ways and swim off in opposite directions. Read more tech news In the paper published in the journal Oceans, researchers describe the two adult orcas as engaging in 'repeated episodes of gentle, face-to-face oral contact'. The snorkellers floated quietly and horizontally in the water - careful not to disturb the orcas - and filmed the interaction on a GoPro. Scientists call this tactile interaction 'tongue-nibbling'. Study author Dr Javier Almunia told Most read in Tech While tongue-nibbling has not been recorded in other species, similar mouth-to-mouth contact has been spotted in belugas, according to Dr Almunia. He added: "This behaviour appears to serve affiliative purposes and may play a role in reinforcing social bonds or resolving conflicts, akin to grooming or reconciliation behaviours in other highly social species." Watch rare vid of 'glowing' albino killer whale as elusive real-life Moby Dick breaches waves leaving orca fan 'shaking' Mouth-to-mouth contact in orcas was previously recorded in 2013 at Loro Parque, a zoo on Tenerife. During that observation, 'one individual protruded its tongue while the other made gentle nibbling movements,' the study authors, Dr Almunia and colleagues, explain. The zoo-keepers reported that tongue-nibbling behaviour had been noted in four individual orcas at the park. Mouth-to-mouth contact was first documented in captive orcas in a 1978 study by Paul Spong and Ingrid Visser, who suggested it plays a role in maintaining social cohesion. It comes as two pals on a fishing trip spotted what appeared to be a David Hilton, 64, and Paul Bradshaw, 61, were angling off the South Coast when they saw several large creatures breaching the surface. They appeared to be hunting dolphins in busy international shipping lanes, just five miles south of Plymouth, Devon. Orcas are found in oceans all over the world, but they are most commonly seen in the Pacific Northwest (US and Canada), Norway, Iceland and the Antarctic water. But sightings in the Channel are rare. The Channel is not a typical habitat for orcas as it is shallow and heavily trafficked. 4 Sightings of orcas in the Channel are rare Credit: Getty Why do orcas "kiss"? ORCAS are highly intelligent mammals, known for their advanced communication skills and their complex social structures Killer whales are known to 'kiss' by gently touching or nuzzling each other with their mouths. Scientists say this behaviour is a way for orcas to show affection, build trust and communicate - much like humans hugging or holding hands. Researchers studying orcas both in the wild and in captivity believe this behaviour helps them relieve stress, resolve conflicts and strengthen long-term social bonds. When orcas 'kiss' or nuzzle, it's usually an affectionate, social gesture rather than a romantic one. Mothers and calves are often seen engaging in this behaviour, along with other members of a pod - their tight-knit family groups.
The Sun
02-07-2025
- Science
- The Sun
Never-before-seen moment two frisky killer whales are filmed KISSING in incredible footage – and they even use tongue
THIS is the astonishing moment a pair of orcas was spotted kissing - with tongues - for the first time ever in the wild. The killer smooch was caught on camera by scientists during a snorkelling trip in northern Norway. 4 The heart-warming interaction between the two orcas - also known as killer whales - took place in the dramatic Kvænangen fjords, about 68 miles northeast of Tromsø. In the nearly two-minute-long video, the orcas are seen engaging in three separate 'kissing' episodes, lasting 10, 26 and 18 seconds each. During these intimate moments, one orca extends its tongue while the other appears to gently mouth or nibble it. After the final 'kiss', the highly intelligent mammals part ways and swim off in opposite directions. In the paper published in the journal Oceans, researchers describe the two adult orcas as engaging in 'repeated episodes of gentle, face-to-face oral contact'. The snorkellers floated quietly and horizontally in the water - careful not to disturb the orcas - and filmed the interaction on a GoPro. Scientists call this tactile interaction 'tongue-nibbling'. Study author Dr Javier Almunia told Live Science that "tongue-nibbling is exceptionally rare", explaining that, until now, this behaviour had only been seen in orcas in human care. While tongue-nibbling has not been recorded in other species, similar mouth-to-mouth contact has been spotted in belugas, according to Dr Almunia. He added: "This behaviour appears to serve affiliative purposes and may play a role in reinforcing social bonds or resolving conflicts, akin to grooming or reconciliation behaviours in other highly social species." Watch rare vid of 'glowing' albino killer whale as elusive real-life Moby Dick breaches waves leaving orca fan 'shaking' Mouth-to-mouth contact in orcas was previously recorded in 2013 at Loro Parque, a zoo on Tenerife. During that observation, 'one individual protruded its tongue while the other made gentle nibbling movements,' the study authors, Dr Almunia and colleagues, explain. The zoo-keepers reported that tongue-nibbling behaviour had been noted in four individual orcas at the park. Mouth-to-mouth contact was first documented in captive orcas in a 1978 study by Paul Spong and Ingrid Visser, who suggested it plays a role in maintaining social cohesion. It comes as two pals on a fishing trip spotted what appeared to be a pod of killer whales in the Channel. David Hilton, 64, and Paul Bradshaw, 61, were angling off the South Coast when they saw several large creatures breaching the surface. They appeared to be hunting dolphins in busy international shipping lanes, just five miles south of Plymouth, Devon. Orcas are found in oceans all over the world, but they are most commonly seen in the Pacific Northwest (US and Canada), Norway, Iceland and the Antarctic water. But sightings in the Channel are rare. The Channel is not a typical habitat for orcas as it is shallow and heavily trafficked. 4 Why do orcas "kiss"? ORCAS are highly intelligent mammals, known for their advanced communication skills and their complex social structures Killer whales are known to 'kiss' by gently touching or nuzzling each other with their mouths. Scientists say this behaviour is a way for orcas to show affection, build trust and communicate - much like humans hugging or holding hands. Researchers studying orcas both in the wild and in captivity believe this behaviour helps them relieve stress, resolve conflicts and strengthen long-term social bonds. When orcas 'kiss' or nuzzle, it's usually an affectionate, social gesture rather than a romantic one. Mothers and calves are often seen engaging in this behaviour, along with other members of a pod - their tight-knit family groups.
