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The Irish Sun
28-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
‘Beat the cheetah' challenge as Dublin Zoo launch ‘Run for Wildlife' event with live music & show – here's how to apply
DUBLIN Zoo bosses have announced the first ever Run for Wildlife event - where contestants can 'beat the cheetah'. Participants will 'experience the Advertisement 4 The Run for Wildlife event takes place on Saturday, July 26 Credit: Patrick Bolger 4 Runners will 'experience the zoo like never before' Credit: Patrick Bolger The Run for Wildlife, is in aid of wildlife conservation, kicks off on Saturday, July 26, 2025. Dublin Zoo chiefs warned The race will help raise funds for the Critically Endangered Sulawesi crested macaque. Selamatkan Yaki, a conservation organisation based in Indonesia, are working to save the Critically Endangered Sulawesi crested macaque - also called the yaki in Indonesia. Advertisement READ MORE ON TRAVEL Participants can sprint or jog to help support the critical work of wildlife protection and habitat preservation. All runners will receive a bespoke medal handmade by local craftsmen in Indonesia. Founder of Manado Ecocraft, Henry Johanis, upcycles the waste material of local coconut plantations for arts and crafts, and has been working with his team to create eco-medals for the event. On the day, visitors can take in the atmosphere and enjoy traditional Indonesian singing, dancing and a magical show telling the story of the yaki by the Indonesian Irish Association. Advertisement Most read in News Travel Selamatkan Yaki's conservation efforts are built on long-term research and deliver a multi-faceted approach that blends conservation science with sustainable development and outreach. Arthur Gourounlian and family day out at Dublin Zoo Today, there are approximately 5,000 Sulawesi crested macaques left in the wild, and the species is considered to be Critically Endangered under the IUCN Red List. Hunting for bushmeat is one of the biggest threats to the species, however, they also face threats such as habitat destruction and fragmentation caused by farming and mining activities. Advertisement Director of Dublin Zoo, Dr Christoph Schwitzer, said: 'Dublin Zoo is excited to welcome visitors to our first-ever Run for Wildlife event, it's a truly incredible experience inviting participants to experience Dublin Zoo in a new way while also supporting the critical work of Selamatkan Yaki. 'We have developed a longstanding relationship with Selamatkan Yaki since 2010, funding their work in saving the Critically Endangered Sulawesi crested macaque. 'By taking part in this run, every participant is not only embracing a fun fitness challenge but also taking meaningful strides in support of endangered wildlife.' The event entry includes: Advertisement A bespoke eco-friendly runner's medal handmade by local craftsmen in Indonesia. An exclusive Run for Wildlife t-shirt. A donation to Selamatkan Yaki. Early access to Dublin Zoo with entertainment provided by the Indonesian Irish Association. Programme Director at Selamatkan Yaki, Dr. Sue Wiper, added: 'We are all thrilled at Selamatkan Yaki that Dublin Zoo is hosting the Run for Wildlife and highlighting the Critically Endangered Sulawesi crested macaque. 'The charismatic Yaki, as they are known here in North Sulawesi, rely on each of us to secure them a brighter future, and with the help and support of each runner we are a few steps closer to giving it to them – thank you.' A limited number of tickets are available for anyone aged 16 and over until June 6, see Ticket Info Participant (aged 16 and over) - €4 0 Runners must be aged 16 years and over. Price includes a €5 donation to the conservation of Sulawesi crested macaques. Adult Supporter - €22 Adult supporter tickets are for those aged 16 years and over. Child Supporter (ages 3 - 15) - €16 Child supporter tickets are for those aged 3 to 15. Children must be supervised at all times. Under 3 Years Supporter - €5 Children under 3 years supporter tickets are for those aged less than 3 years. Children must be supervised at all times. 4 Contestants can sprint or jog Credit: Patrick Bolger Advertisement 4 The run will help raise money for the Critically Endangered Sulawesi crested macaque Credit: Patrick Bolger


The Irish Sun
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
RTE star Louise Duffy leads the line for much-loved Barnardos Big Toddle fundraiser that helps support vulnerable kids
BIG-hearted youngsters took shelter from the rays at a Barnardos charity launch today. The children's charity was joined by a group of toddlers and Ambassador Advertisement 5 Ambassador Louise Duffy and some helpful youngster launched the Barnardos annual Big Toddle Credit: Patrick Bolger 5 Joanie Ryan, 4, took a quick break from duties to pose with an umbrella Credit: Patrick Bolger 5 RTE star Louise with Joanie, Blake McLaughlin, 4, Aychin Pitse, 5, and Ollie Peachey Pope, 4 Credit: Patrick Bolger Pictured at the event was Joanie Ryan, 4, who took a quick break from duties to pose with an umbrella. The theme this year - Big Toddle Little Heroes - celebrates the nation's youngest fundraisers who help vulnerable children their own age, by completing a fun half-mile sponsored walk in their creche, childcare group, pre-school and with their families. Commenting on the event, Barnardos say: "This year marks the 22nd anniversary of our exciting half-mile sponsored walk for crèche and pre-school aged children. "Since our very first Big Toddle, young children from crèches, playgroups, preschools, and families across the country have come together to support this much-loved campaign, raising an incredible €4.84 million. Advertisement READ MORE IN BARNARDOS "As they toddle their way to raise funds to support our work, these young children truly are our heroes. They can feel super proud that they are supporting vulnerable children their own age. We celebrate our littlest fundraisers with our very special theme, Big Toddle Little Heroes. "All funds raised directly support Barnardos' Early Years Services where we work with some of the youngest and most vulnerable children, ensuring they get the best possible start in life – just like their peers. By joining our Big Toddle, you will be helping to make a real, lasting difference. "Together we can help to change the story for these children. Because childhood lasts a lifetime." Supporting children for over 60 years, know that the longer a child spends living in deprivation and coping with childhood trauma, the greater an impact it can have on their future. Advertisement Most read in Irish News The works with families who are impacted by poverty, abuse, parental addiction or mental health challenges, neglect and bereavement. Last year, the teamed up with our children's charity partner and top provider Sunway to give away the trip of a lifetime. Family's delight after winning The Irish Sun and Barnardo's 'Big Toddle' art competition for Sunway trip to Lapland The Maguire family in Dublin's Baldoyle bagged an amazing Lapland trip — thanks to their favourite newspaper. Earlier in the year we held a colouring competition for a family of four to win an Enchanted Escape Sunway package to visit in Lapland in November. Advertisement And after the judges saw eight-year-old Caoimhe Maguire's beautiful effort, she was a clear winner. TOP TRIP She headed away with her dad David, mum Helen Martin and little sister Fiadh, five, to meet the man in the red suit last month. And this only added to an already exciting year for the family, who welcomed new baby Conal. Also last year, Advertisement This was done to highlight the experiences of the kids and families they work with and to help raise money to enable them to continue to be there for these families. 5 An incredible €4.84m has been raised by the charity's fundraisers Credit: Patrick Bolger 5 This year marks the 22nd anniversary of the exciting half-mile sponsored walk Credit: Patrick Bolger