Latest news with #WildlifePark
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- General
- The Irish Sun
Fota Wildlife Park reveal birth of endangered red pandas with new adorable pics as ‘first-time mum' dotes on cubs
The Wildlife Park is calling on the public to help name the new cubs SEEING RED Fota Wildlife Park reveal birth of endangered red pandas with new adorable pics as 'first-time mum' dotes on cubs FOTA Wildlife Park has announced the birth of two adorable endangered red panda cubs, who were born over nine weeks ago at the conservation centre. The cubs are the babies of three-year-old mother Suzi and seven-year-old father Grga. Advertisement 2 Two endangered red panda cubs have been born in Fota Wildlife Park Credit: Michael O'Sullivan / OSM PHOTO Suzi arrived at Fota Wildlife Park in Co Cork from Berlin Zoo, while Grga was transferred from Zagreb Zoo in Croatia in June 2019. Born on June 7, the cubs remain in the nesting box, sleeping and nursing with their mother, and are not yet visible to the public. In the next three weeks, they will start to explore the habitat outside their nesting box for brief periods in the early morning or late evening under the careful supervision of their mother. The red panda is listed as endangered, with its population declining in the wild. Advertisement The parents at Fota Wildlife Park are part of the European Endangered Species Programme, a collaborative initiative among European zoos and wildlife parks to ensure the survival of threatened species through coordinated breeding efforts. The species' decline in the wild is primarily due to habitat loss and poaching across its native range in the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. Lead Ranger Julien Fonteneau said: "We're absolutely delighted to announce the births of the two red pandas. "It's been two years since we last welcomed red panda cubs at Fota Wildlife Park. Advertisement "Their mother, Suzi, is a first-time mum and has taken to her new role with ease. She's currently being very protective, displaying typical red panda maternal behaviour by keeping the cubs secure, while diligently feeding and grooming them. "Being involved in the care of an endangered species is one of the most meaningful aspects of the animal care work at Fota Wildlife Park. We hope that the red panda births will raise awareness around species and biodiversity loss and will inspire and educate the visiting public and future generations. "Although the cubs remain mostly hidden for now, visitors might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of them when Suzi occasionally moves them between nesting boxes. APPEARANCES DUE "Over the next few months, and as they grow more confident, the cubs are expected to make brief appearances during quieter periods of the day, closely supervised by Suzi." Advertisement Red pandas are primarily herbivorous, with bamboo shoots making up the bulk of their diet. At Fota Wildlife Park, they are fed freshly harvested bamboo grown on-site. The sheltered and temperate climate of Fota Island provides ideal conditions for bamboo cultivation, ensuring a sustainable and nutritious food supply. Their diet is occasionally supplemented with fruits, insects, and small animals, especially during the warmer months. NAME THE CUBS Fota Wildlife Park is calling on the public to help name the new cubs, to be in with a chance of winning one of two Conservation annual passes. Advertisement Name suggestions can be entered via the wildlife park's blog at Further updates on the red panda cubs can be found on Fota Wildlife Park's social media platforms. Fota Wildlife Park is open daily from 9.30am. 2 The park is appealing for naming suggestions from the public Credit: Michael O'Sullivan / OSM PHOTO
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Wildlife park mourns death of 'iconic' white lion
A white lion that was a wildlife park's "beloved icon" has died at the age of 18. Casper was known for his distinctive roar that could be heard for miles around the Isle of Wight, Wildheart Animal Sanctuary said. The lion, born at West Midlands Safari Park in 2006, became ill and was put to sleep on Thursday, the sanctuary added. Staff said they were carefully monitoring Casper's half-sister Frosty, due to the pair's celebrated bond of affection. At the age of three, Casper was separated from his African-born parents at the Bewdley park. He arrived at what later became Wildheart Animal Sanctuary on a rare snowy day on the Isle of Wight in January 2010. Casper's half-sister Frosty came to the island three years later in 2013. It took a year for the pair to integrate but they became inseparable, the sanctuary said. Animal manager Marc Fox said: "Whether basking together in the sun or snuggling up in the hide, grooming one another, or cosying up on the firehose hammock, their bond was one of loyalty, affection, and trust." Mr Fox said Casper had endearing traits, including a fascination with the smell of freshly cut grass and a fear of new objects in his enclosure. He said: "Phenomenally strong and powerful as a younger lion, Casper always left an unforgettable impression on everyone who laid eyes on him. "Even in his later years when he was physically less capable, his majesty and presence were unmatched, as were his impressive roars from his rock that could be heard across Sandown." The sanctuary said it would consider whether to bring in a new companion for Frosty or move her closer to the centre's other lions. White lions are a genetic variant of the African lion and are uniquely found in one part of South Africa, according to the Global White Lion Protection Trust. You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Uganda the white lion dies at wildlife park The Big Cat Sanctuary welcomes two white lionesses Tributes after rare white lion dies at safari park Wildheart animal sanctuary
BBC News
09-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Isle of Wight wildlife park mourns death of 'iconic' white lion
A white lion that was a wildlife park's "beloved icon" has died at the age of was known for his distinctive roar that could be heard for miles around the Isle of Wight, Wildheart Animal Sanctuary lion, born at West Midlands Safari Park in 2006, became ill and was put to sleep on Thursday, the sanctuary said they were carefully monitoring Casper's half-sister Frosty, due to the pair's celebrated bond of affection. At the age of three, Casper was separated from his African-born parents at the Bewdley arrived at what later became Wildheart Animal Sanctuary on a rare snowy day on the Isle of Wight in January half-sister Frosty came to the island three years later in took a year for the pair to integrate but they became inseparable, the sanctuary said. Animal manager Marc Fox said: "Whether basking together in the sun or snuggling up in the hide, grooming one another, or cosying up on the firehose hammock, their bond was one of loyalty, affection, and trust."Mr Fox said Casper had endearing traits, including a fascination with the smell of freshly cut grass and a fear of new objects in his said: "Phenomenally strong and powerful as a younger lion, Casper always left an unforgettable impression on everyone who laid eyes on him."Even in his later years when he was physically less capable, his majesty and presence were unmatched, as were his impressive roars from his rock that could be heard across Sandown."The sanctuary said it would consider whether to bring in a new companion for Frosty or move her closer to the centre's other lions are a genetic variant of the African lion and are uniquely found in one part of South Africa, according to the Global White Lion Protection Trust. You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Edinburgh Reporter
25-04-2025
- Edinburgh Reporter
Cosy cottage with view over Blair Atholl
Skip loads of rubble were cleared, the cottage was insulated, new plumbing and electric circuits introduced, and a heat pump installed. Painters and decorators were brought in and estate staff had fun choosing the colour scheme and much of the furniture. The garden, overlooking a river, was landscaped and a tasteful holiday cottage created. Shades of the past remain, like a deep Belfast sink, but the kitchen is superbly equipped with a microwave, induction hob, plus substantial fridge and freezer. It took us a few anxious minutes to discover how to work the hob with the aid of YouTube, mind you, but we got there, part of the getting-away experience. The two upstairs bedrooms – one double and one twin – are reached by a wood panelled staircase. The heavy floral wallcovering might not be to the taste of everybody, but the rooms are superbly finished and two hot water bottles were on the beds on arrival. A nice touch. The sizeable downstairs bathroom has a shower in the bath – a tad difficult for those over 5ft 9in – and toiletries by Sea Kelp Scottish fine soaps, and the heating hovers between 19c and 22c, ample for the property which also has a warming log burner in the lounge. Almost forgot, don't worry if you have forgotten to bring a phone charger, they are built into the plug sockets. The land around the cottage is farmed by the Blair Athol castle team. It is an organic, regenerative farm, primarily focused on native Aberdeen Angus cattle, black-faced sheep and Highland cows. While waiting for the kettle to boil pre-breakfast, we noted a huge hare out one window and a beautiful pheasant out the other. Lots of smaller birds were heard and they are apparently attracted by the hedge planting programme across the estate. Walks are available from the front door. Glen Tilt is over the hill from the cottage, sadly our walk was curtailed by forestry work, but nearby there are a number of circular trails, including a native woodland scheme in Glen Fender which has recently been planted. You could also opt to step out on signposted paths dotted around the local area and, you can, of course, walk round Blair Castle, the home of the Atholl family for over seven centuries. Incidentally, the earliest known part of the present castle dates from 1269 and entry is free with your stay. Try to time your visit to link with the piper, a great favourite with foreign visitors, and the castle grounds host a well-appointed children's play park. For those who like to bag Munros (Scottish mountains over 3,000 feet), there is the option of Beinn a Ghlo, a range with three Munro summits including Carn Liath and if you are of a more active persuasion, Nae Limits at Ballinluig, offers canyoning, white water rafting (weekends, June to September) and quad biking. Of course, there is also a bunjee jump (40 metres, 132 feet) above the River Garry in nearby Killiekrankie. Landmark Forest Adventure Park at Aviemore and the Highland Wildlife Park at Kingussie, Activity Kids at Stanley (outdoor adventure park, indoor soft play and family-friendly animals), and clay pigeon shooting at Dunkeld are within reach. So is the Highland Chocolatier shop, home of Master Chocolatier, Iain Burnett, at Grandtully, which boasts a month-watering selection, and also interesting information on chocolate production. Soldiers Leap at Killicrankie, an 18ft leap across the fast-flowing Garry River, Dunkeld Cathedral, Pitlochry Dam and Visitor Centre, where there are displays on hydro-electricity, dam history and salmon breeding, plus a café and gift shop, are accessible. Atholl Country Life Museum, once a village school, with artifacts in three small galleries relating to local area life, plus a lovingly reconstructed post office of the 1930s, is also popular, but don't miss the Blair Atholl Watermill which is still producing stoneground oatmeal and flours and dates back to the 1590s. The attraction, just behind the station, also houses a café with fab fruit scones made using their own four and a range of warming coffees, including lactose-free options. Segway and bike hire is possible at Blair Athol and you can indulge in equestrian sports. Blair Athol, Pitlochry and Dunkeld all have golf courses and there are local cinemas in Perth and Aberfeldy. The Birks at Aberfeldy, kept alive by community funders, loyal customers and volunteers, do live screenings and special events and the busy café has a varied selection. Home-made tomato and herb soup was our pick and it was delicious. The well-known Pitlochry Festival Theatre, described as the artistic heart and soul of Highland Perthshire, is close. Back at the well-quipped, dog-friendly, cottage, which also boasts a laundry room with Bosch washing machine and tumble dryer, there are games including chess, draughts, dominoes and cards, and a good wi-fi connection. The TV has Disney, Netflix, Prime Video and Rakuten (video-on-demand) TV options. An extremely helpful welcome book is provided with information on what to do if things go wrong at the cottage during your stay and useful telephone numbers for the local hospital, doctor, dentist, vet, chemist, opticians, garage and car repairs are listed. Grocery shopping is available in Blair Athol including The Larder, which is primarily organic, in the caravan park reception building. A Spar shop and a local store are also available and bakeries, butchers and delicatessens outlets are listed along with breweries and distilleries, restaurants, spas and gyms. The hugely popular House of Bruar, a family-run business, sometimes described as the Harrods of the North, houses an upscale department store plus classic Tweed and cashmere clothing plus outdoor wear, as well as gifts. There is also a fishing section and an extensive food hall with butchery and fish departments plus a fish and chip shop – you can buy lobster and chips, by the way – and it is minutes away by car. Talking of food, our welcome pack included eggs, mouth-watering Lazy Ploughman cheese from the Isle of Kintyre – cheese is combined with home-made caramelised onion – crunchy Clearspring organic Scottish oatcakes, vegan, high in fibre and with no added sugar, lightly-salted organic butter packed for Calon Wen and from Carmarthenshire, and an extremely tempting unsliced loaf of bread plus tea, coffee (rich Italian ground) and sugar. Linen is supplied, including dish cloths, along with plenty of pots and pans and dishes. The accommodation is several miles up a steep, single-track road, but, sitting on the patio, overlooking a forest and hills stretching far into the distance, and listening to the water rumbling over rocks in the nearby river, it was hard to beat. Atholl Estates also offer a wide selection of holiday accommodation for couples, families and groups and you can choose from Highland Lodges, cottages and luxurious Sheperd Huts. Woodland Lodges and a range of options in the caravan park in the Blair Castle grounds are also available. Atholl Estates: 01796 481 355: enquiries@ Blair Castle and Gardens: 01796 481 207: bookings@ Blair Castle Caravan Park: 01796 481 263: bookings@ Highland Lodges and Shepherd Huts: 01796 481 355: stay@ PICTURE: Visitors to Blair Castle enjoy the piper. BLAIR CASTLE: selection of weapons WHEELY GOOD ATTRACTION: a look at some of the machinery at the Blair Atholl Watermill COMMUNITY CINEMA: The admirable community-funded cinema and cafe at Aberfeldy COSY: The lounge with wood burner in the cottage Like this: Like Related
