Latest news with #inbreeding
BBC News
7 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Clean bill of health for inbred Yorkshire Wildlife Park lion cubs
Three lion cubs whose "shock" birth in captivity was the result of an incestuous mating between a mother and her son are all healthy, staff at a wildlife park have cubs, which are now nine weeks old, were born in April at Yorkshire Wildlife Park (YWP), near Doncaster, amid fears the inbreeding could cause genetic YWP staff said that following the cubs' two-month check up and vaccinations, they had a "clean bill of health".Bex Brown, head of carnivores at the wildlife park, said it was "such a delight to see a new generation of lions healthy and happy". The cubs' mother, Aysa, was rescued from war-torn Kyiv in March 2024 with her female cubs Emi and Santa, and male Teddi, who is now arrived at YWP after being moved 2,000 miles (3,219km) by road from a Polish holding was thought that Aysa became pregnant between two vasectomy procedures her son Teddi underwent towards the end of park has been criticised for the "against the odds" pregnancy, because inbreeding can lead to health defects and abnormalities. But a spokesperson said it was decided not to separate the lioness and her older cubs because they had spent nine months apart without sunlight or outside stimulation on their journey to Doncaster and there had been fears separating them again would have "compromised" Teddi. Staff at YWP said following the cubs' latest check-ups and vaccinations, their development was on track and they were hitting weight and growth milestones."We are so happy to share that the cubs are doing well," Ms Brown said."Their personalities are already coming through and the boys are definitely a bit more boisterous. "The female is a little more delicate and keener on coming over to see the keepers." Staff said the cubs needed "the best possible start at life" and, as the weather improved and the cubs grew, they were getting more time the new cubs would live alongside their older siblings, but for now could be seen on screen, a spokesperson Brown said: "We're working on gradually progressing them to the reserves, but first need to do some 'cub-proofing' to ensure they're safe."Hopefully, soon visitors will be able to see the cubs join their siblings and learn to socialise with the rest of the pride." Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Inside the home of ‘most famous inbred family' The Whittakers who ‘speak in grunts' and their life in town called Odd
THE lifestyle of a family dubbed America's most inbred continues to spark curiosity and intrigue. Their lives have been documented online by a filmmaker, who has put the village of Odd, West Virginia on the map. 6 6 6 Producer Mark Laita has shone the lens on the clan, focusing on aspects ranging from their home life to having a haircut and shopping at Walmart. One video titled Breakfast With the Whittakers, first uploaded in 2022, has been watched more than 6.7 million times. In the video, family members communicate in grunts and viewers are given an insight into their home life. Some members of the family have mental and physical abnormalities and Laita previously said he believes inbreeding may have been partially responsible. The family are seen living in a property that is in a decrepit state. Their home looks cluttered as the family try to go about their daily tasks. The clan's porch is strewn with junk and boxes and shabby-looking furniture. Video shows their bathroom covered in filth. But, despite the squalor-like conditions, the family do not appear to go hungry - with freezers stacked with food. Laita revealed the family confirmed that their parents were double first cousins. Joyful moment 'America's most inbred family' goes Christmas shopping at Walmart and picks out their own presents Members of the clan also included Betty, Ray and Lorraine,who are siblings. An unnamed sister and cousin Timmy made up the Whittakers. They also had a brother named Freddie who died from a heart attack. But, the Whittaker clan were rocked by tragedy in March last year. Laita revealed that Larry Whittaker died at the age of 68. "Larry was always a great dude to me," Laita said in a YouTube video where he announced Whittaker's death. "He was always really nice. Larry was always a standup guy, and he and Betty really ran the show well. "Larry will be missed. It's going to be hard on Betty now." LIVES IN THE SPOTLIGHT Laita first met the Whittaker family in 2004 and has shared more than a dozen videos on his channel. But, he didn't start sharing footage until 2020. He shared footage taken inside a Walmart store that captured the clan's fascination when buying groceries. The family was told they could buy anything they wanted. And, they took up Laita's offer, filling three carts full of groceries. In another video, Ray Whittaker couldn't stop looking at himself as he had a haircut. In December last year, the family's mobile home was gutted by fire, Laita revealed in a GoFundMe post. He created a fundraiser to try and help the family move to a new property. More than $7,000 has been contributed to the fundraiser. 6 6 6
