Search

World famous gay penguin dies

One half of the world famous gay penguin couple at Sydney's SEA LIFE Aquarium has died. In 2018, Gentoo penguin Sphen made international headlines when he coupled up with another male gentoo penguin, Magic. Shortly after meeting, the two male penguins began making a nest together out of pebbles ahead of breeding season, so the aquarium staff gave them a foster egg to care for. Sphen and Magic raised two foster chicks, Sphengic (Lara) in 2018 and Clancy in 2020, and are among the most strongly bonded gentoo penguin pairs at the aquarium. The penguins have inspired books, documentaries, new studies in the NSW syllabus and even featured on a float at the Sydney Mardi Gras parade. Earlier in August, Sphen passed away at the age of 12, which is considered a long life for a gentoo penguin. In order to help process the loss, the aquarium staff took Magic to see his partner's body to help with the understanding that Sphen would not be returning. He immediately started singing, which was reciprocated by the colony. "The loss of Sphen is heartbreaking to the penguin colony, the team and everyone who has been inspired or positively impacted by Sphen and Magic's story," SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium's general manager, Richard Dilly, said in a statement. "Sphen and Magic's love story captivated the world and it's been an honour to welcome local and international fans, some of which travelled long distances to see them in real life." "The team's focus is now on Magic, who will soon prepare for his first breeding season without Sphen." Image credits: SEA LIFE Aquarium Sydney

Relationships

Cause of death revealed after eight-year-old dies mid-flight

The cause of death of an eight-year-old girl who died suddenly mid-flight has been revealed. Sydney Weston was travelling with her family from their home state of Missouri to Chicago on June 13th when she suddenly fell ill on the flight and died. Now, according to Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood, Sydney was suffering from at least five different illnesses at the time of her death. The eight-year-old reportedly died from complications of chronic primary adrenalitis coupled with several infections, including enterovirus and strep, as well as inflammation of the small intestines known as duodenitis and the thyroid gland inflammation commonly known as thyroiditis. Harwood found that the long list of conditions suggests Sydney may have suffered from an autoimmune disorder which left her body attacking its own healthy cells and harming organ operation. Sydney suffered a medical emergency onboard the flight, causing the plane to divert to Peoria, Illinois, for an emergency landing, but Sydney died after being rushed to a nearby hospital. Results from a previously released preliminary autopsy were inconclusive but found that her body showed no signs of abuse, neglect or foul play. At the time of her sudden and tragic death, Sydney was just a week away from celebrating her ninth birthday. “She will forever be remembered for the happiness she brought to every single person she encountered. Our hearts are heavy. She was our baby girl and we celebrate her beautiful life,” her obituary read. Image credits: Instagram

Caring

Chinese zoo's "panda" display under fire

A zoo in China has come under fire after visitors noticed something strange about the baby panda display. Taizhou Zoo, in the eastern Jiangsu Province, advertised their baby panda enclosure, which was actually just two small Chow Chow dogs dyed black and white. The tickets to the display which are believed to have gone public late last week, read "Xiong Mao Quan" which translates to "panda dogs", Chinese newspaper The Global Times reported. Footage of the animals in the enclosure has gone viral, with many sharing their confusion over the zoo's special enclosure. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Taizhou Zoo in Jiangsu Province dyed two chow chow puppies black and white and promoted them as so-called “panda dogs.” <a href="https://t.co/Jo7q1dBzZJ">pic.twitter.com/Jo7q1dBzZJ</a> — Shanghai Daily (@shanghaidaily) <a href="https://twitter.com/shanghaidaily/status/1786948655880290806?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2024</a></blockquote> A staff member at the zoo, Liu Qiuming, told the local publication the panda scheme was used to attract more visitors and better their experience, as the zoo does not have any pandas of its own. The display has reportedly raised concerns of fraud but another staffer has insisted the zoo has not tricked or manipulated its visitors, given the direct translation of the exhibit. "This is just a new display we offer to visitors. We are not charging extra," a ticket seller told The Global Times. "The wording featuring Chow Chow dogs is correct and exactly describes what they are, so we are not cheating our visitors." Image credits: X (Twitter)

International Travel

Zoo's upright bear accused of being just a guy in a suit

A Chinese zoo has had to be completely trans-bear-ant about its popular sun bear, following allegations that it was actually a human in disguise. The Hangzhou Zoo in China gained international recognition after video footage of their sun bear standing on its hind legs and waving at visitors caused many to paws and look twice. Many were bear-side themselves with excitement as theories that it was a human in disguise continued to spread. The local Hangzhou Daily first reported on the attention that the four-year-old sun bear named Angela was receiving. “Because of the way they stand, some people online question whether they are ‘humans in disguise’,” they wrote. As Angela gained popularity, experts were summoned and had to confirm that the bear was in fact fur-real. Ashleigh Marshall, an expert from Chester Zoo, told BBC News that the animal “is definitely a real bear,” and affirmed to doubtful visitors that sun bears do often “look a lot like people in costumes”. The animal expert also pointed out that the folds on the sun bear’s back weren’t because the costume was loose, but its actual function is to protect the bear from predators and allow them to “turn around” and fight back if attacked. Various representatives of the zoo have had to come out and release statements addressing the controversy. A spokesperson has reportedly said that the state-run facility would never intentionally deceive people, in an audio clip circulating on popular Chinese social media platform WeChat. “Some people think I stand like a person,” read another social media post, written from the point of view of the bear. “It seems you don't understand me very well.” Another spokesperson for the zoo has also denied the allegations and said that a human in a fur bear suit “would not last more than a few minutes before collapsing” in the 40°C summer temperatures. Images: Twitter / WeChat

International Travel

Tourist faces $10k fine for jumping into iconic harbour

Footage surfaced online of the man leaping from Opera Bar, just a few metres away from the Opera House. While his jump was certainly surprising, what shocked viewers was the hefty fine the tourist could be slapped with following his return from the water. Security helped the man back over the harbour ledge before telling him the risky stunt could see him $10,000 poorer. <iframe title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7235491102143401234&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40futuretravellers23%2Fvideo%2F7235491102143401234%3Flang%3Den&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign-sg.tiktokcdn.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-alisg-p-0037%2Fo03m1enFIeAeQNC0aCDgjQIXDXzvbjDTIIabA4%3Fx-expires%3D1686200400%26x-signature%3DoWRm%252BIslhOfB81xvrV77sRxfWog%253D&key=5b465a7e134d4f09b4e6901220de11f0&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> “Well there's a very good reason why you've never seen anyone jump into the sea from the Opera House... I'll show you why,' Future Travellers said in a TikTok clip. In a second TikTok, the young man is seen talking to a group of police officers.<iframe title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7239141948261534984&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40futuretravellers23%2Fvideo%2F7239141948261534984%3Flang%3Den&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign-sg.tiktokcdn.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-alisg-p-0037%2Fbc76967996de4cefb23cfe5e6930fddc_1685494092%3Fx-expires%3D1686200400%26x-signature%3DSY8QPztxLxbP%252FPfYm4itGUmYloE%253D&key=5b465a7e134d4f09b4e6901220de11f0&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> However, a number of viewers commenting about the eye-watering fine also noted it was the least of the swimmer’s worries. "I'm a Sydney gal and it's not the $10,000 that scares me, it's the huge bull sharks that lurk in those waters,' one person wrote. “It’s a busy shipping lane and if it was full of floating tourists the ferries couldn't run,” another said. “I'm sure if he got run over by ferry his family would be suing NSW government for compensation,” a third added. Others were skeptical of the large fine. The official fine for swimming around the Opera House is a maximum of $1,100 with the law stating a person must not “swim to and enter on any part of the Opera House premises or swim from any part of those premises”. Several others were impressed by the young man’s jump and slammed NSW for being a “nanny state”. “Welcome to Sydney, please do not do anything,” one person remarked. “This guy is an absolute legend,” another wrote. 'Only $10,000 per dip? It's probably cheaper to live in the harbour than some apartments. Sign me up,' a third joked. “Australia has a fine for everything,” another claimed. Earlier footage of the risky trick was shared alongside a montage of the tourist showing his British mum around Australia. The first video left viewers astounded with one writing, “In all my life living in Sydney I've never seen anyone jump in at the opera house!” Image credit: TikTok

Travel Trouble

American zoo apologises to disgruntled New Zealanders

An American zoo has issued an apology after admitting it made a “huge mistake” that outraged an entire country. Footage of Miami Zoo’s paid encounters with Paora the kiwi went viral online, showing the bird being handled and passed around for pictures in broad daylights and under bright lights despite being a shy, nocturnal animal. The handling of their national icon had New Zealanders fired up, with a petition to save the “mistreated” animal being launched amid the video, which received more than 10,000 signatures. “He has been tamed and is subjected to bright fluorescent lighting four days a week, being handled by dozens of strangers, petted on his sensitive whiskers, laughed at, and shown off like a toy,” the petition read. “Kiwi are nocturnal animals, who should be kept in suitable dark enclosures, and minimally handled. “The best practice manual for kiwi states that they shouldn’t be handled often or taken out of their burrow to be held by the public. He is kept awake during the day, with only a small box in a brightly lit enclosure to mimic his natural underground habitat.” The zoo’s communications director Ron Magill has confirmed the attraction has been cancelled and has issued his own apology in an interview with the New Zealand Herald. “We regret the unintentional stress caused by a video on social media depicting the handling of Paora, the kiwi bird currently housed within Zoo Miami,” Magill said. He also told RNZ he had informed the zoo’s director that “we have offended a nation”. “When I saw the video myself I said we have made a huge mistake here,” he said. “I am so sorry. I am so remorseful. Someone asked how would you feel if we did that to your bald eagle, and you’re 100 per cent right. “I never want to come across as making excuses, I am here to apologise … to everyone. I feel profoundly terrible about this.” However, Magill noted Paora was healthy and well despite the uproar. “He eats like he’s on a spa day every day and he’s doing well. It doesn’t excuse what he was subjected to. But I promise it will never happen again,” he said. After the video went viral, the zoo was bombarded with complaints, with New Zealand’s Department of Conservation confirming it would be “discussing the situation with the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums to address some of the housing and handling concerns raised”. New Zealand prime minister Chris Hipkins also weighed in, claiming the ordeal “shows a lot of Kiwis take pride in our national bird when they’re overseas”. “The New Zealanders who witnessed what was happening there caught it pretty quickly,” he said, adding that the zoo had “made public statements of regret on what’s happened, and I acknowledge that and thank them for taking it seriously”. The kiwi is considered to be a Taonga species - native birds, plants and animals of special cultural significance and importance to native New Zealanders. Image credit: Getty

Travel Trouble

Name a cockroach after your ex and feed it to an animal this Valentine's Day

The San Antonio Zoo is making a unique offer for scorned lovers this Valentine's Day. For just $14 (AUD), the Texas zoo will name a cockroach after your ex and feed it to an animal, in a brutal display of hilarious pettiness to show someone how you really feel. The annual Cry Me a Cockroach fundraiser will "support the zoo's vision of securing a future for wildlife in Texas and around the world" the San Antonio Zoo says on its <a href="https://sazoo.org/cry-me-a-cockroach/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website</a>. For those not into bugs, you can choose a vegetable for $7, or a rodent for $35 to be fed to a hungry zoo resident. All donors will receive a digital Valentine's Day Card showing their support for the zoo. They can also opt to send their ex-partner a digital Valentine's Day Card informing them that a cockroach, rodent, or veggie was named after them and fed to an animal. For those who really want to make a statement, you can pay for a $200 upgrade which includes a personalised video message to the recipient showing their cockroach, rodent or vegetable being devoured by an animal. The annual event continues to be a hit, with Cyle Perez, the zoo's director of public relations, telling CNN last year that they received more than 8,000 donations from all 50 states and over 30 different countries. "Right now, we are on track to break last year's record, with 'Zach,' 'Ray' and 'Adam' being the most submitted ex-names so far," Perez said. To participate, you'll need to <a href="https://sazoo.org/cry-me-a-cockroach/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">submit your ex's name online</a> before Valentine's Day. Image credits: San Antonio Zoo

Relationships

How Ryan Gosling shut down Sydney Harbour Bridge

Footage has emerged from the set of Ryan Gosling’s new film The Fall Guy, which was filmed on the Sydney Harbour Bridge this Sunday. The iconic bridge was shut off in both directions today from 3 am to 10 am, with commuters redirected as the structure was closed off. The cycleway and footpath was also closed from 5.30 am to 10am. In a clip shared on Sunrise on Monday, Gosling's stunt double can be seen filming the high-speed stunt. The stunt double was filmed during an action-packed chase, where he was holding on to a shovel that was hanging on the back of a truck that sped across the Harbour Bridge. The actor and his stunt double were seen talking on set, wearing the same outfit, the red bomber jacket and the actor's stunning looks standing out in the picture. The Fall Guy is a movie adaptation of a 1980s TV series about a crime-fighting stuntman. Gosling, his wife Eva Mendes and their two children touched down in Sydney last September. The power couple have been spotted multiple times in Sydney, running errands, hanging out at a park in Rose bay, and trick-or-treating as a family in Bondi last Halloween. Image: Sunrise/ Bill Hearne

Movies

Robert Irwin left in tears after birthday video from his dad appears

Robert Irwin has been left in tears after he received a birthday video message from his late father, Steve Irwin. He was just two years old when his father passed away after he was stung by a stingray in 2006 at the age of just 44. Robert recently celebrated his 19th birthday but now a video has resurfaced of the Crocodile Hunter discussing Robert's birth and his hopes that Robert would follow in his footsteps. The birthday boy was surprised with the video in which it showed footage of his birth in 2003. “At that very moment I saw the light,” Steve said, in a voiceover about Robert’s birth. “This is why I was put here,” he said of his children. <iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nYGMAY9eRHo?start=287" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> “Because I could be dead tomorrow. “So I need these blokes to come up as quick as they can, so this little bloke’s (Robert) going to have to catch the crocs with Bindi. “When they’re ready to run up our mission, I will gladly step aside.” Steve then says that it would be the “proudest moment of my life” if his children were to continue his legacy. The video then cuts to show Robert fulfilling his father's dream as he performed shows in the Crocoseum and saving crocodiles in the wild. “Then and only then will I know that I have achieved my ultimate goal and my job will be done. And I guarantee you it will be the proudest moment of my life,” a voiceover of Steve plays at the same time. When the clip ended, Robert shed a few tears and said it was a “privilege” to continue his dad’s legacy in making the world a better place. “It means the absolute world... I just think it's such a privilege, personally and as a family, to continue the legacy of dad,” he said. “He gave his life, quite literally, for wildlife conservation and to make the world a better place.” Image: YouTube

Family & Pets

Robert Irwin gets candid about health issue affecting his family

Robert Irwin has opened up about how dementia has affected his family. The 19-year-old appeared on The Project as a co-host when they began discussing dementia - a disorder that can affect thinking, memory and behaviour. The son of the late Steve Irwin said that he doesn’t think there’s anyone living who hasn’t encountered a person with dementia. “I think there’s no-one living who hasn’t encountered someone or has a loved one who has experienced this,” he said. “I know my grandfather on my mum’s side had a form of dementia and a lot of family friends have had that as well and it’s just, it’s devastating. “Someone you love, someone you’re close to you see going through that and just not being able to relive and enjoy the moments they had it’s heartbreaking. “But I guess it just reminds you you’ve got to spend every second with the people you love and really surround yourself with love and light and hopefully this is light at the end of the tunnel for a safe way for people to stop this.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Alzheimer’s is the merciless brain condition that slowly erodes the cognitive function and precious memories of thousands of Australians. But, a revolutionary new treatment could turn the tide in the fight against the disease. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheProjectTV?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheProjectTV</a> <a href="https://t.co/IVuMloeUN5">pic.twitter.com/IVuMloeUN5</a> — The Project (@theprojecttv) <a href="https://twitter.com/theprojecttv/status/1599316365369901058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2022</a></blockquote> Robert went on to say that he will continuing his father’s legacy and how proud he is to be a part of it, speaking about a recent performance with the Wiggles. “The Wiggles are just legendary, my dad actually did a really fun collaboration project with them at Australia Zoo way back in the day 20 years ago,” he said. “So we’ve worked with them for a long time so the fact all of the original Wiggles came back to support our charity Wildlife Warriors means the world. “Dad set this up as a way to support wildlife conservation here in Australia and on the global stage and a night like that just makes us realise his legacy is alive and thriving and it’s the honour of a lifetime to keep that going.” Robert recently celebrated his <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/robert-irwin-turns-19-in-style" target="_blank" rel="noopener">19th birthday</a> at Australia Zoo with his mother and rumoured girlfriend, Scarlett Buckley, who is the niece of the late Heath Ledger. Image: The Project

Caring

Robert Irwin turns 19 in style!

Robert Irwin has celebrated his 19th birthday with a bunch of crocodiles (and family) at Australia Zoo. The birthday boy showed off his crocodile-feeding skills to an entertained crowd including his mum Terri and rumoured girlfriend Scarlett Buckley, who is the niece of the late Heath Ledger. After entertaining the crowd, Robert was presented with a cake in the shape of a camera, in honour of his passion for photography. His sister Bindi however was not seen in the crowd but wished him a happy birthday in an adorable post on Instagram of the pair showing off their height next to a “watch your head” sign. "Happy Birthday to the taller Irwin sibling and greatest brother in the world," she wrote. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Clma_rjhTYO/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Clma_rjhTYO/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Bindi Irwin (@bindisueirwin)</a> </div> </blockquote> "You light up our lives with your hilarious sense of humour and kind heart. "I see so much of dad in everything you do and I know he would be beyond proud of you. We all are. “Thank you for being such a good uncle to Grace and fantastic brother to me and Chandler. “We love you and can't wait to celebrate today!" Robert fuelled a few rumours after he was spotted with Scarlett as the pair were pictured enjoying a sunset stroll in Queensland earlier this month. In photos published by New Idea magazine, the two are seen smiling at each other after picking up takeaway for a picnic on the beach. At one point, according to the publication, Robert pulled Scarlett in for a hug as the sun went down. While neither have spoken publicly about their blossoming new romance, Robert has been following Scarlett's private Instagram account for some time. Images: Instagram

Family & Pets

King Charles’ family friend snaps up historical Sydney mansion

A family friend of King Charles III has snapped up a historical home in Sydney’s lower north shore. Edward Dawson-Damer, the son of the seventh Earl of Portarlington and equerry (a senior attendant) to the Queen Mother, and his wife Joanne Grant paid an eye-watering $9.325 million ($NZ 10.04 million) for the 114-year-old Dalkeith mansion, per <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/news/king-charles-friend-buys-9-3-million-cremorne-home-2-1185842/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Domain</a>. The Cremorne home was built in 1908 by English wool merchant and Freemasons grand master Frank Whiddon and sits on an almost 1500-square-metre block. In the early 1950s, the property was bought by the Norwegian Church Abroad, becoming the Norwegian Seaman’s Mission and providing community services to Scandinavian seamen until 1978, according to <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/8-bannerman-street-cremorne-nsw-2090-2018035301" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the listing</a>. While steeped in history, their new sandstone home has also undergone major renovations and an extension, which the listing described as “contemporary updates”, including an open-plan layout, modern appliances in the kitchen and an alfresco entertainment area with an in-ground pool and sandstone cabana. The home also boasts a billiard room that was formerly used as a chapel, with stained-glass windows and the original pew featured. Inside, the art-nouveau period features have been maintained, and each of the five bedrooms come with adjoining sunrooms. It comes as an upgrade for Dawson-Damer and Grant, who offloaded their home in Vaucluse for $6.45 million ($NZ 6.94 million) last year. Images: Domain

Real Estate

“A wake-up call for the cops”: Sydney protester Danny Lim released from hospital

Well-known Sydney activist Danny Lim has been released from hospital after injuries to his head and face during an attempted arrest by police that sparked outcry. The 78-year-old, recognised by many for his sandwich board signs bearing political messages, was hospitalised after officers tried to arrest him for failing to “comply with a move-on order” at the Queen Victoria Building on Tuesday. Criminal lawyer Chris Murphy, a lawyer at the firm that represents Mr Lim, confirmed that he had been released from St Vincent’s Hospital on Thursday with “a plan in place for ongoing monitoring”. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Danny Lim has been released from hospital with a plan in place for ongoing monitoring. Thank you staff at St Vincent’s Darlinghurst for the loving care.Thank you to the community for your love & support, hope to get our happy icon back with his smiles and his signs. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/beautiful?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#beautiful</a> <a href="https://t.co/k4ZclbOCyg">pic.twitter.com/k4ZclbOCyg</a> — chris murphy (@chrismurphys) <a href="https://twitter.com/chrismurphys/status/1595493821323714560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2022</a></blockquote> “Thank you staff at St Vincent’s Darlinghurst for the loving care,” he wrote on social media. "Thank you to the community for your love and support, hope to get our happy icon back with his smiles and his signs." Mr Murphy also shared footage of the incident and updates on the activist’s health, with the <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/sydney-man-danny-lim-arrest-to-undergo-independent-review-after-outrage/c4vq7yd9m" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SBS</a> reporting that Mr Lim was diagnosed with a subdural hematoma on Wednesday. "Internal skull damage diagnose(d)," Mr Murphy said on Twitter. Mr Lim was wearing a sign that read ‘Smile cvn’t! Why cvn’t?’ while walking through Sydney’s Queen Victoria Building on Tuesday when security told him to leave. Police were called and confronted the protester, with footage taken by a witness showing Mr Lim being tripped and pushed down by two officers, falling head-first onto the tiled floor and being handcuffed. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> BREAKING NEWS:VIDEO VIOLENT NSW POLICE ARREST OF INNOCENT 80 YEAR OLD MAN WEARING BILLBOARD A COURT HAS FOUND LEGAL THE LAST TIME HE WAS WRONGLY ARRESTED FOR IT. CVNT LIKE CENT AND CANT IS NOT AN OFFENSIVE TERM. LAST TIME COURT CRITICISED HEAVY HANDED VIOLENCE NOW IN HOSPITAL. <a href="https://t.co/Ovy942m4tx">pic.twitter.com/Ovy942m4tx</a> — chris murphy (@chrismurphys) <a href="https://twitter.com/chrismurphys/status/1594898646981496832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2022</a></blockquote> When Mr Lim was picked up off the tiled floor, blood could be seen on the ground and on his cheek, and officers “discontinued” the arrest. Speaking to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/nov/22/serial-protester-danny-lim-in-hospital-after-discontinued-arrest-in-sydney-cbd" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Guardian Australia</a> from hospital, Mr Lim said he had asked police to call an ambulance and informed them he had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). “I told them to ring an ambulance,” he said on Tuesday. “They refused. “I could be dead when they threw me down like that.” Businessman Mike Ashley, a witness to the altercation, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/nov/24/danny-lim-asked-police-to-call-ambulance-and-told-them-of-his-ptsd-before-arrest-witness-says" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told the outlet</a> that he noticed the hearted confrontation and heard Mr Lim repeatedly asked officers to call an ambulance. Mr Ashley said Lim had been begging for an ambulance to be called before he was thrown to the ground. “He let them know very clearly that he had PTSD, and that he needed an ambulance,” Mr Ashley said. “He voiced that very clearly at the outset. He became increasingly agitated as they approached him.” But, when Mr Ashley said he was threatened by officers when he tried to intervene and asked Mr Lim if he should call an ambulance. “The officer … said, ‘If you do that, we will charge you with hindering an arrest,’” he said. “It didn’t seem like the sort of thing that you might use to de-escalate [the] situation.” Following the incident, the actions officers took during the arrest will be subject to an independent review. In a statement, police said Mr Lim had failed to comply with move-on orders from security and officers. "Police will allege the man was subsequently issued with a move on direction by officers and failed to comply," they said. "The man's arrest was discontinued after he struggled with police and sustained an injury to his cheekbone ... "As inquiries into the incident continue, an independent review has been launched, which will examine the actions of police during the incident." His recent arrest has been condemned by many online and by politicians, including the NSW Greens. "The actions by the NSW Police yesterday were completely out of line and an indication of just how dangerous new police powers are to the vulnerable in our society," Greens MP Sue Higginson said on Wednesday. "This type of violent arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere." Independent member Alex Greenwich told <a href="https://www.crikey.com.au/2022/11/23/danny-lim-hospitalised-nsw-over-policing/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Crikey</a> the incident was “deeply concerning” and an example of “over-policing”. “Sydneysiders have a great deal of affection for Danny Lim and people know who he is and that he is a peaceful protester and a harmless person. It’s deeply concerning to see over-policing, let alone over-policing leading to someone being injured,” he said. “I hope this is a wake-up call for the cops and I obviously hope that Danny has a full recovery.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Today after being smashed into the floor by New South Wales Police. Internal skull damage diagnose. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DannyLim?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DannyLim</a> <a href="https://t.co/Cc5IvO3nP9">pic.twitter.com/Cc5IvO3nP9</a> — chris murphy (@chrismurphys) <a href="https://twitter.com/chrismurphys/status/1594913582063706112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2022</a></blockquote> Amnesty International Australia said they had documented incidents where police used force against people, like Mr Lim, who were expressing their right to freedom of expression and hoped NSW Police would follow through on holding an independent review. “People like 78-year-old Danny Lim should be free to express themselves without fearing injury,” the organisation said. Mr Lim has previously been arrested and fined $500 for wearing the same sign, but was deemed to be allowed to wear it after a successful court case in 2019. Magistrate Jaqueline Milledge ruled at the time in favour of Mr Lim, saying “the police action was heavy-handed and unnecessary” and ruling that the signs may be cheeky but weren’t criminally offensive. Image: Twitter

Legal

800 Covid-positive cruise goers disembark at Sydney

Approximately 800 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 disembarked from the cruise ship Majestic Princess in Sydney over the weekend. The 4,400 passengers and crew disembarked at the end of a 12-night round-trip to New Zealand, with passengers who tested positive instructed not to take public transport after departing Sydney’s Circular Quay. In a statement, operator Carnival Cruise Line said that the positive cases - around 20 percent of the ship’s population - were kept separate from those who tested negative while disembarking. "All guests disembarking have undertaken a rapid antigen test in the past 24 hours, which will determine how they will disembark the ship,” the statement said. Carnival Australia president Marguerite Fitzgerald said at a press conference on Saturday that cases of Covid began to rise about halfway through the trip and that everyone who tested positive were asymptomatic or experiencing mild symptoms. In a statement shared with <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/majestic-princess-cruise-covid-coronavirus-docks-in-sydney/ea034a4c-9a10-42ed-a9e5-d720f0dddf71" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9News</a>, Princess Cruises Senior Vice President Stuart Allison said staff were also assisting those who tested positive to find accommodations to help them continue to isolate. Fitzgerald told <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/13/australia/australia-covid-majestic-princess-cruise-passengers-intl-hnk/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CNN</a> that the cruise line has been using “the most rigorous and strict measures which go well above current guidelines”, with staff and passengers being tested for Covid before boarding and a requirement for 95 percent of guests over the age of 12 to be vaccinated. She said that the more than 50 voyages made by Carnival Australia and over 100,000 guests onboard have been “unimpacted by Covid”. “However, the emergence of COVID in the community has meant we have seen a rise in positive cases on the last three voyages,” she added. The Majestic Princess has since travelled to Melbourne with 220 people from the original cruise, per <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/cruise-ship-carrying-800-covid-positive-passengers-docks-in-sydney/pf4suhrn6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SBS News</a>. In response to the news, many have taken to social media to share their thoughts, with some questioning why it was happening again after the Ruby Princess allowed Covid-positive passengers to disembark in Sydney in March 2020. “Didn’t… didn’t we already do this?” one person <a href="https://twitter.com/AndrewPStreet/status/1591024965045800962?s=20&t=pkMBODwCjEj2M4w43AVkkg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tweeted</a>. “Back to square one. That’s how it started,” another <a href="https://twitter.com/DarcyAmaroo/status/1591166905435721729" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrote</a>. “Why would you still go on a crowded cruise ship with Covid still spreading through the population?” “As the Majestic Princess saga unfolds, it seems not just Covid is in the Circular Quay air, but also a real sense of déjà poo - the feeling that sh*t has happened before,” a third <a href="https://twitter.com/sahar_adatia/status/1591325017421541376" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrote</a>. The news comes as Australia begins to experience a fourth wave of Covid, with <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/nov/11/covid-19-case-numbers-exploding-across-australia-as-fourth-wave-takes-off" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Guardian</a> reporting that 58,000 cases have been recorded across the country in the past week. The Queensland government has moved the state to an “amber alert” in response to the uptick in cases, while NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant said the wave is expected to peak before Christmas. “The wave is taking off with some trajectory, it will be quite a steep wave and hopefully the decline will be equally as steep,” she said on Friday. “There is a sense that the wave may well peak before Christmas and we may be on the decline [by then]. “But the message is clear … this is an increased risk period for Covid, so please, now is the time to take those protective behaviours.” Meanwhile, New Zealand has reported 21,595 community cases of the virus in the past week, with computational biologist Dr David Welch telling the <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-health-officials-to-provide-weekly-update-on-cases/VKB7XS4BIVCIBK7GL3BVEDM43M/">NZ Herald</a> that the country may be “at or near a peak” in cases. Image: Getty Images

Cruising

Sydney lions’ great escape finally explained

The mystery surrounding the <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/five-lions-escape-from-taronga-zoo-enclosure">five lions that escaped from their enclosure</a> at Taronga Zoo has been solved, after the zoo revealed the big cats were able to roam free due to a small gap in the fence. Male lion Ato and 16-month-old cubs Khari, Luzuko, Malike and Zuri sent the Sydney zoo into lockdown last week after they got out of their enclosure. The five lions were found in an area adjacent to the main exhibit and returned to their enclosure before the zoo opened to the public. In a statement on Thursday, officials said that clamps used to join wire cables together had “failed”, leading to a cable unravelling to create a gap in the fence. “Preliminary independent engineering advice has confirmed that swages (clamps that join wire cables together) failed, enabling a lacing cable that connects the fence mesh to a tension cable to unravel,” <a href="https://taronga.org.au/media-release/2022-11-01/statement" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the statement read</a>. ”The lions were then able to create and squeeze through a gap.” The review into the incident found that the lions were “playing and interacting” with the fence for around 20 minutes before the gap formed. While the lion and cubs took the opportunity to escape, “lioness Maya and one cub chose to remain in the exhibit”, according to officials, and were later called back into their dens by keepers. While families who were camping at the zoo overnight were taken to a safe area by staff, other Taronga Zoo employees worked to bring the lions back safely and used vehicles to “monitor and control the situation”. “This enabled keepers to use their relationships with the lions, as well as their training for such incidents, to calmly call the lions back to their exhibit, ensuring a peaceful and safe outcome for all people and animals,” the zoo said. “The four other cubs and adult male lion appeared to remain calm and investigated the other side of the main containment fence, remaining within metres of their exhibit, before actively trying to find their way back under the fence.” After the five lions escaped, two cubs then breached a second fence while trying to find access back into the exhibit, with one walking back to the exhibit without issue and the other needing to be tranquillised by vets and returned. The zoo concluded the statement by saying the lions would “remain in an outdoor, back-of-house holding area pending specialist engineering advice”. The ongoing review of the incident has recommended that the fence be investigated by an independent tensile-structure engineer, who would advise the zoo on how the clamps broke and how the fence can be fixed. Image: Facebook

Family & Pets

Australia Zoo insider claims Bindi Irwin never wanted to follow her father's footsteps

An insider at Australia Zoo has claimed that Bindi Irwin never wanted to follow in the footsteps of her late father. Justin Lyons, a cameraman who was there the day Steve Irwin died from a stingray attack in 2006, said in a recent interview that Australia Zoo is almost "cult-like" with Steve's imagery looming everywhere, reminding him of the day the original wildlife warrior died. Among his stunning revelations, he claims the now 24-year-old Bindi initially "didn't really want" to follow in her famous dad's footsteps. "Bindi and I spent a lot of time together," Justin told <a href="https://www.nowtolove.com.au/celebrity/celeb-news/bindi-irwin-carries-on-steve-legacy-75512" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Woman's Day</a>. "We'd go up to Far North Queensland and while they were doing whatever, Bindi and I would go off. She'd say to me, 'I don't really like bugs', but she was expected to do all this crazy stuff." The allegations are a far cry from Bindi's own words, given that in 2018 she told Insider, "Ever since I can remember, I've always said, 'When I grow up, I want to be just like Dad.'" However, some sources close to the Irwin family say there "may be a layer of truth" to Justin's comments. "She couldn't have predicted it back when she was a little kid wandering around the bush with Justin, but the reality is Bindi is in a tough position," says an insider. "She was a big star for a time in America and for a while it looked like she was set to break the big time in Hollywood, but now she's back at the zoo learning the ropes to take over when her mother retires, and as it is currently, its glory days are long over." The insider claimed Bindi feels torn between two worlds, as she strives to make her parents proud with her ongoing work at Australia Zoo, but also the pull back to the US, where she has the potential to make a name for herself in her husband Chandler Powell's home country. "Bindi and Chandler have often toyed with the idea of moving to the States, especially now they have baby Grace, and they've barely seen Chandler's parents in recent years," says a source. "But Bindi feels tied to the zoo, whether she wants to be or not." Image credits: Getty Images

Family & Pets

Fence and digging marks at the centre of lion’s escape

A fence and digging marks are at the centre of an investigation into how five lions managed to escape their enclosure at Taronga Zoo. One lion and four cubs were roaming around the Sydney tourist destination prompting emergency alarms to go off and people to run to safety. A family who was sleeping overnight at the zoo as part of the “Roar and Snoar” program were ordered to run as alarms blared “code one”. Luckily no one was injured and the lions are back in their enclosure with a statement revealing what caused the animals to escape. “An initial review of this morning’s incident has confirmed that an integrity issue with a containment fence enabled five lions to temporarily exit their main exhibit,” Taronga said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon. “The lions are now in a back-of-house holding area while a full review continues. “A full report will now be prepared for the NSW Department of Primary Industries. “Keepers and vets report all lions are doing well. “Taronga Zoo remains open and is extremely grateful to its staff and the community for their support today.” Image: Nine

News

Five lions escape from Taronga Zoo enclosure

Sydney's Taronga Zoo was placed under heavy lockdown on Wednesday morning as five lions escaped from their enclosure. At 6:30am on Wednesday, one adult lion and four cubs were spotted outside of their main enclosure, but were still separated from the rest of the zoo by a six-foot fence. When the animals were discovered, a full scale emergency response was enacted in the zoo. Locals from the area reported loud alarms and directions for all staff apart from the lion keepers to go to "safe havens". A Sydney family who were staying overnight at the zoo as part of its luxury "roar and snore" program told the <a title="" href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/taronga-zoo-put-into-lockdown-after-five-lions-escape-enclosure-20221102-p5buua.html" target="" rel="">Sydney Morning Herald</a> they were told to leave their tent and run. "They came running into the tent area saying, 'this is a Code One, get out of your tent and run, come now and leave your belongings'," Magnus Perri said. "We had to run to this building, it was only 50 or 70 metres. They counted us, then locked the door." Taronga Zoo's Executive Director Simon Duffy confirmed that one of the cubs was tranquillised by a veterinarian on site. Taronga Zoo issued a statement just before 9am confirming the lions had escaped but they had been returned to their enclosures with no further issues. "An emergency situation occurred this morning at Taronga Zoo Sydney when five lions were located outside their enclosure. The Zoo has strict safety protocols in place for such events," the statement read. "All persons on site were moved to safe zones and there are no injuries to guests or staff. All animals are now in their exhibit where they are being closely monitored." "The zoo will be open as normal today. Further details will be provided when possible." Image credits: Getty Images / Nine News

News

Princess Mary’s adorable 50th birthday wish fulfilled

Princess Mary has finally received her 50th birthday present - months after announcing that the Australian animal exhibition at Copenhagen Zoo would be expanding. The Princess announced on February 5 that "Mary's Australian Garden" at the zoo would be introducing several more Aussie animals for visitors to enjoy. Among the Aussie animals already calling the Princess’ Garden home are kangaroos and Tasmanian Devils. The new facility is home to the cockatoo, the rock kangaroo, the emu and the ant hedgehog, and the bear-like wombat. The new additions include koalas, echidnas, yellow-footed rock wallabies, wombats and emus. But the most special animal to arrive at Mary’s Australian Garden is the kookaburra, described as the "Australian laughing bird" by the zoo. "We are of course happy and proud to be able to accommodate that," Copenhagen Zoo director Jørgen Nielsen said. "In the Australian Garden, we can draw guests even closer to the animals and the zookeepers' daily work, and the hope is that our commitment and efforts to look after the world's animals rub off on both children and adults.” Back in 2006, Princess Mary was gifted four Tasmanian Devils for the baptism of her son Prince Christian. Copenhagen Zoo was the first place outside of Australia to keep the animals and then went on to successfully breed a pup in 2013. Images: Getty

International Travel

Parents horrified at Halloween decorations

Parents in a Sydney suburb have questioned a family’s Halloween decorations resembling The Handmaid’s Tale in quite a disturbing way. Images shared to Facebook show a fake body in the show’s iconic red dress and white bonnet, while a male character is dressed in blue. Both bodies were seen hanging by their necks on the porch, in reference to the show in which people were killed when they disobeyed the rules. There was also fake blood smeared on the outside of the house reading, “Nolite te bastardes carborundorum” which translates to, “Don’t let the b******* grind you down”. Social media users were divided at the decorations with many pointing out that it is inappropriate for children to see. “Imagine children seeing this walking past,” one comment read. “Not good; totally inappropriate,” another wrote. “That’s horrible! Kids will be scared,” someone else commented. Others however defended the decorations saying it is the spirit of Halloween and people are encouraged to go all out with costumes. “OMG it’s Halloween, get over it, some of y’all need to lighten up,” someone wrote. “While we’re on the topic – how freckin good is Handmaid’s this season,” another fan wrote. The Handmaid’s Tale is an American dystopian television series based on the 1985 novel of the same name by Canadian author Margaret Atwood. It tells the story of June, played by Elisabeth Moss, who is forced into sexual slavery struggles to survive in a totalitarian, fundamentalist society in what used to be the United States. Image: Facebook

Real Estate

Over 60

News

Shop

Catalogues

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Entertainment

Property

Information

Keep up to date

Search

World famous gay penguin dies

Cause of death revealed after eight-year-old dies mid-flight

Chinese zoo's "panda" display under fire

Zoo's upright bear accused of being just a guy in a suit

Tourist faces $10k fine for jumping into iconic harbour

American zoo apologises to disgruntled New Zealanders

Name a cockroach after your ex and feed it to an animal this Valentine's Day

How Ryan Gosling shut down Sydney Harbour Bridge

Robert Irwin left in tears after birthday video from his dad appears

Robert Irwin gets candid about health issue affecting his family

Robert Irwin turns 19 in style!

King Charles’ family friend snaps up historical Sydney mansion

“A wake-up call for the cops”: Sydney protester Danny Lim released from hospital

800 Covid-positive cruise goers disembark at Sydney

Sydney lions’ great escape finally explained

Australia Zoo insider claims Bindi Irwin never wanted to follow her father's footsteps

Fence and digging marks at the centre of lion’s escape

Five lions escape from Taronga Zoo enclosure

Princess Mary’s adorable 50th birthday wish fulfilled

Parents horrified at Halloween decorations