Benny the beluga whale forces firework display postponement

Council in Kent told that disturbing the whale would breach wildlife law

Kevin Rawlinson

Fri 19 Oct 2018 22.18 BSTLast modified on Fri 19 Oct 2018 22.39 BST

It has attracted plenty of spectators during its stay. But Benny the lost beluga whale, who took up residence in the Thames last month, may end up leaving the crowds disappointed after it was announced that a fireworks display would have to be postponed to protect him.

About 15,000 people were expected to gather for the annual bonfire night celebrations in Gravesend, Kent, on 2 November to see a display set off from a barge on the river.

However, council officials said on Friday that they had been advised to put back the event until the whale, who was first sighted in the Thames more than three weeks ago, left the area.

“While we understand this is also disappointing to the thousands of residents and visitors who enjoy our fantastic fireworks display every year, we have to ensure our special visitor is kept safe and well,” said David Turner, the leader of Gravesham borough council.

Continued

Zoo polar bear dies during heatwave

The last polar bear at the Buenos Aires zoo has died amid a heat wave.

Zoo officials said Winner became nervous and irritated amid the scorching heat of South America's summer and the noise from fireworks during Christmas Eve celebrations.

This affected his ability to control his body temperature and he apparently died of hyperthermia.

The zoo is widely visited in the Argentinian capital and has traditionally showcased polar bears.

Officials said the animals used to live in a 2.5-meter-in-diameter pool but their cage was improved in 1993 when a 145,000-litre pool was built along with a site for birthing and three security rings.

The zoo said in a statement that the site had been visited by experts and met all international regulations to house polar bears.

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/world-news/zoo-polar-bear-dies-during-heatwave-16254644.html?r=RSS#ixzz2GFklQFYl

Simon Callow narrates first bedtime story for dogs ahead of Bonfire Night Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/916620-simon-callow-narrates-first-bedtime-story-for-dogs-ahead-of-bonfire-night#ixzz2B4V0Wpo3

There is, however, method in the madness: it is designed to be played to dogs on and before Bonfire Night to minimise the stress caused by firework displays. 


The free audiobook, called Teddy And Stanley’s Tall Tale, has been scientifically developed to relax canines so they can sleep, perchance to dream.


Pet behaviourist Karen Wild advised the Shakespeare In Love star how to read the book, which tells the story of a towering dog and his smaller friend.


She pinpointed the canine-friendly cadence, lengths of sounds, intensities, volumes, frequencies and pitch to capture a dog’s attention.

Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/916620-simon-callow-narrates-first-bedtime-story-for-dogs-ahead-of-bonfire-night#ixzz2B4V786Cq