Fota Wildlife Park announces birth of endangered drill monkey
the first of its species to be born at the Co Cork conservation facility as part of a European Endangered Breeding Programme (EEP).
The young drill, who was born on July 18
th
, is the offspring of nine year old mother Lewa and ten year old father Ekona. Drills are a rare primate species closely related to mandrills.
Over the past thirty years, drill populations have declined by at least 50 percent. In the wild, they are found only in a limited range: Cross River State in Nigeria, southwestern Cameroon, and Bioko Island in Equatorial Guinea.
Their total natural habitat covers less than 40,000 square kilometres, roughly half the size of Ireland.
There are an estimated 3,000-4,000 drills left in the wild which is decreasing due to habitat loss to give way for development and plantations.
Lead Ranger Teresa Power said the birth of the drill is a first not only for Fota Wildlife Park but for Ireland as well.
'The drill is an incredibly rare and endangered species, so it's a real privilege to be part of the conservation and care of the species.
"Lewa, the new mother, is doing an excellent job. She is very protective, and the young male is nursing well, this is her first baby. For now, Lewa and the baby are being kept separate from the rest of the group, along with Banni, our younger female, who is both curious and attentive toward the new arrival.
"We're hopeful that Banni may give birth herself later this year, and she's already learning valuable maternal behaviours from observing Lewa. Visitors to Fota Wildlife Park may see the young monkey with his mother, at the purpose-built drill habitat and island.'
Ms Power said that drill infants are born with a distinctive black cap of hair, which they usually lose around six months of age.
'They are quite precocious too — we often see them trying to wander off as early as two weeks old! Lewa, however, is quick to pull him back and keep him close. We plan to reunite the group once the baby is a little bigger and more independent.'
Drills are large animals, with the males weighing around 33 kgs, they are powerfully built with large canine teeth and feature a range of colours such as lilac, blue, pink and purple on their rumps.
Fota Wildlife Park is asking the public to help name the young male monkey, and to enter their suggestion via the website at
www.fotawildlife.ie/blogs/news
, for the chance to win a year-long Conservation Annual Pass to the Park.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Guardian
an hour ago
- The Guardian
Can the Millbrook Wool Luxury 4000 mattress really keep you cool at night? I slept on it in a heatwave to find out
In simpler times, everyone slept on sprung beds. A few rebels opted for futons (or even waterbeds), but back in the 20th century, most of us had mattresses with tufted surfaces and a belly full of springs that bounced when you jumped on them. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. Memory foam began sneaking into our beds in the 90s, ushering in a brave new world of cushioned peace. Most of the products I've considered for the Filter's best mattresses roundup contain memory foam layers to boost comfort and limit bounce. But traditional sprung beds remain unstoppably popular, and one example – the Millbrook Wool Luxury 4000 – is a bestseller at Mattress Online. I slept on the Millbrook during some of the hottest weeks of the summer, that annual ordeal of fruit flies and night sweats. Memory foam is notorious for trapping heat, so this seemed a good time to find out whether Millbrook's old-fashioned breathable design could help me stay cool and get a decent sleep. I was sent a double-size Millbrook Wool Luxury 4000 in early May, when the days were warm but the nights reassuringly cool. My family testing panel came over to rate it out of 10 for firmness and comfort when it was fresh from its wrapping. They also helped me run lab-style experiments with heat pads, weights and wobbly cups of water to measure its sinkage, motion isolation, heat retention and edge support. My husband, Alan, and I slept on the Millbrook for six weeks until late June. By then, the heatwave had descended, and Alan had moved to the spare room. (Don't judge. When it's 28C in your bedroom at night, the last thing it needs is another human.) This gave me a chance to test the mattress as a solo sleeper on some of the muggiest nights of the year. The Millbrook Wool Luxury 4000 is affordable for a pocket-sprung mattress of such hefty construction. Its RRP is high (£1,214.63 for a double), but Millbrook sells this mattress only through third-party retailers, which normally knock off hundreds of pounds. Mattress Online has the double for £615.94, while B&Q was asking for £620 at the time of writing. Mattress Online's prices range from £453.57 for a single to £1,146.20 for the superking zip and link. The Luxury 4000 sits in the middle of Millbrook's range of pocket-sprung mattresses, both in terms of price and spring count. The most affordable is the Wool Ortho 1000 (£415.20 for a double) and the most luxurious is the Supreme Collection 11,000 (£1,899), which has more than 10 times the number of springs of its cheapest cousin. There are actually 5,000 springs in the Luxury 4000: one layer of 1,000 large pocket springs between two layers of 2,000 'Comfonomic' micro springs that add bounce and help offset the firmness of the pocket springs. Most pocket-sprung mattresses, even the budget Ikea Valevåg, use other materials to cushion the springs. That doesn't make them hybrids ('hybrid' usually means a mattress that contains memory foam, gel or latex as well as springs), but it does make them more sophisticated than the cheap fabric-wrapped boxes of springs that you may have slept on as a child. The Millbrook contains 11 layers in all, including cotton, silk, 'cashgora' – from cross-breeding cashmere and angora goats – and wool sourced from Millbrook's Hampshire locale. The viscose-cotton cover is tufted with Hampshire wool, and one of the tufts is black to represent a black sheep – a lovely touch. The edges are stitched and reinforced with a metal rod for extra support, so you can't remove the cover to stick it in the washing machine as you can with the Otty Original Hybrid or the Simba Hybrid Pro. The mattress is double-sided and needs regular turning to avoid dents where you sleep. Full disclosure: Alan and I left it more than two weeks before we flipped the mattress in exasperation at the dents we'd created – and only then realised we should have been turning it once a week for the first month. This is a more frequent flip recommendation than many mattresses, and also unfortunate, because the Millbrook is an absolute beast to manoeuvre. At 28cm deep and a thumping 65kg for the double, this behemoth is one of the heaviest mattresses I've ever tested. Even Millbrook suggests that you 'seek assistance' when turning it, so bad luck if you live alone. At least you're helped by having two turn handles on each end as well as along each side. Millbrook describes the Luxury 4000 as 'medium to firm'. This was accurate initially, but it's no more than medium once you've slept on it for a few weeks. Before sleep-testing, my family scored it 8/10 for firmness, and it sank a maximum of 19mm under 7.5kg of weight. After one month, it scored 7/10 and sank 35mm. This is within the 40mm 'acceptable settlement' specified by Millbrook and is caused by the compression of fibre layers. You get a 10-year warranty, although you'll have to register your mattress within 60 days of purchase to benefit from it. Mattress Online also offers a 60-night trial, during which you can return it for an exchange if you don't get on with it. Type: pocket sprungFirmness: advertised as medium to firm; testing panel rated as 8/10, then 7/10Depth: 28cmCover: not removableTurn or rotate: turn weekly for four months, then every monthTrial period: 60 nightsWarranty: 10 years once registeredOld mattress recycling: £35 with Mattress Online if you buy a new mattressSustainability credentials: Millbrook Beds uses no memory foam or chemical treatments; all fabrics and fillings are 'from sustainable sources'; Planet Mark certified The Millbrook was the first mattress I've tested that arrived mattress-shaped, rather than vacuum-shrunk into a plastic-wrapped sausage. It was shipped by Mattress Online and delivered the next day by AIT, whose drivers offered to carry it to any room but left it in the hallway as requested. I should've taken them up on the offer. Alan and I got it upstairs with some difficulty (Alan was literally doing all the heavy lifting there). We found it relatively easy to unpack thanks to the absence of shrink-wrap polyurethane, although there was still plenty of plastic sheeting to take to the dump. The Millbrook was ready to test and sleep on immediately, and there was none of the chemical 'off-gassing' smell that I've experienced with memory foam hybrid mattresses. Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion The Millbrook Wool Luxury 4000 was Goldilocks-perfect at first, neither too firm nor too soft. Its upper layers yielded quite a bit over the weeks, and I was less disappointed than my husband about this: I liked the way it cradled my hips, knees and shoulders when I slept on my side. If you live with joint pain, you'll welcome the pressure relief. Night sweats weren't completely avoidable, because no mattress can actively cool you down on a sweltering night – it can just avoid trapping your heat. The Millbrook genuinely helped me dial down the sogginess, but couldn't stop it completely. I'll be interested to see if its temperature-regulating powers help in winter, too, when I'll be seeking warmth rather than trying to escape it. After Alan left for the solitary cool of the spare room, I often found myself switching to his vacant side of the bed halfway through the night. Not only was it drier, but it also felt firmer, because the fabric layers had decompressed and regained their full size. This would help to explain why the mattress benefits from such frequent turning. The compression of the layers never felt like sagging, in the way that memory foam can. The Millbrook's edge support is the best of any mattress I've tested. The edges are so robust that they sink significantly less under weights than the middle of the mattress does; about 1cm less under 7.5kg of hand weights. The edges lost no height at all after we'd slept on the Millbrook for a few weeks, either. As well as making it easy to get in and out of bed, this strong edge support suggests that the Luxury 4000 has the durability to last many years. The comfort layers gave the Millbrook slightly better motion isolation than the Ikea Valevåg, but it's still no match for memory foam when it comes to absorbing the bounce of springs. Its hilly surface made it difficult to test motion isolation with a glass of water, but test it we did – and the results were messy enough to confirm our suspicions that our tossing and turning was more noticeable than on a hybrid. Even though I like a bit of cushioning, I felt slightly cheated when the initially firm surface gradually smushed beneath me – I could see and feel the indentation where my body had been lying. The surface decompressed quickly when not being slept on, which I liked, but that's not much help when you're craving more pushback in the middle of the night. I didn't feel much benefit from the Millbrook's 'ErgoZone 7' zoned layout, which uses thicker-gauge wires for firmer support under your hips, head and feet. This may be because I'm barely 5ft (152cm) on tiptoes, and the world and its mattresses tend to be designed for adult men. But then Alan – 5ft 10in (178cm) and average weight – didn't seem able to find the firm zones either. Memory foam is one of the least sustainable materials used in furnishings, and its absence here gives the Millbrook the best environmental credentials of any mattress I've reviewed. Even the simplest pocket-sprung mattresses usually contain synthetic material, such as the polyfoam in the Ikea Valevåg. Millbrook's decision to use only natural, biodegradable fibres for its soft covers and fillings adds to the price, but has considerable benefits in sustainability and durability. Millbrook Beds' Sustainable Sleep page is full of information about its materials and practices. Neither wool nor cashgora is vegan, but Millbrook sources the wool locally in Hampshire. The mattress's cotton content involves a more emission-heavy journey because it's grown in the US, but it is at least natural, renewable and biodegradable. All Millbrook mattresses are treated to meet flame-retardant standards using 'a fully biological solution'. This has helped the company earn certification by sustainability bodies Planet Mark and Sedex. Buy this mattress if you love the breathability of a pocket-sprung bed – and sleep well knowing that it's more environmentally friendly than a memory foam hybrid. The Millbrook doesn't retain heat in the way that foam can, and its wool layers can help regulate your body's temperature through the sweaty and shivery excesses of summer and winter. Just be aware that it may feel too soft if you like your beds on the orthopaedic side, and its weekly turning requirements will be a real challenge if you live alone. Jane Hoskyn is a consumer journalist and WFH pioneer with three decades of experience in rearranging bookshelves and 'testing' coffee machines while deadlines loom. Her work has made her a low-key expert in all manner of consumables, from sports watches to solar panels. She would always rather be in the woods
Telegraph
4 hours ago
- Telegraph
Couple find Nazi bunker after digging under their home in Guernsey
A couple have discovered a Nazi bunker underneath their house. Shaun and Carrie Tullier bought their home in Torteval, Guernsey, four years ago and were tipped off by someone who used to live in the house about a wartime building being underneath it. After digging up their driveway, they eventually managed to unearth the bunker and now have plans to turn it into a games room and gym, although they will keep the original features. The bunker dates back to when Hitler's forces occupied the Channel Islands from 1940 until 1945. Speaking to BBC Channel Islands, Mr Tullier said he and his wife had been told about the site being used as a German gun emplacement, but they had a suspicion there was something else there. 'Ground gave way and doorway appeared' He added: 'From the outside, you could tell it was sitting on top of something. We've been doing up the house anyway, so I hired a digger and, with the help of a mate, we started digging up the driveway to see what was there. We kept digging for a while and then finally, the ground just gave way and this doorway appeared.' The bunker consisted of two main rooms, measuring 17ft by 10ft and 17ft by 20ft, and had features including an escape hatch and a tiled floor. There was also German writing on the walls, with phrases which included 'achtung feind hort mit', which translates to 'beware, the enemy is listening'. Dozens of tins and other debris had also been left behind inside the bunker. It is understood that the bunker's entrance was blocked up in the 1960s. Well built structure Mr Tullier said he was impressed with how well built the structure was, adding that the discovery of the bunker had piqued the interest of other people. He said: 'It's not just a games room - people come along and ask to see the history. 'I know it was a bad time for Guernsey [during the Nazi occupation], but I do find the history fascinating and I think we need to keep it so we remember what happened.' He said the structure was generally fairly sound, but said water that had gathered inside over the decades had to be pumped out. On June 15, 1940, Sir Winston Churchill ordered the withdrawal of military personnel from the Channel Islands, abandoning its 94,000 islanders to their fate. Some 25,000 chose to evacuate, but the remainder stayed on the undefended islands. On the evening of June 30, one month after the British evacuation at Dunkirk, German forces seized control. The occupation lasted until May 9 1945, when Guernsey and Jersey were liberated.
The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
Simple 35p hack instantly banishes smelly drains – and you already have it in your kitchen cupboard
THERE'S nothing more off-putting in the summer than the smell of drains in your bathroom or kitchen. Not only is it hard to ignore, but the smell can linger for days, especially in the sunshine and warm weather. 3 That is because the summer heat creates the perfect storm for drain problems, which can turn the cleanest room into a source of bad smells. Luckily, experts have shared their fool-proof top tips to stop your drains from smelling this summer. And one handy trick only costs 35p - and you might even already have it in your kitchen cupboard. Peter Jones, Director of specialist plumbing firm ADI Leak Detection, revealed that all you need is some white vinegar. Explaining why the issue is worse in summer, he said: 'Most people don't realise that hot weather is like rocket fuel for the bacteria living in their drains. 'What starts as a minor issue in spring can become a real problem by July if you don't know what to do about it. Peter JonesDirector of ADI Leak Detection 'When it's hot outside, the temperature in your pipes goes up too. 'Bacteria love warm, moist environments, so they multiply much faster in summer. Summer weather also causes water in your drain traps - those U-shaped bends under sinks and in floor drains - to evaporate more quickly. He added: 'Those water traps are there for a reason. They create a barrier that stops sewer gases from coming up through your drains. The cable-tie-scissor trick plumbers swear by to get hair clogs out of your drain & it's WAY better than pricey liquids "When that water evaporates faster in hot weather, you lose that protection and start smelling what's lurking down below.' Peter said that white vinegar is the one product that beats expensive drain cleaners every time. He revealed: 'White vinegar is brilliant for this job. "It's antibacterial, it neutralises odours instantly, and it's completely safe for your pipes. "Best of all, it costs pennies compared to shop-bought drain cleaners.' The trick is simple but effective, and Peter recommends mixing one cup of white vinegar with warm water. 'The vinegar kills bacteria on contact and breaks down any gunk that's built up in your pipes. "Plus, it's eco-friendly and won't damage your plumbing like some harsh chemicals can.' Peter breaks down exactly how to do this properly for maximum effect. Mix Your Solution - Combine one cup of white vinegar with an equal amount of warm water. He says: 'The warm water helps the vinegar work more effectively." Pour Slowly Down Each Drain - Start with your sink drain, then move to floor drains if you have them. Pour the mixture slowly to ensure it coats the sides of the pipes. Let It Sit - 'Give it at least 15 minutes to work its magic,' advises Peter. 'The vinegar needs time to kill the bacteria and break down any buildup." Flush With Hot Water Finish by running hot water down the drain for about 30 seconds to wash everything away. Other ways to keep your drains fresh PETER says that prevention is key for problems like this, as it's easier to nip it in the bid than it is to get rid of it once it starts. So he has shared additional tips to prevent problems before they take hold. He suggests: "Keep your water traps topped up, especially if you have drains you don't use often. 'Run water down them at least once a week to make sure that protective barrier stays in place.' Peter also recommends cleaning drain covers regularly. He adds: 'Hair, soap scum, and other debris collect around the edges. "A quick wipe with antibacterial cleaner once a week makes a huge difference.' Most importantly, Peter warns against letting grease and food waste go down bathroom sinks. He said: 'I know it's tempting to rinse greasy face creams or makeup down the sink, but that stuff builds up and creates the ideal conditions for bacteria to thrive.' The expert added: "What's great about this vinegar method is its simplicity. "You don't need special equipment or expensive products, just something most people already have at home. "I've been in the plumbing business for over a decade, and I've seen homeowners spend hundreds on professional drain cleaning when a weekly cup of vinegar would have solved the problem. 'During peak summer months, I recommend doing this every week, without fail. "If you're dealing with particularly stubborn smells, you can safely do it twice a week until the problem clears up. "The key is consistency, as it's much easier to prevent bacteria buildup than it is to get rid of it once it's established. "A few minutes of prevention each week could save you hundreds in repair bills down the line.'
