Animal that smells like popcorn arrives at zoo
Marwell Zoo has welcomed its second binturong, a peculiar animal often described as a cross between a bear and a cat with a distinct scent reminiscent of buttery popcorn.
The new addition, a male named Hanoi, arrived from France and will join Bellatrix, completing the zoo's pair of binturongs.
These creatures, also known as bearcats, are classified under the civet family.
Refurbished habitat welcomes Marwell's penguins after months in temporary quarters (Image: Marwell Zoo) Notable for their lack of agility, binturongs predominantly dwell in trees, using their prehensile tails for balance and to grab branches.
The zoo staff hopes that the new arrival will breed with Bellatrix.
However, not all news about binturongs is positive.
Native to Southeast Asia, they are listed as vulnerable, mainly due to threats such as poaching, the pet trade, and habitat loss.
READ MORE: Marwell Zoo to host activities for Love Your Zoo Week
Carrie Arnold, Marwell's carnivore team leader, said: "This is such an important addition to our Marwell family.
"Binturongs are a vulnerable species, so this new arrival is a really exciting and important step in our breeding efforts.
"Our hope is that Hanoi and Bellatrix will form a strong bond and help secure the future of this fascinating species."
Carrie also noted that the animals can prove elusive to zoo visitors.
She suggested checking the Marwell app for feeding times, as this would provide a better chance of spotting the binturongs in their treetop habitat.
The zoo also has more good news to share this half term, with the reopening of the penguins' home following renovations.
After three months in a temporary habitat, the penguins will return to the refurbished Penguin Cove, complete with an innovative advanced water flow system designed to create variable-speed currents, ideally improving the penguins' fitness and muscle development.
Marwell has invited and encouraged the public to visit the zoo during half term, from May 24 to June 1, to see the new animal residents and join the Love Your Zoo Week celebrations, which offer countless fun-filled activities and animal-related adventures.
Tickets and more information about the zoo can be found on the Marwell website.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Yahoo
Vietnam warns of food supply disruptions as African swine fever spreads
HANOI (Reuters) -African swine fever outbreaks are spreading in Vietnam, threatening to disrupt food supplies in the Southeast Asian country, the government warned on Friday. Vietnam has this year detected 514 outbreaks in 28 out of 34 cities and provinces nationwide, the government said in a statement, adding that the authorities have culled more than 30,000 infected pigs. "The risk of African swine fever is on a rising trend, negatively affecting the pig farming industry, food supplies and the environment," the government said. African swine fever has disrupted the global pork market for years. In the worst outbreak over 2018-19, about half the domestic pig population died in China, the world's biggest producer, causing losses estimated at over $100 billion. The recent outbreaks in Vietnam have prompted Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to send an urgent directive to provinces and government agencies this week to deploy measures to curb the disease. Vietnam in 2023 approved the domestic commercial use of its first home-grown African swine fever vaccines, but officials said the rate of vaccinated pigs remains low. "Only around 30% of the pigs in my province have been vaccinated," said an animal health official of Quang Ngai province, where infections have been reported over the past few weeks. "It's not clear why the rate is low - it could either be the issue of vaccine availability, efficiency or cost," said another provincial official, who declined to be named as the person is not authorised to speak to the media. The agriculture ministry's Department of Animal Health didn't respond to Reuters' request for comment. Calls to AVAC Vietnam JSC, the country's main African swine fever vaccine producer, went unanswered. AVAC said last month it had sold 3 million vaccine doses in the domestic market and exported 600,000 doses to the Philippines and Indonesia.
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Yahoo
Vietnam Diagnostic Labs Market Insights, Developments and Forecast 2025-2034 - Diag, PATHLAB, Himedic, and Chemedic Test Center Dominate the Competition
Vietnamese Diagnostic Labs Market Dublin, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- "Vietnam Diagnostic Labs Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034" has been added to offering. The Vietnam diagnostic labs market was valued at USD 1.32 billion in 2024, driven by the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases across the region. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.50% during 2025-2034, reaching USD 2.47 billion by 2034. Key drivers include enhanced TB diagnostic systems due to government support and technological advancements. The USAID's partnership with Vietnam's National Reference Laboratory for TB has led to the creation of a standardised specimen referral system aimed at improving the accuracy and efficiency of TB diagnostics, boosting the demand for lab services. Vietnam Diagnostic Labs Market Trends Technological advancements, such as Siemens Healthineers' collaboration with S.I.S Hospital to introduce the NAEOTOM Alpha Photon-Counting CT Scanner, are shaping the market. This innovation enhances diagnostic accuracy and speed. Moreover, advancements in molecular testing and AI analytics, as showcased by Roche's molecular testing system, are bolstering the market's growth and precision. International partnerships are also pivotal, exemplified by the alliance between Dong-A ST and KT for a Vietnamese medical information platform. Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is on the rise, with BGI Genomics' NIFTY technology transfer enhancing genetic testing capabilities. Vietnam Diagnostic Labs Market Segmentation The market is segmented by provider type into hospital-based and standalone labs, by test type into radiology and pathology, and by end users into referral, walk-ins, corporate clients, and others. Hospital-based diagnostic labs hold a significant market share due to comprehensive services and expanding healthcare infrastructure. Radiology Leading the Diagnostic Test Type Segment Radiology is the leading test type, propelled by a rising demand for advanced imaging techniques, government initiatives, and medical tourism enhancing accessibility to services. This segment is expected to maintain its leadership due to technological advancements. Corporate clients are the largest end-user segment, driven by a surge in health screenings and occupational health programs. The southern region of Vietnam, particularly Ho Chi Minh City, leads the market due to its advanced healthcare facilities and investments in diagnostic technologies. Leading Players in the Vietnam Diagnostic Labs Market Key players include Diag, PATHLAB, Himedic, and Chemedic Test Center. These companies stand out due to their cutting-edge technology and commitment to high-standard healthcare services, contributing to their strong presence in the market. Key Questions Answered in the Report What was the Vietnam diagnostic labs market value in 2024? How is the market segmented by provider type, test type, and end users? What are the major factors aiding the market demand? What are the market's major drivers and trends? Who are the key players involved in the market? How are strategic partnerships shaping market dynamics? Key Attributes Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 250 Forecast Period 2025 - 2034 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2025 $1.32 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2034 $2.47 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 6.5% Regions Covered Vietnam Key Topics Covered 1 Preface 1.1 Objectives of the Study 1.2 Key Assumptions 1.3 Report Coverage - Key Segmentation and Scope 1.4 Research Methodology 2 Executive Summary 3 Diagnostic Labs Market Overview 3.1 Asia Pacific Diagnostic Labs Market 3.2 Vietnam Cosmetic Procedure Market 4 Vendor Positioning Analysis 5 Vietnam Diagnostic Labs Market Landscape 5.1 Vietnam Diagnostic Labs Market: Developers Landscape 5.2 Vietnam Diagnostic Labs Market: Service Landscape 6 Vietnam Diagnostic Labs Market Dynamics 6.1 Market Drivers and Constraints 6.2 SWOT Analysis 6.3 PESTEL Analysis 6.4 Porter's Five Forces Model 6.5 Key Demand Indicators 6.6 Key Price Indicators 6.7 Industry Events, Initiatives, and Trends 6.8 Value Chain Analysis 7 Vietnam Diagnostic Labs Market Segmentation (218-2034) 7.1 Vietnam Diagnostic Labs Market (2018-2034) by Provider Type 7.2 Vietnam Diagnostic Labs Market (2018-2034) by Test Type 7.3 Vietnam Diagnostic Labs Market (2018-2034) by End User 8 Regulatory Framework 9 Strategic Initiatives 10 Supplier Landscape 11 Key Opinion Leaders (KOL) Insights (Additional Insight) Companies Featured in the Report Diag PATHLAB Himedic Chemedic Test Center Vietnam Lab Testing Center Plus Diagnostics Medlab Vietnam CarePlus Clinics Vietnam InnoQuest For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Vietnamese Diagnostic Labs Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Sign in to access your portfolio
Miami Herald
02-07-2025
- Miami Herald
Endangered female tiger dies after fight with male during introduction at UK zoo
A rare female tiger has died after being severely injured during an introduction with a male tiger, a United Kingdom zoo announced. Eight-year-old Valentina, an Amur or Siberian tiger, was introduced to male tiger Pasha when the two animals became physically involved, the Marwell Wildlife zoo said in a July 2 Facebook post. 'Introducing big cats always carries significant risk both in zoos and in the wild. Since Pasha's arrival in February, our animal teams have been observing both tigers closely and had noticed encouraging behaviors with no signs of aggression,' zoo officials said. 'Our expert teams were monitoring the situation closely, were well-prepared, and acted swiftly to draw Pasha away.' The situation escalated quickly, officials said, and while the team intervened when it was safe to do so, Valentina had been fatally injured. Pasha sustained minor injuries and is being treated, the zoo said. 'Valentina was a much-loved and charismatic character of the zoo family, who captured the hearts of our teams and guests alike,' officials said. The female tiger joined Marwell Wildlife in 2020 after a transfer from the Czech Republic's Hodonin Zoo, and previously mixed with male tiger Bagai. 'She will be deeply missed by her keepers, who formed a strong bond with her, our veterinary team, wider Marwell teams and our guests,' officials said. Amur tigers are the largest subspecies of tiger and are found across Russia, northern China and Korea, according to the Zoological Society of London. At one point, there were estimated to be between 265 and 486 Amur tigers left in the wild. There were fewer than 50 in the wild by the 1940s until hunting was banned after World War II, the ZSL says. Their population bounced back initially but is once again under threats from poaching and habitat degradation, the ZSL says. 'We do ask at this difficult time that our teams are given the necessary time to process this situation,' Marwell Wildlife said. 'Our priority is the wellbeing of our teams and ensuring Pasha receives the care he needs.' Marwell Wildlife is located in Winchester, England, about a 75-mile drive southeast from London.
