Latest news with #DublinZoo
BreakingNews.ie
15 hours ago
- General
- BreakingNews.ie
Rare and endangered okapi calf is ‘thriving' at Dublin Zoo
A rare and endangered okapi calf that was born on Good Friday is 'thriving', Dublin Zoo said. The birth marks an important milestone in the conservation of the okapi species, as she is only the third okapi calf ever born in Ireland. Advertisement The zoo said that its mother, Lumara, aged 10, is caring for her calf 'beautifully', and both are thriving. Over the past three months, the soon-to-be-named young calf has been growing steadily and showing all the signs of good health. Her name will be revealed soon, the zoo said. Dalia and Leki, also offspring of parents Lumara and Kitabu, were previously born at Dublin Zoo. The zoo said that this year's new female is settling into her home under the attentive care of her mother. Advertisement Infant okapis spend most of their time in their nest during the first few months of life. Visitors to Dublin Zoo may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the growing calf as she begins to explore her outdoor habitat in the coming weeks. Helen Clarke, team leader at Dublin Zoo, said: 'We're absolutely delighted to welcome our third okapi calf to Dublin Zoo. 'Each birth is a major step forward for the conservation of this endangered species. Advertisement 'At the moment, the calf is nesting with her mother – typical behaviour for young okapis – but it won't be long before she begins exploring the outdoor habitat alongside her. 'The calf is thriving, and visitors exploring the African Plains area may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of her in the coming days – and see just how much she has grown.' Okapis are large, hoofed mammals closely related to the giraffe. Okapis, pictured at Bristol Zoo, are classed as endangered (Ben Birchall/PA) They have a reddish-brown, velvety coat with distinctive black-and-white stripes on their hind legs. Advertisement Okapis are herbivores, feeding on a diet of leaves, shoots, fruits and fungi. To meet these dietary needs, the okapis at Dublin Zoo are provided with a variety of foliage, including rose leaves, a particular favourite. For added enrichment, Dublin Zookeepers create 'rose balls', which are hanging baskets filled with rose leaves that encourage the okapis to use their long tongues to nibble at the nutritious treats. The okapi is listed as Endangered by the IUCN list – a critical indicator of the health of the world's biodiversity – due to habitat loss, hunting, deforestation and civil unrest. Advertisement Current population estimates range between 15,000 and 50,000 in the wild. Their natural habitat is the dense forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in Africa. Dublin Zoo has supported okapi conservation since 2012, with financial contributions to support rangers and community services in and around the Okapi Wildlife Reserve in the DRC. The Okapi Wildlife Reserve monitors and protects okapi populations in the DRC.
The Independent
16 hours ago
- General
- The Independent
Rare and endangered okapi calf is ‘thriving' at Dublin Zoo
A rare and endangered okapi calf that was born on Good Friday is 'thriving', Dublin Zoo said. The birth marks an important milestone in the conservation of the okapi species, as she is only the third okapi calf ever born in Ireland. The zoo said that its mother, Lumara, aged 10, is caring for her calf 'beautifully', and both are thriving. Over the past three months, the soon-to-be-named young calf has been growing steadily and showing all the signs of good health. Her name will be revealed soon, the zoo said. Dalia and Leki, also offspring of parents Lumara and Kitabu, were previously born at Dublin Zoo. The zoo said that this year's new female is settling into her home under the attentive care of her mother. Infant okapis spend most of their time in their nest during the first few months of life. Visitors to Dublin Zoo may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the growing calf as she begins to explore her outdoor habitat in the coming weeks. Helen Clarke, team leader at Dublin Zoo, said: 'We're absolutely delighted to welcome our third okapi calf to Dublin Zoo. 'Each birth is a major step forward for the conservation of this endangered species. 'At the moment, the calf is nesting with her mother – typical behaviour for young okapis – but it won't be long before she begins exploring the outdoor habitat alongside her. 'The calf is thriving, and visitors exploring the African Plains area may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of her in the coming days – and see just how much she has grown.' Okapis are large, hoofed mammals closely related to the giraffe. They have a reddish-brown, velvety coat with distinctive black-and-white stripes on their hind legs. Okapis are herbivores, feeding on a diet of leaves, shoots, fruits and fungi. To meet these dietary needs, the okapis at Dublin Zoo are provided with a variety of foliage, including rose leaves, a particular favourite. For added enrichment, Dublin Zookeepers create 'rose balls', which are hanging baskets filled with rose leaves that encourage the okapis to use their long tongues to nibble at the nutritious treats. The okapi is listed as Endangered by the IUCN list – a critical indicator of the health of the world's biodiversity – due to habitat loss, hunting, deforestation and civil unrest. Current population estimates range between 15,000 and 50,000 in the wild. Their natural habitat is the dense forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in Africa. Dublin Zoo has supported okapi conservation since 2012, with financial contributions to support rangers and community services in and around the Okapi Wildlife Reserve in the DRC. The Okapi Wildlife Reserve monitors and protects okapi populations in the DRC.
Irish Independent
15-07-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Knitting women seek home for gigantic woollen map of Ireland
A group of up to 18 women in Co Wicklow, consisting of skilled knitters, sewers and crocheters, started the project in 2019 before it paused during the pandemic and resumed again in late 2022, resulting in map that is 12 feet by 11 feet in size. The women met every Wednesday at Carnew Community Care centre where they came up with ideas of landmarks and historical sites across the island of Ireland that they could sew and knit together. While 18 people started off the project, three of the women died over the years and two others went in to nursing homes. The youngest member of the group is aged 65 while the eldest is soon turning 90. Group member Mary Blake said that after creating a number of other woollen projects, a member of the community centre suggested knitting a map of Ireland. The woollen map project quickly took off and now features prominent landmarks and sites across the island, including Glendalough, Croagh Patrick, Phoenix Park, Giant's Causeway and Fungie the Dolphin. Ms Blake said: 'We all decided which bits would represent areas of significance and we put it all together like a jigsaw. We covered the whole of Ireland in green squares, all different shades of green, before we started doing any of the knitting. 'Then we started with Leinster, and somebody said, I'll do Mount Leinster, and someone else started on Hook Head (lighthouse), and different people did different parts. We worked together on everything, 'Most of it took place in Carnew Community Care, which is a centre for older people. We meet every Wednesday morning and whatever we don't get finished, we bring home the bits to get done. 'We started in 2019 and then Covid came and put a stop to that. So we couldn't get wool and we couldn't meet either. We got back together at the end of 2022 but we'd lost a few people in the meantime, during Covid. ADVERTISEMENT 'We lost one of our members, Margaret, so decided to add bits in to represent her life close to the Shannon. 'We couldn't do something to represent every county but we did places like Glendalough, the Japanese Gardens in Kildare, Hook Head, a Viking ship, the Guinness gate, Phoenix Park, Dublin Zoo. 'We also have Harland and Wolff, the Titanic ship with parts of it sinking, Theresa's cottage in Donegal, the Ulster Museum, we have loads of animals in it, Giants Causeway, which we made out of Smarties boxes. 'We have lots of fishermen, the Aran Island, windmills, Croagh Patrick, Galway Races and best-dressed lady, the Shannon, Sherkin Island, Blarney Castle, and Fungie. 'Some people sewed, some people crocheted, and some people sewed things together. One of our ladies is going be 90 next year and I'd say the youngest person we have is over 65.' 'It gives people a purpose. We also knit blankets for local hospitals. We were all really excited to take part in this project and seeing it finished was amazing.' Ms Blake said those involved would like to see it go on public display. 'We don't really mind, whoever wants it is welcome to have it, but we would love to see it in a public place, somewhere that it can be viewed and give everybody an opportunity to see it. We're open to whoever wants to take it. 'I'm so excited to see it finished and would like others to see it too. It would look great in one of the airports.' One of the members, Ann Edwards, said it had been a fun experience. 'I have lots of favourites but I think Hook Head and the Viking ship are particularly nice and colourful and great to work on,' she said. 'They were difficult to do. I worked on the Vikings. It was interesting and enjoyable. We dug into the memory bank and came up with ideas and what things would have looked like.'
Irish Independent
15-07-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Women seek home for 12ft by 11ft woollen map of Ireland
A group of up to 18 women in Co Wicklow, consisting of skilled knitters, sewers and crocheters, started the project in 2019 before it paused during the pandemic and resumed again in late 2022. The women met every Wednesday at Carnew Community Care centre where they came up with ideas of landmarks and historical sites across the island of Ireland that they could sew and knit together. While 18 people started off the project, three of the women died over the years and two others went in to nursing homes. The youngest member of the group is aged 65 while the eldest is soon turning 90. Group member Mary Blake said that after creating a number of other woollen projects, a member of the community centre suggested knitting a map of Ireland. The woollen map project quickly took off and now features prominent landmarks and sites across the island, including Glendalough, Croagh Patrick, Phoenix Park, Giant's Causeway and Fungie the Dolphin. Ms Blake said: 'We all decided which bits would represent areas of significance and we put it all together like a jigsaw. 'We covered the whole of Ireland in green squares, all different shades of green, before we started doing any of the knitting. 'Then we started with Leinster, and somebody said, I'll do Mount Leinster, and someone else started on Hook Head (lighthouse), and different people did different parts. We worked together on everything, 'Most of it took place in Carnew Community Care, which is a centre for older people. We meet every Wednesday morning and whatever we don't get finished, we bring home the bits to get done. 'We started in 2019 and then Covid came and put a stop to that. So we couldn't get wool and we couldn't meet either. We got back together at the end of 2022 but we'd lost a few people in the meantime, during Covid. 'We lost one of our members Margaret so decided to add bits in to represent her life close to the Shannon. 'We couldn't do something to represent every county but we did places like Glendalough, the Japanese Gardens in Kildare, Hook Head, a Viking ship, the Guinness gate, Phoenix Park, Dublin Zoo. 'We also have Harland and Wolff, the Titanic ship with parts of it sinking, Theresa's cottage in Donegal, the Ulster Museum, we have loads of animals in it, Giants Causeway, which we made out of Smarties boxes. 'We have lots of fishermen, the Aran Island, windmills, Croagh Patrick, Galway Races and best dressed lady, the Shannon, Sherkin Island, Blarney Castle, and Fungie. 'Some people sewed, some people crocheted, and some people sewed things together. 'One of our ladies is going be 90 next year and I'd say the youngest person we have is over 65.' She added: 'It gives people a purpose. We also knit blankets for local hospitals. 'We were all really excited to take part in this project and seeing it finished was amazing.' Ms Blake said those involved would like to see it go on public display. 'We don't really mind, whoever wants it is welcome to have it, but we would love to see it in a public place, somewhere that it can be viewed and give everybody an opportunity to see it. We're open to whoever wants to take it,' she added. 'I'm so excited to see it finished and would like others to see it too. It would look great in one of the airports.' One of the members, Ann Edwards, said it was a fun experience. 'I have lots of favourites but I think Hook Head and the Viking ship are particularly nice and colourful and great to work on,' she said. 'They were difficult to do. I worked on the Vikings. It was interesting and enjoyable. 'We dug into the memory bank and came up with ideas and what things would have looked like.'
RTÉ News
15-07-2025
- General
- RTÉ News
Home sought for massive knitted map of Ireland
A huge wool map of Ireland, which took four years of knitting and crocheting to complete, is in search of a new home to go on public display. A group of up to 18 women in Co Wicklow, consisting of skilled knitters, sewers and crocheters, started the project in 2019 before it paused during the pandemic and resumed again in late 2022. The women met every Wednesday at Carnew Community Care centre where they came up with ideas of landmarks and historical sites across the island of Ireland that they could sew and knit together. While 18 people started off the project, three of the women died over the years and two others went in to nursing homes. The youngest member of the group is aged 65 while the eldest is soon turning 90. Group member Mary Blake said that after creating a number of other woollen projects, a member of the community centre suggested knitting a map of Ireland. The woollen map project quickly took off and now features prominent landmarks and sites across the island, including Glendalough, Croagh Patrick, Phoenix Park, Giant's Causeway and Fungie the Dolphin. Ms Blake said: "We all decided which bits would represent areas of significance and we put it all together like a jigsaw. "We covered the whole of Ireland in green squares, all different shades of green, before we started doing any of the knitting. "Then we started with Leinster, and somebody said, I'll do Mount Leinster, and someone else started on Hook Head (lighthouse), and different people did different parts. We worked together on everything, "Most of it took place in Carnew Community Care, which is a centre for older people. We meet every Wednesday morning and whatever we don't get finished, we bring home the bits to get done. "We started in 2019 and then Covid came and put a stop to that. So we couldn't get wool and we couldn't meet either. We got back together at the end of 2022 but we'd lost a few people in the meantime, during Covid. "We lost one of our members Margaret so decided to add bits in to represent her life close to the Shannon. "We couldn't do something to represent every county but we did places like Glendalough, the Japanese Gardens in Kildare, Hook Head, a Viking ship, the Guinness gate, Phoenix Park, Dublin Zoo. "We also have Harland and Wolff, the Titanic ship with parts of it sinking, Theresa's cottage in Donegal, the Ulster Museum, we have loads of animals in it, Giants Causeway, which we made out of Smarties boxes. "We have lots of fishermen, the Aran Island, windmills, Croagh Patrick, Galway Races and best dressed lady, the Shannon, Sherkin Island, Blarney Castle, and Fungie (the dolphin). "Some people sewed, some people crocheted, and some people sewed things together. "One of our ladies is going be 90 next year and I'd say the youngest person we have is over 65." She added: "It gives people a purpose. We also knit blankets for local hospitals. "We were all really excited to take part in this project and seeing it finished was amazing." Ms Blake said those involved would like to see it go on public display. "We don't really mind, whoever wants it is welcome to have it, but we would love to see it in a public place, somewhere that it can be viewed and give everybody an opportunity to see it. We're open to whoever wants to take it," she added. "I'm so excited to see it finished and would like others to see it too. It would look great in one of the airports." One of the members, Ann Edwards, said it was a fun experience. "I have lots of favourites but I think Hook Head and the Viking ship are particularly nice and colourful and great to work on," she said. "They were difficult to do. I worked on the Vikings. It was interesting and enjoyable.
