Entertainment
Manor Wildlife Park welcomes four critically endangered moon bears
FOUR Asian black bears, also known as moon bears, have today (27 June) arrived in Wales for the very first time — ahead of their new chapter at Manor Wildlife Park, Tenby.
The species is critically endangered due to a combination of habitat loss, poaching and illegal wildlife trade — with more than 10,000* moon bears estimated to still be held in bile farms in Asia alone.
But thanks to conservation efforts, Martha, Irene, Gigi (eleven) and Coco (nine) will now call the Moon Forest at Manor Wildlife Park home — complete with bear-shaped swimming pool; enormous climbing frames and hammocks; and plenty of hiding places.
What’s more, in a world first, two tunnels have been built linking the bears and tigers’ enclosures — allowing the species to swap into each other’s domains for enrichment purposes, in future.
Anna Ryder Richardson, owner of Manor Wildlife Park, said: “We are beyond thrilled to welcome our newest residents — four magnificent moon bears — to the park.
“These charismatic creatures, with their striking crescent-shaped chest markings and playful personalities, have already stolen the hearts of our team. We can’t wait for visitors to meet them in due course, and learn more about their journey and the vital work being done to protect the species in the wild.
“Their arrival marks an exciting new chapter in our mission to educate the public about endangered wildlife and support global conservation efforts. And with further new arrivals also anticipated in our tiger and red panda enclosures very soon, we have a very busy and exciting summer ahead!”
Asian black bears are native to 18 countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India and Japan, and are known for their distinct V-shaped chest marking and white patch on their chin.
Adult females typically weigh between 65 and 90 kilograms, with a life expectancy of up to 25 years. And whilst there are no immediate plans to breed from the bears, the wildlife park may be advised to do so in future, by the wider breeding programme they are a part of.
Matt Hunt, CEO of Free the Bears — the charity which has helped rescue and rehabilitate over 1,000 of the world’s most vulnerable bears — added: “Free the Bears works with communities, schools and organisations across Asia to change attitudes and raise awareness of the wildlife trade. We also work with government, law enforcement agencies and other charities to create and implement a framework to combat wildlife traders.
“Despite each country facing a unique set of challenges and issues to overcome, and combined with the conservation efforts of wildlife parks like Anna’s, we will continually strive to achieve our mission of protecting, preserving and enriching the lives of bears throughout the world.”
Later this year, Anna plans to host a teddy bear’s picnic event at Manor Wildlife Park, with all funds raised to go towards Free the Bears’ essential work.
Tickets for Manor Wildlife Park can be purchased via the website. To stay up to date with the bears’ progress in the meantime, follow Manor Wildlife Park on Facebook and Instagram.
Entertainment
Huw Edwards criticises TV drama about his downfall
FORMER BBC news presenter Huw Edwards has issued a strongly worded statement criticising an upcoming television drama based on his fall from grace.
Edwards, who received a suspended prison sentence after admitting offences relating to indecent images of children, said the programme was produced without properly checking its claims with him.

The two-part drama, Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, features actor Martin Clunes portraying the former newsreader.
In a statement published in the national press, Edwards claimed those behind the programme failed to verify key elements of the story before filming began. He said producers only approached him for comment after production had already been completed, and even then retained editorial control over any response.
He also questioned whether contributors to the programme had been paid, suggesting the drama may not accurately reflect events.
Edwards said he had already expressed “deep regret and remorse” for his crimes during court proceedings, having pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.
He added that he found the offences deeply disturbing and offered a further apology, acknowledging that each image involved a real victim.
The former presenter said he is now working on his own account of the events, although progress has been slow due to ongoing health issues. He has previously spoken about long-term mental illness, which he said had worsened in the period leading up to his offences.
However, he stressed that mental health difficulties should not be used to excuse criminal behaviour.
Edwards rose to prominence as one of the UK’s most recognisable news anchors before his career collapsed following allegations of misconduct and subsequent criminal charges.
In September 2024, he was handed a six-month suspended sentence and placed on the sex offenders register for seven years. He was also ordered to complete a rehabilitation programme.
Responding to his criticism, a spokesperson for Channel 5 said the drama was based on interviews with those involved, including the complainant and journalists who broke the story, as well as court reporting and message evidence.
They added that the programme was produced in line with broadcasting regulations and that allegations featured in the film had been put to Edwards through his legal representatives in advance.
Entertainment
Easter egg trails return to Pembrokeshire as National Trust launches spring events
FAMILIES across Pembrokeshire are being invited to “hop into spring” as Easter egg trails return to National Trust sites across Wales.
The popular seasonal events will take place at thirteen locations nationwide, including Colby Woodland Garden near Amroth, offering a mix of outdoor adventure, nature exploration, and family-friendly challenges.
The National Trust Cymru says the trails are designed to keep children entertained during the Easter holidays while encouraging them to connect with nature, heritage, and the outdoors.
At Colby Woodland Garden, visitors can explore a wooded valley filled with winding paths, streams, and hidden corners while taking part in ten activity stations along the Easter trail.
Organisers say the site’s mix of natural play areas and historic features makes it an ideal location for families looking to enjoy the spring weather.
The Easter egg trail at Colby will run from Thursday (Apr 3) to Sunday (Apr 6), between 10:00am and 3:30pm.

Family-friendly activities
Across Wales, the trails include a wide range of themed activities, from wildlife spotting and creative challenges to physical games and imaginative play.
Each location features around ten activity points, with participants receiving a trail sheet, bunny ears, and a chocolate egg on completion. Vegan and allergy-friendly options are also available.
Normal admission charges apply, although National Trust members can enter for free. The Easter trail costs £3.50 per child.

Spring boost for tourism
The National Trust says the events are part of a wider effort to encourage families to make the most of outdoor spaces as the weather improves.
With gardens in bloom and longer daylight hours, organisers hope the trails will attract visitors from across west Wales and beyond.
A spokesperson said the programme offers “hours of fun, discovery and seasonal adventure for the whole family.”
More information and booking details are available via the National Trust website.
Entertainment
Action-packed Easter fun set for Carew Castle
A HOST of family-friendly adventures will bring Carew Castle to life this Easter, with a packed programme of events running from Saturday (Mar 28) to Sunday (Apr 19).
Set against the dramatic tidal reach and managed by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, the historic castle will once again become a hub of activity, offering everything from treasure hunts and medieval weapon displays to science workshops and live storytelling.
Egg hunts and medieval action
A brand-new Great Golden Egg Hunt will challenge children to explore the castle’s winding passageways and hidden corners in search of clues. Running daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm throughout the school holidays, the activity costs £2.50 per child in addition to normal admission.
Young visitors can also step back in time with Hands-On: Weapons and Armour sessions, held daily between 10:30am and 11:30am from Monday (Mar 30) to Sunday (Apr 12). Children will have the chance to handle replica weapons, try on armour, and experience medieval combat demonstrations at no extra cost.
The popular Find the Key! treasure hunt also returns, beginning at 3:00pm from the gatehouse. Running on selected days between Monday (Mar 30) and Sunday (Apr 12), the challenge invites children to track down the correct key to unlock a treasure chest.
Magic, stories and science
Creative youngsters can enjoy Magical Makes with Whimsical Wildlings on Tuesday (Apr 14), Wednesday (Apr 15) and Thursday (Apr 16), with drop-in craft sessions held in the castle’s undercroft from 10:30am to 2:00pm.
Meanwhile, Storymaster’s Quests: Tower of Doooooom! will take place on selected dates in early April, offering an interactive multimedia adventure created by author and games designer Oliver McNeil. The audience will shape the fate of their own hero in a tale filled with dragons, traps and treasure.
Hands-on learning continues with Wild Science sessions, featuring activities such as marine exploration, fossil hunting, owl pellet investigations and beginner bird walks.
Trebuchet returns
One of the highlights of the programme will be the launch of the castle’s giant trebuchet on Tuesday (Mar 31) and Tuesday (Apr 7) at 2:30pm, as the medieval siege engine is brought roaring back into action.
Daisy Hughes, Manager at Carew Castle, said: “Carew is an extraordinary place at any time of year, but Easter gives us the opportunity to really showcase everything it has to offer. The Weapons and Armour sessions in particular are always a favourite – there’s nothing quite like seeing a child’s face when they first lift a medieval sword.”
For full event details, visit the castle’s website.
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