Community

Local zoo raises nearly £3000

Published

11 years ago

December 12, 2013

STAFF AND visitors at Anna’s Welsh Zoo raised nearly £3000 for conservation projects in South East Asia this year.

The fundraising efforts were part of the EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria) South East Asia campaign. Zoos across Europe work together to raise awareness and funds for conservation projects worldwide, and efforts in 2013 focussed on the plight of habitats and species in South East Asia.

Steve, Lisa and Bryn the gibbons, some of the most iconic residents of Anna’s Welsh Zoo, hail from South East Asia. Many of their fellow countrymen are at serious risk of extinction. The Western Hoolock Gibbon is one of the true ‘acrobats’ of the forest, but their population has declined by more than 90% over the past years, and it is now one of the 25 most endangered primate species in the world. Capture also presents a significant problem to the Siamang, which is one of the most heavily targeted gibbon species in the illegal pet trade. The mother is typically shot to obtain the young Siamang for sale. Zoos across the world are working together to maintain an ‘insurance’ population of Siamang gibbons, which could be used to strengthen the wild population if required.

The flagship species of the South East Asia campaign was the Saola. The Saola is also listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List, and can only be found in a thin strip of forest between Vietnam and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Scientists only found out about the Saola in 1992, and it is considered ‘the greatest animal find of recent times’. Photographed in the wild only three times, very little is known about the Saola. With its small range, it is threatened by habitat loss, hunting and snaring.

The zoo raised over £2900 for projects to protect animals like the Western Hoolock Gibbon and the Saola. This will go directly to fund things like field equipment for rangers, batteries for camera traps and snare removal by community forest guards.

The majority of the money was raised at the ‘Explore South East Asia’ event at the zoo in July. The event saw the zoo opened from 4pm – 9pm for a one-off low entry fee, and all takings at the gate went directly to the EAZA campaign. Nearly 500 people visited the zoo for the event and enjoyed keeper talks on the South East Asia campaign projects, lectures from experts who have visited the region, South East Asian specials in the cafe, and live music from local musicians on the Park’s very own Dragon Stage (formerly of Glastonbury fame!)

Anna’s Welsh Zoo is open weekends in December and January, and every day during the Christmas holidays (excluding December 2426 and New Year’s Day).

During December you’ll be able to decorate gingerbread shapes in the cafe (they make great home-made gifts or decorations for the tree), and on Saturday, December 7 and 14 you’ll be able to make your own nature-inspired Christmas decorations with ‘Ranger Sara’.

Special events for the Christmas holidays include Christmas-themed story telling in the Manor on Sunday, December 22 at 12 noon and 2pm, helping the keepers to make enrichment treats for the animals on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 December and a family friendly introduction to artic animals by local naturalist and polar guide, Mick Brown, on Saturday, January 4 at 12 noon.

Visit www.annaswelshzoo.co.uk or call 01646 651201 for details.

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

9 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Richard Lewis

THIS WEEK, the NSPCC’s annual campaign to safeguard children from sexual abuse reached the steps of the Senedd.

Pantosaurus, the friendly mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, appeared to raise awareness among Members of the Senedd and the wider public about the vital importance of child safety. The campaign encourages parents and carers to talk openly with young children about risks and protective measures.

The PANTS campaign is built around five key child protection messages:

Privates are private.
Always remember your body belongs to you.
No means no.
Talk about secrets that upset you.
Speak up; someone can help.

After meeting Pantosaurus, Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his support for the campaign

He said: “I wholeheartedly support this important NSPCC initiative. Since its launch in 2013, it has empowered over six million families to discuss this sensitive subject.

“This issue affects communities across Wales, so promoting the five principles of PANTS is essential for everyone in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”

Community

Crowdfunding drive launched for documentary on forgotten 1967 football match

Published

18 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A CROWDFUNDING campaign has launched to support a new documentary capturing a nearly forgotten piece of football history—a 1967 charity match in Liverpool featuring Hungarian football icon Ferenc Puskás, alongside British legends Billy Liddell and John Charles.

Daniel Metcalf, director of the film and grandson of Chester FC striker Mike Metcalf, who played in the match, describes the film as “a love letter to the beautiful game,” aiming to highlight community spirit and the unity of sport. “Through personal stories, historic footage, and expert insights, we’ll revisit this unique game and explore 1960s football’s influence over the decades,” he said.

The project has attracted substantial backing, including collaboration with Chester FC, endorsements from notable players like Neville Southall, and the involvement of a skilled production team with narration by broadcaster Kim Thomas.

Supporters can choose from various funding tiers, with contributions starting at £10 for acknowledgments and extending to £5,000 Producer credits. Rewards range from film credits to signed memorabilia and invitations to the UK premiere. The funding target of £3,300 aims to cover initial production costs, with stretch goals set to enhance production quality.

Filming will commence in Chester in May 2025, with the documentary slated for release in early 2026 for the festival circuit.

For more information or to support the project, visit Kickstarter.

Community

Carew Castle triumphs again as Visitor Attraction of the Year at Croeso Awards

Published

21 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CAREW Castle, one of Pembrokeshire’s most treasured landmarks, has once again been named Visitor Attraction of the Year at the prestigious Visit Pembrokeshire Croeso Awards, cementing its place as a top destination for visitors to the region.

The award, presented during a grand ceremony at Pembrokeshire College, recognises the Castle’s ongoing dedication to providing an exceptional visitor experience. This second consecutive win underscores Carew Castle’s commitment to excellence, from its welcoming guides to its expertly preserved grounds and engaging events, drawing visitors year-round.

Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, expressed gratitude for the continued recognition: “Winning this award two years in a row is a testament to everyone involved in bringing Carew Castle to life – from the knowledgeable guides to the conservationists, dedicated team of volunteers, and our hardworking tearoom team. It’s truly a group effort, and we’re honoured to be recognised once more as one of Pembrokeshire’s premier attractions.”

The Castle has become a hub of excitement year-round, with special charm during the quieter winter months. Seasonal events like Glow, an enchanting Christmas light display, featuring rooms of the Castle dressed for the festivities and live musical performances, draw visitors of all ages. This festive season also includes Santa’s Grotto, a Christmas Needle Felting Workshop, and children’s Christmas Craft Workshops – ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy as the nights draw in.

Carew Castle is open daily from 11am to 3pm throughout the winter, with extended hours on Fridays through Sundays when Glow and Santa’s Grotto are in full swing.

For a full schedule of upcoming events and activities at Carew Castle, visit www.carewcastle.com.

Pictured: Carew Castle is celebrating its second consecutive win as Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Croeso Awards, recognised for its exceptional visitor experience and engaging year-round events.