Community

An adorable new arrival at Folly Farm

Published

1 year ago

August 15, 2024

IN a delightful surprise for visitors and staff alike, Folly Farm has welcomed its very first Macaroni penguin chick to its popular Penguin Coast exhibit. The chick, a male affectionately named ‘Ravioli’ by the keepers, is the latest addition to the zoo’s thriving penguin colony, marking a significant milestone as the only place in the UK currently home to this particular species.

The Macaroni penguins, easily recognisable by their striking yellow crest feathers, have been residents at Folly Farm since 2020. They originally arrived from ‘Living Coasts’ in Devon following its closure during the pandemic. Since then, they have become a firm favourite among visitors, although breeding success had eluded the keepers—until now.

Ravioli was first discovered during a routine morning check by the surprised penguin keepers, nestled safely under the watchful eyes of his parents. Concerned about the attention from other curious Macaroni penguins in the colony, the keepers made the decision to move Ravioli and his parents to the ‘Penguin Nursery’—a quieter, off-display area of the enclosure where the chick could grow in peace.

Caz Davies, one of the assistant managers and penguin keepers at Folly Farm, shared her excitement about the new arrival: “We’re beyond thrilled that Ravioli is growing strong and continuing to do so well. This is so exciting for us as keepers. To welcome our first Macaroni penguin chick to the colony will hopefully mean we can have more successful breeding for this species, as well as with our Humboldt penguins, as part of the European Breeding Programme.”

Ravioli’s arrival is particularly noteworthy as the Macaroni penguins had not previously bred successfully at the zoo. However, with careful nurturing, the chick is now eight weeks old and gaining weight daily—encouraging signs that he will soon be ready to join the main colony once he has developed his waterproof feathers and learned to feed on whole fish.

Folly Farm’s Humboldt penguins, who have been at the zoo since 2013, have enjoyed considerable breeding success, with more than 40 chicks hatched as part of the European Breeding Programme for this vulnerable species. Now, with the successful hatching of Ravioli, there is renewed hope that the Macaroni penguins will follow in the same footsteps.

As for the name ‘penguin,’ it holds a special significance for readers in Wales. The word is believed to derive from the Welsh “pen gwyn,” meaning “white head,” a curious fact given that most penguins do not have white heads. Nevertheless, this linguistic link adds an extra layer of interest for those following Ravioli’s journey.

While Ravioli remains off display for the time being, Folly Farm is encouraging guests to stay tuned to their social media channels for updates and pictures of the adorable chick. The zoo looks forward to the day when Ravioli can make his public debut, much to the delight of visitors eager to catch a glimpse of this charming new resident.

Images: Megan Lee/Folly Farm

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

18 minutes ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

23 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

24 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)