News

Historic tiger birth at Manor House Wildlife Park offers new hope for endangered species

Published

11 months ago

July 30, 2025

PEMBROKESHIRE has become home to the largest litter of Sumatran tiger cubs ever born in the UK, following the birth of four critically endangered cubs at Manor House Wildlife Park.

The rare litter arrived on 8 June, born to 11-year-old mother Terima, marking a major milestone in the fight to save one of the world’s most endangered big cats. Staff at the zoo, based near St Florence, kept the births under wraps for several weeks to allow the cubs to settle and bond with their mother.

Now around six weeks old, the cubs — described as “very noisy, and very cute” — remain under close observation. Their genders have yet to be confirmed, but excitement is already building over what this means for the future of the species.

“This is the largest litter in the UK, possibly in Europe, and it’s very exciting,” said Anna Ryder Richardson, celebrity interior designer and owner of Manor House Wildlife Park. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. The tigers have a very important job to do because they have been genetically matched to breed.”

The new arrivals bring the park’s tiger population to seven — a significant achievement in light of how difficult it is to breed Sumatran tigers successfully in captivity. There are estimated to be fewer than 400 left in the wild, their numbers decimated by illegal poaching and habitat destruction.

Kim Wilkins, head keeper at the park, said the birth of four cubs from a single litter is “exceptionally rare”.

“A typical litter is two, maybe three, so when I saw four I was over the moon. What an achievement,” she said.

The tigers at Manor House are part of the European Endangered Species Programme, an international breeding initiative that manages genetic diversity across zoos to ensure the health of captive populations. All matches are coordinated by a studbook holder, who considers a range of factors before making breeding recommendations.

“When these babies grow up, they will also join the wider breeding programme and may be moved across the world to continue that process,” Ms Wilkins explained.

Manor House has been working to breed from their resident pair — male Jaya and female Terima — for over eight years. Despite years of unsuccessful attempts, their first cub, Zaza, was born earlier in 2024. The arrival of this new litter has now exceeded all expectations.

“This is incredibly rare. Our zoo will probably not be allowed to breed again unless we bring in another male or swap the females, which we don’t want to do,” said Ryder Richardson. “For Wales, it’s a rare opportunity and it’s important for people to come and see, and learn.”

She added: “You won’t be able to see Sumatran tigers in the wild during our lifetime, or even our children’s. It’s happening in front of our eyes, and it’s tragic.”

The cubs will eventually be named once their sexes are confirmed, and the park has invited the public to offer suggestions. Ryder Richardson, who has a deep connection to Wales, said she is hopeful that some of the names chosen will reflect Welsh heritage.

The birth places Pembrokeshire firmly on the map in terms of tiger conservation. While other zoos in the UK have had smaller litters — such as London Zoo and Chester Zoo — none have seen a litter as large as this.

With the world’s wild population of Sumatran tigers under relentless threat, the arrival of four new cubs at a small zoo in West Wales represents a beacon of hope — not just for the species, but for global conservation efforts as a whole.

Local Government

Milford Haven civic service marks start of mayoral year

Published

1 hour ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Mayor’s charities named as civic leaders gather at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

THE CIVIC SERVICE of the Mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr Mark Woodward, took place at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (June 20).

The service marked Cllr Woodward’s election as Mayor and First Citizen of Milford Haven.

It was conducted by Rev Dr Adrian Furse and Canon John Cecil, with music from church organist Richard Stephens, Gelliswick Community Choir and Milford Haven Town Band.

Guides and Brownies, Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets were also among those taking part, with councillors Colin Sharp and Yvonne Southwell acting as ushers.

Refreshments followed at Milford Haven Bowling Club.

Local MS Paul Davies was among those attending the service and wished the new mayor all the best for his term in office.

Cllr Woodward’s chosen charities for the year are Patch Charity and Greenacres Rescue.

Photo caption:

Civic guests attended the Mayor of Milford Haven’s service at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (Pic: Supplied)

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

11 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

12 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.