A UK zoo has revealed details of a huge new attraction as big as 17 football pitches to open in just a matter of days.
Dubbed the “biggest and most ambitious” zoo habitats created, Heart of Africa is set to open on April 5 in Chester, northwest England.
Designed to mimic the landscape in central Africa, the whopping terrain at Chester Zoo will be home to 57 threatened species from the continent – including giraffes and zebras.
The 22.5 acre space will also house antelopes, flamingoes, ostriches and rhinos, which visitors will be able pay to go and see.
Also spread across the man-made savannah will be a string of safari lodges too, where guests can stay from August.
Pygmy mice, naked mole rats, and short-eared sengi – among other rodents – will also be available to take a look at in the new indoor habitat, Hidden Savannah.
A number of ectotherms – or cold blooded animals – will be available to look at too. These include various frog species and the terrifying red spitting cobra.
An Ethiopian viper and endangered pancake tortoises will also be lurking about among the flora, whilst bird enthusiasts will be in for a real treat, with 31 species being released into the area.
White-headed vultures, African white-backed vultures, and hooded vultures are due to be released into Chester’s Savannah, whilst a mega rare eagle owl will also be making its home in the space.
These will be joined by 120 flamingos and the beautiful, colourful black cheeked lovebirds.
In addition to the wide and diverse array of wildlife, Heart of Africa will also have a new cultural space with authentic African cuisine and immersive storytelling for visitors to enjoy.
Chester Zoo has said it will be committing some of the proceeds from Heart of Africa to its conservation efforts across the continent.
Jamie Christon, CEO at Chester Zoo, told Manchester Evening News: “Heart of Africa is the largest and most ambitious zoo development ever undertaken in the UK. It stands as a vibrant symbol of our commitment to safeguarding wildlife across Africa, ensuring its future for generations to come.
“Introducing such a diverse range of species into one shared habitat is a first for us.
“We want visitors to feel fully immersed in the sights and sounds of the African savannah, and what better way to achieve that than by seeing northern giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, ostrich, and roan antelope roaming together.
“It’s truly a breathtaking sight. To bring this vision to life, our expert teams have planted over 6,000 trees, shrubs, and grasses, while also welcoming many species to the zoo for the first time.
“We’re proud to join international breeding programmes that will leverage our teams’ expertise to protect threatened species, including vultures and the highly venomous red spitting cobra.
“We’re also welcoming back beloved species, with new homes for meerkats, African wild dogs, aardvarks, porcupines, and critically endangered eastern black rhinos.
“This marks a significant new chapter for Chester Zoo. As an international wildlife charity, Heart of Africa will help us connect hundreds of thousands of people with nature, generate jobs and economic growth for the region, and continue our vital conservation work in Africa, long into the future.
“It’s the most complex habitat we’ve ever created, and we can’t wait to invite visitors into this extraordinary new space.”
A ONCE-LOVED shopping centre faces a triple blow as two stores announce a shock closure with one more at risk.
Furious shoppers said soon there won’t be a reason to visit their town centre.
A New Look and River Island on Willow Place are both closing in Corby, Northamptonshire, with a WH Smith store hanging in the balance.
The three shops stand next to each other and have been a staple selection on the high street for years.
On June 1, the two-story New Look will sell its last garment and at the end of April River Island will shutter.
The iconic WH Smith store is part of a large-scale company shake-up as the chain has been sold for £76million.
Many branches are set to vanish from the high street – with hundreds of shops being reborn as TG Jones.
Some 500 other stores are said to shorty be putting “for sales” signs in the window, so the fate of the Corby store is unknown.
New Look, River Island, and WH Smith have stood on Willow Place for over 15 years.
A New Look spokeswoman told the Northamptonshire Telegraph: “Our Corby store is set to close on June 1.
“We would like to thank all of our colleagues and the local community for their support over the years.
“We hope customers continue to shop with us online at newlook.com, where our full product ranges can be found.”
Residents of Corby took to social media to express their disappointment, with one saying the high street feels like a “ghost town.”
One disheartened shopper said: “Sad news, getting rid of two popular shops New Look and River Island.”
Others commented: “Will be absolutely no point having a town centre soon enough.
“There are barely any decent shops as it is.”
A third customer responded: “It’s already like walking through a ghost town.
“The last time I was there the only places that were busy were McDonalds, Iceland & Greggs.”
Another user slammed the announcement as: “Disgusting.”
It isn’t just WH Smith that is going through a major restructuring.
New Look is also going through major restructuring leaving hundreds of stores at risk of shutting.
Shoe Zone has already closed a string of stores across the UK, including recent shutdowns in Boscombe, Bournemouth and Burgess Hill, West Sussex.
Morrisons will be scrapping 52 cafes and 17 stores in a cost-cutting shake-up.
The retailer is accelerating plans to close nearly 100 stores, following challenges linked to the tax changes announced in the Autumn Budget.
Approximately a quarter of the retailer’s 364 stores are at risk when their leases expire.
Plenty of other retailers are closing stores across the high street as households lean more towards online shopping and amid high business rates.
Soaring inflation in recent years has also dented shoppers’ pockets.
The Centre for Retail Research’s latest analysis suggests 13,479 stores, the equivalent of 37 each day, shut for good in 2024.
Of those, 11,341 were independent shops while 2,138 were shut by larger retailers.
The Sun has reached out to Corby Town Council for a comment.
THIS is the moment a Russian spyplane swoops low over an aircraft carrier while being shadowed by American fighter jets.
The heart-stopping clip shows Moscow’s Ilyushin Il-38N flying at low altitude just feet away from Washington’s team of impervious aircraft.
The Russian Navy plane can be seen performing a secret flyby of joint naval exercises between the US, Japan, and South Korea in the East China Sea.
But the intimidation tactic was soon countered by the US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets and F-35C Lightning IIs.
Both are both typically assigned to the Carrier Air Wing Two aboard the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier.
The American jets quickly took to the skies as the Russian sighting was captured near to the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered carrier.
The tense sea clash was caught on camera as footage showed the large Kremlin aircraft travelling across the sea at a low altitude.
It was closely flanked by the team of US jets who refused to let it out of their sights.
The footage was said to have been released directly by Moscow, according to the UK Defence Journal.
They said the Russian plane, nicknamed “Dolphin”, was shadowed at some point last week.
The US Navy is yet to officially comment on the flyby altercation.
Vladimir Putin’s Il-38N is an updated version of the Cold War-era Il-38.
It is mainly used for maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare.
Russia is said to have up to 30 of the aircraft in their arsenal.
It follows on from months of suspected Russian spying in international waters.
Last week, a ‘spy ship’ and beach landing vessel sailed through the English Channel under the watchful eye of the Royal Navy.
HMS Cattistock and a Wildcat helicopter were deployed to “keep a constant watch” over the Admiral Vladimirskiy ship as it sailed.
The operation followed a similar mission earlier in March, when Royal Navy warships and helicopters tracked a Russian task group returning from Syria.
HMS Somerset has been especially busy, deploying three times in the past month alone to escort Russian ships returning from the Mediterranean.
Another dramatic Channel showdown this month saw a Royal Air Force spy plane roar over a Russian warship.
The Poseidon P-8A patrol plane buzzed the destroyer Severomorsk as it led a Russian convoy retreating past the cliffs of Dover.
The major show of force involved Merlin and Wildcat helicopters and three Royal Navy warships, including HMS Somerset.
Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard defiantly addressed the recent spate of Russian sightings by saying: “Russia should be in no doubt that the UK will defend our waters.”
AN Irish fashion fan revealed a fabulous jacket from Dunnes Stores that she wore for Mothers Day – and it’s a major bargain.
Dunnes Stores has been sending shoppers into a frenzy over their latest ranges, which includes everything from wardrobe staples to dressy must-haves.
And one shopper has put together a stunning outfit that she wore for Mothers Day.
Grainne, who posts under @grainne.haughey, took to TikTok to show off her look.
The Gallery Stella Embroidered Jacket is now available online and in shops around the country.
It’s the ideal piece for layering over an outfit to add a smart touch.
And it’s a unique item that adds flair to whatever you pair it with.
The smart jacket costs €40 and can be found in sizes eight up to 20.
It features a slouched shape at the shoulders and a bold black and white pattern with a round neck.
And it has gorgeous thread detailing which lines the hems.
The jacket is not available on the website either, but may still be in stores near you.
Showing off how she styled the jacket, Grainne noted in the caption of the video: “Full outfit from Dunnes Stores.
“I am obsessed with how this all came together.”
Grainne continued: “I just wanted to show you how this outfit came together.
“I’ve just tucked the white t-shirt into the cream trousers, and I’ve put on a pair of my Adidas trainers”.
She styled the jacket with the Stretch Crew Neck T-Shirt, which costs just €4.
The tee comes in sizes XS to XXL, and shoppers can choose between white or black.
In the official item description on the website, Dunnes Stores chiefs wrote: “A wardrobe essential, this short-sleeved t-shirt features a crew neck and is crafted in cotton with a touch of stretch.
“In a fitted design, this is a classic piece that will never go out of style.”
Grainne styled her Dunnes Stores finds with cream trousers that are perfect for the office.
And completed the outfit with a brown belt, along with gold jewelry to add a bit of oomph to the look.
Grainne added: “That is the finished look, and I think it has come together really nice.
“It’s not too heavy, it’s really lightweight but we’re keeping warm at the same time.”
BETWEEN the weekly food shops and bargain fashion - Dunnes Stores is a staple retailer in Irish households.
But this wasn’t always the case, and when the initial branch of the shop opened its doors in 1944 it caused quite the stir
On March 31 of the year, Ben Dunne opened the first ever Dunnes Stores on St Patrick’s Street in Co Cork.
Locals quickly learned of the grand opening and flooded into the store in what the retailer’s archives recall as a “shopping frenzy.”
The bargain clothing on sale inside the new store at “pre-war prices” was one of the factors cited for the buzz.
During the chaos a window was forced in and Gardai were called to the scene.
Cops worked to deal with the eager crowds and keep shoppers calm and safe before they made it into the store for their first Dunnes experience.
Fast forward some 80 years, the business now employs over 18,000 people and although an opening of a Dunnes branch hasn’t caused quite as much stir since the very first one, it has cemented its place as one of the nation’s leading retailers.
Dunnes Stores now has 138 stores across Europe:
Adapting a manga into an anime is a delicate balancing act. There is a need for the creative anime team to be faithful to the source. If they stray too far from the source material, the fans revolt and become extremely dissatisfied. The anime industry is rife with examples of such anime. Be it Tokyo […]
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RORY McILROY pocketed a cool six-figure sum after his late surge at the Houston Open.
The Northern Irishman produced a stirring final round to finish fifth in Texas, boosting his confidence further going into The Masters.
A further boost came from the prize packet that came his way, with McIlroy coming away with $337,843 for his efforts.
The same was won by Alejandro Tosti and Taylor Pendrith, who both finished in fifth alongside McIlroy.
Winner Min Woo Lee is $1.7 MILLION richer, which Gary Woodland and Scottie Scheffler came away with $845,500 each for finishing joint-second.
And fourth placed Sam Valimaki went home with $465,500.
McIlroy’s biggest goal for April will be ending his 11-year wait for a Major title when he tees off at The Masters.
He got an up close and personal look at the course when flew to Augusta before jetting to Texas for the Houston Children’s Open.
McIlroy only added the Texas event to his schedule last week as he wanted to play one event before the first major of the year.
The 35-year-old has detailed the major changes to the famous course after his scouting trip on Tuesday.
The devastating destruction left behind by Hurricane Helene on Augusta National was laid bare by drone footage last year.
The home of the Masters was hit by the catastrophic hurricane that swept through the southeastern United States in September 2024.
The infamous golf course fell victim to the 130mph gusts, leaving the usually stunning grounds in disarray.
Now, McIlroy was one of the first to detail what the revamped greens will look like for golf’s best.
After a practice round at the Houston Open, he said: “The loss of a few trees is definitely noticeable.
“But in terms of like they’ve had to redo that green, it’s exactly the same as it was.
“Apart from maybe a few less shadows on the green late in the day because of a couple of trees that were lost, it’s pretty much the same.”
Four greens – including the 16th – were re-seeded and relaid after the hurricane wreaked havoc.
McIlroy won the Players Championship this month, as the Northern Irishman still searches for his first major-tournament win since 2014.
The four-time major winner is desperate for the green jacket as he aims to complete the Masters Grand Slam, and end his 11-year wait for a fifth major.
The trip to Georgia is not far from his home in Florida.
He added: “I use those trips just to refamiliarize myself with the place, clubs off tees, looking to see if they changed any greens.
“It’s nice to play a practice round without people around. It takes the pressure off the start of the week.”
THOUSANDS of people across Ireland could be eligible to receive a new €450 payment that opened up for applications today.
The New Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit Scheme has been described as a “major reform” of Ireland’s social protection system.
The cash, which replaces the Jobseeker’s Benefit scheme, is open to applications from people whose first day of unemployment is on or after today’s date.
This means that their last day of employment must have been on or after Friday, March 28.
The Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit Scheme is designed to work as a “safety net” for anyone with a long work and PRSI contribution history that is currently unemployed.
The minimum weekly payment rate sits at €125 but people with a strong work history can seek up to €450 if they lose their job.
Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary said today he is “delighted” to introduce the new cash boost.
The Fianna Fail TD continued: “We absolutely understand that if you lose a job, the sudden loss of income can be incredibly difficult to adjust to.
“The New Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit Scheme is designed to help people during this period of uncertainty whilst they are seeking new employment.
“This is a commitment in the Programme for Government, and I am delighted to deliver on that commitment today.”
Pay-related benefit means that a person’s rate of payment will be linked to their previous earnings, subject to maximum and minimal rates.
The weekly rate of payment for people on the new scheme who have at least five years paid PRSI contributions will be set at 60 per cent of previous earnings, subject to a maximum of €450 for the first three months.
After that, the rate will reduce to 55 per cent of earnings, subject to a maximum of €375 for the following three months.
A further three months will be paid at the rate of 50 per cent, up to a maximum €300 payment.
For people who have between two and five years paid contributions, the rate will be set at 50 per cent of previous earnings subject to a maximum for €300 per week and 6 months’ duration.
A minimum weekly payment of €125 will apply.
THE new Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit scheme is available to people who become fully unemployed on or after March 31 2025.
Some of the key points to note about the scheme include:
Self-employed people will continue to be catered for under the current Jobseeker’s Benefit Scheme.
General secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Owen Reidy today said policies protecting household spending will be “vital” for impacted workers and economies as Ireland gears up for a trade war.
He added: “For too long workers have been left to suffer a collapse in income after losing their job.
“Only four EU27 members states – Ireland along with Greece, Malta and Poland – pay a flat-rate [€244] payment to recently unemployed workers. That’s about to change.
“Across the rest of the EU, it is standard practice for contributory welfare payment rates to be linked to a worker’s previous earnings, to allow workers continue to pay their bills and protect their normal living standards in the short-term while looking for a new job.”
And parents across Ireland are next in line for a new targeted pay-related benefit scheme, it has been revealed.
Calleary said earlier today: “We have also committed to exploring other schemes where this model will work and we are beginning some work on that”.
Parent’s benefit is currently paid when a person who has enough PRSI contributions is on parent’s leave from work.
The standard weekly rate currently sits at €289 per week and the payment can run for a maximum of nine weeks – as long as the person’s child is under two years old.
The leave can be taken all at once or in separate weeks.
The Government has committed to introducing a pay-related parent’s benefit in the Programme for Government and it is understood that the scheme is next in line.
EASTER’s always a busy time for UK supermarkets, whether you’re stocking up for a family roast or treating yourself to a few too many chocolate eggs.
But with many stores running reduced hours over the Easter weekend, it’s worth checking ahead. So, when exactly will your favourite supermarket be open?
Aldi is one of the cheapest supermarkets in the country, having won Which?’s Cheapest Supermarket of the Year for three years in a row.
The budget-friendly chain will remain open on Good Friday, which takes place on April 18, 2025.
The website states that its opening hours are from 8am to 10pm.
The popular budget supermarket will then shutter its doors for Easter Sunday on April 20, 2025.
However, Aldi will then re-open on Easter Monday, so that their workers can spend time with their families.
This year, Aldi’s got a mix of their own-brand Easter eggs, along with a few big-name favourites too.
You can pick up a Maltesers Milk Chocolate Medium Egg (96.5g) for £1.35, or go for something bigger like the Celebrations Large Egg (189g) or the Galaxy Minstrels Large Egg (204g), which are both priced at £3.45 each.
On their own, those prices are cheaper than some at Asda, but if you’re planning to buy a few, Asda’s four for £11.96 deal might actually work out better value.
This is not just Easter food, this is M&S Easter food.
According to YouGov’s 2024 poll, Marks & Spencer is the nation’s second favourite supermarket after Aldi.
The luxury brand is beloved for its food halls and wide range of options, including its hot cross buns and chocolate treats.
Stores will be closed on Easter Sunday, but open again on Easter Monday from 8am to 8pm.
Opening times can vary by location though, so it’s best to check with your local store before heading out.
M&S isn’t really known for offering discounts on its Easter eggs, but it definitely delivers when it comes to indulgent chocolate treats.
One standout is the Outrageously Chocolatey Custard Cream Biscuity Egg.
The huge square slab of chocolate is shaped like the classic biscuit with a layer of milk chocolate filled with biscuit pieces and a custard cream layer inside, priced at £12.
There’s also the Marks and Spencer Collection Blond Egg with a salted caramel truffle-loaded base for £15, perfect if you’re after something a bit more luxurious.
Tesco has cornered the market when it comes to lunch, thanks to the runaway success of its £3.50 meal deals.
The supermarket’s opening hours over Easter give you a good chance to stock up on any last-minute food, snacks or drinks to see you through the long weekend.
Stores will be closed on Easter Sunday, and while Easter Monday hours haven’t been confirmed yet, they’re expected to be reduced.
Opening times can vary from store to store, so it’s always a good idea to check with your local branch.
Tesco’s got some cracking Easter deals on luxury eggs this year, but you’ll need a Clubcard to take advantage.
For starters, the Tesco Finest 48% Côte d’Ivoire Dark Milk Easter Egg is down from £12 to £8 with a Clubcard.
You can also grab a Kinder Surprise Giant Easter Egg (220g) for £12.50 instead of the usual £17.
If you’re a fan of Cadbury, there’s plenty on offer.
The large Mini Eggs egg, which comes with two bags of Mini Eggs, is just £2.45 with a Clubcard.
Fancy a Crème Egg fix? A box of five is now £3, saving you 50p.
Smaller eggs like the Cadbury Mini Eggs 97g egg and the Dairy Milk Giant Buttons 96g egg are both down from £2 to £1.25.
And if you’re going all out, extra-large eggs have been reduced from £6 to £4 for Clubcard holders.
Most Sainsbury’s stores will be open as usual in the lead-up to the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, so there’s no need to rush as you’ll have time to pick up any last-minute bits for family get-togethers.
All stores will be closed on Easter Sunday, and they’ll be open from 8am to 8pm on Easter Monday.
As with Tesco, local stores may vary their opening times so ask in your local branch about their Easter hours.
Sainsbury’s has some sweet Easter deals for Nectar card holders this year, with discounts on a range of eggs.
The Taste the Difference Belgian Milk Chocolate Tiramisu XL Easter Egg, for example, is down from £10 to £8.
You can also grab XL eggs like the Cadbury Mini Eggs 232g and the Dairy Milk with Caramel Bar 245g for £4.50 instead of £6.
That said, if you’re planning to buy more than one, it might be worth checking out Morrisons as their two for £7 offer could save you a bit more.
Morrisons is the fourth biggest supermarket chain in the UK and is loved for its low prices.
The supermarket also serves 9 million customers every week and is even busier during holidays.
Thankfully, Easter shoppers will have plenty of chances to stock up on food and all those tasty springtime treats.
Most stores will be open from 7am to 10pm on Good Friday, closed on Easter Sunday, and then back open from 7am to 8pm on Easter Monday.
Ask for more details in your local branch.
Morrisons has a pretty great almost-BOGOF deal on selected extra-large Easter eggs, with big-name brands like Cadbury, Terry’s and Nestlé included.
If you’ve got a loyalty card, you can grab one XL egg for £6 or pick up two for just £7.
As mentioned, if you’re buying more than one, it actually works out cheaper than Sainsbury’s, where XL eggs are £4.50 each.
You’ll have plenty of time to get your Easter shopping sorted at Asda, whether it’s last-minute extras or a change of food plans.
Larger stores will be open as usual in the run-up to Easter Sunday, so there’s no rush and loads of time to pick up those all-important family chocolate eggs.
Stores will be closed on Easter Sunday, and open from 7am to 7pm on Easter Monday.
Shoppers are advised to use the store locator tool on Asda’s website to check their local shop’s opening hours.
Asda’s got a great mix-and-match deal this Easter.
You can pick any four eggs from a selection of popular brands for just £11.96, which works out to around £2.99 each.
These are the larger eggs too, and they come with at least one full-size chocolate treat.
Think Galaxy Minstrels (204g) with two bags of Minstrels, a big Malteser Teasers egg with two full-size Teaser bars, or Cadbury’s Caramel egg that comes with a full-size Caramel bar.
If you’re planning an Easter egg hunt, Asda’s also got you covered as they’ve got eight-pack boxes of small eggs from brands like Kit Kat and Smarties for £2.97, down from £3.98.
As a convenience store, Co-op will be open over the Easter weekend.
However, on bank holidays, some branches might open a bit later or close a bit earlier than usual.
If you’re in England or Wales, any larger Co-op stores (over 280 square metres) will be closed on Easter Sunday, while in Scotland, the bigger stores will still be open.
Opening times can vary quite a bit depending on where you are, so it’s a good idea to check with your local store or have a quick look online before heading out.
Co-op’s got some cracking Easter deals this year, with big savings on favourite brands like Cadbury, Nestlé and Mars.
If you’re a Co-op member, it’s worth checking your account for any personalised Easter egg offers that might have popped up.
One of the standout deals is their £3.25 offer on large chocolate eggs with options like KitKat Chunky, Smarties and Celebrations.
They’ve also got a range of medium eggs going for just £1.75 each.
We even spotted Maltesers, Cadbury, and a rather tempting Terry’s Chocolate Orange Minis Exploding Candy egg in the mix.
If you’re planning to treat yourself to something a bit fancier this Easter, you’ll be glad to hear that Waitrose will be open for most of the long weekend.
Stores will be open from 8am to 8pm on both Good Friday and Easter Monday, with only Easter Sunday seeing them closed.
Shoppers are advised to check with their local store for specific Easter opening hours.
Waitrose has some lovely Easter treats on offer this year, with up to a third off selected eggs for MyWaitrose members.
The indulgent No.1 Milk Chocolate Flat Egg is now £12, down from £15.
And if you fancy something a bit different, the decadent Ribbon Easter egg range is just £8 with a MyWaitrose card, down from £10.
It comes in flavours like white chocolate and raspberry, or milk chocolate with toffee.