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South Africa’s Last Zoo Elephant Freed After 40 Years

South Africa's Last Zoo Elephant Freed After 40 Years
Aug 21 2024 Share

South Africa’s last remaining zoo elephant, Charlie, has been released into the wild after 40 years in captivity. Captured from Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park in 1984, Charlie spent decades performing in the Boswell Wilkie Circus before being moved to South Africa’s only national zoo in the early 2000s. Over recent years, animal welfare groups raised concerns about his health, citing signs of distress common in captive elephants. After years of negotiations and scientific evidence proving the negative impact of zoos on elephants, Charlie was transferred to the Shambala Private Reserve in Limpopo province on Tuesday.

The EMS Foundation and animal welfare group Four Paws, who campaigned for Charlie’s freedom, celebrated the move as a “milestone for better animal welfare in South Africa.” His new home is a 10,000-hectare reserve with a thriving elephant population, where he will be closely monitored as he reintegrates into the wild. The organisations hope Charlie will eventually join the reserve’s elephant community, living freely as intended. South Africa’s wild elephant population exceeds 25,000, though the species remains threatened by poaching and habitat loss.

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Experience Gozo’s Finest at the Delicata Wine Festival

Experience Gozo's Finest at the Delicata Wine Festival
Aug 21 2024 Share

Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Delicata Wine Festival in Nadur, a true gem in the heart of Gozo. Taking place on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th August 2024, from 7 pm till midnight, this event promises an unforgettable evening of wine, music, and foodie delights.

At the festival, you can indulge in over 20 exquisite wines, showcasing Delicata’s award-winning selections. From the unique, semi-sparkling Frizzantes made from rare native vines to the prestigious Gran Cavalier and internationally acclaimed Grand Vin de Hauteville ranges, there’s something to please every palate. Your wine adventure begins with a purchase of the festival’s signature purse, filled with 24 wine coins and a keepsake glass for just €22.

The festive atmosphere will be amplified by live performances from top local artists, including Cash and Band, Jolene Samhan, The Travellers, and Rebecca & The Passengers. To complement the wines, a variety of live cooking stalls will offer a mouth-watering array of local and international dishes.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the best of Gozo’s wine culture. For information on this event and more visit eventsingozo.com!

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Black Myth: Wukong Breaks Single-Player Steam Records

Black Myth: Wukong Breaks Single-Player Steam Records
Aug 21 2024 Share

Black Myth: Wukong, considered China’s first true AAA game, has broken Steam’s record for concurrent players in a single-player title, surpassing Cyberpunk 2077. The action-adventure game, inspired by the 16th-century novel Journey to the West, peaked at 2,223,179 players, becoming the second-most played game on Steam, including multiplayer titles, overtaking Palworld.

Industry analyst Simon Carless of GameDiscoverCo posted a regional breakdown showing that 88% of the game’s players were from China, with the U.S. following at just 3%. The data was released early Tuesday morning, shortly after the game’s launch, which occurred in the middle of the night in the West.

However, Black Myth: Wukong’s success has been clouded by controversy. Developer Game Science has faced accusations of misogyny, stemming from past recruitment ads and workplace culture. Streamers granted early access were also handed a non-legally-binding document that restricted them from discussing topics like politics, COVID-19, “feminist propaganda,” and the Chinese gaming industry while streaming the game. The restrictions have sparked criticism over censorship concerns, further complicating the game’s milestone achievement.

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Maltese Runs 17 Marathons Worth Across Thailand In 10 Days

Maltese Runs 17 Marathons Worth Across Thailand In 10 Days
Aug 21 2024 Share

Maltese athlete Stephen Sammut Nurminen completed an extraordinary challenge of running 748 kilometres across Thailand, the equivalent of 17 marathons in 10 days.

Starting in Mae Sot in the west and finishing in Mukdahan near the Laos border, Stephen became the first person to run across the country, raising nearly €6,000 for charities providing food to the homeless and vulnerable.

Enduring mountainous terrain, over 40-degree temperatures, and intense humidity, Stephen ran an average of 75 kilometres a day, completing the challenge in 136 hours and 38 minutes.

Supported by his partner, a videographer, a driver, and his loyal dog Nemo, Stephen credits his team’s care for his successful recovery throughout the run.

Reflecting on the experience, Stephen described the journey as the most challenging and transformative of his life. He praised his partner, calling her the “heartbeat” of the run, and expressed gratitude to his team for their unwavering support.

His videographer captured every moment of the journey, ensuring that the experience will be shared with others.

Stephen also thanked the many people who followed and encouraged him along the way, emphasising that the accomplishment was a shared effort that resulted in raising 1,500 meals for those in need.

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