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Adorable Newborn Camel Surprises Zoo Visitors With Unusual 'Squeaking' Chats
A lively new addition has arrived at Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire, UK. A chatty camel calf, born on May 18 to first-time parents Orla and Oakley, is thriving under the watchful eye of his mother. The zoo's camel keeper, Gracie Gee, shared that Orla is "constantly reassuring him with murmurs and noises – and you can hear him 'talking' back with squeaks, which is very sweet." The fluffy newcomer joins his half-sister Sally, who was born in April 2024, among a herd of five adult camels. "Orla is very protective and attentive of her newborn," Gee noted. Despite their reputation for grumpiness, camels are nurturing parents. "It's wonderful to see Orla proving to be a natural mum already," she added. The calf appears strong and healthy; he was walking within hours of birth. Visitors can look forward to watching him navigate his long legs as he explores the paddock. Whipsnade Zoo's domestic Bactrian camels serve as ambassadors for their critically endangered wild counterparts in Mongolia and China. The zoo supports conservation efforts in Mongolia's Gobi Desert through its charity initiatives. Gee highlighted the challenges facing wild camels: only about 950 remain due to hunting and water scarcity caused by human activity. "Natural predation from the grey wolf is also putting pressure on the remaining population," she said.
Score (97)
How One Brain Injury Survivor Is Changing Lives with 22,000 Bike Helmets for Kids
In Fergus Falls, Minnesota, Kids are often seen on bikes weaving around traffic cones in a YMCA parking lot. A police sergeant calls out instructions. At a folding table nearby, Mike Heikes lines up blue helmets and starts fitting them one by one. “I’ve been doing it most of my adult life,” he says. For two hours, the slender man with the gentle manner hands out helmets for free. He has done this at bike rodeos and school visits for years, a mission that began with a crash that nearly killed him. “My brain injury happened when I was 18,” he says. The year was 1982, a week before he was due to start college on a scholarship. “Yep, not a care in the world,” he says. Then came a night of celebrating, too many drinks, and a curve taken too fast. The Mustang driven by a friend spun and rolled. “I was thrown through a closed window and landed on the highway,” Heikes says. “There was a trail of blood about 20 feet where I slid.” At the hospital, his condition was so dire that a clinician handed his mother a bag of his shaved hair. “She was supposed to give it to the funeral home,” he says, “and they were going to put it back on my head to make me look presentable.” He lived. The memory loss and planning problems that followed still shape his days. His home is peppered with reminders. “Use up canned meat,” reads one Post-it. Another says, “Take a loaf of bread out.” He laughs and shows his palm. “My favorite place to write notes is on my hand,” he says, revealing the inked reminder, he tells the visitors. “Otherwise, I’ll forget.” The crash also gave him a purpose. Unable to drive, Heikes took up cycling. Seeing children ride without helmets bothered him enough to act. “If you live through a brain injury, you don’t want to see anyone else have a brain injury,” he says. “I started in 1999, and I’ve given over 22,000 away,” he says of the helmets stacked in his garage. He buys them in bulk. “They cost $10 a piece,” he says, pulling another from a box. Semis have delivered to his driveway. He keeps the money flowing with donation jars at local businesses and grants from service clubs. When the math does not work, he shrugs. “That’s what home equity loans are for,” he says. At the YMCA rodeo, he adjusts chin straps and coaches kids to tug the buckles tight. He pauses to explain why he does this. “I hurt my brain in a car accident, but it could happen on a bike just the same,” he tells one boy. Organisers see the same quiet resolve. “He’s one of our local treasures,” says Patrick Hollister, who helps run the event. Last year, a headline announced that Heikes was retiring from helmet giving. That did not last. “I need speech therapy,” he jokes as he hands out another. “I have a hard time saying ‘no.’” He grins, picks up a pen, and writes a single word on his palm. “RETIRE.” He might mean it next year. People who know him are not betting on it. For now, he keeps showing up with boxes of bright lids and a story he shares without pity. A survivor who needs notes to keep his day on track, he remembers a road, a window, and a trail of blood. He also remembers what a helmet can prevent. On an early spring afternoon, that is enough to fill a table and send another group of kids riding out safer than they arrived.
Score (98)
Shanghai's Newest Fitness Craze: A Gym Just for Dogs
Dogs on treadmills are not a common sight in Shanghai. That might change soon. A canine fitness centre called Gogogym has gone viral after posting clips of dogs jogging on treadmills, and it is about to open its doors. Built by Singapore-based Heal Petcare, Gogogym bills itself as a wellness space designed for dogs. The facility includes a fitness zone, a spa and rehabilitation area, a massage room, and a retail section. It is set to open in late June, and staff say trial operations are already under way. The pitch is simple, keep pets active and prevent illness with regular exercise. Professional trainers will be on site to assess each dog and create personalised workout plans. A March job listing showed the team hiring certified pet fitness coaches and therapists, with a preference for candidates experienced in canine rehabilitation or veterinary care. Gogogym has also been building a community before launch. On April 19, it rolled out a dog fitness model contest on social media. The top three winners received three-month passes, and the top 10 got early access to classes. Staff say membership pricing is still being finalised, but people who take part in pre-opening events will receive complimentary gym passes. Pet owners have embraced the idea. Jren, who has a two-year-old corgi, said she brings her dog to improve posture, bone health, and burn off energy. “My dog was nervous at first, but ended up loving the treadmill. I was thrilled,” said Jren. Another prospective member, Zhang Baixiang, says he plans to buy a five-year membership when the gym officially opens. The reaction online has been lively. “Now dogs can eat hotpot, got to gyms, and even get married. This shows how far animal welfare has come,” one netizen said. Another added a request many cat owners will recognise. “When will there be a gym for cats? Mine is getting way too chubby,” said another. Experts say the concept fits a broader shift toward preventive care. A pet rehabilitation therapist, surnamed Yang, in Hubei province told the Post that slow treadmill walks, swimming, and hurdle jumps are ideal exercises for most dogs. For puppies, Yang advises sessions of 15 to 30 minutes, and warns that over-exercising, especially with large breeds, can harm bone development. “The right kind of exercise depends on a pet’s age, size, breed, and health,” he added. China now counts more than 120 million pets, and spending is tilting from basic care to wellness and fitness. According to the White Paper on the Pet Industry, pet market spending topped 300 billion yuan, about US$42 billion, in 2024. Gogogym is trying to tap into that demand with a mix of training, recovery, and retail under one roof. The treadmill videos have done their job, pulling attention to a facility that looks as much like a human gym as a kennel. Inside, staff say owners will be able to book assessments, get tailored plans, and choose from classes that match a dog’s age, size, and medical needs. Whether this becomes a fixture across Chinese cities will depend on price, outcomes, and repeat visits. For now, early adopters are already treating it like a new routine. Jren’s corgi now trots happily on a moving belt. Zhang is ready to sign long term. And the comment sections keep filling with people imagining a version for cats. The doors open later this month. Until then, the treadmills keep turning for trial runs, and the videos keep spreading. If the reception carries over offline, Shanghai’s dogs will soon be swimming laps, hitting step counts, and finishing sessions with a massage, all under the eye of a coach who knows their plan by heart.
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Score (98)
Atlanta’s youngest certified farmer, 10, gets full-ride scholarship to SC State
10-year-old farmer from Atlanta just added a college scholarship to her harvest. Kendall Rae Johnson, celebrated as Georgia’s youngest certified farmer, has been awarded a full ride to South Carolina State University after a campus visit that turned into a surprise ceremony. Kendall’s love for growing food started early. As a toddler, she gardened on a small patio with her great-grandmother, Laura “Kate” Williams, planting cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, and collard greens. At four, her parents built a larger garden bed at home. That simple upgrade changed everything. Kendall expanded her plots, learned fast, and began inviting friends to help with harvests, turning her backyard into a kid-powered farm project. By six, she earned recognition as Georgia’s youngest certified farmer. In 2023, the state marked her impact by designating March 23 as “Kendall Rae Johnson Day.” She also founded a nonprofit, Kendall Rae’s Green Heart, to teach children about farming, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. The group’s message is straightforward, start small, grow together, and share what you learn. This summer, Kendall joined a national college tour through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Virginia State University. The final stop was South Carolina State University, where she toured research farms and learning centers and spent time with faculty. According to Fox 5 Atlanta, university officials surprised her at the end of the visit with a scholarship worth 83,500 dollars that covers tuition, fees, and room and board. Kendall cheered, “Thank you!” as the news landed. SC State President Alexander Conyers said the decision was about recognizing genuine talent and drive. “We were genuinely inspired by Kendall Rae’s focus and maturity. It’s not every day you meet a 10-year-old who talks about microorganisms, crop counts, and longhorn cattle. She’s remarkable.” Kendall’s path shows what early exposure and family traditions can spark. Gardening with her great-grandmother gave her skills and confidence. Support from her parents gave her space to experiment and scale up. Recognition from the state encouraged her to think bigger, including starting a nonprofit that puts kids in the soil and lets them see results with their own hands. The scholarship also signals how universities are courting young students who already show commitment to food systems, from soil health to agribusiness. Kendall talks about the science behind healthy crops and the practical work of planting, counting, and harvesting. That mix impressed faculty who met her on the tour and saw how comfortable she was around research and equipment. For Kendall, though, the best moment of the day was simple. She loved riding a tractor. Back home in South Fulton, she keeps growing fruits and vegetables on her family’s farm and brings friends into the work. The harvests go to her household and to the community, and the farm doubles as a classroom for peers who might be picking up a trowel for the first time. The scholarship gives Kendall a future campus to aim for, but her focus remains on what is growing right now. Seeds go into soil, vegetables come out, and more kids show up to help. The formula works. The applause on campus was loud, yet the lesson she keeps modeling is quiet and steady, plant, care, share, repeat.
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His 42-Year Journey at NASA Changed How We See the Universe
Wade Sisler spent over four decades at NASA, where he became a key figure in science storytelling. Starting as a student photographer at Ames Research Center in California, he eventually took on the role of executive producer at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland. His career was marked by a knack for translating complex scientific data into compelling visual narratives. Sisler saw the potential of videography early on. “The fidelity of the story you could tell with pictures through video was so impactful,” he said. He transitioned from still photography to video, which allowed him to convey the awe of space missions more effectively. During the 1980s and 1990s, Sisler worked on various projects that communicated intricate research through short documentaries and educational broadcasts. One memorable assignment involved working with astronaut Mae Jemison on how frog embryos develop in microgravity aboard the space shuttle. As Sisler moved to NASA Headquarters, he helped revamp NASA TV, shifting its focus from purely mission-related content to newsworthy stories that captured public interest. A pilot project featuring the Hubble Space Telescope's images of the Eagle Nebula proved wildly successful, as it was used thousands of times across media outlets. At Goddard Space Flight Center, Sisler collaborated with scientists and artists to transform abstract data into stunning visualizations and animations. His team achieved significant success with an El Niño visualization in 1998 that enhanced public understanding of the climate phenomenon. These efforts made scientific concepts accessible and engaging for wider audiences. Sisler also played a pivotal role in forming creative partnerships that introduced NASA science into cultural arenas. Through "Cosmic Cycles," a collaboration with the National Philharmonic, he helped pair music from a live symphony with high-resolution NASA imagery, creating an experience that resonated both emotionally and intellectually. In recent years, Sisler supported projects like "Beyond the Light," an art show developed with ARTECHOUSE and James Webb Space Telescope communications lead Laura Betz. This initiative turned cutting-edge astrophysics into an immersive sensory experience within gallery spaces. Despite his many achievements, Sisler's proudest accomplishment is his work with interns at NASA Goddard’s Office of Communications. “The thing that stays with me most is seeing where our former interns have landed,” he noted. Many have gone on to lead their programs within NASA or contribute to science literacy beyond the agency. Sisler began his own career journey as an intern while studying journalism at Baylor University in Texas. His passion for visual storytelling led him to refine his skills at Rochester Institute of Technology before returning to NASA Ames. Throughout his tenure, Sisler focused on empowering others by providing mentorship and opportunities for creative freedom. As he put it: “All the interesting stuff happens at the intersections of people’s passions.”
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A Secluded Welsh Island Fort Transformed Into a Luxury Off-Grid Haven is Now Up For Sale
If seclusion is what you’re after, Thorne Island might just be the ultimate escape. Three nautical miles off the coast of Pembrokeshire in west Wales, the 2.49-acre private island is home to a fully restored 19th-century fort — and it has just been listed for sale with offers invited over £3 million ($4 million), according to Strutt & Parker. The Grade II-listed fort, originally built between 1852 and 1854 to guard against a possible Napoleonic invasion, once housed 100 soldiers. Today, it blends historic military architecture with modern luxury, sleeping up to 20 guests across five plush bedrooms, and offering features like a sea-view office, grand dining rooms, sheltered terraces, a rooftop bar, a games room, and even a helipad. Over the years, the fort’s role shifted from defense to hospitality, serving as both a hotel and a private residence. Its current owner, British tech entrepreneur Mike Conner, bought it in 2017 for £500,000 ($670,000) after spotting a YouTube video about the property. At the time, the building had no windows, no utilities, and was waterlogged. “I underestimated a lot of things,” Conner told CNN, citing the sheer challenge of installing basics like flushing toilets. The restoration required four years of work, with builders living on-site in the original barracks. Getting materials to the island was a feat in itself — 350 helicopter trips over two days were needed to ferry in everything from topsoil to heating equipment. Sandblasting the stone walls alone took six months, and moisture trapped in the granite caused flooding during early works. The £2 million-plus ($2.7 million) overhaul included £300,000 ($400,000) in renewable energy systems, solar panels, battery storage, and a biodigester, making the fort entirely off-grid. The design also ensures it can withstand the harsh salt air and storm-force winds of the Celtic Sea. Conner, who has a background in industrial design, calls the project “a healthy mid-life crisis” and now sees it as ideal for luxury retreats, celebrations, or anyone wanting complete isolation. “I’ve enjoyed the journey,” he said, “and I think I would like to find another basket case.”
Score (96)
Victoria Mboko Shocks the Tennis World: From Unranked to Canadian Open Champion at 18
Victoria Mboko made an unforgettable mark at the Canadian Open in Montreal, turning heads with a victory that few saw coming. The 18-year-old tennis player from Canada emerged victorious against four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka in her first WTA Tour final. Until this event, she didn’t even have a photo on the Women’s Tennis Association website. Mboko's win was hard-earned. She came back from a set down to defeat Osaka 2-6, 6-4, 6-1. Her path to the title wasn't easy; it involved defeating three other former Grand Slam champions: Elena Rybakina, Coco Gauff, and Sofia Kenin. This achievement makes her the first Canadian to beat three Grand Slam champions in a single WTA Tour event during the Open Era. Her semifinal match against Rybakina was particularly intense. Mboko saved a match point and took a medical timeout due to a wrist injury before pulling off a remarkable 1-6, 7-5, 7-6(4) comeback win. With this victory, she became only the third wild card to reach the Canadian Open women's final since Monica Seles in 1995 and Simona Halep in 2015. Starting the year ranked No. 333 globally, Mboko will see her ranking skyrocket to No. 34 after this tournament. Earlier experiences include reaching her first final at the Parma Open, a WTA 125 event where she finished as runner-up. “This past two weeks have been insane,” Mboko told Reuters after her thrilling run in Montreal. "Even getting the wild card to play here … I was super happy to be playing in Montreal for the first time ever." Born on August 26, 2006, in North Carolina to parents from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mboko moved to Toronto as a child. She picked up tennis at age three thanks to her older siblings who also played. Her family remains an essential support system; she often looks for them in the stands when she's feeling nervous during matches. Sloane Stephens, winner of the US Open in 2017, sees great potential in Mboko's future prospects. Speaking with CNN Sports about seeing Mboko at this year’s French Open, Stephens said: “I want her to have all the resources she possibly can to be the best player she can be." Mboko’s strong mentality is evident both on and off the court. “I’ve been in situations where the score was tight and I kind of panicked a little bit," she admitted regarding her semifinal performance. "But I really wanted to calm myself down and just forget about last point and always focus on next.”
Score (94)
Mystery Solved: Long-Lost Portrait of WWI Canadian Nurse Just Found Its Way Home
For years, a striking portrait of a young woman in a Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service uniform left historians in North Bay, Ont., guessing at her identity. Now, the mystery has been solved: she was Christena Clinton Gordon, a First World War nurse from Callander, Ont., who cared for wounded soldiers in Western Europe. “Whether they’re soldiers or nurses, they were people who dedicated their lives to serving our country,” said Natasha Wiatr, curator of the Callander Bay Heritage Museum. The painting once hung in the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #23 in North Bay before being put into storage. During a cleanup in the early 2000s, it resurfaced in poor condition. The only clue was a handwritten note on the back reading, “Toronto, Canada, May 1917.” No name, no signature. Restoration work in Ottawa and inquiries with the Canadian War Museum failed to solve the puzzle. The breakthrough came in 2008, when then-museum curator Carol Pretty noticed the uniform in the painting matched one in the museum’s own collection. By comparing it to historical photos, she confirmed the subject was Gordon. Gordon joined the Canadian Army Medical Corps in 1916, serving in hospitals in England and France until the war ended. She returned home and, in 1921, married Ken Morrison, Callander’s reeve. The Legion donated the portrait to the museum, where it now hangs alongside Gordon’s uniform and wartime photographs. “It’s giving a voice and a name and a face to somebody who dedicated part of their life to serving our country overseas,” Wiatr said. “We’re able to give it a home.” “It’s only natural that it should return home,” added Legion First Vice-President Sandra Harkness.
Score (97)
Elephant Road Trip: Inside the Epic Journey of Karishma and Beth's New Beginning
Two Asian elephants have made a cross-country move as part of a major conservation breeding effort for the endangered species. Karishma, 26, and her nine-year-old daughter Elizabeth, known as Beth, left Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire for a new home at Chester Zoo in Cheshire, England. The transfer took months of preparation and involved keepers, vets, two specially equipped lorries, a 100-tonne-capacity crane, and a team of animal transport specialists. Stefan Groeneveld, section manager for elephants at Whipsnade Zoo, said cooperation between zoos is “integral to keeping a strong and healthy insurance population for animals at risk of extinction in the wild.” Asian elephant numbers are falling due to habitat loss, degradation, and poaching for ivory. The elephants travelled in custom-built, 10-tonne crates designed for comfort, with air conditioning and CCTV so drivers could monitor them during the four-hour journey. The convoy was accompanied by two of Whipsnade’s elephant keepers. Before departure, both animals were given a full health check to ensure they were fit for travel. For staff at Whipsnade, it was an emotional farewell. “It was a bittersweet day for all of the elephant keepers here when we said farewell to two of our elephants, Beth and Karishma,” Groeneveld said. “Karishma arrived at Whipsnade Zoo just over 20 years ago, and she and her daughter Beth, named after HM Queen Elizabeth II, have been much-loved members of our herd.” Whipsnade’s remaining herd — male Ming Jung, females Kaylee, Lucha, and Donna, and calf Nang Phaya — will continue contributing to the breeding programme from Bedfordshire.
Score (96)
From Pom-Poms to Pastures: Cheerleading Teen Heads to Nationals for... Sheep Judging?
Depending on the day, Tiffany Maestrale might be standing in a sheep pen sizing up a prize ram or balancing atop a human pyramid. The 17-year-old from Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula has been cheerleading for years, competing across Australia and overseas. But growing up around horses and cattle also gave her a lasting connection with animals. “We had horses and a couple of cows too, so animals have always been part of my life,” she said. Her interest in sheep began only two years ago, when she volunteered at the Pakenham agricultural show. She started out helping with ribbons and emceeing, then joined the show’s board. Her high school, Flinders Christian Community College, sealed the deal — her parents encouraged her to attend because it had a sheep show team. “I’ve ended up captaining the team for the past three years,” she said. Farm manager Tess Runting remembers meeting Tiffany as “a petite year 7 student” and being there when she helped deliver her first lamb — “something many adults never do.” Now Tiffany is mentoring other students and is part of a growing group of young female sheep judges. Cheerleading and sheep judging may seem worlds apart, but Tiffany sees parallels. As a flyer — the one thrown into the air — she’s learned about teamwork and trust. In the ring, she said, sheep “have such different personalities, so to get them to work you need to bring a clear head and calm energy.” Next month, Tiffany will compete in Adelaide at the National Young Judges Championships, representing Victoria in merino sheep and fleece judging. Agricultural Shows Australia executive officer Katie Stanley said the competitions are about more than ribbons. “They connect young people directly with the agricultural industry and help us identify the next generation of judges and leaders,” she said, adding that young women are increasingly visible in the field. “They bring fresh perspectives, strong communication skills, and confidence to everything they do.” Tiffany admits she’s less familiar with merinos but is studying hard with guidance from Runting. For her mentor, the championships are a “golden opportunity.” “Honestly, it’s pretty nerve-racking … but we’re all cheering Tiff on,” Runting said.
Score (97)
From The Rolling Stones to Cardi B: Discover the College Venue That's Hosted Legends for 50 Years
On a quiet street in New Haven, tucked between Yale University buildings, a pizza place, and an ice cream shop, Toad’s Place doesn’t look like the kind of venue that’s hosted music royalty. But inside its modest two-story building, the walls tell a different story — covered in paintings and signed photos of the legends who have played there over the past 50 years. The list is staggering: The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, U2, The Ramones, Johnny Cash, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Cardi B, B.B. King, Willie Dixon, Dizzy Gillespie, and dozens more. For a club with standing room for about 1,000 people, it’s a history most arenas would envy. Owner Brian Phelps, 71, started as the club’s manager in 1976. “I thought it would be good for a few years and then I’d be out doing something else,” he said. “And then the thing started to happen when some of the big bands started to come here.” Toad’s began in 1975 as a French restaurant opened by Mike Spoerndle, who later pivoted to music, dancing, and beer when the restaurant struggled. A Tuesday night promotion with bands and 25-cent beers drew students in, and soon the bookings began to grow. One of the early performers was Michael Bolotin — later known to the world as Michael Bolton. A turning point came in 1977, when Spoerndle met concert promoter Jim Koplik, who began bringing big-name acts to the small stage. That connection led to countless moments of music history — including Springsteen dropping in to play after a full show at the New Haven Coliseum, Billy Joel recording part of Songs in the Attic there in 1980, and a young U2 playing three times before breaking big. Then there was the night in August 1989 when a $3.01 ticket promised only a local band and a birthday party for Koplik. Midway through the night, the crowd of 700 got a shock: “Please welcome the Rolling Stones!” Mick Jagger told the packed room they’d been rehearsing for their tour and wanted to play a small club. “It was amazing!” said local musician Doug Steinschneider, who managed to catch a glimpse through a side door. Months later, Bob Dylan’s team reached out about a warmup gig. The 1990 show sold out in 18 minutes and turned into Dylan’s longest known performance — more than four hours. Over the decades, Toad’s became a crossroads for every genre. Rap shows have been some of its biggest draws, from Public Enemy and Naughty by Nature in the early ’90s to Kanye West with John Legend in 2004, Drake in 2009, and Snoop Dogg in the 2010s. Phelps, who bought the club in 1998, says the key to staying alive has been diversity: “When you have all these things, all ages, all different styles of music, and you have some dance parties to fill in where you need them… it brings enough capital in so that you can stay in business and keep moving forward.” For young local musicians, playing Toad’s means stepping onto a stage where history is literally in the air. At a recent battle of the bands, Rook Bazinet, 22, of the Hartford-based emo group Nor Fork, thought of the acts his parents had seen there — including his mom’s ’90s-era Phish show. “Me, the Stones and Bob Dylan,” he said. “I’m glad to be on that list.”