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19/05/2017
Baby Giraffe Makes Debut At Belfast Zoo
A baby giraffe named Gilbert has been delighting visitors at Belfast Zoo.
Gilbert, an endangered Rothschild giraffe, was born to mother, Daisy and father, Finn, on Sunday 07 May.
The zoo introduced him as part of endangered species day on 19 May.
Zoo curator, Raymond Robinson, said: "We are proud to be Northern Ireland's only zoo and it has long been a tradition that giraffe calves born here are named after towns and villages in Northern Ireland and Ireland which begin with ‘Bally’. We are delighted to announce that our little calf is a male and has been named Gilbert! Giraffes give birth standing up and the front feet are delivered first, followed by the head, neck and shoulders. The calf falls more than five feet to the ground which doesn't hurt but does cause the calf to take its first big breath. The calf is five to six feet in height at birth, learns to stand within 30 minutes and can run just 10 hours after birth!"
Zoo manager, Alyn Cairns, said: "Rothschild's giraffes are one of the most endangered of the giraffe subspecies. While giraffes inhabit savannahs and grasslands across Africa, the Rothschild subspecies only exists in small numbers within protected areas in Kenya and northern Uganda. In fact, some estimates suggest that less than 1600 still remain in the wild due to poaching and habitat loss, factors which are pushing this iconic species ever closer to extinction. We work collaboratively with zoos around the world and take part in a European breeding programme. Since we became home to the species in 1988, we have celebrated the arrival of 34 calves and we are delighted to welcome little Gilbert to the family!"
(CD/MH)
Gilbert, an endangered Rothschild giraffe, was born to mother, Daisy and father, Finn, on Sunday 07 May.
The zoo introduced him as part of endangered species day on 19 May.
Zoo curator, Raymond Robinson, said: "We are proud to be Northern Ireland's only zoo and it has long been a tradition that giraffe calves born here are named after towns and villages in Northern Ireland and Ireland which begin with ‘Bally’. We are delighted to announce that our little calf is a male and has been named Gilbert! Giraffes give birth standing up and the front feet are delivered first, followed by the head, neck and shoulders. The calf falls more than five feet to the ground which doesn't hurt but does cause the calf to take its first big breath. The calf is five to six feet in height at birth, learns to stand within 30 minutes and can run just 10 hours after birth!"
Zoo manager, Alyn Cairns, said: "Rothschild's giraffes are one of the most endangered of the giraffe subspecies. While giraffes inhabit savannahs and grasslands across Africa, the Rothschild subspecies only exists in small numbers within protected areas in Kenya and northern Uganda. In fact, some estimates suggest that less than 1600 still remain in the wild due to poaching and habitat loss, factors which are pushing this iconic species ever closer to extinction. We work collaboratively with zoos around the world and take part in a European breeding programme. Since we became home to the species in 1988, we have celebrated the arrival of 34 calves and we are delighted to welcome little Gilbert to the family!"
(CD/MH)
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09 March 2009
£17m Lyric Building Project Underway
Work on Northern Ireland's new Lyric Theatre commenced today - a construction project work more than £17m. Arts Minister Gregory Campbell (pictured) welcomed contractor Gilbert Ash on-site. "Detailed work has been completed on the design and costs of the new building and the contractor, Gilbert Ash is now on site to start construction," he said.
£17m Lyric Building Project Underway
Work on Northern Ireland's new Lyric Theatre commenced today - a construction project work more than £17m. Arts Minister Gregory Campbell (pictured) welcomed contractor Gilbert Ash on-site. "Detailed work has been completed on the design and costs of the new building and the contractor, Gilbert Ash is now on site to start construction," he said.
13 October 2016
Critically Endangered Western Gorilla Born At Belfast Zoo
A critically endangered Western lowland gorilla has been born at Belfast Zoo. The latest arrival was born to mother, Namoki, and father, Gugas, on 28 August 2016. Newborn gorillas cling to their mother's stomach for the first few months and zookeepers have only recently been able to discover that the infant is a girl who they have named Olivia.
Critically Endangered Western Gorilla Born At Belfast Zoo
A critically endangered Western lowland gorilla has been born at Belfast Zoo. The latest arrival was born to mother, Namoki, and father, Gugas, on 28 August 2016. Newborn gorillas cling to their mother's stomach for the first few months and zookeepers have only recently been able to discover that the infant is a girl who they have named Olivia.
18 April 2008
Man Detained Indefinitely Over Hospital Strangling
A mentally ill man has been detained on an indefinite mental health order after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of a patient in a Rochdale hospital. Telahum Tedola, 36, had pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of 58-year-old Rosalind McManus on the grounds of diminished responsibility at a hearing at Manchester Crown Court in February.
Man Detained Indefinitely Over Hospital Strangling
A mentally ill man has been detained on an indefinite mental health order after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of a patient in a Rochdale hospital. Telahum Tedola, 36, had pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of 58-year-old Rosalind McManus on the grounds of diminished responsibility at a hearing at Manchester Crown Court in February.
06 December 2006
Mount Gilbert Community College to close
Mount Gilbert Community College on Belfast's Ballygomartin Road is to close at the end of August 2007. The decision was taken by Education Minister Maria Eagle, following a proposal by Belfast Education and Library Board.
Mount Gilbert Community College to close
Mount Gilbert Community College on Belfast's Ballygomartin Road is to close at the end of August 2007. The decision was taken by Education Minister Maria Eagle, following a proposal by Belfast Education and Library Board.
19 January 2006
Dogs kill endangered species at Belfast Zoo
Four stray dogs have attacked and killed a rare species in Belfast zoo. The dogs dug their way into the Vicuna paddock and savaged two of the animals, which are the smallest members of the camel family. One of the Vicuna's, a 12-year-old called Emma, was killed in the attack, and a six-month-old named Boris suffered severe abdominal injuries.
Dogs kill endangered species at Belfast Zoo
Four stray dogs have attacked and killed a rare species in Belfast zoo. The dogs dug their way into the Vicuna paddock and savaged two of the animals, which are the smallest members of the camel family. One of the Vicuna's, a 12-year-old called Emma, was killed in the attack, and a six-month-old named Boris suffered severe abdominal injuries.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
