 Mjukuu holds up her baby born at the London Zoo on January 17 – SWNS 17-10-2025, Critically-Endangered Gorilla Born at London Zoo–in Moments Mom is Gently Cradling Her Newborn (Photos): A critically endangered western lowland gorilla has been born at the London Zoo—and the photos are beyond precious. Mjukuu gave birth for the second time on January 17, following an eight-and-a-half-month pregnancy and a speedy 17-minute labor. Just moments after the birth, she could be seen gently cradling her tiny infant, before welcoming the gorilla troop’s curious youngsters Alika and Gernot to examine the new arrival. London Zoo said the birth was a cause for celebration, as western lowland gorillas are classified as critically endangered. Zookeepers were carrying out their usual morning duties when they first spotted that Mjukuu was in labor. They decided to give her some space, but monitored her via CCTV cameras installed in the ceiling. “After a very quick labour, Mjukuu was spotted on camera tenderly holding her newborn and demonstrating her wonderful mothering instincts – cleaning her infant and checking it over,” reported London Zoo’s Primates Section Manager Kathryn Sanders.  Western lowland gorilla cradles her newborn in the London Zoo – SWNS The infant was fathered by Kiburi, a western lowland gorilla who arrived at London Zoo from Tenerife in November 2022 as part of an international conservation breeding program. The preservation program aims to promote a genetically diverse and healthy population of western lowlands – a gorilla subspecies – in response to their decline. “To say we’re happy about this new arrival would be a huge understatement,” said Kathryn. “We’ve all been walking around grinning from ear to ear.” “We’ll be giving mum and baby lots of time and space to get to know each other, and for the rest of the troop to get used to their new addition. “They’re as excited as we are and can’t stop staring at the baby.”  Western lowland gorillas examine the baby born in London Zoo – SWNS Zookeepers are yet to confirm the sex of the infant, who has primarily remained cradled in its adoring mum’s arms.If it is male, it could reach a height of up to 6ft. Critically-Endangered Gorilla Born at London Zoo–in Moments Mom is Gently Cradling Her Newborn (Photos) |
Family Discovers 8 Huge Dinosaur Footprints..
 Dinosaur footprints on the beach in Bexhill, East Sussex – By Vicky Ballinger / SWNSFamily Discovers 8 Huge Dinosaur Footprints While Walking on Eroded Beach (Photos): A family was strolling along an eroded beach at sunset when they discovered a trove of eight huge dinosaur footprints Vicky Ballinger and her two kids were stunned by the sight in East Sussex, England, after high tides and heavy rains had worn away the sand, exposing the rock underneath. The area from Bexhill-on-Sea to Fairlight has become known for its track casts and prints of dinosaurs. “I grew up in Bexhill and I’ve never seen these ones before,” says Vicky. “I believe they are iguanodon footprints. They’re not T-rex tracks (because) they weren’t in England.” Vicky went to the local Bexhill Museum with her discovery, and they’re investigating further this week. She also uploaded her video to YouTube (see below). “The kids loved that they could see the track of a dinosaur and walk where it walked. It was very exciting.”  In 2018, more than 85 footprints from the Cretaceous period made up of at least seven different species were uncovered by the cliffs between Hastings and Fairlight—including the fine detail of skin and scales. Another fossil discovered on Bexhill beach was confirmed as a ‘pickled’ dinosaur brain. The Bexhill site dates back to around 140 million years ago and contains the remains of dinosaurs that used to roam in the freshwater surroundings of the period. “It’s quite beautiful to find these amazing dinosaur footprints when we came on a walk.” Over the years, the fossils of several dinosaur species have been found including Iguanodon, Megalosaurus, Baryonyx, Polacanthus, and the tooth of a Velociraptor-type animal, many of which are on display at the Bexhill Museum.Check out her lovely video below…Family Discovers 8 Huge Dinosaur Footprints While Walking on Eroded Beach (Photos) |
Special Olympics National Games photos
 BRING IT ON: Members of the Scholastic Academy Hawks cheerleader squad pose for a photo during the Special Olympics football event at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo. - Photo by Ayanna KinsaleSpecial Olympics National Games photo gallery, 18-09-2025, ATHLETES demonstrated their skills when the Special Olympics of Trinidad and Tobago National Games continued on May 25. Aquatics events were held at Diego Martin Swimming Pool and football and cheerleading at Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo. The games came to an end on May 25 with a closing ceremony held at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. Newsday photographer Ayanna Kinsale captured these images.  BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM: Mahalia Flanders shows her skills with the football during the Special Olympics football event at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale JUST KEEP SWIMMING: Participants take part in the flotation swimming 10 meters race during the Special Olympics swimming event at the Diego Martin swimming pool. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale JUMP!: Members of the Scholastic Academy Hawks showed off their jumping ability during their cheerleading routine at the Special Olympics football event at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale FOOTBALL FEVER: Nicholai Ashton dribbles a football during the Special Olympics football event at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale |
Volcano Lightning Storm Won .....
 A “dirty storm” during the eruption of the Calbuco volcano in Chile. SWNS.Volcano Lightning Storm Won ‘Perfect Moment’ Photography Contest, But Every Finalist Captured the Beauty of Earth: This stunning image captures the moment an incredible lightning storm was created during a violent volcanic eruption. The striking photo of the Calbuco volcano—regarded as the one of the most dangerous in Chile—won the Grand Prize in the inaugural “The Perfect Moment” photography competition, presented by photography contest business Our World In Focus. The rare “dirty storm” phenomenon occurs when the force of the elements thrown from the bottom of the volcano collide with the outside, causing positive and negative charges to produce lightning. The first prize image won photographer Francisco Negroni a $2,000 cash prize, as well as a new camera lens, and a $200 voucher to spend at a camera equipment store. The contest’s judges, Max Rive of the Netherlands and John Weatherby of the USA, called the photo “truly spectacular”. “This image shows a rare moment of the eruption of the Volcano Calbuco with truly spectacular forces of nature that make you stare at the image for some time,” said Rive. “It is the combination of the rarity of this natural phenomenon with the technical quality of the image that makes it so powerful and unique. “This image left the biggest impression on me and couldn’t fit the subject ‘Perfect Moment’ any better.” The photo contest also saw four other worthy winners alongside Francisco’s “dirty storm” shot, which saw more cash prizes and Lens Pro To Go vouchers rewarded. Bence Mate, the second-place winner for the competition, won $500 in cash and $100 in vouchers for his photo entry, “Eye To Eye”.  2nd place winner — SWNS The fascinating photo shows a green-crowned hummingbird hovering in mid-air, eye-to-eye with a small, green pit viper which is dangling by its tail from a branch. The on-guard hummingbird, photographed with its wings beating rapidly, squared off against the viper in order to protect its nesting young by making squawking sounds and dancing around the snake in mid-air. “Images of wildlife often make for strong storytelling photography, especially when a potential confrontation is photographed, as in this image captured between a hummingbird and a viper,” remarked Rive. “The perfect technical quality in terms of sharpness, focus, contrast and the chosen shutter speed, which makes the movement of the wings visible, also helps with bringing this image to life.”  5th place winner – SWNS The contest’s fifth place winner of $100 cash, was Eliseo Nicolaevici’s sweet photo of a little lamb crossing a rickety wooden bridge, followed by a herd of more than nine sheep. “This image shows how an ‘ordinary moment’ can be made very powerful and evocative by capturing it at the right time and place,” says Rive. “Elements that impressed me are the story, of how the lamb walks in front of the adult sheep. “The photo also creates a form of tunnel vision and framing with the hang-bridge, and how all the faces of the sheep are lined up in a straight line.”  RUNNER UP – SWNS Meanwhile, competition finalist Hasan Baglar submitted an amusing photograph of two praying mantises perched on a branch, their front legs stretched up in the air, and their colorful wings outspread.  Runner-up finalist — SWNS Other runner-up finalists for the competition include photos depicting a lizard and a snail kissing in Indonesia and a friendly whale shark swimming underneath a fishing boat.  RUNNER UP — SWNS 08-09-2025, The two judges for the competition paid homage to all the photo submissions, saying: “We want to thank all of the entrants to this year’s contest. It has been an honor to witness each of your own Perfect Moments.”  3rd place winner: Droplets of water form a triangle as a cormorant shake water off its wings at Kiskunság National Park, Hungary — SWNS, Volcano Lightning Storm Won ‘Perfect Moment’ Photography Contest, But Every Finalist Captured the Beauty of Earth |
Six Fabulous Winners
 Iconic Gardens By the Bay in Singapore by Scott Antcliffe – City life category Winner in the National Geographic Photography Competition (cropped) / SWNSSix Fabulous Winners of the National Geographic Photography Competition (LOOK) : Winners of the 12th annual National Geographic Traveller (UK) Photography Competition were revealed, highlighting the best in travel photography. Open to both amateur and professional photographers from across the UK and Ireland, they submitted their best travel images taken during the past twelve months. Winners are awarded in six categories: People, City Life, Landscape, Wildlife, Food, and Portfolio. The above image was the winner of the City Life category. Photographer Scott Antcliffe described the scene: “I was keen to capture Singapore’s more unassuming areas of natural beauty. After being recommended this spot by the hotel receptionist, I made my way there early in the morning to avoid the potential crowds and relentless humidity. “Upon arrival, I was struck by the sheer density of the foliage. Vines have completely enveloped the supporting walls, but the view of the Yellow Rain Tree at the top was simply stunning and utterly mesmerizing.” The Grand Prize winner was Justin Cliffe, who captured this striking image of a woman in Vietnam, embroidering at the door of her property alongside her great-granddaughter.  Vietnamese elderly woman embroiders with great granddaughter nearby by Justin Cliffe – Grand prize winner in the National Geographic Photography Competition / SWNS“The Red Dao minority people of Lao Cai Province are one of Vietnam’s most distinctive ethnic groups, largely due to their headdresses,” the photographer explained. “Here, a woman sits at the door of her property working on some embroidery with her great granddaughter. Their intricate embroidery is a skill passed down from mother to daughter and further generations.”The winner of the Wildlife category was Victoria Andrews who snapped this moment in Spain and entitled the image ‘A fox chasing an owl’  A fox chasing an owl by Victoria Andrews – Wildlife category Winner in the National Geographic Photography Competition / SWNS“I took this image in August during one of the hottest summers in Toledo, Spain. The area is well known for its raptors and I decided to make the trip after being tempted by the chance of photographing the beautiful Bonelli’s eagle. Arriving at the location at first light, I didn’t have to wait more than an hour or so before the Bonelli’s eagle flew in and perched on an old tree stump,” recalled Ms. Andrews. “After firing off hundreds of perched shots, it then raised its wings in a defensive stance. That’s when I saw the fox approaching. The fox came closer and closer still, until they were almost nose to nose. I was clicking like crazy, while all the time praying I had got all my camera settings correct.”  Aerial view of the Hveravellir geothermal area by Pawel Zygmunt – Landscape category Winner in the National Geographic Photography Competition / SWNSThe winner of the Landscape category was Pawel Zygmunt whose picture featured a stunning spot in Iceland captured by his drone. The aerial view of the Hveravellir geothermal area looks like an eyeball in a horror movie, with the deep, sapphire-blue pool acting as the ‘pupil’, but the scene evokes nature’s raw power on full display. Check out this charming runner-up photo in the Wildlife category taken by Jo Noon, who shot snow buntings in Alberta, Canada. Upwards of three hundred bunting were congregating on a patch of snowy hillside.  Snow buntings in Canada by Jo Noon – Wildlife category runner-up in the National Geographic Photography Competition / SWNSAnother highlight of the contest featured an endangered female lynx drinking from a pond, also in Spain.  Female lynx drinks from pond in Spain by Hari Kumar Prasannakumar – Wildlife category runner-up in the National Geographic Photography Competition / SWNSThe Wildlife category runner up, Hari Kumar Prasannakumar, virtually stopped time in Ciudad Real, Spain, while an endangered female lynx was drinking from a pond and a curious honey bee buzzed near her ear, adding a playful twist to the striking moment.“The 18 finalists — who made the cut from thousands of entries — have really elevated the level of travel photography with their ingenuity and skill,” said Pat Riddell, a contest judge and the editor of National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine, which can be followed on Facebook or Instagram to find future announcements for upcoming contests. Six Fabulous Winners of the National Geographic Photography Competition (LOOK) |
Airplane Hotel in Costa Rica
 Costa Rican Airplane Hotel You must have seen planes flying in the air or might be standing at the airports, but in this article I will reveal something extra ordinary and creative. In this article I will tell you about one of the most beautiful hotel which is the outcome of some creativity of mankind “Costa Rican Airplane Hotel”. The name says everything, a beautiful hotel located inside an airplane. This hotel is located in Costa Rica, situated right around the corner of Manuel Antonio National Park. It’s no ordinary hotel because it is built inside an airplane (1965 Boeing 727). Formerly this plane was used for transporting globetrotters on South Africa Air and Avianca Airlines. Today, this airplane serves as a hotel with two bedrooms. It wasn’t an easy task to setup a plane 50 feet above the beach. So for doing it safely, the airplane was transported in to pieces from the San Jose airport to its final destination which is known as Costa Rican Airplane Hotel. At first sight you might find this hotel just like a model plane but in fact it is something extra ordinary. You can only imagine the outstanding views from the windows and balcony of the airplane. Apart from its beautiful outlook, the hotel provides some features which you cannot ignore. The hotel has 2 fully furnished and air conditioned bedrooms with master bath. The hotel has a separate TV area and a dinning room. This is not over right here, the wings of the airplane has also been utilized to perfection. You will find a wing balcony, where you can relax and observe some beauty of the nature while having a cup of coffee or tea in you hand. Lastly, the balcony of 727 provides an unbelievable and beautiful ocean view. Costa Rican Airplane Hotel is a wonderful destination for vacations. Although this is not an ordinary vacation hotel but spending $300-$350 per night is worth it. You must have traveled to several places by airplane but now your final destination will be an airplane. Enjoy your vacations in this beautiful hotel while observing some natural beauty.          |
Love Locks - The Symbol of Love
 Cologne, Germany — The 406 metre Hohenzollern Bridge in Cologne; a structure that has been slowly covered in padlocks since the romantic trend reached the city in 2008, much to the annoyance of local government. Locks of Love: It seems that locks aren’t just simply used to keep property secure from theft and vandalism any more. For decades now a custom has slowly been creeping across the world whereby loving, romantic, and sometimes superstitious couples have decided to write messages on padlocks, attach them to certain landmarks in specific areas - more often than not railings and fences - and then throw away the key. The practice, as well as symbolising a couple’s unending love for each other, is in some countries thought to bring good luck to a relationship. Below are some amazing examples.  Prague, Czech Republic — A small pedestrian bridge that crosses the Vlatva river in Prague, covered in padlocks.  Pecs, Hungary — The famous lock fence of Pécs in Hungary, where the practice is thought to have begun, in Europe at least, back in the 1980s. Area officials were quickly forced to designate this particular spot ‘love lock friendly’ in a bid to curb the rampant placement of lock in other areas when the trend took off.  Moscow, Russia — The unique love lock trees of Moscow, found on the city’s Luzhkov Bridge. The majority of these locks are placed by newlyweds, as the practice is thought to bring good luck.  Seoul, South Korea — Literally thousands of lovers’ locks can be seen attached to the fencing that surrounds Mt. Namsan’s N Seoul Tower in Central Seoul. There even exists a special bin in which to place keys following the accumulation of hundreds around the fence.  Korakuen, Japan — A colourful wall of locks, all attached by couples, can be found in an amusement park in Korakuen, Japan. Korakuen is one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, and is located in Tokyo.  Wroclaw, Poland — A stunning view of Tumski Bridge in the Polish city of Wroclaw. The bridge has recently become a love-lock-laden site.  Montevideo, Uruguay — A fountain in Montevideo, Uruguay. Attached is a plaque which reads,”The legend of this young fountain tells us that if a lock with the initials of two people in love is placed in it, they will return together to the fountain and their love will be forever locked.”  Guam, USA — The love-locks of Puntan dos Amantes (Two Lovers’ Point) in Guam, a picturesque and incredibly romantic spot that overlooks the ocean.  Rome, Italy — The famous padlock-covered lamppost of The Milvian Bridge in Rome, Italy. Since 2006, lovers have attached initialled locks to the post and then thrown the keys into the Tiber river as a sign of their love.  Huangshan, China — Just one of the many chain fences of Yellow Mountain in China; nearly all of which have been slowly covered in love-locks by romantic locals and tourists alike – particularly newlyweds.  Odessa, Ukraine — Over the past few years Teshin Bridge in Odessa has become home to hundreds of lovers’ locks. For the curious, ‘Teshin’ translates as ‘Mother-in-Law’. |
Gold Coated Bentley W66 GTS
 ASI Bentley W66 GTS Gold Bentley W66 GTS (speed car) attracts all the car lovers and admirers. There are 3-4 other companies who developed Gold cars like Bugatti, Porsche and Mercedes but Bentley W66 GTS Gold, made by ASI Corporation, has inspired a lot of geeks. ASI Corporation was established in Nagoya, Japan in December 2007. It manufactures variety of vehicles but ASI Bentley is a unique project and it was proclaimed in “Tokyo Special Import Car Show” in 2008. The car has a gold coated body and costs about $800,000. The car has 626 HP and goes from 0-62 mph in just 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 230 mph.    |
A Young Model in 6 Different Ages
 A 20-year-old model photographed as if she were 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 years old — A series of pictures with the same model in different ages, everything done with amazing make-up and lighting. (Vogue Paris November 2008 with Eniko Mihalik by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin styled by Carine Roitfeld, make-up by Lisa Butler) 20 Years Old :—  30 Years Old :—  40 Years Old :—  50 Years Old :—  60 Years Old :—  |