Sunday, 29 March 2015

Baby hippo born in American zoo

A zoo in America has had a new arrival - a baby hippo!

So cuute!




The new-born calf arrived at the San Diego Zoo earlier this week and has yet to be given a name.
The new mum, Funani, is said to be bonding well with her baby.
But Funani is no stranger to parenthood because she's already given birth 11 times before!
The animal keepers are keeping a very close eye on the pair but say they are both doing well.
From CBBC Newsround

Friday, 27 March 2015

Sumatran tiger cub triplets in 'tip-top shape'

Three rare Sumatran tigers's health are in 'tip top shape' after being examined, weighed and vaccinated by specialist vets at Chester Zoo.

three sumatran tiger cubs
The three cubs together after their health check ups
 
The three-month old cubs, born in January to mum Kirana and dad Fabi, were found to be two males and one female.
"It's really important for us to make sure they're healthy and in good physical condition and we're happy to report that all three of the cubs have been given a clean bill of health," said vet Gabby Drake.

Vets and vet nurses from Chester Zoo carefully check over one of the Sumatran tiger cubs
 
Vets and vet nurses from Chester Zoo carefully check over one of the Sumatran tiger cubs
 
Sumatran tigers are found only on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. They are the smallest of all tigers and have the narrowest stripes.
"We checked them over as quickly as we could before returning them to their mum Kirana. She's a very good mother and fiercely protective of her young charges, so we certainly didn't want to hang around for long."
 
The cubs get a lick from Kirana after their check ups
 


The cubs get a lick from their mother, Kirana, after their check ups
 
Critically endangered in the wild, there are believed to be just 300-400 Sumatran tigers left as they are often targeted by poachers who use their body parts as traditional medicine.
Much of their jungle habitat has also been destroyed.
 
From CBBC Newsround
 



Thursday, 26 March 2015

Scientists discover how chameleons change their colour

Scientists in Switzerland think they have discovered how chameleons change colour, and it's all down to crystals.

A panther chameleon
Chameleons are famous for being able to change colour to blend into their surroundings.A team from the University of Geneva have studied how they do it, and found that special crystals in their skin are responsible.The crystals act as a type of mirror to reflect the colours around the chameleon.These crystals are found in special skin cells chameleons have.
A panther chameleon
Scientists had thought chameleons change colour using pigment in their skin
And these cells don't just help them change colour, they could also help keep them cool by reflecting light.The study looked into panther chameleons.
It was thought that the colour change happened when the reptiles moved special colour pigment around their skin.
But this latest research thinks that isn't the case, and it's actually down to the special crystals.
From CBBC Newsround

Wednesday, 25 March 2015

What does a healthy diet consist of?

For a healthy diet, replace unhealthy and fattening foods with healthier alternatives, such as fresh fruits and vegetables.



"It's important to keep things in moderation and balance."



Healthy Eating Tips

Starting Points

Your food and physical activity choices each day affect your health — how you feel today, tomorrow, and in the future.

These tips and ideas are a starting point. You will find a wealth of suggestions here that can help you get started toward a healthy diet. Choose a change that you can make today, and move toward a healthier you.

Friday, 20 March 2015

The new £1 coin designed by 15-year-old boy

The new pound coin design. A twelve sided coin in gold, with a silver disc inset. The Queen features prominently.







The design of the new £1 coin has been revealed after a competition to design the "tails" side.
The winner was 15-year-old David from Walsall who made a design featuring the four plants associated with the four nations that make up the UK.
His design features the leek, thistle, shamrock and rose, coming out of a crown.
Chancellor George Osborne said the image will be "recognised by millions in the years ahead".
The new coin will be roughly the same size as the current one, but has 12 edges and is both gold and silver coloured, like a £2 coin.
David was declared the winner out of more than 6,000 entries.
The coin featuring his design will start appearing in shops and banks in 2017.
David said: "I was really excited to hear that I had won the competition to design the new £1 coin but hugely shocked as well."
The £1 coin is being replaced for the first time in more than 30 years because there are concerns it is too easy for criminals to copy.
The Royal Mint, which makes new coins, says the new £1 will be the most secure coin that exists in the UK.




Solar Eclipse

Monday, 16 March 2015

Nine puppies saved from fires in Chile

As huge forest fires hit areas of Chile in South America, nine lucky puppies have been found and rescued.

"Negrita" was reunited with her nine puppies after their rescue.

Thousands of people have been evacuated in Chile and Valparaiso, a city in South America, has been in the middle of some of the fires.
But some lucky puppies in the city have been rescued. The puppies and their mother are safe and sound and are now being looked after by vets.
From CBBC Newsround



This intelligent and caring mother dog saved her nine puppies from burning alive in a huge forest fire in Chile .She dug a deep hole and placed her babies inside where they were later found untouched by the flames, according to rescuers.Volunteers located the puppies following a massive forest fire in Valparaiso last week, CNN reported. It took about an hour for rescuers to locate all of the puppies and lift them out of the deep hole.

Sunday, 8 March 2015