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Radisson Hotel Group introduces ‘The Art of Weddings’

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Indian weddings are a beautiful blend of tradition, culture, and contemporary elegance, evolving into highly personalized celebrations that reflect the unique stories of two families coming together. As weddings in India become more immersive and heartfelt, the Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) is introducing ‘The Art of Weddings by Radisson Hotels’—a thoughtfully curated concept designed to craft unforgettable, personalized and seamless wedding experiences for the modern couple.

The grand unveiling took place in Goa at an exclusive event attended by RHG’s leadership, key industry partners and hospitality visionaries. The event showcased a redefined approach to wedding celebrations, blending modernity with cultural richness.

‘‘The Art of Weddings by Radisson is designed to tell every couple’s beautiful story, it offers highly curated and personalized experiences. From intimate ceremonies at resort locations to grand celebrations in bustling cities, RHG’s extensive portfolio of hotels across regions ensures that every wedding is accessible and tailored as per every couple’s vision.

Built on four core pillars — seamless celebrations, heartfelt hosting, timeless traditions and elevated experiences — the concept ensures a thoughtfully curated journey for every couple. From leveraging intuitive digital tools for effortless planning to crafting region-specific welcome kits and curated cultural experiences, the concept blends modern convenience with deep-rooted traditions. With an extensive network of expert partners, RHG offers bespoke décor, gourmet dining and immersive rituals that honor the diverse heritage of Indian weddings. Additionally, exclusive collaborations with artisans, planners and performers allow couples to personalize every moment, creating grand yet intimate celebrations that go beyond the expected.

“At Radisson Hotel Group, we understand that weddings are not just ceremonies but deeply personal journeys where families come together to celebrate love, traditions and new beginnings. With ‘The Art of Weddings by Radisson Hotels,’ we are redefining wedding celebrations by offering bespoke experiences that honor cultural heritage while embracing modern elegance. From intimate ceremonies in luxurious resorts to grand celebrations in bustling cities, our diverse portfolio of hotels across Tier 1 to Tier 5 cities ensures that every couple finds a setting that resonates with their story. Rooted in traditions yet tailored for today’s couples, we remain committed to seamless, heartfelt and value-driven celebrations that leave a lasting impression. Guided by our brand promise, ‘Every Moment Matters,’ we take pride in curating unforgettable experiences that blend timeless traditions with contemporary sophistication,” said Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director & COO, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group.

‘The Art of Weddings by Radisson Hotels’ offers a flexible framework that allows for localization and customization. This ensures that every wedding reflects the cultural nuances and personal tastes of every couple.

With a focus on creating memorable moments, RHG is setting a new benchmark in the wedding industry. By combining its extensive reach and personalized services the brand is poised to become the preferred choice for couples looking to celebrate their special day in a way that is uniquely their own.

Radisson Hotel Group continues to command a leading presence in the Indian market and is one of the country’s largest international hotel operators. It continues to be the largest hotel operator in metros like Delhi NCR, while over 50% of its portfolio is in tier-2 and tier-3 markets. RHG has successfully introduced various brands to the growing Indian market, including Radisson Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Park Inn by Radisson, Park Plaza, Park Inn & Suites by Radisson and Radisson Individuals and its extension Radisson Individuals Retreats.

 

 

 

 

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Emirates resumes second daily flight to Beirut from 1 April

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Emirates will reinstate its second daily flight between Dubai and Beirut starting 1 April 2025. The second service, operated with a Boeing 777-300ER, will boost weekly passenger capacity by more than 5,000 seats both ways, offering customers flexibility and catering to the growing demand.

Emirates’ flight EK957 will take off from Dubai at 0730hrs, arriving in Beirut at 1035hrs. The return flight EK958 will depart from Beirut at 1205hrs and will arrive in Dubai at 1655hrs. *

The additional daily flight will offer travellers from Beirut a second option to visit friends and family in Dubai. This service is also a convenient, seamless layover for those connecting and traveling beyond Dubai to Emirates’ destinations such as Sydney, Melbourne, Montreal, Toronto, New York, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Mauritius, and other key points across Asia and the Indian Ocean.

 

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Qatar Airways Group and Virgin Australia receive final go-ahead from the ACCC

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Qatar Airways Group and Virgin Australia have received final go-ahead from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for the airlines’ integrated alliance. This final determination officially signals the green light for Virgin Australia’s new 28 weekly flights between Australia and Doha – operated under a wet-lease with Qatar Airways – to proceed.

The ACCC’s authorisation of Qatar Airways’ partnership with Virgin Australia gives the Australian carrier access to the scale and expertise of a world-leading global airline and facilitates its re-entry into long-haul international flying. This will drive increased competition in the market while delivering greater choice and value for Australian passengers.

Utilising aircraft wet-leased from Qatar Airways, Virgin Australia is set to commence long-haul flights from Sydney, Brisbane and Perth to Doha from June 2025, followed by Melbourne to Doha in December 2025. Through the award-winning Hamad International Airport in Doha, the flights open up more than 100 connecting itineraries across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and enable Australian passengers to benefit from a host of increased loyalty earn and redemption opportunities for Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club and Velocity members.

In addition to this, the flights will provide a significant boost to the Australian visitor and tourism economy, generating an estimated AUD$3 billion in economic value over the next five years.

The collaboration arrangement will also support jobs growth, both in Virgin Australia and across the broader aviation and tourism sectors in Australia, with Qatar Airways set to provide secondment opportunities for 20 Virgin Australia pilots and 40 cabin crew in 2025. Another important area of focus for the partnership is sustainability, which includes the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel initiatives.

This follows the Australian Government’s approval of Qatar Airways Group’s 25 per cent investment in Virgin Australia on 27 February 2025 – joining existing majority shareholder Bain Capital.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said: “Today’s announcement by the ACCC sends a clear signal of the appetite that exists for delivering competition, world-class service and value to Australian passengers.

“It also marks the start of a new chapter in the relationship between our two airlines, and I would like to thank our Virgin Australia colleagues and valued stakeholders for their tireless dedication to our shared ambition to create healthy competition within the local aviation market, as well as our collective commitment to supporting Australian businesses, Australian jobs and the wider economy.”

Virgin Australia Chief Executive Officer, Dave Emerson said: “This is a defining moment for Virgin Australia and the Australian aviation landscape. The ACCC’s final approval of our deeper strategic partnership with Qatar Airways marks the start of a new chapter for our airline and a world of opportunities for our people and customers.

“Already, we are seeing some of the positive benefits of the partnership, including increased sale activity on airfares between Australia and Europe, the Middle East and Africa thanks to increased competition.

“We are pleased to welcome Qatar Airways as not just a strategic partner, but a part owner in Virgin Australia. This reflects a huge vote of confidence from a leading global airline in our business and in Australian aviation more broadly.”

Bain Capital Partner, Mike Murphy said: “This important milestone allows the airlines to harness their collective strength and unlock new areas of cooperation for the benefit of Australian consumers. We are delighted to officially welcome Qatar Airways Group as a minority investor in Virgin Australia.”

In October 2024, Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on a range of sustainability initiatives, including aims to advance the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), environmental management including waste and energy management, sustainable procurement, and aviation workforce development.

 

 

 

 

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Dubai Customs enhances travel experience with seamless passenger clearance for Eid Al-Fitr

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Dubai Customs has completed its preparations to facilitate the arrival of travellers through Dubai airports during the Eid Al-Fitr holiday, including those returning from performing Umrah in the last ten days of Ramadan. The Passenger Operations Department has implemented a specialized plan for peak travel seasons, ensuring seamless customs procedures with high efficiency and quality. Customs officers are dedicated to expediting passenger processing, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for tourism and travel. Dubai Customs remains a key partner in the success of Dubai International Airport, which has recorded remarkable performance in 2024.

Khalid Al-Mouazen, Manager of Terminal 3 at Dubai Customs, highlighted that Dubai Customs has developed an operational plan to manage the anticipated increase in passenger traffic during Eid and the return of Umrah pilgrims. To ensure smooth operations, additional inspection officers have been deployed, and close coordination is maintained with key partners, including Dubai Airports, Emirates Airline, and other carriers. Daily meetings help streamline operations, and advance notifications allow proactive adjustments to accommodate fluctuations in passenger volume. Real-time coordination between airline duty officers and customs inspectors ensures efficiency across all airport terminals.

As part of its efforts to enhance the travel experience, Dubai Customs has arranged special welcome services and symbolic gifts for arriving passengers during Eid, acknowledging that the airport serves as the gateway to Dubai’s diverse attractions and festivities. With a significant number of visitors from the GCC during this period, the department remains committed to delivering a warm reception while maintaining fast and efficient customs clearance, without compromising security.

A key initiative supporting these efforts is the iDeclare (Smart Disclosure) program, an advanced digital solution designed to simplify customs declarations for travelers. This initiative aligns with Dubai’s vision of a hassle-free travel experience and reinforces Dubai International Airport’s standing among the world’s top airports. Through the iDeclare mobile application, incoming passengers can pre-declare their personal belongings, including goods, gifts, coins, and cash. The app also enables travelers to initiate customs clearance requests before arrival, significantly reducing processing times at the red channel to under four minutes.

Dubai Customs also offers a Traveler’s Customs Guide on its official website www.dubaicustoms.gov.ae, providing essential information on baggage declaration requirements, prohibited items, duty-free allowances, and customs duties for excess baggage.

 

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Colin Kerr: dynamism and diversity keys to engaging onboard entertainment

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Onboard entertainment is one of the hallmarks of a great cruise, and StarCruises’ assistant vice-president Colin Kerr believes that energy and diversity are the key elements necessary for crafting and implementing exceptional programmes aboard ship.

At an interview held on Wednesday, 26th March, following the launch of StarCruises and Dream Cruises, Kerr remarked: “As times change and we keep getting new generations coming, we’ve had to increase what we do. That’s why we make our shows a lot more energetic and diverse.”

Indeed, the cruise programme for the maiden voyage of the Star Voyager features five nights of activity: musical nights at the Lobby on Deck 5, as well as world-class performances midship at the Zodiac Theatre on Deck 7.

Staying au courant

For baby boomers and Gen X who grew up with the Love Boat on television, the concept of onboard entertainment and cruises in general calls to mind sedate and generally slow-paced life on deck.

Indeed, as Kerr recalls of the cruise scene in the 1990s: “Most thought that cruises were places for old people to go, and they would take their book on and they would settle down on a deckchair and read. You’d have a violin player and the show which was always just like a singing and dancing variety show.”

Of course , that sort of entertainment won’t appeal to current generations who grew up online and are constantly on the lookout for fresh experiences.

Kerr said: “As times change and we keep getting new generations coming aboard, we’ve had to rethink what we do.”

As a result today’s cruises feature lively traditional and pop cultural performances, even show-stopping events to rival many shows on shore.

Kerr further explained: “Attention spans are a little bit shorter now. We have to offer a lot more variety and have people moving around, so that’s what we’re doing now.”

Universal understanding

Interestingly, language is something one won’t have to bother at a performance on either a StarCruises or Dream Cruises voyage.

Kerr said: “One of the things we try not to use in our shows is language because we cater to so many different nationalities. So music is the language of our shows.”

Also, onboard entertainment at these cruises is chock-filled with eye-popping colour and spellbinding visuals.

As Kerr explains: “Gen Z love Instagram and social media. So we have to make everything that we’re showing on stage an Instagrammable moment. You know, the people can be showing their TikTok and all the different things.”

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Etihad Airways empowers communities in Sri Lanka

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Etihad Airways has launched a series of transformative community outreach initiatives in Sri Lanka. These efforts are a cornerstone of the airline’s broader Corporate Social Responsibility strategy dedicated to humanitarian aid, education, and community empowerment, fostering meaningful, sustainable change in the communities it serves.

“Rooted in Etihad’s core values of unity and community, these efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to bringing people together for a shared purpose. With a firm belief that unity is a catalyst for meaningful progress, Etihad continues to foster collaboration, empower communities, and create a lasting impact wherever we operate.” said Dr. Nadia Bastaki, Chief People & Corporate Affairs Officer at Etihad Airways.

“Etihad’s CSR efforts in Sri Lanka are part of our global commitment to making a positive impact. Last year, the airline’s community and volunteer programmes reached over 290,000 beneficiaries. As the UAE declares 2025 the Year of Community, we are proud to extend our efforts beyond the UAE, supporting communities across our global network,” Dr. Nadia added.

Etihad employees from a wide range of divisions, including airport services, network operations, e-commerce, financial reporting, operations, guest experience, and procurement, came together with a shared purpose, embodying the airline’s core value of unity for a common cause. Working hand in hand with local engineering partners, they brought these impactful projects to life across Colombo and Kandy.

As part of its humanitarian aid efforts, Etihad supported St. Joseph’s Orphanage in Colombo, a refuge for abandoned children. During a heartwarming ceremony, Etihad Airways officially inaugurated new dormitory, kitchen, and canteen facilities, significantly improving the living conditions of the 500 children residing there. The airline also provided essential resources, including amenity bags, school supplies, blankets, and clothing, ensuring the children had access to the items needed for their well-being and development.

In Kandy, Etihad reinforced its commitment to education by supporting Hendeniya School for orphaned children. The airline contributed to the school’s infrastructure, including the renovation of classrooms and the creation of a dedicated IT section to promote digital literacy. These upgrades are expected to have a significant impact on both students and educators. Future plans include the development of a library and nursery, offering even more educational opportunities to future generations.

Furthering its dedication to community empowerment, Etihad supported Hendeniya Mosque in Kandy with essential infrastructure improvements. The mosque now features a newly added women’s section, an Arabic studies learning centre, and an expanded prayer area, which accommodates over 500 people.

Through these initiatives, Etihad Airways reaffirms its vision of uniting communities and driving positive change beyond borders. Committed to its core CSR pillars of humanitarian aid, education, and community empowerment, Etihad continues to empower underserved populations, helping them build a brighter and more sustainable future.

In the spirit of the Holy Month of Ramadan, Etihad Airways has launched a series of meaningful CSR initiatives that reflect the values of compassion, generosity, and community. These efforts extend the airline’s support to those in need, reaffirming its ongoing commitment to social responsibility and making a positive impact in the lives of the communities it serves.

 

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All Nippon Airways launches ANA SUITE EXPRESS

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All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s largest and 5-star airline for 12 consecutive years, announced the opening of ANA SUITE EXPRESS, at Haneda Airport’s Domestic Terminal. This exclusive service offers Diamond Service members an unparalleled and streamlined travel experience with a dedicated, technologically advanced security checkpoint.

Located centrally in the departure lobby, ANA SUITE EXPRESS provides easy access from train, monorail stations, and bus stops, streamlining the journey from arrival to departure. Diamond Service members who have completed check-in and baggage drop in advance can now utilize a dedicated security checkpoint equipped with advanced screening technology. This allows for swift access to the ANA SUITE LOUNGE without removing laptops or liquids from luggage.

ANA SUITE CHECK-IN is also available for members requiring baggage check-in or personalized assistance. Building upon the successful December 2024 renewals of ANA SUITE CHECK-IN and ANA PREMIUM CHECK-IN, ANA SUITE EXPRESS further elevates the premium member experience at Haneda Airport’s Domestic Terminal.

ANA is committed to continuously elevating the travel experience and delivering “Waku Waku” moments to all its passengers. For additional information on the ANA SUITE EXPRESS, visit the ANA website.

 

 

 

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The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad appoints Rosy Merlino as Director of Sales and Marketing

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The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad is pleased to announce the appointment of Rosy Merlino as Director of Sales and Marketing. A seasoned leader with over 20 years of global experience in the premium hospitality industry, Merlino brings a dynamic blend of creative vision, strategic expertise, and a deep understanding of luxury experiences to her new role.

“It is with great excitement that we welcome Rosy to our team,” said Bastian Germer, General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad. “Her extensive expertise and innovative vision will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our presence in Manhattan’s luxury market and deliver unparalleled guest experiences.”

Merlino’s career spans prestigious brands, including Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, The Dominick, Morgans Hotel Group, and GrandLife Hotels, where she has consistently driven revenue growth, led high-performing teams and cultivated impactful partnerships. Originally from Milan, Italy, she began her hospitality career with a passion for opulent travel and service excellence, shaping her ability to seamlessly blend brand prestige with commercial success.

In her new position, Merlino will oversee all sales and marketing initiatives for The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad, focusing on strengthening the hotel’s standing among Manhattan’s premier luxury destinations. She will lead strategic business development, craft innovative marketing campaigns, and ensure an exceptional guest experience that aligns with The Ritz-Carlton’s Gold Standards.

“The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad is more than just a luxury hotel – it’s a destination that redefines hospitality in one of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods,” said Merlino. “I am honored to join this exceptional team and contribute to the hotel’s ongoing success by delivering unforgettable experiences and setting new benchmarks in luxury service.”

A multilingual professional fluent in English, Italian, and German, Merlino resides in Greenwich Village and enjoys an active lifestyle. Endurance sports such as long-distance running, cycling through breathtaking landscapes, and swimming are central to her lifestyle, fueling her passion for adventure and her commitment to excellence. This energy and focus are reflected in her professional journey, where she has demonstrated a rare combination of creativity, strategy, and leadership.

 

 

 

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Jaya House Siem Reap reports 18% increase in bookings compared to 2024

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Monks in Siem Reap, Jaya House River Park

 

This promising surge reflects the growing allure of Cambodia during its verdant green season (May to October).Jaya House River Park, has reported a 18% rise in bookings throughout Q1 2025 compared to 2024, with significant growth from UK and US travellers, and a positive outlook for the coming months. The increase highlights renewed confidence in Cambodia as an exotic and affordable destination, particularly amongst international newlyweds choosing Southeast Asia for their honeymoon.

The hotel has also seen an increase of first-time Asia visitors this year, who are selecting Cambodia as their destination of choice, whilst the average length of stay has also increased to an average of 5 nights per booking, reflecting an appetite amongst travellers to stay longer and immerse themselves in the city.

Bolstering Cambodia’s tourism revival, airlines such as Emirates and Turkish Airlines are expanding routes to the country. Emirates will launch a three-times-weekly service to Siem Reap via Bangkok from Dubai on 3rd June 2025, enhancing access to Angkor Wat and reinforcing its role as a long-haul travel hub.

In 2024, Cambodia welcomed 6.7 million international tourists, and with improved connectivity and rising demand, the outlook for 2025 remains strong.

“It seems that Europe and the USA has finally discovered Cambodia as a spectacular destination in the green season (my personal favourite time of the year). With Southeast Asia becoming more  accessible to long haul travellers, we’re welcoming a new influx of international guests who are curious to experience the region in style.  Siem Reap stands out from other Southeast Asian cities due to its ancient cultural heritage, strong sense of community and natural beauty. It’s great to see more visitors from the UK and USA choosing Jaya House as their base to explore it all.”  Says Christian de Boer, Managing Director, Jaya House River Park.

A leader of style and substance, Jaya House has been voted the #1 hotel in Cambodia for the last 6-years running and is located on the banks of the Siem Reap river, with 36 spacious guest rooms and suites.

 

 

 

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Mandai Wildlife Group celebrates another baby boom with almost a thousand newborns in 2024 

The post Mandai Wildlife Group celebrates another baby boom with almost a thousand newborns in 2024  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

There is more (wildlife) to love at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve as Bird Paradise, Night Safari, River Wonders, and Singapore Zoo collectively welcomed 998 babies across 143 species in 2024. This milestone surpasses the previous year’s record, which had set the highest number of births and hatchings in the past decade. 34 of the species are listed as threatened under the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, including critically endangered species like the woylie and vulnerable species such as the giant anteater and West Indian manatee.

Dr Cheng Wen-Haur, Deputy CEO and Chief Life Sciences Officer, Mandai Wildlife Group, said, “Every birth in our parks reflects the dedication of our animal care and veterinary teams, as well as the success of international breeding collaborations. With each new arrival, we reinforce our commitment to maintaining sustainable populations in our parks and contributing to long-term conservation efforts.”

Of the 143 species successfully bred by Mandai Wildlife Group last year, 23 are part of internationally managed breeding programmes like the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria’s (EAZA) Ex-situ Programme (EEP). These programmes aim to maintain genetically healthy and sustainable populations of species under human care while supporting conservation efforts in the wild. Mandai Wildlife Group actively participates in over 190 programmes such as the EEP, with some of its animal care team members leading species management efforts as programme coordinators.

Bundles of Joy at Singapore Zoo 

Singapore Zoo celebrated the births of five slender-tailed meerkat pups – twins residing at the Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia and triplets at Wild Africa. The sprightly pups mark the first births of the species since 2019. Adding to the list of crowd charmers is a female Linne’s two-toed sloth named Hope, and three oriental small-clawed otters.

Another highlight was the arrival of Putri, a proboscis monkey whose name means ‘princess’ in the Malay and Indonesian languages. The second offspring to parents Malaka and Jeff, Putri can often be seen playing with her brother Bayu or clinging to her mum at the proboscis monkey habitat. Proboscis monkeys are listed as endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, with wild populations declining due to habitat loss from deforestation for timber and oil palm plantations. The primate family also grew with the arrival of two Goeldi’s monkeys – the first infants in nine years – along with four ring-tailed lemurs and two emperor tamarins. The Goeldi’s monkeys and ring-tailed lemurs give a boost to their species’ EEP.

In the realm of reptiles and amphibians, the endangered golden mantella and black-legged poison frog were among the key breeding successes. These species require highly specific water conditions for reproduction, and the animal care team achieved a breakthrough by studying and fine-tuning optimal water parameters. They also simulated natural seasonal changes such as adjusting temperatures and humidity to improve breeding successes. In a crucial step, eggs were carefully retrieved for assisted hatching, to maximise chances of survival. As a result, the tally of golden mantella hatchlings reached 31 – the highest in three years.

Another key breeding effort focused on the Chrisangi leaf insect, a species native to Singapore, to establish an assurance colony as a safeguard against extinction and support conservation efforts.

A Season of New Life at Night Safari 

2024 saw a bounty of fawns at Night Safari. Among the additions were three Malayan sambar deer, five barasinghas, and a male hog deer, all of which have settled into their free-ranging habitats along the Safari Tram Adventure route.

The arrival of three Turkmenian markhor kids also marked a milestone as the first offspring for the species in five years. Markhors, with their wide hooves, are perfectly adapted to the rocky, mountainous terrains which they inhabit in the wild. Guests onboard the Safari Tram Adventure can spot the young markhors balancing gracefully on rugged surfaces just millimetres wide, offering a captivating sight.

Meanwhile, keepers also welcomed a male woylie at the Tasmanian Devil Trail. This is the fifth joey of this critically endangered species born at Night Safari since 2021. The joey, which initially stayed close to its mum after birth, is now growing bolder, curiously exploring its habitat and engaging in enrichment activities.

Reasons to Rejoice at River Wonders 

At River Wonders, two special additions to the EEP – a giant anteater pup and a West Indian manatee calf – have captured the hearts of guests. Solana, the fifth pup born to Zapata and Iapura, has transitioned to a solid diet of ant eggs and boiled eggs. As she continues to get used to the presence of keepers, the playful young one often climbs onto mum’s back for comfort. Meanwhile, the shy West Indian manatee calf at the Amazon Flooded Forest has formed a friendship with a young female born in 2023. The two can often be seen grazing together. The latest calf, like her buddy, was bottle-fed by the aquarists and tended to round-the-clock as no nursing behaviour was observed from its mum.

In other joyous news, River Wonders successfully bred the endangered Lake Titicaca frog in the same year it was first exhibited. The blue discus, a tropical fish native to South America, continues to thrive with 80 new members joining the school.

A Flurry of Hatchlings at Bird Paradise 

Bird Paradise had a busy year with numerous hatchings from high conservation value species like the golden parakeet and yellow mantled chattering lory. To ensure their survival, eggs that were neglected or abandoned in the aviaries were safely retrieved and incubated at the Breeding and Research Centre. Newly hatched chicks are placed in a specially controlled environment, where they are hand-raised and gradually exposed to fluctuations in temperature and humidity, preparing them for release to the aviaries.

Other notable hatchings included first-time hatchings for Mandai Wildlife Group, such as the blue-winged leafbird, Madagascar teal, and Meller’s duck as well as the first Nyasa lovebird and green honeycreeper hatchlings in over seven years. Keepers at Winged Sanctuary minimised their presence around the green honeycreepers as the chicks grew, only leaving food in the aviary at 6am each day.

Bird Paradise also celebrated its first-ever penguin hatchlings with two gentoo penguin chicks born to first-time parents Riki and Peach, and one to parents Citrus and Enzo. The oldest, though relatively shy, has made friends of her own while the second, the only male, has gained a reputation as the most vocal and demanding. The youngest is the most adventurous of the trio. All three chicks have begun to sport adult plumage and can be seen waddling around their habitat, with their parents following closely behind.

 

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