Bogota (AFP) March 8, 2024 Under a cracked and leaky ceiling, Andres Cuervo works on a colorful, dead hummingbird for the ornithological collection of the National University of Colombia, the country with more bird species than any other. Condors, eagles and even extinct birds receive a “second life” at the table of the biologist, who preserves them for science and posterity. But rather than a … Continue reading ‘Irreplaceable’ Colombian bird collection at risk

Rome (AFP) March 7, 2024 A run around and a cuddle with dad – Rome zoo’s new Sumatran tiger cub made her public debut Thursday, three months after her birth boosted the critically endangered species. Visitors watching through the glass barrier expressed delight as the cub Kala explored her outdoor pen with her mother Tila and father Kasih – spending quite some time sitting on … Continue reading Kala, rare Sumatran tiger cub, makes her debut in Rome

Funafuti, Tuvalu (AFP) Feb 26, 2024 Taiwan said it received assurances from Tuvalu’s new prime minister Monday that ties were “everlasting”, scotching rumours that the Pacific island nation was poised to flip alliances to Beijing. Former attorney general Feleti Teo was named premier in a ceremony on Monday, a month after an election that put the Pacific Island nation’s recognition of Taiwan in question. Tuvalu, … Continue reading Tuvalu names new PM, Taiwan says ties ‘everlasting’

Lyon (AFP) Feb 25, 2024 Four people were killed on Sunday in an avalanche in the mountainous Auvergne region of central France, local authorities said. The avalanche took place at 1,600 metres (5,250 feet) of altitude above the village of Mont-Dore in an area known as the Val d’Enfer, the prefecture of the Puy-de-Dome department said in a statement. Three other people were also slightly … Continue reading Four killed in avalanche in France’s Auvergne region

Beijing (AFP) Feb 23, 2024 A pile-up of around 100 cars on an icy expressway in eastern China left nine people injured Friday, state media reported, with images of the accident showing scenes of chaos. Passenger vehicles could be seen crammed up against each other in footage shared by official broadcaster CCTV, with one pushed skyward at an awkward angle and others reduced to pieces … Continue reading Hundred-car collision on icy China road causes nine injuries

Valletta (AFP) Feb 23, 2024 Five migrants drowned on Friday and eight were hospitalised after the boat they were in capsized during a rescue operation by armed forces from Malta off the Mediterranean island. Rescue workers were searching the area for any other possible victims, the army’s deputy commander Colonel Edric Zahra told a press conference. “The boat capsized suddenly while the rescue operation was … Continue reading Five drown in migrant boat sinking off Malta

Latacunga, Ecuador (AFP) Feb 23, 2024 Orange-clad prisoners line up with military precision to exercise and sweep floors at an Ecuador prison where drug lords once enjoyed jacuzzis and nightclubs, and stashed drugs and weapons in the walls. The windows and walls of the Latacunga prison south of Quito are still pockmarked with bullet holes, the vestiges of a gang war waged between inmates who, … Continue reading With army in charge, no more jacuzzis and clubs in Ecuador jail

Washington (AFP) Feb 24, 2024 A cargo ship abandoned in the Gulf of Aden after an attack by Yemeni rebels is taking on water and has left a huge oil slick, in an environmental disaster that US Central Command said Friday could get worse. Rubymar, a Belize-flagged, British-registered and Lebanese-operated cargo ship carrying combustible fertilizer, was damaged in a Sunday missile strike claimed by the … Continue reading US warns of environmental disaster from cargo ship hit by Huthi rebels

Beijing (AFP) Feb 24, 2024 At least 15 people have been killed and 44 injured in a fire at a residential building in eastern China’s Nanjing, local authorities said Saturday. The fire broke out early Friday morning, officials said at a press conference, with a preliminary investigation suggesting the blaze started on the building’s first floor, where electric bikes had been placed. The building is … Continue reading At least 15 killed in fire in east China’s Nanjing

Funafuti, Tuvalu (AFP) Feb 23, 2024 Lawmakers in Tuvalu will elect a new prime minister on Monday, the election commissioner has told AFP, a month after the Pacific nation went to the polls. Stormy weather and rough seas had prevented several MPs from travelling by boat from outer islands to the capital Funafuti to select a new leader. All 16 elected members, who won their … Continue reading Tuvalu to elect PM on Monday, four weeks after elections