Chester Zoo has brought a new rare big cat into town, and she’s one good-looking feline.
The tourist attraction near Greater Manchester introduced the world to Inka, a two-year-old black jaguar, over the weekend.
She’s been brought to the zoo to be a companion for Chester Zoo‘s resident male, Napo.
Videos shared by the zoo show Inka exploring her new habitat with her jaw dropped – not a cat body language expert but she looks pretty stunned by her new home.
The gorgeous animal still has those signature jaguar markings, but she’s in shades of black and grey rather than the classic browns and oranges.
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It’s not just us falling in love with Inka either – Chester Zoo themselves described her as a ‘strikingly beautiful, bold and confident’ young jaguar. Which zookeeper’s been copying my Tinder bio?!
But then the zoo went on to say she has ‘short and thick set limbs’, which isn’t so complimentary.
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Fans have been delighted to see Inka making herself at home at the zoo, with hundreds of comments calling her ‘stunning’, ‘beautiful’ and ‘gorgeous’.
One person wrote: “She is beautiful! I follow the big cat sanctuary and love seeing her there, looking forward to seeing plenty of pics of her at Chester.”
Another said: “Stunningly gorgeous, what a beautiful addition to a brilliant zoo. So lucky to have Chester zoo on our doorstep.”
Carnivore experts at the zoo say her arrival will help to put a spotlight on her ‘remarkable’ species and support a European-wide conservation programme.
Jaguars are native to the Americas and listed as ‘near threatened’ by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Their numbers are declining in the wild, mostly because of humans – habitat loss, illegal hunting and conflict with humans are putting them at risk of extinction.
Dave Hall, team manager of carnivores at Chester Zoo, said: “Inka is a strikingly beautiful, bold and confident young jaguar and she’s quickly taken to her new surroundings.
“The union between her and Napo, the resident male here in Chester, has been carefully orchestrated by carnivore experts from here (Chester Zoo) and The Big Cat Sanctuary and the coordinators of a programme that’s working in partnership to ensure a genetically viable population of jaguars across Europe.
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Inka, a rare black jaguar, has arrived at Chester Zoo. Credit: SuppliedChester Zoo’s resident male jaguar Napo, who will be Inka’s companion. Credit: SuppliedInka inspecting her new home at Chester Zoo. Credit: Supplied
“We hope the two of them will go to form a strong and meaningful bond, and the early signs are positive.
“Like Napo, Inka is a wonderful ambassador for her species. Jaguars are remarkable animals and the two of them together will help us to raise more much-needed awareness of the survival challenges that they face in the wild, the work that’s already being done by zoos, our partners and the local conservationists and communities to protect the ecosystems that jaguars live in, and help us to inspire further action for their conservation.”
Paul Bamford, regional field programmes manager for the Americas at Chester Zoo, added: “Deforestation and habitat fragmentation are reducing jaguar populations across their range. According to the IUCN, close to 70% of deforestation in Latin America is driven by industrial agriculture, primarily for soy, oil palm and cattle production.
“Many of these products are exported to countries such as the UK, and therefore, our shopping habits can have a significant impact on global biodiversity loss. In our role as consumers, we are unwittingly contributing to the destruction of nature on our planet.
“At Chester Zoo we are working to influence policy, both in the UK and internationally, to address this. We are supporting efforts to improve production standards and legislation so that deforestation is minimised, or eliminated for good, and wildlife can live safely alongside productive areas.
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“The goal is to create a deforestation-free economy, in which countries are able to meet their development needs sustainably. If we can break the link between habitat loss and production, then we have the opportunity secure a future for people and wildlife.”
Life-saving defibrillators to be installed on dozens of trains travelling through Greater Manchester
Emily Sergeant
Life-saving defibrillators are set to be installed on dozens of trains travelling through Greater Manchester.
Rail operator TransPennine Express (TPE) has started work to install the units on all 51 of its Class 185 trains over the next two months, and can be used by both staff and passengers if someone goes into cardiac arrest.
The defibrillators will be fitted by technology company Siemens Mobility, and will be located in an emergency equipment cupboard in the middle of the train.
Every defibrillator being installed on the trains has step-by-step, spoken word instructions built in to them, which explain how to use on someone in an emergency, so passengers and staff need not panic if they’re unsure what to do.
Computers inside the defibrillators will work to analyse a person’s heart rhythms to find out if an electric shock is needed, and if required, electrodes then automatically deliver the shock.
⚡Work has started to fit defibrillators across more than 50 TransPennine Express trains
🚆 The life-saving units will be installed on all 51 of our Class 185 trains by the end of March
The defibrillators – which are already installed on TPE’s Nova 1 trains – have been purchased from the British Heart Foundation charity, which is the biggest independent funder of heart and circulatory research in the UK.
The news that the defibrillators are being installed on trains travelling through Greater Manchester and across the UK come after it was announced back in 2023 that the machines were being installed at more than 100 Northern stations to help save people in cardiac arrest.
Speaking on the installing of the defibrillators on trains, Bushra Khan, who is the Head of Engineering at TransPennine Express, said: “Our defibrillators are a huge benefit to both our customers and the communities we serve.
“This rollout will ensure that people travelling on our services will feel safe and confident that defibrillators are available to help in the event of an emergency, potentially saving lives.”
Featured Image – TPE
Travel & Tourism
A Manc’s guide to: Rochdale, the Northern town whose reputation precedes it
Thomas Melia
It’s a well known fact that Rochdale has received a bad rep, but this town has a fair few hidden gems waiting for people to try them – and don’t knock it ’til you’ve checked these out.
Well, well, well I’ve been trusted with the job of writing a guide to my hometown, and as someone who is self-proclaimed ‘Rochdale born and bred’, you can guarantee this guide is packed with all the best bits this small but mighty town has to offer.
I have gone against the famous saying ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ with the title but it’s safe to say that Rochdale has had its fair share of slander, even by the people that live here.
But one thing is for sure, we don’t half have some good spots that are well and truly slept on.
If there’s one thing Rochdale is sure to sort you out with it’s a good hearty meal, a nice brisk walk and some top notch night time locations, this town has got you covered.
Food and drink
Rochdale guide – SuburbThe Martlet in Rochdale
Suburb – Instagramable and tasty, this cafe and restaurant has everything you could need from gorgeous hot chocolates to irresistible pastries. Avocado toast girlies, this one’s for you, the egg menu is chef’s kiss.
Pavilion – Nothing quite hits the spot like a good curry and Pavilion have got this dish mastered. Sit under a flowery ceiling while eating some floury offerings like their poppadoms with pickle trays and soft doughy naans, and of course these are paired with their wonderful curry variations.
The Martlet – Fine diners unite, this exquisite kitchen is serving up some local and luxury cuisine that’s situated in Rochdale’s most gorgeous site, Rochdale Town Hall. Expect proper northern dishes like bacon chop crispy, Scotch eggs made with Bury Black Pudding, and hearty puddings.
Vicolo Del Vino – Just next door is this gorgeous wine cellar and after stuffing your face with small plates, there’s only one remedy to wash it down with, wine. Still peckish? Order a bowl of tiramisu, because what good night ended with a salad?
La Mancha – Everyone boasts about the Mediterranean diet, well Rochdale’s been doing it since 1998. Tucked away down a ginnel on Bull Brow is La Mancha, with plenty for seafood fans, chorizo lovers and veggies alike.
Pavilion Indian restaurant in RochdaleThe Baum pub in Rochdale
The Baum – A place which serves proper ‘pub grub’. Located on Toad Lane, which is like a mini window into Rochdale’s past, sit back, unwind and undo your jean button because you’re about to eat one of the best cheese and onion pies of your life.
Russells – There’s one thing every town needs and that’s a right good caff, Russells is Rochdale’s equivalent. Full English, toasties, jacket potatoes, you can’t go wrong with these lunchtime favourites, and if you’ve left room for more, try a jam and cream scone, absolute heaven.
Milnrow Balti House – This curry house has built quite the name for itself winning numerous awards, most notably, in 2023 winning ‘Best Restaurant in the North West’ doubling down on this by also achieving ‘Champion of Champions’ the same year.
Mr. Thomas’ – Nothing beats chippy chips especially when you can eat them with lovely scenery of Rochdale’s main attraction, Hollingworth Lake.
Bella Vista – This place takes ‘Food with a view’ to a whole new meaning. Not only are you being presented with some of the best Italian home comforts, you’re accompanied with a picturesque bird’s eye view of this lovely town and beyond. Bellissima!
Nightlife and Hotels
Hoochi Koochi – Think 42’s but on a much smaller and intimate setting. Much like the Manchester staple night out venue, there are numerous famous faces adorning these walls and you’ll hear some of the best indie and rock classics.
Hogarths – Ever fancied drinking in an impressive and historic old bank? Enjoy a drink or two in the heart of Rochdale’s town centre while admiring this public house’s grand interior. One of the old safe rooms even doubles as a karaoke booth.
Empire – Rihanna, Tina Turner, ABBA, you name it they’ve played here – tributes of course! Either way, you’re guaranteed a good turnout at this late night establishment.
In terms of hotels… there’s a Hampton by Hilton right in the centre of town if not try staying near Hollingworth Lake, trust me it’s stunning.
Music and culture
Volunteers at the Fireground MuseumThe Fireground museum
Rochdale Town Hall – After years of painstaking work, the magnificent, historic Rochdale Town Hall reopened its doors to the public last year following its multi-million pound revamp. This incredible building is packed with history, sweeping staircases, and hand-painted walls and ceilings. A must-visit.
Touchstones Museum – Currently undergoing a refurbishment, this is your go-to for any Rochdale history related queries, you name it, they usually know the answer. It’s very interactive and perfect for any age, especially kids.
Fireground Museum – Rochdale’s old fire station is now an engaging and interesting building dedicated to the history of fire and rescue in Greater Manchester. The site showcases a handful of old engines, an onsite cafe, and the volunteers on hand are all ex-fire workers, wow.
Rochdale Pioneers Museum – The birthplace of The Co-operative Group and that proper pub grub we mentioned earlier is just next door. Once you’ve enriched yourself in culture, you have to enrich yourself in a hearty homemade meal as well, right?
Rochdale has a rich music history
Music – Did you know that Joy Division recorded their music here from 1978 onwards and even had equipment custom built into the recording studio ground floor on Kenion Street?
The same recording studios were used to film ’24 Hour Party People’, in a scene that recreated the New Order and Joy Division drummer Stephen Morris playing his drums on the roof of the building.
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Rochdale is also home to local star and hitmaker Lisa Stansfield whose 1989 single ‘All Around The World’ topped the UK charts alongside groundbreaking album ‘Affection’ released the same year.
And you can’t mention music without paying homage to ‘Our Gracie’. Perched outside our iconic town hall, is triple threat Gracie Fields, who contributed to film, music and TV – the 1930’s equivalent to Taylor Swift.
Walking routes
Greenbooth in summer. Credit: The Manc GroupGreenbooth in the autumn
Hollingworth Lake – This is an accessible and flat walk suitable for all and if you’ve worked up an appetite there’s an ice cream truck courtesy of Northern sweet-treat greats Grandpa Greene’s on Lake Bank.
Greenbooth Reservoir– Situated in Naden Valley, there’s three different reservoirs to walk around, you can choose how many you feel like tackling. A real hidden beauty spot.
Healey Dell – There’s grand arches, big trees and a nice cake and a cuppa waiting for you in the nearby tearoom.
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Wardle Reservoir – A dog friendly circular trail around a man made reservoir. If there hasn’t been a downpour for a while, you can catch a glimpse of the old village that’s now underwater.
Purple Plaque Trail – Rochdale have purple plaques dedicated to their favourite daughter, Gracie Fields. You can visit nine town centre locations relating to the northern star, check out the trail HERE.
Transport
Rochdale Town Centre is the very last stop on the Metrolink dropping you in the middle of all the action and helpfully right next to the town’s bus station too.
There are also excellent train links with Manchester and beyond.
If you enjoy your own company the M62 is close by, why not take a trip over the hill to Huddersfield, you can even make a pitstop in Oldham on your journey home.
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Shopping
This borough is home to some lovely little independent retailers ranging from clothes and records to trinkets and cakes, it really does have it all.
Butterworth’s – An independent retailer that has sat on the streets of Rochdale for over 40 years bringing the biggest brands like Adidas, Berghaus and Fila.
Okeechobee – Marketed as a ‘Ladies’ Boutique’, this vendor sells everything you can think of including chunky knits and formal office wear.
Rocks Off – Adorning Drake Street for over 30 years with music releases from all the greats, Rocks Off brings Rochdale physical music to Rochdale, like vinyl, cd’s and even cassettes.
Little Gift Box – Halfway between Rochdale town centre and Littleborough, this family-owned business stocks cute decorations and ornaments, as well as wholesome cards and keepsakes.
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Brown’s Cakes – Not hard to miss, if the bright pink shop front doesn’t entice you in, the cakes in the window will. Everyday is your birthday over at Brown’s, after all that shopping you deserve a treat.
Property
House prices in Rochdale have an overall average of £217,343 over the last year.
The majority of properties sold in this borough over the last twelve months were terraced, selling for £156,553 on average.
Other properties include semi-detached which sold for an average of £209,529, and detached properties fetching £343,025.
Daisy Jackson -
6th August 2023 
