Blackpool Zoo has confirmed the the king of its lion pride has been “put to sleep” after suffering from age-related health conditions.
With work currently going on to renovate the Big Cat House at the Lancashire-based zoo, and many of the lions having to relocate to other zoos across the UK in the meantime, king of the Pride of Blackpool, Wallace – who was an African Lion, was nearly 16-years-old, and was undoubtedly one of the zoo’s most popular residents – underwent a series of pre-transfer tests in anticipation of his temporary move.
While those tests were being carried out, the zoo said that several “age-related health conditions” were identified.
But despite taking the time to explore all possible options, Blackpool Zoo confirmed in a statement over the weekend that both the animal team and the veterinary experts eventually concluded that “the kindest thing” to do was to put Wallace to sleep.
“Wallace’s massive personality was matched only by his impressive roar and he will be greatly missed,” the zoo said in a touching post on social media.
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Blackpool Zoo confirmed that Wallace’s legacy will now live on in his son Khari – who has been moved to ZSL Whipsnade Zoo while the Big Cat House at Blackpool is being renovated – and that it is now in discussions with other UK zoos to decide which lions will be joining Khari to create “a new pride” in Blackpool.
Khari will become the head of the group when the new Big Cat House opens at Blackpool Zoo in Spring 2023.
The zoo also provided an update on its Amur Tiger, Alyona – who has recently taken up residence in a new home at Woodside Wildlife Park in Lincolnshire.
Alyona will initially live in her own facility at her temporary home – which has been purpose-built to meet the needs of tigers – and Blackpool Zoo says that further discussions will now take place to find a suitable companion for her ahead of her return to Blackpool next year.
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Updates on Khari and Alyona’s progress in the coming months will be provided by the zoo.
Since announcing the tragic news of Wallace’s passing, Blackpool Zoo said its staff and keepers have been comforted by “the outpouring of messages” it has received from members of the public on social media.
The zoo has encouraged people to continue sharing photos and memories of Wallace, as staff “love to see them”.
Greater Manchester’s spooky steam trains are returning this Halloween
Emily Sergeant
Spooky season is right around the corner, and one of Greater Manchester’s most-popular Halloween events is returning.
What’s Halloween without East Lancashire Railway‘s (ELR) eerie ghost trains at this point? Generally selling out each year, the heritage railway’s Halloween Ghost Trains always prove to be top of the Halloween bucket list for people looking for some ‘spooktacular fun’ once the scariest time of year rolls around.
And 2026 is expected to be no different… in fact, it’ll be even creepier than normal, because the scream train has had a spooky makeover.
You can expect flickering lights, eerie sounds, creepy surprises, and perhaps a very unwelcome visitor climbing aboard.
Those brave enough at lending the Monster Squad a helping hand at banishing ghosts and ghouls will be whisked away on a haunted steam engine through the atmospheric Greater Manchester countryside.
Before you join them though, you’ll need to prove you have what it takes by making it through the Halloween Walkthrough on the footbridge with a fair few jump scares.
Once you reach the platform, you’ll be greeted by Halloween favourites, Vampire Brian and Veronica the Witch, who’ll prepare you for your terrifying train trip with a song, a dance, and probably a scream or two.
Spooky steam train rides through Greater Manchester are returning this Halloween / Credit: ELR
As you take in the autumn sights and delights of the local countryside out the historic steam train’s windows on your journey, there’ll be lots of spooky entertainment and music along the way, and as always, screaming and singalongs are to be expected – and encouraged – as this is all part of the experience.
Families are also encouraged to ‘show off your spookiest fancy dress’ on the day too, and if you make it to the end, then a goody bag for every child ‘full of tricks and treats’ awaits.
The Halloween Ghost Trains are happening over an extended weekend in late October, running from Thursday 29 to Saturday 31 October.
Tickets are now on sale, starting from just £15 per person, and you can book here.
Featured Image – ELR
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Major pop star crowns humble rice and three cafe as ‘Jewel of Manchester’ ahead of sold-out gig
Thomas Melia
A beloved city centre takeaway has been given the title of ‘Jewel of Manchester’ by chart-topping UK singer Sam Smith.
Known for hits like ‘Stay With Me’, ‘I’m Not The Only One’ and more recently ‘Unholy’, UK pop-ballad act Sam Smith also likes to drop a food review every once in a while.
Currently on the road with a run of shows in Manchester and London for their ‘To Be Free’ live shows, Sam Smith is stopping off at some of our city’s much-loved spots.
On their food-reviewing account titled ‘Sam Served’, where they adopt the aptly-fitting nickname ‘Ham Smith’, Sam has visited restaurants across the globe – and most recently turned their attention to Manchester’s own This & That.
Smith decided to pop in and grab a cheeky rice and three from long-standing backstreet food business This & That, and it certainly went down a treat.
After sampling their amazing selection of meat, vegetable and vegan curries, the musician crowned this family-run Indian takeaway a ‘Jewel of Manchester’.
The hitmaker described this Northern Quarter Indian eatery as ‘Everything food should be’ and definitely enjoyed all the curries on offer ‘leaving belly and heart full’.
This & That prides itself on affordable and comforting food with its ‘Rice and Three Curries’ starting from just £6 – not bad for a city centre foodie spot.
Sam has racked up an impressive 490k followers via their ‘Sam Served’ profile, with famous faces like Lily Allen, Denise Welch and CMAT all wanting to know the superstar’s foodie thoughts.
After enjoying a curry or three, Sam Smith also made sure to feed their soul to by venturing down to Afflecks and getting lost in the music at Mars Tapes.
Recognised as one of the UK’s only cassette and tape shops, Mars Tapes lets you flick through their crates of physical media and even preview tracks before you buy with its dedicated listening areas.
It’s safe to say that Smith has ‘Latched’ onto Manchester’s independent business scene and we’re here for it.
The London-born artist has just released their latest album Hazel Eyes and is currently amid a UK residency tour with two dates in Manchester’s Albert Hall and eight shows set for London Coliseum.
Emily Sergeant -
16th May 2022 
