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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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”.
Festival-goers urged to stop taking wheelie bins full of booze
Daisy Jackson
Festival-goers have been warned not to take wheelie bins full of alcohol to festivals with them this summer.
The warning has come ahead of this year’s Download Festival, which takes place next month and kicks off the summer’s biggest run of festival dates.
But a major train operator has said there have been incidents in the past of passengers trying to travel to festivals with wheelie bins and luggage trolleys.
Passengers have had to be reminded that wheelie bins are not permitted on board, and they should instead only carry as much luggage as they can comfortably carry.
The warning comes from East Midlands Railway, one of the key services that will whisk people to Download Festival between 10 and 14 June.
Customers returning from the festival are also encouraged to use boot-cleaning brushes provided at stations to help remove mud before boarding trains.
Philippa Cresswell, customer experience director at East Midlands Railway, said: “We’re encouraging customers to travel light.
“Last year, some festive goers tried to board services with wheelie bins or festival trolleys full of beer. While it might seem like a great idea for getting your supplies to the festival, it just isn’t safe or possible to bring them onboard train services.”
Festival-goers urged to stop taking wheelie bins full of booze
EMR has also warned customers to plan journeys in advance, with engineering work taking place at various locations on the Midland Main Line, near where Download Festival takes place.
She continued: “We’re advising customers travelling to Download Festival to plan their journeys in advance and be aware that essential engineering work will affect services across the weekend.
“As a result, some services will be reduced or amended, and passengers should check before they travel and allow extra time.”
The full list of 125 ‘everyday essentials’ you’ll soon be able to get for cheaper in the UK
Emily Sergeant
Crisps, biscuits, avocado, and chewing gum are just a few of the items that are soon set to be available for cheaper in the UK.
First announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves last week, the Government has now published a list of more than 100 of key items that are set to see targeted cuts to tariffs, alongside uprating mileage rates for the first time in 15 years and reducing VAT.
It covers a wide range of ‘everyday essentials’ – from fresh fruit and vegetables, oil and baked goods, to chocolate, sauces, and soft drinks.
“The war in Iran isn’t our war, but one we will need to respond to,” Chancellor Reeves commented.
“My priority is keeping prices down for households and businesses. That’s why we’re freezing fuel duty, increasing the mileage rate for the first time in 15 years and slashed VAT temporarily this summer to help reduce the cost of days out.”
Full list of 125 ‘everyday essentials’
Garlic
Gherkins
Aubergines
Sweet peppers
Other peppers (capsicum/pimenta)
Olives (fresh/chilled)
Olives (for oil production)
Olives (frozen)
Plantains (fresh and dried)
Bananas (fresh and dried)
Limes
Citrus fruits (various)
Avocados
Fresh figs
Dried figs
Other fresh fruits
Frozen fruits
Dried apricots
Dried apples
Dried peaches/nectarines
Dried pears
Dried papaya
Mixed dried fruit
Mixed nuts
Mixed fruit and nuts
Green tea
Buckwheat
Fonio
Quinoa
Olive oil (extra virgin)
Olive oil (virgin)
Olive oil (other)
Margarine
Mixed fats and oils
Vegetable oils
Chewing gum
Liquorice products
White chocolate
Marzipan and pastes
Throat pastilles
Sugar confectionery
Boiled sweets
Toffees and caramels
Sugar tablets
Cocoa paste
Cocoa powder
Chocolate (bulk and retail)
Chocolate bars
Chocolate with fruit, nuts or cereal
Chocolate spreads
Chocolate drink preparations
Couscous
Crispbread
Gingerbread
Biscuits
Waffles and wafers
Rusks
Toasted bread products
Bread
Pizzas and quiches
Pickled peppers
Prepared vegetables
Crisps
Processed potatoes
Baked beans
Preserved beans
Preserved vegetables
Preserved tropical fruit
Candied fruit
Jams and marmalades
Preserved citrus fruits
Mixed preserved fruit and nuts
Tomato ketchup
Tomato sauces
Soups and broths
Non-alcoholic beverages
Plant-based drinks
Crisps and fresh fruit are two of the items set to see targeted tariff cuts / Credit: Esperanza Doronila | Jonas Kakaroto (via Unsplash)
The Government says these cuts support the action it has already taken to reduce the cost of living – including freezing prescription charges, protecting motorists from fuel duty increases, and raising the minimum wage.
The list of everyday essentials set to see targeted cuts to tariffs comes after the Great British Summer Savings initiative was announced last week.
This means that, from 25 June through to 1 September 2026, a temporary reduced rate of VAT – down from 20% to 5% – will be introduced on children’s meals in restaurants and family leisure activities over the summer period.
Emily Sergeant -
16th May 2022 
