Chester Zoo has shared an adorable video of its baby penguins taking their first swimming lessons, and it’s hands down the cutest thing we’ve seen all week.
But would you expect it to be anything less?
The footage shared by the UK’s biggest charity zoo across its social media platforms this week shows two Humboldt penguin chicks – who hatched a little earlier this year, and have already naturally shed their fuzzy grey baby feathers – embark on the brand-new adventure of swimming lessons with the zoo’s 45-strong adult colony.
Understandably a little nervous at first, the penguin chicks can be seen tentatively making a splash, before doing what comes naturally to them within minutes.
Keepers at Chester Zoo say they’re now “zooming through the waters at high speed”.
Oh and we forgot to mention the best bit – not only are the two chicks up there with the cutest things we’ve ever seen, they’re also called Ryan and Rob, and have been named after none other than Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
In a bid to “raise more awareness” of the iconic birds – which are native to the coasts of Chile and Peru, and are known for their charismatic personalities and unique black and white markings” – conservationists at the zoo have chosen to pay homage to one of their favourite local football teams, and have decided to name the Humboldt penguin duo after the Wrexham AFC’s owners.
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Brilliant.
Chester Zoo shares adorable video of baby penguins taking their first swimming lessons / Credit: Chester Zoo
“Each year, our team enjoys choosing a different naming theme for the chicks to help garner some much needed attention for the species,” explained Zoe Sweetman – who is the Team Manager of Penguins and Parrots at Chester Zoo.
“We’ve previously had brands of crisps, chocolate bars, and types of fruit, but this year, as one of our penguin keepers is huge fan of Wrexham AFC, we decided to do something a little different and name the two new male arrivals after Wrexham’s Hollywood owners Ryan (Reynolds) and Rob (McElhenney).
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“They’re both so full of personality and charisma, so it seemed rather fitting.”
Ryan and Rob when they were just newly-hatched little babies / Credit: Chester Zoo
Zoe also revealed that there’s a more “serious message” behind the penguins’ fun names too.
“We hope we can help spread some much-needed awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation,” she added.
“We want to inspire more people to take small, daily steps in playing an active role in protecting the future of species like the Humboldt penguin.”
Featured Image – Chester Zoo
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Morrisons has launched a nationwide search for its first-ever Chief Doughnut Tester
Emily Sergeant
Today is National Doughnut Day, and to celebrate, Morrisons is on the look-out for one sweet treat fan to take on a new role.
That’s right – today (5 June) is National Doughnut Day, and Morrisons is officially on the hunt for the nation’s ultimate doughnut devotee with the launch of its brand-new (and delicious) role, The Chief Doughnut Tester – with all glaze enthusiasts, sprinkle connoisseurs, and jam-filled aficionados urged to get applying.
The search is on to crown one lucky fan who’ll take on the dream job of taste-testing their way through the supermarket‘s range of doughnuts.
The Chief Doughnut Tester is more than just a title, Morrisons says it’s ‘serious business’.
Morrisons has launched a nationwide search for its first-ever Chief Doughnut Tester / Credit: Morrisons
The new hire will be tasked with taste-testing doughnuts before they hit the shelves, giving verdicts on new flavours and textures, all in the name of research.
The role will also involve teaming up with Morrisons’ internal doughnut-expert team to develop new and limited-edition treats that’ll be in stores next year.
Crowned as the nation’s definitive doughnut authority, the selected winner won’t just earn the title of Chief Doughnut Tester, they’ll also receive the ultimate of sweet perks – a year’s free supply of Morrisons fresh doughnuts, which the retailer sells more than 1.1 million of weekly.
Aspiring Chief Doughnut Testers can apply on the Morrisons website here, by filling in a short 200-words about why’re the ideal candidate.
Applications close at midnight tonight (Friday 5 June), so you’ll need to be quick.
Featured Image – Annie Spratt (via Unsplash)
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First-ever JD Wetherspoon pub to open at Manchester Airport
Danny Jones
In news that we feel many Mancs and travellers all-round have been waiting on for a long time, the well-known British chain, JD Wetherspoon, will be opening its first-ever pub at Manchester Airport.
That’s right: soon that first airport pint of the holiday could actually be a relatively cheap one.
While Wetherspoons are no strangers to popping up in terminals across the UK and Ireland, they’ve never done so here in Manchester despite having three, yes THREE, in Gatwick alone.
Not for much longer, though, as soon T2 will be lending more than 3,000 square feet of its prime leisure and retail real estate to a new Greater Manchester ‘Spoons’.
Posting on social media, the airport wrote: “Wetherspoon comes to Manchester Airport this September! The pub will be located in the Terminal 2 Departures lounge and will have more than 300 seats.
“This will become the final major food and drink venue to open its doors as part of our decade-long £1.3bn transformation of Terminal 2. It will be named ‘The Belle Vue’, in a nod to Manchester’s historic showground [now a sports complex and leisure hub].
“It was a focal point for social life in the city from the Victorian period up until 2020, when the final event was held at Belle Vue stadium. The design of the pub is inspired by the history of Belle Vue and the sporting culture of the North West of England. We look forward to welcoming you all in September!”
While a lot of money has been pumped into T2’s refurb as a whole over the past few years, it remains unclear just how much this particular new addition will cost; we do know that great sums were set aside for the launch of the Great Northern Market last year.
The inaugural Manchester Airport Spoons is just the latest in a series of major renovations.
As mentioned, the company already operate several up and down the country – 10 airport pubs, to be specific – but this will be the first in the North West.
Speaking on the news, JD Wetherspoon chief executive John Hutson said in a statement: “We are looking forward to opening at Manchester Airport. We believe our new pub will prove popular with travellers of all ages and be an asset to the new terminal.”
With Manchester Airport adding a dozen new routes to its roster this summer, you can expect to see even more people flying in and out than ever – no doubt having already polished off a cut-price pint or two beforehand.
Emily Sergeant -
25th August 2023 
