Chester Zoo has released the first pictures of a highly-endangered deer fawn that was born at the end of last year.
Meet Lyra.
Born at the UK’s largest charity zoo just before Christmas back in December 2021, Lyra is a Philippine spotted deer – a species which is said to have become regionally extinct on several islands in the Philippines as a result of intensive and devastating hunting and deforestation, which is estimated to have left as few as 700 remaining in the wild, according to The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Now, the deer can only be found in the wild on the islands of Panay and Negros.
The population of the Philippine spotted deer at Chester Zoo is part of an acclaimed conservation breeding programme set up at the request of the Philippine government to ensure a genetically-viable population of the deer can live in leading European zoos.
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Lyra’s birth was a “significant addition” to this programme.
Despite being a few months old now, Lyra has only recently emerged outside for the first time, and Chester Zoo has made sure to capture her first outing on camera and on video to share with the eagerly-awaiting public.
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🦌 SUPER RARE DEER BORN! 🦌
We’re celebrating the birth of Lyra – a tiny Philippine spotted deer.
Only 700 remain in the wild ❌ so here’s how we're helping to prevent their extinction with conservation friends at the @Talarak_TFI 🎥
Lyra has been named after a constellation of stars, and shares the theme with her parents Nova and Cosmos.
“Every Philippine spotted deer birth is absolutely crucial to the long term survival of this species, so we were absolutely overjoyed to see a fluffy bundle alongside mum Nova one morning,” explained Emma Evison – Keeper at Chester Zoo.
“At birth, Lyra only stood at 30cm tall and weighed just 3kg, but after a few weeks on mum’s milk, she’s already shot up and has gained in strength and confidence.
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“She’s full of personality and is keeping mum busy with her new found energy.”
Chester Zoo is working to protect the Philippine spotted deer in its homeland, while “educating and empowering local communities that live alongside them,” Emma explained.
Lyra is a Philippine spotted deer – a species which is said to have become regionally extinct on several islands / Credit: Chester Zoo
Conservationists at the zoo have been supporting efforts to protect and restore the habitat in the Philippines, while also funding critical breeding centres for a number of highly endangered species – including spotted deer – for more than two decades, and back in 2020, the zoo and partners safely reintroduced a group of 28 Philippine spotted deer back to the wild into a protected nature reserve.
“We’re very pleased to report that the group is now thriving in their new home,” revealed Stuart Young, Regional Field Programme Manager for South East Asian Islands at Chester Zoo.
“This is the first time a reintroduction of this scale has been attempted in the region and is a landmark moment for the future of the species, thanks to a worldwide collaboration of conservationists.”
Featured Image – Chester Zoo
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Adventurous Mancs needed to take part in next series of BBC’s Race Across the World
Emily Sergeant
Are you a fan of travelling? Got a bit of a competitive streak in your nature? Well, this might just be your calling then.
The BBC is, once again, casting for the next series of Race Across the World.
The BAFTA-winning hit show draws in thousands of viewers each week, and now producers are on the look-out for ‘intrepid duos’ of all ages who reckon they’re ready to take a step into the unknown, and embark on an epic race across land and sea for the next seried – and that includes Greater Manchester residents.
With applications for the next series of the massively-popular show now open, nomadic Mancs are being encouraged to take part.
On a limited budget and away from the luxuries of modern technology and conveniences, those lucky applicants selected to take part in the next series will get the chance to experience life in some of the world’s most beautiful and remote locations.
Adventurous Mancs are needed to take part in the next series of Race Across the World / Credit: BBC
Navigating their way across thousands of miles, they’ll travel through spectacular scenery and dynamic cities, visit ancient wonders, learn local customs, and take part in time-honoured traditions.
But, as producers are keen to point out, ‘the physical journey is only half of the story’. That’s because, as the contestants take on the challenge of travelling across the world, the greatest thing they’ll discover along the way could actually be about themselves and one another.
Putting out a UK-wide casting call on the BBC website this week, producers Studio Lambert wrote: “We are now accepting applications for the next series of Race Across the World. This experience is open to all, whether you’re a seasoned traveller or total novice.
“We want to hear what undertaking a trip like this would mean to you, and with a cash prize at stake, what lengths you would go to to win.”
Fancy it then? Applications for the next series of Race Across the World are now open for anyone over 18 years of age, with a deadline date of 29 March 2026, and you can find out more information and apply via the BBC website.
VAR audio requested as Nottingham Forest prepare complaint after Man City defeat
Danny Jones
Nottingham Forest have requested that the VAR audio from their game against Manchester City be released, as they are considering launching a formal complaint following the defeat.
Forest hosted Man City at home this past weekend and went on to lose 2-1.
However, Sean Dyche’s side are said to be ‘extremely unhappy’ with some of the refereeing decisions made by first official, Rob Jones, on the day.
As a result, they are now asking the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) to share some of the conversations between on-pitch officials and the VAR team at Stockley Park in West London.
"I'm scratching my head and I can't believe it!" 😳
Sean Dyche wasn't happy with the officiating in their loss to Man City 😬
As you can see, Dyche initially said that “there’s no point” in pushing the refs on their performance, as he feels they usually only “get in trouble”, but it looks as though his employers have advocated for him.
Nottingham Forest had a problem with the final call in a number of instances during the festive fixture on Saturday, 27 December, but none more so than in one key moment.
The manager and his coaching team felt that Rayan Cherki’s 83rd-minute winner should have been cancelled out following a foul by Nico O’Reilly on Morgan Gibbs-White in the preceding corner, which may have prevented Cherki from scoring another decisive finish.
Dyche also argued that another City defender, Ruben Dias, was due a second yellow card and therefore dismissal from the pitch for a challenge after the break, but there was ultimately nothing doing.
You can see the collision here:
"I do have sympathy for Sean Dyche… it is a second yellow card!"
Ref Watch discuss whether Ruben Dias should have been sent off against Nottingham Forest. pic.twitter.com/dxTYmGsEqZ
According to Sky Sports News, Nottingham have already requested more information from the refereeing body, with this not being the first time they’ve felt hard done by.
As they put it, the hope/belief is that raising the issue could help “start a broader discussion around officiating this season.”
What do you make of Forest’s concerns against Manchester City, and do you think they’re worthy of launching an official complaint against the PGMOL and Premier League?
You can see the highlights from the game and perhaps decide for yourself down below.
Emily Sergeant -
23rd March 2022 
