Category Archives: headline

headline

Male orangutan cares for daughter in 'rare situation' after mum dies

A male orangutan has been nicknamed "Mr Mum" by American zookeepers after he took on an unusual role following the death of the family matriarch last month.

Nias, a Sumatran orangutan at Denver Zoo, Colorado, died on December 17 at age 32, leaving two daughters behind – Hesty, 10, and Cerah, who is just two years old.

The death came unexpectedly, as while orangutans usually live to 30-40 years in the wild, they can reach up to 60 years in captivity, according to National Geographic.

READ MORE: Gorillas test positive for coronavirus at San Diego park

"In the wild, orangutan males are not involved with their offspring," Denver Zoo officials said.

But luckily Berani, the male Sumatran orangutan has "stepped up to the plate" as caretaker for the two-year-old.

"To see Berani step up as Mr Mum, is an extremely rare situation—and Cerah couldn't have asked for a better dad," the officials said.

"Berani is so attentive and protective of her, seeing to all her needs.

"He will carry her, comfort her, and even snuggles her when she sleeps."

Hesty, the 10-year-old, has even taken on the role of "big sis" to Cerah, keeping her entertained during the day.

"The three of them are sticking together and moving forward."

The cause of Nias' death is unknown as Denver Zoo awaits autopsy results from Colorado State University's College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Services, the zoo said.

"Nias came to Denver Zoo in 2005 when she was 17 years old, and spent the last 15 years delighting guests and serving as an ambassador for her critically-endangered species," Denver Zoo said via Facebook.

headline

Mother and her three young children found dead in Melbourne home

A mother and her three young children have been found dead at a home in Melbourne's north-west this afternoon, with police and neighbours rocked by the "tragic" incident.

Police arrived at the Tullamarine property about 12.20pm today to find a 42-year-old woman, two young girls aged seven and five, and a three-year-old-boy dead at the home.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Robert Hill said when police arrived at the Burgess Street home they were greeted by ambulance members in the front yard with a 48-year-old male in their company, who was confirmed to be the children's father and the husband of the woman.

"I'm devastated, it's so close to home … these are people who've spent time in my home … my kids love their kids," a neighbour Marie Groves told 9News.

"She was the best mum, those kids were beautiful … how am I gonna tell my kids?" Ms Groves said.

Deputy Commissioner Hill said the incident would have a huge impact on the community and police at the scene.

"This is a tragic event, the loss of life tragic in any circumstance but when it involves children, it's even more heart-wrenching."

"These people died in suspicious circumstances."

Acting Assistant Commissioner Mark Galliott said officers investigating the incident would receive a wealth of support given the traumatic circumstances.

"This will have long-lasting effects on the police that have attended, on extended family, the community, the neighbourhood, the emergency services, and everybody else involved.

"They'll be lifelong memories that they'll have to deal with … so we will make sure that the welfare of our members and the emergency services that attended are paramount.

A crime scene has been set up and the Homicide Squad is present and overseeing the investigation.

Police are not looking for anybody else in relation to the deaths and the family's next of kin has been notified.

"We have one male who's assisting us with our inquiries and assisting us alone," Deputy Commissioner Hill said.

"There was no other party … there is no other party that we seek at this point in time.

"But we should not draw conclusions that that male may be culpable for this offending. We are well and truly – we've got a long way to go before we can understand and appreciate exactly what occurred.

"I just want to make it very clear that we're not – and should not – be drawing any conclusions at this point in time as to what occurred. We simply don't know."

Deputy Commissioner Hill said there is no history of family violence associated with the family and several avenues of inquiry were being investigated, including the possibility of murder-suicide.

Outside the home more locals expressed their shock at the tragic circumstances.

"They're a beautiful family, they're just a beautiful family," one man said.

"It is sad, very sad to hear people have died around here in Tullamarine," John Ozolins told 9News.

"We don't have any trouble here at all."

Neighbours said the area was peaceful and the situation was a shocking one.

"I'm in shock, I'm shaking," they said.

"It's a very quiet street, very quiet … there's been no problems anywhere."

Neighbour John said the mother-of-three was a kind person and the three siblings lovely.

"The kids were always dressed nice, she was always polite, she'd say hello … really friendly."

The 48-year-old husband and father was treated by paramedics at the scene and is in the custody of police.

Detectives are considering him a person of interest and he will be formally interviewed.

Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

headline

'Lot of blood in the water': Kayakers helped shark attack victim to safety

Two kayakers have recounted how they helped rescue a swimmer attacked by a shark at a popular Perth swimming spot.

The incident happened at Blackwall Reach in the Swan River in Bicton about 8am today.

The victim, Cameron Wrathall, was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital by ambulance with a 30cm bite to his leg.

He is now recovering after surgery in the intensive care unit at Royal Perth Hospital.

Authorities believe Mr Wrathall may have been bitten by a bull shark, which are known to be common in the Swan River.

He was swimming with a friend when the attack took place.

As the friend helped Mr Wrathall to shore, two kayakers approached to help.

"We paddled straight over and helped (Mr Wrathall) get out of the water," one said.

"Another guy arrived with a paddleboard, used that to float him around to get him to an ambulance."

The group used the stand-up paddleboard as a makeshift stretcher to carry Mr Wrathall to safety.

"There was a fair bit of blood in the water and the bite was quite a significant one," the second kayaker said.

Both said shark sightings in the river were extremely rare, though they had heard warnings in the past.

Blackwall Reach is a popular spot for swimmers, rock-climbers and paddle-boarders.

Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan has described today's shark attack in the Swan River as "a very, very surprising event".

Mr McGowan said it was the first time anyone had been attacked by a shark in the Swan River in 50 years.

The last fatal attack was nearly a century ago in 1923.

Man attacked by shark at Swan River in Perth

Mr McGowan said Mr Wrathall had received a "serious" bite and was rescued by kayakers.

"We all hope and wish for the very best for the man involved and hope he recovers fully," he said.

The premier noted that tagging programs and other precautions undertaken off the WA coast are not in place in the river, as bull shark attacks are so rare.

"Fisheries has cleared the water and are on the lookout in the area but sharks move around. It's very difficult to predict or prevent," he said.

"Many people take precautions, but there is always a risk – however slight."

https://twitter.com/SLSWA/status/1349520892770963456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Last month a great white shark was tagged off the coast of Western Australia, recorded as the second-biggest in the state's history.

Cottesloe Beach was shut twice in one day after the December 11 discovery, with drumlines deployed to catch and tag the monster shark that was lurking off the WA coastline.