Jason Baker

World’s Oldest Hippo Dies At Philippine Zoo Aged 65

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Bertha, believed to be the world’s oldest hippopotamus, has died aged 65, the Manila zoo said Monday, having beaten the typical lifespan for the mostly herbivorous mammals by decades. The 2.5-tonne female was found dead Friday in her enclosure, with a post mortem examination concluding that Bertha, the zoo’s oldest resident, had died from multiple … Read more

Once-Banned Bloodsport Takes Wing

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A boisterous roar sweeps through the crowd as a pair of roosters spar in a sandy pit, their spurs kicking, wings flapping and beaks pecking. “Bizan! (Hit it),” one spectator barks in Dari. Cockfighting, known in Afghanistan as “Murgh Jangi”, has the trappings of a gladiatorial contest. Wings outstretched, the avian fighters tear into each … Read more