News of the World: What you missed this week internationally
AUSTRALIA
The once-extinct native golden bandicoot species has tripled in number in just 2.5 years at Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary in central Australia.
Around 100 of the short-nosed mammals, which are on average 14 inches long and weigh less than a pound, were released into the sanctuary as part of a conservation program in 2023.
It is now estimated the animals, which aid the ecosystem by digging in the soil and helping seeds grow, have increased to a population of about 300.
ITALY
They’re making change. Roman tourists are now being charged $2 to visit the Trevi Fountain, famous for having guests throw coins into it.
Legend has it that if you toss one in, you will return to the capital city.
If you toss two, you will find love with an Italian, and three, you will wed one.
Rome’s city government implemented the new rule on Feb. 2 in an effort to manage overtourism.
INDIA
A 14-year-old cricketer made history in the Under-19 World Cup final against England.
Batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s 175 off just 80 balls was the highest ever recorded in an International Cricket Council global final.
The phenomenon has earned the moniker “Boss Baby” for competing against opponents four or five years his senior.
CANADA
This is one brazen bird. An emu who escaped from an animal rescue sanctuary on Groundhog’s Day has became a local celebrity.
Enzo the emu ran away from his home at Gagné Homestead and Rescue in Almonte, Ontario, about an hour west of Ottawa, and the community rallied for his safe return.
One concerned resident spotted Enzo on the highway and snapped a photo she posted on social media, which led to his rescue.
“We would like to offer a sincere apology to the community of Almonte for today’s unexpected excitement when Enzo the emu decided to go on an unscheduled run through town,” the sanctuary posted on Facebook, adding: “After careful observation of her shadow, Enzo has officially declared that there will be 6 more weeks of winter.”
INDONESIA
It made hiss-tory. The world’s largest snake was found in the Maros region of Sulawesi, an island in the Indonesian archipelago.
The 23-foot, 8-inch reticulated python was confirmed by Guinness World Records as the longest wild snake to be formally measured.
The record-breaking reptile, which is roughly the length of six-and-a-half shopping carts, is being cared for by a conservationist, licensed snake handler and natural history photographer.
The creature, nicknamed “Ibu Baron,” which means “The Baroness,” weighed in at 213 pounds, the same as a full-grown giant panda.
With Wires
