In what can be called a rare celestial spectacle, the solar system’s two brightest planets, Jupiter and Venus, will appear to collide with each other this weekend, said media reports. &nbsp;

But they will actually be millions of miles apart in space. &nbsp;

On Earth, they will appear as if they are going to collide. This planetary conjunction, however, occurs once a year. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/revisiting-prehistoric-era-fossils-of-3-ichthyosaurs-including-giant-tooth-found-in-swiss-alps-says-study-474679" hreflang="en">Revisiting prehistoric era: Fossils of 3 ichthyosaurs including giant tooth found in Swiss Alps, says study</a>

These planets will look much closer to stargazers than usual this year. This time, they would also be visible with a pair of binoculars or the naked eye. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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On the morning of April 30th, Jupiter and Venus will appear to collide in the sky as both planets merge into one spectacular glow. Despite looking very close together, the two planets are very far apart in space. Venus is closer to the sun than Earth and Jupiter is farther out. <a href="https://t.co/BIFALMqMnA">pic.twitter.com/BIFALMqMnA</a>
— Rev. Dr. Michael T Santini (@michaeltsantini) <a href="https://twitter.com/michaeltsantini/status/1519760368104398848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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What makes it more special is the fact that with these planets, Saturn and Mars will appear to form a straight line. &nbsp;

You may not want to miss it this year as otherwise you will have to wait for another 17 years for it. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Low-cost bionic prosthetics arm equipped with sensors is transforming lives

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So, this would be an extraordinary planetary conjunction, which will be hard to miss. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“Although Venus and Jupiter get close to one another every few years, this time there is also Mars and Saturn in the mix which is pretty rare. If you have a telescope, a pair of binoculars or a decent camera, then you’ll get an even better view,” Brad Tucker, astrophysicist, Australian National University told the Guardian. &nbsp;

“The planets will differ in their brightness. Venus is brighter than Jupiter so it will look dazzlingly bright when you see it. Jupiter will be slightly fainter, about one-sixth of the brightness of Venus,” Prof Lucie Green, chief stargazer, Society for Popular Astronomy told BBC News. &nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

In what can be called a rare celestial spectacle, the solar system’s two brightest planets, Jupiter and Venus, will appear to collide with each other this weekend, said media reports.

In what can be called a rare celestial spectacle, the solar system’s two brightest planets, Jupiter and Venus, will appear to collide with each other this weekend, said media reports. But they will actually be millions of miles apart in space. On Earth, they will appear as if they are going to collide. This planetary conjunction, however, occurs once a year. Also Read | Revisiting prehistoric era: Fossils of 3 ichthyosaurs including giant tooth found in Swiss Alps, says study These planets will look much closer to stargazers than usual this year. This time, they would also be visible with a pair of binoculars or the naked eye. On the morning of April 30th, Jupiter and Venus will appear to collide in the sky as both planets merge into one spectacular glow. Despite looking very close together, the two planets are very far apart in space. Venus is closer to the sun than Earth and Jupiter is farther out. pic.twitter.com/BIFALMqMnA — Rev. Dr. Michael T Santini (@michaeltsantini) April 28, 2022 × What makes it more special is the fact that with these planets, Saturn and Mars will appear to form a straight line. You may not want to miss it this year as otherwise you will have to wait for another 17 years for it. Watch: Low-cost bionic prosthetics arm equipped with sensors is transforming lives × So, this would be an extraordinary planetary conjunction, which will be hard to miss. “Although Venus and Jupiter get close to one another every few years, this time there is also Mars and Saturn in the mix which is pretty rare. If you have a telescope, a pair of binoculars or a decent camera, then you’ll get an even better view,” Brad Tucker, astrophysicist, Australian National University told the Guardian. “The planets will differ in their brightness. Venus is brighter than Jupiter so it will look dazzlingly bright when you see it. Jupiter will be slightly fainter, about one-sixth of the brightness of Venus,” Prof Lucie Green, chief stargazer, Society for Popular Astronomy told BBC News. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

Rare celestial spectacle: Jupiter, Venus to appear to collide with each other, form line with Saturn, Mars

As the current situation in Britain is worsening with snow and biting temperatures, a 'rare' red warning could be used by the Met department to make people aware. Storm Dudley has already made landfall and storm Eunice is expected to bring in even stronger winds of 100mph.&nbsp;

According to the reports by The Mirror, a met office red warning is defined as: “Dangerous weather is expected and, if you haven’t already done so, you should take action now to keep yourself and others safe from the impact of the severe weather."

It further notes that "it is very likely that there will be a risk to life, with substantial disruption to travel, energy supplies and possibly widespread damage to property and infrastructure. You should avoid travelling, where possible, and follow the advice of the emergency services and local authorities.”

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StormDudley?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StormDudley</a> is doing weird things to the sky up in Edinburgh <a href="https://t.co/VUctBOTyLC">pic.twitter.com/VUctBOTyLC</a>
— Jonty Fairless (@JontyFairless) <a href="https://twitter.com/JontyFairless/status/1493994879214575617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Storm Dudley has arrived on Islay this afternoon <a href="https://t.co/ke1uSsV7EF">pic.twitter.com/ke1uSsV7EF</a>
— David Livingstone (@davidliv25) <a href="https://twitter.com/davidliv25/status/1494019125978537987?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Britain is already going through power cuts and travel destructions due to storm Dudley. However, the next storm is expected to be more severe.&nbsp;

BBC weather presenter Simon King has also said that the warning could be upgraded to red, which is considered the highest level.

Two flood warnings are in place for the Cumbrian coastline and Keswick Campsite. Not just this but 42 flood alerts have been issued across northern England as well.

In Scotland, a flood warning has been issued from Ayr to Troon. Several flood alerts have also been issued.&nbsp;

As per the met office, the severe weather is expected to ease on Thursday before getting worse on Friday.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the current situation in Britain is worsening with snow and biting temperatures, a 'rare' red warning could be used by the Met department to make people aware.

As the current situation in Britain is worsening with snow and biting temperatures, a 'rare' red warning could be used by the Met department to make people aware. Storm Dudley has already made landfall and storm Eunice is expected to bring in even stronger winds of 100mph. According to the reports by The Mirror, a met office red warning is defined as: “Dangerous weather is expected and, if you haven’t already done so, you should take action now to keep yourself and others safe from the impact of the severe weather." It further notes that "it is very likely that there will be a risk to life, with substantial disruption to travel, energy supplies and possibly widespread damage to property and infrastructure. You should avoid travelling, where possible, and follow the advice of the emergency services and local authorities.” #StormDudley is doing weird things to the sky up in Edinburgh pic.twitter.com/VUctBOTyLC — Jonty Fairless (@JontyFairless) February 16, 2022 × Storm Dudley has arrived on Islay this afternoon pic.twitter.com/ke1uSsV7EF — David Livingstone (@davidliv25) February 16, 2022 × Britain is already going through power cuts and travel destructions due to storm Dudley. However, the next storm is expected to be more severe. BBC weather presenter Simon King has also said that the warning could be upgraded to red, which is considered the highest level. Two flood warnings are in place for the Cumbrian coastline and Keswick Campsite. Not just this but 42 flood alerts have been issued across northern England as well. In Scotland, a flood warning has been issued from Ayr to Troon. Several flood alerts have also been issued. As per the met office, the severe weather is expected to ease on Thursday before getting worse on Friday. (With inputs from agencies)

UK: 'Rare' red alert could be issued as storm Eunice approaches

In what is being deemed as the UK’s biggest ever archaeological dig along the 150-mile HS2 rail route, archaeologists have discovered an "extremely rare" wooden figure made during the Roman period. The discovery is made in a ditch in a field in Twyford, Buckinghamshire.

Archaeologists have said that its preservation was “incredible,” considering the age. Also, the lack of oxygen helped in preventing it from rotting over many centuries.&nbsp;

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Image Credits: Twitter&nbsp;

It has been carved from a single piece of wood. The figure can be seen wearing a tunic till the knees.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-man-finds-cockroach-inside-his-ear-extracts-it-after-3-days-444446">Also read |&nbsp;New Zealand man finds cockroach inside his ear; extracts it after 3 days</a>

Jim Williams, a senior science adviser for Historic England said, "This is a truly remarkable find which brings us face to face with our past. The quality of the carving is exquisite and the figure is all the more exciting because organic objects from this period rarely survive."

According to a report by BBC, archaeologist Iain Williamson said that it was an "amazing discovery". He described it as "extremely rare" and said that "the preservation of details carved into the wood, such as the hair and tunic, really start to bring the individual depicted to life."

(With inputs from agencies)

In what is being deemed as the UK’s biggest ever archaeological dig along the 150-mile HS2 rail route, archaeologists have discovered an "extremely rare" wooden figure made during the Roman period.

In what is being deemed as the UK’s biggest ever archaeological dig along the 150-mile HS2 rail route, archaeologists have discovered an "extremely rare" wooden figure made during the Roman period. The discovery is made in a ditch in a field in Twyford, Buckinghamshire. Archaeologists have said that its preservation was “incredible,” considering the age. Also, the lack of oxygen helped in preventing it from rotting over many centuries. Image Credits: Twitter It has been carved from a single piece of wood. The figure can be seen wearing a tunic till the knees. Also read | New Zealand man finds cockroach inside his ear; extracts it after 3 days Jim Williams, a senior science adviser for Historic England said, "This is a truly remarkable find which brings us face to face with our past. The quality of the carving is exquisite and the figure is all the more exciting because organic objects from this period rarely survive." According to a report by BBC, archaeologist Iain Williamson said that it was an "amazing discovery". He described it as "extremely rare" and said that "the preservation of details carved into the wood, such as the hair and tunic, really start to bring the individual depicted to life." (With inputs from agencies)

'Amazing discovery': Archaeologists discover 'rare' Roman figure during a dig

A new revelation by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that two doses of the Pfizer Covid vaccine can help in protecting a 'rare but often serious' condition in children. Experts believe that this condition causes organ inflammation a few weeks after Covid infection. This comes in after a study which concluded that the vaccine was 91 per cent effective in preventing Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children aged 12- to 18-years.

The syndrome leads to inflammation in children in organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys and brain.

The study involved 283 hospitalised patients aged 12–18 years. They were in 24 different children's hospitals in 20 states between July and early December. As per the study, children aged 5–11 years are at the highest risk for this inflammatory syndrome.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-update-cdc-suggests-pfizer-booster-shot-for-kids-aged-12-and-above-442658">Also read |&nbsp;Omicron update: CDC suggests Pfizer booster shot for kids aged 12 and above</a>

Meanwhile, both FDA and CDC have suggested Pfizer booster shots for kids aged 12 and above.&nbsp;

The booster shot will be given at least five months after the two doses have been given. The decision was taken after a CDC advisory panel voted 13-1 in favour of booster dose.&nbsp;

The vaccine made by Pfizer and its partner BioNTech is the only US option for children of any age. According to the CDC, about 13.5 million 12- to 17-year-olds, just over half that age group, have received two Pfizer shots.

Global Covid cases experiencing a surge due to the Omicron variant. The health authorities have warned that its extremely high transmissibility could overwhelm many health systems.

(With inputs from agencies)

A new revelation by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that two doses of the Pfizer Covid vaccine can help in protecting a 'rare but often serious' condition in children.

A new revelation by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that two doses of the Pfizer Covid vaccine can help in protecting a 'rare but often serious' condition in children. Experts believe that this condition causes organ inflammation a few weeks after Covid infection. This comes in after a study which concluded that the vaccine was 91 per cent effective in preventing Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children aged 12- to 18-years. The syndrome leads to inflammation in children in organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys and brain. The study involved 283 hospitalised patients aged 12–18 years. They were in 24 different children's hospitals in 20 states between July and early December. As per the study, children aged 5–11 years are at the highest risk for this inflammatory syndrome. Also read | Omicron update: CDC suggests Pfizer booster shot for kids aged 12 and above Meanwhile, both FDA and CDC have suggested Pfizer booster shots for kids aged 12 and above. The booster shot will be given at least five months after the two doses have been given. The decision was taken after a CDC advisory panel voted 13-1 in favour of booster dose. The vaccine made by Pfizer and its partner BioNTech is the only US option for children of any age. According to the CDC, about 13.5 million 12- to 17-year-olds, just over half that age group, have received two Pfizer shots. Global Covid cases experiencing a surge due to the Omicron variant. The health authorities have warned that its extremely high transmissibility could overwhelm many health systems. (With inputs from agencies)

Pfizer vaccine protects children against this 'rare' Covid complication

United Kingdom's Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recently announced that a 'very rare' case of bird flu has been detected in a person living in southwest England. As per the agency, the person acquired the infection from very close contact with a large number of infected birds which were kept in their home for a prolonged time. "Bird-to-human transmission of avian flu is very rare and has previously only occurred a small number of times in the UK," the agency said in a statement.&nbsp;

The individual is now self-isolating and all his close contacts have been traced. Also, there has been no evidence of onward spread of the infection as of now.

The agency described bird flu or avian flu as a type of influenza that spreads among birds. It further highlighted that its risk to the public is usually very low.&nbsp;

Professor Isabel Oliver, Chief Scientific Officer at UKHSA said, "While the risk of avian flu to the general public is very low, we know that some strains do have the potential to spread to humans and that’s why we have robust systems in place to detect these early and take action."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-provide-comfort-us-president-visits-wildfire-ravaged-colorado-443068">Also read |&nbsp;To provide comfort, US President visits wildfire-ravaged Colorado</a>

He further added, "Currently there is no evidence that this strain detected in the UK can spread from person to person, but we know that viruses evolve all the time and we continue to monitor the situation closely. We have followed up all of this individual’s contacts and have not identified any onward spread."

As a precautionary measure, the UK&nbsp;government has reported this incidence to the World Health Organization.&nbsp;

In a statement, the agency assured that it follows up all individuals who have been in contact with a confirmed case of avian influenza. "For those with the highest risk exposures, we contact them daily to see if they have developed symptoms so that we can take appropriate action," it stated.

United Kingdom's Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recently announced that a 'very rare' case of bird flu has been detected in a person living in southwest England.

United Kingdom's Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recently announced that a 'very rare' case of bird flu has been detected in a person living in southwest England. As per the agency, the person acquired the infection from very close contact with a large number of infected birds which were kept in their home for a prolonged time. "Bird-to-human transmission of avian flu is very rare and has previously only occurred a small number of times in the UK," the agency said in a statement. The individual is now self-isolating and all his close contacts have been traced. Also, there has been no evidence of onward spread of the infection as of now. The agency described bird flu or avian flu as a type of influenza that spreads among birds. It further highlighted that its risk to the public is usually very low. Professor Isabel Oliver, Chief Scientific Officer at UKHSA said, "While the risk of avian flu to the general public is very low, we know that some strains do have the potential to spread to humans and that’s why we have robust systems in place to detect these early and take action." Also read | To provide comfort, US President visits wildfire-ravaged Colorado He further added, "Currently there is no evidence that this strain detected in the UK can spread from person to person, but we know that viruses evolve all the time and we continue to monitor the situation closely. We have followed up all of this individual’s contacts and have not identified any onward spread." As a precautionary measure, the UK government has reported this incidence to the World Health Organization. In a statement, the agency assured that it follows up all individuals who have been in contact with a confirmed case of avian influenza. "For those with the highest risk exposures, we contact them daily to see if they have developed symptoms so that we can take appropriate action," it stated.

'Very rare' human case of bird flu detected in UK; Incident reported to WHO

In what can be called a rare defection, a South Korean crossed the heavily armed border to enter Kim Jong Un-ruled North Korea, military of South Korea said on Sunday. &nbsp;

After detecting a person around 9:20 pm (1220 GMT) on Saturday on the eastern side of the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), a search operation was carried out, said the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-new-political-cry-in-south-korea-out-with-man-haters-441674" hreflang="en">The new political cry in South Korea: 'Out with man haters'</a>

"We've confirmed that the person crossed the Military Demarcation Line border about 10:40 pm (1340 GMT) and defected to the North," the JCS added. &nbsp;

Although the JCS sent a notice to the North through military hotline, asking for his protection, it could not confirm if the person was alive. &nbsp;

The two Koreas are separated by DMZ. The crossing of border is illegal in South Korea. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-military-gaza-militants-celebrate-new-year-with-exchange-of-rocket-fire-441686" hreflang="en">Israeli military, Gaza militants 'celebrate' New Year with exchange of rocket fire</a>

This comes as North Korea has imposed strict anti-coronavirus measures since shutting its borders in early 2020. It has till now not confirmed any infections of the disease. &nbsp;

After North Korean troops shot dead a South Korean fisheries’ official, who had went missing at sea in September 2020, a public and political uproar had emerged in the region. Pyongyang had apologised and blamed the anti-virus rules for the incident. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In what can be called a rare defection, a South Korean crossed the heavily armed border to enter Kim Jong Un-ruled North Korea, military of South Korea said on Sunday.

In what can be called a rare defection, a South Korean crossed the heavily armed border to enter Kim Jong Un-ruled North Korea, military of South Korea said on Sunday. After detecting a person around 9:20 pm (1220 GMT) on Saturday on the eastern side of the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), a search operation was carried out, said the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). Also Read: The new political cry in South Korea: 'Out with man haters' "We've confirmed that the person crossed the Military Demarcation Line border about 10:40 pm (1340 GMT) and defected to the North," the JCS added. Although the JCS sent a notice to the North through military hotline, asking for his protection, it could not confirm if the person was alive. The two Koreas are separated by DMZ. The crossing of border is illegal in South Korea. Also Read: Israeli military, Gaza militants 'celebrate' New Year with exchange of rocket fire This comes as North Korea has imposed strict anti-coronavirus measures since shutting its borders in early 2020. It has till now not confirmed any infections of the disease. After North Korean troops shot dead a South Korean fisheries’ official, who had went missing at sea in September 2020, a public and political uproar had emerged in the region. Pyongyang had apologised and blamed the anti-virus rules for the incident. (With inputs from agencies)

In rare defection, South Korean crosses fortified border to enter Kim Jong Un-ruled North

In a rare sight, several people witnessed ‘sea smoke’ at a time when record cold temperatures gripped western Washington in the United States recently. &nbsp;

Although it may have looked like that the water is on fire, it’s the chilly weather that has been causing the phenomenon. &nbsp;

During the winter, the waters of Puget Sound usually remain mild. The sea surface temperatures stay&nbsp;in the low-mid 50s. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/wooden-satellite-in-space-by-2023-explore-ambitious-plans-of-japanese-researchers-441582" hreflang="en">‘Wooden’ satellite in space by 2023? Explore ambitious plans of Japanese researchers</a>

It also keeps the air, which is just above the water, relatively warm as well. But as temperature drops around the region, the warmer air quickly gets cooled up and condensed into wisps of fog. &nbsp;

Around the shorelines, when the winds blow as gusts from 20 mph to 40 mph, it looks as if the smoke is blowing across the water. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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Steam fog over <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BellinghamBay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BellinghamBay</a> today! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wawx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wawx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bellingham?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bellingham</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cold</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/winter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#winter</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pnw?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#pnw</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSSeattle?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NWSSeattle</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottSeattleWx?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ScottSeattleWx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/bhamweatherBham?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bhamweatherBham</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MorganKIRO7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MorganKIRO7</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ShannonODKOMO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShannonODKOMO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ErinMayovsky?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ErinMayovsky</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ensembleator?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ensembleator</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/50ShadesofVan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@50ShadesofVan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/abbyacone?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@abbyacone</a> <a href="https://t.co/AZn533pqhF">pic.twitter.com/AZn533pqhF</a>
— Randy Small - Whatcom County Weather (@RandySmall) <a href="https://twitter.com/RandySmall/status/1475525201567780864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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It is formally known as steam fog but also goes by arctic sea smoke, where it is most common or just sea smoke. &nbsp;

Earlier, visitors to Lake Manitoba in Canada also witnessed a rare phenomenon, which is only seen every few years around the world. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/catch-ultimate-glimpse-104-m-wide-asteroid-set-to-pass-near-earth-on-january-11-441573" hreflang="en">Catch ultimate glimpse: 104-m-wide asteroid set to pass near Earth on January 11</a>

The weather conditions seem to have become conducive for the formation of thousands of slush balls along the shore of the massive lake. &nbsp; &nbsp;

According to the experts, this phenomenon can be witnessed when air temperatures are below freezing point and there are onshore winds and waves to ensure the waterway does not become a solid sheet of ice. &nbsp; &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a rare sight, several people witnessed ‘sea smoke’ at a time when record cold temperatures gripped western Washington in the United States recently. Although it may have looked like that the water is on fire, it’s the chilly weather that has been causing the phenomenon.

In a rare sight, several people witnessed ‘sea smoke’ at a time when record cold temperatures gripped western Washington in the United States recently. Although it may have looked like that the water is on fire, it’s the chilly weather that has been causing the phenomenon. During the winter, the waters of Puget Sound usually remain mild. The sea surface temperatures stay in the low-mid 50s. Also Read: ‘Wooden’ satellite in space by 2023? Explore ambitious plans of Japanese researchers It also keeps the air, which is just above the water, relatively warm as well. But as temperature drops around the region, the warmer air quickly gets cooled up and condensed into wisps of fog. Around the shorelines, when the winds blow as gusts from 20 mph to 40 mph, it looks as if the smoke is blowing across the water. Steam fog over #BellinghamBay today! #wawx #Bellingham #cold #winter #pnw @NWSSeattle @ScottSeattleWx @bhamweatherBham @MorganKIRO7 @ShannonODKOMO @ErinMayovsky @ensembleator @50ShadesofVan @abbyacone pic.twitter.com/AZn533pqhF — Randy Small - Whatcom County Weather (@RandySmall) December 27, 2021 × It is formally known as steam fog but also goes by arctic sea smoke, where it is most common or just sea smoke. Earlier, visitors to Lake Manitoba in Canada also witnessed a rare phenomenon, which is only seen every few years around the world. Also Read: Catch ultimate glimpse: 104-m-wide asteroid set to pass near Earth on January 11 The weather conditions seem to have become conducive for the formation of thousands of slush balls along the shore of the massive lake. According to the experts, this phenomenon can be witnessed when air temperatures are below freezing point and there are onshore winds and waves to ensure the waterway does not become a solid sheet of ice. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Is water on fire? Witness rare sea smoke emanated in US

In an attempt to save rare seabirds, the California Coastal Commission in the United States has given a go ahead to a plan for air dropping rat poison on the Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. It will help in&nbsp;curbing mice population on the islands.&nbsp;

This agency, which regulates coastline of California, approved the idea by voting 5-3 in its favour on Thursday night.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-getting-drugged-with-cocaine-and-flushed-by-owner-pet-monkey-recovers-in-uk-438117" hreflang="en">After getting drugged with cocaine and flushed by owner, pet monkey recovers in UK</a>

According to the plan, around 3,000 pounds of rat poison will be air dropped from helicopters on the rocky islands off San Francisco coast, which are home to innumerable breeding birds. &nbsp;

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The government is planning to drop rat poison onto California islands that are home to vulnerable sea mammal + sea bird populations. 
 
It wants to kill off mice brought to the island by boats, but activists say the poison will also kill any animals that eat them. <a href="https://t.co/NV3IbtKdMz">pic.twitter.com/NV3IbtKdMz</a>
— AJ+ (@ajplus) <a href="https://twitter.com/ajplus/status/1149288336646971393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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This move, however, will also need approval from US Fish and Wildlife Service regional director. Even then, it may take around two years before the programme actually gets underway, the officials said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The around 300,000-strong breeding seabirds at Farallon Islands refuge are being threatened by mice, which arrived at the island aboard ships over a century ago. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/corals-in-the-great-barrier-reef-could-become-target-of-mass-bleaching-438108" hreflang="en">Corals in the Great Barrier Reef could become target of mass bleaching</a>

In recent years, the population of mouse has exploded, which has attracted burrowing owls. These owls also prey on the ashy storm-petrel, the officials said. &nbsp;

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In April, radio-collared mountain lion P-47 was discovered dead in California after exposure to rat poison. Using indiscriminate control, such as poisons, causes undue suffering + devastation to our wild community. 
Protect our wildlife. Skip the poison. <a href="https://t.co/BUAzsVczB9">https://t.co/BUAzsVczB9</a> <a href="https://t.co/RiJLQ0wtWs">pic.twitter.com/RiJLQ0wtWs</a>
— Wolf Conservation Center (@nywolforg) <a href="https://twitter.com/nywolforg/status/1153691294054658054?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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At the meeting, Gerry McChesney, manager, wildlife refuge, said, "This project is necessary and is the right thing to do to stop the ecosystem carnage done by mice: A human-caused problem." &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In an attempt to save rare seabirds, the California Coastal Commission in the United States has given a go ahead to a plan for air dropping rat poison on the Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge.

In an attempt to save rare seabirds, the California Coastal Commission in the United States has given a go ahead to a plan for air dropping rat poison on the Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. It will help in curbing mice population on the islands. This agency, which regulates coastline of California, approved the idea by voting 5-3 in its favour on Thursday night. Also Read: After getting drugged with cocaine and flushed by owner, pet monkey recovers in UK According to the plan, around 3,000 pounds of rat poison will be air dropped from helicopters on the rocky islands off San Francisco coast, which are home to innumerable breeding birds. The government is planning to drop rat poison onto California islands that are home to vulnerable sea mammal + sea bird populations. It wants to kill off mice brought to the island by boats, but activists say the poison will also kill any animals that eat them. pic.twitter.com/NV3IbtKdMz — AJ+ (@ajplus) July 11, 2019 × This move, however, will also need approval from US Fish and Wildlife Service regional director. Even then, it may take around two years before the programme actually gets underway, the officials said. The around 300,000-strong breeding seabirds at Farallon Islands refuge are being threatened by mice, which arrived at the island aboard ships over a century ago. Also Read: Corals in the Great Barrier Reef could become target of mass bleaching In recent years, the population of mouse has exploded, which has attracted burrowing owls. These owls also prey on the ashy storm-petrel, the officials said. In April, radio-collared mountain lion P-47 was discovered dead in California after exposure to rat poison. Using indiscriminate control, such as poisons, causes undue suffering + devastation to our wild community. Protect our wildlife. Skip the poison. https://t.co/BUAzsVczB9 pic.twitter.com/RiJLQ0wtWs — Wolf Conservation Center (@nywolforg) July 23, 2019 × At the meeting, Gerry McChesney, manager, wildlife refuge, said, "This project is necessary and is the right thing to do to stop the ecosystem carnage done by mice: A human-caused problem." (With inputs from agencies)

To save rare seabirds, US officials to air drop 3,000 pounds of rat poison on coastal islands

In what can be called a rare phenomenon, some researchers have found that leopard seals feed on sharks in New Zealand waters. &nbsp;&nbsp;

It seems to be highly rare to find predators are feeding on other predators. If the researchers are to be believed, it is happening for the first time in the world. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/worlds-leggiest-creature-a-millipede-with-1306-legs-discovered-in-australia-437564" hreflang="en">World's leggiest creature, a millipede with 1,306 legs, discovered in Australia</a>

Leopard seals seem to have become a small club of marine predators, which do it. &nbsp;

Led by Krista van der Linde of leopardseals.org, the study has found remains of the sharks in the droppings of leopard seals. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The researchers also witnessed several signs of struggle with sharks on bodies of the seals. It shows the marine mammals prey on sharks and not scavenge on their remains. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-no-its-not-an-alien-bizarre-fish-with-translucent-head-and-tubular-eyes-spotted-436375" hreflang="en">Watch: No, it's not an alien! Bizarre fish with translucent head and tubular eyes spotted</a>

“We were blown away to find that sharks were on the menu,” Van der Linde said. &nbsp;

“But then we also found elephant fish and ghost sharks were also being hunted by the leopard seals. These fish have large spines to help protect them from predators and sure enough there were wounds on the leopard seals, sometimes even big spines embedded in their faces. One leopard seal had at least 14 such wounds,” added Van der Linde. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In what can be called a rare phenomenon, some researchers have found that leopard seals feed on sharks in New Zealand waters. It seems to be highly rare to find predators are feeding on other predators.

In what can be called a rare phenomenon, some researchers have found that leopard seals feed on sharks in New Zealand waters. It seems to be highly rare to find predators are feeding on other predators. If the researchers are to be believed, it is happening for the first time in the world. Also Read: World's leggiest creature, a millipede with 1,306 legs, discovered in Australia Leopard seals seem to have become a small club of marine predators, which do it. Led by Krista van der Linde of leopardseals.org, the study has found remains of the sharks in the droppings of leopard seals. The researchers also witnessed several signs of struggle with sharks on bodies of the seals. It shows the marine mammals prey on sharks and not scavenge on their remains. Also Read | Watch: No, it's not an alien! Bizarre fish with translucent head and tubular eyes spotted “We were blown away to find that sharks were on the menu,” Van der Linde said. “But then we also found elephant fish and ghost sharks were also being hunted by the leopard seals. These fish have large spines to help protect them from predators and sure enough there were wounds on the leopard seals, sometimes even big spines embedded in their faces. One leopard seal had at least 14 such wounds,” added Van der Linde. (With inputs from agencies)

In a rare finding, researchers claim leopard seals feed on sharks in New Zealand waters

The residents of New Zealand will be in for a treat on Friday night as they will get to witness an incredibly rare lunar spectacle, which has not been seen in their sky in more than 800 years. &nbsp;

Since 1212, the longest partial lunar eclipse will be visible in New Zealand for the first time. It will start at 8.20 pm NZT when the shadow of the Earth begins to move across moon’s face. It will be covered by almost 97% with shadow by 10 pm. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astronomers-identify-moons-small-chunk-tracking-earths-orbit-around-sun-428748" hreflang="en">Astronomers identify moon’s small chunk tracking Earth’s orbit around Sun</a>

During that moment, the lunar surface will turn red briefly. Just before midnight, the eclipse will finish its three-and-a-half-hour journey. &nbsp;

Rob Davison, an astronomer, Auckland’s Stardome Observatory, said, “When you have a total lunar eclipse, it’s not uncommon to have the entirety of that lasting for three-and-a-half hours, sometimes a bit shorter, sometimes longer. But for a partial eclipse to last this long, it’s just very rare.” &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oxygen-on-moons-surface-may-keep-billions-alive-for-100000-years-428560" hreflang="en">Oxygen on Moon's surface may keep billions alive for 100,000 years &nbsp;</a>

“Most of the eclipse will be dominated by the shadow moving across the moon, with a brief period where it will appear as a blood micromoon in our night sky,” said Davison. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The residents of New Zealand will be in for a treat on Friday night as they will get to witness an incredibly rare lunar spectacle, which has not been seen in their sky in more than 800 years.

The residents of New Zealand will be in for a treat on Friday night as they will get to witness an incredibly rare lunar spectacle, which has not been seen in their sky in more than 800 years. Since 1212, the longest partial lunar eclipse will be visible in New Zealand for the first time. It will start at 8.20 pm NZT when the shadow of the Earth begins to move across moon’s face. It will be covered by almost 97% with shadow by 10 pm. Also Read: Astronomers identify moon’s small chunk tracking Earth’s orbit around Sun During that moment, the lunar surface will turn red briefly. Just before midnight, the eclipse will finish its three-and-a-half-hour journey. Rob Davison, an astronomer, Auckland’s Stardome Observatory, said, “When you have a total lunar eclipse, it’s not uncommon to have the entirety of that lasting for three-and-a-half hours, sometimes a bit shorter, sometimes longer. But for a partial eclipse to last this long, it’s just very rare.” Also Read: Oxygen on Moon's surface may keep billions alive for 100,000 years “Most of the eclipse will be dominated by the shadow moving across the moon, with a brief period where it will appear as a blood micromoon in our night sky,” said Davison. (With inputs from agencies)

New Zealand to witness incredibly rare lunar spectacle for first time in over 800 years

A new species of frog has been discovered in the Gondwana rainforests world heritage area in northern New South Wales. &nbsp;

It is one of the only two in Australia, which are known to carry its tadpoles on its body. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The tiny frog measures around 16 mm. It is found on one mountain in the Wollumbin national park. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dog-sized-sea-scorpions-ruled-chinese-sea-floors-400-million-years-ago-study-424851" hreflang="en">Dog-sized sea scorpions ruled Chinese sea floors 400 million years ago: Study</a>

Employing genetic analysis, the researchers from the University of Newcastle and the South Australian Museum identified the frog as a distinct species, from its close relative Assa darlingtoni. &nbsp;

These frogs are commonly known as pouched, hip pocket or the marsupial. In these species, male frogs carry developing tadpoles in pouches located on the sides of their bodies before little frogs emerge two to three months later. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-plumber-in-space-toilet-leak-pushes-astronauts-to-use-diapers-on-way-back-to-earth-427309" hreflang="en">No plumber in space? Toilet leak pushes astronauts to use diapers on way back to Earth</a>

University of Newcastle’s Michael Mahony, one of the researchers, who discovered the frog, said, “The hip pocket frog is not only unique for its amazing breeding biology among Australian frogs, but it is also unique among frogs of the world.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

“There are only four of the 4,000 species worldwide that have male parental care where the male carries its developing tadpoles,” added Mahony. &nbsp;

The population of the tiny frog is confined to an area of about 2,000 hectares on Wollumbin mountain. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;&nbsp;

A new species of frog has been discovered in the Gondwana rainforests world heritage area in northern New South Wales. It is one of the only two in Australia, which are known to carry its tadpoles on its body.

A new species of frog has been discovered in the Gondwana rainforests world heritage area in northern New South Wales. It is one of the only two in Australia, which are known to carry its tadpoles on its body. The tiny frog measures around 16 mm. It is found on one mountain in the Wollumbin national park. Also Read | Dog-sized sea scorpions ruled Chinese sea floors 400 million years ago: Study Employing genetic analysis, the researchers from the University of Newcastle and the South Australian Museum identified the frog as a distinct species, from its close relative Assa darlingtoni. These frogs are commonly known as pouched, hip pocket or the marsupial. In these species, male frogs carry developing tadpoles in pouches located on the sides of their bodies before little frogs emerge two to three months later. Also Read: No plumber in space? Toilet leak pushes astronauts to use diapers on way back to Earth University of Newcastle’s Michael Mahony, one of the researchers, who discovered the frog, said, “The hip pocket frog is not only unique for its amazing breeding biology among Australian frogs, but it is also unique among frogs of the world.” “There are only four of the 4,000 species worldwide that have male parental care where the male carries its developing tadpoles,” added Mahony. The population of the tiny frog is confined to an area of about 2,000 hectares on Wollumbin mountain. (With inputs from agencies)

Rare tadpole-carrying frog’s new species discovered in Australia

It's only the first month of the year 2021 and we have already seen many first. One more addition to this list now is the birth of a rare white kangaroo.

The Animal Adventure Park in New York, this week, revealed that one of their kangaroos has given birth to a joey which has an all-white fur, making it a rare one in the family.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mars-glaciers-give-insights-on-the-planets-many-ice-ages-358330" hreflang="en">Mars' glaciers give insights on the planet's many ice ages</a>

"Our jaws are on the floor," the zoo wrote in a Facebook post. "This is not your standard red kangaroo!"

Red kangaroos spend the first few months of their initial stages of development in their mother's pouches, but the zoo workers do the first "pull" at the age of 4-5 months. This is done to conduct a full medical review and then the joey is returned to the pouch to let them develop fully.

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Our Jaws Are On The Floor! Valley Dental Pediatrics CODE GREEN: Red Kangaroo This is not your standard red...
Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AnimalAdventurePark/">Animal Adventure Park</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AnimalAdventurePark/posts/3062159507220241">Friday, 15 January 2021</a></blockquote>
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Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-resolve-mystery-of-people-hearing-the-dead-357632" hreflang="en">Scientists resolve mystery of people 'hearing the dead'</a>

"Today's inspection revealed an EXTREMELY RARE, what we are currently considering, Leucistic male joey," the zoo revealed.

Leucistic is the phenomena when there is lack of colour pigmentation which results in a white coat. This joey has "black color pigmentation in the eyes, therefore not your normally anticipated red-eyed albino mutation."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-resolve-mystery-of-boyajians-star-say-alien-megastructure-is-not-alone-358253" hreflang="en">Scientists resolve mystery of Boyajian's Star, say 'alien megastructure' is not alone</a>

There is no known leucistic red kangaroo in the US, the zoo claimed, making this joey a rare one in the country.

"We are now working with professionals in the zoological community to see just how unique of a blessing this little one is!" the post read.

It's only the first month of the year 2021 and we have already seen many first. One more addition to this list now is the birth of a rare white kangaroo. The Animal Adventure Park in New York, this week, revealed that one of their kangaroos has given birth to a joey which has an all-white fur, making it a rare one in the family.

It's only the first month of the year 2021 and we have already seen many first. One more addition to this list now is the birth of a rare white kangaroo. The Animal Adventure Park in New York, this week, revealed that one of their kangaroos has given birth to a joey which has an all-white fur, making it a rare one in the family. Also read| Mars' glaciers give insights on the planet's many ice ages "Our jaws are on the floor," the zoo wrote in a Facebook post. "This is not your standard red kangaroo!" Red kangaroos spend the first few months of their initial stages of development in their mother's pouches, but the zoo workers do the first "pull" at the age of 4-5 months. This is done to conduct a full medical review and then the joey is returned to the pouch to let them develop fully. Our Jaws Are On The Floor! Valley Dental Pediatrics CODE GREEN: Red Kangaroo This is not your standard red... Posted by Animal Adventure Park on Friday, 15 January 2021 × Also read| Scientists resolve mystery of people 'hearing the dead' "Today's inspection revealed an EXTREMELY RARE, what we are currently considering, Leucistic male joey," the zoo revealed. Leucistic is the phenomena when there is lack of colour pigmentation which results in a white coat. This joey has "black color pigmentation in the eyes, therefore not your normally anticipated red-eyed albino mutation." Also read| Scientists resolve mystery of Boyajian's Star, say 'alien megastructure' is not alone There is no known leucistic red kangaroo in the US, the zoo claimed, making this joey a rare one in the country. "We are now working with professionals in the zoological community to see just how unique of a blessing this little one is!" the post read.

'A blessing': New York zoo discovers extremely rare white kangaroo

Every once in a while, there comes a date that proves to be a bit more legendary than other numbers on a calendar. January 21, 2021 is one of those days.

And at 21 minutes past 9 tonight, life will throw one of the many rarities that make a lifetime worthwhile.

At the said time, the clock and the calendar will read 21:21 | 21-1-2021 -- and it will mean the 21st minute of the 21st hour of the 21st day of the 21st year of the 21st century.

A once-in-a-lifetime moment! Isn't it?

A similar moment will come next on 22:22 | 22-1-2122 -- the 22nd minute of the 22nd hour of the 22nd day of the 22nd year of the 22nd century, some 101 years later.

Twitterati have also been reacting on this special arrangement of numbers.

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Guys, today is the 
21st day of the 
21st year of the 
21st century. 
This won't happen again until January 22 2122. <a href="https://t.co/rYwmksBBM3">pic.twitter.com/rYwmksBBM3</a>
— Real Captain (@_RealCaptain_) <a href="https://twitter.com/_RealCaptain_/status/1352178752093102080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Today is the 21st day of the 21st year of the 21st century - hope all the 21s bring the harmony of good luck and prosperity for the country <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThursdayMotivation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThursdayMotivation</a>
— Sangeeta Gupta (@sangeetagupta29) <a href="https://twitter.com/sangeetagupta29/status/1352144721741635586?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Looks like we're in for a long ol' repeating number pattern in today's date / time 
 
21/01/21 21:21 
 
and if you wanna get fancy, it's also the 21st century.
— JustZisGuyYouKnow (@ZisKnow) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZisKnow/status/1352181653083459584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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There are naysayers too who say this is not the 21st year of the century.

It all boils down to whether or not there was a year zero --&nbsp;if or not the new millennium started on New Year’s Day 2000. However, many historians and calendar experts believe there is no year zero, meaning the 21st century started in 2001.

Nevertheless, we gotta do what we oughta do ;)

p.s. If you're a Bollywood buff, you can start watching 'Table No 21' at 21:21. Just saying!

Every once in a while, there comes a date that proves to be a bit more legendary than other numbers on a calendar. January 21, 2021 is one of those days. And at 21 minutes past 9 tonight, life will throw one of the many rarities that make a lifetime worthwhile.

Every once in a while, there comes a date that proves to be a bit more legendary than other numbers on a calendar. January 21, 2021 is one of those days. And at 21 minutes past 9 tonight, life will throw one of the many rarities that make a lifetime worthwhile. At the said time, the clock and the calendar will read 21:21 | 21-1-2021 -- and it will mean the 21st minute of the 21st hour of the 21st day of the 21st year of the 21st century. A once-in-a-lifetime moment! Isn't it? A similar moment will come next on 22:22 | 22-1-2122 -- the 22nd minute of the 22nd hour of the 22nd day of the 22nd year of the 22nd century, some 101 years later. Twitterati have also been reacting on this special arrangement of numbers. Guys, today is the 21st day of the 21st year of the 21st century. This won't happen again until January 22 2122. pic.twitter.com/rYwmksBBM3 — Real Captain (@_RealCaptain_) January 21, 2021 × Today is the 21st day of the 21st year of the 21st century - hope all the 21s bring the harmony of good luck and prosperity for the country #ThursdayMotivation — Sangeeta Gupta (@sangeetagupta29) January 21, 2021 × Looks like we're in for a long ol' repeating number pattern in today's date / time 21/01/21 21:21 and if you wanna get fancy, it's also the 21st century. — JustZisGuyYouKnow (@ZisKnow) January 21, 2021 × There are naysayers too who say this is not the 21st year of the century. It all boils down to whether or not there was a year zero -- if or not the new millennium started on New Year’s Day 2000. However, many historians and calendar experts believe there is no year zero, meaning the 21st century started in 2001. Nevertheless, we gotta do what we oughta do ;) p.s. If you're a Bollywood buff, you can start watching 'Table No 21' at 21:21. Just saying!

It's going to be legendary at 21 mins past 9 tonight. And we're intrigued!

At an unlikely cat shelter in rebel-held northern Syria, Mohammed Alaa al-Jaleel gently holds a feline patient on her back as an ultrasound probe is rolled across her pregnant belly. In a time of war, she is one of hundreds to have received medical attention at the makeshift animal clinic in Kafr Naha, an opposition-held town in Aleppo province. “If you want to show mercy to people, start by showing mercy to everything else,” says Jaleel, who runs Ernesto’s Cat Sanctuary-named after his favourite furry friend.

The 43-year-old, who grew up in Syria’s second city Aleppo, has been mad about cats since he was a boy. As a young adult in the city, he would drop by the butchers on his way home from work as an electrician to ask for scraps to feed street cats in his neighbourhood. When war broke out in 2011, he put down his tools to become an ambulance driver to help ferry the wounded-but never stopped bringing food to his feline friends.

As the war raged on and cat lovers fled the city, Jaleel was left with 170 cats to feed and a new nickname: the Cat Man of Aleppo. With the help of donations from friends and social media fans, he set up his first cat sanctuary in the city. But in late 2016, the regime ramped up its deadly bombardment of Aleppo’s opposition-held neighbourhoods as it sought to regain control of the whole city. “We started fleeing from neighbourhood to neighbourhood until, in the end, we escaped the city altogether,” Jaleel recalls.

Determined not to leave them behind, he and fellow feline fans managed to save 22 of the city’s cats. “We gave each family two cats in a plastic vegetable basket,” Jaleel says. Among them was Sukhoi, named after the stealth fighter jets of regime ally Russia. “He would zip in and grab food from right under the noses of the other cats, just like a Sukhoi jet,” he said. Syria’s war has killed more than 350,000 people and displaced more than half its pre-war human population, as well as many of its domestic animals.

After fleeing Aleppo, Jaleel set up his second shelter-named after Ernesto-in early 2017 and housed 18 of the 22 smuggled cats in the animal oasis. “The cats don’t just stay in just one house. They swap with each other and sleep in all of them,” Jaleel says, referring to rows of marble cubes with cat-sized entrances, engraved with names like Pouncer and Rose. Nearby, a grinder churns out streams of bright pink mincemeat that is then scooped out onto plates spread out on the ground for lunchtime.

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VIDEO: Meet Syria's 'cat man' Mohammed Alaa al-Jaleel, who has opened an animal clinic in Aleppo province to take care of hundreds of stray and abandoned cats <a href="https://t.co/ftYOL0PRAD">pic.twitter.com/ftYOL0PRAD</a>
— AFP news agency (@AFP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AFP/status/1003554348910235649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Eyes closed, a cat with a stripy, light ash coat dips its snow-white nose in, nibbling away. But the shelter, financed by online crowdfunding campaigns, does more than provide twice-daily meals: it also serves as an animal clinic with its in-house vet. “We treat all sorts of animals here for free: horses, cows and even chickens,” Jaleel says. During an inventory in January, he and his colleagues discovered they had handed out 7,000 medical prescriptions for free in less than a year.

Mohammad Watar was blown away when he brought in his cat for treatment after food poisoning. “There are no vets where I live. I asked people and they pointed me to the sanctuary,” he says. “I was so surprised to find this kind of thing existed during this war we’re all living,” says Watar. “I saw them treating all sorts of animals. It’s really beautiful.” Still, war is never far away: the sanctuary’s main building bears the marks of gunfire.

Last month, it cancelled a children’s party after a young boy was shot near the shelter, according to its English-language Facebook page. Footage posted online depicted a man in a cat sanctuary t-shirt carrying a child with blood streaming down his calf. Even the shelter’s cats are treated for war wounds, says the centre’s vet, Mohammed Yusuf. “Just like many people are wounded by all the different weapons in the area, animals too suffer the same injuries,” he said.

Some stay under observation at his clinic for weeks, but not all get the treatment they need. “We’re living in a war and facing severe shortages of veterinary medicines for wounds as well as vaccines,” Yusuf says. In a time of death and destruction, the pride of the sanctuary is its ability to carry out sonograms of animal mothers-to-be. “We examine them and diagnose how many fetuses there are and when they are due, and we prepare to welcome the new births,” Yusuf says.

The 43-year-old, who grew up in Syria’s second city Aleppo, has been mad about cats since he was a boy

At an unlikely cat shelter in rebel-held northern Syria, Mohammed Alaa al-Jaleel gently holds a feline patient on her back as an ultrasound probe is rolled across her pregnant belly. In a time of war, she is one of hundreds to have received medical attention at the makeshift animal clinic in Kafr Naha, an opposition-held town in Aleppo province. “If you want to show mercy to people, start by showing mercy to everything else,” says Jaleel, who runs Ernesto’s Cat Sanctuary-named after his favourite furry friend. The 43-year-old, who grew up in Syria’s second city Aleppo, has been mad about cats since he was a boy. As a young adult in the city, he would drop by the butchers on his way home from work as an electrician to ask for scraps to feed street cats in his neighbourhood. When war broke out in 2011, he put down his tools to become an ambulance driver to help ferry the wounded-but never stopped bringing food to his feline friends. As the war raged on and cat lovers fled the city, Jaleel was left with 170 cats to feed and a new nickname: the Cat Man of Aleppo. With the help of donations from friends and social media fans, he set up his first cat sanctuary in the city. But in late 2016, the regime ramped up its deadly bombardment of Aleppo’s opposition-held neighbourhoods as it sought to regain control of the whole city. “We started fleeing from neighbourhood to neighbourhood until, in the end, we escaped the city altogether,” Jaleel recalls. Determined not to leave them behind, he and fellow feline fans managed to save 22 of the city’s cats. “We gave each family two cats in a plastic vegetable basket,” Jaleel says. Among them was Sukhoi, named after the stealth fighter jets of regime ally Russia. “He would zip in and grab food from right under the noses of the other cats, just like a Sukhoi jet,” he said. Syria’s war has killed more than 350,000 people and displaced more than half its pre-war human population, as well as many of its domestic animals. After fleeing Aleppo, Jaleel set up his second shelter-named after Ernesto-in early 2017 and housed 18 of the 22 smuggled cats in the animal oasis. “The cats don’t just stay in just one house. They swap with each other and sleep in all of them,” Jaleel says, referring to rows of marble cubes with cat-sized entrances, engraved with names like Pouncer and Rose. Nearby, a grinder churns out streams of bright pink mincemeat that is then scooped out onto plates spread out on the ground for lunchtime. VIDEO: Meet Syria's 'cat man' Mohammed Alaa al-Jaleel, who has opened an animal clinic in Aleppo province to take care of hundreds of stray and abandoned cats pic.twitter.com/ftYOL0PRAD — AFP news agency (@AFP) June 4, 2018 × Eyes closed, a cat with a stripy, light ash coat dips its snow-white nose in, nibbling away. But the shelter, financed by online crowdfunding campaigns, does more than provide twice-daily meals: it also serves as an animal clinic with its in-house vet. “We treat all sorts of animals here for free: horses, cows and even chickens,” Jaleel says. During an inventory in January, he and his colleagues discovered they had handed out 7,000 medical prescriptions for free in less than a year. Mohammad Watar was blown away when he brought in his cat for treatment after food poisoning. “There are no vets where I live. I asked people and they pointed me to the sanctuary,” he says. “I was so surprised to find this kind of thing existed during this war we’re all living,” says Watar. “I saw them treating all sorts of animals. It’s really beautiful.” Still, war is never far away: the sanctuary’s main building bears the marks of gunfire. Last month, it cancelled a children’s party after a young boy was shot near the shelter, according to its English-language Facebook page. Footage posted online depicted a man in a cat sanctuary t-shirt carrying a child with blood streaming down his calf. Even the shelter’s cats are treated for war wounds, says the centre’s vet, Mohammed Yusuf. “Just like many people are wounded by all the different weapons in the area, animals too suffer the same injuries,” he said. Some stay under observation at his clinic for weeks, but not all get the treatment they need. “We’re living in a war and facing severe shortages of veterinary medicines for wounds as well as vaccines,” Yusuf says. In a time of death and destruction, the pride of the sanctuary is its ability to carry out sonograms of animal mothers-to-be. “We examine them and diagnose how many fetuses there are and when they are due, and we prepare to welcome the new births,” Yusuf says.

Watch: In war-torn Syria, ‘cat man’ starts rare animal clinic

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