Red Panda Cubs Make Their Zoo Debut

BRONX, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 8- Four red panda cubs are debuting at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo and Prospect Park Zoo. 

Two cubs are at the Himalayan Highlands at the Bronx Zoo and two are at Discovery Trail at the Prospect Park Zoo.

Both litters consist of a male and female and were born this summer.

WCS has a successful history breeding red pandas at the Bronx, Central Park and Prospect Park Zoos as part of the Species Survival Plan, a cooperative breeding program administered by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums designed to enhance the genetic viability and demographic stability of animal populations in accredited zoos.

Red pandas are native to Nepal, India, Bhutan, China, and Myanmar. The subspecies of red panda at the Bronx Zoo (Ailurus fulgens fulgens) is found in the western part of their Himalayan range. The Prospect Park pandas (Ailurus fulgens refulgens) are a subspecies from the eastern portion of the range and are characteristically darker in color and slightly larger.

Panda cubs are born with a very soft, plush coat. They reach adulthood at around 18 months.

Adult red pandas have reddish-brown and black coats that serve as camouflage in the wild. They have an adaptation on their wrists much like a thumb that enables them to grasp food items like bamboo as well as tree branches.

The species is listed as “Vulnerable” by the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss caused by deforestation for timber, fuel and agricultural use. Their population is declining. WCS works in China and Myanmar to save red pandas and other Asian wildlife. 

Manhattan News: Farewell Mo

Manhattan News: Farewell Mo: Fans Say Goodbye to the Last Sports Hero By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 27- The tears in Mariano Rivera's eye...

Farewell Mo

Fans Say Goodbye to the Last Sports Hero

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 27- The tears in Mariano Rivera's eyes said it all- an era was coming to an end. The greatest closer of all time, known for his cool, professional way of getting the job done, finally broke down as his time at Yankee Stadium came to an end.

Although the game against the Tampa Bay Rays was meaningless for the Yankees, as they were eliminated from post-season play one day earlier, the emotions of everyone in the park were stirred by the entrance of Mariano Rivera with one out in the eighth. He received a prolonged and deserved standing ovation before he threw his first pitch. He retired both batters he faced to end the inning.

To the delight of the capacity crowd, he returned to the mound for the ninth inning. After retiring the first two batters, his long-time teammates and friends, Derek Jeter and Andy Pettitte, walked to the mound to escort him from the game.

Rivera, overcome with emotion, hugged Pettitte and broke down into sobs. 

After the game, Rivera exclaimed, “The emotions bombarded me. The fans, the opposing team, everyone on their feet. It has no price.” 

Pettitte called it, “A moment I’ll never forget.” 

The Rays had left the dugout and all were on their feet applauding as were the police officers on the field and the fans in the stands. Many, in addition to Rivera, were in tears.

After the last out of the inning was made, Andy Pettitte’s name was chanted by the fans. The Rays remained in their dugout and urged the retiring left-hander to come on the field. Another standing ovation was given and responded to by Pettitte before the game could continue.

The loss was far less important to the fans than their opportunity to bid a loving farewell to two great Yankees. 

Jeter is now the lone member of the famous Core Four, but with Mo’s retirement it feels that the era is gone now. Rivera’s humbleness and sense of team seems quaint by today’s standards. The last great sports hero who gave his best for the team and not for the dollar or for his own self-importance. A man of class leaving a world of overhyped, over paid superstars. 

As proof one need not look any further than the fans. They stayed long after the final out. They stayed as Mo sat in the dugout trying to take it all in one last time. And they cheered one last time as the greatest and possibly the one last true sports hero and role model tipped his cap one last time and exited Yankee Stadium. 

Manhattan News: Celebrating Sylvia's

Manhattan News: Celebrating Sylvia's: Sylvia’s, a New York institution, celebrated its 51st year with a breakfast for the community. The eatery is so popular that even Mayo...

Celebrating Sylvia's

Sylvia’s, a New York institution, celebrated its 51st year with a breakfast for the community. The eatery is so popular that even Mayoral Candidate John Liu stopped by sample some of the culinary delights.

Photos by Seitu Oronde

Manhattan News: Seafood delight as Joe’s Crab Shack opens

Manhattan News: Seafood delight as Joe’s Crab Shack opens: Photos by Seitu Oronde By Seitu Oronde It was a great day in Harlem with the opening of Joe's Crab Shack located on ...

Seafood delight as Joe’s Crab Shack opens

Photos by Seitu Oronde

By Seitu Oronde

It was a great day in Harlem with the opening of Joe's Crab Shack located on 126st and St. Nicholas Ave.

With locations in Times square and Newark , NJ and across the country, Joe's Crab Shack is head quartered in Houston Texas.

There were over 600 people that waited in line overnight  to enter .

The first 100 were awarded free crabs for lunch. Jim Mazany is the President and has hired  and trained over 200 Harlemites for this location only. Jim has trainers from all over the contry in Harlem working with the youth for opening day.

Joe's Crab is also a huge supporter of the Autism's Speak Foundation and believes in giving back and serving the community.

When asked why Harlem, his answer was, "Harlem is an upcoming and growing community that fits very well with the company's outreach and business motto".

With a very affordable menu, one can purchase fish, a variety of crabs, lobster, exotic drinks and service with a smile for about $30.

For more information click on: www.joescrabshack.com

seituo@yahoo.com