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Elephant in the room: Animal crashes into Thai kitchen

A woman in Thailand was awakened in the middle of the night by a wild elephant that had broken into her kitchen.

Ratchadawan Puengprasoppon, a resident based in the Prachuap Khiri Khan province, said she rushed downstairs after she heard loud noises.

When she arrived - she was stunned to see the elephant’s head poked through her wall, rampaging through her shelves searching for food.

The wall, which already had a hole in it from when another elephant smashed into her house last month, had damage worth almost 50,000 baht (£1,140), according to the Guardian.

Miss Puengprasoppon took footage of the incident, which occurred on Saturday, and it showed the moment the hungry elephant is scrounging for a snack.

The animal, which is said to be named Boonchuay, can also be seen shoving a plastic bag containing food into its mouth.

According to the Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Boonchuay came into the kitchen because he smelled food, CNN reported.

“Elephants are herbivores so they needs minerals from salty food, which is essential for their bodies. They would try to find any minerals, and we have educated local residents,” the department said.

But this is not the first time the elephant, who lives in Thailand’s Kaeng Krachan national park, has visited the village.

“They come to visit quite often. They always come when there is the local market because they can smell food,” Itthipon Thaimonkol, the park’s superintendent, told the Guardian.

Reference: Evening Standard: Abbianca Makoni  4 days ago

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Experts gain unique insight into lives of tawny owls in long-running study

Wildlife experts are continuing to work on the UK’s longest running study of tawny owls.

For more than 40 years, experts from Forestry England have researched the numbers breeding in Kielder Forest, Northumberland.

They have ringed thousands of chicks and developed an unprecedented insight into their lives, confirming they are real home birds who rarely venture more than a quarter-of-a-mile from where they are born.

The study has also allowed ornithologists to find some of the oldest tawnies ever recorded in the wild – with one female almost reaching 21.

Experienced ornithologist Martin Davison, who has been involved in the study since its early days, explained: “We have over 200 boxes erected across the forest to make up for the lack of natural tree hollows for birds to breed.

“This also makes it much easier for us to monitor populations from one year to the next.

“Chick numbers fluctuate due to the number of field voles around, a favourite prey, but the population is strong and stable.

“That’s a tribute to the long-term and sensitive management of the forest habitat.

“Each box is visited three times, first to count and weigh eggs, then to capture the adult owl to record its vital statistics, and finally to ring chicks.

“Young tawnies look fantastic, bundles of sleepy fluff that bring a smile to your face.”

Tawnies are not the only owl species doing well in Kielder.

Barn owls have also recovered after being nearly wiped out by the snowy winter of 2010, when temperatures plunged to minus 20C.

Provision of breeding boxes has helped the species return in strength, with more than 20 breeding pairs recorded last year in the study area.

Tom Dearnley, a Forestry England ecologist, said: “Projects like the tawny owl one have helped make Kielder an exceptionally well-studied forest for its wildlife.

“Given the woodland was created less than 100 years ago it is truly amazing how biodiversity has flourished.

“It makes us very excited about the future.”

Kerry Washington in mourning after sad loss of beloved 'partner'

Kerry Washington is in mourning after revealing the death of her beloved "fur baby companion", Josie.

The Scandal star broke the news that her beloved Shih Tzu-Yorkshire Terrier mix has sadly "crossed over" in a touching tribute on Instagram.

Sharing a series of heart-melting photos of the duo together, Kerry penned: "I didn’t grow up with a dog. I wasn’t aware of what this kind of love could look like or feel like. I didn’t understand how it would change me and transform my life.

"To say that Josie was a member of our family doesn’t even come close. She was my fur baby companion girl. She was my partner. She went places with me and experienced things that no one else ever did or ever will.

"She was a witness to my life and to my journey and me to hers. My heart unfolded when I met her and she will always live in the very fabric of my being."

Kerry continued: "Last night Josie crossed over and transitioned into a world beyond this one. And a piece of my heart went with her. We were so deeply blessed to have her for as long as we did.

Kerry's dog Josie passed away on Sunday

"She brought so much joy into our home and into our lives and into the lives of almost everyone she met. I’m so grateful that she chose us. And that God chose me to be her dog mom."

The actress added that she will be donating to Wags and Walks, a Los Angeles-based animal rescue, in Josie's name to honour her memory.

She concluded: "With enormous love in my heart, I will be donating to @wagsandwalks in her name. We adore you Josephine Baker Washington Asomugha."

Kerry called Josie her 'partner'

Kerry's fans and famous friends were quick to offer up messages of condolence, with one commenting: "I’m so so sorry for your loss and I’m sending so much love."

Will and Grace star Debra Messing said: "There really is no way to describe that kind of connection. I’m so so sorry Kerry. My Laila will welcome her and show her around. Sending [love]." Halle Berry added: "Sending lots of love."