The UK’s only female polar bear is settling in after entering her new enclosure for the first time.
Victoria explored her new home by going for a swim in the pond at Highland Wildlife Park, where she is being introduced as a potential mate for Arktos, who lives there with fellow male Walker.
Her presence at the Kingussie park has sparked hopes it may see the birth of a polar bear cub in the future. But keepers said Victoria and Arktos will not be brought together until next year, giving her time to get to know her own custom-built enclosure.
Meal of approval for royal fans
Royal fans who have spent more than a week camping outside the Lindo Wing where the Duchess of Cambridge is due to give birth received a special delivery direct from Kensington Palace.
Luxury pastries were dropped off to the group of five at their tents as a thank you for their support, as anticipation of the birth of Kate and William’s second child mounts.
Kathy Martin, 50, from Beckenham, London, said: “Two men arrived with a box of these wonderful pastries and said they were from the palace as a gift from the Duke and Duchess to say thank you for our support.”
Cover-up order for candy house
A homeowner who had her multimillion-pound house painted in red and white candy stripes, infuriating her neighbours, has been ordered to cover up the eye-catching paint job.
The townhouse underwent its revamp after neighbours objected to plans to demolish the building and replace it with a new house and two-storey basement.
Locals told how they returned home to find painters and decorators up ladders giving the home a stick-of-rock makeover.
Rent-a-hen for your own den
Want farm-fresh eggs without the commitment of owning chickens? Try renting them.
Poultry leases are a growing business for companies in the US as people seek to live more sustainably through local food sources. Rentals allow customers to get eggs from humanely raised hens without the commitment of ownership.
Companies like Pennsylvania-based Rent The Chicken offer packages that include hens, a coop, supplies and support with any questions or problems.
Seasonal rentals generally cost a few hundred dollars and last about six months, though shorter and cheaper deals are available.
Burnt macaroni forces evacuation
A burnt bowl of macaroni and cheese has forced a brief evacuation at the Iowa Capitol building.
The evacuation was caused by someone’s lunch burning in a microwave behind the Senate Chambers on the second floor of the Capitol, a spokesman said.
The smoke prompted a short evacuation of the entire building, he said, adding he was not aware of any property damage or injuries.
Baseball card is one in a million
A Honus Wagner T206 baseball card has been auctioned for $1.32 million in online bidding.
Robert Edward Auctions said that 42 bids were placed for the card, which was rated as a three condition on a scale from one to 10, with 10 the best. The winning bid was for $1.2 million, plus a 20 per cent commission.
New Jersey-based Robert Edward Auctions says the record price for a Wagner T206 American Tobacco card is $2.8 million.
That one was rated as an eight condition.