Residents in the northern Dutch town of Purmerend have been
advised to take umbrellas out at night after a series of attacks by an owl. Dozens of residents have suffered head injuries over the
past three weeks because of a European eagle owl. Two runners were attacked on
Tuesday, with one requiring stitches for five separate head wounds. The
European eagle owl's usual prey are small mammals and birds. One of the sites
of the attacks has been a home for the disabled. A Spokeswoman for the home
said that residents and workers had suffered at least 15 separate attacks by
the nocturnal bird, which remains still on site. During the day there is no
problem for the town, but at night people now only go outside armed with
umbrellas, helmets and hats, to protect themselves.
Animals rescued from overcrowded zoo in Mexico-
More than 100 animals have been rescued from an overcrowded
private zoo in Mexico, after complaints from visitors. Mexican environmental
officials raided the zoo after many visitors had complained about the potential
danger. The officials found overcrowded and cramped cages piled on top of each
other and unsafe conditions for visitors. Among the animals rescued were lions,
tigers, jaguars, pumas, bears, buffalos and camels. The zoo in Tehuacan in the
south east of Mexico City is owned by Sergio Gomez (senior Mexican politician).
Officials said they had seized 101 of the 240 animals held at the zoo.
The animals were kept in terrible and unsafe conditions and
lacked proper care and had no proper ventilation, the animals were cramped together
which was making the animals aggressive. Visitors were also not properly
protected and said that they could insert their hands into the cages. However
the officials say they are trying their hardest to find suitable homes for the animals.