Baby giraffe born without spots

A baby giraffe at a family-owned zoo in Tennessee made headlines for being born without spots last month.

Previously, only two records of such giraffes were recorded, one in Japan and the other in the USA. Scientists aren’t sure why some giraffes lack spots, suggesting genetic mutations. The Tennessee spotless giraffe, named Kipekee, was born on July 31. Giraffe populations are dwindling, with about 117,000 remaining in Africa, making them rarer than elephants in the wild.

Robots assist guests at Las Vegas’ Sphere Arena

Sophisticated AI-powered humanoid robots, called ‘Aura’, welcome guests to the new Sphere concert venue at the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas. The robots, considered the world’s most advanced, engage with visitors using human-like facial expressions and mobility.

Aura can recognise humans and interact with them, and through artificial intelligence, will continuously learn and grow from these interactions. The spokesbots will serve as informative guides, answering complex questions about the venue’s engineering, technology and creative mission. Aura will act as a brand ambassador for Sphere, appearing on digital platforms and social media.

Cockatoo breaks speed record on tiny scooter

A seven-year-old cockatoo claims to be the fastest parrot on wheels after breaking the Guinness World Record for riding a pint-sized scooter.

Chico, belonging to Bulgaria resident Kaloyan Yavashev, traversed a distance of 5 metres in 17.79 seconds while riding his scooter.

The cockatoo took on his own title just a few days later on the set of Italian TV series Lo Show dei Record and broke his own record with a time of 14.58 seconds. Kaloyan Yavashev, a professional parrot breeder and trainer, has had Chico since the avian was only three months old, and the bird quickly showed an aptitude for performance.

Lost ‘77 Star Wars X-wing model up for auction

A long-lost X-wing fighter model used in the original 1977 Star Wars film is up for auction with an opening bid of $400,000. Heritage Auctions uncovered this model, previously known as “the missing X-wing,” in Greg Jein’s collection. Jein, a renowned miniature artist, worked on projects like Star Trek and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. This 1:24 scale X-wing was one of four made for close-up shots during the iconic third-act battle in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, marked with red stripes as ‘Red Leader.’ It also stood in for Red Five and Red Two. It was considered it lost for decades until found in Jein’s collection.

Published in Dawn, Young World, September 29th, 2023