12/12/2025

LYFE FRIDAY | DEC 12, 2025

FOLLOW

ON FACEBOOK

24

Malaysian Paper

/thesundaily /

Sanrio Puroland launches parade to celebrate 35th

Italy to open Europe’s first marine sanctuary for dolphins AS demand for re-homing rises with the closure of marine parks across Europe, Mediterranean’s first sanctuary for dolphins that have lived in captivity will open off Italy next year. “We must develop a new model for managing dolphins in a natural but supervised environment,” Carmelo Fanizza, head of San Paolo Dolphin Refuge, shared. Located off the coast of Taranto in the southern Italian region of Puglia, the sanctuary’s opening still needs a final green light from the government. But the site will be ready by the end of this month and the first dolphins are expected to arrive “no later than May or June 2026,” Fanizza said. Animal rights concerns have driven countries such as Canada and France to ban the capture of dolphins, whales and porpoises, while the number of marine parks that are shuttering grows. This phenomenon has created a burning question: what to do with the cetaceans that cannot be released into the wild, despite being able to live for decades, due to having only known life in captivity? The Italian government greenlighted San Paolo Dolphin Refuge in 2023 to use a seven-hectare area in the Gulf of Taranto, near the island of San Paolo. The spot is “sheltered and protected from the sea, winds and prevailing ocean currents,” said Fanizza, brushing off concerns that the site was near the industrial coastal city of Taranto. The city is home to one of Europe’s largest steelworks, which has been embroiled in a pollution scandal, but is currently operating at reduced capacity. “Improvements have been made to the facilities, so that the quality of the breathable air, the water column and the sediments in the area currently pose no risk to animal health,” Fanizza said. Located around 4km off the coast, the facility has a main 1,600-square-metre enclosure, a smaller one for potential transfers and a veterinary one for quarantine cases. It has a floating laboratory, accommodation so staff can be on site overnight and a food preparation area. It is also equipped with a video surveillance system – both above and under water – as well as a series of sensors at sea, which transmit data to a control room in Taranto. The sanctuary’s construction has been largely paid for by Jonian Dolphin Conservation – the research organisation behind the initiative – with support from private donors and European public funds. The site’s operating costs are estimated at between 350,000 and 500,000 euros (RM1.7-2.4 million) per year. It could legally accommodate up to 17 dolphins, but “the number will absolutely not be that,” said Fanizza, who stressed the importance of the dolphin’s well-being. “Our goal at this stage is not to take in a large number of animals but to identify a group that, given its medical condition, behaviour and social structure, could be ideal for initiating such a project,” he said. Muriel Arnal, head of French animal rights group One Voice, which has long campaigned for marine sanctuaries, told AFP that Europe currently has around 60 dolphins in captivity. “Once you have a model that works well, you can replicate it,” she said, expressing hopes that San Paolo would give a home to French dolphins too.

S ANRIO Puroland, a fully indoor theme park operated by Sanrio Entertainment Co Ltd in Japan, celebrated its 35th anniversary earlier this week and debuted its new main attraction: The Quest of Wonders Parade. The story begins with Hello Kitty finding a mythical book about a “treasure that brings eternal happiness” which leads to Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin, Kuromi and their friends setting off on a delightful adventure in search of this treasure. The parade is an immersive experience featuring sparkling light shows, enchanting music, splendid floats and costumes and Wonder Ribbon Lights – designated props held up by visitors. As a fully indoor theme park, Puroland offers an enjoyable experience year-round, unaffected by weather, temperature or humidity, giving parents peace of mind when visiting with small children. The park allows guests to immerse themselves in the world of Sanrio through live shows and attractions. Puroland also presents the musical Kawaii Kabuki Momotar by the Hello Kitty Troupe, which blends the “kawaii” charm of Sanrio characters with traditional Kabuki theatre. Going beyond dialogue, the musical is a non-verbal show featuring My Melody and Kuromi that transcends language barriers for audiences of all ages and nationalities. The Sanrio Character Park Harmonyland in Hiji Town, Oita, is a beloved outdoor theme park where guests can enjoy character greetings and seasonal shows while surrounded by Oita’s natural beauty. In July 2025, Harmonyland opened a new greeting facility named Character Greeting Fun Studio, where My Melody and other beloved characters greet guests in a photo studio-style setting for memorable photo sessions and friendly interactions. o Featuring musical by Hello Kitty Troupe that blends kawaii , Kabuki theatre

Puroland and Harmonyland all set to welcome and entertain fans and visitors.

Sanrio Puroland commemorates the park’s 35th anniversary with The Quest of Wonders Parade.

Golden retrievers chase world record in Santa hats HUNDREDS of golden retrievers packed a Buenos Aires park recently, as the South American country looked to break the world record for the largest number of the silky golden-haired dogs gathered in a single place.

Dubbed “Golden Wave”, the gathering began on social media and rapidly snowballed into a huge get-together in the capital’s Bosques de Palermo park. Golden retrievers of all ages – from excitable puppies playing in the mud to more mature canines roaming in Santa hats and fairy costumes – filled the park as owners sat drinking yerba mate , a typical Argentine drink, and taking pictures. “We are witnessing something historic,” Fausto Duperre, who created the event, said. “A gathering of this size has never been held before. I believe breaking Vancouver’s record of 1,685 golden retrievers will be historic, and if you look around, we did it – 100%,” Duperre said. Ten people were present to verify attendance and final numbers would be released once confirmed. Duperre said he believed at least 2,000 dogs had gathered at the event last Monday. “Definitely, at first glance we’ll surpass Vancouver,” he said. – Reuters

Golden Retrievers and their owners participate in a meetup seeking to break the world record for the largest gathering of the breed, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. – PIC FROM REUTERS