News

Lille’s beloved zoo has reopened its doors for the winter school holidays, offering a welcome escape for families and animal enthusiasts. The zoo, which closed for the winter period, welcomed its first visitors this past Saturday, February 14, 2026, with a packed schedule of special animations, discovery stands, and animal feedings designed to celebrate the occasion.

The reopening marks a cheerful start to the school break, providing a chance to reconnect with nature and learn about the zoo’s diverse collection of animals. Visitors like Pierre, who attended with his wife and two children, expressed their enthusiasm. “We saw the announcement of its reopening on the internet,” he said, adding, “It’s always good for the kids, it’s a discovery.” The zoo is home to over 80 species, with more than twenty currently classified as threatened with extinction.

Beyond simply observing wildlife, the Lille Zoological Park plays a crucial role in species protection, conservation, and breeding programs. Stanislas Dendieviel, Deputy Mayor of Lille in charge of nature and the zoo, highlighted this mission, pointing to Upa, the baby red panda, enjoying the pleasant weather. The zoo’s commitment extends to providing optimal animal welfare, with spaces designed to allow animals to move freely in both open and enclosed areas, according to Christelle Libère, Deputy Municipal Councillor delegated to animal welfare.

The weekend’s activities include animal feedings, a scavenger hunt, and an animation stand featuring snake skins and porcupine quills. The zoo has likewise recently completed extension perform, offering visitors a renewed and immersive experience.

While many visitors enjoyed the sunny weather and the chance to see the animals, some, like students Liv and Lucas, expressed concerns about the size of the enclosures and the animals’ well-being. “The place offers a degree of accessibility, which is good for people and children who are not familiar with the species presented, but some living conditions are questionable,” they noted. Despite differing opinions, the overall atmosphere was positive, with families like Livia, Eloise, and Hugo expressing their delight at seeing the various species.

The Lille Zoological Park is open daily except Tuesdays, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission is free for Pass Lille&amp. moi holders and children under five. For others, the entry fee is €6 for adults and €3 for children.

The zoo’s winter reopening provides a valuable opportunity to experience the natural world and support conservation efforts. As the weather shifts, some animals, like the warthogs and giant tortoises, sought shelter in their enclosures, while others, such as otters and tapirs, seemed unfazed by the cooler temperatures.

Looking ahead, the zoo will continue to focus on animal welfare and conservation, offering educational programs and engaging experiences for visitors throughout the year. The ongoing commitment to both animal care and public engagement ensures the Lille Zoological Park remains a vital part of the community.

Share your experiences at the Lille Zoo and let us know what you thought of the reopening in the comments below!

McLaren Racing is embroiled in a legal battle with Alex Palou, marked by allegations of evidence destruction and the release of private WhatsApp communications. The dispute, currently unfolding in court, centers on Palou’s contract and his move to a rival racing team.

Recent court filings, as reported by PlanetF1, reveal accusations that McLaren attempted to destroy evidence relevant to the case. These allegations are supported by leaked text messages, reportedly from a WhatsApp group involving key figures in the Formula 1 paddock. The messages, initially leaked by Kimi Antonelli according to SPORTbible, detail internal discussions and reportedly identify individuals considered to be “in charge” within the racing community.

The leaked WhatsApp exchanges have brought scrutiny to the communications of F1 drivers and team personnel. While the specific content of the messages remains largely confidential, their emergence as evidence in the Palou lawsuit underscores the potential legal ramifications of private digital communications.

The legal conflict stems from McLaren’s attempt to enforce a contract with Palou, preventing him from joining another team. Palou, still, disputes the validity of the agreement and has pursued opportunities elsewhere. The case has escalated with claims of interference and attempts to undermine Palou’s career prospects.

Alongside the legal proceedings, concerns have been raised regarding the security of WhatsApp accounts. Reports from The Straits Times highlight a new scam targeting WhatsApp users, where fraudsters attempt to gain control of accounts. This comes after warnings from ExpressVPN about WhatsApp accounts being hacked and advice on recovery and protection measures. While not directly linked to the McLaren-Palou case, these reports underscore the broader vulnerability of digital communications and the potential for misuse of private information.

The multi-account feature for WhatsApp on iPhone, as noted by PiunikaWeb, is nearing release with a new FAQ page appearing, though this development is separate from the current legal dispute and security concerns. The court case continues, with no immediate resolution in sight, and further evidence is expected to be presented in the coming weeks.

Gordon Ramsay’s quick and uncomplicated pasta recipes have gained traction with home cooks, including a 15-minute sausage Bolognese that has develop into a family favorite for some, according to a recent review published by Business Insider.

The review, which tested five of Ramsay’s pasta dishes, highlighted the chef’s ability to create flavorful meals in a short amount of time. The 15-minute sausage Bolognese, featured on “Gordon Ramsay’s Ultimate Cookery Course,” stood out for its rich flavor and simplicity, despite its abbreviated cooking time. One reviewer’s mother reportedly began making the dish almost weekly after the initial tasting.

Other dishes tested included a 10-minute turkey and leek pasta, a cacio e pepe, a shrimp scampi, and a Bloody Mary linguine. The turkey and leek pasta, which Ramsay himself reportedly makes for his family weekly, was ranked second, praised for its bright flavors and use of lemon and sage. The cacio e pepe, requiring 30 minutes, was lauded for its silky sauce and homemade Parmesan crisps.

The shrimp scampi, another 10-minute recipe, was described as transporting the reviewer to a seaside taverna with its bright and zesty flavors. However, Ramsay’s Bloody Mary linguine received the lowest ranking, with the reviewer finding the flavor surprisingly bland despite the inclusion of ingredients like vodka, celery salt, and Worcestershire sauce.

The review underscores a trend toward accessible, quick recipes from celebrity chefs, mirroring a similar exploration of Ina Garten’s pasta dishes. Ramsay’s recipes, as demonstrated in his cookbooks “Ramsay in 10,” “Quick and Delicious,” and “Ultimate Home Cooking,” aim to deliver restaurant-quality meals in a fraction of the usual time.

Beijing will remove tariffs on goods from all but one African country starting May 1, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced Saturday, signaling a deepening of economic ties between China and the continent. The move, reported by state media, extends a zero-tariff policy already in place for 33 African nations to all 53 of China’s diplomatic partners in Africa.

The decision comes as China continues to strengthen its economic influence in Africa through its expansive Belt and Road Initiative, a massive infrastructure development program. This latest step is expected to significantly boost trade and provide new opportunities for African development, according to President Xi. The announcement was made as African leaders gathered in Ethiopia for the annual African Union summit.

China is currently Africa’s largest trading partner, and the elimination of tariffs is anticipated to further solidify that position. The policy aims to foster greater economic cooperation and support growth across the African continent. The move also arrives amid a shifting global trade landscape, with many African nations seeking alternative partners following the imposition of steep tariffs by the United States last year.

Expanding Trade Ties

The zero-tariff policy, initially implemented for 33 African countries, has proven successful in boosting trade volumes. Extending it to all but one nation – Eswatini, which maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan – represents a significant expansion of China’s commitment to African economic development. China views Taiwan as a renegade province and does not rule out the use of force to achieve reunification. This stance directly impacts its diplomatic relations with countries like Eswatini that recognize Taiwan.

According to President Xi, the tariff elimination “will undoubtedly provide new opportunities for African development.” The timing of the announcement, coinciding with the African Union summit, underscores China’s desire to present itself as a supportive partner to African nations. The Belt and Road Initiative, a cornerstone of China’s foreign policy, has already funded numerous infrastructure projects across Africa, including railways, roads, and ports. Recent discussions between the US and China suggest a potential extension of their trade truce, which could further benefit African economies.

Eswatini Remains an Exception

The sole exception to the zero-tariff policy is Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), a small landlocked country in Southern Africa. Eswatini maintains diplomatic ties with Taiwan, a move that China does not recognize. This diplomatic alignment prevents Eswatini from benefiting from the expanded tariff-free access to the Chinese market. The situation highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in Africa, where countries often navigate relationships with both China and Taiwan.

US Tariffs and the Shift to China

The move by China also comes as African nations reassess their trade relationships in light of tariffs imposed by the United States. US President Donald Trump’s administration implemented significant tariffs on goods from various countries last year, prompting many African nations to seek alternative trading partners. China has positioned itself as a reliable and increasingly attractive option.

The expanded zero-tariff policy is expected to encourage greater investment from African businesses and facilitate the export of a wider range of goods to China. This could lead to increased economic diversification and job creation across the continent. The initiative also aligns with China’s broader strategy of strengthening its political and economic influence in Africa.

Looking ahead, the implementation of this policy will be closely watched by both African nations and international observers. The success of the initiative will depend on factors such as logistical infrastructure, trade facilitation measures, and the overall global economic climate. Continued dialogue and cooperation between China and African countries will be crucial to maximizing the benefits of this new trade arrangement.

What impact will this have on specific African economies? Share your thoughts in the comments below.