DAVID ADAMS writes about the odder side of life…
A no-doubt hopeful goat in the Buin Zoo. PICTURE: Alvaro Reyes/Unsplash.
• A Chilean zoo is appealing for people to sign up to be “godparents” to its animals in a bid to help it meet costs as a result of having to close its doors during the coronavirus pandemic. Buin Zoo, located on the outskirts of the capital Santiago, shut down in March and management have reportedly found themselves struggling to meet “breath-taking” monthly operating costs – including a hefty bill for feeding its 2,500 animals. They came up with the idea of asking people to make become a godparent to animals including Oliver the rhinoceros, King Julien the lemur and Chilly Willy the penguin. The proud new godparents, who make a donation for the privilege, will receive photographs of their animal, a certificate and soft toy as well as entry to the zoo when it reopens.
• The mansion which featured in the Will Smith vehicle, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, has been listed on Airbnb to mark the 30th anniversary of the show. Five nights at the property – located in Los Angeles – have been made available in an initiative involving the home’s owners and Smith. The actor – who is set to appear in a reunion special later this year – wrote on the listing that his wing of the mansion “includes my bedroom (great for naps), a full bathroom (great for spitting bars in the shower), pool area (great for dips), an outdoor lounge, and the dining room (great for eating obviously)”. “And you gotta do it like my guy DJ Jazzy Jeff so don’t forget your sunglasses!” he added. Bookings for the five nights open on 29th September for LA County residents and will no doubt be snapped up!
• It’ll make for a good story one day. Hot dog vendor Oscar Mayer is offering free rentals of its Wienermobile for people to make marriage proposals. The move comes after one of its official drivers – the delightfully named Zach n Cheese (possibly not his legal name) – reportedly used it for just that purpose during a recent visit to Yellowstone National Park. But it is recommended that bookings be made well in advance – at least three months! Oh, and yes, the application does ask if you plan serving hotdogs at the event.
