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Killer Waves Rock Mediterranean Cruise

ATHENS, Greece (March 3) — A 26-foot wave smashed into a cruise ship carrying nearly 2,000 people in the Mediterranean on Wednesday, smashing glass windshields and killing two passengers, according to officials and news reports.

Another six people suffered light injuries, the Greek coast guard said in a statement. The victims were identified as a German and an Italian man.

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Some weeks ago we covered the various fun and animal parks around
Benidorm. To complete our video series on these lovely parks,
we added a video on the Mundomar exotic and marine animals park.

A fantastic dolphin show with their wonderful tricks and
a wide range of all sorts of exotic animals make this visit
really one to remember.

We spent the whole day at the park and I was really suprised
how big the park is and how many different animals there are to see.
While our daughter Anna loved the seal show which was really funny,
the best, I must admit, were the two supersized turtles
which impressed me the most. I had never seen a turtle
with a diameter of around 1 meterbefore. Really amazing.

Lots of colourful, lovely birds, just an incredible variety…. well
enough words… have a look for yourself and enjoy
our Mundomar video.

You can find it on our overview page for all different Benidorm
attractions. Just scroll down to the Mundomar section here:

Mundomar Video

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By: Penny Lapenna

2009 has been one of the worst in a decade for forest fires in Spain, destroying over 10,000 hectares of wild forest land, with a resultant effect on the wildlife population. But we know comparatively little about the native species that have been affected on the Iberian Peninsula, since wildlife tends to increase in areas depopulated by humans. It is only our absence that allows many species to flourish. If it were not for some dedicated wildlife experts who have studied rural areas in Spain, we would be unaware that the Iberian wolf had made a comeback from near extinction to over 2,000 individuals, that more than 15 types of raptor are flourishing, and that wild boar (which became extinct through over hunting in Great Britain in the 17th century) are abundant, even near the populated suburbs of Madrid.

The depopulation of rural areas in Spain is however also responsible for some of the worst forest fires being allowed to rage unchecked. As villages with declining native populations are being re-invigorated by foreign inhabitants, an awareness of their human effect on local species must be considered.

What can we do to balance our presence with that of local wildlife?

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Image by DeViLtEcH via Flickr

By Nikki Luxford
A PROTEST against the possible change in law regarding animal sanctuaries and protection pounds took place in Valencia on Saturday night.

If an amendment to law 4/94 is passed, private enterprises will be allowed to take over the care of homeless and abandoned animals, therefore eliminating the need for non-profit rescue centres and associations.

More than 1,000 people turned out with their dogs on the day, which marked International Animal Rights day.

Placards and banners bearing the slogans ‘We want to give love, not money‘, and ‘Defend their rights’ were brandished.

A Spanish woman who was present at the demonstration said: “If it had not been for the rescue centres, my three dogs would not be here today.

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The city of Benidorm, north of Alicante is a tourism magnet every
year. Famous not only for its beaches, but also for fun and amusement.
Years ago, fun and water parks grew around the area to offer
lots of different attractions to visitors.

Among the most known parks is Aqualandia (a water park), Terra Mitica
(a fun and adventure park), Mundomar (underwater life park).
One of the latest parks opening in the area is the nature park
of Terra Natura, just outside of Benidorm.

Please do me a favor and visit it the next time you are around
the area. This is really impressive. I have never seen such a variety
of animals in such a clean park. Anna our daughter loves it even more.
So, if you travel with kids, this is a “must see” .

Enjoy the video and pictures here:

Terra Natura Video

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Image by Getty Images via Daylife

excerpt from the Anglo Info – Costa Blanca Newsletter

Dogs can play a huge part in our lives; it may be in their role as “member” of a police force or rescue team, or in service as a farm hand, a guard dog, Seeing Eye or therapy dog. But for a great many people they play their biggest role as family pet – a devoted and loving companion.

paws for thought

If you have a pet dog – or cat – it’s important to know the local rules relevant to owning an animal in Spain. Details such as identification requirements, how to buy, sell or adopt a pet and most importantly, what to do if your pet goes missing.

There are many regulations in place, most of which are enforced for the health and welfare of the animals. For example, all pets must be identified by microchip or tattoo; and vaccination against rabies is compulsory.

• Find out everything a pet owner should know from the INFOrmation Page Essential Animal Information for Pets in Spain.
• If you need any animal-related services (such as a kennel or groomer) have a look at the Dogs, Cats, Pets & Animals category of The AngloFILE directory of local English-speaking businesses and services.

And finally, the AngloINFO Classifieds & Discussions have two areas devoted to the subject, see:

• Pets & Animals Discussions
• Pets & Animals For Sale Classifieds

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It’s not everyday that a dog falls off the back of a lorry, but that is just what is thought to have happened in the case of a Spanish dog found in the south-west of England. Since Angel was found straying in Somerset, the local county council’s Animal Health and Welfare Team have been working with local organisations to help get the dog back to full health.

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VALENCIA’S animal rescue pounds are filled to capacity as more crisis-hit families abandon their pets to save money.

The city’s animal protection society is now setting up a scheme to allow animal lovers in other European nations to adopt the animals.

Society spokesperson Julia Pérez said: “It is an alarming situation.

“At the moment we have 389 dogs and 357 cats in the rescue pound in San Antonio de Benagáber and almost a hundred at the installations in Benimàmet.

“It’s as though we were a great storage warehouse. If things go on like this we will not be able to take in any more animals.”

In the past week another 20 dogs have been admitted along with 30 cats that an elderly man had been looking after his death. In the same period the society only managed to find a home for one dog.

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180 000 Leute finden:  “Est reicht”

Tierschützer in Spanien wollen erstmals mir einer Parlaments-Petition ein Verbot van Stierkämpfen im Land erreichen.  Die Bürgerinitiative Prou sammelte nach eigenen Angaben vom Montag rund 180 000 Unterschriften, um im Regionalparlament von Katalonien eine entsprechende Gesetzesänderung durchzusetzen.

Zu den Unterstützern der Aktion zählen Intellektuelle und Künstler aus Spanien und dem Ausland, darunter die US-Schauspielerinnen Pamela Anderson und Alicia Silverstone.

Die nordostspanische Region (7,3 Millionen Einwohner) könnte somit als erste im Lan die uralte Tradition verbannen.  Für die Petition waren nur 50 000 Unterschriften nötig.  Dass es fasst viermal so viele geworden sind, beweise, wie gross die Ablehnung gegen die Stierkampf sei….

CBZ – Costa Blanca Zeitung

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Many Costa towns will be celebrating Sant Antoni fiestas today and on Sunday. One of the highlights of the traditional festivities is the blessing of animals.

Teulada-Moraira will host their annual San Antonio fiesta this weekend. Starting today at 17.00 there will be a procession around the town before preparing the traditional fire which will be burnt at 21.00
Before the fire, a demonstration by Carnisseria Domingo will take palce at 19.30 and at 21.30, the traditional meal.
To end the evening, Folkifesta will perform accompanied with traditional dances.
On Sunday at 12.00 a procession followed by mass at the Caterina Church. At 13.00 children will be able to bring their pets to be blessed at Plaza de la Constitución.

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