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- Hungary’s incoming PM péter magyar seeks to unlock frozen eu funds
- Hungary’s Viktor Orbán concedes defeat in parliamentary elections to Peter Magyar
- NATO allies urged to devise plan for reopening Strait of Hormuz soon
- Father arrested for kidnapping after nine-year-old boy is rescued from van in France
- Italian arms dealer pleads guilty to illegally exporting ammunition to Russia
- Is Banksy Returning? Graffiti Tribute to Escaped Capybara Raises Questions | News UK
- Family of woman crushed by garbage truck in Louisville plans to sue city
- Hungary prepares for elections amid potential shifts in EU relations
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Hungary’s incoming PM péter magyar seeks to unlock frozen eu funds
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Hungary’s incoming PM péter magyar seeks to unlock frozen eu funds
Funding Visit
Hungary’s incoming PM Péter Magyar plans to visit Brussels to seek the unlocking of billions in frozen EU funds.
Hungary’s incoming PM Péter Magyar plans to visit Brussels to seek the unlocking of billions in frozen EU funds.
Financial Unlocking
Hungary’s incoming PM Péter Magyar aims to retrieve billions in frozen EU funds, indicating substantial financial implications for the country’s governance and economic stability.
Hungary’s incoming PM Péter Magyar aims to retrieve billions in frozen EU funds, indicating substantial financial implications for the country’s governance and economic stability.
PM’s Commitment
“I plan to visit Brussels to negotiate the unlocking of billions in frozen EU funds,” stated Hungary’s incoming PM Péter Magyar.
“I plan to visit Brussels to negotiate the unlocking of billions in frozen EU funds,” stated Hungary’s incoming PM Péter Magyar.
Key developments
Hungary’s incoming PM Péter Magyar announced plans to visit Brussels to secure the release of billions in frozen EU funds. This visit aims to restore Hungary’s system of checks and balances.
Magyar’s government intends to focus on rebuilding the relationship with the European Union, addressing previous tensions that led to the freezing of funds. Progress could hinge on reforms that align with EU standards.
Hungary's incoming PM Péter Magyar demands 'Orbán's puppets' leave office
Hungary’s incoming PM Péter Magyar said he plans to visit Brussels in a bid to get billions in frozen EU funds unlocked as he vows to restore system of checks and balances.
Hungary’s Viktor Orbán concedes defeat in parliamentary elections to Peter Magyar
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Get you up to speed: Hungary’s Viktor Orbán concedes defeat in parliamentary elections to Peter Magyar
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán conceded defeat in parliamentary elections to conservative Peter Magyar, who has promised “system change.” This election marks the end of Orbán’s 16 years in power.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán acknowledged his defeat in the parliamentary elections, stating, “I congratulated the victorious party.” In a Facebook update, Peter Magyar confirmed that Orbán reached out to his team to congratulate them on their victory.
Following Viktor Orbán’s concession of defeat in the parliamentary elections, he stated, “We are going to serve the Hungarian nation and our homeland from opposition as well.” Peter Magyar of the TISZA party has promised “system change” in Hungary, with support from European leaders like Emmanuel Macron and Ulf Kristersson, signalling a new chapter in the country’s governance.
Viktor Orban concedes election defeat ending 16 years of far-right rule in Hungary | News World
Viktor Orban concedes defeat in parliamentary elections to his rival, conservative Peter Magyar who promised ‘system change’ (Picture: AFP)
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has conceded defeat after what he called a ‘painful’ election result.
The loss ends 16 years in power for the powerful figure in the far-right movement allied with Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
‘I congratulated the victorious party,’ Orbán told supporters in Budapest.
‘We are going to serve the Hungarian nation and our homeland from opposition as well.’
Magyar says in a Facebook update that Prime Minister Viktor Orbán called his team to congratulate them on their victory.
Orbán had turned Hungary into what he calls an ‘illiberal democracy’, declaring himself Europe’s defender of Christian values against the threat of ‘gender and LGBT ideology’ and multiculturalism.
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In 2022, he said, ‘We [Hungarians] are not a mixed race … and we do not want to become a mixed race’.
During his 16 years as prime minister, Orbán launched harsh crackdowns on minority rights and media freedoms, erected razor wire on the southernborder and has been accused of siphoning large sums of money into the coffers of his allied business elite, an allegation he denies.
His government redefined marriage as the union between one man and one woman in the constitution, and it has limited gay adoption and transgender rights.
Orbán also blocked a 90-billion-euro loan package from the EU to Kyiv to support Ukraine in its war against Russia’s invasion, held regular meetings with Vladimir Putin and refused to end Hungary’s dependence on Russian oil and gas.
He framed the Russia-Ukraine conflict as a choice between war and peace, stating that Hungary will not send soldiers, money, or weapons to the conflict – a stance which helps Putin.
Polls closed in Hungary’s parliamentary election, with turnout reaching a record high (Picture: AFP)
Recent revelations have shown a top member of his government frequently shared the contents of EU discussions with Moscow, raising accusations that Hungary was acting on Russia’s behalf within the bloc.
Peter Magyar has promised Hungary regime change (Picture: AFP)
In 2024, Magyar broke away from Orbán’s ruling Fidesz party and became a whistleblower-style critic of the government, accusing it of corruption and abuse of power.
He prided his new party on being pro-European and more focused on domestic issues like cost-of-living and standards of healthcare.
‘Winter is coming’
Sir Keir Starmer said Magyar’s victory was an ‘historic moment, not only for Hungary, but for European democracy.’
Emmanuel Macron also hails the victory of democracy and ‘for the Hungarian people’s attachment to the values of the European Union and for Hungary[’s place] in Europe.’
‘Together, let us advance a more sovereign Europe, for the security of our continent, our competitiveness, and our democracy,’ he says.
In the US lawmakers from the Democratic Party welcomed Orbán’s defeat, saying allies of President Donald Trump in Congress are next.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson congratulated Magyar on X: ‘Congratulations to Péter Magyar on TISZA’s historic victory in the Hungarian election!’he wrote.
‘I look forward to working closely with you – as Allies and EU Members. This marks a new chapter in the history of Hungary.’
Supporters of Peter Magyar, the leader of the opposition Tisza party celebrate after a parliamentary election in Budapest (Picture: AP)
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz joined in the chorus of congratulations to Magyar in an online post: ‘The Hungarian people have decided. My heartfelt congratulations on your electoral success,’ he wrote in a post on X.
‘I am looking forward to working with you. Let’s join forces for a strong, secure and, above all, united Europe.’
In Budapest chants of ‘Ruszkik, haza’ – Russians, go home! – fills the streets as young people celebrate on the banks of the Danube.
‘This dictatorship, it’s right-wing ideology, and all of that will disappear now, and we have a chance for a better country. I am so happy. I’m feeling hopeful and happy,’ Nori, 24, told the Guardian with tears of joy in her eyes.
‘I hope there will be a chance to have a country that is close to Europe, and we are going to get closer to the west and not going to fight imaginary enemies anymore; that the government will not build on fear but rather opportunities.’
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NATO allies urged to devise plan for reopening Strait of Hormuz soon
8:00 pm
NATO allies urged to devise plan for reopening Strait of Hormuz soon
Military operations
US President Donald Trump has demanded allies produce a plan within days to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, likely involving military vessels and personnel.
US President Donald Trump has demanded allies produce a plan within days to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, likely involving military vessels and personnel.
Immediate Expectations
Trump demands NATO allies develop a plan within days to secure the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring the urgency of maintaining freedom of navigation in this critical shipping route.
Trump demands NATO allies develop a plan within days to secure the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring the urgency of maintaining freedom of navigation in this critical shipping route.
Trump’s Discontent
“It was a very frank, very open discussion, but also a discussion between two good friends,” said NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte about his meeting with Trump.
“It was a very frank, very open discussion, but also a discussion between two good friends,” said NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte about his meeting with Trump.
Key developments
US President Donald Trump has called on allies to devise a plan within days to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, requiring potential military vessel deployments despite European hesitance.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has reached out to key European capitals to relay Trump’s insistence on securing freedom of navigation in the strait following discussions on collective security threats.
Trump issues NATO ultimatum to reopen Strait of Hormuz ‘within days’
US President Donald Trump has said allies must find a solution within days to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Any operation would likely involve deploying military vessels and personnel to the region, despite initial reluctance from European allies.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has informed key member states of Trump’s demands following talks in Washington on Thursday.
Rutte is in the US capital for a three-day visit, which included meetings at the White House with Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. The conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran, as well as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, was high on the agenda.
Ahead of the visit, Trump reiterated threats to reconsider US participation in NATO, criticising European allies for rejecting his calls to contribute assets to secure the strait, which has been largely closed to international shipping by Iran.
Following the talks, Rutte said Trump was “absolutely disappointed” over the issue.
“It was a very frank, very open discussion, but also a discussion between two good friends,” Rutte said of the private meeting held without media access.
On Thursday, Rutte reportedly contacted European capitals from Washington to relay Trump’s insistence that allies produce a plan to reopen the strait.
A NATO spokesperson confirmed to EU News: “The Secretary General is in contact with allies about his discussions in Washington. It’s clear that the United States expects concrete commitments and action to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.”
Trump also criticised allies on social media, saying “none of these people, including our own, very disappointing NATO, understood anything unless they have pressure placed upon them.”
Last week, more than 40 countries joined a coalition aimed at securing free passage through the strait, a critical shipping route for global energy supplies, once the most intense phase of the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran ends.
Governments including the UK, Germany, Finland, Norway, France and Spain had initially said they would not deploy troops or naval forces, arguing they were not responsible for an offensive operation in Iran.
However, Trump has insisted he wants a plan within days, regardless of ongoing instability.
A source close to the discussions told EU News it would be in the interest of NATO countries to respond positively, or risk wider consequences for collective security.
“What this all means for NATO is effectively up to the nations of NATO,” the source said. “Will they act, and if they do, will they act constructively towards their and the Alliance’s collective security and meet their obligations?”
NATO allies are now holding accelerated discussions on how to reopen the strait in the most practical and efficient way. Sources said Trump has told Rutte a plan must be developed “within days rather than weeks”.
“They are going to have to come up with some form of physical presence in the region,” the source said.
“As we know, this piece of geography is water-based, so this will likely involve some form of naval vessels and personnel to operate them,” they added.
Allies could also potentially rely on intelligence support and demining operations, sources told EU News.
Father arrested for kidnapping after nine-year-old boy is rescued from van in France
6:00 pm
Get you up to speed: Father arrested for kidnapping after nine-year-old boy is rescued from van in France
A nine-year-old boy was rescued from his father’s utility van in Hagenbach, Eastern France, where he had been locked since November 2024. Prosecutor Nicolas Heitz stated that the father, 43, claimed he confined his son to protect him from being sent to a psychiatric hospital.
Prosecutor Nicolas Heitz stated that the boy had no record of psychiatric issues prior to his disappearance and had been performing well in school. Following the rescue, both the boy’s father and his partner face legal charges, with the father being held for kidnapping and the partner charged with failing to assist a minor in danger.
The boy has been taken to hospital following his rescue, and his father is in police custody on kidnapping charges while his partner, who denied knowing about the boy’s situation, has been charged with failing to help a minor in danger and released under judicial supervision. Social services have taken both the boy and his 12-year-old sister into care.
Child, 9, locked in seated position in father’s van for years ‘unable to walk’ | News World
Outside view of the building where a 9-year-old boy was rescued this week after living locked in his father’s utility van since 2024, in Hagenbach, Eastern France (Picture: AP)
A nine-year-old boy who was trapped in his dad’s van for two years, malnourished and without access to a toilet, has been rescued.
Neighbour heard ‘sounds of a child’ coming from a van, near but were initially told it was just a cat.
But officers who broke the vehicle open found the child ‘lying in a fetal position, naked, covered by a blanket on top of a mound of trash and near excrement,’ in Hagenback, on the Swiss and German borders, on Monday.
According to prosecutor Nicolas Heitz, the father, 43, told police that he put his son in the van in November 2024 ‘to protect him’ because his partner, 37, wanted to send him to a psychiatric hospital.
He also outlined the conditions his father held him in, telling the child to urinate in plastic bottles and defecate in bin bags, adding that his last shower was at the end of 2024.
The child was visibly malnourished and could no longer walk because he had been kept in a seated position for so long. He has now been taken to hospital.
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The perimeter of Hagenbach where the child was rescued (Picture: AP)
Heitz said the boy had no record of psychiatric issues before his disappearance and that he had good marks at school.
The child told police that he had ‘big difficulties’ with his father’s partner and that he thought his dad had ‘no choice’ other than to lock him up.
His father was held in police custody on kidnapping charges after his arrest, while the partner denied knowing anything about the boy being in the van.
She was also charged with failing to help a minor in danger but was released under judicial supervision.
The boy also has a 12-year-old sister, while the partner has a 10-year-old daughter too, who lived in a block of flats with the couple.
Both of them were taken into care by social services.
Friends and family told police they thought the boy was already in a psychiatric institution while his teachers were told he had moved to a new school – now detectives are looking into whether other people knew about his imprisonment.
Residents said they heard noises coming from the van but were told it was a cat. One, called Danielle, told reporters it was ‘truly devastating’.
She said: ‘We don’t understand it. It’s horrific, there are no words.
‘I never once noticed anything, never heard anything … It feels like we’re living in a movie or a dream, and we keep thinking, “Tomorrow I’ll wake up, and maybe it’s not real.” We just can’t comprehend it.’
The victim and his relatives were not named.
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Italian arms dealer pleads guilty to illegally exporting ammunition to Russia
5:00 pm
Italian arms dealer pleads guilty to illegally exporting ammunition to Russia
Arms Dealer Guilty
Manfred Gruber has pleaded guilty to illegally exporting over $540,000 worth of US ammunition to Russia via Kyrgyzstan, using Italian companies to bypass export controls.
Manfred Gruber has pleaded guilty to illegally exporting over $540,000 worth of US ammunition to Russia via Kyrgyzstan, using Italian companies to bypass export controls.
Legal Accountability
Manfred Gruber’s guilty plea underscores a proactive stance by US authorities in enforcing export control laws against illegal arms trafficking linked to international conflicts.
Manfred Gruber’s guilty plea underscores a proactive stance by US authorities in enforcing export control laws against illegal arms trafficking linked to international conflicts.
Official Statement
“Gruber’s crimes helped sustain a bloody war that has claimed countless lives,” stated Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A Eisenberg.
“Gruber’s crimes helped sustain a bloody war that has claimed countless lives,” stated Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A Eisenberg.
Key developments
An Italian arms dealer, Manfred Gruber, pleaded guilty to illegally exporting over $540,000 worth of US ammunition to Russia via Kyrgyzstan, violating US export controls, confirmed the US Department of Justice.
Gruber, who worked for a major Italian firearms distributor, used multiple companies to disguise his actions, purchasing ammunition from US suppliers without the necessary export licences covering re-exports to Kyrgyzstan.
His co-conspirator, Sergei Zharnovnikov, received a 39-month prison sentence earlier this year for similar charges. Gruber now awaits sentencing, with a maximum penalty of five years in prison for his offences.
Italian arms dealer pleads guilty to selling ammunition to Russia in US court
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An Italian arms dealer is being held in jail after pleading guilty to illegally exporting more than $540,000 (€461,000) worth of US ammunition to Russia via Kyrgyzstan, using Italian companies to circumvent export controls, the US Department of Justice revealed.
Manfred Gruber, a sales manager at a large Italian firearms distributor, appeared before US Magistrate Judge Taryn A Merkl for the Eastern District of New York on 30 March and admitted to conspiracy to commit export control violations.
Prosecutors said Gruber purchased ammunition from US suppliers and re-exported it from Italy to Kyrgyzstan in violation of Department of Commerce licences that required the ammunition to remain in Italy. Most of the ammunition was then sent onward to Russia.
Gruber’s co-conspirator, Sergei Zharnovnikov, a Kyrgyzstan-based arms dealer, was sentenced to 39 months in prison in January after pleading guilty to violating the Export Control Reform Act by sending US-made firearms and ammunition to Russia.
“Gruber’s crimes helped sustain a bloody war that has claimed countless lives,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A Eisenberg. “The National Security Division is committed to holding accountable those who illegally channel weapons and ammunition to the Russian war machine.”
Roman Rozhavsky, assistant director of the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division, said Gruber “put many lives at risk by illegally supplying Russia with American-made military-grade munitions worth hundreds of thousands of dollars to advance its war in Ukraine”.
“Today’s guilty plea demonstrates the grave consequences of violating US export controls and the FBI’s commitment to prosecuting those who illegally fuel the war efforts of our foreign adversaries,” Rozhavsky said.
How the scheme worked
US Attorney Joseph Nocella for the Eastern District of New York said Gruber used multiple companies to conceal his plan to send military-grade munitions to Kyrgyzstan before they were re-exported to Russia.
Court documents show Gruber did not apply for, obtain or hold any licence to export or re-export ammunition to Kyrgyzstan.
A Nebraska-based US company held a licence to export ammunition to Gruber’s Italian employer, but the licence required that the ammunition remain in Italy. Gruber used a front company to re-export the ammunition to Zharnovnikov in Kyrgyzstan.
A contract found on Zharnovnikov’s phone showed he had entered into an agreement with a Russian company for ammunition manufactured by the Nebraska supplier.
A second US company based in Tennessee also had a licence to export ammunition to Gruber’s employer in Italy with the same restriction. Gruber also re-exported this ammunition from Italy to Kyrgyzstan.
Encrypted messages
Prosecutors presented encrypted chat messages from 23 September 2023 between Gruber and an unidentified co-conspirator who has not been charged.
When the co-conspirator asked about delivering 100,000 bullets from the Nebraska supplier, Gruber wrote that he needed a few days to respond and asked whether the entire shipment had to be delivered at once.
“I’m asking because of the possible destination,” Gruber wrote. “They caught the Slovenian distributor who had triangulated with Russia… FBI International.”
The co-conspirator said the request came from an Armenian customer and the shipment could be split.
“I would say it would be better, so it goes unnoticed,” Gruber replied, followed by a winking emoji.
David Peters, assistant secretary for export enforcement at the Commerce Department, said the guilty plea demonstrates the government’s commitment to “vigorously enforcing US export control laws”.
Gruber faces sentencing at a later date. The maximum penalty for conspiracy to violate export controls is five years in prison.
Is Banksy Returning? Graffiti Tribute to Escaped Capybara Raises Questions | News UK
3:00 pm
Get you up to speed: Is Banksy Returning? Graffiti Tribute to Escaped Capybara Raises Questions | News UK
ARTWORK HOMAGE
Two Banksy-style murals of capybara Samba appeared at pubs near Marwell Zoo, where she remains missing despite extensive search efforts.
Two Banksy-style murals of capybara Samba appeared at pubs near Marwell Zoo, where she remains missing despite extensive search efforts.
ARTWORK DISCOVERY
Marwell Zoo continues to utilise thermal drones and specialist sniffer dogs in its ongoing search for Samba, a capybara that has been missing since March 17.
Marwell Zoo continues to utilise thermal drones and specialist sniffer dogs in its ongoing search for Samba, a capybara that has been missing since March 17.
SEARCH EFFORTS CONTINUE
Marwell Zoo remains dedicated to locating Samba, employing thermal drones and specialist tracking dogs in ongoing search operations amidst reported sightings.
Marwell Zoo remains dedicated to locating Samba, employing thermal drones and specialist tracking dogs in ongoing search operations amidst reported sightings.
What we know so far
Banksy-style murals of a capybara have begun appearing on pubs located near Marwell Zoo, where the rodent is currently on the loose. The artwork, featuring a capybara with a parachute, has perplexed pub managers who discovered the paintings overnight.
The murals are believed to be a tribute to Samba, the capybara that escaped from the zoo on March 17. While her sister, Tango, was found shortly after, Samba remains elusive despite extensive search efforts involving thermal drones and a specialist sniffer dog.
Marwell Zoo confirmed that sightings of Samba have been reported but none have led to her recovery. They stated, “Our teams remain fully committed and continue to carry out extensive searches both day and night.” Members of the public are urged to report any potential sightings of Samba to the zoo’s dedicated hotline.
The appearance of the murals has sparked excitement among local pub staff, who have affectionately dubbed the latest addition “Banksy-bara.” A spokesperson for The A Bar noted that such artwork is seen positively and not as vandalism.
In the ongoing search, Marwell continues to utilise various tracking technologies to locate Samba, who has been adapting to her surroundings since her escape.
Read in full
Is Banksy back? Graffiti paying homage to escaped capybara deepens mystery | News UK
Banksy-style artworks depicting a capybara have started appearing on pubs near a zoo where one of the giant rodents is on the loose.
Pub managers near Marwell Zoo say they have been puzzled by capybara murals appearing overnight.
Staff found the murals of the covert capybara with a parachute on its back painted on the side of two pubs in Hampshire when they started their shift.
It is thought to be a bizarre homage to Samba the capybara, who escaped from Marwell Zoo last month and is still on the run.
Nine-month-old Samba escaped from Marwell Zoo, near Southampton in Hampshire, on March 17, prompting huge search efforts involving thermal drones and a specialist sniffer dog.
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Marwell Zoo said that despite following up on several reported sightings, Samba remains on the loose.
Samba arrived at the zoo on March 16 after being transferred from Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park in Suffolk, but escaped the following day along with her sister Tango.
While Tango was quickly found nearby, Samba, described as the ‘more adventurous’ of the pair, could not be located.
Now, two Banksy-style murals have been found on pubs near Marwell in Southampton and Portsmouth.
A stencil was painted onto The A Bar, in Portsmouth, just weeks after an identical painting appeared on the wall at London Road Brew House, in Southampton, with the same tag.
Within the mural is the artist tag ‘Pidg’, which seemingly takes credit for The A Bar’s latest addition, but the identity of the creator remains unknown.
A spokesperson for The A Bar said: ‘It’s just above the flat roof, so the team arrived early this morning, so they saw it straight away and looked at the CCTV.
‘It was just before 3 o’clock this morning, and it was a masked person who was wearing a high-vis, and was carrying a bucket and a step ladder. I think it’s really fitting because it’s been prominent in the local news with Samba the capybara making the headlines.
‘There is definitely some excitement around it, and we don’t see it as ‘we’ve been targeted,’ but we think it’s really sweet and capybaras are so cute, so we aren’t mad about it. It isn’t massive or offensive.’
Skye Stevens, who works at the London Brew House pub and found the painting, said: ‘It must have appeared overnight. I think he’s adorable.
‘I sent it to the group chat, though, and they loved it. We’ve named him Banksy-bara.’
Marwell Zoo has said that they are still committed to finding Samba and have encouraged the public to report any sightings to the staff.
A spokesperson for Marwell Zoo said: ‘Our teams remain fully committed and continue to carry out extensive searches both day and night. We are still using specialist tracking dogs, thermal drone technology, and camera traps in key areas where Samba is most likely to travel, particularly along waterways and dense vegetation.
‘While this is a challenging search due to the size of the area and Samba’s natural instincts to stay hidden, we are not giving up and remain focused on bringing her home safely.’
Anyone who believes they have seen Samba is asked to contact the zoo on a dedicated 24-hour hotline at 07436 167401.
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