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Bones and clothing found in new search for Madeleine McCann

<p>Fragments of bone and items of clothing discovered during a recent search for Madeleine McCann in Portugal have been sent to Germany for forensic testing, according to new reports that offer a glimmer of hope in the long-running mystery.</p> <p>Despite initial claims the three-day operation yielded nothing significant, German media outlet Berliner Morgenpost reports that investigators did, in fact, collect “several objects” from the search site near Praia da Luz – an area linked to the prime suspect, Christian Brueckner.</p> <p>German police, in collaboration with Portuguese authorities, used ground-penetrating radar and heavy excavation equipment to comb through scrubland believed to have been used as a “rat run” by Brueckner, a convicted rapist. While early reports suggested the search was a flop, it has now emerged that small bone fragments and pieces of adult clothing were retrieved and sent to Germany for further analysis.</p> <p>A source quoted in the Morgenpost said: “Several objects have apparently been discovered, which are now being examined in more detail by the police in the laboratory. As Portuguese media report, clothing debris and bones were found, among other things. The investigators have not officially commented on whether the finds could have anything to do with Madeleine’s disappearance but that is clearly their hope.”</p> <p>Christian Brueckner, 38, has been under intense scrutiny since 2020 when German police named him as the prime suspect in the case. He is currently serving time in prison for unrelated offences, but prosecutors have struggled to secure a fresh arrest warrant tied to Madeleine’s disappearance due to a lack of concrete forensic evidence.</p> <p>This latest development may prove critical. Without a direct link tying Brueckner to the crime, authorities risk being unable to extend legal proceedings against him.</p> <p>Adding fuel to the speculation, British tabloid <em>The Sun</em> recently aired a bombshell documentary <em>Madeleine McCann: Inside the Secret Evidence</em>, which sheds light on disturbing findings at Brueckner’s abandoned factory in Germany. Items uncovered there include children’s clothing, a toddler’s bike, toys, a mask, guns and disturbing writings about child abduction – all part of what investigators describe as an overwhelming file of circumstantial evidence.</p> <p>The documentary also revealed that Brueckner allegedly discussed using chemicals like ether to kidnap a woman and child outside a preschool – details pulled directly from seized police files.</p> <p>While none of the recently discovered items have been definitively linked to Madeleine, their forensic examination is now seen as a vital next step. If a match is found, it could represent the most significant breakthrough in the case since Brueckner was identified as a suspect five years ago.</p> <p><em>Images: Supplied</em></p>

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Housemate arrested as search for missing Qld teen enters third week

<p>The housemate of missing Queensland teenager Pheobe Bishop has been arrested as part of the police investigation into her disappearance, three weeks after the 17-year-old vanished.</p> <p>James Wood, 34, was taken into custody in Bundaberg on Wednesday and is assisting police with inquiries. While no charges have been laid, his arrest marks a significant development in a case that has gripped the state and devastated Pheobe’s family.</p> <p>Pheobe was last seen on May 15 when she was due to board a flight at Bundaberg Airport but failed to show. Her disappearance prompted an intensive search of her home in Gin Gin, near Bundaberg, and surrounding bushland, including the vast Good Night Scrub National Park.</p> <p>That physical search, involving Queensland Police and the State Emergency Service (SES), was officially suspended on May 28 after five days of combing through the rugged terrain. Police say that, while ground operations have paused, the investigation remains active and multiple leads are still being followed.</p> <p>“There are currently no physical searches for Pheobe at this stage, however physical searches will happen as needed and as information is provided,” a police spokesperson said.</p> <p>The arrest of Wood comes amid mounting public scrutiny and a desperate plea from Pheobe’s mother, Kylie Johnson, who posted an emotional update on Facebook as the search entered its 20th day.</p> <p>“I don’t know if life will ever be the same again,” she wrote. “What I do know is that people have information on where you are, Phee, and we need that reported to police.”</p> <p>Ms Johnson also shared a photograph of Pheobe and urged the public to come forward with any sightings or footage of a <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/people-don-t-vanish-police-step-up-search-for-missing-teen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">grey Hyundai ix35 with Queensland registration 414 EW3</a> – a vehicle owned by Wood, which police believe Pheobe was travelling in before her disappearance.</p> <p>Pheobe’s case has attracted widespread attention and support online, but it has also exposed Ms Johnson to heartless trolling – particularly after she appeared in a police video appeal asking for information. Despite the backlash, Ms Johnson has continued to post daily messages in the hope of keeping her daughter’s case in the public eye.</p> <p>“My posts aren’t public to defend myself or react to negative comments,” she wrote. “In fact, negative comments also draw conversations and that’s what we as a family need to bring Phee home.”</p> <p>She has called for empathy amid the criticism, writing: “Show me how to navigate this? Show me how to deal with the unknown and the uncertainty? Show me how to use perfect language and emotion in a situation that no parent ever wants to be in.”</p> <p>Queensland Police reiterated that the greater Gin Gin area remains a focus of the investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers or their local police station.</p> <p><em>Images: Queensland Police / Facebook</em></p>

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"She's here!": Sunrise welcomes newest member to the family

<p>There’s a brand new reason to smile in the <em>Sunrise</em> family, with popular reporter Liam Tapper announcing the arrival of his second child – a beautiful baby girl named Josie!</p> <p>The 33-year-old Seven Network star and his wife Georgia welcomed their newest bundle of joy recently. Josie is now the adorable little sister to the couple’s first daughter, Maya, who is already embracing her new role as big sister.</p> <p>The heartwarming news was shared on <em>Sunrise</em> by hosts Nat Barr and Matt Shirvington. “Liam says Georgia was a superstar in labour,” Shirvington told viewers, as the team beamed with excitement. Barr added: “Josie is a little sister for Maya, who is already loving being a big sister. We’re looking forward to meeting Josie real soon.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ7sQEgTj0W/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ7sQEgTj0W/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Liam Tapper (@liamtapper)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Well-wishes poured in from Tapper’s colleagues and fans alike.</p> <p>“Josie! Welcome to the world sweet girl. We’re thrilled for you all and look forward to a babycino sometime soon,” <em>Sunrise </em>weatherman Sam Mac wrote.</p> <p>“She’s here!! Looks like Josie already has her pussycats wrapped around her tiny finger. Congrats to you all,” said <em>The Morning Show</em>’s Kylie Gillies.</p> <p>Larry Emdur added his signature charm to the moment, sharing, “Huge congrats to you all ... lots of luv.” And in true Emdur fashion, he jokingly lamented on air, “(I’m) very upset, he (Liam) did say he was going to name the baby Kylie so whatever.”</p> <p>Tapper, a regular contributor to <em>The Morning Show</em>, recently gave fans a glimpse into his happy home life, sharing a sweet Father’s Day moment in May. “Maya and I spent the afternoon painting these mugs from Georgia … Safe to say my cup is very full,” he wrote.</p> <p>Now, with little Josie in their arms, that cup is fuller than ever.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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New Madeleine McCann search underway

<p>Portuguese police have launched a new search operation in the Algarve region for clues in the 2007 disappearance of British toddler Madeleine McCann. The operation, taking place between June 2 and June 6 in the Municipality of Lagos, follows a formal request from German prosecutors in Braunschweig, according to Portugal’s Judicial Police (PJ).</p> <p>In a statement released Monday, the PJ confirmed it is executing a European Investigation Order on behalf of German authorities, who have identified German citizen Christian Brueckner as the prime suspect in the case.</p> <p>Brueckner, currently imprisoned in Germany for unrelated crimes, has not been charged in connection with McCann’s disappearance and continues to deny any involvement.</p> <p>The latest search effort is centred on an area between Praia da Luz – where McCann vanished in May 2007 while on holiday with her family – and a property previously inhabited by Brueckner at the time of her disappearance. According to reports from CNN Portugal and Germany's <em>Bild</em> newspaper, authorities are focusing on uncovering potential evidence, including traces of McCann’s remains.</p> <p>All material collected during the search will be transferred to Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), the PJ said.</p> <p>Braunschweig prosecutors confirmed to Reuters that “criminal procedural measures” related to the McCann case are being carried out in Portugal with the involvement of both the BKA and Portuguese law enforcement. However, they declined to provide further details.</p> <p>The UK’s Metropolitan Police, which has long been involved in the investigation, stated they are aware of the latest developments but are not actively participating in the current search. “We continue to support our international colleagues where necessary,” the force said in a statement.</p> <p>German authorities declared in 2020 that they believe Madeleine McCann is dead and suspect Brueckner to be responsible. The 47-year-old, a convicted child abuser and drug trafficker, is serving a prison sentence for the rape of a 72-year-old woman in the same Algarve region.</p> <p>The last significant search related to the case occurred in May 2023 at an inland reservoir in southern Portugal, but it yielded no new evidence.</p> <p>Eighteen years after her disappearance, the case of Madeleine McCann continues to captivate and confound investigators across Europe.</p> <p><em>Images: Supplied</em></p>

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From tragedy to joy: Channel 9 star shares baby news

<p>In a beautiful announcement that has touched hearts across the country, 9News Perth presenter Tracy Vo has shared the joyful news that she and husband Liam Connolly are expecting a baby girl – their rainbow baby – due on October 7.</p> <p>The couple’s exciting news comes just months after they experienced the devastating loss of their son, James, when Vo was five months pregnant in 2024. Now, the couple is embracing hope and healing with the anticipation of a new chapter in their lives.</p> <p>“We had some extra baggage during our Vietnam adventure,” Vo shared on Instagram, accompanied by a radiant photo. “Our rainbow baby is due in Spring 🌈 We can’t wait to meet our baby girl and Sophia is excited to be a big sister. We know our boy James is looking after his little sister already 🤍.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DKQjHGYTHqE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DKQjHGYTHqE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Tracy Vo (@tracy_vo)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The due date carries a special significance – October 7 marks Tracy and Liam’s second wedding anniversary. “We were like, ‘Oh, well, it’s meant to be!’” she <a href="https://honey.nine.com.au/parenting/irena-gilbert-pregnancy-after-loss-no-one-tells-you-experience-rainbow-baby-anxiety-regret/6a00d6cd-32a8-47fd-82ff-9c414a1bfe47" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told 9News</a>.</p> <p>Vo, 41, opened up about the complex emotions that come with expecting after loss, describing their journey as “cautiously excited”. She and Liam waited until 21 weeks to share the news with loved ones, choosing to keep it close as they processed both hope and anxiety.</p> <p>“I think as the months go on it becomes more real and a step closer to having our little girl in our arms,” she said. “We’re just counting down those weeks.”</p> <p>Tracy says the experience has brought her and Liam even closer, strengthening their marriage through shared grief, healing and unwavering support.</p> <p>“I’m very grateful that Liam was a huge support,” she said. “We also had a great support network as well – our family, our friends.”</p> <p>The couple gently shared the happy news with Connolly’s six-year-old daughter, Sophia, by giving her a teddy bear that revealed the baby’s gender. Now eagerly preparing to be a big sister, Sophia is joining the family in their excitement.</p> <p>As for pregnancy cravings? “Cookies and ice cream,” Tracy revealed. “And then oranges. I’m just loving oranges. I could just eat oranges all day!”</p> <p>Vo hopes their story brings comfort and encouragement to others who have experienced pregnancy loss. Since sharing her journey, she has received messages from people with similar stories – all bound by strength.</p> <p>“Hopefully it just spreads the hope and the love for people out there,” Vo said.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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"People don't vanish": Police step up search for missing teen

<p>The search for 17-year-old Pheobe Bishop has entered its second week, as Queensland Police continue to investigate her suspicious disappearance from Bundaberg.</p> <p>Pheobe was last seen on May 15, when her housemates claimed they dropped her off at Bundaberg Regional Airport around 8:30am. She was due to fly to Western Australia via Brisbane to visit her boyfriend, but police have since confirmed that she never entered the airport terminal or boarded her flight.</p> <p>Detectives have declared two active crime scenes: the Gin Gin home where Pheobe lived with a couple, and a grey Hyundai ix35 believed to have transported her to the airport. Investigators are combing both locations for clues.</p> <p>“Police have reviewed CCTV from the airport, which indicates that she did not enter the terminal,” said Detective Acting Inspector Ryan Thompson during a press conference. “This is a suspicious disappearance, and we’re treating it very seriously.”</p> <p>While no arrests have been made, police are speaking with individuals who knew Pheobe and are appealing to the public for help.</p> <p>Authorities are specifically requesting dashcam or CCTV footage of the grey Hyundai ix35, Queensland registration 414EW3, in the vicinity of Airport Drive and Samuels Road in Bundaberg, as well as the Gin Gin area on the day Pheobe vanished.</p> <p>“You may have the small piece of information that leads us to finding Pheobe,” said Thompson. “People don’t vanish – someone knows something, and we’re urging anyone with information to come forward immediately.”</p> <p>Pheobe’s family has distributed more than 400 missing person flyers across Bundaberg and Gin Gin and have been conducting their own searches through local rivers and bushland.</p> <p>She is described as being approximately 180cm tall, with a pale complexion, long dyed red hair, and hazel eyes. She was last seen carrying luggage and wearing a green tank top and grey trackpants.</p> <p>Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online via the Queensland Police website.</p> <p><em>Images: Queensland Police</em></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

Caring

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Huge update in search for Samantha Murphy's body

<p>The man accused of murdering Ballarat mother Samantha Murphy has reportedly been removed from prison and taken under heavy police guard to bushland near Ballarat, as Victoria Police intensify their search for her remains.</p> <p>Patrick Orren Stephenson, 23, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of the 51-year-old, was previously escorted to the search site from jail last year. According to <em>Sunrise</em>, he remains under tight security as police continue their investigation.</p> <p>Murphy was last seen on February 4 last year, setting out for a routine 14-kilometre run through the Canadian State Forest. Despite extensive searches by police and community volunteers across the Canadian State Forest, Enfield State Park, and the Buninyong Bushland Reserve, her body has not been found.</p> <p>While police have not confirmed that Stephenson is cooperating with the search, nor suggested that he knows the location of Murphy's body, his presence at the scene signals ongoing investigative efforts.</p> <p>In June last year, a significant breakthrough emerged when Murphy’s personal belongings – including her credit cards, driver’s licence and an iPhone encased in a teal cover – were discovered submerged in mud at the bottom of a dam in Buninyong, close to her home. Investigators found the phone in near-perfect condition, raising hopes that its data might reveal clues about Murphy's final movements.</p> <p>Police subsequently focused their search on bushland south of Buninyong, roughly two kilometres from the dam.</p> <p>Victoria Police have declined to comment on the latest developments, citing the ongoing court proceedings. Stephenson’s trial is expected to take place later this year.</p> <p>During a February court hearing, Prosecutor Raymond Gibson KC indicated that police officers and a DNA expert are among eight proposed witnesses for the trial. The list also includes a road crash reconstruction specialist, a digital data expert and a phone data analyst.</p> <p>Stephenson, the son of former AFL player Orren Stephenson, had never personally met Murphy. However, the pair shared a local connection: Murphy volunteered at the uniform shop at St Francis Xavier Primary School, where Stephenson had been a student.</p> <p>It is understood that police had been monitoring Stephenson for two weeks prior to his arrest in March last year, at a Ballarat home where he and his girlfriend were house-sitting.</p> <p>The investigation continues.</p> <p><em>Images: File photos</em></p>

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"Devastated": Brisbane IVF recipient gives birth to another couple's baby

<p>A woman has given birth to another couple’s child after a critical error at a Brisbane fertility clinic resulted in the wrong embryo being transferred during treatment.</p> <p>Monash IVF, a leading fertility provider operating across Australia, has issued an apology following the distressing incident, which occurred at one of its clinics in Brisbane. The mistake came to light in February when the biological parents of the child requested their remaining embryos be transferred to a different IVF provider.</p> <p>“Instead of finding the expected number of embryos, an additional embryo remained in storage for the birth parents,” Monash IVF revealed in a statement. An investigation confirmed that an embryo from another patient had been mistakenly thawed and implanted in the woman, resulting in her giving birth to a child who is genetically unrelated to her.</p> <p>Monash IVF attributed the error to human mistake and said the affected parents were informed of the situation within a week of its discovery.</p> <p>Michael Knaap, the chief executive of Monash IVF, expressed deep regret over the incident. “All of us at Monash IVF are devastated and we apologise to everyone involved,” he said. “We have undertaken additional audits and we’re confident that this is an isolated incident.”</p> <p>To ensure accountability and transparency, the fertility provider has appointed Victorian Senior Counsel Fiona McLeod to conduct an independent investigation. Monash IVF has pledged to fully implement any recommendations arising from the review.</p> <p>The case has also been reported to the Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee, Queensland's assisted reproductive technology regulator.</p> <p>This is not the first controversy faced by Monash IVF. In August last year, the group agreed to a $56 million settlement with more than 700 former patients after allegations it destroyed healthy embryos due to faulty genetic screening. A class action claimed that around 35 per cent of embryos classified as abnormal were, in fact, viable. Although Monash IVF settled the case through mediation, it did not admit to any wrongdoing.</p> <p><em>Images: Today / Shutterstock</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Baby Lightning strikes! Aussie Olympian gives birth to fifth child

<p>Aussie Olympic champion Libby Trickett has shared some joyful news – her family has grown with the arrival of baby number five!</p> <p>The 40-year-old swimmer took to Instagram to announce the birth of her newest bundle of joy, revealing his beautiful name and details of his arrival. Trickett and her husband, Luke, proudly welcomed Archie Wilson Lightning Trickett into the world at 7:51am on April 3rd, via an elective caesarean. Baby Archie weighed in at a healthy 3.99kg and measured 53cm long.</p> <p>"The shape of our family is complete," Trickett wrote, beaming with happiness. "Definitely promise it’s for reals this time! I’m really almost certain this time... though I’ve come to realise that I probably would have babies forever. I know that I’ve pushed my body to its absolute limits with this one."</p> <p>Trickett shared that Archie’s arrival was a calm and joyous experience, filled with laughter and love. "Every birth I’ve had has been extraordinary and this one was no different. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to meet our baby boy," she added.</p> <p>The couple’s new arrival is already adored by his siblings, as Trickett sweetly noted that Archie is being "suitably smothered" by his three big sisters and big brother. "We have all been struck with love," she gushed.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIF32JMxCiX/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIF32JMxCiX/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Libby Trickett (@libby_trickett)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>In a fun twist, Trickett revealed that they never found out the gender of any of their children during pregnancy – and she managed to guess wrong every single time! "I didn’t predict a single one and I feel so lucky because I couldn’t have wished for more," she laughed.</p> <p>The heartwarming announcement was met with a flood of congratulatory messages from friends, fans and fellow athletes. Surfing legend Mick Fanning commented, "Congratulations," while fellow swimming great Grant Hackett wrote, "Woohoo 🎉 A massive congratulations." Olympian Jana Pittman also chimed in, saying, "Enormous congrats xxxxx."</p> <p>With their growing family now complete, the Tricketts are soaking up every moment of love and joy with little Archie.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

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Sad end to search for missing Queensland mother

<p>The family of Tayla Spies, a 29-year-old mother-of-three who <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/major-breakthrough-over-mother-of-three-missing-for-two-months" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vanished over two months ago</a>, has confirmed the devastating news that human remains found near her abandoned vehicle belong to her.</p> <p>Her sister, Rebecca Spies, shared the heartbreaking update in an emotional post on Facebook on Sunday.</p> <p>“It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the devastating loss of our beautiful Tayla,” she wrote. “Although she may no longer be here with us, she will always be in our hearts and I will carry her with me wherever I go.”</p> <p>Rebecca expressed deep gratitude to the many people who supported the family throughout the agonising search for Tayla.</p> <p>“We truly will be forever grateful to our family and friends for surrounding us, supporting us, picking us up when we fell down and for never letting us walk one step of this alone," she said. "Tayla was and always will be so incredibly loved, more than she would ever know. Please bear with us as we grieve and navigate through this excruciating loss as a family.”</p> <p>Tayla’s disappearance on February 2 sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community of Roma. She had been on a weekend trip with her partner in Dalby, several hours from home, when she was last seen. After leaving the Windsor Hotel, she set off alone in her white 2017 Toyota HiLux, while her partner travelled separately.</p> <p>She was later seen refuelling at a service station in Condamine. However, in a puzzling turn of events, Tayla did not follow her usual route home to Roma. Instead, she unexpectedly turned onto the Carnarvon Highway towards the New South Wales border after reaching Surat – a decision that left her family baffled.</p> <p>“Nobody knows why she turned left in Surat to head south instead of north to Roma,” Rebecca had previously told the <em>Brisbane Times</em>. “A number of people had heard from Tayla over the weekend that she disappeared, and she had told everybody on Sunday, February 2, that she was coming home to Roma.”</p> <p>In the painful weeks that followed, there had been no activity on Tayla’s bank accounts or phone, and she heartbreakingly missed her 29th birthday. Police mounted an intensive search, scouring a sprawling 9,000 square kilometres across Western Downs, from Yuleba and Wullumbilla South to Teelba, Glenmorgan and Meandarra.</p> <p>Hope turned to heartbreak on April 3, when Tayla’s HiLux was discovered. Human remains were located nearby shortly after.</p> <p>In a tearful TikTok video, Rebecca revealed that she received the devastating call on Friday. “The police and my family do believe those remains are Tayla’s,” she said. “I was told, at 12.25, that they found remains and it’s most likely my sister.”</p> <p>As of now, police are yet to formally confirm the identity of the remains.</p> <p>Loved ones remember Tayla as a devoted mother and cherished sister whose life was tragically cut short. The family has asked for privacy as they grieve and begin the painful journey of healing.</p> <p><em>Images: Queensland Police</em></p>

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Robert Irwin trades khakis for undies in bold new shoot

<p>Move over, crocodiles – there’s a new reptilian threat to Australian wildlife, and yes . . . you guessed it: it’s Robert Irwin’s python. </p> <p>The 21-year-old wildlife warrior and noted khaki enthusiast has undergone a full-scale metamorphosis, trading in his signature cargo shorts for something a little more… breathable. That’s right, Robert Irwin is now an underwear model</p> <p>The <em>I’m A Celeb</em> co-host has been unveiled as the latest face (and torso) of Bonds Underwear, joining Australian rapper Tkay Maidza in a new campaign aimed at expanding the brand’s reach in the US. And reach it certainly has – thanks to a campaign that features Irwin draped in snakes, a strategically placed spider... and very little else.</p> <p>Since going live at midnight on the Bonds Instagram account, the photos have sent the internet into a tailspin. Some fans were quick to declare the campaign “iconic” and “hot”, while others are grappling with the existential crisis of finding Steve Irwin’s son attractive. “I feel dirty,” one commenter admitted, presumably before closing their laptop in shame.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DH_D93lsD3j/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DH_D93lsD3j/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by BONDS (@bondsaus)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Morning show hosts, meanwhile, are struggling to keep it together. <em>Today</em> host Sarah Abo, upon seeing the revealing images, was left flustered on-air, musing about Irwin’s “python”. “It is quite long, isn’t it?” she remarked, before realising what she had just said and attempting to backpedal – unsuccessfully.</p> <p>In a strategic move to maximise thirst levels, Bonds has launched the campaign in the US alongside a <em>People</em> magazine interview, in which Irwin confirmed that, yes, he is single. “I’m single. It’s funny, I’m at this point in my life where I’m like, I’m so open to that, but I’m just waiting for the stars to align,” he told the outlet, prompting an immediate rush of applications from hopeful admirers worldwide.</p> <p>And while this is far from Irwin’s first foray into the world of high-fashion photoshoots – he’s previously graced the pages of <em>GQ</em> and <em>Stellar – </em>this marks the first time we’ve seen quite so… much of him.</p> <p>One thing’s for certain: Steve Irwin wrestled crocodiles, but Robert Irwin is wrestling with the internet’s thirst.</p> <p>Crikey, indeed.</p> <p><em>Images: Bonds, Instagram</em></p>

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"Best news ever!": The Matildas baby boom continues

<p>The Matildas family has another reason to celebrate, after veteran midfielder Tameka Yallop and her wife, former New Zealand international star Kirsty Yallop, announced that they are expecting their second child together.</p> <p>The joyful news was shared with a heartwarming family reveal featuring their daughter, Harley, proudly holding ultrasound photos.</p> <p>"We have been hanging out to share this special news... Harley is bursting with excitement that she is going to be a big sister," the Yallops wrote. "Baby Yallop number two coming soon."</p> <p>The announcement has been met with an outpouring of love and congratulations from teammates and fans alike. Matildas defender Ellie Carpenter was among the first to celebrate, calling it the "Best news ever!!" Goalkeeper Teagan Micah added, "AHHH CONGRATS! Best news. She will be an amazing older sister!!!!" Meanwhile, midfielder Katrina Gorry shared, "Congrats Meeks. So excited for you guys."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DH2lpxXRoHX/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DH2lpxXRoHX/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Kirsty Yallop (@kirsty.yallop)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The Yallops’ new addition will join a growing number of young members in the extended Matildas family. Kirsty, who retired from football in 2018, gave birth to Harley in 2020. Gorry, affectionately known as "Mini", welcomed her daughter Harper in 2021, and last year, her partner Clara Markstedt gave birth to their son, Koby.</p> <p>The baby boom continues among the Matildas, with captain Sam Kerr and her fiancée Kristie Mewis also preparing to welcome their first child in May. Mewis, 34, has temporarily stepped away from her career with West Ham and the US national team to carry their baby boy.</p> <p>While celebrations are in full swing, the Matildas also face a minor setback as Gorry has been ruled out of the upcoming matches against South Korea due to an ankle injury sustained while playing for West Ham on Sunday. The extent of the injury remains unclear, but she is already undergoing rehabilitation.</p> <p>Stepping in for Gorry is Melbourne City’s Leah Davidson, who has earned her second call-up to the national squad.</p> <p>With growing families and exciting matches ahead, the Matildas continue to show that they are not only champions on the field but also in life. Congratulations to the Yallop family on their wonderful news!</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Yes, it’s a terrible idea to pick up or interfere with wild animals – especially baby wombats. Here’s why

<div class="theconversation-article-body">It was hard to watch. In a now-deleted Instagram reel, American influencer Sam Jones is filmed <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-12/us-influencer-removes-joey-wombat-from-mother/105041800">picking up</a> a young wombat, separating it from its mother, and running with it back to the car for a pose. In the background, the distressed mother tries to follow. At one point, Jones says: “Momma’s right there and she’s pissed. Let’s let him go.”</p> <p>We have spent our careers working with wildlife. Seeing a joey separated from her mother for social media content was unsettling. The encounter will have made stress levels soar for the baby and mother.</p> <p>Unfortunately, we are seeing a rise in people directly interacting with wildlife through <a href="https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/csp2.12958">feeding them</a> or <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/13683500.2020.1828312">taking risks</a> to get close to them, often driven by the pursuit of social media attention. These interactions can hurt wildlife in <a href="https://theconversation.com/liked-to-death-the-social-media-race-for-nature-photos-can-trash-ecosystems-or-trigger-rapid-extinction-235951">many different ways</a>.</p> <p>While there’s a natural tendency to want to connect with wildlife, wild animals often see humans as a threat. When we get too close, we can trigger fear responses such as increased heart rates and heightened stress hormones. Indeed, the consequences of interfering with wildlife can be <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175106">far-reaching</a>.</p> <p>Jones was lucky not to have been injured – wombats weigh up to 40 kilograms and have teeth and claws they can use for defence. She could still come down with scabies – wombats often have mange, caused by the parasitic mite which gives us scabies.</p> <p>Others have been less lucky. People feeding dingoes on K'Gari <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/feb/02/more-and-more-tourists-are-being-attacked-by-dingoes-on-queenslands-kgari-can-it-be-stopped">has brought</a> these wild canines closer to people, leading to attacks. In response, authorities have occasionally opted to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/jan/21/dingoes-pay-the-ultimate-price-on-kgari-but-some-believe-people-are-the-real-menace">kill</a> dingoes.</p> <p>Official approvals are required to capture and handle wildlife. Engaging in these activities without the necessary permits is typically illegal. These regulations are to safeguard wildlife from harm and protect humans as well.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3PhLPCXPseo?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption><span class="caption">Instagram clip shows US influencer Sam Jones picking up a baby wombat.</span></figcaption></figure> <h2>What was wrong with the influencer’s behaviour?</h2> <p>What many people found difficult to see in the clip was the clear distress seen in both joey and mother.</p> <p>Wombat joeys are fully dependent on their mothers for between 18 months and two years – one of the longest periods for any marsupial. Interfering with this bond stresses both animals.</p> <p>The incident also took place on a road, increasing their risk of being hit by a vehicle – one of the biggest <a href="https://theconversation.com/2-biggest-threats-to-wombats-revealed-in-new-data-gathered-by-citizen-scientists-215713">threats to wombats</a>.</p> <p>Wildlife are exactly that – wild life. When we interact with wild creatures, we interrupt what they are doing. This can <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175106">harm</a> the individual – and often, the group – by inducing physical or psychological stress, and changes in behaviour.</p> <h2>We want to connect – but it’s bad for the animals</h2> <p>Many of us draw a mental line between our pets and wild animals. Our cats and dogs jump up for a pat and seek our affection. Wouldn’t wild creatures enjoy the same thing?</p> <p>It took thousands of years to domesticate dogs, cats and other animals. Wild animals, on the other hand, perceive us very differently – often as a potential threat.</p> <p>When we feed wildlife food they are not used to, <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-you-can-help-not-harm-wild-animals-recovering-from-bushfires-131385#:%7E:text=In%20urgent%20cases%2C%20such%20as,wildlife%20veterinary%20hospitals%20for%20care.">it can make</a> them sick, or contribute to long term metabolic issues.</p> <p>Visitors often feed chips to quokkas on Rottnest Island, but these salty snacks can sicken the animals, which should be eating <a href="https://www.publish.csiro.au/wr/wr03051">grasses, stems and leaves</a>.</p> <p>Tourists flock to areas with wild kangaroos and often offer them food. But as they become used to our presence, they can still lash out. People <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/may/02/kangaroo-attacks-on-tourists-prompt-warnings-to-stop-feeding-them-junk-food">have been injured</a>, some badly.</p> <figure class="align-center zoomable">Touching animals comes with risks, from being scratched by koalas to being bitten by snakes. When a US wildlife expert was filmed touching a huge great white shark off Hawaii, dozens of people tried to <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-01-18/conservationist-slammed-for-touching-huge-shark-off-hawaii/10725478">follow suit</a> – despite the risks.</figure> <p>Then there’s the disease risk. Wombats suffer from <a href="https://theconversation.com/2-biggest-threats-to-wombats-revealed-in-new-data-gathered-by-citizen-scientists-215713">sarcoptic mange</a>, while other marsupials may have <a href="https://theconversation.com/toxoplasma-the-parasite-that-takes-over-our-brains-197100">toxoplasmosis</a>, which can trigger miscarriages and neurological issues. Handling wild birds can give us the dangerous disease <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psittacosis">psittacosis</a>.</p> <p>If you don’t have a permit, you should stay at a safe distance and watch the animal. The goal is to avoid interfering, and respect the animal’s autonomy and what it’s trying to do, whether that’s finding food, finding a mate, sleeping, or just lounging about.</p> <h2>Are more people trying to interact with animals?</h2> <p>After the COVID pandemic, many of us have been seeking outdoor experiences. Camping is <a href="https://www.austrade.gov.au/en/news-and-analysis/news/the-rise-of-nature-based-tourism-in-australia">on the rise</a>, as is ecotourism.</p> <p>At the same time, some influencers are trying to interact with wildlife, perhaps mimicking famous figures such as the late Steve Irwin. Irwin’s father, Bob, recently <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/apr/06/queensland-urged-to-prosecute-would-be-influencers-who-enter-crocodile-habitat">called for</a> harsher penalties for influencers entering crocodile territory after many close calls.</p> <p>Watching trained wildlife handlers can give us false confidence. We might think: if they do it, why can’t I?</p> <p>The problem is, wildlife handling is risky. Bites are common, even for trained experts. When we undertake wildlife research, we use gloves, cages, hoods and so on to reduce the risk to us and the stress to the animal.</p> <p>Wildlife carers who take on the role of rearing wombat joeys have to be <a href="https://doi.org/10.1071/AM24025">well trained</a> – and dedicated. Joeys need to be fed special milk <a href="https://theconversation.com/wallaby-joeys-and-platypus-puggles-are-tiny-and-undeveloped-when-born-but-their-mothers-milk-is-near-magical-207726">suited to marsupials</a> – cow’s milk is no good. They have to be fed round the clock in the early months.</p> <p>In many cases we are aware of, untrained individuals have attempted to rescue wombats or kangaroo joeys only to discover they can’t meet their specific care needs. Unfortunately, this often results in the joeys being abandoned or handed over to wildlife carers in poor condition.</p> <p>This doesn’t mean that interactions with animals are off-limits. Zoos and wildlife sanctuaries provide opportunities to handle captive animals under expert supervision. Volunteering with wildlife carers or training to become a carer are viable ways to engage with animals responsibly.</p> <p>Influencers don’t have to grab an animal from the wild to show how amazing it is. You can show natural behaviour by following an animal from a safe distance or use existing footage.</p> <p>If you can’t captivate an audience with the wonders of wildlife without harassing a wild animal, then perhaps it’s time to rethink and refine your social media strategy.</p> <p>When we are out in the bush, it’s natural to be fascinated by the presence of wild creatures. But we must find ways of building our connection with nature without harming what we see – and without risking harm to ourselves.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/252164/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p>By <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/julie-old-186935">Julie Old</a>, Associate Professor in Biology, Zoology and Animal Science, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/western-sydney-university-1092">Western Sydney University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/dale-nimmo-15432">Dale Nimmo</a>, Professor in Ecology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/charles-sturt-university-849">Charles Sturt University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/hayley-stannard-560761">Hayley Stannard</a>, Senior Lecturer in Animal Anatomy and Physiology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/charles-sturt-university-849">Charles Sturt University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/robert-davis-225195">Robert Davis</a>, Associate Professor in Wildlife Conservation, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/edith-cowan-university-720">Edith Cowan University</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/yes-its-a-terrible-idea-to-pick-up-or-interfere-with-wild-animals-especially-baby-wombats-heres-why-252164">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: WikiCommons</em></p> </div>

Family & Pets

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Three's a charm: Olympic champ shares baby news!

<p>Australian Olympic champion Kyle Chalmers and his Norwegian swimmer fiancée Ingeborg Loyning have shared joyous news: they are expecting their first child. The couple, who have been together since 2022, celebrated their engagement ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics, and now they are preparing to welcome a baby girl later this year.</p> <p>The announcement was made with heartfelt social media posts featuring ultrasound photos, matching 'mum' and 'dad' hats, and an adorable gender reveal. “We can’t wait to welcome our little Norwegian princess into the world later this year,” they wrote.</p> <p>The swimming community erupted with excitement over the news. Australian great Grant Hackett congratulated the couple, while Olympic champion Ariarne Titmus and fellow swimmer Shayna Jack expressed their happiness with enthusiastic messages. Isaac Cooper, British star Adam Peaty, and Dutch Olympic gold medallist Ranomi Kromowidjojo also sent their best wishes, with Kromowidjojo joking about a baby boom in the swimming world. She recently became a mother herself, while Italian legend Federica Pellegrini welcomed a child last year, and Swedish champion Sarah Sjostrom is currently pregnant.</p> <p>"This might gonna be a sick Olympic final some day," Kromowidjojo quipped, prompting World Aquatics to respond, "We can’t wait for 2044 then."</p> <p>Loyning, who competed for Norway at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, holds several national backstroke records and secured four titles at last year’s Norwegian national championships. Since moving to Adelaide to be with Chalmers, she has also become involved in his swimming academy.</p> <p>Chalmers, 26, cemented his Olympic legacy with a third straight medal in the 100m freestyle at Paris 2024, having won gold in Rio 2016. He also added silver in the 4x100m freestyle relay and bronze in the 4x100m mixed medley, bringing his total Olympic medal count to nine.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DHFxbaNJUq-/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DHFxbaNJUq-/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Ingeborg Løyning (@ingeborgvloyning)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>As the couple embarks on this new chapter, they have received an outpouring of support from the global swimming fraternity. Their fans and fellow athletes eagerly await the arrival of their little "Norwegian princess", who just might follow in her parents' Olympic-sized footsteps.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Adriano Zumbo’s joyous family news

<p>Adriano Zumbo is expecting his second child with wife Nelly Riggio. </p> <p>The couple shared the exciting news on Instagram, with a photo of Riggio cradling her baby bump and the caption: "Hi little gal."</p> <p>They already have a one-year-old son, Maximus Mario Zumbo together. </p> <p>"We are baking something very special," they shared in their pregnancy announcement for their first child together on May 2023. </p> <p>"Most definitely our greatest creation yet. Little baby macaron due November."</p> <p>Maximus was born premature at just 33 weeks, but is now a happy and healthy one-year-old. </p> <p>Zumbo and Riggio have previously shared their struggles with fertility, after trying to conceive naturally for three years. </p> <p>Shortly after the birth of their first child, on October 9, 2023, Riggio appeared on the <em>Fitness Mama </em>podcast to talk about the couple's journey to parenthood. </p> <p>Riggio said that while she was struggling to get pregnant, she was watching her friends celebrate their own pregnancies, which took an emotional toll on her. </p> <p>The couple eventually decided to pursue IVF, but their first two attempts were unsuccessful. </p> <p>Riggio described the IVF journey as a "huge struggle" but worth it after she had fallen pregnant with Maximus. </p> <p>"We waited a long time for you my Maxy," Riggio wrote on Instagram alongside a black and white video of Maximus shortly after his birth. </p> <p>"Every day with you is a blessing, our presence has filled out hearts with boundless love. Thank you for choosing us."</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

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"Could not be happier": Channel 7 commentator's baby joy

<p>AFL great and Channel 7 commentator Dale Thomas and his wife Natasha have announced that they are expecting their first child together. </p> <p>The couple told family and friends over Christmas before announcing their baby joy to the public on Monday. </p> <p>“Tash and I could not be happier to be welcoming our baby into the world in August,” the former Carlton and Collingwood player said. </p> <p>“Last year started with the high of our wedding and ended with this fantastic news.</p> <p>“Telling loved ones over the Christmas period made for some wonderful memories and some brilliant reactions, and we will treasure this forever.</p> <p>“This next chapter has us both so excited.</p> <p>“As happy as we are to be sharing this great personal news, we also want to acknowledge and send big love and thoughts to those who are still waiting for their baby joy.</p> <p>“We appreciate how difficult and sensitive it can be.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGusT0yz1zr/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGusT0yz1zr/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Dale Thomas (@dthomas_39)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The couple also shared a video of the moment they found out they were expecting, and revealed the due date is in August on Instagram. </p> <p>"Baby Thomas, due August ❤️ We love you so, so much," they captioned the video. </p> <p>The comments were flooded with well-wishes from friends, with footy commentator Abbey Holmes writing: "YAY. Cats outta the bag!! So so so excited for you both. Bring it on xxxxxxxxxxxxxx." </p> <p>"OMFG this is the best news ever!!!! What a wonderful Monday surprise. Congratulations to the both you. Good job," added MasterChef's Khanh Ong.</p> <p>The happy news comes a year after they tied the knot in Dunkeld. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Man who saved the lives of over 2 million babies dies aged 88

<p>James Harrison OAM, the famous Australian blood donor who saved the lives of 2.4 million babies by donating his rare plasma, has died aged 88. </p> <p>Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has confirmed that Harrison died "peacefully" on February 17 at Peninsula Village Nursing Home on the NSW Central Coast. </p> <p>Harrison, also known as the Man with the Golden Arm, began donating in the 1950s became the world's most prolific blood and plasma donor thanks to his rare antibody, Anti-D, which helps mothers who are at risk of passing on deadly antibodies to their babies. </p> <p>Since he started donating at the age of 18, Harrison has donated 1173 times, continuing his kind act up until his retirement in 2018 aged 81. </p> <p>His family have since paid tribute to him, with his daughter Tracey Mellowship, remembering him as a generous soul. </p> <p>"James was a humanitarian at heart, but also very funny," she said. </p> <p>"In his last years, he was immensely proud to become a great grandfather to two beautiful grandchildren, Trey and Addison.</p> <p>"As an Anti-D recipient myself, he has left behind a family that may not have existed without his precious donations."</p> <p>Lifeblood Chief Executive Officer Stephen Cornelissen added that Harrison's impact has made a difference all around the world. </p> <p>"James was a remarkable, stoically kind, and generous person who was committed to a lifetime of giving and he captured the hearts of many people around the world," Cornelissen said.</p> <p>"It was James' belief that his donations were no more important than any other donors', and that everyone can be special in the same way that he was.</p> <p>"James extended his arm to help others and babies he would never know a remarkable 1173 times and expected nothing in return."</p> <p>"He leaves behind an incredible legacy, and it was his hope that one day, someone in Australia would beat his donation record," he added. </p> <p>"On behalf of Lifeblood, and the entire Australian community, we thank James for the incredible life- saving contribution he made and the millions of lives he saved."</p> <p>Harrison's rare blood and plasma may continue to save lives even after his death, with researches hoping they would be able to use his blood to develop lab-grown Anti-D. </p> <p><em>Image: Nine News</em></p>

Caring

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Brittany Higgins celebrates birth of first child

<p>Brittany Higgins and husband David Sharaz, have announced the birth of their first child together. </p> <p>The former Liberal Party staffer took to Instagram to share her baby joy, with a photo of her newborn son asleep in a hospital cot. </p> <p> “Last night we welcomed our little boy into the world," she began in the caption. </p> <p>“A huge thank-you to the amazing midwives, nurses and doctors for their care and kindness,” Higgins continued. </p> <p>“We’re both looking forward to getting to dote on the newest member of the family — forever grateful for all the love and support we’ve received.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGsdv2DJh-n/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGsdv2DJh-n/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Brittany Higgins (@brittanyhiggins___)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Her comments were flooded with messages of congratulations from friends and followers, with one writing: "Very lucky little man to have you both as his parents" </p> <p>Another commented: "So lovely. Congrats to you both. You will be fabulous parents." </p> <p>"Omg!!!!! Best news. Congrats to you both let the fun begin 🫶🏼" a third wrote. </p> <p>Higgins revealed she was pregnant with her first child in July 2024, three months later she shared an emotional update, saying that she had a pregnancy health scare during her second trimester. </p> <p>"A fortnight ago, David Sharaz and I had the scare of our lives after the midwife told us halfway through my second trimester my blood test had raised red flags," she said at the time. </p> <p>“Our baby had a high probability of a genetic disorder — which wouldn’t have mattered to us — but scarily could mean he may be incompatible with life outside of the womb.”</p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Fortunately, doctors had since given the all-clear, and her baby is now "perfectly fine and healthy." </span></p> <p><em><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Images: Instagram</span></em></p>

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