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Peppa Pig has introduced a pair of lesbian polar bears, but Aussie kids’ TV has been leading the way in queer representation

Peppa Pig’s first same-sex couple, a pair of lesbian polar bears, were recently introduced after <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/sep/08/peppa-pig-introduces-its-first-same-sex-couple" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a petition to include a same-sex family</a> received nearly 24,000 signatures. Children’s television has often been a place to push the boundaries of diverse representations onscreen. In particular, Australian children’s TV has been a global leader in screen diversity, including gender and queer representation. Emmy-winning Australian series <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10614090/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">First Day</a> (2020-22) tells the story of a transgender girl starting high school. Another Emmy-winner, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8747140/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hardball</a> (2019-21) includes gay dads for one of the lead characters. Even recent updates to The Wiggles’ line-up has placed a greater emphasis on gender diversity, including <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/the-wiggles-announces-four-new-band-members-with-focus-on-diversity-gender-equality/news-story/dbc914965a83332c857e7665b3639ba0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">adding a non-binary unicorn</a>. <h2>Diverse representation</h2> Children’s TV is often less risk averse than programming aimed at adults. The ABC is <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1329878X16687400" target="_blank" rel="noopener">empowered</a> to take risks with representations of gender and sexuality in children’s programming because of its publicly funded role. But such progressive portrayals can sometimes chafe with outdated expectations of children’s television. In 2004, Play School <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07380560802314128" target="_blank" rel="noopener">faced controversy</a> for showing lesbian mothers. As social acceptance has progressed, Australian children’s TV has been able to achieve more queer representations. Talking to the Queering Australian Screens <a href="https://djomeara.com/phd-research/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">research project</a>, television professionals often praised the genre for its openness to new ideas, representations and bringing in new talent. Tony Ayres, Creator of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nowhere_Boys" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nowhere Boys</a> (2013-18), observed those who commission children’s TV are “generally very open to diverse representation”. This representation happens behind the scenes, too, with Ayres describing how these shows often give new talent their first credit. David Hannam, who has written for several kids’ TV shows including <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dance_Academy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dance Academy</a> (2010-13), said children’s television “has led the way”. Speaking of his time at the Australian Children’s Television Foundation, Hannam noted the foundation had an “almost charter responsibility” to show diversity on screen, “with great caution and responsibility”. Julie Kalceff created First Day, which starred a young trans actor, Evie McDonald, as a trans girl starting high school. When she was developing the show, Kalceff shared that she was initially concerned about what would be allowed on children’s TV: There were no trans people on television. There were no TV shows with trans actors in the lead role. I thought there’s no way the ABC is going to do this. And there’s no way they’re going to do it with kids’ TV. But to their credit, the ABC was so supportive, and was so behind the project from the beginning. <h2>What audiences want</h2> It is not only TV producers who are eager to widen representation in children’s television. Audiences are also seeking out more inclusive content. Just like Peppa Pig in the UK, there have been calls in Australia for more diversity in animated hit Bluey, with the show adding its <a href="https://10play.com.au/theproject/articles/bluey-introduces-first-auslan-signing-character-in-a-new-special-episode/tpa220616bswgm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">first Auslan signing character</a> in June. One of our research projects, Australian Children’s Television Cultures’ <a href="https://www.swinburne.edu.au/news/2022/05/new-research-shows-the-way-families-watch-TV-is-changing/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2021 survey</a> found 90% of Australian parents believe diverse representation is an important element of children’s TV. As one father explained: <blockquote> Diversity on screen helps children learn about people with different upbringings from their own, expanding their empathy for and curiosity about other people. </blockquote> In contrast to the controversy Play School received nearly 20 years ago for its inclusion of same-sex parents, a mother praised the show for “doing a fantastic job” of depicting diversity in relationships. Not everyone believes Australian television is doing enough. One survey respondent praised the way shows like Bluey reflect Australian culture, but said he would “love to see more LGBT representation […] It would be nice as a kid to know you’re valid.” <h2>Uncertain futures</h2> The streaming era has changed how families and children watch TV. This raises concerns about the future of Australian children’s content. The recent <a href="https://theconversation.com/cheese-n-crackers-concerns-deepen-for-the-future-of-australian-childrens-television-147183" target="_blank" rel="noopener">removal of quotas</a> for Australian networks to air a minimum number of hours of children’s television, alongside the absence of quotas on streaming services, has led to <a href="https://tvtonight.com.au/2022/09/producers-slam-hypocritical-networks-as-australian-childrens-tv-plummets.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a reduction</a> in the production of local kids’ TV. From Play School to Bluey, children’s TV has reflected the richness of Australian cultural life. There is a risk that if Australian child audiences need to rely on international content, future generations will not see themselves on screen. With the loss of local voices, Australian kids’ TV may also lose its ability to push boundaries of diversity and inclusion. This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/peppa-pig-has-introduced-a-pair-of-lesbian-polar-bears-but-aussie-kids-tv-has-been-leading-the-way-in-queer-representation-190648" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. Image: Peppa Pig

"He's basically a pig": Erin Molan and Piers Morgan slam Kyrgios

Erin Molan and Piers Morgan have called out the court-side antics of Nick Kyrgios, after he was slammed for his behaviour at Wimbledon. After Kyrgios' first round win, he spoke of his frustration with a line judge and admitted to spitting in the direction of a disgruntled spectator, as well as eating sushi throughout an explosive post-match press conference. Appalled by his actions, Piers Morgan condemned his behaviour in an interview with Erin Molan on Sky News’ Piers Morgan Uncensored. Morgan vented, “He’s basically a pig he’s eating his food as he talks to the media, he abuses a female lineswoman, he abuses an elderly linesman, he abuses the crowd, he spits at one of them." “The man is out of control. Can you put up any defence for this antipodean monster?” Molan agreed with his comments, saying, “Piers, there's plenty of Australians who think he's in an absolute tool as well. “I’ve been one of his most vocal critics for a very long time.” “But I'll tell you what, the spitting even towards someone in their direction is appalling,” she continued. “The abuse of anyone in their workplace is appalling, the hypocrisy that he displays is completely appalling." “He replied to someone on social media overnight that had taken him to task over this and said, ‘Oh, but I would never go into your workplace and abuse you.’" “Does he think the linesmen are volunteers? That's their workplace he's abusing them.” Following the incident at Wimbledon, Nick Kyrgios defended his actions as he believed he did nothing wrong. He went on to say it was unfair that the audience was allowed to shout things at the tennis star and he couldn't respond. “That’s fine. But if I give it back to you, then that’s just how it is," he said. “There’s a fence there and I physically can’t do anything or say anything because I’ll get in trouble. They’re able to say anything they want.” Image credits: TalkTV

News

Peppa Pig accused of "brainwashing" children by anti-vax community

Peppa Pig has been slammed by the anti-vax community, as a 2021 children's book in which Peppa gets a vaccine, has been turned into an episode of the popular TV show. Furious parents have accused the animated children's show for "brainwashing" young audiences into getting vaccines, before denouncing the Covid jab as a "toxic injection" that is the equivalent of "child abuse". The fury was sparked following the novelisation of an episode of the cartoon, Peppa Gets a Health Check, that debuted on television screens last year and comes weeks after the NHS started Covid vaccinations for younger children. In the animated episode, Mummy Pig takes her daughter, Peppa, to see a doctor - who measures her height and weight, looks in her ears, listens to her heartbeat, and asks questions about whether she likes broccoli - as well as taking note of the loudness of her 'oink'. But in the book version, Peppa Gets a Vaccination - which appears to be virtually the same plot - Peppa is also told by the polar bear character medic, "Now it's time for your vaccination, do you know why we have vaccinations Peppa?" The book continues, 'Peppa put her hand up. "Yes! They stop us from getting ill, and that helps people around us, too."' In an online review of the book, one furious parent wrote, "This is so wrong. Our kids don't need toxic injections, or face masks, it's child abuse. Just stop, leave our kids alone." Another review called the book "Absolutely disgraceful", as the parent said they would "not be letting my kids watch or read any of this s***". Image credits: Ladybird Books / Getty Images

Books

The best low maintenance pets

If you’ve always wanted a pet but never really bothered because of how high maintenance it is, fret not. Below is a list of five of the lowest maintenance pets to have. <ol> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Hamster </li> </ol> These cute little furry animals are super easy to take care of once they’re set up. All you need is to make sure they have a water bottle, food bowl and their wheel. <ol start="2"> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Guinea Pig </li> </ol> The adorable guinea pigs are low maintenance and look after themselves. A dream, right?! They require a bath here and there and the usual cage, bedding, food and water. <ol start="3"> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Turtle </li> </ol> The Painted Turtle is possibly one of the best pets to have because it doesn’t even need to be fed everyday. Feed it a couple of times a week, make sure it's comfortable in the new aquatic home where the temperature and cleanliness are looked after. <ol start="4"> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Snake </li> </ol> You’re probably thinking what the hell? But obviously get a reptile that isn’t venomous. They are super easy to care for as long as you keep them in a properly sized tank, maintain the tank at a comfortable temperature and feed them their preferred meals. <ol start="5"> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Sea Monkey (aka Brine Shrimp) </li> </ol> These tiny creatures were only created in the last century and are sold in hatching kits. All you need to do is set up their water tank, feed them every five days and keep their tank well-oxygenated. Image: Shutterstock

Family & Pets

World's first recipient to receive a pig heart tragically dies

The first person to receive a heart transplant from a pig has died, two months after the groundbreaking experiment. David Bennett, aged 57, died Tuesday at the University of Maryland Medical Centre. Doctors didn't give an exact cause of death, saying only that his condition had begun deteriorating several days earlier. Bennett's son praised the hospital for offering the last-ditch experiment, saying the family hoped it would help further efforts to end the organ shortage. "We are grateful for every innovative moment, every crazy dream, every sleepless night that went into this historic effort," David Bennett Jr. said in a statement released by the University of Maryland School of Medicine. "We hope this story can be the beginning of hope and not the end." Doctors for decades have sought to one day use animal organs for life-saving transplants. Bennett, a handyman from Hagerstown, Maryland, was a candidate for this newest attempt only because he otherwise faced certain death, ineligible for a human heart transplant, bedridden and on life support, and out of other options. After the operation on the 7th of January, Bennett's son told the Associated Press his father knew there was no guarantee it would work. Prior attempts at such transplants - or xenotransplantation - have failed largely because patients' bodies rapidly rejected the animal organ. This time, the Maryland surgeons used a heart from a gene-edited pig. Scientists had modified the animal to remove pig genes that trigger the hyper-fast rejection and add human genes to help the body accept the organ. "We are devastated by the loss of Mr Bennett. He proved to be a brave and noble patient who fought all the way to the end," Dr Bartley Griffith, who performed the surgery at the Baltimore hospital, said in a statement. Other transplant experts praised the Maryland team's landmark research and said Bennett's death shouldn't slow the push to figure out how to use animal organs to save human lives. "It was an incredible feat that he was kept alive for two months and was able to enjoy his family," Montgomery added. The Food and Drug Administration had allowed the dramatic experiment under "compassionate use" rules for emergency situations. Bennett's doctors said he had heart failure and an irregular heartbeat, plus a history of not complying with medical instructions. He was deemed ineligible for a human heart transplant that requires strict use of immune-suppressing medicines, or the remaining alternative, an implanted heart pump. From Bennett's experience, "we have gained invaluable insights learning that the genetically modified pig heart can function well within the human body while the immune system is adequately suppressed", said Dr Muhammad Mohiuddin, scientific director of the Maryland university's animal-to-human transplant program. Patients may see Bennett's death as suggesting a short life-expectancy from xenotransplantation, but the experience of one ill person cannot predict how well this procedure ultimately will work, said ethics expert Karen Maschke of The Hastings Center. Transplant centres need to start educating their patients now about what to expect as this science unfolds, said Maschke, who with funding from the National Institutes of Health is developing ethics and policy recommendations on who should be allowed in the first studies of pig kidneys and what they need to know before volunteering. Image: University of Merryland

Body

Hairdresser has her fringe chewed off by her guinea pig

After a tipsy night out, hairdresser Gara Sullivan decided to lay down and have a cuddle with her guinea pig named Dixie. After falling asleep with the small critter, the 29-year-old from Kentucky woke up and made a horrifying discovery when she looked in the mirror. Dixie, the three-year-old pet, had nibbled off a chunk of her fringe! Initially, Gara was concerned about the wellbeing of her cheeky pet, wondering if Dixie would become sick after swallowing clumps of hair. Luckily, she then found her detached hairs sitting next to a very guilty looking guinea pig, realising she had chewed them off and just left them. Gara shared the hilarious situation with her social media followers, with many joking that Dixie was merely planning to make her own “guinea-wig”. Other commenters, including Gara, agreed that the naked guinea pig was simply jealous of Gara’s long locks. Gara said, 'She doesn't have any hair - it's like she's jealous of mine. She has a little hair on her nose but that's it, other than that she's completely naked.” “She'd had quite the meal, it was crazy. I take naps with her all the time but if I'm drunk, my boyfriend will create a little bed on the floor for me because he knows I like to snuggle with her.” “I fell asleep and when I woke up in the morning, I went to the bathroom, looked at myself in the mirror and my bangs were gone.” Gara has had to rearrange her hair to make the tuft of hair not show, as she worries the hair will take at least six months to grow back. For now, the hairdresser has vowed to end her little sleepovers with Dixie, unless she has a few too many drinks and feels like a cuddle. Image credits: TikTok / Instagram @garasullivan

Beauty & Style

Cafe with Peppa Pig on the menu causes outrage

A cafe in the centre of the Scottish capital of Edinburgh has come under fire for a divisive sign to lure in customers. Gordon Street Coffee decorated their chalkboard with a drawing of Peppa Pig next to a bacon sandwich to sell the popular breakfast item. As well as the “distasteful” sketch of the popular children’s character, the cafe had also included their own rendition of The Magic Roundabout cartoon cow, Ermintrude, to sell beef sandwiches. Despite the cafe’s light-hearted attempt at advertising tactics, outraged members of the public slammed their ideas and methods. Angry parents expressed their disappointment online over the sign, as they thought the drawings would traumatise children once they realised their beloved characters were intended as food. Animal rights organisation PETA led the online outrage, taking to Twitter to say, “Luring kids to meaty meals with cartoons of happy animals isn’t new, but it is dishonest.” “Kids naturally love animals, and would be horrified to see gentle pigs' throats slit for a sandwich.” Many other parents and vegan activists also slammed the cafe, saying the cafe was “sick, upsetting and dishonest”. One woman wrote on Twitter. “That's going to make a lot of children question food.” “I support that but damn this is pretty sick.” Another mother agreed, saying, “Even if you are not vegan or vegetarian that could be really upsetting.” “My kids would be absolutely traumatised if they saw that sign, it's really not funny.” The outrage comes after a new survey showed that one in five children have no idea that steak, sausages and ham are meat that comes from animals. Image credit: Twitter

Food & Wine

The result of Australia's extinct species is saddening and devastating

It’s well established that unsustainable human activity is <a href="https://wwf.panda.org/knowledge_hub/all_publications/living_planet_report_2018/">damaging the health of the planet</a>. The way we use Earth threatens our future and that of many animals and plants. <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-a-mass-extinction-and-are-we-in-one-now-122535">Species extinction</a> is an inevitable end point. It’s important that the loss of Australian nature be quantified accurately. To date, putting an exact figure on the number of extinct species has been challenging. But in the most comprehensive assessment of its kind, our <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S000632071930895X">research</a> has confirmed that 100 endemic Australian species living in 1788 are now validly listed as <a href="http://www.nespthreatenedspecies.edu.au/news/a-review-of-listed-extinctions-in-australia">extinct</a>. Alarmingly, this tally confirms that the number of extinct Australian species is much higher than previously thought. The most precise tally yet Counts of extinct Australian species vary. The federal government’s list of extinct <a href="https://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicthreatenedlist.pl?wanted=flora">plants</a> and <a href="https://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicthreatenedlist.pl?wanted=fauna">animals</a> totals 92. However 20 of these are subspecies, five are now known to still exist in Australia and seven survive overseas – reducing the figure to 60. An RMIT/ABC fact check <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-08-19/fact-check-does-australia-have-one-of-the-highest-extinction/6691026">puts the figure</a> at 46. The states and territories also hold their own extinction lists, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature keeps a global database, the <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org">Red List</a>. Our <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S000632071930895X">research</a> collated these separate listings. We excluded species that still exist overseas, such as the <a href="https://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=24168">water tassel-fern</a>. We also excluded some species that, happily, have been rediscovered since being listed as <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-12-13/seed-bank-holds-the-forgotten-conservation/10610418">extinct</a>, or which are no longer recognised as valid species (such as the obscure snail <a href="https://bie.ala.org.au/search?sortField=&dir=desc&q=Fluvidona+dulvertonensis">Fluvidona dulvertonensis</a>). We concluded that exactly 100 plant and animal species are validly listed as having become extinct in the 230 years since Europeans colonised Australia: <ul> <li>38 plants, such as the <a href="https://bie.ala.org.au/species/http://id.biodiversity.org.au/name/apni/91897">magnificent spider-orchid</a></li> <li>1 seaweed species</li> <li>34 mammals including the <a href="https://australianmuseum.net.au/learn/australia-over-time/extinct-animals/the-thylacine/">thylacine</a> and pig-footed bandicoot</li> <li>10 invertebrates including a funnel-web spider, beetles and snails</li> <li>9 birds, such as the <a href="https://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=723">paradise parrot</a></li> <li>4 frogs, including two species of the bizarre <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/phenomena/2013/03/15/resurrecting-the-extinct-frog-with-a-stomach-for-a-womb/">gastric-brooding frog</a> which used its stomach as a womb</li> <li>3 reptiles including the Christmas Island forest skink</li> <li>1 fish, the Pedder galaxias.</li> </ul> Our tally includes three species listed as extinct in the wild, with two of these still existing in captivity. The mammal toll represents 10% of the species present in 1788. This loss rate is far higher than for any other continent over this period. The 100 extinctions are drawn from formal lists. But many extinctions have not been officially registered. Other species disappeared before their existence was recorded. More have not been seen for decades, and are suspected lost by scientists or Indigenous groups who <a href="https://theconversation.com/eulogy-for-a-seastar-australias-first-recorded-marine-extinction-103225">knew them best</a>. We speculate that the actual tally of extinct Australian species since 1788 is likely to be about ten times greater than we derived from official lists. And biodiversity loss is more than extinctions alone. Many more Australian species have disappeared from all but a vestige of their former ranges, or persist in populations far smaller than in the past. <img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/303097/original/file-20191122-74593-1qdj0uz.gif?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="" /> The geographical spread of extinctions across Australia. Darker shading represents a higher extinction tally. Dating the losses Dating of extinctions is not straightforward. For a few Australian species, such as the Christmas Island forest skink, we know the <a href="https://theconversation.com/vale-gump-the-last-known-christmas-island-forest-skink-30252">day the last known individual died</a>. But many species disappeared without us realising at the time. Our estimation of extinction dates reveals a largely continuous rate of loss – averaging about four species per decade. Continuing this trend, in the past decade, <a href="https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/cobi.12852">three Australian species have become extinct</a> – the Christmas Island forest skink, Christmas Island pipistrelle and Bramble Cay melomys – and two others became extinct in the wild. <img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/303096/original/file-20191122-74584-f59vt8.gif?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="" /> Cumulative tally of Australian extinctions since 1788. The extinctions occurred over most of the continent. However 21 occurred only on islands smaller than Tasmania, which comprise less than 0.5% of Australia’s land mass. This trend, repeated around the world, is largely due to small population sizes and vulnerability to newly introduced predators. We must learn from the past The 100 recognised extinctions followed the loss of Indigenous land management, its replacement with entirely new land uses and new settlers introducing species with little regard to detrimental impacts. Introduced cats and foxes are implicated in most mammal extinctions; vegetation clearing and habitat degradation caused most plant extinctions. Disease caused the loss of frogs and the accidental introduction of an Asian snake caused the recent loss of three reptile species on Christmas Island. The causes have changed over time. Hunting contributed to several early extinctions, but not recent ones. In the last decade, <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/534437a">climate change</a> contributed to the extinction of the Bramble Cay melomys, which lived only on one Queensland island. The prospects for some species are helped by legal protection, Australia’s fine national reserve system and threat management. But these gains are subverted by the legacy of previous habitat loss and fragmentation, and the ongoing damage caused by introduced species. Our own population increase is causing further habitat loss, and new threats such as climate change bring more frequent and intense droughts and bushfires. Environment laws have demonstrably <a href="https://theconversation.com/environment-laws-have-failed-to-tackle-the-extinction-emergency-heres-the-proof-122936">failed to stem the extinction crisis</a>. The national laws are now under review, and the <a href="https://theconversation.com/our-nature-laws-are-being-overhauled-here-are-7-things-we-must-fix-126021">federal government has indicated</a> protections may be wound back. But now is not the time to <a href="https://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/about/review">weaken</a> environment laws further. The creation of modern Australia has come at a great cost to nature – we are not living well in this land. <hr /> The study on which this article is based was also co-authored by Andrew Burbidge, David Coates, Rod Fensham and Norm McKenzie.<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; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/127611/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/john-woinarski-16660">John Woinarski</a>, Professor (conservation biology), <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/charles-darwin-university-1066">Charles Darwin University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/brett-murphy-11434">Brett Murphy</a>, Associate Professor / ARC Future Fellow, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/charles-darwin-university-1066">Charles Darwin University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/dale-nimmo-15432">Dale Nimmo</a>, Associate professor/ARC DECRA fellow, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/charles-sturt-university-849">Charles Sturt University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/michael-f-braby-511682">Michael F. Braby</a>, Associate Professor, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/australian-national-university-877">Australian National University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/sarah-legge-413029">Sarah Legge</a>, Professor, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/australian-national-university-877">Australian National University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/stephen-garnett-4565">Stephen Garnett</a>, Professor of Conservation and Sustainable Livelihoods, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/charles-darwin-university-1066">Charles Darwin University</a> This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/scientists-re-counted-australias-extinct-species-and-the-result-is-devastating-127611">original article</a>.

Family & Pets

3-year-old suffers severe burns wearing Cancer Council sunscreen

A three-year-old boy has suffered severe burns while wearing a Cancer Council sunscreen branded after the popular children’s television character Peppa Pig. Rivers Jasper from Cunderdin, Western Australia, was holidaying in Bali when the incident occurred, leaving him with welts and blister on his back, face, shoulders and ears. Shannae and Paul Jasper, the three-year-old’s parents, say they applied the sun protection in their hotel room, and within minutes Rivers was screaming in pain. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F7NewsPerth%2Fposts%2F10155146036874072&width=500" width="500" height="562" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true"></iframe> “His skin was really, really tender and red. He was vomiting all the next day,” Ms Jasper told Seven News Perth. “He's absolutely petrified now of when we try and put any type of spray, lotion, even in the bath he won't pour the water over his back. He won't let us touch him.” The sunscreen had reportedly been sitting unused by the family for about a year, but according to the packaging it was still well within its expiry date. Mrs Jasper uploaded pictures of her son’s injuries on social media, with more than 100 commentators sharing similar reactions with the own children. “We don't want to stop supporting The Cancer Council or their product,” the family said, adding: “We just don't want others kids to go through what we've been through.” Cancer Council Australia responded to the original post with the following statement, “Yesterday we were saddened to learn via Facebook that a young child had a negative experience with our SPF50+ Kids Sunscreen. “We take any concern raised about our products very seriously and have been in direct contact with the boy’s mother, Jessie, to investigate this further. “This product has been on the market for a number of years. Since it was introduced more than 250,000 bottles have been sold. We have only received a very small number of complaints regarding this product, some of which related to issues with the function of the pump spray, not the sunscreen itself. “Sunscreens in Australia are strictly regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). All Cancer Council sunscreens and their ingredients are fully compliant with these regulations and all of our sunscreens are independently tested to ensure they exceed the SPF level advised on the bottle. “Additionally, all products formulated for sensitive skin, including our SPF50+ Kids Sunscreen, are dermatologically tested to ensure that they pass the Repeat Insult Patch Test (RIPT), a recognised formal skin sensitivity test for topically applied products. If you have sensitive skin, doing a personal patch test is even more important.” What are your thoughts? Image credit: Facebook / Shannae Lee Jasper

Body

France's pig festival is a pork-lovers dream

All hail the mighty pig! What is it? La Pourcailhade (meaning the Festival of the Pig) is an annual festival held in the town of Trie-sur-Baise in the Pyrenees region of southwestern France. It’s a celebration of all things porcine that began in 1975 and is organised by La Confrerie du Cochon (or The Brotherhood of the Pig). It was partly developed to give a boost to the ailing pig farming industry in the region and now attracts meat-loving visitors from all over the world. Many of the townspeople deck themselves out in pig ears and snout, and all local business will get in on the act with decorations and displays. What can I do? Eat. And then eat some more. The smell of roast pork fills the air around town and you can eat more kinds of meat than you ever new existed – cured ham, salami, black pudding, crackling and much more. There are large sit down banquets organised or you can just stroll through the market and sample anything that takes your fancy. There are also a series of outrageous competitions that you can watch or (if you’re feeling very festive) participate in, like best pig outfit, best window display or sausage eating competitions. The climax of the event is the prestigious Championnat de France du Cri de Cochon, or French Pig-Squealing Competition. Participants make the sounds of a pig in its various life stages, from piglet to adult. Each night, there is a huge party with music, dancing, drinks and, of course, plenty more pork. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AmEBhQVqzDE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> How can I go? The dates change, however the festival is generally held around the second Sunday of August. Trie-sur-Baise is accessible by train from Biarritz, Toulouse or San Sebastian.

International Travel

Children’s book showcase: part 3

This month at the <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/community/book-club" target="_blank">Over60 Book Club</a>, it’s all about children’s books. We’ve picked out six of our favourite stories that are perfect to read with the grandchildren. So far, we’ve introduced you to the first four books, <a href="http://t.dgm-au.com/c/93981/71095/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Fcyclone-jackie-french%2Fprod9781743623596.html" target="_blank">Cyclone</a> by Jackie French and <a href="http://t.dgm-au.com/c/93981/71095/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Fthe-underwater-fancy-dress-parade-davina-bell%2Fprod9781925321272.html" target="_blank">The Underwater Fancy-Dress Parade</a> by Davina Bell, <a href="http://t.dgm-au.com/c/93981/71095/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Ftogether-always-edwina-wyatt%2Fprod9781742979632.html" target="_blank">Always</a> by Edwina Wyatt and Lucia Masciullo and <a href="http://t.dgm-au.com/c/93981/71095/1880?u=%2F%2Ft.dgm-au.com%2Fc%2F93981%2F71095%2F1880%3Fu%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.booktopia.com.au%252Ftogether-always-edwina-wyatt%252Fprod9781742979632.html" target="_blank">I’m Australian Too</a> by Mem Fox and Ronojoy Ghosh. The final two books for this month are Peppa Pig: <a href="http://t.dgm-au.com/c/93981/71095/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Fpeppa-goes-on-holiday-ladybird%2Fprod9780723297819.html" target="_blank">Peppa Goes on Holiday</a> and <a href="http://t.dgm-au.com/c/93981/71095/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Fwe-re-going-on-a-bear-hunt-michael-rosen%2Fprod9780744523232.html" target="_blank">We’re Going on a Bear Hunt</a> by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury. As a Book Club member, each month we’ll bring you six books to choose from. To read the book reviews, write reviews, chat with others and create an Over60 Book Club catch-up, <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/community/book-club" target="_blank">click here</a>. Happy reading! 1. <a href="http://t.dgm-au.com/c/93981/71095/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Fpeppa-goes-on-holiday-ladybird%2Fprod9780723297819.html" target="_blank">Peppa Goes on Holiday</a> Peppa Pig and her family go on their first holiday abroad. They pack their suitcases and fly all the way to Italy, where they eat pizza and go sightseeing. But there's so much to see and do that Peppa keeps leaving poor Teddy behind! Will he make it home in the end? A first experience story that's perfect for pre-schoolers. 2. <a href="http://t.dgm-au.com/c/93981/71095/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Fwe-re-going-on-a-bear-hunt-michael-rosen%2Fprod9780744523232.html" target="_blank">We’re Going on a Bear Hunt</a> by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury Go on a bear hunt and do the actions with this award-winning picture book classic. Follow and join in the family's excitement as they wade through the grass, splash through the river and squelch through the mud in search of a bear. What a surprise awaits them in the cave on the other side of the dark forest.

Books

Woman finds abandoned guinea pig in mailbox

A woman in rural Kansas had the fright of her life last week when she opened her mailbox to find an abandoned guinea pig sitting inside with no food or water. With no idea how the tine white and tan-coloured rodent got there, the woman contacted Lyon County Sheriff’s Office and informed them about the incident. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FLyonCountySheriff%2Fposts%2F1044283562339199%3A0&width=500" width="500" height="651" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true"></iframe> The animal has since been picked up and transported to Emporia Animal Shelter, who named the guinea pig Rosita because of her distinctive red eyes. Local news station KVOE reported Rosita is health and “roaming her cage safely.” The Sheriff’s Office has reportedly identified a suspect, who may face animal misdemeanour charges if found guilty of abandoning the guinea pig. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FLyonCountySheriff%2Fphotos%2Fa.341260042641558.58443.137903079643923%2F1045362648897957%2F%3Ftype%3D3&width=500" width="500" height="502" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true"></iframe> We’re just glad Rosita is doing well. Have you ever had to look after an abandoned animal? Please share your story in the comments section below.

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This pig does a happy dance when he sees the beach

Meet Ziggy the pig, who enjoys long walks by the beach, and sometimes even a quick dip in the ocean. Just the sound of waves crashing on the shore and the feel of sand between his trotters sends him in a tailspin of happiness. Just take a look at the video above and tell us that doesn’t bring a smile to your face! Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/05/things-you-did-not-know-could-poison-your-pet/">8 things you didn't know could poison your pet</a> <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/05/video-of-baby-animals-yawning/">Watch: Baby animals yawning</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/03/tiny-kitten-claps-paws-for-treats/">Tiny kitten claps paws for treats</a>

News

Furry Mangalica pig looks just like a sheep

If you’ve ever thought that the perfect pet is a pig/sheep hybrid, you’re in luck! They exist – and have been causing a flurry on the internet ever since they made their presence known online. People all over the world are falling in love with this fluffy sheep-like pig. And in case you were interested, the Hungarian breed is domesticated which means, you can own one. "If you treat them nicely, they’ll become as tame as dogs," breeder Wilhelm Kohl told Modern Farmer. "They’ll follow you, play with you." How can you say no to fuzzy faces like this? Scroll through the gallery above to see more of these adorable fluffy pigs. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/01/photos-of-animals-hitchhiking/">Hilarious photos of animals hitchhiking</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/01/animals-who-love-warm/">In pictures: 12 animals who love warmth more than anything</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/10/why-dogs-so-happy-to-see-you/">The science behind dogs being so happy to see you</a>

News

This piglet loves autumn

Willow is a piglet experiencing autumn for the first time. Once he sees autumn foliage he can’t contain his excitement, experience the joy of fall in all its unbridled glory. It’s amazing to see an animal so infatuated by simple things like leaves. Willow is a very cute pig and he jumps round in the leaves playfully without a care in the world.

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8 photos of guinea pigs to make you smile

The world loves cats and dogs so we thought we’d showcase another adorable critter that’s just as cute as their feline and canine counterparts: the guinea pig. These too-cute pictures prove that the guinea pig deserve some love too!<img width="500" height="500" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7147/1_500x500.jpg" alt="1 (17)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img width="500" height="354" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7148/2_500x354.jpg" alt="2 (20)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img width="500" height="375" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7149/3_500x375.jpg" alt="3 (15)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img width="500" height="375" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7151/4_500x375.jpg" alt="4 (17)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img width="500" height="334" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7152/5_500x334.jpg" alt="5 (15)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img width="500" height="375" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7153/6_500x375.jpg" alt="6 (14)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img width="497" height="360" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7154/7_497x360.jpg" alt="7 (15)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img width="497" height="280" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7155/8_497x280.jpg" alt="8 (16)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">Related links:<a href="/lifestyle/pets/2015/05/happy-shelter-pets-after-adoption/">10 heart-warming before and after pictures of rescued pets</a><a href="/lifestyle/pets/2015/04/facts-about-cute-animals/">Warning: These 8 cute animals have dirty little secrets</a><a href="/lifestyle/pets/2015/03/funny-animal-pictures/">8 fabulous photos of animals that weren’t taken at the ideal moment</a>

Family & Pets

Almost 160 rabbits, guinea pigs and birds need homes after RSPCA raid

At least 160 animals including rabbits, guinea pigs, birds and mice have been found crowded in a house in Canberra’s south by the RSPCA. This is coming two weeks after the RSPCA were called to an animal hoarding case where 20 birds were found dead in their cage.RSPCA chief executive Tammy Ven Dange said they were still processing the animals but at last count there were 160 and included pregnant animals.Last year, the RSPCA in Canberra cared for an average of 400 animals at any given time. Ms Ven Dange said RSPA were currently housing more than 700 animals.The animal welfare body are calling for new legislation to limit the number of animals a person can have in a home. The law currently only covers dogs and cats.“So if you have someone that really has a thing for small animals, for them to get rabbits and guinea pigs, rats or mice or in some cases poultry as well – there is just nothing that restricts them,” Ms Ven Dange said.“So by the time we are allowed to do something, which means there is an animal welfare condition, then it is out of control.”Territory and Municipal Services Minister Shane Rattenbury said he is looking into places where the law can be changed.“I'm talking to the RSPCA and looking to see if we can close some of those gaps in the legislation to make sure that we've got the best animal welfare protection in the ACT,” he said.The seized animals will be available for adoption in coming weeks. <a href="http://www.rspca-act.org.au/contact-us" target="_blank">Contact RSPCA Canberra here.</a>Image credits: Tammy Ven Dange twitter Related links: <a href="/news/news/2015/02/dachshund-helps-save-st-bernard-friend/" target="_blank">A dachshund is a hero after he helped save his St Bernard best friend who was stuck in a ditch for 18 hours</a><a href="/news/news/2015/02/abused-pit-bull-finds-home/" target="_blank">Ill-treated pit bull finds new home and new adorable outfits to protect damaged skin</a><a href="/lifestyle/pets/2014/10/the-joys-of-fostering-pets/" target="_blank">The joys of fostering pets</a>

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France's pig festival is a pork-lovers dream

Children’s book showcase: part 3

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Furry Mangalica pig looks just like a sheep

This piglet loves autumn

8 photos of guinea pigs to make you smile

Almost 160 rabbits, guinea pigs and birds need homes after RSPCA raid

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