News Bulletin of 8 February 2026, 7am

Quadriplegic swimmer Taariqa Archary took on South Africa’s iconic Midmar Mile yesterday, to change the lives of others. Archary aims to raise R500 000 to fund neurological therapy for 100 patients in need. By lining up for the open-water swim, she pushed beyond physical boundaries creating dignity and hope for people living with neurological challenges.

The Johannesburg Zoo’s Honey Badger Club and SANParks students learned about endangered species and how to help protect them through the Reverse the Red initiative. Children asked questions, engaged with exhibitors, and gained insights from informative talks.Reverse the Red is a global effort led by the IUCN and supported by WAZA, aiming to halt and reverse the decline of threatened species through science-based collaboration.

The Timbavati Nature Reserve in Limpopo is celebrating the birth of a white lion cub, the first in over ten years. White lions are extremely rare in the wild, as both parents must carry a specific recessive gene for the cub to be born. Populations have also been severely affected by hunting and poaching, making each new birth vital for the species’ survival. Reserve officials say strict protocols are in place to minimise human disturbance, ensuring the safety of both the mother and her newborn.