Thailand’s oldest hippo celebrates 61st birthday

8 Sept 19:54 Key points summarised by AI

Mae Mali, Thailand's oldest hippopotamus, celebrated her 61st birthday at Khao Kheow Open Zoo with a special fruit cake and well-wishes.
Zoo Director Narongwit Chodchoi led festivities as staff and visitors gathered to sing 'Happy Birthday' while Mae Mali enjoyed a giant fruit cake.
Donated from the Netherlands in 1967, Mae Mali has resided in Thailand for over six decades, successfully giving birth to 14 calves.
She remains in good health under close veterinary supervision, with supporters hoping she may eventually set a record as the world's oldest living hippopotamus.

Holy basil registration will not restrict native varieties - CPRAM

Yesterday 12:16 Key points summarised by AI

CPRAM registered four *newly developed* holy basil strains (Kaew Churee 01-04) for use in its ready-made food division, not to commercialize seeds or restrict existing varieties.
The company assures that registration *does not impact* the cultivation, sale, or use of over 300 native holy basil strains by farmers and vendors.
These registered strains are a result of joint research with Kasetsart University, developed for improved quality and yield, and are *distinct from* the native varieties widely grown in Thailand.
CPRAM emphasizes that developing new plant varieties aims to enhance agricultural competitiveness and *will not lead to the extinction* of native basil or force farmers to adopt new strains.