Friday, May 29, 2015
Pelham Bay News: Hit-and-Run Driver Sought in Concourse Crash
Pelham Bay News: Hit-and-Run Driver Sought in Concourse Crash: Hit-and-Run Driver Sought in Concourse Crash By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 29- Police were looking for the driv...
Hit-and-Run Driver Sought in Concourse Crash
Hit-and-Run Driver Sought in Concourse Crash
By David Greene
BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 29- Police were looking for the driver who plowed into a man as he stepped off a traffic island of the Grand Concourse-- the victim was reportedly fighting for his life.
Police from the 46th Precinct and paramedics were called to the Grand Concourse at East 182 Street where the 40-year-old victim was found lying in the roadway, at 8:45 p.m. on Thursday, May 28.
According to investigators the unidentified victim suffered "multiple injuries" when the vehicle plowed into the man as he walked westbound across the main roadway of the busy boulevard.
The man was rushed to St. Barnabas Hospital in critical condition however, his condition was unavailable at this hour.
A small pool of blood and a camouflage baseball cap littered the roadway, along with medical debris left behind by paramedics.
The entire accident was apparently caught on police surveillance video. Police were initially looking for a gray automobile-- believed to be either a Hyundai Sonata or Toyota Camry.
One police source stated the vehicle was driven by a male Hispanic with tattoos on his arm. After striking the victim, the vehicle fled north on the Grand Concourse and apparently turned on East 183 Street.
The posted speed limit in the area is the new Vision Zero speed of 25 miles-per-hour, but based on the injuries sustained by the victim, the vehicle was likely to be traveling at least double the limit.
#NYPD #Hitnrun #Bronxnews
Pelham Bay News: Caught on Tape!
Pelham Bay News: Caught on Tape!: Caught on Tape! DVD Seller Punches 6-yr-old in Face Robs Mom’s iPhone By Dan Gesslein Not even Hollywood could ...
Caught on Tape!
Caught on Tape!
DVD Seller Punches 6-yr-old in Face
DVD Seller Punches 6-yr-old in Face
Robs Mom’s iPhone
By Dan Gesslein
Not even Hollywood could make this one up. Police are looking for a sleazy DVD salesman who punched a six-year-old in the face after trying to rob the child’s mother.
At around 4:45 a.m. on May 24, a man selling DVDs entered a laundromat at 1720 Boone Avenue. The man
approached a 22-year-old woman and her six-year-old son and try to sell them bootlegged DVDs. When the mom said she was not interested, the seller grabbed her iPhone which was charing in a chair beside her.
The thief tried to flee but mom grabbed and held him. The suspect broke free and headed for the exit. The child stepped in his path to try to help his mother. The thief then punched the child in the face knocking him to the ground.
In the parking lot the mom grabbed the thief again and managed to pull the iPhone from his grasp. The attacker broke free and fled.
The child suffered swelling to the face and cuts on the back of his head. He was treated at a local hospital.
The suspect is described as a light skinned Hispanic male, approximately 50-55 years old with a thin build.
Anyone with information is urged to call CRIMESTOPPERS (800) 577-TIPS. All calls are confidential.
#NYPD #iPhone #DVD #Bootleg #Bronxnews
Pelham Bay News: Puerto Rican Day Parade Set for Sunday
Pelham Bay News: Puerto Rican Day Parade Set for Sunday: 29 th Annual Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade Set for Sunday 100 PERCENT By Robert Press BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 29- This ...
Puerto Rican Day Parade Set for Sunday
29th Annual Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade Set for Sunday
100 PERCENT
By Robert Press
BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 29- This past Tuesday was the The Bronx Puerto Rican Day Board announced that the 29th Annual Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade will take place on Sunday, May 31st. It will commence with the Kick-off party at Poe Cottage Park at 10 a.m. The parade will run along the Grand Concourse from 192nd Street to Van Cortlandt Ave East (+20 block stretch). This is the largest Multi Cultural Event held in the Bronx that is celebrating the diversity of the Puerto Rican Culture and people.
The Bronx then and now is the location with the largest population of Puerto Ricans outside to the beloved Island, over 350,000 strong. The Honorees for the parade who will receive awards for dedicating years of service to the community include: NY State Assemblyman Jose Rivera, Robert Sancho—Health services provider of the year, Sofia Thiebaud—in honor of her legendary father, two madrinas: Paloma Hernandez & Rosalba Rolon—Pregones Founder, Joe Torres—restaurant , Victor Pupo—El Padrino, Boxer Alberto Mercado, Larry Scott Blackmon—New Business, Mike Sassano—Grand Marshall International, Mikey Melendez—community Activist and Arnie Segarra—humanitarian. Check my blog at www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com for more on the 29th Annual Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade as the announcement was after this column's deadline.
Also occurring on Sunday May 31st will be the Salute to Israel in The Bronx by State Senator Jeff Klein that will be going on in two parts. Part one will take place at the Riverdale Y located at 5625 Arlington Avenue (off Riverdale Avenue and West 256th Street) from 11 AM – 1 PM. Part two will take place at Bronx House located at 990 Pelham Parkway South (corner of Hone Avenue) from 1:30 pm – 3:30 PM. You are asked to RSVP to Senator Klein's office at 718-822 2049.
Speaking of the New York State Senate, with the stepping down of former State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos who was replaced by fellow Long Island Republican State Senator John Flanagan as the Majority Leader there needed to be a new Senate Education Chair which Senator Flanagan was. The new Senate Education Chair is fellow Long Island Republican State Senator Carl Marcellino. Just in case another move is needed there are a total of 9 Republican State Senators from Long Island who are known as the Long Island Delegation, so 6 would be left to pick from.
Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj and the NYCDEP are giving away free rain barrels to homeowners in the 80th A.D. on
Saturday June 6thstarting at 9 AM, and until 12 PM or the supply runs out. The location is the PS 83 schoolyard 1840 Bogart Avenue. You are however asked to call Assemblyman Gjonaj's office at 718-499-0109to reserve your rain barrel.
Mark your calendars for the Bronx Chamber of Commerce Business Summit and Trade Show to be held at the Mall at Bay Plaza (200 Baychester Avenue) on Thursday June 18th from 2 – 7 PM. This is a great opportunity to showcase your business by becoming a vendor at the largest Business Expo in the Bronx. For more details, how to register for the BCC Business Expo, and what the costs are, you can call the Bronx Chamber of Commerce at 718-929-3900, or e-mail the BCC at events@bronxchamber.org.
Lastly, it appears that former 86th A.D. candidate for assembly Hector Ramirez was arrested last week on charges of voter fraud by the Bronx District Attorney's office, on a 242 count indictment, which appears to be tied to absentee ballots in the 2014 race. It reminds me of the 1993 School Board 10 election where a person was arrested for similar 
absentee ballot fraud. In that case the defendant was found innocent, and I suggest that Mr. Ramirez's lawyer look at that 1993 School Board 10 voter fraud charges by then Special Investigator Ed Stansick in which the defendant was found innocent of all charges. One has to also wonder why in 86th A.D. Assemblyman Victor Pichardo's press release (which was timed perfectly) that Assemblyman Pichardo mentions the 2013 Special election, when the DA only mentions the 2014 election. I guess it will take four years to find out the real answer as we did in the previous 865h A.D. scandal ala former Assemblyman Nelson Castro. Assemblyman Pichardo's statement is on my blog under the archive title Assembly member Pichardo releases statement on arrest of Hector Ramirez.
absentee ballot fraud. In that case the defendant was found innocent, and I suggest that Mr. Ramirez's lawyer look at that 1993 School Board 10 voter fraud charges by then Special Investigator Ed Stansick in which the defendant was found innocent of all charges. One has to also wonder why in 86th A.D. Assemblyman Victor Pichardo's press release (which was timed perfectly) that Assemblyman Pichardo mentions the 2013 Special election, when the DA only mentions the 2014 election. I guess it will take four years to find out the real answer as we did in the previous 865h A.D. scandal ala former Assemblyman Nelson Castro. Assemblyman Pichardo's statement is on my blog under the archive title Assembly member Pichardo releases statement on arrest of Hector Ramirez.
If you have any political information that you want to share or have checked out, any comments about this column, or would like to have an event listed or covered in this column or on my blog you can e-mail us at
100percentbronxnews@gmail.com or call 718-644-4199Mr. Robert Press.
#PuertoRicanDayParade #Latino #Bronx
Pelham Bay News: Another Suspect Fingered in Teen Execution
Pelham Bay News: Another Suspect Fingered in Teen Execution: Another Suspect Fingered in Teen Execution By Dan Gesslein and David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 29...
Another Suspect Fingered in Teen Execution
Another Suspect Fingered in Teen Execution
By Dan Gesslein and David Greene
BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 29- Police have identified another suspect in connection with the brutal execution of a 14-year-old boy.
One day after identifying Travis Bloch in connection with the shooting of a teenager police released the name and photo of another suspect.
Investigators are asking for the public's help in locating 16-year-old Jeremiah Thomas who goes by the name of Jay.
Thomas is wanted for questioning in the murder of 14-year-old Christopher Duran of Sheridan Avenue. The teen was gunned outside his building while on his way to school last week.
Thomas is 16 years old and has brown eyes. He is six feet tall and weighs 170 pounds.
Bloch is described as a black male, 25 years of age. He is 5 foot 10 and weighs 150 pounds.
On Friday, May 22, 14-year-old Christopher Duran, a seventh-grader, was walking to school with his younger brother along Sheridan Avenue at 8:30 a.m., when Duran was shot four times at point-blank range, including three times in the abdomen and once in the head. Duran died on the Morrisania sidewalk before paramedics arrived.
Off the record officials point to Duran's older brother who they say is a known gang member and whose gang is currently involved in an on-going dispute with a rival gang. The gunman had been waiting for Duran as his cohort provided look-out. Police recovered eight shell casings from a .45-caliber handgun.
#NYPD #ChristopherDuran #Shooting
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Pelham Bay News: Accused homeless shelter killer indicted
Pelham Bay News: Accused homeless shelter killer indicted: Accused homeless shelter killer indicted BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 27- District Attorney Robert Johnson announced the Supreme Cour...
Accused homeless shelter killer indicted
Accused homeless shelter killer indicted
BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 27- District Attorney Robert Johnson announced the Supreme Court indictment of 39-year-old West Sprull for the April 27, 2015 kidnap and killing of homeless shelter director Ana Charle.
Sunday, May 24, 2015
Pelham Bay News: Fordham Grad Schools Yanks
Pelham Bay News: Fordham Grad Schools Yanks: Fordham Grad Schools Yanks Martinez got Groomed in Bronx By Rich Mancuso Nick Martinez the Texas Rangers right-handed pitcher has gro...
Fordham Grad Schools Yanks
Fordham Grad Schools Yanks
Martinez got Groomed in Bronx
By Rich Mancuso
Nick Martinez the Texas Rangers right-handed pitcher has grown up. In baseball standards that means throwing the fastball with location and attacking hitters early in ther count. An infielder at Fordham University in the Bronx, the Miami Florida resident, with a Cuban background had that potential to throw off the mound when he got five relief appearance opportunities for the Atlantic-10 Conference Rams in 2011.
Then something happened. He converted to a pitcher after being selected by the Texas Rangers in the 18th round of the amateur draft in 2011 after being asked to give it a try.
And now in his second year as a big league starter, Martinez is rapidly developing a reputation as a starter to be reckoned with.
That continued Saturday afternoon in the Bronx. Martinez took control early and handled a struggling New York Yankees lineup through 7.0 innings, good enough to stay perfect at 4-0. It helped that his Rangers team dominated New York at the plate, banging out 15-hits en route to an easy 15-4 win. He gave up five hits throwing a career-high 108 pitches, and except for two home run balls, has now allowed three earned runs or fewer in 15 consecutive starts.
Yes, Martinez has grown up. The Texas Rangers feel they have a future ace and in baseball, as it happens more than once, the unexpected seems to always happen. Except Martinez is maturing each and every time he takes the mound, and with the Rangers offense starting to get on track, Martinez is also gaining more confidence.
“It’s nice, I don’t know what to say,” said Martinez about the early run support and the big lead. He said that with a smile that could have extended from the visitor’s clubhouse at Yankee Stadium to the Fordham Rose Hill campus, which is three miles from the Stadium.
“I will take it every time. Great when guys are swinging the bat that way. I could hear my buddies out there cheering for me. It's almost like a homecoming for me."
Though this was his second time on the mound at Yankee Stadium for the Rangers, so there was more of a familiarity with the dimensions of the ballpark and some in the Yankees lineup.
Last August he got a start in the Bronx and pitched five innings, striking out five, and did not figure in the decision. Then he left a bunch of tickets for friends and he had another enthusiastic core of fans from Fordham cheering him on every pitch.
Sunday morning, prior to leaving the ballpark for the series finale, Martinez was planning to visit the baseball team at Rose Hill and give them some support.
“Coming back to the Bronx, hearing my buddies cheering….I spent three or four important years of my life here,” said Martinez. “It’s special for me to pitch here. Always will have a special place in my heart.”
With the exception of two walks in the first inning, to Brett Gardner and Alex Rodriguez, the Yankees did not get their first of five hits off Martinez until the fourth inning when Rodriguez got on base with an infield single, and two more hits came off home runs.
Carlos Beltran extended his hitting streak to a season-high 13 games with a sixth inning solo shot to right on a 0-1 fastball. And Didi Gregorius homered in consecutive games for the second time in his career in the seventh inning, with one-out to right on another fastball.
“Growing up right in front of our eyes," is how Rangers’ manager manager Jeff Banister described the composure and maturity of Martinez, wh0 at 24-years of age can only get better.
Banister added, "Nick's been a guy that's been in complete control. His composure on the mound has been spectacular really. He has not shown any anxiety anywhere, no nervousness." And that showed after that first inning when Martinez got into a groove and he certainly did not let the home balls get to him.
If it were not for the career-high pitch count, Martinez may have went another inning or two. He added about that first inning, “I wasn’t locked in and after that went in on the attack.”
On the home run to Beltran, Martinez said, “He’s a great hitter. He hasn’t been in this game by a mistake. Thought I could beat him inside, he beat me.” But Martinez did get a win over the Yankees for the first time in three career starts and despite the 4-0 record, he is the first to admit there is more to learn.
“I don’t look at it too much,” he said about the record. “Just go out and help my team win. I just try to come to the ballpark everyday with the mentality to continue to learn. Knowing that, going to the ballpark to learn and better myself, it helps. I’m capable, not surprised. If I keep working hard I will be alright.”
Those are the words of a confident pitcher and a good hitter in the Rangers’ lineup, Elvis Andrus has also noticed how Martinez has matured and grown in his last few starts.
“He knows how to throw that fastball and attack early,” Andrus said. “It was nice to give him early run support.” Andrus went 2-for-4 and drove in three runs as the Rangers had a season high in runs for a game and their largest win of the season.
They feel confident at the plate. More so, there is that confidence that Martinez on the mound gives them a better chance for a win. Perhaps those days on the Fordham campus, and those few times on the mound were meant to be for Martinez, who has also been getting some good pointers from Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux, brother of Texas pitching coach Mike Maddux.
Says Banister, “He can read hitters well.” And as long as Martinez continues to do that, the Rangers will be very content that they stumbled upon an unexpected pitcher who has grown to be a good one.
Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso Twitter@Ring786
#Yankees #NickMartinez #TexasRangers
Martinez got Groomed in Bronx
By Rich Mancuso
Nick Martinez the Texas Rangers right-handed pitcher has grown up. In baseball standards that means throwing the fastball with location and attacking hitters early in ther count. An infielder at Fordham University in the Bronx, the Miami Florida resident, with a Cuban background had that potential to throw off the mound when he got five relief appearance opportunities for the Atlantic-10 Conference Rams in 2011.
Then something happened. He converted to a pitcher after being selected by the Texas Rangers in the 18th round of the amateur draft in 2011 after being asked to give it a try.
And now in his second year as a big league starter, Martinez is rapidly developing a reputation as a starter to be reckoned with.
That continued Saturday afternoon in the Bronx. Martinez took control early and handled a struggling New York Yankees lineup through 7.0 innings, good enough to stay perfect at 4-0. It helped that his Rangers team dominated New York at the plate, banging out 15-hits en route to an easy 15-4 win. He gave up five hits throwing a career-high 108 pitches, and except for two home run balls, has now allowed three earned runs or fewer in 15 consecutive starts.
Yes, Martinez has grown up. The Texas Rangers feel they have a future ace and in baseball, as it happens more than once, the unexpected seems to always happen. Except Martinez is maturing each and every time he takes the mound, and with the Rangers offense starting to get on track, Martinez is also gaining more confidence.
“It’s nice, I don’t know what to say,” said Martinez about the early run support and the big lead. He said that with a smile that could have extended from the visitor’s clubhouse at Yankee Stadium to the Fordham Rose Hill campus, which is three miles from the Stadium.
“I will take it every time. Great when guys are swinging the bat that way. I could hear my buddies out there cheering for me. It's almost like a homecoming for me."
Though this was his second time on the mound at Yankee Stadium for the Rangers, so there was more of a familiarity with the dimensions of the ballpark and some in the Yankees lineup.
Last August he got a start in the Bronx and pitched five innings, striking out five, and did not figure in the decision. Then he left a bunch of tickets for friends and he had another enthusiastic core of fans from Fordham cheering him on every pitch.
Sunday morning, prior to leaving the ballpark for the series finale, Martinez was planning to visit the baseball team at Rose Hill and give them some support.
“Coming back to the Bronx, hearing my buddies cheering….I spent three or four important years of my life here,” said Martinez. “It’s special for me to pitch here. Always will have a special place in my heart.”
With the exception of two walks in the first inning, to Brett Gardner and Alex Rodriguez, the Yankees did not get their first of five hits off Martinez until the fourth inning when Rodriguez got on base with an infield single, and two more hits came off home runs.
Carlos Beltran extended his hitting streak to a season-high 13 games with a sixth inning solo shot to right on a 0-1 fastball. And Didi Gregorius homered in consecutive games for the second time in his career in the seventh inning, with one-out to right on another fastball.
“Growing up right in front of our eyes," is how Rangers’ manager manager Jeff Banister described the composure and maturity of Martinez, wh0 at 24-years of age can only get better.
Banister added, "Nick's been a guy that's been in complete control. His composure on the mound has been spectacular really. He has not shown any anxiety anywhere, no nervousness." And that showed after that first inning when Martinez got into a groove and he certainly did not let the home balls get to him.
If it were not for the career-high pitch count, Martinez may have went another inning or two. He added about that first inning, “I wasn’t locked in and after that went in on the attack.”
On the home run to Beltran, Martinez said, “He’s a great hitter. He hasn’t been in this game by a mistake. Thought I could beat him inside, he beat me.” But Martinez did get a win over the Yankees for the first time in three career starts and despite the 4-0 record, he is the first to admit there is more to learn.
“I don’t look at it too much,” he said about the record. “Just go out and help my team win. I just try to come to the ballpark everyday with the mentality to continue to learn. Knowing that, going to the ballpark to learn and better myself, it helps. I’m capable, not surprised. If I keep working hard I will be alright.”
Those are the words of a confident pitcher and a good hitter in the Rangers’ lineup, Elvis Andrus has also noticed how Martinez has matured and grown in his last few starts.
“He knows how to throw that fastball and attack early,” Andrus said. “It was nice to give him early run support.” Andrus went 2-for-4 and drove in three runs as the Rangers had a season high in runs for a game and their largest win of the season.
They feel confident at the plate. More so, there is that confidence that Martinez on the mound gives them a better chance for a win. Perhaps those days on the Fordham campus, and those few times on the mound were meant to be for Martinez, who has also been getting some good pointers from Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux, brother of Texas pitching coach Mike Maddux.
Says Banister, “He can read hitters well.” And as long as Martinez continues to do that, the Rangers will be very content that they stumbled upon an unexpected pitcher who has grown to be a good one.
Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso Twitter@Ring786
#Yankees #NickMartinez #TexasRangers
Saturday, May 23, 2015
Pelham Bay News: Hit-n-Run Driver Struck Child
Pelham Bay News: Hit-n-Run Driver Struck Child: Hit-n-Run Driver Struck Child BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 23- Police are asking the public's help in trying to catch a driver wh...
Hit-n-Run Driver Struck Child
Hit-n-Run Driver Struck Child
The driver stopped the truck to check on the victim and then took off. The 12 year old was taken to Jacobi where he is listed in stable condition.
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BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 23- Police are asking the public's help in trying to catch a driver who struck a child in Throggs Neck and drove off.
Cops released video of the SUV used in the accident. Last Saturday around 6:15 p.m. a gray Mazda CX-9, traveling southbound on Logan Avenue toward Dewey Avenue, struck a 12-year-old male.
The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 30-years-old,
200-220 pounds, with a light complexion and short curly black hair
with a receding hair line.
Anyone with information is urged to call
the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS. The public can also
submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Website at
WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM.
#NYPD #HitnRun
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Friday, May 22, 2015
Pelham Bay News: Teen Gunned Down Near School
Pelham Bay News: Teen Gunned Down Near School: Teen Gunned Down Near School (Facebook photos) BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 22- Anguish filled the Grand Concourse after a teenager...
Teen Gunned Down Near School
Teen Gunned Down Near School
BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 22- Anguish filled the Grand Concourse after a teenager was gunned down near a school. Cops say an argument led to the teen being shot repeatedly.
As school was getting underway at PS 90, a block away a teen was being gunned down on the street. At around 8:30 a.m., the teen was shot multiple times in front of 1174 Sheridan Avenue. Published reports have identified the victim as 14-year-old Christopher Duran.
Duran was pronounced dead at the scene. Cops say the victim suffered three gunshot wounds to the abdomen and one gunshot wound to the head.
Police say the victim had gotten into an argument with at least two boys. The area was designated an Impact Zone where additional police officers were assigned to handle the uptick in violence.
#NYPD #Shooting #Teen #ChristopherDuran #Bronxnews
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Pelham Bay News: Heroin Bust was No Surprise to Neighbors
Pelham Bay News: Heroin Bust was No Surprise to Neighbors: Heroin Bust was No Surprise to Neighbors By Robert Press B RONX, NEW YORK, MAY 21 - It appears to be the largest drug bus...
Heroin Bust was No Surprise to Neighbors
Heroin Bust was No Surprise to Neighbors
By Robert Press
BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 21- It appears to be the largest drug bust in New York State history as Federal DEA agents arrested two people who lived in a 5th floor, three-bedroom apartment located at 210 West 251st Street. The building is called the Deauville, and the apartments are still rental apartments.
Jose Mercedes and Yenci Cruz were identified as the two people arrested by the DEA, who said that 70 Kilos of heroin, $2 Million dollars in cash,
and a gun were confiscated from the apartment and two vehicles that were used to transport the drugs. The heroin seized was estimated to have a street value of over $50 Million dollars.
Local residents including the owner of a building across the street from the Deauville said this has been going on for years, and wants to know why this was not stopped long ago. One woman said that the community is going downhill, while one man said that the Deauville is full of Section 8 tenants who do not care about the neighborhood. Another said that loud music comes from the nearby Van Cortlandt Park area at night, while cars park at hydrants and double park while the local police department does nothing when residents call and complain.
#NYPD #HeroinBust #DEA #Riverdale
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Pelham Bay News: Little Penguins Land at Bronx Zoo
Pelham Bay News: Little Penguins Land at Bronx Zoo: Little Penguins Land at Bronx Zoo Photos by Julie Larson BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 20– A colony of little penguins (Eudyptu...
Little Penguins Land at Bronx Zoo
Little Penguins Land at Bronx Zoo
Photos by Julie Larson
BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 20– A colony of little penguins (Eudyptula minor) has made its debut in the Aquatic Bird House at WCS’s (Wildlife Conservation Society) Bronx Zoo.
Named for their small size and characteristic bluish hue, little penguins are also known as blue penguins, little blue penguins, and fairy penguins. Full-grown adults are only about 13 inches tall and weigh 2 to 3 pounds. They are the smallest of the 18 penguin species and native to coastal southern Australia and New Zealand.
These are the first little penguins to be on exhibit at the Bronx Zoo and there are only three facilities in the U.S. that currently have them.
All of the birds in the colony were hatched at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia and brought to the Bronx Zoo as part of a breeding program. Approximately 15 penguins a year hatch at Taronga, making it the most successful little penguin breeding program in the world. The Bronx Zoo penguins will help ensure continued genetic diversity in the little penguin populations in the U.S.
“The little penguins are acclimating well to their new home and are quite a sight to see,” said Jim Breheny, WCS Executive Vice President and General Director of the WCS Zoos and Aquarium. “The Bronx Zoo is focused on the conservation of the species we exhibit, and international partnerships and breeding programs like that of the little penguin are vital to ensuring the survival of the species in the wild through education, awareness, and connecting people to nature in a way that can only be accomplished through close, in-person encounters.”
Taronga Zoo Director and Chief Executive, Cameron Kerr, said: “The little penguins at the Bronx Zoo have taken on
the role of international ambassadors for their species. Visitors to the Bronx Zoo from around the world can come to learn about these wonderful Australian marine animals. This group of little penguins will ensure a thriving population in the U.S. for many years to come.”
The species occurs in temperate marine waters and feed on fish, cephalopods and crustaceans. They nest colonially in burrows on sand dunes or rocky beach areas. Like other penguin species, they use a wide range of vocalizations to communicate with each other. In the wild, their populations are threatened by climate change and human activities.
The Bronx Zoo is supporting Taronga Zoo’s little penguin conservation programs in Sydney Harbor. The work includes monitoring, awareness campaigns, rescue and rehabilitation, breeding programs, and more. Man-made nest boxes can provide safety from introduced predators and guard dogs have been used in some places to discourage predation.
#Penguins #BronxZoo
Monday, May 18, 2015
Pelham Bay News: Celebs Get Sign on Walk of Fame
Pelham Bay News: Celebs Get Sign on Walk of Fame: Celebs Get Sign on Walk of Fame Bronx Week Parade, Music, and Food Festival Ends Bronx Week (Photos by Gary Quintal) ...
Celebs Get Sign on Walk of Fame
Celebs Get Sign on Walk of Fame
Bronx Week Parade, Music, and Food Festival Ends Bronx Week
By Robert Press
BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 18- Sunday’s Bronx Week Parade, Music, and Food Festival was the perfect ending to the 10 days of Bronx Week.
The weather was perfect, and hundreds and hundreds of people marched along Mosholu Parkway in the Bronx
Week Parade. After the parade they joined hundreds of others who were enjoying the food and informational tables that were set up along the other side of Mosholu Parkway. The topper to all this was the Music Festival that could be heard blocks away that rocked the streets.
It appears the city spruced up the island between both sides of Mosholu Parkway with up to 50 newly planted trees, and the day before the parade much gardening was done to the grass. The only thing left to do was to repave the roadway, but maybe that will happen before next year’s Bronx Week Parade across Mosholu Parkway.
The FDNY opened the parade, with Bronx Walk of Fame Honorees. The daughter of the late businessman and philanthropist, Alfredo Thiebaud, Actor and activist Malik Yoba; and NBA Legend and Hall of Famer Dolph Schayes arrived next to be escorted to the reviewing stand where parade co-hosts Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr., and Dr. Bob Lee. Actress, author and television commentator Stacey Dash missed the parade as she had to catch a flight right after the induction ceremony.
As the marchers marched across Mosholu Parkway it was school after school, organization after organization, and company after company. The parade was so long that after people marched they joined in the viewing area (or just lined the parade route) until the Bronx Week Parade was over, several hours after it began.
I for one can not wait for Bronx Week 2016, and to enjoy “The Bast the Bronx Has to Offer”. However we Bronxites get to enjoy the Bronx each and every day.
#Stacey Dash #BronxWeek #Bronxnews
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