Zoo welcomes the world’s smallest deer

Nashville Zoo has announced the birth of a male southern pudu calf, one of the world’s smallest deer species.

The calf was born on May 8 to mother Bosa and father Pacu, just ahead of Mother’s Day. Visitors can now see the family at the zoo’s Expedition Peru habitat, although the newborn may remain hidden while adjusting to its surroundings.

Southern pudus are native to southern Chile and southwestern Argentina. Known for their shy nature, they live in dense forests and feed on leaves, fruits and bamboo.

Southeast Asia’s largest dinosaur discovered

Scientists have identified a new giant dinosaur species in Thailand, believed to be the largest ever discovered in Southeast Asia.

The long-necked herbivore, named Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, measured about 27 metres in length and weighed roughly 27 tonnes, about the same as nine adult Asian elephants.

Researchers said the dinosaur lived between 100 and 120 million years ago. Fossils were first discovered by locals in northeastern Thailand about a decade ago, with excavations completed in 2024. A life-size reconstruction of the dinosaur is now displayed at the Thainosaur Museum in Bangkok.

Wasp-filled crackers anyone?

Jibachi Senbei are a unique Japanese snack made with whole dried digger wasps baked into savoury crackers.

The unusual treat was created in Omachi by a local wasp enthusiast group working with a bakery. Members collect edible digger wasps from forests, boil and dry them and then mix them into cracker dough. The crackers are said to have a mildly sweet taste, while the dried wasps reportedly taste similar to burnt raisins.

The snack has become a novelty food popular with curious tourists and some older locals. The wasp species used, Vespula flaviceps, is considered safe to eat and is known for its high protein content.

Ageless actor looks like a child at 40

Chinese actor Hou Xiang has gained attention online for his youthful appearance, with many people surprised to learn he is 40 years old.

According to Chinese media, Hou’s physical development stopped around the age of nine after he was born prematurely and his mother suffered malnutrition during pregnancy. Since then, he has continued to look like a young boy and is often mistaken for a child.

Hou began acting as a teenager and landed his breakthrough role in the sitcom Home with Kids in 2005, where he played a primary school student at age 19. He later appeared in dramas including Stepfather and Tunnel Warfare.

The actor said his appearance limits the types of roles he can play, but he focuses on perfecting the characters he is offered.

Published in Dawn, Young World, June 20th, 2026