Bedford Park News: Heroin Bust was No Surprise to Neighbors

Bedford Park 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

Bedford Park News: Little Penguins Land at Bronx Zoo

Bedford Park 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

Bedford Park News: Thugs Shoot Senior in Park During Stare Down

Bedford Park News: Thugs Shoot Senior in Park During Stare Down: Thugs Shoot Senior in Park During Stare Down   By David Greene   A 63-year-old man sitting in a Norwood park was ...

Thugs Shoot Senior in Park During Stare Down

Thugs Shoot Senior in Park During Stare Down

 

By David Greene

 

A 63-year-old man sitting in a Norwood park was shot after being confronted by a small group of young toughs.

 

According to police spokeswoman Annette Markowski, the unidentified victim was sitting on the steps of Prince Charley Park at East 204 Street and Webster Avenue, at just after 11 p.m., on Saturday, May 9.

 

Markowski explained, "Three males and one female walked past the victim, when one male stared at the victim and a verbal confrontation occurred."

 

The victim suffered a gunshot wound to the upper right thigh and was transported by paramedics to St. Barnabas Hospital, he was expected to make a complete recovery.

 

Police describe the suspects as three white males and one white female, all believed to be in their 20's.

 

Police continue to investigate the incident.

 

Detectives in the 52nd Precinct were investigating a second unrelated shooting that took place a little more than an hour later at University Avenue and West 183Street.

 

Few details were available, but the male victim was shot at just after midnight and he too was expected to survive.

 

#NYPD #Shooting #Thugs

Bedford Park News: Celebs Get Sign on Walk of Fame

Bedford Park 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) ...