Kangaroo on the loose in Austria
Vienna: A kangaroo is on the loose and has been spotted in forests and meadows in Austria, police said Monday.
The animal — not a native to the central European country — has been seen numerous times since late last week in Hellmonsoedt district in Upper Austria state.
Police, who have identified it to be a kangaroo from photos and videos they received, are trying to find out who the animal belongs to. “We have called all the zoos and kangaroo breeders around us, but no one is missing a kangaroo. We hope the owner will come forward,” a Hellmonsoedt police official, who declined to be named, told AFP.
“It sounds unbelievable, but it’s true.” Police cannot say what breed the kangaroo is but believe there is little to worry about for now — the kangaroo is a “shy animal” so is unlikely to cause any damage, and “its survival chances (in the wild) are perfect”, the official said.
People need permission to keep kangaroos in Austria. But kangaroos have been spotted before in the wild, according to local media reports, such as in 2015, when one escaped from an owner in neighbouring Germany. (AFP)
Phone ban at school: French children forced to hang up
Paris: French children who are going back to school on Monday after summer vacation will have to do so without their mobile phones.
The government passed a law banning phone use in all primary and middle schools for the entire day, including during breaks — with exceptions in cases of emergency and for disabled children.
Pupils are requested to shut down their mobiles or put them in a locker. High schools can also voluntarily implement the measure.
Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer said it aims to help children focus on lessons, better socialize and reduce social media use. The ban is also designed to fight online bullying, and prevent thefts and violence in school.
The law allows teachers to confiscate phones until the end of the day in cases of non-compliance. (AP)