Bengal cat spark police search

When one of actress Jemima Khan’s Bengal cats went missing not wonder she caused such a stir by ringing the police. Not only were they her most devoted furry companions but also they each cost a sum of $ 1,700.

She had originally reported on June 19 that both of her cats were missing, but one of them was found by a neighbour and returned to its worried owner. Nonetheless the heiress phoned the police to report of its missing sibling.

Within 24 hours, a task force was sent out to investigate the rather puzzling case, giving it priority status on the basis that the errant Bengal - a highly sought after crossbred between domestic shorthaired and Asian leopard cats - was “high value property”.

The pet is believed to be one of two Bengal cats given to Ms Khan by her former boyfriend, Nottinghill star, Hugh Grant.

The Bengal is a relatively new hybrid breed of cat developed to have a gentle and friendly temperament, while exhibiting the markings (such as spots, rosettes, and a light/white belly), and body structure reminiscent of the wild Asian Leopard Cat.

The name ‘Bengal’ was derived from the taxonomic name of the Asian Leopard Cat and not from the more widely known Bengal Tiger species, which is unrelated to the Bengal’s ancestry.

With black-market pedigree Bengals fetching up to £2,000 per animal, there are fears that it may have been stolen. Peter Edwards, from the Bengal Cat Club of Great Britain, said: “Bengal cats used to be targeted by thieves ten years ago when they sold for several thousand pounds.”

With no evidence to suggest that the animal’s disappearance was suspicious - despite high levels of black-market Bengal trading - the police are unlikely to invest further resources on the case, however.

Beauty in Miniature

A rare treat is in store for Bonsai lovers when the Bonsai Club of Sri Lanka holds its exhibition “Beauty in Miniature” at the National Art Gallery on August 4 and 5.

This is one of the many biennial exhibitions conducted by the Bonsai Club since its inception in 1980, to exhibit the creativity of the members who have popularised the art of Bonsai in Sri Lanka.

A large collection of tropical miniatures tended with love and care for the past 25 years will be on display at the exhibition. “Beauty in Miniature” will be opened by Ambassador for Japan in Sri Lanka Kioshi Araki and Madam Araki on August 3 at 4:00 p.m.

Flowers of Sri Lanka: Why must we grow flowers?

Manoj DISSANAYEKE

Have you ever asked this question from yourself? Why must we grow flowers? What do they mean to us? Are they merely a symbol of beauty or do they play a deeper role in our life? This article may help you to see another side of the qualities connected to flowers.

Though flowers are mainly used for decorations they have been used for many purposes throughout in history. Our ancestors believed that sacred qualities are attached to flowers.

Hindu myths imply strong connections between their gods and flowers. Lord Shiva is relayed to Jasmines since it is believed that these sweet scented flowers decorated his dwelling. Similarly Buddhism connects the Buddha with the Lotus flower.

Not all of these flowers carry a symbol of beauty. Hibiscus has a completely different story to tell as they are considered as an ill omen. The red rose is a sign of love today but in the ancient Hellenistic era the Greeks tied a red rose above their room as a sign for not to be disturbed.

This method was used especially when the leaders of Greek armies and the rulers got together to discuss military issues. With the development of the society new meaning had been given to flowers. Different verities of flowers were used to make medicine, oils, perfumes and ornaments.

This enhanced their value but as in the case of most situations, flowers are used for negative purposes such as to make alcohol and opium too. This reflects a certain truth to the idea that though a flower is a sign of beauty its thorns are deadly.

Growing and exporting flowers is a great occupation in the present environment. Not only it is a wealth gaining activity but also it possesses an exceptional healing touch to our minds.

(The writer is the Agriculture Instructor of Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya)