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Maverick Life

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PHOTOGRAPHY

Our World in pictures: Week 11 of 2021

Here is an incomplete, yet surprising and moving gallery of images of this week’s events around the world.

By Maverick Life Editors

19 Mar

Beijing And Northern China Hit By Sandstorm

A woman wears a protective mask as she shields herself in heavy winds while commuting during a sandstorm on March 15, 2021 in Beijing, China. China's capital and the northern part of the country was hit with a sandstorm Monday, sending air quality indexes of PM 2.5 and PM 10 ratings into the thousands and cancelling flights. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - MARCH 17: Burial procession ahead of the funeral for the late King Goodwin Zwelithini to his KwaKhethomthandayo Palace in Nongoma on March 17, 2021 in Durban, South Africa. It is reported that mourners have flocked to the Royal Palace to pay their last respects to the King. (Photo by Gallo Images/Darren Stewart) — Burial procession ahead of the funeral for the late King Goodwin Zwelithini to his KwaKhethomthandayo Palace in Nongoma on March 17, 2021 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Gallo Images/Darren Stewart)

NONGOMA, SOUTH AFRICA - MARCH 18: Zulu warriors approach the gate at the funeral service of King Goodwill Zwelithini KaBhekuzulu on March 18, 2021 in Nongoma, South Africa. It is reported that the late King was accorded a Special Official Funeral Category 1 funeral with military honours. (Photo by Gallo Images/Darren Stewart) — Zulu warriors approach the gate at the funeral service of King Goodwill Zwelithini KaBhekuzulu on March 18, 2021 in Nongoma, South Africa. (Photo by Gallo Images/Darren Stewart)

NONGOMA, SOUTH AFRICA - MARCH 18: Attendees at the funeral service of King Goodwill Zwelithini KaBhekuzulu on March 18, 2021 in Nongoma, South Africa. It is reported that the late King was accorded a Special Official Funeral Category 1 funeral with military honours. (Photo by Gallo Images/Darren Stewart) — Attendees at the funeral service of King Goodwill Zwelithini KaBhekuzulu on March 18, 2021 in Nongoma, South Africa. (Photo by Gallo Images/Darren Stewart)

epa09081662 The King's wives grieve during the memorial for the late Zulu monarch, King Goodwill Zwelithini at the KwaKhethomthandayo Royal Palace in Nongoma, South Africa, 18 March 2021. The king was laid to rest in a private funeral on Wednesday night, attended by only male members of the royal family, in accordance with his wishes. King Zwelithini died in hospital on 12 March 2021 at the age of 72. EPA-EFE/AFP POOL/Phill Magakoe — The King's wives grieve during the memorial for the late Zulu monarch, King Goodwill Zwelithini at the KwaKhethomthandayo Royal Palace in Nongoma, South Africa, 18 March 2021. EPA-EFE/AFP POOL/Phill Magakoe

Charlene, Princess of Monaco looks on during the memorial for the late Zulu monarch, King Goodwill Zwelithini at the KwaKhethomthandayo Royal Palace in Nongoma, South Africa, 18 March 2021. The king was laid to rest in a private funeral on Wednesday night, attended by only male members of the royal family, in accordance with his wishes. King Zwelithini died in hospital on 12 March 2021 at the age of 72. EPA-EFE/Phill Magakoe / POOL — Charlene, Princess of Monaco (C) looks on during the memorial for the late Zulu monarch, King Goodwill Zwelithini at the KwaKhethomthandayo Royal Palace in Nongoma, South Africa, 18 March 2021. EPA-EFE/Phill Magakoe / POOL

NONGOMA, SOUTH AFRICA - MARCH 17: Burial procession ahead of the funeral for the late King Goodwill Zwelithini to his KwaKhethomthandayo Palace in Nongoma on March 17, 2021 in Nongoma, South Africa. It is reported that mourners have flocked to the Royal Palace to pay their last respects to the King. (Photo by Gallo Images/Darren Stewart) — Burial procession ahead of the funeral for the late King Goodwill Zwelithini to his KwaKhethomthandayo Palace in Nongoma on March 17, 2021 in Nongoma, South Africa. (Photo by Gallo Images/Darren Stewart)

NONGOMA, SOUTH AFRICA - MARCH 18: Zulu biker at the funeral service of King Goodwill Zwelithini KaBhekuzulu on March 18, 2021 in Nongoma, South Africa. It is reported that the late King was accorded a Special Official Funeral Category 1 funeral with military honours. (Photo by Gallo Images/Darren Stewart) — Zulu biker at the funeral service of King Goodwill Zwelithini KaBhekuzulu on March 18, 2021 in Nongoma, South Africa. (Photo by Gallo Images/Darren Stewart)

WARNING: IMAGE CONTAINS NUDITY:CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - MARCH 13: Participants ride against coal-fired air pollution at the World Naked Bike Ride on March 13, 2021 in Cape Town, South Africa. The participants protested against the burning of fossils fuels-which is contributing to climate change. (Photo by Gallo Images/Brenton Geach) — Participants ride against coal-fired air pollution at the World Naked Bike Ride on March 13, 2021 in Cape Town, South Africa. The participants protested against the burning of fossils fuels-which is contributing to climate change. (Photo by Gallo Images/Brenton Geach)

PIETERMARITZBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - MARCH 15: Students during the KZN Fees Must Fall Movement on March 15, 2021 in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. It is reported that the South African Student Union has called for a national shutdown of all 26 institutions of higher learning until funding, historical debt and other issues are completely dealt with. (Photo by Gallo Images/Darren Stewart) — Students during the KZN Fees Must Fall Movement on March 15, 2021 in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. (Photo by Gallo Images/Darren Stewart)

Students demand the renaming of Stiemens Street to Ntumba Street on March 17, 2021 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Mthokozisi Ntumba was killedby a police rubber bullet during a student protest. (Photo: Gallo Images / Sharon Seretlo) — Student demand the renaming of Stiemens Street to Ntumba Street on March 17, 2021 in Johannesburg, South Africa. It is reported that Mthokozisi Ntumba was shot dead by police during a students protest. (Photo by Gallo Images/Sharon Seretlo)

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - MARCH 15: University of Witwatersrand students protest over financial exclusion on March 15, 2021 in Johannesburg, South Africa. It is reported that the South African Student Union called for a national shutdown of all 26 institutions of higher learning until funding, historical debt and other issues are completely dealt with. (Photo by Gallo Images/Sharon Seretlo) — University of Witwatersrand students protest over financial exclusion on March 15, 2021 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Gallo Images/Sharon Seretlo)

YANGON, MYANMAR - MARCH 16: Protesters test molotov cocktails on March 16, 2021 in Yangon, Myanmar. Myanmar's military Junta charged deposed de-facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi with accepting bribes and taking illegal payments in gold, as it also continued a brutal crackdown on a nationwide civil disobedience movement in which thousands of people have turned out in continued defiance of tear gas, rubber bullets and live ammunition. Over 80 people have been killed so far according to the U.N. (Photo by Stringer/Getty Images) — Protesters test molotov cocktails on March 16, 2021 in Yangon, Myanmar. Over 80 people have been killed so far according to the U.N. (Photo by Stringer/Getty Images)

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - MARCH 14: Hospital staff view flowers planted on hospital beds as part of an installation titled "Whispering Flower Beds" to commemorate healthcare workers, who died while fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, at the Philippine General Hospital on March 14, 2021 in Manila, Philippines. The Philippines is marking one year since it was put on lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The country has reported more than 621,000 cases so far, with at least 12,829 deaths. Curfews and stricter lockdowns are being implemented in several cities, as the country experiences its worst surge in cases since the lockdown began, with fears of a new and more contagious variant which was discovered by authorities in Japan from a man who came from the Philippines. (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images) — Hospital staff view flowers planted on hospital beds as part of an installation titled "Whispering Flower Beds" to commemorate healthcare workers, who died while fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, at the Philippine General Hospital on March 14, 2021 in Manila, Philippines. (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 14: Faces of victims of COVID-19 are projected onto the Brooklyn Bridge during a memorial service called “A COVID-19 Day of Remembrance” on March 14, 2021 in New York City. The event, which will include a virtual performance by The New York Philharmonic, marks the day the first known coronavirus fatality was confirmed in the city. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) — Faces of victims of COVID-19 are projected onto the Brooklyn Bridge during a memorial service called “A COVID-19 Day of Remembrance” on March 14, 2021 in New York City. The event, which will include a virtual performance by The New York Philharmonic, marks the day the first known coronavirus fatality was confirmed in the city. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

epa09081287 Manneken Pis in costume of "Covid Boys" created in collaboration with the group ''covid Boys'' and the artist Lucas Engels in Brussels, Belgium, 18 March 2021. EPA-EFE/STEPHANIE LECOCQ — Manneken Pis in costume of "Covid Boys" created in collaboration with the group ''covid Boys'' and the artist Lucas Engels in Brussels, Belgium, 18 March 2021. EPA-EFE/STEPHANIE LECOCQ

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 15: "Foci" by artist Karl Meyer and "Dream of Cyprus" by artist Savako are seen at Sculpture by the Sea on March 15, 2021 in Perth, Australia. The 17th Annual Cottesloe exhibition is featured from the sea wall all the way along the sand towards North Cottesloe and on the surrounding grassed areas creating a sculpture park. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images) — "Foci" by artist Karl Meyer and "Dream of Cyprus" by artist Savako are seen at Sculpture by the Sea on March 15, 2021 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

KYOTO, JAPAN - MARCH 15: Tourists look at the LED lights illuminating the Kimono Forest at Arashiyama, one of Kyoto’s most on March 15, 2021 in Kyoto, Japan. The ‘Kimono Forest’ art installation consists of around 600 textile displays dyed in the traditional Kyo-yuzen style and wrapped around 2 metre-high cylinders lining a route from Randen tram station on Kyoto’s Keifuku Arashiyama line. (Photo by Buddhika Weerasinghe/Getty Images) — Tourists look at the LED lights illuminating the Kimono Forest at Arashiyama, one of Kyoto’s most on March 15, 2021 in Kyoto, Japan. The ‘Kimono Forest’ art installation consists of around 600 textile displays dyed in the traditional Kyo-yuzen style and wrapped around 2 metre-high cylinders lining a route from Randen tram station on Kyoto’s Keifuku Arashiyama line. (Photo by Buddhika Weerasinghe/Getty Images)

Christie's auction house staff prepare the painting 'Self Portrait' by Jean Michel Basquiat at the Christie's auction house, in London, Britain, 16 March 2021. The painting is expected to fetch between 4 to 6 million euros at an auction in London scheduled for 23 March 2021. EPA-EFE/ANDY RAIN

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 16: Guests view the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit during a media preview at SVN West on March 16, 2021 in San Francisco, California. “Immersive van Gogh,” is a digitally projected show that animates paintings by artist Vincent Van Gogh in a surroundscape experience. The show runs from March 18th through September 6th and will be one of the first in-person art experiences in San Francisco since the city went on lockdown one year ago due to the coronavirus pandemic. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) — Guests view the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit during a media preview at SVN West on March 16, 2021 in San Francisco, California. “Immersive van Gogh,” is a digitally projected show that animates paintings by artist Vincent Van Gogh in a surroundscape experience. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

epa09077794 Painters and their students paint huge Easter eggs at Zagreb's Zoo, Zagreb, Croatia, 16 March 2021. More than ten 125 centimetres high Easter eggs will be installed around the Zoo garden. Zagreb's Zoo organised performances as announcement of Spring festival as a part of Easter customs in Croatia. EPA-EFE/ANTONIO BAT — Painters and their students paint huge Easter eggs at Zagreb's Zoo, Zagreb, Croatia, 16 March 2021. EPA-EFE/ANTONIO BAT

epa09078455 Iranians release wishing lanterns ahead of the traditional fire feasts (Charshanbeh Suri), in Tehran, Iran, 16 March 2021, which is annually held on the last Wednesday eve before the Persian New Year (Nowruz) which starts on 21 March, also marking the beginning of spring. The Persian New Year which has been celebrated for at least three thousand years, is the most revered celebration in the greater Persian world, which includes the countries of Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and portions of western China and northern Iraq. EPA-EFE/ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH — Iranians release wishing lanterns ahead of the traditional fire feasts (Charshanbeh Suri), in Tehran, Iran, 16 March 2021, which is annually held on the last Wednesday eve before the Persian New Year (Nowruz) which starts on 21 March, also marking the beginning of spring. EPA-EFE/ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In this image released on March 14, Megan Thee Stallion performs onstage during the 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California and broadcast on March 14, 2021. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy) — In this image released on March 14, Megan Thee Stallion performs onstage during the 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California and broadcast on March 14, 2021. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In this image released on March 14, Host Trevor Noah (C) with Eric Burton and Adrian Quesada of Black Pumas perform onstage during the 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California and broadcast on March 14, 2021. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy) — In this image released on March 14, Host Trevor Noah (C) with Eric Burton and Adrian Quesada of Black Pumas perform onstage during the 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California and broadcast on March 14, 2021. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

epa09065243 US singer Lady Gaga (C) on set during the shooting of the film 'House of Gucci' in Milan, Italy, 10 March 2021. The upcoming biopic crime movie directed by British filmmaker Ridley Scott is based on the 2001 book 'The House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamor, and Greed' by Sara Gay Forden. EPA-EFE/Mourad Balti Touati — US singer Lady Gaga (C) on set during the shooting of the film 'House of Gucci' in Milan, Italy, 10 March 2021. The upcoming biopic crime movie directed by British filmmaker Ridley Scott is based on the 2001 book 'The House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamor, and Greed' by Sara Gay Forden. EPA-EFE/Mourad Balti Touati

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MARCH 17: A man dressed in a St. Patrick costume poses for a picture on St. Patrick's Day in Dublin city centre on March 17, 2021 in Dublin, Ireland. St. Patrick's Day has again been cancelled this year due to the Covid pandemic. The police are warning would-be lockdown protestors to stay away from potential flashpoints. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) — A man dressed in a St. Patrick costume poses for a picture on St. Patrick's Day in Dublin city centre on March 17, 2021 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 13: An aerial picture shot with a drone shows the Chicago River as it flows through downtown after it was dyed green in celebration of St. Patrick's Day on March 13, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. The dyeing of the river, a St. Patrick's Day tradition in the city, was cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was reported to be cancelled this year but the city approved a last-minute early-morning clandestine dyeing to keep the usual spectators at bay. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) — An aerial picture shot with a drone shows the Chicago River as it flows through downtown after it was dyed green in celebration of St. Patrick's Day on March 13, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. The dyeing of the river, a St. Patrick's Day tradition in the city, was cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was reported to be cancelled this year but the city approved a last-minute early-morning clandestine dyeing to keep the usual spectators at bay. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

epa09080783 The fountain on the North Lawn is dyed green in celebration of St. Patricks day at the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 17 March 2021. EPA-EFE/Chris Kleponis / POOL — The fountain on the North Lawn is dyed green in celebration of St. Patrick's day at the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 17 March 2021. EPA-EFE/Chris Kleponis / POOL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 13: John Allen riding<br> Fifty Stars unplaced in Race 8, the All-star Mile, during Melbourne Racing All-Star Mile Day at Moonee Valley Racecourse on March 13, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images) — John Allen riding Fifty Stars unplaced in Race 8, the All-star Mile, during Melbourne Racing All-Star Mile Day at Moonee Valley Racecourse on March 13, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images)

epa09082291 A horseman guides horse El Nood Al Hufan from the UAE during the first day of the 16th edition of Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship in Gulf emirate of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 18 March 2021. EPA-EFE/ALI HAIDER — A horseman guides horse El Nood Al Hufan from the UAE during the first day of the 16th edition of Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship in Gulf emirate of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 18 March 2021. EPA-EFE/ALI HAIDER

epa09079241 A girl watches cats trough the shop window in front of the Fairy Cats cafe in Shanghai, China, 16 March 2021 (issued 17 March 2021). The cafes where you can play with dogs and cats are already a classic in China's big cities. So much so that some establishments have decided to go further and incorporate other far less common animals such as ducks, raccoons, or even alpacas. In the eastern megalopolis of Shanghai, more and more cafes are trying to attract customers with animals that, until now, could only be seen in zoos. And it's not just about seeing them behind a window, but about interacting with them. At the Animal café, Xiao Qi has more than a hundred animals of 20 different species: from purebred cats to pigs, through chinchillas, rabbits, tarantulas, snakes, ferrets, lizards, and a pair of alpacas. Close to 600 people who come to this peculiar cafeteria each month are parents who bring their children or young couples, and the workers explain to them how they have to treat each animal. The pandemic has affected the cafeteria twice: first, it was forced to close between January and March of last year. Only spending on food already amounts to between 10,000 and 20,000 yuan each month (between 1,540 and 3,080 dollars or between 1,290 and 2,580 euros). And, secondly, because scientific evidence points to the fact that the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus could pass from the bat to an intermediate host - a wild animal - and from there, to humans, among whom it has caused havoc for more than a year. In another animal café in Shanghai, the stars are the raccoons. Its owner, Cheng Chen, explains that all customers receive safety instructions and a protective apron. In his case, the pandemic was an opportunity to give an animal a new home. One of the eight raccoons she has is a three-month-old baby that she bought from a Chinese zoo that was forced to sell some of their animals because the absence of visitors due to the COVID-19 depleted their income. EPA-EFE/ALEX — A girl watches cats through the shop window in front of the Fairy Cats cafe in Shanghai, China, 16 March 2021 (issued 17 March 2021). The cafes where you can play with dogs and cats are already a classic in China's big cities. So much so that some establishments have decided to go further and incorporate other far less common animals such as ducks, raccoons, or even alpacas. EPA-EFE/ALEX PLAVEVSKI

epa09079252 A cat naps in the Animal Cafe in Shanghai, China, 15 March 2021 (issued 17 March 2021). The cafes where you can play with dogs and cats are already a classic in China's big cities. So much so that some establishments have decided to go further and incorporate other far less common animals such as ducks, raccoons, or even alpacas. In the eastern megalopolis of Shanghai, more and more cafes are trying to attract customers with animals that, until now, could only be seen in zoos. And it's not just about seeing them behind a window, but about interacting with them. At the Animal café, Xiao Qi has more than a hundred animals of 20 different species: from purebred cats to pigs, through chinchillas, rabbits, tarantulas, snakes, ferrets, lizards, and a pair of alpacas. Close to 600 people who come to this peculiar cafeteria each month are parents who bring their children or young couples, and the workers explain to them how they have to treat each animal. The pandemic has affected the cafeteria twice: first, it was forced to close between January and March of last year. Only spending on food already amounts to between 10,000 and 20,000 yuan each month (between 1,540 and 3,080 dollars or between 1,290 and 2,580 euros). And, secondly, because scientific evidence points to the fact that the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus could pass from the bat to an intermediate host - a wild animal - and from there, to humans, among whom it has caused havoc for more than a year. In another animal café in Shanghai, the stars are the raccoons. Its owner, Cheng Chen, explains that all customers receive safety instructions and a protective apron. In his case, the pandemic was an opportunity to give an animal a new home. One of the eight raccoons she has is a three-month-old baby that she bought from a Chinese zoo that was forced to sell some of their animals because the absence of visitors due to the COVID-19 depleted their income. EPA-EFE/ALEX PLAVEVSKI ATTENTION: This Image is part of — A cat naps in the Animal Cafe in Shanghai, China, 15 March 2021 (issued 17 March 2021). The cafes where you can play with dogs and cats are already a classic in China's big cities. EPA-EFE/ALEX PLAVEVSKI

epa09079242 An owner of the Raccoon Cafe Ms. Cheng Chen stands with raccoon baby bought from the Zoo in Shanghai, China, 14 March 2021 (issued 17 March 2021). The cafes where you can play with dogs and cats are already a classic in China's big cities. So much so that some establishments have decided to go further and incorporate other far less common animals such as ducks, raccoons, or even alpacas. In the eastern megalopolis of Shanghai, more and more cafes are trying to attract customers with animals that, until now, could only be seen in zoos. And it's not just about seeing them behind a window, but about interacting with them. At the Animal café, Xiao Qi has more than a hundred animals of 20 different species: from purebred cats to pigs, through chinchillas, rabbits, tarantulas, snakes, ferrets, lizards, and a pair of alpacas. Close to 600 people who come to this peculiar cafeteria each month are parents who bring their children or young couples, and the workers explain to them how they have to treat each animal. The pandemic has affected the cafeteria twice: first, it was forced to close between January and March of last year. Only spending on food already amounts to between 10,000 and 20,000 yuan each month (between 1,540 and 3,080 dollars or between 1,290 and 2,580 euros). And, secondly, because scientific evidence points to the fact that the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus could pass from the bat to an intermediate host - a wild animal - and from there, to humans, among whom it has caused havoc for more than a year. In another animal café in Shanghai, the stars are the raccoons. Its owner, Cheng Chen, explains that all customers receive safety instructions and a protective apron. In his case, the pandemic was an opportunity to give an animal a new home. One of the eight raccoons she has is a three-month-old baby that she bought from a Chinese zoo that was forced to sell some of their animals because the absence of visitors due to the COVID-19 depleted their income. — An owner of the Raccoon Cafe Ms. Cheng Chen stands with raccoon baby bought from the Zoo in Shanghai, China, 14 March 2021 (issued 17 March 2021). EPA-EFE/ALEX PLAVEVSKI

epa09079253 An alpaca is seen in the Animal Cafe in Shanghai, China, 15 March 2021 (issued 17 March 2021). The cafes where you can play with dogs and cats are already a classic in China's big cities. So much so that some establishments have decided to go further and incorporate other far less common animals such as ducks, raccoons, or even alpacas. In the eastern megalopolis of Shanghai, more and more cafes are trying to attract customers with animals that, until now, could only be seen in zoos. And it's not just about seeing them behind a window, but about interacting with them. At the Animal café, Xiao Qi has more than a hundred animals of 20 different species: from purebred cats to pigs, through chinchillas, rabbits, tarantulas, snakes, ferrets, lizards, and a pair of alpacas. Close to 600 people who come to this peculiar cafeteria each month are parents who bring their children or young couples, and the workers explain to them how they have to treat each animal. The pandemic has affected the cafeteria twice: first, it was forced to close between January and March of last year. Only spending on food already amounts to between 10,000 and 20,000 yuan each month (between 1,540 and 3,080 dollars or between 1,290 and 2,580 euros). And, secondly, because scientific evidence points to the fact that the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus could pass from the bat to an intermediate host - a wild animal - and from there, to humans, among whom it has caused havoc for more than a year. In another animal café in Shanghai, the stars are the raccoons. Its owner, Cheng Chen, explains that all customers receive safety instructions and a protective apron. In his case, the pandemic was an opportunity to give an animal a new home. One of the eight raccoons she has is a three-month-old baby that she bought from a Chinese zoo that was forced to sell some of their animals because the absence of visitors due to the COVID-19 depleted their income. EPA-EFE/ALEX PLAVEVSKI ATTENTION: This Image is p — An alpaca is seen in the Animal Cafe in Shanghai, China, 15 March 2021 (issued 17 March 2021). EPA-EFE/ALEX PLAVEVSKI

epa09079231 A meerkat Timon and pig Pumbaa, named after the famous couple from Disney?s animated movie The Lion King, are best friends likewise their animated counterparts, and one of the biggest attractions for kids in the Animal Cafe in Shanghai, China, 15 March 2021 (issued 17 March 2021). The cafes where you can play with dogs and cats are already a classic in China's big cities. So much so that some establishments have decided to go further and incorporate other far less common animals such as ducks, raccoons, or even alpacas. In the eastern megalopolis of Shanghai, more and more cafes are trying to attract customers with animals that, until now, could only be seen in zoos. And it's not just about seeing them behind a window, but about interacting with them. At the Animal café, Xiao Qi has more than a hundred animals of 20 different species: from purebred cats to pigs, through chinchillas, rabbits, tarantulas, snakes, ferrets, lizards, and a pair of alpacas. Close to 600 people who come to this peculiar cafeteria each month are parents who bring their children or young couples, and the workers explain to them how they have to treat each animal. The pandemic has affected the cafeteria twice: first, it was forced to close between January and March of last year. Only spending on food already amounts to between 10,000 and 20,000 yuan each month (between 1,540 and 3,080 dollars or between 1,290 and 2,580 euros). And, secondly, because scientific evidence points to the fact that the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus could pass from the bat to an intermediate host - a wild animal - and from there, to humans, among whom it has caused havoc for more than a year. In another animal café in Shanghai, the stars are the raccoons. Its owner, Cheng Chen, explains that all customers receive safety instructions and a protective apron. In his case, the pandemic was an opportunity to give an animal a new home. One of the eight raccoons she has is a three-month-old baby that she bought f — A meerkat Timon and pig Pumbaa, named after the famous couple from Disney's animated movie The Lion King, are best friends likewise their animated counterparts, and one of the biggest attractions for kids in the Animal Cafe in Shanghai, China, 15 March 2021 (issued 17 March 2021). EPA-EFE/ALEX PLAVEVSKI

Thank you to Kim McCarthy from Gallo Images for her generous help in the production of this image selection. DM/ ML

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Kanu 20 March 2021 02:14 PM

Thought the first picture of two 'royalty' attendees at the Zwelitini funeral were of 'English' origin(minus the Megan upstart)...only to discover that the other royalty from our own climes Charlene... was also there! Long live royalty...while in many places people queue in food lines for handouts.