Orca headwear, animal escapes and bear brain surgery – take the Thursday quiz

Questions on general knowledge and topical trivia, plus a few jokes, every Thursday. This week: animals. How will you fare?

One of the staples of the Thursday quiz is an amusing animal story, to the extent that regular commenters sometimes suggest they memorise any ridiculous animal-related shenanigans appearing in the Guardian on the certain basis they will appear. Why not ease yourself into the holiday period with the final Thursday quiz before Christmas, which is all about some of our favourite animal stories from throughout 2024. The quiz master has already put his feet up for the year, but wishes you all the best for a happy Christmas. Let us know how you get on in the comments – and be sure to come back for a special Boxing Day Thursday quiz next week.

The Thursday quiz, No 189

Topics

Brazil's President Lula da Silva Recovering After Emergency Brain Surgery

The hospital treating da Silva, one of Latin America’s leading leftists, said the 79-year-old is in stable condition.
The Wall Street Journal - Dec. 10
Brazil’s President Lula Is in ICU After Emergency Brain Surgery

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil was in the hospital following the procedure. Doctors said the bleeding appeared to be linked to a fall in October.
The New York Times - Dec. 10
Brazilian president in intensive care after emergency brain surgery

Hospital statement says Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva had operation after brain bleed detected during scan. The Brazilian president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, is recovering in intensive care having ...
The Guardian - Dec. 10
Brazilian president Lula in intensive care after brain surgery

Government says country’s leader is recovering well in São Paulo hospital
Financial Times - Dec. 10
Brazil's president 'well' after brain bleed surgery

The 79-year-old leader's bleed stems from an injury he sustained during a fall in October.
BBC News - Dec. 10
Brazil's President Lula undergoes emergency brain surgery

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has undergone emergency surgery to drain bleeding on his brain.
NBC News - Dec. 10
Muscle Implants Could Allow Mind-Controlled Prosthetics—No Brain Surgery Required

Startup Phantom Neuro is building an implant that sits under the skin and promises to give amputees more accurate control of electronic prosthetics.
Wired - Dec. 9
Orcas sport an old accessory and classic car company gets a rebrand: The weekly news quiz

Donald Trump, Village People, YMCA, Jake Retzlaff, Spotify wrapped, bitcoin price, South Korea, martial law, Jaguar, Frontier Airlines, word of the year
NBC News - Dec. 7
'Controversial brain surgery stopped my migraines'

A woman who defied mainstream advice to have risky brain surgery says her symptoms have gone.
BBC News - Dec. 4