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Appeal to raise funds for rescued circus animals
Kimba is one of the three lions rescued by Animal Defenders International.

Three lions saved after Guatemala circus ban 

Animal Defenders International (ADI) has launched an appeal to raise funds for the rescue of circus animals in Guatemala.

The appeal comes in response to Guatemala’s ban on the use of circus animals, which came into force in April 2018. Circuses were given 12 months to relocate their animals, yet many animals remain, including monkeys, lions, tigers and pumas.

ADI has already rescued three lions - Sasha, Nena and Kimba - from one zoo and is now working with authorities to remove two lions and nine tigers from a second.  

The animals will be cared for in temporary units until ADI has completed the documents and permits needed to take them to their ‘forever homes’. This process could take many months, after which the lions will move to a sanctuary in South Africa whilst the tigers will relocate to various sanctuaries in the USA.

ADI said that money raised from the appeal will be used to build holding units and to feed, care for and treat the rescued animals until their relocation.

“Sasha, Nena, and Kimba will no longer suffer in the circus and a new life awaits them in Africa,” said ADI President Jan Creamer. “With many more animals in desperate need of our help, we need the support of the public to save them all.”

ADI has rescued hundreds of animals across the globe, including more than 60 lions and tigers from circuses in Latin America. The organisation is also providing food, care and veterianry treatment for animals afftected by the Fuego volcano eruption.

To make a donation towards the appeal, visit http://bit.ly/Guatemala-Appeal-UK

Image (C) Animal Defenders International

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BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here

Click here for more...
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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.