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Twitter gripped by adventurous racoon
A racoon became an internet sensation after scaling a 20+ floor skyscraper.
 
Animal goes viral after climbing a Minnesota skyscraper

Twitter users were gripped yesterday (13 June) by an unlikely critter that found himself scaling the wall of a skyscraper.

US news and media outlets followed a brave racoon as he climbed the 20+ storey high UBS Plaza in St Paul, Minnesota. But halfway up he found himself stranded without any food and water.

Tweets flooded in from across the world, cheering the racoon along and hailing it a ‘hero’. Thankfully, the animal made its way to the top and was rescued by animal welfare.

Initial reports of the racoon emerged on Tuesday morning when it was just a few stories high. The world followed its journey using the hashtag #MPRracoon after the radio station documenting its journey.

Journalists Evan Frost and Tim Nelson from Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) told the BBC that an initial rescue attempt had been made by two workers. Using wooden planks, the workers tried to make a ladder, but this just scared the animal further up the building.

"It was heartbreaking to see yesterday," Tim Nelson told the BBC. "We couldn't imagine how this would end well for him".

Racoons are common throughout the United States and can be found in forests, marshes, prairies and cites. Like humans, they have five fingers and can use their hands as tools to gather food and break into rubbish bins.

 

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New RCVS Academy courses to remove barriers in vet care

News Story 1
 The RCVS Academy has launched two courses to its new client support series, as it seeks to improve accessibility in veterinary settings.

The courses will help professionals to support assistance dog partnerships and clients with hearing loss.

The Hearing loss and Assistance dogs courses saw RCVS project lead Catherine Hemingway collaborate with the British Deaf Association and Assistance Dogs UK. Vets will gain practical guidance on supporting clients with additional needs.

Each course takes an hour to complete, and can be accessed by RCVS registrants for free. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
APHA launches free virtual work experience programme

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), in collaboration with Springpod, has launched a free virtual work experience programme, giving young people across the UK the chance to explore careers dedicated to protecting animal and plant health.

The on-demand programme offers a unique insight into career opportunities within APHA, showcasing how students can contribute to tackling some of the UK's most critical biosecurity and environmental challenges.

Designed for students aged 13 and over, the course includes more than 10 hours of engaging content featuring real-life industry insights, scenario-based challenges, and practical guidance on applying for jobs. To register for the course, visit the APHA website.