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ZSL tiger takes swimming lessons

Raft encourages Sumatran into deeper waters

Keepers at ZSL London Zoo have been encouraging their male Sumatran tiger, Jae Jae, to stay cool during the summer heat wave by taking swimming lessons.

While Jae Jae could often be found relaxing in the shallow end of his custom-built pool, keepers wanted him to make use of his muscles by taking a swim.

To encourage him, a special raft was devised and topped with meaty treats to entice the big cat into deeper waters.

Placed at the centre of the tiger pool, the floating raft was covered with chicken wings - Jae Jae's favourite treat.

Tiger keeper Teague Stubbington said: "Jae Jae loves chilling out in the Tiger Territory pool – especially on hot days − but we really wanted him to make better use of it and encourage his natural swimming abilities.
 
"Not only is swimming fantastic exercise for Jae Jae, the anticipation of getting to the meat stimulates his natural predatory instincts – and catching his ‘prey’ is the best reward he can get!"

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."