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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!"

Related News
Tiger territory officially opens
London Zoo to open £3.6 million flagship exhibit

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.