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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 12th September 2013
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China-UK initiative aids panda research

World panda experts launch education project

More than 65 panda experts from around the world gathered at Edinburgh Zoo this week for the Giant Panda Research Symposium, which took place from September 10 to 12.

Experts aimed to develop a five year plan to help the species thrive in the wild once again. This plan is focused on five key areas: field ecology, veterinary research, artificial breeding and infant panda care, genetic management and cognitive evolution and behavioural research.

Alongside this research, a collaborative education project between the UK and China aims to enhance relations and raise awareness among school children.

The project has been developed by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's (RZSS) Discovery and Learning Team, who will be working closely with sponsors Jaguar Land Rover.

Learning packs on Chinese culture will be created and distributed throughout UK schools. In addition, funding for a learning trip to China will be given to a select group of Scottish students in 2014, and a unique Confucius China Classroom will be set up at Edinburgh Zoo.

Chris West, CEO of RZSS, said: "We are delighted to cooperate with Jaguar Land Rover to bring key scientists and researchers from around the globe to Scotland…and to develop an education programme for school children.

"With conservation, research and education being the founding goals of our Society, we are delighted to announce these synergetic events and activities and look forward to working with Jaguar Land Rover to bring them to fruition."

Edinburgh Zoo is currently home to the UK's only giant pandas, Tian Tian and Yang Guang. After being artificially inseminated in April, it remains unclear whether or not Tian Tian is pregnant.

Image: Robert Aldridge, Bailie, the representative of the Lord Provost in Edinburgh and Bob Grace, President of Jaguar Land Rover China

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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...
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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."