Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

'Pambassadors' head to Edinburgh
Chen Yinrong, Jerome Pouille and Melissa Rose Katz

Panda experts share knowledge with zoo visitors 

Specially selected giant panda ambassadors, or "pambassadors", visited Edinburgh Zoo this week to share their knowledge with school students and zoo visitors.

The three pambassadors - Melissa Rose Katz, Chen Yinrong and Jerome Pouille - were selected from more than one million applicants to share their experience of spending time at the Chengdu Panda Base in China.

 

All three were chosen for their unique skills - Melissa, for example, is a renowned panda photographer, Chen is skilled at panda-related crafts and Jerome is well known for his panda knowledge.

 

During the event, the trio spoke to students from Lasswade and Queen Anne high schools, which are both part of the Scotland-China Education Network (SCEN). 

 

Qu Jing, a representative for the Global Pambassadors Programme at Chegdu Panda Base, also attended the event. He shared his knowledge of environmental conservation, technological research and economic development in Chengdu.

 

As the event closed, students wrote messages and pledges which will be put on display at the Chengdu Panda Base. 

 

During their one-year role, the trio of pambassors will take part in a global tour to raise awareness about panda conservation. They have so far visited Hong Kong, Singapore, Washington DC and Atlanta, and will next be visiting Paris.

 

Image courtesy of Royal Zoological Society of Scotland

 

Related News
China-UK initiative aids panda research
'Pregnancy possible' for Edinburgh panda

 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Applications open for BEVA Back in the Saddle

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has opened applications for its 'Back in the Saddle' coaching programme.

The online scheme offers structured group coaching for members wanting to reflect on their career path and regain clarity. Members may be returning to work after leave, uncertain about next steps or reassessing direction.

Attendees will benefit from impartial guidance and practical tools to support their professional development. Members are encouraged to take a 'proactive, future-focused approach' to their careers.

The sessions, taking place on Wednesdays from 7.30pm-9pm, are open to BEVA members with more than five years' experience. The first session takes place on Wednesday, 3 June 2026.

Applications will close on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.