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'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

 

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RCVS announces 1CPD app update

News Story 1
 The RCVS has announced a new version of its 1CPD mobile app, with enhanced features for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to record their continuing professional development.

The mobile app includes a new 'what would you like to do?' shortcut for frequent tasks, a notification badge, and the ability to scan a QR code from the home screen to easily record an activity.

Users will be prompted to update the app from the App Store or Google Play the next time they log in. For more information, visit RCVS.org.uk 

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News Shorts
Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.