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Comedian helps to rehome rescued leopards
leopard, shamwari
The three rescued leopards were found in the Sudanese Bush after being orphaned.

Vic Reeves assists Born Free with orphaned cubs

Comedian Jim Moir - better known as Vic Reeves - has helped re-home three rescued leopards as part of his role as a patron of The Born Free Foundation.

Jim, his wife Nancy and daughters Lizzie and Nellie, travelled to South Africa in August to visit the Shamwari Game Reserve with the international charity, founded 30 years ago by actress and conservationist Virginia McKenna OBE and her late husband Bill Travers MBE.
 
During his visit Jim and his family were asked to assist a team of wildlife professionals with moving three rescued leopards - triplets Sami, Alam and Namira - into their new enclosure at the Born Free Big Cat Rescue Centre on the Reserve.

After being sedated by Dr Johan Joubert the animals were carefully moved in two Land Rover Discoverys.

Jim said the opportunity to see some of the world’s most endangered and beautiful animals at close quarters was a dream come true.

"It was an incredible experience. They’re such big, powerful beasts that you wouldn’t want to go anywhere near them when they are awake!"

The leopard cubs had been found in the Sudanese Bush after being orphaned and Born Free were contacted to assist.

They now live in a three acre natural enclosure - upgraded living quarters that have been funded in part by their dedicated group of Born Free Adoptive Parents including Jim who donated prize money after appearing on "Celebrity Who Wants to be a Millionaire" and "Tipping Point Lucky Stars".

Image © Alan Strutt.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.