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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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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.

 

Click here for more...
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.