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Pumpkin puzzles at London Zoo
cub with pumpkin
Sumatran cub with pumpkin enrichment.

Zoo residents treated to spook-tacular enrichment

Halloween's dark delights are not to be missed by the residents of London Zoo, as keepers serve up a variety of spooky snacks.

For the first time, the zoo's three Sumatran tiger cubs - Nakal, Budi and Cinta - revelled in the fearsome festivities by devouring pumpkins that were scent-marked to encourage the cubs' natural hunting instincts.

Other animals including penguins enjoyed pumpkins stuffed with their favourite treats. Giant Galapagos tortoise Dirk munched through his own pumpkin while the squirrel monkeys rooted their favourite nutty snacks out of pumpkin puzzles.

Squirrel monkey keeper Hannah Duprey said: "Our residents love getting involved with the spooky festivities at the Zoo, especially because they get terrific treats in their pumpkins!
 
"Giving our animals Halloween treats is fantastic enrichment for them; it encourages their natural hunting or foraging behaviours, and offers something new for them to investigate."

Image courtesy of ZSL London Zoo.

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VMD invites students to apply for EMS placement

News Story 1
 The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.

Students in their clinical years of study have until 28 February to apply for the placement, which takes place at the VMD's offices in Addlestone, Surrey, from 6-10 July 2026.

Through a mixture of lectures and workshops, the placement will explore how veterinary medicines are authorised, non-clinical career opportunities, and other important aspects of the VMD's work.  

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News Shorts
RCVS members invited to question Council candidates

RCVS members have been invited to submit questions to candidates for this year's RCVS Council election.

With 15 candidates standing for three available positions, vets have been invited to submit a question of their choosing before voting starts. These questions will be collated, with each candidate answering one question of their choice.

It is recommended that members read the candidates' biographies and statements before submitting questions. One question per member can be submitted to vetvote26@rcvs.org.uk before Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The RCVS Council election is due to start in March.

With only two candidates for two positions on the VN Council, there will be no VN Council elections this year. Meghan Conroy RVN and Lauren Hargrave RVN will begin their three year terms at RCVS' AGM in July.