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Three cubs born to sterilised lion
White lion cub
The lion park says it is at a loss to explain the miraculous conception.

Sanctuary enjoys a 'white Christmas'
 
A sterilised white lion has miraculously fathered a trio of white lion cubs. Coming just in time for the festive season, their birth has been dubbed a "Christmas miracle".

Drakenstein Lion Park is a non-breeding sanctuary in South Africa that rescues lions from abusive environments.

Staff at the park noticed their five-year-old lioness Nala was behaving strangely a few days before Christmas. Much to their surprise, they discovered she had been hiding three cubs.

Nala's mate Brutus was surgically sterilised more than three years ago. The operation was believed to have been a success as both Brutus and Nala have been sexually mature for more than three years without any previous mishaps.

The lion park says it is at a loss to explain the miraculous conception. Nonetheless, Nala and Brutus are reportedly proving to be great first-time parents.

When it's safe for the cubs, Brutus will undergo a second vasectomy.

Image courtesy of Drakenstein Lion Park

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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.

 

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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.