Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 1st July 2016
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Critically endangered twin tiger cubs born
Melati with cub
Melati and her cubs, who have yet to open their eyes, are being watched around the clock by staff on ‘cubcam’.

ZSL London Zoo welcomes two new Sumatran tigers

Hidden cameras captured the moment seven-year-old tigress Melati gave birth to cubs on Monday 27 June. After a 108-day pregnancy, the first cub arrived at 9.19am followed by the second at 10.02 in ZSL London Zoo’s ‘Tiger Territory’.

Assistant curator of mammals, Teague Stubbington, said: “We’re overjoyed with our new arrivals, and with how Melati is responding to her two cubs”.

The cubs are a significant addition to a critically endangered population of Sumatran tigers, estimated at approximately 300 worldwide. A huge achievement for ZSL London Zoo’s flagship breeding programme, the two cubs provide optimism for the long term prospects of the species.

As a culmination of ongoing work in Indonesia, country manager Anjar Rafiastanto, said: “ZSL has been in Sumatra for more than 14 years, working with our government counterparts to increase the protection of Sumatran tigers. The birth of these two tiger cubs brings us hope for their long-term survival.”

Melati and her cubs, who have yet to open their eyes, are being watched around the clock by staff on ‘cubcam’, and remain largely hidden in special cubbing dens. Visitors to the zoo can still see father, Jae Jae, and may catch occasional glimpses of Melati when she emerges for food. Footage of the cubs will be revealed on ZSL’s YouTube channel.

Image © ZSL London Zoo
 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.