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Underpass built for blue penguins
blue penguins
Blue penguins are the world's smallest penguin, standing at approximately 30cm tall.
Tunnel helps New Zealand penguins avoid cars and tourists 

A colony of little blue penguins in New Zealand now have their own private underpass to protect them from traffic and tourists.

Blue penguins are the world's smallest penguin, standing at approximately 30cm tall and weighing just 1kg. They breed on the coastal mainland and islands of New Zealand and southern Australia.

The blue penguin colony in the South Island town of Oamaru, previously had to cross a busy road to commute between their nests and the sea, putting them at risk from cars and inquisitive tourists.

According to media reports, construction of the tunnel was completed in September and was supported by the local district council, tourism body and private businesses.

Little blue penguins enjoying their new tunnel © Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony:

 

Image by: JJ Harrison (jjharrison89@facebook.com)/Wikipedia/CC BY-SA 3.0

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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.