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.
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

Footage released of rescued cheetahs playing football
The big cats were rescued from the illegal wildlife trade before being brought to the sanctuary.

Charity releases video to mark big football events in England

Wildlife charity Born Free has released footage of rescued cheetahs playing football in Ethiopia, in honour of a big weekend for English football.

Last weekend saw a clash between Manchester City and Liverpool, whilst on Monday (8 January), the FA Cup became the first match in England to use video assistant referee (VAR).

A team of nine cheetahs can be seen having their own kick about at their sanctuary home, Born Free’s Wildlife Rescue, Conservation and Education Centre near Addis Ababa, which is a vital sanctuary for hundreds of wild animals.


The big cats were rescued from the illegal wildlife trade before being brought to the centre. They were snatched from their mothers as young cubs and hand-reared, meaning they would be unable to fend for themselves in the wild. Now they enjoy lifetime care at the sanctuary’s spacious natural enclosures.

Born Free is launching a ‘Build a Future for Wildlife’ appeal to raise funds for much needed improvements at the centre. Over 200 animals have already been rescued, including cheetahs, lions, hyenas, birds of prey and primates. Now the facilities need to be expanded and renovated to cope with growing demand.

Cheetahs are viewed as status symbols in parts of the Middle East, with some paying up to $10,000 for a single cub. Wild cheetahs are captured throughout east Africa and illegally smuggled out of Ethiopia to meet the demand. Sadly a high number die in transit and there are just over 7,000 wild cheetahs left in the whole of Africa.

Find out more and make a donation at: http://www.bornfree.org.uk/give/a-future-for-wildlife/

Image © Blake McGrow / BFF

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

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.  

Click here for more...
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.