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Last Serbian dancing bear moves to Switzerland
FOUR PAWS sedated Napa before he was loaded into a bear ambulance to start his journey towards a better life.

Napa getting used to life in his new sanctuary

The last remaining dancing bear in Serbia has been transferred to his new home in Switzerland.

Led by international animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS, the transfer saw bear Napa travel some 1,400 kilometres to the newly-built Arosa Bear Sanctuary in Grisons.

Napa is now getting used to his new enclosure under the watchful eye of veterinary surgeons and caretakers. Once accustomed to his new environment, he will move to a much larger outside enclosure.

Pascal Jenny of the Arosa Bear Foundation, said: “We have been waiting so long for him. Finally he is here, our first bear. All of Arosa is pleased that Napa has found a lifelong home with us in the beautiful Arosa mountains.

“The location of Arosa is particularly attractive due to various other tourist destinations in close proximity to the bear sanctuary. This will allow visitors to the area to come into contact with animal welfare and nature conservation topics.”

The journey took around 28 hours and involved a cable car ride. FOUR PAWS sedated Napa before he was loaded into a bear ambulance to start his journey towards a better life.

Regular checks and an air conditioning unit ensured the wellbeing of Napa But on arrival in the Arosa, the team were met with some difficulties:

“The transport cage with Napa in it weighed about 550kg. Transporting it from the bear ambulance to the gondola was a logistical masterpiece. I am very happy that everything went so well and that Napa finally arrived in his forever home”, explained Carsten Hertwig, bear expert at FOUR PAWS.

Napa was born in a zoo and went to a Serbian circus called Corona. It is not known if he actually performed in the circus as there has been a ban on wildlife in circuses in Serbia since 2009. However, it is assumed that he was kept in a cramped cage on site for many years.

Arosa Bear Sanctuary is the first bear sanctuary in Switzerland offering its residents three hectares of enrichment opportunities, ponds and trees. Offering enclosures for up to five bears, it will officially open at the start of August.

Image (C) Four Paws

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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.