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Male snow leopard arrives at Highland Wildlife Park
"We are very excited to welcome Koshi into our care and for visitors to meet him too." Keith Gilchrist, Highland Wildlife Park.

RZSS celebrates move as part of International Breeding Programme

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland has welcomed a male snow leopard at Highland Wildlife Park, near Aviemore, after the park sadly lost its previous male, Chan, in September.

The new arrival, Koshi, was born at the Big Cat Sanctuary in Ashford in 2019. Staff hope that he and the park’s current female, Animesh, will have cubs together in the future.

Keith Gilchrist, animal collection manager at Highland Wildlife Park said: “We are very excited to welcome Koshi into our care and for visitors to meet him too.

“For the first few weeks, he’ll be kept separated from Animesh as he settles in and then we will slowly begin introductions.”

Staff at the Big Cat Sanctuary said that Koshi held a special place in the sanctuary’s history, as he and his brother Khumbu were the first ever snow leopards born at the park.

Head keeper at The Big Cat Sanctuary Briony Smith said: “It’s been a real privilege to watch [Koshi] grow into a gentle, friendly and loving cat and as much as we will miss him, we know he is in safe hands. We will be proud to see him play an active part in the International Breeding Programme to help protect his species.”

Animesh’s cubs, Leannain and Stardust were also moved to the Northumberland Zoo this week as part of the International Breeding Programme.

Mr Gilchrist added: “With under 3,500 snow leopards remaining in the wild, it is important that cats like Koshi are given the opportunity to father cubs, ensuring genetic diversity and ultimately safeguarding the future of the species.”

Image (c) RZSS.

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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.