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Crowdfunder launched to help Edinburgh Zoo
RZSS CEO David Field and The Cheeky Panda mascot, Colin.

RZSS and Cheeky Panda team up to offer a host of exciting experiences for animal lovers.

The Royal Zoological of Scotland (RZSS) has launched a crowdfunding appeal to help Edinburgh Zoo recover from the pandemic.

The wildlife conservation charity has teamed up with eco brand Cheeky Panda to deliver a range of experiences and gifts, including virtual tours, animal adoptions, zoo memberships and giraffe feeding.

RZSS chief executive David Field said closing the park had cost the charity more than £2 million. 

“With a food bill of £60,000 a month, every donation, membership, adoption, and experience will help feed our amazing animals and give them the very best of care,” he said.

“Recently we launched a prize draw for a behind the scenes visit to the zoo, which raised more than £70,000, with the winner being announced this week. Now we have opened Edinburgh Zoo again we want to help people get close to nature once more and enjoy incredible experiences and rewards.”

Mystery animal magic moments, virtual team-building tours and the opportunity to sponsor animal enclosures are just some of the other exciting experiences up for grabs.

To mark National Panda Day (16 March), Cheeky Panda has donated £50,000 to the appeal, with all proceeds going towards the cost of feeding the animals.

Cheeky Panda founder Chris Forbes, said: “We are proud to be supporting Edinburgh Zoo because we love big, bamboo-munching, black and white bears, and we both share a passion for conservation. We want to work with this special zoo to raise awareness of the need to protect wildlife worldwide and create a more sustainable planet for future generations.” 

For more information and to support the campaign, visit crowdfunder.co.uk/edinburghzoo

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.