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Endangered tiger cubs take first steps outside
The cubs are now 10 weeks old, and are getting braver day.

The three cubs live at Highland Wildlife Park in Scotland.

Endangered Amur tiger cubs at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's (RZSS) Highland Wildlife Park have taken their first steps outside.

After spending most of their time in the cubbing den with their mother Dominika, the triplet cubs had their first health check and vaccinations from staff last week, and will now be able to go outside often.

Animal collection manager Keith Gilchrist commented on the exciting development: “At ten weeks old, our cubs are getting braver and more playful every day, with their personalities already starting to develop. It is lovely to see just how excited our visitors are to meet them.

“Given how young they are, they won’t be allowed outside for the whole day and will likely only be out for short bursts, followed by long naps indoors.”

The Amur tiger, which is classified as endangered on the IUCN red list status, can grow up to 10.75 ft, and tends to weigh around 660 pounds. They live primarily in birch forests in eastern Russia, and are the world's largest tiger subspecies.

Following their health check, two of the cubs have been named as female, and one as male. The female cubs are being named by two of the park's donors, and the RZSS are running a competition to name the male cub.

Keith added: “We wanted to give the trio names which would pay tribute to their native home and help raise awareness of the plight this endangered species and sadly many others, face in the wild.

“Two of our generous donors will be naming our female cubs and we are asking the public to help us name our little boy on our social media platforms, by picking from two names shortlisted by our keepers, Aleksander and Dimitri.”

Visitor information for Highland Wildlife Park can be found at highlandwildlifepark.org.uk

 

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.