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Big-headed turtles born at ZSL London Zoo
Pictured: One of the hatchlings.
The species is critically endangered and under threat due to the illegal wildlife trade. 

Three critically endangered big-headed turtles have hatched at ZSL London Zoo, after their parents were rescued from the illegal wildlife trade.

The four adult Platysternon megacephalum, or big-headed turtles, were brought to ZSL London Zoo in 2018, after smugglers had attempted to illegally import them into Canada labelled as toys.

Kimberly Carter, ZSL reptile keeper, commented on the new arrivals: “We had the expertise at ZSL London Zoo to give this solitary species the specialist care they individually needed, and we’re pleased that this dedicated work has paid off with these three hatchlings.

“Big-headed turtles may not be conventionally cute to most people - with their oversized heads and long, whip-like tails - but they represent a vitally important and unique branch of the evolutionary tree and have much to teach us about animal adaptions. 

“There is literally no other species like them on earth.”

The three hatchlings have been named Ha, Thuy and Tim, after colleagues from the Asian Turtle Program of the Indo Myanmar Conservation, Ha Hoang, Thuy Thu Nguyen and Tim McCormack. ZSL works collaboratively with the Asian Turtle Program, which helps to rehabilitate rescued big-headed turtles in Vietnam. 

Ha, Thuy and Tim will not be visible to the public for the time being as they grow, however, visitors can visit the four originally rescued big-headed turtles at the zoo's reptile house. 

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.