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Endangered Amur tiger cubs delighting zoo visitors
The Amur tiger cubs play in their enclose at RZSS Highland Wildlife Park.

Nishka, Layla and Alexsander are developing their own personalities.

Three endangered Amur tiger cubs, born at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's (RZSS) Highland Wildlife Park earlier this year, are said to be delighting guests with their playful antics.

Nishka, Layla and Aleksander were born to mum Dominika and dad Botzman in May and took their first steps out of the cubbing den in July. On Monday, adorable footage released by keepers at the park shows the cubs playfighting in their enclosure. 

Keith Gilchrist, animal collection manager at Highland Wildlife Park, said: “It has been wonderful to see our three cubs and mum Dominika grow over the past six months. At half a year old, the cub’s characters are starting to shine.

“Nishka is the most confident around us and is always chuffing in the hope of more meat chunks. Layla follows in her footsteps as the two are always together, play fighting and keeping mum on her toes.

“Little Aleksander is more reserved and spends the most time with Dominika, but he is slowly becoming braver, exploring more and playing with his sisters. 

“Amur tiger family groups do not usually live together in the wild and Dominika is still fiercely protective of the cubs, so dad Botzman is living separately for now.” 

Image (C) RZSS

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.