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Rare southern white rhino born in Suffolk
Pictured: the new arrival at ZSEA's Africa Alive.

The calf is the first white rhino to be born at Africa Alive.  

The Zoological Society of East Anglia (ZSEA) has welcomed its first ever southern white rhino at Suffolk's Africa Alive zoo.

Born to parents Njiri and Zimba, the rhino calf was born at 6.45pm on Saturday 18 December, and is reportedly 'doing well'.

Africa Alive's head of living collections Graeme Williamson, said: “We are absolutely thrilled about our new arrival at Africa Alive. This is the first time white rhinos have ever been bred at Africa Alive, so the birth of this calf truly is a little miracle.

“Njiri and her baby are doing well, but she is a first-time mum and we are monitoring her closely.

“Pregnant white rhinos will leave their group (or crash) shortly before the birth and will stay apart for a few days afterward. To replicate this natural behaviour, we set up a ‘birthing suite’ for Njiri away from the other rhinos which is monitored closely through CCTV cameras.”

Claudia Roberts, CEO at ZSEA, added: “This is a very exciting step forward in the conservation of this species and we are over the moon to have our first white rhino calf born at Africa Alive.

“Our commitment to conservation remains at the forefront of everything we do here at ZSEA with many exciting conservation projects happening across both of our zoos, including our most recent partnership with Tusk – a prolific African wildlife conservation charity."

Images (C) ZSEA

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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.