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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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BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here

Click here for more...
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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.