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Monkey health check inspires budding vets
Max receiving a full-body health check by the veterinary team at ZSL London Zoo.

ZSL London Zoo's Vets in Action Week returns for 2022.

ZSL London Zoo has kicked off its award-winning Vets in Action week by sharing a behind-the-scenes glimpse of a monkey getting a health check.

Vets in Action takes place over the February half-term (12-20 Feb), giving young visitors a chance to experience the large scope of work carried out by the Zoo’s vets, vet nurses and zookeepers.

In fascinating images released by the Zoo, nine-year-old colobus monkey Max can be seen having a full-body health check before getting a clean bill of health by the expert veterinary team.

ZSL’s head vet Amanda Guthrie said: “Max had a comprehensive health check this week under general anaesthetic, to make sure he is all set to relocate to his exciting new Monkey Valley home; after a dental check, x-rays, blood tests and even an ultrasound of his vital organs, he was confirmed fit and healthy and ready for his future move. 

“Over the coming weeks, Max’s fellow troop members will all get the same VIP health check – an important part of the ZSL vet team’s work, which our young visitors will get a taste of this February half-term during Vets in Action.” 

During Vets in Action Week, visitors will help experts examine, diagnose and carry out treatments on soft toys - from health checks on colobus monkeys to giving pregnant sloths an ultrasound. There will also be additional demonstrations and talks throughout the week explaining how the Zoo cares for its residents. 

Amanda added: “Every animal at the Zoo, from the smallest mongoose to the tallest giraffe, is treated by ZSL’s on-site vet team, who monitor their health alongside the zookeepers who care for them on a daily basis.” 

Image (C) ZSL London Zoo.

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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.