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Colchester Zoo announces death of lioness
"Naja was truly one of a kind" - Emma, carnivore team leader at Colchester Zoo.
Naja had been with the zoo since 2010.

Colchester Zoo has confirmed the death of Naja, a lioness who lived in the Lion Rock enclosure.

Naja, who lived with her cousin Bailey, a male lion, was euthanised on 4 March 2022 after her health rapidly deteriorated. 

The Animal Care Team noticed that Naja wasn't feeling well, and she underwent a full veterinary examination, which revealed that she had severe heart disease and a possible thrombosis. 

Two days later, Naja deteriorated and was unable to be stabilised, so the Animal Care Team made the difficult decision to have Naja euthanised. 

In a statement online, Colchester Zoo said: “It’s always hard losing one our animals and it’s even harder when that animal has become a big personality within the Colchester Zoo family. 

“Not only will all the staff at Colchester Zoo miss Naja, but she also leaves behind our male lion, Bailey. Bailey and Naja were cousins along with Naja’s sister, Malika, who passed away back in 2020. 

“All three lions had a strong bond, with the bond between Bailey and Naja made even stronger with the loss of Malika. Naja arrived at Colchester Zoo in 2010, along with Bailey and Malika, and since became a firm favourite amongst visitors with many photographers capturing her spirit on camera.”

Emma, the carnivore team leader at Colchester Zoo, commented: “Naja was truly one of a kind. Her personality and character set her aside from any other animal we’ve had the pleasure to work with.

“Naja had a gentle side where she would interact with her keepers but very quickly changed when food was available! It never gets any easier losing an animal you’ve cared for and Naja will be sorely missed by the team! Our main priority now is to make sure Bailey adjusts to life on his own.”

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.