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Easter treats for animals at ZSL London Zoo
"The gorillas loved tearing into their colourful Easter pinatas in search of snacks" - Dan Simmonds.

Meerkats and gorillas enjoyed egg hunts and snacks. 

Animals at ZSL London Zoo have been enjoying some Easter festivities, as zookeepers held Easter egg hunts for the meerkats and gorillas.

Keepers decorated papier-mâché eggs with bright paint and eye-catching designs, before filling them with treats for the zoo's meerkats to find. 

Meerkats Frank, Dracula, Penelope and Meko climbed, stretched and explored to discover the treat-filled eggs hidden around the sandy rocks in their enclosure, and they certainly seemed to enjoy the surprise.

It wasn't only the meerkats that got involved with some Easter celebrations – vegetable-filled Easter piñatas were hung about around the Western lowland gorillas' enclosure for Mjukuu, Alika and Gernot to discover. 

“The gorillas loved tearing into their colourful Easter piñatas in search of snacks,” said Dan Simmonds, head zookeeper at ZSL London Zoo. But despite there being plenty to go round, the meerkats were eggstremely protective over their festive hoard - something that other families might find familiar this Sunday!” 

Images (C) ZSL London Zoo

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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.