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World's oldest male captive giant panda dies
An Ocean Park conversion suggests that one year of age for pandas is roughly equivalent to three human years.

Ocean Park's famous resident An An was 35 years old.

The world's oldest male giant panda in captivity has died aged 35, as reported by BBC News.

An An, who lived at Ocean Park in Hong Kong, was euthanised after showing steady signs of deterioration over the last few weeks.

Ocean Park, a hybrid amusement park and zoo, has been where An An lived since 1999, after he was gifted to Hong Kong from China's central government. 

An An's age, equivalent to 105-years-old in human years, made him the world's oldest male giant panda in captivity. 

In a Facebook announcement, Ocean Park said that it was 'deeply saddened' by the loss of An An, and encouraged visitors to sign the condolence books in the park if they wished to pay tribute to the beloved panda. 

Those in charge of the elderly panda's care noticed that his food intake had declined significantly and progressively, and shortly after that, An An refused solid food entirely. 

Alongside this, his activity levels had declined, and caretakers noticed that he was resting for an increasingly longer amount of time.

Paolo Pong, chairman of Ocean Park Corporation, told BBC News: "An An has brought us fond memories with numerous heart-warming moments. His cleverness and playfulness will be dearly missed.”

 

Image (C) Ocean Park

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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.