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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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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.