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Knut the Polar Bear
Unlike wild polar bears, Knut was born and bred in captivity. In fact, Knut was the first polar bear in thirty years to be born in the German zoo and survive past infancy. 
PETA is calling for Knut the Polar Bear to be castrated. 

Knut the polar bear became a world wide hit after his birth in 2006. Sadly, he was rejected and abandoned at birth by his mother and so it was left to the zookeepers to raise him. Bottle fed and taught to play football by workers at the zoo, Knut became increasingly popular with the public and was soon loved by millions.

However, now animal right campaigners are calling for Knut to be castrated. Knut has been sharing a compound with a three-year-old female polar bear from Munich Zoo and papers have speculated that the zoo may be hoping to mate the two animals. The German branch of PETA, however, have stated that because the bears share the same Grandfather mating the two would be incestuous. They assert that they should only be allowed to live together if Knut is castrated.

The German Zoo officials believe there is no need for castration and suggest they will not be breeding the pair. 

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RCVS announces 1CPD app update

News Story 1
 The RCVS has announced a new version of its 1CPD mobile app, with enhanced features for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to record their continuing professional development.

The mobile app includes a new 'what would you like to do?' shortcut for frequent tasks, a notification badge, and the ability to scan a QR code from the home screen to easily record an activity.

Users will be prompted to update the app from the App Store or Google Play the next time they log in. For more information, visit RCVS.org.uk 

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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.