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Pythons Hatched
The Birmingham Nature Centre has successfully hatched a nest of Savu Island pythons, one of the smallest pythons in the world. This is only the second time ever they have been bred by zoological institutions in the UK.

With the babies not out on display, the public can see pictures of the nest at the Centre's new Facebook page. The babies weigh just 21-23g. Currently brown in colour, after their first slough (shed) they will turn bright orange/red before maturing to a mottled black, brown. Males are smaller than females but they only get to 6ft max in length.

Councillor Martin Mullaney, Cabinet Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, said: "The Nature Centre has a wide variety of species. Many are available for the public to see, but others are housed there for the purposes of conservation and breeding projects across world. Not only is it a great day out for families, but with Facebook, we can now give people an opportunity to see species not necessarily accessible."

The python's habitat is a tiny island in Indonesia. They were only discovered in 1993 and the find has prompted the need to explore Indonesia for more undiscovered species.

The babies will be fed and looked after until they are old enough to go to other zoos in the United Kingdom and Europe to carry on the breeding program and introduce new genetic bloodlines in to the collections.

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Animal Medicines Amnesty returns this November

News Story 1
 Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty.

Organised by the Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA CA&E), the initative is supported by a range of cross-sector organisations.

Practices are encouraged to use the campaign to engage the whole practice team and raise awareness of the safe disposal of medicines with clients. Learn how your practice can get involved at rumacae.org.uk 

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News Shorts
APHA launches free virtual work experience programme

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), in collaboration with Springpod, has launched a free virtual work experience programme, giving young people across the UK the chance to explore careers dedicated to protecting animal and plant health.

The on-demand programme offers a unique insight into career opportunities within APHA, showcasing how students can contribute to tackling some of the UK's most critical biosecurity and environmental challenges.

Designed for students aged 13 and over, the course includes more than 10 hours of engaging content featuring real-life industry insights, scenario-based challenges, and practical guidance on applying for jobs. To register for the course, visit the APHA website.