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The count is on…
Both ZSL London and Colchester zoo keepers have begun their annual stock take, counting all the animals in the zoos.

At the end of each year, all the zoo’s animal records are updated to allow for births, new arrivals and movements to other zoos. This information is then sent off to ISIS, a global information network that all zoos contribute to in order to ensure there is an accurate global record of animals in zoos.

London Zoo and Colchester Zoo keepers are currently undergoing this mammoth task, which is expected to take around 2 weeks.

In London Zoo, there are over 16,000 different creatures and 700 different species including around 10,000 invertebrates, more than 4,000 fish and nearly 100 reptiles. Therefore, individually head counting every animal is quite an undertaking.

Claire Saunders, Animal Records Officer, at Colchester Zoo says, “With some species such as the leaf cutter ants it is possible to take an estimate of likely numbers, otherwise it would be a real headache getting them all to stay still enough long enough to have an accurate count!”

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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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News Shorts
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.