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Ape escape caught on tape!
Photo copyright: Splash
Five chimps escape from zoo enclosure

Footage of the moment five chimpanzees broke out of their enclosure using a ladder they had fashioned together out of tree branches has emerged.

The incident happened at Experience Zoo, in Hanover, Germany and caught on camera by visitor Kai Hauser. The primates mingled with the 2,500 tourists, getting a taste of life on the other side of the fence.

Mr Hauser was walking with his girlfriend and her sister’s family towards the enclosure area called ‘Gorilla Hills’ when they heard loud screaming, but of the human variety.

He said: “Nobody saw anything, only the loud screaming from the chimps that came through the bushes, so it was frightening and everyone on the way stopped walking and was looking around with open mouths.”

He continued: “'Then we heard a woman behind the bushes shouting, ‘Oh no! Stop, come back’. A few seconds later one chimp came around the corner - he was very relaxed and walked up to a man and gave him a hug. The chimp looked like he wanted to kiss him... but then he opened his mouth revealing his big teeth and we feared he could bite his chin off.” Much to everyone's relief the chimp let go of the man and walked off, Mr Hauser said.

Four of the five chimps - seven in total live in the enclosure - tasted freedom and decided they didn’t like it much and wandered back to the enclosure on their own.

An enquiry is now underway to determine what happened. The zoo could be faced with a huge bill for the fleet of police, ambulances and fire engines that raced to the scene.

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Greyhound Board announces change to vaccination guidance

News Story 1
 The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has published new vaccination guidance, with all greyhounds registered from 1 January, 2027 required to have the L4 leptospirosis vaccination, rather than L2.

The change comes in response to the reduced availability of the 'L2' Leptospirosis vaccine across the UK, and aims to support best biosecurity practice across the racing greyhound population.

GBGB veterinary director Simon Gower, said "While rare, Leptospirosis is a serious infectious disease that can affect both dogs and humans, so it is vital that we offer our greyhounds the broadest possible protection.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Free webinar explores congenital heart disease in dogs

A free webinar is to provide veterinary professionals, dog breeders and pet owners an new insights into congenital heart disease.

Chris Linney, a cardiology specialist and Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VSC) member, will present the webinar from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, 12 November.

Dr Linney will explore the types, causes and clinical presentation of congenital heart conditions. This will include diagnostic approaches, treatment pathways and emerging research opportunities.

The session is the third to be organised by The Kennel Club, with the VCS, following an introductory webinar and a talk on acquired heart disease. Dr Linney's webinar consists of a one-hour presentation, followed by a 30-minute question and answer session.

Dr Linney said: "This webinar will be an opportunity to deepen understanding - not just of the diseases themselves, but of how breeders, vets and owners can work together to support affected dogs and improve outcomes for future generations."

Click here to register for the webinar.