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Five captured elephant calves released
Fears remain despite the return of five infant elephants

The Born Free Foundation has announced that five young captured elephants have been released, news which has been confirmed by the ZNSPCA and Animals Asia.

The animals were destined for zoos in China, but the Zimbabwe Parks and Management Authority has made the decision to release them. The infant elephants arrived at Umfurudzi Park on 19th January where they will undergo rehabilitation and integration with other elephants within the secure area.

Whilst the Born Free Foundation says this is "good news" for the five calves, there remains great concern for three young elephants sent to China in November 2012. According to Animals Asia the wild-caught calves are currently in miserable conditions in Taiyuan Zoo and Xinjiang Safari Park, and a fourth animal who was sent with them has already died.

Will Travers OBE, CEO of the Born Free Foundation added: “While it’s good news for the 5 elephants that will be returned to the wild, Born Free is appalled by the fate of the 3 survivors in China and the prospect that more may yet follow. 

"The pictures we have seen of a concrete bunker and a featureless outside yard, together with temperatures that have recently fallen to more than 20 degrees below are a nightmare scenario.”

The ZNSPCA has now questioned the assessment criteria for granting export permits. According to the charity: "such criteria would appear not to prioritise animal welfare." Born Free have called for live animals to be moved only to in situ conservation projects, where they will be introduced to previous wild elephant habitat.

Animals Asia are reportedly corresponding with the China Association of Zoological Gardens, providing advice and support to aid the three calves already in China.

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.