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Amur tiger moves in at Whipsnade Zoo
Image: Botzman
New home and conservation effort for rare tiger

An Amur (Siberian) tiger, who belongs to the world's largest tiger species, has made an appearance at his new home, ZSL Whipsnade Zoo.

The 18-month-old tiger named Botzman has been setting in behind the scenes at the zoo since just before Christmas, after travelling just less than 2,000 miles from Moscow.

Amur tigers are endangered, with between 300 and 400 thought to be left living in the wild, however, Botzman belongs to the European Endangered species Programme (EEP) for Amur tigers and is hoped to breed at Whipsnade.

Botzman is gradually being introduced to Whipsnade's female Amur tiger, Anastasia, who resides in the zoo's Tiger Falls enclosure. He is hoped to move in with Anastasia in a few week's time, when the keepers are happy that the pair will settle in together comfortably.

Keepers say Botzman, who already weighs 158 kilos (25 stone), has been excitedly exploring his paddock and investigating his new home.

"Botzman is settling in really well," said Siobhan Sellwood-Brown, senior keeper at the zoo. "He's extremely lively and very inquisitive – its fantastic to see him enjoying his new surroundings. He's a beautiful boy; visitors are fascinated by him."

ZSL focuses on population monitoring, anti-poaching efforts and increasing education and awareness to help the conservation of Amur tigers, and has been involved in Amur tiger conservation in the Russian Far East since 1995. ZSL has also been running a Amur tiger project in Lazovsky State Nature Reserve since 2006.

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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.