Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel
Easter treat for cheetah cubs
Image: Cheetah
Zoo's six cheetah cubs given 'easter eggs'

The cheetahs and meerkats at Whipsnade Zoo are in for a special treat today - early easter eggs!

The zoo's cheeky cheetah cubs will be having their very own easter egg hunt today, as painted "easter eggs" filled with meaty treats have been hidden in their enclosure.

This forms part of the sextuplets enrichment activities, aimed at stimulating their natural curiosity by making them work for the tasty food.

"As it's their first easter we wanted to do something special for the cheetah cubs," says Mark Holden, head of the Africa section.

"All six of them are really inquisitive by nature and love investigating new things; their specially made eggs will spark their curiosity and playful natures as they work out how to reach their food."

10 months old, the cubs are only the second litter of Northern cheetahs to be born in Whipsnade Zoo. The first, which were born to the same mother, named Dubai, were the first litter of Northern cheetahs to ever be born in the UK.

The zoo's meerkats will also be enjoying a special treat today, having been given colourful eggs to roll around their sandy terrain.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.

 

Click here for more...
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.