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Endangered tiger cub takes first steps outside
Image still from video: Tiger cub takes first wobbly steps outside (c) ZSL. 

A rare Sumatran tiger cub has ventured outside at ZSL London Zoo. 

A Critically Endangered Sumatran tiger cub has taken its first steps outside after being born on 12 December 2021.

Footage captured by zookeepers on Wednesday 12 January shows the cub following after its mother into the afternoon sunshine, clambering out of the outdoor enclosure into the grass. 

ZSL London Zoo tiger keeper Kathryn Sanders commented on the special occasion: “The cub has so far mostly stayed tucked up with Gaysha in their cosy behind-the-scenes cubbing den, but with such lovely weather yesterday it’s clear she decided it was time for her little one to take its first steps in the outside world.

“We were all holding our breath with excitement as the cub tottered around, using all its strength to clamber after mum – it was incredible to watch the youngster find its ‘tiger feet’ for the first time.”

The cub, which hasn't yet been named, was born in the early hours of Sunday 12 December to parents Gaysha and Asim, and is reportedly doing well. Keepers will discover whether the cub is male or female at its first health check in only a few weeks' time.

Image still from video (C) Zoological Society of London

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.