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Christmas comes early at London Zoo
Lion cubs’ first Christmas comes early with frankincense and myrrh-scented presents.

Squirrel monkeys and lion cubs tuck into festive treats.

Keepers at ZSL London Zoo have been getting into the festive spirit early by offering delicious treats and scented gifts to their animal residents.
 
Endangered lions Bhanu and Arya and their nine-month-old cubs, born at the zoo this year, woke up to find their home filled with golden presents, fragranced with frankincense and myrrh.

It is hoped the scented offerings will encourage the lions to test their incredible olfactory powers, investigating the unfamiliar smell and the wrapped present boxes.

A pile of small advent calendar boxes were also left out for the Zoo's group of black-capped squirrel monkeys, stuffed with their favourite seeds, nuts and snacks. 

Angela Ryan, London Zoo’s head of zoological operations, said: “Introducing these festive offerings to the animals’ habitats is a way to encourage the lions and monkeys to use their incredible exploratory skills.

“The Asiatic lions rely on their keen sense of smell to discover treats, while others, like the squirrel monkeys, will put their problem-solving skills to the test, figuring out how to access goodies hidden inside festive packaging.”

Image: ZSL London Zoo.

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FIVP launches CMA remedies survey

News Story 1
 FIVP has shared a survey, inviting those working in independent practice to share their views on the CMA's proposed remedies.

The Impact Assessment will help inform the group's response to the CMA, as it prepares to submit further evidence to the Inquiry Group. FIVP will also be attending a hearing in November.

Data will be anonymised and used solely for FIVP's response to the CMA. The survey will close on Friday, 31 October 2025. 

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News Shorts
CMA to host webinar exploring provisional decisions

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is to host a webinar for veterinary professionals to explain the details of its provisional decisions, released on 15 October 2025.

The webinar will take place on Wednesday, 29 October 2025 from 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

Officials will discuss the changes which those in practice may need to make if the provisional remedies go ahead. They will also share what happens next with the investigation.

The CMA will be answering questions from the main parties of the investigation, as well as other questions submitted ahead of the webinar.

Attendees can register here before Wednesday, 29 October at 11am. Questions must be submitted before 10am on 27 October.

A recording of the webinar will be accessible after the event.