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Confused animals result in animal print ban

Chessington World of Adventures enforces zero tolerance on animal print clothing

Following the launch of new African experience ZUFARI: Ride Into Africa!, Chessington World of Adventures Resort has put a zero tolerance ban on animal print at the park and has brought in bouncers to enforce the rule.

The ride involves guests journeying off-road on a safari adventure, allowing them to get close to animals including white rhinos, giraffes, flamingos and blesbok.

Zookeepers noticed confusion amongst the animals when they encountered guests wearing animal print clothing. The keepers believe this confusion is down to the 22-acre trail being almost an exact replica of the Serengeti plains.

The rule has been enforced across the whole park so as to avoid confusing the lions, tigers and other animals.

Animal Print Bouncers have also been hired to make sure guests are following the new rule and any guests wearing animal print will be supplied with Chessington clothing when going on ZUFARI.

Natalie Dilloway, a ZUFARI spokeswoman, said: “Since the launch of ZUFARI, guests have interacted with the animals more closely than ever before and we have noticed a lot of animals becoming baffled by animal-print wearing guests.”

“The enclosures at ZUFARI have been designed to replicate the conditions species face in the wild, so it’s no wonder the animals are getting confused when they see what they perceive to be zebras and giraffes driving across the terrain in a 7.5 tonne truck!”

“We kindly ask guests to refrain from wearing animal print at the park.”

Banned prints at the resort include zebra, giraffe, leopard, tiger and cheetah.

Image courtesy of Chessington World of Adventures Resort

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.