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Watch out Ellen DeGeneres as lemur takes selfies
Bekily snapped this selfie at London Zoo earlier this week.
Bekily snapped this selfie at London Zoo earlier this week.

All he needs now is his own Twitter account

Selfies seem to be the latest trend with celebrities snapping themselves on camera and posting on Twitter.

In the same week Ellen DeGeneres' Oscars' selfie was retweeted 3.3million times –  the most ever – a playful primate at London Zoo has also cottoned on to the trend.

Bekily, a 12-year-old male ring tail lemur, grabbed a camera from keeper Tegan McPhail during feeding time and began taking photos of himself. Unfortunately he doesn't have his own Twitter account, so Ellen DeGeneres can rest easy – for now.

Keeper Tegan said: “We’re always taking quick pics of the animals we look after as with workmates this cute, it’s hard to resist – but Bekily definitely wanted to get in on the action himself this time.
 
“As I was snapping away, he grabbed the camera lens and pulled it towards his own face. It took him a few attempts but he got a great profile pic in the end.
 
“I doubt we’ll be entering his pics into photography competitions anytime soon; however I think he did a pretty good job.”
 
London Zoo is encouraging all  wildlife photographers – excluding lemurs – to enter the ZSL Animal Photography Prize which closes on April 1.

There is a £10k prize fund, and  images will be displayed in an exhibition at London Zoo this autumn. To enter visit www.zsl.org

Image by ZSL London Zoo
 
 

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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.