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Pumpkin puzzles at London Zoo
cub with pumpkin
Sumatran cub with pumpkin enrichment.

Zoo residents treated to spook-tacular enrichment

Halloween's dark delights are not to be missed by the residents of London Zoo, as keepers serve up a variety of spooky snacks.

For the first time, the zoo's three Sumatran tiger cubs - Nakal, Budi and Cinta - revelled in the fearsome festivities by devouring pumpkins that were scent-marked to encourage the cubs' natural hunting instincts.

Other animals including penguins enjoyed pumpkins stuffed with their favourite treats. Giant Galapagos tortoise Dirk munched through his own pumpkin while the squirrel monkeys rooted their favourite nutty snacks out of pumpkin puzzles.

Squirrel monkey keeper Hannah Duprey said: "Our residents love getting involved with the spooky festivities at the Zoo, especially because they get terrific treats in their pumpkins!
 
"Giving our animals Halloween treats is fantastic enrichment for them; it encourages their natural hunting or foraging behaviours, and offers something new for them to investigate."

Image courtesy of 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.