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In with the spiders
Spider in hands
ZSL London's new exhibit is set to bring people face-to-face with amazing spiders from around the world.

Europe's first walk-through spider enclosure to open in London

Europe's first walk-through spider enclosure is set to open at ZSL London Zoo in a bid to change people's perspective of the arachnid.

Opening on Saturday, 23 May 'In with the spiders' will bring the public face-to-face with amazing spiders from around the world in a completely unique and immersive experience.

Visitors will first get acquainted with the UK native species and regular house guest 'spider in a bathtub', before meeting captivating and exotic species such as the huntsman, black widow and giant bird-eating spiders.

Visitors will then discover the true meaning of 'up close' as they enter into the forest home of uniquely sociable spiders and stunning, golden orb spiders. Here they can pose for a picture in front of the 'Spider Selfie' mirror.

A glimpse inside the spider nursery will allow visitors to see the varied breeding work carried out by keepers, and hopefully a sneak peek of tiny spiderlings too. The exhibit will also be home to the fen raft spider, one of the UK's most endangered animals.

Furthermore, celebrating the creature whose very name has been slandered over the years, the Zoo hope that 'Talking tarantula' will help to dispel the myths surrounding spiders to reveal why they are in fact friend, not foe.

London Zoo already knows a thing or two about converting spider haters into spider-lovers. Their hugely successful Friendly Spider Programme is carefully designed to ease or eliminate the condition of arachnophobia. Led by ZSL's head of invertebrates Dave Clarke, in conjunction with John Clifford at the Centre of Clinical Hypnosis, success is measured by participants catching a house spider under a glass and taking it outside.

"Visitors are sure to leave the exhibit with a new-found appreciation for arachnids," said a Zoo spokesperson.

In with the spiders is included in the entry ticket price. For more information visit www.zsl.org.

Image (C) ZSL London

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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.