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Bubble machine is a hit with zoo’s penguins
The bubble machine is a "firm favourite" with penguins, said zoo keeper Lorna Moffat.
Colony filmed chasing and popping bubbles 

Edinburgh Zoo’s penguin colony has been caught on camera playing with their new bubble machine on Penguin Awareness Day (20 January).

The colony of more than 130 birds can be seen waddling around their enclosure, chasing after the bubbles and trying to pop them.

Penguin keeper Lorna Moffat said the colony “enjoy lots of different types of enrichment, from their water slide to their floating platforms” but the bubble machine is a “firm favourite”.

It was given to the zoo as a Christmas present via its Amazon wishlist for the animals.

“All three of our penguin species loved playing with the bubbles, especially our youngest rockhopper chick who was taking part for the first time,” Lorna added.

RZSS Edinburgh Zoo is home to Europe’s largest outdoor penguin pool. It plays an important role in penguin conservation around the globe through Project Pinnamin, which is a collaboration between RZSS, the British Antarctic Survey, RSPB, Tristan Conservation and the Government of South Africa.

Together, they are spearheading research into the endangered northern rockhopper and the factors affecting its population numbers on Tristan da Cunha, in the South Atlantic Ocean.

Image © RZSS/Siân Addison.
 

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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.