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Giraffes enjoy Valentine’s Day enrichment
“Led by queen bee Ellish, the single ladies used their dextrous elongated tongues to tug the pretty petals off the heart-shaped wreath in a matter of moments."
Zoo keepers provide heart-shaped wreath of tasty flowers 

Giraffes at ZSL London Zoo are celebrating Valentine’s Day early with a special heart-shaped treat, provided by zoo keepers.

The trio of female giraffes - Ellish, Margaret and Mollie - tucked into a wreath made of juicy flowers, to mark the annual day of romance.

ZSL giraffe keeper Louise Jackobson said: “Like all girls, our giraffes love to receive a bunch of flowers, especially on Valentine’s Day – although their tasty blooms didn’t last very long!
 
“Led by queen bee Ellish, the single ladies used their dextrous elongated tongues to tug the pretty petals off the heart-shaped wreath in a matter of moments – just like when they tug vegetation and flowers off the very tops of trees to eat.”

The zoo offers lovebirds the chance to meet and feed the giraffes as part of a VIP experience package for two this Valentine’s Day. For more information see: zsl.org/meet-the-animals/zsl-london-zoo

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.