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UK’s only polar bear cub is male, zoo confirms
Born in December, the four-month-old cub stepped outside for the first time since his birth last month.

Public will soon be able to help choose a name for him 

The first polar bear to be born in the UK for 25 years is a boy, staff at Highland Wildlife Park have confirmed.

Born in December, the four-month-old cub stepped outside for the first time since his birth last month and has already taken his first swim. He was identified as male during his first routine health check yesterday (16 April).

Una Richardson, head keeper for carnivores, said he is “becoming more confident every day and he is doing very well”.

The public will soon be asked to help choose a name for the cub.

“It was very exciting to find out we have a little boy,” Una added. “Next we need to give him a name and our keepers are coming up with a suitable list which we will soon ask the public to choose from on social media.

“This will help us engage with as wide an audience as possible to raise awareness of the threats polar bears are facing in the wild and the need to protect this magnificent species.”

The zoo is reminding the public that the cub is still very young and is opening a lot of time in his cubbing den.

Image © Siân Addison/Royal Zoological Society of Scotland

 

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
VMD issues guidance on AVM-GSL packaging

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has shared advice on its requirements for medicines considered AVM-GSL.

The guidance explains the information that should be on the outer package, and sets out the typical maximum pack size for an AVM-GSL product. It also describes the user-friendly language, structure and phrases required on packaging and product leaflets.

AVM-GSL products do not require discussion between the purchaser and a veterinary professional. This means that clear product information is needed to support sales choices.

The information will be useful for submitting new products to the AVM-GSL category and lowering the distribution category of products from NFA-VPS to AVM-GSL.

The VMD's guidance can be accessed here.