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Red panda cub birth a 'symbol of hope'
'Little Red' was welcomed into the world in the early hours of 16 July.
The species is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. 

Keepers at a Hertfordshire wildlife park are celebrating after the birth of an endangered red panda.

'Little Red' was welcomed into the world in the early hours of 16 July, one of the hottest days of the year, at Paradise Wildlife Park. The cub, whose gender will be confirmed in the coming months, was born to mum, Tilly, and dad Nam Pang, who sadly died one month ago. 

Tilly and Nam Pang were part of the international breeding programme for red pandas, but despite being together for the past four years, they had sadly been unable to conceive. Red pandas are naturally solitary creatures and usually only get together during mating season. 

Aaron Whitnall, star of the CBBC programme One Zoo Three, said the cub had become a "symbol of hope" for the zoo, adding that it ''creates a beautiful ending for a tragic, heartbreaking story that shocked the community".

'Little Red' is reported to be growing well and beginning to develop their colouring and markings. Red panda cubs do not start to leave their nest for around two to three months after birth, but mum Tilly continues to be spotted by her adoring fans. 

Red pandas are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. There are fewer than 10,000 remaining in the wild thanks to deforestation and the illegal pet trade.

Paradise Wildlife Park works closely with the Red Panda Network to help conserve and protect the species. 

Image (C) Paradise Wildlife Park/Robert Killips.

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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.