Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS) are calling on vets and veterinary nurses to take part in their Zambezi Canoe Challenge.

The fundraising challenge will take place between 2-10 September and will see participants canoe down the Zambezi river.

As well witnessing the most incredible wildlife, participants will also have a unique opportunity to visit an elephant orphanage in Lusaka where many of these animals are rehabilitated.

For further informationor to book your place visit wvs.org.uk

Over 43,000 people have signed an online petition to make hedgehogs a protected species. Oliver Colvile MP, who launched the petition, has also received more than 3,000 paper signatures. But the petition closes in less than a month and it needs 100,000 signatures to be debated in parliament.

Hedgehog numbers have fallen by a third in urban areas and 50 per cent in rural areas since 2000. Mr Colvile said: "Their numbers are in serious decline and it is our responsibility and duty to help reverse that in any way we can." To sign the petition, visit: petition.parliament.uk/petitions/121264

Following Theresa May's appointment as Prime Minister, Andrea Leadsom has been appointed as the new secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs.

Ms Leadsom, who was previously minister of state at the department of energy and climate change, said on Twitter that she was "Delighted to be Sec of State @DefraGovUK at this historic time!"

She replaces South West Norfolk MP Liz Truss, who has been appointed as justice secretary.

Image (C) Department of Energy and Climate Change

Whipsnade Zoo are celebrating the arrival of Four West African dwarf crocodiles - the first to hatch in 18 years!

Zookeepers say the reptiles, which measure just eight inches long, are already exploring their tropical enclosure and pool within the Zoo's Butterfly House.

Classified as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the crocs will be added to the European Studbook (ESB) for West African dwarf crocodiles.

Vets will discuss the issue of legislation versus self-regulation around the ownership of exotic pets at the annual Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF) Discussion Forum in London on 6 June.

During the Forum, the AWF will also be holding sessions on the effectiveness of the Animal Welfare Acts and debate the controversial topic of livestock welfare in intensive farming for meat production.

Tickets for the forum are available at www.bva-awf.org.uk/events/2016/6/6/2016-discussion-forum

A new DNA test for chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy - DM (CDRM) in German shepherds has been approved by the Kennel Club following consultation with the German Shepherd Dog Breed Council.

To find out which laboratories the Kennel Club is able to record results from, and which labs will send results direct to the Kennel Club, a worldwide DNA testing list is available at: http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health/breeding-for-health/dna-testing-simple-inherited-disorders/worldwide-dna-tests

Test results will be added to the dog's registration details and will be published in the next available Breed Records Supplement. Results will also appear on any new registration certificate issued for the dog and on the registration certificates of any future progeny of the dog.