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Elephants 'beat the heat' in snowy enclosure
Large delivery brings 20 tonnes of snow to Whipsnade

In light of the recent heatwave, ZSL Whipsnade Zoo has come up with a novel plan to help its largest residents to beat the heat.

The zoo's elephants are awaiting a large delivery of 20 tonnes of snow for their enclosure - a seven acre paddock housing nine Asian elephants.

Complete with snowmen, this icy enrichment will come from the Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead, the UK's newest snowsports destination.

It will create a winter wonderland and unleash the elephants' playful personalities, as they roll in it and make snowballs with their trunks.

Technicians will be getting up at 5am to prepare for the delivery today (July 25), and journalists, photographers and film crews are invited to see the elephants playing in the snow.

Assistant curator of elephants, Lee Sambrook, said: "We’re always looking for new ways to keep our elephants cool in this heat, and the youngsters especially love having new things to investigate so we’re expecting them to love their snowy surprise."

 

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

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News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.