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Zoo turns its hand to human match-making
Love at the zoo
London Zoo has turned its attention to helping humans find a mate for life.

Unusual dating event applies animal mating strategies to humans

Having played match-maker with countless animals, ZSL London Zoo is turning its attention to the love lives of humans, with a new dating event.

Staff at the zoo are well accustomed to pairing off animals. In fact, the zoo is responsible for co-ordinating the worldwide conservation breeding programme for Sumatran tigers.

Not content with helping just its animal residents find lasting love, however, the zoo is hosting an unusual dating event for humans.

Staff will apply their trusty studbook statistics and animal introduction methods to guests hoping to find a mate for life.

Would-be daters will have to fill out an online quiz in their bid to get one of only 60 places at the event.

Studbook co-ordinators will then assess all the entrants and decide on a guest list based on the compatibility of attendees.

Successful candidates will be invited to purchase a £20 ticket to the event, which takes place on May 28.

Money raised from the event will go towards ZSL's worldwide conservation efforts.

Each human dater will be assigned to an animal group and staff will identify potential mates using enrichment tactics often employed by zookeepers when introducing animals to each other.

Guests will get to know each other with preliminary games under the watchful eye of ZSL staff, before moving on to "sensory enrichment", with activities ranging from competitive calling to territory marking.

Finally, daters will be allowed "free contact", while stud-book holders step back to let nature take its course.

Romantic hopefuls must register for the event online by May 20.

Image courtesy of ZSL London Zoo.

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RCVS announces 1CPD app update

News Story 1
 The RCVS has announced a new version of its 1CPD mobile app, with enhanced features for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to record their continuing professional development.

The mobile app includes a new 'what would you like to do?' shortcut for frequent tasks, a notification badge, and the ability to scan a QR code from the home screen to easily record an activity.

Users will be prompted to update the app from the App Store or Google Play the next time they log in. For more information, visit RCVS.org.uk 

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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.