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Pumpkin puzzles at London Zoo
cub with pumpkin
Sumatran cub with pumpkin enrichment.

Zoo residents treated to spook-tacular enrichment

Halloween's dark delights are not to be missed by the residents of London Zoo, as keepers serve up a variety of spooky snacks.

For the first time, the zoo's three Sumatran tiger cubs - Nakal, Budi and Cinta - revelled in the fearsome festivities by devouring pumpkins that were scent-marked to encourage the cubs' natural hunting instincts.

Other animals including penguins enjoyed pumpkins stuffed with their favourite treats. Giant Galapagos tortoise Dirk munched through his own pumpkin while the squirrel monkeys rooted their favourite nutty snacks out of pumpkin puzzles.

Squirrel monkey keeper Hannah Duprey said: "Our residents love getting involved with the spooky festivities at the Zoo, especially because they get terrific treats in their pumpkins!
 
"Giving our animals Halloween treats is fantastic enrichment for them; it encourages their natural hunting or foraging behaviours, and offers something new for them to investigate."

Image courtesy of ZSL London Zoo.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.