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Three cubs born to sterilised lion
White lion cub
The lion park says it is at a loss to explain the miraculous conception.

Sanctuary enjoys a 'white Christmas'
 
A sterilised white lion has miraculously fathered a trio of white lion cubs. Coming just in time for the festive season, their birth has been dubbed a "Christmas miracle".

Drakenstein Lion Park is a non-breeding sanctuary in South Africa that rescues lions from abusive environments.

Staff at the park noticed their five-year-old lioness Nala was behaving strangely a few days before Christmas. Much to their surprise, they discovered she had been hiding three cubs.

Nala's mate Brutus was surgically sterilised more than three years ago. The operation was believed to have been a success as both Brutus and Nala have been sexually mature for more than three years without any previous mishaps.

The lion park says it is at a loss to explain the miraculous conception. Nonetheless, Nala and Brutus are reportedly proving to be great first-time parents.

When it's safe for the cubs, Brutus will undergo a second vasectomy.

Image courtesy of Drakenstein Lion Park

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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.