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Giraffes enjoy Valentine’s Day enrichment
“Led by queen bee Ellish, the single ladies used their dextrous elongated tongues to tug the pretty petals off the heart-shaped wreath in a matter of moments."
Zoo keepers provide heart-shaped wreath of tasty flowers 

Giraffes at ZSL London Zoo are celebrating Valentine’s Day early with a special heart-shaped treat, provided by zoo keepers.

The trio of female giraffes - Ellish, Margaret and Mollie - tucked into a wreath made of juicy flowers, to mark the annual day of romance.

ZSL giraffe keeper Louise Jackobson said: “Like all girls, our giraffes love to receive a bunch of flowers, especially on Valentine’s Day – although their tasty blooms didn’t last very long!
 
“Led by queen bee Ellish, the single ladies used their dextrous elongated tongues to tug the pretty petals off the heart-shaped wreath in a matter of moments – just like when they tug vegetation and flowers off the very tops of trees to eat.”

The zoo offers lovebirds the chance to meet and feed the giraffes as part of a VIP experience package for two this Valentine’s Day. For more information see: zsl.org/meet-the-animals/zsl-london-zoo

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."