Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Rare southern white rhino born in Suffolk
Pictured: the new arrival at ZSEA's Africa Alive.

The calf is the first white rhino to be born at Africa Alive.  

The Zoological Society of East Anglia (ZSEA) has welcomed its first ever southern white rhino at Suffolk's Africa Alive zoo.

Born to parents Njiri and Zimba, the rhino calf was born at 6.45pm on Saturday 18 December, and is reportedly 'doing well'.

Africa Alive's head of living collections Graeme Williamson, said: “We are absolutely thrilled about our new arrival at Africa Alive. This is the first time white rhinos have ever been bred at Africa Alive, so the birth of this calf truly is a little miracle.

“Njiri and her baby are doing well, but she is a first-time mum and we are monitoring her closely.

“Pregnant white rhinos will leave their group (or crash) shortly before the birth and will stay apart for a few days afterward. To replicate this natural behaviour, we set up a ‘birthing suite’ for Njiri away from the other rhinos which is monitored closely through CCTV cameras.”

Claudia Roberts, CEO at ZSEA, added: “This is a very exciting step forward in the conservation of this species and we are over the moon to have our first white rhino calf born at Africa Alive.

“Our commitment to conservation remains at the forefront of everything we do here at ZSEA with many exciting conservation projects happening across both of our zoos, including our most recent partnership with Tusk – a prolific African wildlife conservation charity."

Images (C) ZSEA

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BVA urges 'continued vigilance' over bluetongue

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has urged vigilance following a concerning rise in Bluetongue (BTV) cases in sheep and cattle.

In a recent statement, the BVA noted that members are reporting more severe clinical signs and higher mortality rates than in previous years.

'We know that farm vets are working hard to support farmers and animals affected by this outbreak, during what is an extremely difficult time for all involved,' they stated. 'Continued vigilance to identify disease early is vital and vaccination remains the best way of protecting animals from this disease.'