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Baby sloth born at London Zoo
The keepers were delighted to spot the new arrival clinging onto Marilyn.

Keepers celebrate new year and new arrival.

ZSL London Zoo has announced its first new arrival of 2023 – an adorable baby two-toed sloth.

Born to parents Marilyn and Leander, the newborn arrived on New Years Day, starting the year off with some excitement.

Veronica Heldt, sloth keeper at London Zoo, said: “Having arranged regular ultrasounds with the Zoo’s vet team we knew Marilyn was coming to the end of her pregnancy, so we’ve been checking every day for any sign of the new arrival; we were delighted to finally spot a tiny baby exactly where it should be, clinging onto Marilyn’s tummy, as she curled up in her favourite tree.

“We’ve nick-named the little one Nova, which means ‘new’ in Latin, as we couldn’t have asked for a better start to the new year.”

The sex of the special arrival won't be confirmed until after hair DNA has been analysed, but once confirmed, Nova will join the European Studbook (ESB) which supports a coordinated breeding programme to ensure the future of the two-toed sloth species.

Veronica continued: “Every birth at London Zoo is a conservation success and a vital part of ZSL’s work preserving and protecting wildlife. The start of a new year is always cause for celebration, but the arrival of baby Nova has made 2023 extra special.”

 

Image (C) 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."