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An Elephant to the Rescue
An elephant keeper from West Midland Safari Park received some help from an unlikely friend when his vehicle spluttered to a halt in the animal reserves and he found himself in a spot of bother.

Within minutes ‘Five’ - an 18-year-old African Elephant - was on the scene and assisted with a push start, alas to no avail. She then proceeded to lift the bonnet, removed the dipstick with her truck and passed it on to her frazzled keeper to check what had happened. 

Breakdown sorted and panic over Five had time to show off a few extra skills, which was all part of the service, and started on a touch of spring-cleaning. She reached into a bucket of water with her trunk, sprayed the vehicle with water to remove any dust, then gathered up a sponge with her trunk and cleaned the windows and paintwork with the style of a true professional.

Director of Wildlife, Bob Lawrence, said, “Five and her Keeper are a real team. It is said that an Elephant never forgets, thankfully we don’t experience many vehicle breakdowns, but next time Five will know exactly what to do”.

West Midland Safari Park have three African Elephants that have often engaged in a variety of unusual pursuits, such as creating works of art and playing football. It appears that there is no end to their extraordinary talents.

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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.