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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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FIVP launches CMA remedies survey

News Story 1
 FIVP has shared a survey, inviting those working in independent practice to share their views on the CMA's proposed remedies.

The Impact Assessment will help inform the group's response to the CMA, as it prepares to submit further evidence to the Inquiry Group. FIVP will also be attending a hearing in November.

Data will be anonymised and used solely for FIVP's response to the CMA. The survey will close on Friday, 31 October 2025. 

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News Shorts
CMA to host webinar exploring provisional decisions

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is to host a webinar for veterinary professionals to explain the details of its provisional decisions, released on 15 October 2025.

The webinar will take place on Wednesday, 29 October 2025 from 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

Officials will discuss the changes which those in practice may need to make if the provisional remedies go ahead. They will also share what happens next with the investigation.

The CMA will be answering questions from the main parties of the investigation, as well as other questions submitted ahead of the webinar.

Attendees can register here before Wednesday, 29 October at 11am. Questions must be submitted before 10am on 27 October.

A recording of the webinar will be accessible after the event.