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Pythons Hatched
The Birmingham Nature Centre has successfully hatched a nest of Savu Island pythons, one of the smallest pythons in the world. This is only the second time ever they have been bred by zoological institutions in the UK.

With the babies not out on display, the public can see pictures of the nest at the Centre's new Facebook page. The babies weigh just 21-23g. Currently brown in colour, after their first slough (shed) they will turn bright orange/red before maturing to a mottled black, brown. Males are smaller than females but they only get to 6ft max in length.

Councillor Martin Mullaney, Cabinet Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, said: "The Nature Centre has a wide variety of species. Many are available for the public to see, but others are housed there for the purposes of conservation and breeding projects across world. Not only is it a great day out for families, but with Facebook, we can now give people an opportunity to see species not necessarily accessible."

The python's habitat is a tiny island in Indonesia. They were only discovered in 1993 and the find has prompted the need to explore Indonesia for more undiscovered species.

The babies will be fed and looked after until they are old enough to go to other zoos in the United Kingdom and Europe to carry on the breeding program and introduce new genetic bloodlines in to the collections.

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RCVS announces 1CPD app update

News Story 1
 The RCVS has announced a new version of its 1CPD mobile app, with enhanced features for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to record their continuing professional development.

The mobile app includes a new 'what would you like to do?' shortcut for frequent tasks, a notification badge, and the ability to scan a QR code from the home screen to easily record an activity.

Users will be prompted to update the app from the App Store or Google Play the next time they log in. For more information, visit RCVS.org.uk 

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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.