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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 9th June 2011
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One of the family!

Keepers at Colchester Zoo have bonded so strongly with two Patagonian sealions that they can now swim and play with them as if they were members of the sealions' family!

Previously it has been common for people to swim with the Californian sealion species but this is almost certainly the first time that this has ever been attempted in the UK with Patagonian sealions, due to their wilder nature.
 
It started with the keepers swimming with the sealions to clean the 24m long underwater tunnel through their enclosure and has slowly developed to a stage where keepers can now confidently swim and play with the two friendliest sealions, Winnipeg and Sydney.
 
Kate Broad, Head Sealion Keeper said "We had to ensure that the welfare of the animals was the top priority so we started this process very slowly but there is no doubt that this interaction has enriched the lives of our sealions both physically and mentally.’
 
Patagonian sea lions are agile swimmers and the males can reach weights of up to 2.5 metres in length and 340kg in weight. They have been persecuted in the past by the fur trade and are still affected by pollution and entrapment in fishing nets.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.