Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel
Ape escape caught on tape!
Photo copyright: Splash
Five chimps escape from zoo enclosure

Footage of the moment five chimpanzees broke out of their enclosure using a ladder they had fashioned together out of tree branches has emerged.

The incident happened at Experience Zoo, in Hanover, Germany and caught on camera by visitor Kai Hauser. The primates mingled with the 2,500 tourists, getting a taste of life on the other side of the fence.

Mr Hauser was walking with his girlfriend and her sister’s family towards the enclosure area called ‘Gorilla Hills’ when they heard loud screaming, but of the human variety.

He said: “Nobody saw anything, only the loud screaming from the chimps that came through the bushes, so it was frightening and everyone on the way stopped walking and was looking around with open mouths.”

He continued: “'Then we heard a woman behind the bushes shouting, ‘Oh no! Stop, come back’. A few seconds later one chimp came around the corner - he was very relaxed and walked up to a man and gave him a hug. The chimp looked like he wanted to kiss him... but then he opened his mouth revealing his big teeth and we feared he could bite his chin off.” Much to everyone's relief the chimp let go of the man and walked off, Mr Hauser said.

Four of the five chimps - seven in total live in the enclosure - tasted freedom and decided they didn’t like it much and wandered back to the enclosure on their own.

An enquiry is now underway to determine what happened. The zoo could be faced with a huge bill for the fleet of police, ambulances and fire engines that raced to the scene.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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."