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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 17th October 2012
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Hopes for semi-wild panda
Survival training given to panda released in wild

A giant panda bred in captivity has been released into the wild after receiving special survival training.

The two-year-old male, called Taotao, has been released from a giant panda conservation centre in Sichuan province, China.

Training involved handlers wearing panda suits to prevent Taotao becoming familiar with humans. It is though that the panda now has enough skills to survive and to help increase the threatened panda population.

Taotao is the second panda to be released into the wild since Xiang Xiang, in 2006. Unfortunately, Xiang Xiang died after he got into a fight with wild pandas.

Zhang Hemin, a director at the conservation centre said that, compared to Xiang Xiang, this panda "has lived and grown in semi-wild conditions since he was very little. This means [his] fighting capability and survival skills both improved significantly."

However, despite best hopes, it is not certain that Taotao will be able to survive natural challenges such as other wild animals.

Hemin added: "Taotao is only the second such panda released to nature, and we remain in the experimental stage."

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FIVP publishes CMA Compliance Checklist

News Story 1
 FIVP has published a CMA Compliance Checklist to support independent practices with the Market Investigation Order.

The document includes deadlines for small and large businesses, with tick boxes for each of the tasks. The organisation also invites practices to contact them for support with requirements.

Rita Dingwall, FIVP chair, said: FIVP appreciates that navigating the new CMA requirements can feel daunting. We hope this checklist will make things a little easier, helping independent practices work through what is required with confidence. 

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News Shorts
APHA launches free virtual work experience programme

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), in collaboration with Springpod, has launched a free virtual work experience programme, giving young people across the UK the chance to explore careers dedicated to protecting animal and plant health.

The on-demand programme offers a unique insight into career opportunities within APHA, showcasing how students can contribute to tackling some of the UK's most critical biosecurity and environmental challenges.

Designed for students aged 13 and over, the course includes more than 10 hours of engaging content featuring real-life industry insights, scenario-based challenges, and practical guidance on applying for jobs. To register for the course, visit the APHA website.