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Scottish wildcats arrive at Edinburgh Zoo

Quartet of rare felines settle into their new enclosure

Edinburgh Zoo has welcomed four Scottish wildcats – one of Britain's rarest mammals – to its animal inventory.

The quartet arrived at the zoo a few months ago from the Highland Wildlife Park, both part of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS).

Listed as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, the Scottish wildcats will remain part of RZSS's conservation project at the zoo.

The three male cats – Leven, Lomond and Linnhe – and one female – Lochy – have settled into their new home well, and are normally found hanging around the treetops of their enclosure.

While they may seem similar to a pet cat, Scottish wildcats have a more wide, flat head and a bushy tail with dark rings around it. There are also differences in their genetics and blood type.

It is thought that there are as little as 400 of these wildcats left, making them more rare than the Amur tiger.

Image courtesy of RZSS

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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.