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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 23rd July 2013
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ZSL tiger takes swimming lessons

Raft encourages Sumatran into deeper waters

Keepers at ZSL London Zoo have been encouraging their male Sumatran tiger, Jae Jae, to stay cool during the summer heat wave by taking swimming lessons.

While Jae Jae could often be found relaxing in the shallow end of his custom-built pool, keepers wanted him to make use of his muscles by taking a swim.

To encourage him, a special raft was devised and topped with meaty treats to entice the big cat into deeper waters.

Placed at the centre of the tiger pool, the floating raft was covered with chicken wings - Jae Jae's favourite treat.

Tiger keeper Teague Stubbington said: "Jae Jae loves chilling out in the Tiger Territory pool – especially on hot days − but we really wanted him to make better use of it and encourage his natural swimming abilities.
 
"Not only is swimming fantastic exercise for Jae Jae, the anticipation of getting to the meat stimulates his natural predatory instincts – and catching his ‘prey’ is the best reward he can get!"

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.