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

Elephants 'beat the heat' in snowy enclosure
Large delivery brings 20 tonnes of snow to Whipsnade

In light of the recent heatwave, ZSL Whipsnade Zoo has come up with a novel plan to help its largest residents to beat the heat.

The zoo's elephants are awaiting a large delivery of 20 tonnes of snow for their enclosure - a seven acre paddock housing nine Asian elephants.

Complete with snowmen, this icy enrichment will come from the Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead, the UK's newest snowsports destination.

It will create a winter wonderland and unleash the elephants' playful personalities, as they roll in it and make snowballs with their trunks.

Technicians will be getting up at 5am to prepare for the delivery today (July 25), and journalists, photographers and film crews are invited to see the elephants playing in the snow.

Assistant curator of elephants, Lee Sambrook, said: "We’re always looking for new ways to keep our elephants cool in this heat, and the youngsters especially love having new things to investigate so we’re expecting them to love their snowy surprise."

 

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

RCVS announces 1CPD app update

News Story 1
 The RCVS has announced a new version of its 1CPD mobile app, with enhanced features for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to record their continuing professional development.

The mobile app includes a new 'what would you like to do?' shortcut for frequent tasks, a notification badge, and the ability to scan a QR code from the home screen to easily record an activity.

Users will be prompted to update the app from the App Store or Google Play the next time they log in. For more information, visit RCVS.org.uk 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.