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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 25th July 2013
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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."

 

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.