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'Pambassadors' head to Edinburgh
Chen Yinrong, Jerome Pouille and Melissa Rose Katz

Panda experts share knowledge with zoo visitors 

Specially selected giant panda ambassadors, or "pambassadors", visited Edinburgh Zoo this week to share their knowledge with school students and zoo visitors.

The three pambassadors - Melissa Rose Katz, Chen Yinrong and Jerome Pouille - were selected from more than one million applicants to share their experience of spending time at the Chengdu Panda Base in China.

 

All three were chosen for their unique skills - Melissa, for example, is a renowned panda photographer, Chen is skilled at panda-related crafts and Jerome is well known for his panda knowledge.

 

During the event, the trio spoke to students from Lasswade and Queen Anne high schools, which are both part of the Scotland-China Education Network (SCEN). 

 

Qu Jing, a representative for the Global Pambassadors Programme at Chegdu Panda Base, also attended the event. He shared his knowledge of environmental conservation, technological research and economic development in Chengdu.

 

As the event closed, students wrote messages and pledges which will be put on display at the Chengdu Panda Base. 

 

During their one-year role, the trio of pambassors will take part in a global tour to raise awareness about panda conservation. They have so far visited Hong Kong, Singapore, Washington DC and Atlanta, and will next be visiting Paris.

 

Image courtesy of Royal Zoological Society of Scotland

 

Related News
China-UK initiative aids panda research
'Pregnancy possible' for Edinburgh panda

 

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.