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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 29th October 2013
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London Zoo prepares for new male squirrel monkey

Females given mirror enrichment ahead of new arrival

To celebrate the imminent arrival of a new male squirrel monkey, keepers at London Zoo have provided their female monkeys with a mirror.

According to keepers, the mirror forms part of the monkeys' varied enrichment programme and encourages their natural curiosity by giving them something new to investigate.

There will soon be another addition to the zoo's "Meet the Monkeys" enclosure, as a male called Eubie is set to join the girls.

Squirrel monkeys are classed as threatened in the wild due to their use in biomedical research and as pets, bait and food.

London Zoo is involved in breeding programmes which aim to boost numbers of this primate species, and their squirrel monkeys are part of the European Endangered Species Programme.

Squirrel monkey keeper Kathryn Sanders, said: "We’re all excited about the arrival of Eubie at ZSL London Zoo – and none more so than the squirrel monkey girls.
 
"The mirror is a great enrichment for them, they spend lots of time trying to suss it out as it’s something different to investigate – and of course they can make sure they’re looking good too!"

Image courtesy of ZSL London Zoo

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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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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.