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

Giant panda wins international vote
Tian Tian at Edinburgh Zoo has been vote as favourite giant panda outside of China in the Giant Panda Zoo awards
Tian Tian at Edinburgh Zoo has been vote as favourite giant panda outside of China in the Giant Panda Zoo awards

Favourite panda award for Edinburgh's Tian Tian

A giant panda living at Edinburgh Zoo has won an international award. Tian Tian, also known as Sweetie, has won gold in the the Giant Panda Zoo Awards.

The awards saw panda enthusiasts from around the world vote for their favourite panda outside of China. Nearly a fifth of the votes went to Tian Tian.


It is only the second year in which the awards have  been held. The winners were name at a ceremony at Zoo Atlanta.

Tian Tian has already enjoyed the limelight. She was named in the 2011 BBC’s Women of the Year list alongside names like Pippa Middleton and Adele.

Edinburgh Zoo's male giant panda, Yang Guang, also known as Sunshine, won silver in last year's favourite panda outside of China category.

Alison Maclean, team Lleader for giant pandas at Edinburgh Zoo, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to accept the award on behalf of Tian Tian for Favourite Panda Outside of China. Of course, she is now on equal par with Yang Guang as he got silver last year for Favourite Panda Outside of China.

"We think it’s absolutely amazing that everybody feels the same way about our female panda as we do; it’s just great and thank you to everyone for voting for us.”

Image courtesy of Edinburgh Zoo

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

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.