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Monkey health check inspires budding vets
Max receiving a full-body health check by the veterinary team at ZSL London Zoo.

ZSL London Zoo's Vets in Action Week returns for 2022.

ZSL London Zoo has kicked off its award-winning Vets in Action week by sharing a behind-the-scenes glimpse of a monkey getting a health check.

Vets in Action takes place over the February half-term (12-20 Feb), giving young visitors a chance to experience the large scope of work carried out by the Zoo’s vets, vet nurses and zookeepers.

In fascinating images released by the Zoo, nine-year-old colobus monkey Max can be seen having a full-body health check before getting a clean bill of health by the expert veterinary team.

ZSL’s head vet Amanda Guthrie said: “Max had a comprehensive health check this week under general anaesthetic, to make sure he is all set to relocate to his exciting new Monkey Valley home; after a dental check, x-rays, blood tests and even an ultrasound of his vital organs, he was confirmed fit and healthy and ready for his future move. 

“Over the coming weeks, Max’s fellow troop members will all get the same VIP health check – an important part of the ZSL vet team’s work, which our young visitors will get a taste of this February half-term during Vets in Action.” 

During Vets in Action Week, visitors will help experts examine, diagnose and carry out treatments on soft toys - from health checks on colobus monkeys to giving pregnant sloths an ultrasound. There will also be additional demonstrations and talks throughout the week explaining how the Zoo cares for its residents. 

Amanda added: “Every animal at the Zoo, from the smallest mongoose to the tallest giraffe, is treated by ZSL’s on-site vet team, who monitor their health alongside the zookeepers who care for them on a daily basis.” 

Image (C) ZSL London Zoo.

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Submissions open for BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026

News Story 1
 The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.

It is an opportunity for applicants to present new research on any veterinary subject, such as the preliminary results of a study, discussion of a new technique or a description of an interesting case.

They must be based on high-quality clinical research conducted in industry, practice or academia, and summarised in 250 words.

Applications are welcome from vets, vet nurses, practice managers, and students.

Submissions are open until 6 March 2026. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk