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First gentoo penguin chicks born
Zoo celebrates birth of first two chicks

Edinburgh Zoo has announced the birth of two gentoo penguin chicks - the first chicks ever to be born in the new enclosure, Penguins Rock.

The chicks have not yet been named, and are the first ever to be delivered by the new mother, although the father has parented before.

According to an update from the zoo on the afternoon of May 14, a third chick was emerging from the egg and is expected to hatch fully by May 15. A further 44 eggs are still to hatch at the zoo.

In the wild, the gentoo penguin population is growing in the Antarctic Peninsula but has seen a rapid decline in some island territories.

This decline is thought to be due to pollution or disturbed fisheries. The species is protected under the Antarctic Treaty of 1959 and listed on the International Union For Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List as "near threatened".

Image: Gentoo penguin chick, Edinburgh Zoo

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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. 

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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.