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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 15th May 2013
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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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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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News Shorts
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.