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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 13th June 2013
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Bioblitz race for UK zoos
Aquariums and zoos race to record wildlife
Edinburgh Zoo is one of 25 zoos and aquariums to take part in this year's Bioblitz Race, where they will attempt to spot as many animals and plants as possible within 24 hours.

The race is being supported by the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), as a way to encourage people to engage with wildlife and create a snapshot of biodiversity.

Records taken of the animals, plants and fungi spotted within marked areas will be supplied to the national Bioblitz database following the race.

Chair of BIAZA's native species working group, Dave Coles, said: "Last year, more than 800 different species were recorded on BIAZA sites and this year we have even more zoos taking part so we are looking forward to seeing some interesting results."

Edinburgh Zoo will be holding a range of events between June 14 and 15, including mini-beast hunts, pond dipping and badger and bat watching.

Senior education officer at the zoo, Amy Cox, said: "We are delighted to be able to offer children and adults the chance to explore the wildlife right under their feet and on their doorstop in our series of BioBlitz events this weekend."

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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.