Latest news with #RZSS
Edinburgh Reporter
3 days ago
- General
- Edinburgh Reporter
Babu makes a recovery after cancer treatment
A bear at Edinburgh Zoo that was given weeks to live after being diagnosed with terminal cancer last year, has confounded experts by going into remission. Babu, a 13-year-old sun bear 'loved by visitors for her curious personality', was diagnosed with lymphoma in April last year. The Zoo conveyed the sad news to supporters and vets turned their attention to ensuring Babu was comfortable in her final days. Now, a year on, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), the wildlife conservation charity that operates the Zoo, has confirmed Babu's 'incredible recovery' adding the bear is 'in remission and loving life'. Professor Simon Girling, head of veterinary services at RZSS, said: 'This news is better than we ever hoped for, but it wasn't what we expected and there's always a possibility that the cancer could return. 'For now, what matters most is that Babu is happy, healthy and back to her old self.' Babu was diagnosed after keepers noticed she had developed significant swelling in lymph nodes across her body, accompanied by changes to her behaviour and eating habits. After RZSS vets investigated, she was diagnosed with lymphoma, a form of cancer with very limited precedent in bears. Following a second opinion from veterinary oncologist Dr Isabel Miguel, a terminal diagnosis was 'confirmed' and the veterinary team turned to ensuring quality of life. Stephanie Mota, veterinary surgeon at RZSS, said: 'This diagnosis was new territory. We found one similar case involving a Himalayan black bear in China, but it died suddenly and there was very little information available to guide us. 'Our top priority was that Babu was comfortable and happy in her last days.' Bears are known to mask symptoms, making it difficult to catch illnesses early, as was the case when Rotana, the zoo's 20-year-old sun bear, was euthanised in October 2023 following the rapid spread of cancer. The team thoroughly reviewed all available literature to help Babu, including studies on canine medicine as lymphoma is relatively common in dogs. They selected a treatment option that minimised potential side effects alongside pain relief, in the hope of slowing Babu's cancer and easing her discomfort. To everyone's surprise, Babu began to improve. After six months of treatment, tests in October 2024 revealed a reduction in cancerous cells. Continued monitoring and further testing earlier this year showed no detectable signs of the disease and Dr. Miguel confirmed that Babu was in remission. Prof Girling said: 'We're delighted that Babu has responded so positively to the medication, especially as we were in uncharted territory. 'With confirmation of remission, we've been able to stop her pain medication, and are now gradually reducing her cancer treatment while closely monitoring her condition.' Babu's weight is tracked weekly, while daily behaviours and appetite are monitored by her keepers using an objective charting system to ensure any changes are spotted early. Mota added: 'She's really interested in digging around in her habitat for insects at the moment. These inquisitive, natural behaviours are really good signs that she is feeling happy and healthy.' Sun bears (Helarctos malayanus) are the smallest species of bear, native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, where they are classed as Vulnerable by the IUCN due to habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade. Known for their short, sleek black fur and distinctive pale, crescent-shaped marking on their chest, they play an important role in forest ecosystems by helping to control insect populations and disperse seeds. Babu's remarkable recovery has been met with joy, with visitors hailing the 'amazing news'. One fan, Lisa Smith, posted online: 'So happy to hear this news about Babu we love her and she's such a character looking forward to seeing her on Wednesday when we visit.' RZSS said the 'incredible recovery is a story of hope, honey and world-class care'. They added: 'One of the sweetest parts of Babu's treatment has been how well she's taken her medication, thanks to it being hidden in honey — her absolute favourite. 'Normally saved for special occasions, honey is a rare treat in a sun bear's diet, but it became part of her twice-daily routine during recovery. 'The only downside to her remission, keepers joke, is that Babu won't be getting her beloved honey quite as often anymore. 'Babu's recovery is a testament to the dedication, expertise, and compassion of the RZSS veterinary team and keepers, whose work continues to ensure the highest standards of care for animals at Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park.' While Babu's remission is cause for celebration, the veterinary team remains 'cautiously optimistic'. Like this: Like Related
Edinburgh Reporter
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
Oldest rockhopper in town
Keepers at Edinburgh Zoo recently celebrated their oldest penguin when Northern rockhopper Nestor turned 32 years old. The 20 inch tall penguin has been dubbed 'oldest rocker in town' — and he even has a mate exactly half his age. The oldest penguin of any kind at Edinburgh Zoo, he is also believed to be currently the third longest-lived rockhopper penguin in the world. Nestor celebrated his birthday chilling out in the shade in the attraction's Penguins Rock, with his long term mate, 16 year old Issy. Edinburgh Zoo animal keeper Katherine Burnet, said: 'Nestor is a really nice boy and our oldest penguin. 'At the ripe old age of 32 now, he can be a little slower than some of the other penguins in the colony, but he's lovely to work with. 'It's amazing to think he's the third oldest rockhopper in the world. He's already lived over twice the lifespan of a rockhopper in the wild.' Rockhoppers are among the smallest penguins, easily recognised by their bright yellow head plumage and red eyes. The species has declined by 90 per cent in the wild since the 1950s and is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. Nestor hatched in France in 1993 and also spent time in Belgium before coming to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) attraction in 2006. He can be identified among the other rockhoppers in his colony by the unique blue and pink coloured band on his right wing. Nestor can be found spending most of his time around the pool with long term partner Issy. They can be seen waddling around their enclosure or preening one another on their nesting ring in a shaded area to the rear of the colony. Katherine said: 'Nestor and Issy have been pair bonded for a few years now and he takes really good care of her. There may be a 16 year age gap but they make a really sweet couple. 'They tend to go around the enclosure together and wherever you see one you often find the other. They have certain spots they frequent. 'Nestor is quite a chilled out boy. He tends to avoid any drama going on in the colony, although he can be quite protective of Issy and he will tell the youngsters off if they come too close to his nest. 'He's also pretty smart so when it's sunny or hot you'll find him in the shade keeping cool.' Edinburgh Zoo is home to over 100 Gentoo, Northern rockhopper and King penguins. The attraction is famed for its Penguin Parade, which first took place in 1951 when a keeper accidentally left the gate open and a few curious penguins left the enclosure. The parade became a much-loved daily ritual until March 2020, when it was stopped to avoid people gathering in large crowds during Covid. The Zoo now hosts the 'Wee Waddle', a reimagined version, which is completely voluntary. Penguins are not coerced into taking part or leaving their enclosure. There is also a small, 'penguin-sized' fence separating the birds from visitors along the short route. Edinburgh was previously home to the world's oldest rockhopper penguin. Mrs Wolowitz was killed by a fox that broke into the enclosure in 2022, just months after she celebrated her 35th birthday. The world's oldest rockhopper is now thought to be 34-year-old JT in Moody Gardens, Texas, a year older than 33-year-old female Janet who lives at Montreal Biodome in Canada, and two years older than Edinburgh's Nestor. Edinburgh Zoo has the oldest Rockhopper 32 (Back and Right) and his partner Issy 16 Picture Alan Simpson Edinburgh Zoo has the oldest Rockhopper 32 (Back and Right) and his partner Issy 16 Picture Alan Simpson Edinburgh Zoo has the oldest Rockhopper 32 (Back and Right) and his partner Issy 16 Picture Alan Simpson Keeper Katherine Burnet PHOTO Alan Simpson The penguin enclosure at Edinburgh Zoo Picture Alan Simpson Like this: Like Related
Daily Record
22-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Lynx reintroduction to Scotland could harm sheep and lambs, study finds
Lynx reintroduction to Scotland could harm sheep and lambs, study finds The reintroduction of lynx to Scotland could bring environmental and economic benefits, but would potentially put sheep and lambs at risk, a new report has warned. Experts say rewilding the elusive predator isn't without challenges – but a managed return could help control deer numbers and even boost tourism. (Image: RZSS / SWNS ) The reintroduction of Lynx to Scotland is likely to put sheep and lambs are risk despite bringing environmental and economic benefits, according to a report. Scotland's National Lynx Discussion found that sheep and other livestock, especially those near wooded areas, are more vulnerable to such predation. Experts say en effective management system could include paying farmers for losses and co-existence, with relocation or lethal control as "necessary components" of any framework to manage the issue. The report also revealed that lynx could have a "significant" impact on game birds in places where the species come into contact, though they are unlikely to play a major part in the animals' diet at a national level. Despite the risk, the report also found there is "sufficient quantity and quality of habitat" in Scotland to support a viable lynx population. Article continues below The report also found that predators, while not a "silver bullet", could aid deer population control and help other species. The report outlines conclusions and recommendations agreed following a nine-month discussion which involved 53 stakeholders including farming and landowner organisations, gamekeepers, conservationists, foresters and tourism operators. The National Lynx Discussion was organised by the Lynx to Scotland partnership which is assessing the feasibility of reintroducing the Eurasian lynx to the Scottish Highlands for the first time in about 1,300 years. Steve Micklewright, chief executive of Trees for Life and a member of the stakeholder group, said: "We met 12 times for over 50 hours in total. Deep and extensive discussions allowed us to learn lessons from lynx reintroductions in Europe, assess possible impacts if lynx are returned to Scotland, and recommend key actions to avoid or manage potential problems. "While not everyone who took part supports the return of lynx, we now have a clear understanding of what needs to be put in place if a reintroduction is to happen. "The Lynx to Scotland partnership must now workout if and how the recommendations can be delivered, and take that out to local consultation when we have clear proposals." When considering the impact on deer populations the report said that lynx could help achieve a more "natural balance of species" within the ecosystem, though noted that they are unlikely to replace culling by humans or the impact of weather. They may also have a positive impact on species of conservation concern such as capercaillie, black grouse and wildcats by preying on "mesopredators", particularly foxes. The report acknowledged that there might be "some concern around the public safety aspect of having a large carnivore in the landscape." However, it noted that lynx are "secretive animals which are rarely encountered by humans in the wild in their current natural range" and said there are no recorded instances of healthy lynx attacking people. The report stated that lynx pose no realistic threat to humans and said the predators "should not discourage anyone from letting their children play in the woods". Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. It also noted that despite their elusive nature the presence of lynx could boost income from tourism. Evidence from Europe suggests that merely the knowledge that a large carnivore exists in the landscape is enough to increase visitor numbers and significantly increase tourism income, according to the report. Any reintroduction of lynx would need approval from the Scottish Government, which would follow ecological assessments and a full public consultation. Article continues below Stakeholder group member Andrew Bauer, who has experience of species reintroduction policy in Scotland, said: "Our recommendations aim to address the fact that we agreed there could be negative impacts on some rural livelihoods if lynx were reintroduced without proper checks and balances to prevent problems or manage them." Lynx to Scotland is a partnership between Trees for Life, Scotland: The Big Picture and the Lifescape Project.
Telegraph
21-05-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Cub ‘searches' for mother after Britain's oldest polar bear put down
The wildlife conservation charity's vets advised that Victoria should be put down after taking its quality of life and wellbeing into account. There are now 15 other polar bears at zoos in Britain. Mrs Bowman said Victoria was treated to a special diet in the days before its death. 'In recent days she was treated with some extra tasty things that she liked that weren't necessarily on her diet any more – tinned sardines, which she loved,' she said. 'And we added some jam and honey which she really loves but which were not normally on her diet.' 'Victoria was in her 29th year, which is the equivalent to a person being in their 90s, and her health had been deteriorating. 'We'd been monitoring her for a long time and had been giving her pain relief. We had been keeping her comfortable, but there is only so much comfort you can give her. 'We care a lot about our animals and everyone is feeling it. It's a very sad day and the keepers are all affected by it, but we are also very aware of why the choice was made.' Victoria was born at Rostock Zoo in Germany in December 1996 and first gave birth in 2008 at Aalborg Zoo in Denmark to a female named Malik. In 2015, Victoria moved to the Highland Wildlife Park and gave birth to two male bears, Hamish in 2017 and Brodie in 2021. David Field, the RZSS chief executive, said: 'Victoria was an excellent mother and seeing her bring up two big, healthy boys has been a joy for our charity's dedicated teams and the hundreds of thousands of visitors who have flocked to see the family and learn more about the threats these amazing animals face in the wild.' The RZSS said that in the wild only a small percentage of polar bears live past 18 and described Victoria's age as 'testament to the world-class care she received from her keepers and veterinary team'.
The Guardian
21-05-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Victoria, UK's oldest polar bear, put down after health problems
The UK's oldest polar bear, and the first in the country to give birth to a cub in 25 years, has been put down because of age-related health problems. Victoria was 28 and had been kept in Highland Wildlife Park near Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands since 2015. Vets at the park took the decision to euthanise her on Tuesday morning after an assessment about her quality of life and wellbeing. Since December she had been receiving geriatric care after showing signs of arthritis. Victoria initially responded well to medication, but was put to sleep after a deterioration in her health. In the wild polar bears rarely live beyond the age of 18, but can live for longer in captivity. Debby, believed to be world's oldest polar bear, died in 2008 aged 41 or 42, after living almost all of her life in Assiniboine Park zoo in Winnipeg, Canada. Victoria was born at Rostock zoo in Germany in December 1996 and first gave birth in 2008 at Aalborg zoo in Denmark to a female named Malik. In 2015 she was move moved to the Highlands park, run by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS). Two years later she gave birth to Hamish, who according to the RZSS, was the first polar cub born in the UK since 1990. In 2021 she gave birth to another cub called Brodie. David Field, the chief executive of RZSS, said: 'Victoria was an excellent mother and seeing her bring up two big, healthy boys has been a joy for our charity's dedicated teams and the hundreds of thousands of visitors who have flocked to see the family and learn more about the threats these amazing animals face in the wild.' Sign up to Headlines UK Get the day's headlines and highlights emailed direct to you every morning after newsletter promotion The charity said Victoria had left an 'incredible legacy' through her cubs, who continued to play an essential role in the European breeding programme. It said the initiative aimed to promote a genetically diverse population of polar bears in captivity.
