Latest news with #animalcare
BBC News
5 hours ago
- Climate
- BBC News
Hot dogs and cool cats – pet owners given heatwave advice
A charity made famous by Channel 4's series The Dog House has been sharing tips on keeping pets cool during the hot Pets Charity, based in Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire, hosts the popular rehoming temperatures set to reach more than 30C and England under an amber heat warning, Jody Geary, the charity's senior operations manager, said keeping animals cool was "a top priority".She said all their enclosures had air conditioning and dogs were walked only in the early mornings or evenings, when it was cooler. "To beat the heat, we take dogs for walks early in the morning when temperatures are at their lowest," Ms Geary said. "Throughout the day, activities are kept low-impact and take place either indoors in air-conditioned rooms or in well-shaded outdoor areas. "Many of our dogs also enjoy splashing in cool water paddling pools, and we treat our pets to frozen, edible snacks to help them stay refreshed." People could use similar methods to keep their own pets cool at home, she said."This includes simple measures such as walking your dog between 05:00 and 07:00 or in the late evening; moving outdoor small pet enclosures to a shaded part of your garden; and placing extra plant pots and cat-friendly plants around your garden for additional shade for cats."She said homes could be kept cooler by keeping curtains closed during the day."Glass acts as a radiator and the sunshine bursting through your house can quickly heat up a room. Switch on a fan to circulate as much cool air as possible and keep the hot air out," she said. The RSPCA has also issued advice, saying "the soaring temperatures can pose huge risks to pets, wildlife and farm animals".Carrie Stones, the charity's campaign manager, said: "It's important we do everything we can to keep them cool and comfortable while the heat is here."Some of its tips include filling a paddling pool or spraying a hose for your dog to play in – although you should always supervise them around tanks should be kept out of direct sunlight and outdoor animals should be provided with shade and plenty of fresh water."It's also a really helpful idea to support local wildlife, too, by popping out some bowls of water to help birds, foxes and other wildlife," said Ms Stones. Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Stumpy the lemur has defied the odds to become the oldest in the world
A lemur in a Scots zoo has landed in the Guinness Book of Records after celebrating his 39th birthday yesterday. Stumpy's landmark birthday makes him the oldest living ring-tailed lemur in captivity. Born in 1986 in Surrey, he was moved to Scotland in 2005 and has been a much-loved member of the Five Sisters Zoo family, in West Calder, West Lothian, ever since. Known as 'a firm favourite with staff and visitors alike', he is one of the zoo's most enduring characters. While ring-tailed lemurs typically live to around 20 to 25 years in human care - and less than 20 in the wild - Stumpy has defied the odds. Despite some age-related arthritis and reduced eyesight, he remains in surprisingly good shape thanks to decades of dedicated and evolving care from the zoo's animal team. Gary Curran, of Five Sisters Zoo, said: 'He's taught us so much - from refining his care routine to adapting our enrichment strategies - and we're incredibly proud to see that recognised by Guinness World Records (GWR). 'He's an absolute character, and a real ambassador for what long-term, focused animal care can achieve.' Stumpy has also contributed significantly to lemur conservation and education. Over his lifetime, he has fathered 11 offspring, who have gone on to produce 25 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and even one great-great-granddaughter. Many of his descendants now live at other zoos across Europe, including Attica Zoo in Greece. GWR's Senior Managing Editor, Adam Millward, who worked with the zoo on the verification process, said: 'Reaching such a grand age - we're talking living well over a decade beyond what is typical for your kind - is impressive for any species. 'With this record, there's now no question that Stumpy has truly earned his stripes.'
CBS News
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Lincoln Park Zoo welcomes new herd of alpacas to Chicago
Lincoln Park Zoo's newest residents, a herd of alpacas, are calling Chicago home for the first time in 6 years. The herd of six female alpacas range in ages from 1 to 24 years old. The group consists of Zsa Zsa, Starlight, Sara, Maya, Grettle, and Gracie all of which now reside in the southernmost habitat of the zoo. Alpacas are known to be gentle and outgoing, expressing themselves through head tilts and neck posturing. Lincoln Park Zoo has not had alpacas in its residence since 2019. Lincoln Park Zoo "These six ladies have quickly won over their care team with their sweet personalities and friendly demeanors," said zoo curator Dan Boehm in a statement. "It's great to welcome back such a beloved species to Lincoln Park Zoo, and we're excited for people to meet the new herd!" For more information about the species, visit the Lincoln Park's Zoo website.
CBS News
09-06-2025
- Science
- CBS News
Aspiring veterinarians learn about exotic animals in University of Maryland course
A University of Maryland course for aspiring veterinarians has animals at the head of the classroom. The ANSC 250 Companion Animal Care and Management course teaches future vets about exotic animals. "About 75% of our students are interested in going into veterinary school," said Dr. Kris Pelham Mayo, the class lecturer. "So, there's a huge area of need to be able to educate veterinarians who have skills and knowledge in exotic animals." "Everyone usually wants to take this course," said UMD animal science student Sarah Pearl. "I work at a vet clinic," said Mary Barsoum, a pre-veterinary student. "So, I really wanted to broaden my experiences with companion animals." Bringing the textbook to life The class took a five-year hiatus. Dr. Mayo started teaching it two years ago, but she wanted its return to come with more animals guiding instruction. "Expanding the Companion Animal Care and Management class beyond just dogs and cats," Dr. Mayo said. "It's really my goal to have an experiential learning class where the textbook comes to life." Reptiles, amphibians, rodents, ferrets and other species serve as animal ambassadors nearly every week of the semester. In one particular class, students got up close and personal with sugar gliders and hedgehogs. During the course, students learn the different behaviors of each animal, health and safety facts along with how to house different animals. "One of the most valuable skills and tools is the differentiation of how handling works with a bunch of these species," Barsoum said. "Having them in person instead of having just a textbook we have to learn from, I think that's very helpful." "Animal science is a really awesome major, but it's also really difficult. So, being able to connect with the animals and interact with them is just really special," Pearl said. Preparing for a career as a veterinarian Animal care is only part of the curriculum on the road to becoming a veterinarian. "Another thing is really understanding how to work with the client and understanding what questions you need to be asking," said student Orrin Berkeley. "A client could come in and say, 'These are the issues,' but those issues may not be exactly what you're looking for." Dr. Mayo brings in experts to speak on the need-to-know facts about the animals being studied that week. It also allows students to build professional relationships. "By introducing them to experts in the different animal areas, then they can follow up with them, learn more from them," Dr. Mayo said. "Maybe intern with them." Seeing the level of care and connecting with guest speakers has these UMD students feeling career-ready. "It's really impressive how I feel as though I can walk into any lab setting, if needed, and truly help the lab," Berkeley said. Dr. Mayo said that upon completing the course, students will earn certifications in animal first aid and CPR, fear-free animal handling, along with small animal science and care.
South China Morning Post
09-06-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Allergic to your pet? 7 myths about cat fur, dog dander and hypoallergenic animals
Pets are great. You can play, cuddle and go for walks with them. They also help against loneliness. But not everyone can enjoy having pets. Advertisement Some people are allergic to cats, dogs and other creatures, and this can cause severe physical reactions. Allergies to dogs and cats affect 10 to 20 per cent of the population worldwide, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. But not everything you hear about allergies is true. Here are seven common misconceptions. Animal hair is not the trigger for reactions; the allergens are in the dander and the saliva. Photo: Shutterstock 1. The fur is the problem. Many people talk about an 'animal hair allergy', a first misunderstanding.
