UK News

The matriarch of Paignton Zoo has died. Female African elephant Duchess collapsed in her house early on Sunday morning. Despite a determined and extended response from her keepers, the in-house vet team and other staff and volunteers, the difficult decision to euthaniase her was taken at lunch-time.

Simon Tonge, Executive Director of Paignton Zoo, was present throughout: “Duchess was found collapsed in her house at 8.00 in the morning. She was lying on her left side – with her good eye to the floor - and unable to stand, which was distressing for her keepers to see.

“When...

Local zoos are setting high environmental and ethical standards for their suppliers to ensure the quality of products in their shops. Questionnaires were sent to some 70 different suppliers asking about the environmental, ethical and recycling components of their businesses.

The initiative was launched by South West Zoo Enterprises, the retail arm of Paignton Zoo, Living Coasts, Torquay’s coastal zoo and aquarium, and Newquay Zoo in Cornwall.

Questions on the email evaluation forms included: “Is there a possibility of goods being delivered without using plastics for...

InExeter has announced funding support for a series of events and projects. Six events have secured funding from the city’s business improvement district, each of which add vibrancy to Exeter’s cultural offering.

The, new for 2019, Exeter Festival is among the events to receive backing: the event, taking place over the weekend of 5-7 July, will see three days of films, music and entertainment in Northernhay Gardens. Other events receiving a share of the £8,000 pot include Exeter Fringe Festival, Big Screen in the Park, Women of the World Mini Festival, Exeter Pride and Quirk...

Paul Peers of Peel Ports Group, one of the UK’s largest port operators, has become the first winner of Activa Contracts’ latest risk management initiative run in partnership with Lightfoot, which recognises and rewards road safety skills.

The ‘Activa Contracts Lightfoot Drivers’ League’ encourages smoother, safer driving among the many fleets using both Activa contracted company cars and vans, and Lightfoot’s driver behaviour technology.

Each week a driver is rewarded with a great prize, encouraging others to excel. Currently more than 2,200 drivers are eligible for the...