We’re pleased to share an important update with our supporters, partners, and wider animal welfare community. Our long-standing database, previously known as NED, has now evolved into APES CareBase, a significant step forward in how we support animal welfare and care through better data, collaboration, and accessibility.

From NED to APES CareBase: Why the Change?

The new name reflects an important shift in our mission and in how the database is used. While NED originally focused on exotic animals, APES CareBase now supports all animals, across species, settings, and care environments.

If you’ve bookmarked or previously accessed https://ned.apes.org.uk don’t worry, all traffic is being automatically redirected to the new CareBase site, so you’ll always land in the right place.

What Is APES CareBase?

APES CareBase is designed to be a practical, welfare-focused data platform that supports:

• Consistent animal care and welfare records

• Evidence-based decision making

• Transparency and accountability in animal management

• Collaboration between carers, organisations, and welfare professionals

As with all APES projects, CareBase is built around the principles of ethical care, responsibility, and continual improvement in animal welfare standards.

Registration Is Now Open

For the first time, APES CareBase is open for user registration.

This is an exciting milestone that allows us to begin building a broader, carefully managed community around the platform. Registered users will be able to engage with the system as it continues to develop, with access levels tailored to role and responsibility.

🔒 Please note: registration does not automatically grant editing or management permissions — welfare and data integrity remain our top priorities.

Applications Opening Soon: Database Maintainers & Updaters

We will shortly be opening applications for database maintainers and updaters.

These roles are vital to ensuring that CareBase remains:

• Accurate

• Up to date

• Ethically managed

• Aligned with best-practice animal welfare standards

More details on eligibility, responsibilities, and application criteria will be shared soon. All applications will be reviewed carefully to ensure the system is used responsibly and in the best interests of animal welfare.

Looking Ahead

APES CareBase represents more than a name change — it’s a reflection of our growing work across animal welfare as a whole, and our commitment to building tools that support better care, better outcomes, and better collaboration.

We encourage:

• Existing users to explore the new site

• New users to register their interest

• Supporters to watch for upcoming announcements about maintainer and updater roles

Thank you for continuing to support our work and for being part of a community that puts animal welfare first.