June 14, 2006.
Valley Stream, New York.
"A School House Butterfly."
The photographer stated this was on the wall outside an elementary school on one of the last days of school.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Summer Fun at the Zoo
Caption : Photo by CHRIS HOLMES/Lansing State Journal)
Checking out the rhino: Kaitlyn Kaschinske (left) of Mason and Elizabeth Schulert of Grand Ledge, both 8, lean forward Monday to get a closer look at the black rhino at Potter Park Zoo. They were taking part in the Zookambi summer program for kids, which runs Mondays through Thursdays until Aug. 14.
Homer and the Elephant.
Homer's' Family and Homer and the Elephant.
Homer's greatest fear; will the Elephant and Bart have the same goals in life? To roam without end until their hearts are content?
Will Bart become an Elephant Sultan? Does that mean Bart actually has goals or just a fantasy? Tune in next week and find out whether Bart has cleaned up after the elephant.
Morning Papers - concluidng
Zoos
Orphan Lion Being Raised By Humans At Zoo
Cub's Mother Died During Delivery
POSTED: 9:13 am PDT June 23, 2006
UPDATED: 9:18 am PDT June 23, 2006
EBERSWALDE, Germany -- A lion cub is being raised by humans at a German zoo because her mother died during her Caesarian delivery.
The little lioness is called "Kismet," which means "fate."
Sadly, Kismet's mother accidentally smothered her firstborn cub.
At only 5 weeks of age, Kismet is already a charmer, delighting visitors of all ages at the zoo.
The cub is being fed a specially mixed formula milk, but she is also getting small pieces of beef.
http://www.nbc4.tv/news/9416897/detail.html
Animal feed rules tightened
Jun. 26, 2006. 03:03 PM
CANADIAN PRESS
OTTAWA — Canada is moving to expand its ban on cattle tissue in animal feed to include all feed, pet food and fertilizers.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says the new ban goes much further than the 1997 rules that kept cows from eating feed made using cattle parts.
Canada has had five cases of cattle infected with mad cow disease, or BSE, including two this year.
Those cows were found to have been born after the 1997 feed ban came into effect, but were infected by contaminated feed.
The agency says the newest rules will greatly reduce the risk of accidental contamination.
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1151319012102&call_pageid=968332188492&col=968793972154&t=TS_Home
Zoo Launches Campaign To Save Elephants
Written By 9 News
Created:6/20/2006 11:57:15 AM
Last Updated:6/22/2006 8:21:59 AM
The National Zoo has launched a new campaign to help save the endangered Asian elephant.
The campaign has several elements, a new home for elephants at the Zoo's DC campus, conservation and science, an education outreach program, and a new research facility in Front Royal, Virginia.
The Zoo hopes the work will ensure a future for Asian elephants both in zoos and in the wild.
Construction on the new elephant house, called Elephant Trails, will begin next spring.
The $60 million project is being paid for with federal funds and private donations.
http://wusatv9.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=50264
More on the Zoo's Elephants
Yesterday we broached the idea of getting rid of the zoo's elephants, freeing them of their tight digs in Woodley Park and sending them someplace where they could romp around as nature intended. Today, we have two updates. It seems that things might not be as bad as we thought.
Not too long after our initial post, a spokesperson for the National Zoo sent us an email detailing the steps the zoo was taking to ensure that the elephants were as happy and healthy as possible. They wrote:
...“roaming” and space are not the ultimate guarantees of elephant health and well-being. Elephants are very complex social animals—their needs are not as simple as acreage. The National Zoo’s new elephant plans are focused on elephant life as a multi-generational herd, and will provide this herd with varied habitats and options for socializing. In addition, knowledge from 50 years of studying elephants is included in the plans for a new habitat (i.e., all indoor space—of which there will be nearly five times more—has all soft flooring, mostly sand and dirt, but some rubberized spaces, too.)
And right on cue, today the Post describes the new $60 million elephant habitat that will be completed sometime next year. States the article:
Under the current design concept, the zoo's elephants would have at least four acres of outdoor and indoor space, including a central area in the Elephant House where the animals could socialize 24 hours a day instead of being kept in separate enclosures at night. The herd, which now lives on less than an acre, would grow from three elephants to between eight and 10 adults and their offspring.
Though an improvement, some animal rights activists still claim that this is far short of the 40 to 1,000 acres some elephant sanctuaries provide, an argument we're still partial to. While we'd like to see the elephants roaming freely in larger habitats, it's good to see that the National Zoo is taking action.
http://www.dcist.com/archives/2006/06/21/more_on_the_zoo_1.php
Animal Rights Activists Blast LA Zoo Over Elephant Death
POSTED: 1:07 pm PDT June 20, 2006
UPDATED: 1:35 pm PDT June 20, 2006
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LOS ANGELES -- Animal rights activists on Tuesday blasted the Los Angeles Zoo's treatment of an elephant who died earlier this month and said they want federal officials to investigate the pachyderm's death.
Gita, the 48-year-old elephant who died June 10, stood constantly on her arthritic feet, even though most elephants lie down and sleep about four hours a night, according to Kristie Phelps with In Defense of Animals.
According to zoo officials, Gita was first spotted in a "downed position" at 5 a.m. the day of her death. But IDA activists said they believe zoo personnel may have spotted Gita's condition sometime before midnight the previous night -- leaving her suffering without care for at least five hours.
"We hope this information is not true," Bill Dyer of IDA said at a news conference outside the zoo.
http://www.nbc4.tv/news/9399985/detail.html
Asian Elephants To Get New Habitat At National Zoo
POSTED: 4:24 pm EDT June 20, 2006
UPDATED: 7:26 pm EDT June 20, 2006
WASHINGTON -- The National Zoo kicked off a $60 million campaign to save the Asian elephant from extinction.
Only about 30,000 Asian elephants remain in the entire world, but the National Zoo's three Asian elephants are getting an impressive new habitat. The habitat will include four acres outdoors and a new indoor elephant house that's five times the size of the current elephant house.
The Elephant Trails Campaign includes an education program for the millions who visit the zoo, as well as outreach to conservation groups around the world. And a new research facility in Front Royal, Va., will allow the zoo to expand its elephant-breeding program.
Construction on the project is set to begin next spring. Hippopotamuses and giraffes will be temporarily relocated.
http://www.nbc4.com/news/9400102/detail.html
L.A. Zoo Investigating Gita the Elephant's Death
Animal rights activists call for a federal probe.
By Lynn Doan, Times Staff Writer
June 21, 2006
The director of the Los Angeles Zoo told the Zoo Commission on Tuesday that he was conducting a full investigation into Gita the elephant's recent death, which animal rights activists call premature and blame on mistreatment.
Members of the group In Defense of Animals protested outside the commission meeting and demanded that federal officials launch an independent investigation.
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-elephants21jun21,1,6056144.story?coll=la-headlines-pe-california&ctrack=1&cset=true
News : Catoctin Zoo Puts Tiger Cubs on Display
Posted by sabraham on 2006/6/20 17:16:00 (184 reads)
THURMONT, MD- The Catoctin Wildlife Preserve in Thurmont is now putting three Bengal tiger cubs on public display.
The white tiger cubs were born at the zoo a little over three weeks ago. A male cub, Sabul, and a female cub, Sanjuli, are healthy, weighing about 7 to ten pounds.
The runt of the litter, Suvali, a female cub, weighs about four pounds.
Animal care workers said she's improving daily. Zoo officials announced today that Suvali will be staying at the zoo permanently, providing a great teaching tool.
“To have the healthy tigers born is a bonus in itself. To be able to have the species continue on, so we can teach the children. Habitat loss will maybe be more in the forefronts of their minds and how fragile all the animals are,” said
This fall, two of the cubs will be sent to an Arizona zoo, where the mother tiger is on loan from. The father, 11-year-old Kashmir, will stay at the Catoctin Zoo.
Reported by Adam Hudson
http://www.nbc25.com/main/modules/news/article.php?storyid=2741
Rare monkeys stolen from zoo
LONDON, June 20 (UPI) -- Five endangered monkeys have been stolen from a British zoo.
Two silvery marmosets, Captain Jack and Jazz, and their 6-week-old baby, Larkin, were taken Sunday along with a pair of Geoffrey marmosets -- Calli and Cartman -- from a glass-fronted enclosure at the Drusilla's Zoo near Alfriston, East Sussex, the London Telegraph reported.
The marmosets are worth up to $5,500 each on the black market, the newspaper said.
The zoo fears for the well-being of Jazz as she needs medication twice a day for a jaw infection. Without her, it is unlikely that her baby will survive.
http://www.dailyindia.com/show/36061.php/Rare-monkeys-stolen-from-zoo
Auckland Zoo otter on the run
Jun 21, 2006
One of Auckland Zoo's otters is on the run and may be enjoying the hospitality on the North Shore
Three otters escaped from a newly repaired nest box last Tuesday and while two were back in their enclosure by the next day, a female named Jin has still not been found.
To the surprise of zoo staff she was spotted in Devonport on Tuesday, which means she has somehow made her way from Western Springs to the waterfront and across the Waitemata Harbour.
"Jin has obviously been carried from the Meola Creek area on the outgoing tide. While otters are good swimmers, we're absolutely stunned at the distance she has travelled," says Auckland Zoo curator, Maria Finnigan.
Zoo staff immediately went to Devonport where she had been seen. Measures were put in place to try and recapture the otter, but they proved unsuccessful.
http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/411423/759326
Auckland Zoo staff worried about escapee otter
21 June 2006
Auckland Zoo staff are becoming increasingly worried about an escaped otter, Jin, who has been missing for more than a week.
Jin was last spotted early yesterday evening in Devonport, on the North Shore about 10km from the zoo, but has eluded zoo staff trying to catch her.
Auckland Zoo curator Maria Finnigan said the four-year-old Asiatic short-clawed otter escaped along with two other otters last Tuesday afternoon, after a nesting box was not properly fixed to the wall of their enclosure.
The other otters were found in the zoo grounds shortly after their bid for freedom.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3707505a10,00.html
Mayor Tours Improved Great Plains Zoo
From rotting fences to deteriorating exhibits, two years ago a tour of the Great Plains Zoo revealed a lot of needed improvements.
But the zoo's new president says the 45-year-old facility is looking much better.
Tuesday she gave Mayor Dave Munson and KELOLAND NEWS a tour.
Zoo president Elizabeth Whealy says, "There are a lot of things we can be really proud of."
Seven months into leading the Great Plains Zoo, Elizabeth Whealy says she's paying attention to the details.
She says, "In terms of painting up, cleaning up, adding signage, we're currently producing about 50 signs for exhibits that don't have any signage to tell you what the animals are."
This summer, fencing at exhibits in the oldest part of the zoo will be replaced.
Whealy says, "It's split apart, it's really a safety issue."
The waterfowl pond is looking cleaner, after staff pumped out 30 tons of sludge.
http://www.keloland.com/News/NewsDetail5440.cfm?Id=0,48886
Zoo board approves $225,000 for levy try
Officials hope donors will help fund effort
It could cost the Toledo Zoo nearly a quarter-million dollars to campaign for a 1-mill, 10-year capital improvement levy proposed for the November ballot.
A similar measure was defeated in May.
The zoo board approved spending $225,000 on the campaign yesterday. But zoo officials hope donors will pick up at least part of the tab, said Anne Baker, the zoo's executive director.
"What we don't bring in [in donations] will come out of the board's operating budget,'' she said.
The issue would bring the zoo a projected $8.6 million year. It will pay for pay for repairs to the aquarium's antiquated equipment, bigger elephant and hippo enclosures, a new "children's zone," and pay off $13 million in debt.
If passed, the capital levy would cost the owner of $100,000 home $36 per year.
The zoo budgeted $188,000 of its own funds - not taxpayer money - during the last levy campaign, and took in about $54,000 in donations. Some $13,000 in campaign funding remains, and will go toward the new initiative. Voters approved an 0.85-mill operating levy in May but defeated the capital improvement levy.
In other business, the board elected Toledo resident Marna Ramnath president, replacing Steven Staelin, whose term as president is ending. Other officers are, Gary Smith, vice president, Zac Isaac, treasurer, and Cindy Redmann, secretary.
Three members joined the board. They are Toledo City Councilman Michael Ashford, Baldemar Velasquez, president of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee, and veterinarian Dr. William DeHoff.
Mr. Ashford and Mr. Velasquez were appointed to the zoo board by the Lucas County commissioners.
http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060620/NEWS38/606200383/-1/NEWS
IMPALA BORN AT TOLEDO ZOO
A male impala was born Sunday at the Toledo Zoo, but the public won’t see him for at least a month. The impala is the second offspring of a 4-year-old named Libby. He’ll be put on exhibit when he has developed enough to live in the mixed-species Africa area. Everybody’s doing well so far,’ and the baby is bonding with its mother, said Andi Norman, a zoo spokesman. The zoo has two male and four female impalas, plus the baby.
http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060622/NEWS38/60622005
Mike Pound: Two by Two Zoo offers quite the view
The Joplin Globe
By Mike Pound
Globe columnist
Did you know that alligators hiss when they're ticked off?
And when I say "hiss," I don't mean alligators hiss with a cute little cat sort of hiss. I mean alligators hiss with a fire-breathing dragon kind of hiss.
It's the sort of thing you probably don't want to hear when you're walking through the Florida Everglades.
But if you're standing on the other side of two fences at Clint Markham's private zoo, the hiss of an alligator is not quite as intimidating. I mean, you're glad there are two fences between you and the alligator, but really the hiss is more impressive than it is intimidating. (OK, I'll admit it: When the alligator first jumped off his rock and hissed at me, it scared the O'Reilly out of me.)
Also impressive is the purr of a nearly full-grown lion while Clint scratches its back. So is the growl a female cougar makes when she notices Clint petting the male cougar who shares her cage. The female cougar was jealous, Clint said.
http://www.joplinglobe.com/columns/local_story_172004314?keyword=topstory
Zoo to welcome special visitor
20-millionth guest expected to walk through gate this morning
By BERTRAM RANTIN
News Columnist
The folks at Riverbanks Zoo believe there are 20 million reasons to make a trip to see the animals.
And zoo officials are anticipating the 20-millionth visitor will walk through the gates today.
“Twenty million is a number that’s almost beyond comprehension. Just imagine how many positive experiences that adds up to,” Riverbanks executive director Satch Krantz said.
Zoo officials plan to award the park’s 20-millionth guest unlimited visits to the zoo for one year. Guest services anticipate the arrival could come as early as midmorning.
“When Riverbanks opened 32 years ago, we couldn’t imagine reaching such a milestone,” Krantz said.
Krantz is one of two zoo employees who have been at Riverbanks since it opened.
http://www.centredaily.com/mld/centredaily/news/nation/14865117.htm
5 endangered marmosets stolen from zoo
Associated Press
London Five endangered monkeys were stolen from a zoo over the weekend, the latest in a recent string of thefts involving small primates across England, police said Monday.
A family of silvery marmosets - male, female and 2-month-old baby - and a pair of Geoffrey marmosets were taken late Saturday from nesting boxes at Drusillas Park Zoo in East Sussex.
Thieves also tried to break into a third enclosure holding small monkeys, zoo officials said.
Zoos in Devon and Suffolk have also had small monkeys pilfered in recent weeks.
"This is not a casual crime," said John Haywood, coordinator of the National Theft Register for Exotic Animals. "This is extremely well-organized and is no doubt part of a series. These are specialist crimes."
Haywood, who estimated more than 50 small monkeys have been stolen in England and Scotland the past few years, said police believe the marmosets were taken for use in the international illegal pet trade.
http://www.wilmingtonstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060620/NEWS/606200332/-1/State
Oregon Zoo's ZooTeens Rally To Raise Funds For Permanent Insectarium
Portland, Oregon - There's a big, bizarre and beautiful world of arthropods waiting to be discovered, and if Jamie Klein, a ZooTeen at the Oregon Zoo has her way, the zoo will build a new insectarium to showcase specimens from all over the globe.
http://www.medfordnews.com/articles/index.cfm?artOID=331332&cp=10997
Think your office is a zoo? Companies go pet-friendly
Jun 21, 2006 — By Ellen Wulfhorst
NEW YORK (Reuters) - On a typical day at Tellme Networks Inc., Jackson snores, Penny spends time learning Chinese and the bosses and workers are delighted.
Penny, a Labrador Retriever, and Jackson, a bulldog, are part of an effort at many U.S. companies to allow pets in the workplace. One survey shows nearly one in five U.S. companies allow pets at work.
Millions of Americans believe pets on the job lower absenteeism and encourage workers to get along, according to the survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=2102275
Franklin Park Zoo enjoys baby boom
By Denise Lavoie, Associated Press Writer June 21, 2006
BOSTON --A two-week old zebra, a giraffe named Autumn and three tiny kangaroos are part of a baby boom at Franklin Park zoo, where Australian walkingsticks, blue poison dart frogs and three different kinds of bats have also been welcomed into the world during the past year.
Zookeepers are hoping the new arrivals will draw more visitors to the zoo, which has struggled financially in recent years.
Founded in 1913, the 72-acre zoo is located in Boston's Franklin Park, in the city's Dorchester neighborhood.
The zoo's location smack in the middle of an inner-city neighborhood gives residents a view of zebras, ostriches and even wildebeest from their front porches. But its location also probably kept some visitors away.
"There remains a stigma of the neighborhood, which is unfounded, but people have their fears," said John Linehan, the zoo's president and chief executive.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2006/06/21/franklin_park_zoo_enjoys_baby_boom/
More Animals and Security at Potter Park Zoo
Natalie Johnson
Nearly a week after three Potter Park Zoo animals are killed, the zoo is getting ready for replacements.
Last Thursday night, two dogs slipped into the zoo and mauled four Patagonian Cavies. Three of them died.
The two dogs have been captured.
Potter Park Zoo is importing five Cavies from the Toronto Zoo in Canada.
The zoo director doesn't exactly know how the dogs got in, but he says the zoo is taking extra precautions so it will not happen again.
The large South American rodent that survived the dog attack is expected to live, bringing the Potter Park Zoo Cavy count up to six once the others arrive.
http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/3204731.html
Summer program shows kids exactly who's who at the zoo
By Jen Marckini
Lansing State Journal
Four-year-old Grace Dilday put on her Pooh Bear ears looking for animals in Lansing's Potter Park zoo this week.
Grace didn't catch Piglets, Roos or Tiggers, but she did get the chance to pet her first animal - a rabbit.
"She's so soft," said Grace, petting the white rabbit.
http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060622/NEWS01/606220366/1001/news
Animals of Russia's arctic heading to MN Zoo
The Minnesota Zoo presented plans Thursday for its new exhibit featuring the animals that live on Russia's Arctic coast, including the Russian grizzly bear.
The $23 million exhibit is called "Russia's Grizzly Coast" and it will be the zoo's most expensive addition since 1996. The new exhibit will also include wild boars, Amur leopards, sea otters, and a woolly mammoth dig.
Minnesota Zoo Director Lee Ehmke said the 3.5-acre exhibit will open in 2008 and will be near the zoo's Central Plaza, at the opening of the facility's outdoor area.
Kris Vehrs, deputy director of the Maryland-based American Zoo and Aquarium Association, said the exhibit will be unique among American zoos for featuring this particular Russian ecosystem.
Ehmke said the exhibit will enhance the Minnesota Zoo's standing among other U.S. zoos because it's committing staff and money to help with conservation on Russia's eastern coast.
"More and more, zoos are measured by their real-world conservation activities," Ehmke said. "It is becoming one of the critical roles of zoos."
http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=127694
Bay and beyond
Clear your head. Gape at the view. Get some exercise. Change your scenery. Meet some creatures. You're in the Bay Area, after all.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Aquarium of the Bay Sea life indigenous to San Francisco Bay is the focus at this venue that features two clear-tunnel exhibitions through which visitors can walk and be surrounded by fish. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. $7.50-$33.95. Pier 39, Embarcadero at Beach St. (888) 732-3483. www.aquariumofthebay.com.
California Academy of Sciences "Snake Alley." Anaconda, African rock python, ball python, pine snake, California king snake, ground boas, emerald tree boas, more. "Hotspot: California on the Edge." Meet live frogs, salamanders and insects. "Discovery Tide Pool." Visitors can handle a few of the animals that live along our coast, including turban snails, hermit crabs and mussels. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. 875 Howard St. (415) 321-8000. www.calacademy.org.
Coyote Point Museum Native animals, reptiles and birds in wildlife habitats; games, displays and films in Environmental Hall. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun. 1651 Coyote Point Dr., San Mateo. (650) 342-7755. www.coyoteptmuseum.org.
Happy Hollow Park and Zoo Baby Zoo offers creative play areas, rides and puppet shows. Animal-contact area houses domestic and exotic animals. 1300 Senter Rd., San Jose. (408) 277-3000.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/06/22/NSGNVJEQRR1.DTL&type=travelbayarea
Zoo Tales: Four Species of Raptors On Display at N.C. Zoo
BY TOM GILLESPIE: SPECIAL TO THE PILOT
They're called birds of prey, or raptors, and their grace and beauty is legendary.
They generally include hawks, falcons, owls, kites, eagles, ospreys, condors and some vultures.
They're high on the food chain and have few predators -- except the one that could cause their most rapid decline -- man.
Birds of prey range in size from the huge, 30-pound Andean condor to the tiny, one-ounce Bornean falconet. Their weight is surprisingly light, though, due to their hollow bones and much of their body mass being feathers. A golden eagle, which can stand as tall as 40 inches, weighs only about 13 pounds.
Primarily, they feed on the flesh of other animals, grasping and killing their prey with their talons. It is a myth that the larger raptors, such as eagles, can grasp and carry off small children and larger domestic animals. A golden eagle, for example, weighs about 12-15 pounds. It can lift and fly away with only about one-third its own weight.
http://www.thepilot.com/features/062306Zoo.html
State reduces Mill Mountain Zoo funding
Mill Mountain Zoo did not receive quite as much money as it hoped in the latest state budget. The zoo requested $200,000 but found out this week it's being allotted $40,000 in the two-year budget, less than it received in recent years.
Zoo Director Sean Greene says, "Well it wasn't what we expected, hoping for a little bit more, then again, when you get $40,000, you can't be sad about that. It's better than nothing."
In past years, the zoo has received more than $80,000 in the state budget. Greene says the zoo is paying down debt from the winter when the zoo is staffed, but visitors don't come out.
The zoo does have a new cougar, Nina, new paint, and some other improvements. Greene says that's helped bring more people out.
http://www.wdbj7.com/Global/story.asp?S=5068186&nav=S6aK
Harriet, the world's oldest tortoise, dies aged 176
SYDNEY: A 176-year-old giant tortoise believed to have been studied by famed English naturalist Charles Darwin, has died in Australia after a short illness.
The extremely elderly tortoise, Harriet, was hatched on the Galapagos Islands in 1830 but lived out her final years at Australia Zoo in southeast Queensland where she was the star attraction.
Senior veterinarian John Hangar said the 150-kilogram (330-pound) reptile died on Thursday night after a short illness.
"She had been sick yesterday with, in effect, heart failure," Hangar told ABC radio.
"She had a fairly acute heart attack and thankfully passed away quietly overnight."
Hangar said Harriet, who had made it into the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's oldest living animal, had been credited with helping Darwin pioneer his theory of evolution.
"It's thought she may have been taken off there (Galapagos) by Charles Darwin," he said.
"She's spent a period of time in Britain and found herself at the Botanic Gardens in Brisbane from about 1850 or 1860 onwards and eventually she found her way up to Australia Zoo."
Harriet was originally named Harry, as she was mistakenly identified as male, an error which was not rectified for more than a century.
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1037268
Dogs Break into Local Zoo Again
June 23, 2006 06:42 AM EDT
Two killer dogs got inside Potter Park Zoo again Wednesday night. This comes less than a week after the same two dogs killed three zoo animals. A black steel gate separates animal from man, and a fence is supposed to protect animals from what's outside the zoo.
Gerry Brady, Director of Potter Park Zoo: "Our highest priority is to make sure our animal collection is safe from outside intruders."
http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=5069334&nav=0RbQ
Dogs killed after getting in zoo again
2 canines accused of attacking cavies caught in sheep pen
By Christine Rook
Lansing State Journal
Two dogs believed to have killed three Potter Park Zoo cavies last week were euthanized Thursday after they were found at the zoo inside an exhibit of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.
The dogs, which were caught Monday, had been returned to their owner late Tuesday only to escape from their fenced backyard by 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. Officials discovered the dogs in the zoo shortly after midnight Thursday.
"These dogs are pros," said Jamie McAloon Lampman, director of Ingham County Animal Control.
http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060623/NEWS01/606230326/1001/news
Brevard Zoo is all butterflies about its summer activities
By JANET BEGLEY
correspondent
June 23, 2006
MELBOURNE — Visit the Brevard Zoo and you'll see the same animals doing the same things. Right?
Wrong.
If you plan your visit to the zoo this summer, it can be an even more rewarding experience for you and your family with the special activities that are taking flight.
The Brevard Zoo is the only animal attraction in Brevard County, according to marketing director Andrea Hill.
"We offer a variety of animals not often found in other zoos," said Hill. "But if you ask our guests, it is the experience. Our zoo is filled with boardwalks that wind around in a circle and we have lush vegetation throughout the park. This creates an intimate experience between our guests and the animals."
Kathi Schillo, president/CEO of the Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of ComMerce, said that the Brevard Zoo is a shining star among the leisure/recreation attractions in Brevard County.
"They have a creative approach to continuously bring outstanding events and activities to our citizens," said Schillo. "Their nature-based environment offers tremendous educational opportunities for the entire family."
http://www.tcpalm.com/tcp/local_news/article/0,2545,TCP_16736_4791626,00.html
Delhi Zoo restructuring on cards
New Delhi - The Central Zoo Authority has proposed restructuring the Delhi zoological park in a move that may see the involvement of corporates, Environment Secretary Prodipto Ghosh said here Tuesday.
An autonomous body, the Central Zoo Authority has over the last few years derecognised 90 zoos in the country for shortcomings on various counts, mostly due to lack of resources.
The Central Zoo Authority is looking at various measures to raise resources including setting up of a national zoo research centre and improve visitor facilitation. It has proposed an action plan for Delhi zoo, which if successful will be later extended to other states,’ Ghosh said during a media briefing.
The draft action plan for restructuring the Delhi zoo is awaiting approval by the ministry of environment and forest.
http://indiaenews.com/2006-06/12880-delhi-zoo-restructuring-cards.htm
Traffic Is A Zoo At The Zoo.
posted June 23rd, 2006
There is free admission to the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Zoo today, but the real zoo is on the road leading to the gates.
It seems as though everyone in the city is taking advantage of the sunshine and visiting the tigers, monkeys, and goats, as traffic on Attridge Drive is bumper to bumper.
One bus driver waited 45 long minutes just to get to the entrance.
The free admission lasts until 9 tonight, with free charter buses running from city hall to the zoo until 6.
Tyran Ault Reports.
http://www.ckom.com/index.php?p=localnews&action=view_story&id=3732
Zoo invites visitors to 'adopt' animals
Thursday, June 22, 2006
By KELLEY YOUMANThisWeek Staff Writer
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is inviting visitors to take a piece of the zoo home with them at its annual adoption event this Saturday.
On Saturday June 24, the zoo will celebrate Adoption Appreciation Day.
For a minimum donation of $35, people can "adopt" an animal and help contribute to the zoo's $650,000 annual food bill.
The adopter helps support an animal of their choice, without having to clean up after it or care for it, as animals remain at the zoo.
Adoption coordinator Pat Patzer sent out more than 2,100 invitations to families around central Ohio who have adopted an animal within the last year.
Many people have been adopting animals through the zoo for 20-some years, she said. On average, Patzer said she processes 50 adoptions per week.
"People tend to get hooked," she said. "We definitely have a strong backing ... But we always need more people to participate because as we grow, the food bill is going to grow as well."
Adopters receive a certificate, photo and fact sheet about their adopted animal, and more than one person or family can adopt a single animal, Patzer said.
For more than 30 years, the zoo has run the ADOPT program, which stands for "animals depend on people, too."
Households that have adopted in the last year received six tickets for free admission on June 24, and an invitation to adopt another animal.
Visitors can adopt an animal at the entrance and will immediately receive the six free tickets, good for admission on June 24 only, Patzer said.
For more information call (614) 645-3407 or log onto www.columbuszoo.org.
http://www.thisweeknews.com/?edition=common&story=thisweeknews/062206/Powell/News/062206-News-176564.html
continued …
Orphan Lion Being Raised By Humans At Zoo
Cub's Mother Died During Delivery
POSTED: 9:13 am PDT June 23, 2006
UPDATED: 9:18 am PDT June 23, 2006
EBERSWALDE, Germany -- A lion cub is being raised by humans at a German zoo because her mother died during her Caesarian delivery.
The little lioness is called "Kismet," which means "fate."
Sadly, Kismet's mother accidentally smothered her firstborn cub.
At only 5 weeks of age, Kismet is already a charmer, delighting visitors of all ages at the zoo.
The cub is being fed a specially mixed formula milk, but she is also getting small pieces of beef.
http://www.nbc4.tv/news/9416897/detail.html
Animal feed rules tightened
Jun. 26, 2006. 03:03 PM
CANADIAN PRESS
OTTAWA — Canada is moving to expand its ban on cattle tissue in animal feed to include all feed, pet food and fertilizers.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says the new ban goes much further than the 1997 rules that kept cows from eating feed made using cattle parts.
Canada has had five cases of cattle infected with mad cow disease, or BSE, including two this year.
Those cows were found to have been born after the 1997 feed ban came into effect, but were infected by contaminated feed.
The agency says the newest rules will greatly reduce the risk of accidental contamination.
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1151319012102&call_pageid=968332188492&col=968793972154&t=TS_Home
Zoo Launches Campaign To Save Elephants
Written By 9 News
Created:6/20/2006 11:57:15 AM
Last Updated:6/22/2006 8:21:59 AM
The National Zoo has launched a new campaign to help save the endangered Asian elephant.
The campaign has several elements, a new home for elephants at the Zoo's DC campus, conservation and science, an education outreach program, and a new research facility in Front Royal, Virginia.
The Zoo hopes the work will ensure a future for Asian elephants both in zoos and in the wild.
Construction on the new elephant house, called Elephant Trails, will begin next spring.
The $60 million project is being paid for with federal funds and private donations.
http://wusatv9.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=50264
More on the Zoo's Elephants
Yesterday we broached the idea of getting rid of the zoo's elephants, freeing them of their tight digs in Woodley Park and sending them someplace where they could romp around as nature intended. Today, we have two updates. It seems that things might not be as bad as we thought.
Not too long after our initial post, a spokesperson for the National Zoo sent us an email detailing the steps the zoo was taking to ensure that the elephants were as happy and healthy as possible. They wrote:
...“roaming” and space are not the ultimate guarantees of elephant health and well-being. Elephants are very complex social animals—their needs are not as simple as acreage. The National Zoo’s new elephant plans are focused on elephant life as a multi-generational herd, and will provide this herd with varied habitats and options for socializing. In addition, knowledge from 50 years of studying elephants is included in the plans for a new habitat (i.e., all indoor space—of which there will be nearly five times more—has all soft flooring, mostly sand and dirt, but some rubberized spaces, too.)
And right on cue, today the Post describes the new $60 million elephant habitat that will be completed sometime next year. States the article:
Under the current design concept, the zoo's elephants would have at least four acres of outdoor and indoor space, including a central area in the Elephant House where the animals could socialize 24 hours a day instead of being kept in separate enclosures at night. The herd, which now lives on less than an acre, would grow from three elephants to between eight and 10 adults and their offspring.
Though an improvement, some animal rights activists still claim that this is far short of the 40 to 1,000 acres some elephant sanctuaries provide, an argument we're still partial to. While we'd like to see the elephants roaming freely in larger habitats, it's good to see that the National Zoo is taking action.
http://www.dcist.com/archives/2006/06/21/more_on_the_zoo_1.php
Animal Rights Activists Blast LA Zoo Over Elephant Death
POSTED: 1:07 pm PDT June 20, 2006
UPDATED: 1:35 pm PDT June 20, 2006
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LOS ANGELES -- Animal rights activists on Tuesday blasted the Los Angeles Zoo's treatment of an elephant who died earlier this month and said they want federal officials to investigate the pachyderm's death.
Gita, the 48-year-old elephant who died June 10, stood constantly on her arthritic feet, even though most elephants lie down and sleep about four hours a night, according to Kristie Phelps with In Defense of Animals.
According to zoo officials, Gita was first spotted in a "downed position" at 5 a.m. the day of her death. But IDA activists said they believe zoo personnel may have spotted Gita's condition sometime before midnight the previous night -- leaving her suffering without care for at least five hours.
"We hope this information is not true," Bill Dyer of IDA said at a news conference outside the zoo.
http://www.nbc4.tv/news/9399985/detail.html
Asian Elephants To Get New Habitat At National Zoo
POSTED: 4:24 pm EDT June 20, 2006
UPDATED: 7:26 pm EDT June 20, 2006
WASHINGTON -- The National Zoo kicked off a $60 million campaign to save the Asian elephant from extinction.
Only about 30,000 Asian elephants remain in the entire world, but the National Zoo's three Asian elephants are getting an impressive new habitat. The habitat will include four acres outdoors and a new indoor elephant house that's five times the size of the current elephant house.
The Elephant Trails Campaign includes an education program for the millions who visit the zoo, as well as outreach to conservation groups around the world. And a new research facility in Front Royal, Va., will allow the zoo to expand its elephant-breeding program.
Construction on the project is set to begin next spring. Hippopotamuses and giraffes will be temporarily relocated.
http://www.nbc4.com/news/9400102/detail.html
L.A. Zoo Investigating Gita the Elephant's Death
Animal rights activists call for a federal probe.
By Lynn Doan, Times Staff Writer
June 21, 2006
The director of the Los Angeles Zoo told the Zoo Commission on Tuesday that he was conducting a full investigation into Gita the elephant's recent death, which animal rights activists call premature and blame on mistreatment.
Members of the group In Defense of Animals protested outside the commission meeting and demanded that federal officials launch an independent investigation.
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-elephants21jun21,1,6056144.story?coll=la-headlines-pe-california&ctrack=1&cset=true
News : Catoctin Zoo Puts Tiger Cubs on Display
Posted by sabraham on 2006/6/20 17:16:00 (184 reads)
THURMONT, MD- The Catoctin Wildlife Preserve in Thurmont is now putting three Bengal tiger cubs on public display.
The white tiger cubs were born at the zoo a little over three weeks ago. A male cub, Sabul, and a female cub, Sanjuli, are healthy, weighing about 7 to ten pounds.
The runt of the litter, Suvali, a female cub, weighs about four pounds.
Animal care workers said she's improving daily. Zoo officials announced today that Suvali will be staying at the zoo permanently, providing a great teaching tool.
“To have the healthy tigers born is a bonus in itself. To be able to have the species continue on, so we can teach the children. Habitat loss will maybe be more in the forefronts of their minds and how fragile all the animals are,” said
This fall, two of the cubs will be sent to an Arizona zoo, where the mother tiger is on loan from. The father, 11-year-old Kashmir, will stay at the Catoctin Zoo.
Reported by Adam Hudson
http://www.nbc25.com/main/modules/news/article.php?storyid=2741
Rare monkeys stolen from zoo
LONDON, June 20 (UPI) -- Five endangered monkeys have been stolen from a British zoo.
Two silvery marmosets, Captain Jack and Jazz, and their 6-week-old baby, Larkin, were taken Sunday along with a pair of Geoffrey marmosets -- Calli and Cartman -- from a glass-fronted enclosure at the Drusilla's Zoo near Alfriston, East Sussex, the London Telegraph reported.
The marmosets are worth up to $5,500 each on the black market, the newspaper said.
The zoo fears for the well-being of Jazz as she needs medication twice a day for a jaw infection. Without her, it is unlikely that her baby will survive.
http://www.dailyindia.com/show/36061.php/Rare-monkeys-stolen-from-zoo
Auckland Zoo otter on the run
Jun 21, 2006
One of Auckland Zoo's otters is on the run and may be enjoying the hospitality on the North Shore
Three otters escaped from a newly repaired nest box last Tuesday and while two were back in their enclosure by the next day, a female named Jin has still not been found.
To the surprise of zoo staff she was spotted in Devonport on Tuesday, which means she has somehow made her way from Western Springs to the waterfront and across the Waitemata Harbour.
"Jin has obviously been carried from the Meola Creek area on the outgoing tide. While otters are good swimmers, we're absolutely stunned at the distance she has travelled," says Auckland Zoo curator, Maria Finnigan.
Zoo staff immediately went to Devonport where she had been seen. Measures were put in place to try and recapture the otter, but they proved unsuccessful.
http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/411423/759326
Auckland Zoo staff worried about escapee otter
21 June 2006
Auckland Zoo staff are becoming increasingly worried about an escaped otter, Jin, who has been missing for more than a week.
Jin was last spotted early yesterday evening in Devonport, on the North Shore about 10km from the zoo, but has eluded zoo staff trying to catch her.
Auckland Zoo curator Maria Finnigan said the four-year-old Asiatic short-clawed otter escaped along with two other otters last Tuesday afternoon, after a nesting box was not properly fixed to the wall of their enclosure.
The other otters were found in the zoo grounds shortly after their bid for freedom.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3707505a10,00.html
Mayor Tours Improved Great Plains Zoo
From rotting fences to deteriorating exhibits, two years ago a tour of the Great Plains Zoo revealed a lot of needed improvements.
But the zoo's new president says the 45-year-old facility is looking much better.
Tuesday she gave Mayor Dave Munson and KELOLAND NEWS a tour.
Zoo president Elizabeth Whealy says, "There are a lot of things we can be really proud of."
Seven months into leading the Great Plains Zoo, Elizabeth Whealy says she's paying attention to the details.
She says, "In terms of painting up, cleaning up, adding signage, we're currently producing about 50 signs for exhibits that don't have any signage to tell you what the animals are."
This summer, fencing at exhibits in the oldest part of the zoo will be replaced.
Whealy says, "It's split apart, it's really a safety issue."
The waterfowl pond is looking cleaner, after staff pumped out 30 tons of sludge.
http://www.keloland.com/News/NewsDetail5440.cfm?Id=0,48886
Zoo board approves $225,000 for levy try
Officials hope donors will help fund effort
It could cost the Toledo Zoo nearly a quarter-million dollars to campaign for a 1-mill, 10-year capital improvement levy proposed for the November ballot.
A similar measure was defeated in May.
The zoo board approved spending $225,000 on the campaign yesterday. But zoo officials hope donors will pick up at least part of the tab, said Anne Baker, the zoo's executive director.
"What we don't bring in [in donations] will come out of the board's operating budget,'' she said.
The issue would bring the zoo a projected $8.6 million year. It will pay for pay for repairs to the aquarium's antiquated equipment, bigger elephant and hippo enclosures, a new "children's zone," and pay off $13 million in debt.
If passed, the capital levy would cost the owner of $100,000 home $36 per year.
The zoo budgeted $188,000 of its own funds - not taxpayer money - during the last levy campaign, and took in about $54,000 in donations. Some $13,000 in campaign funding remains, and will go toward the new initiative. Voters approved an 0.85-mill operating levy in May but defeated the capital improvement levy.
In other business, the board elected Toledo resident Marna Ramnath president, replacing Steven Staelin, whose term as president is ending. Other officers are, Gary Smith, vice president, Zac Isaac, treasurer, and Cindy Redmann, secretary.
Three members joined the board. They are Toledo City Councilman Michael Ashford, Baldemar Velasquez, president of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee, and veterinarian Dr. William DeHoff.
Mr. Ashford and Mr. Velasquez were appointed to the zoo board by the Lucas County commissioners.
http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060620/NEWS38/606200383/-1/NEWS
IMPALA BORN AT TOLEDO ZOO
A male impala was born Sunday at the Toledo Zoo, but the public won’t see him for at least a month. The impala is the second offspring of a 4-year-old named Libby. He’ll be put on exhibit when he has developed enough to live in the mixed-species Africa area. Everybody’s doing well so far,’ and the baby is bonding with its mother, said Andi Norman, a zoo spokesman. The zoo has two male and four female impalas, plus the baby.
http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060622/NEWS38/60622005
Mike Pound: Two by Two Zoo offers quite the view
The Joplin Globe
By Mike Pound
Globe columnist
Did you know that alligators hiss when they're ticked off?
And when I say "hiss," I don't mean alligators hiss with a cute little cat sort of hiss. I mean alligators hiss with a fire-breathing dragon kind of hiss.
It's the sort of thing you probably don't want to hear when you're walking through the Florida Everglades.
But if you're standing on the other side of two fences at Clint Markham's private zoo, the hiss of an alligator is not quite as intimidating. I mean, you're glad there are two fences between you and the alligator, but really the hiss is more impressive than it is intimidating. (OK, I'll admit it: When the alligator first jumped off his rock and hissed at me, it scared the O'Reilly out of me.)
Also impressive is the purr of a nearly full-grown lion while Clint scratches its back. So is the growl a female cougar makes when she notices Clint petting the male cougar who shares her cage. The female cougar was jealous, Clint said.
http://www.joplinglobe.com/columns/local_story_172004314?keyword=topstory
Zoo to welcome special visitor
20-millionth guest expected to walk through gate this morning
By BERTRAM RANTIN
News Columnist
The folks at Riverbanks Zoo believe there are 20 million reasons to make a trip to see the animals.
And zoo officials are anticipating the 20-millionth visitor will walk through the gates today.
“Twenty million is a number that’s almost beyond comprehension. Just imagine how many positive experiences that adds up to,” Riverbanks executive director Satch Krantz said.
Zoo officials plan to award the park’s 20-millionth guest unlimited visits to the zoo for one year. Guest services anticipate the arrival could come as early as midmorning.
“When Riverbanks opened 32 years ago, we couldn’t imagine reaching such a milestone,” Krantz said.
Krantz is one of two zoo employees who have been at Riverbanks since it opened.
http://www.centredaily.com/mld/centredaily/news/nation/14865117.htm
5 endangered marmosets stolen from zoo
Associated Press
London Five endangered monkeys were stolen from a zoo over the weekend, the latest in a recent string of thefts involving small primates across England, police said Monday.
A family of silvery marmosets - male, female and 2-month-old baby - and a pair of Geoffrey marmosets were taken late Saturday from nesting boxes at Drusillas Park Zoo in East Sussex.
Thieves also tried to break into a third enclosure holding small monkeys, zoo officials said.
Zoos in Devon and Suffolk have also had small monkeys pilfered in recent weeks.
"This is not a casual crime," said John Haywood, coordinator of the National Theft Register for Exotic Animals. "This is extremely well-organized and is no doubt part of a series. These are specialist crimes."
Haywood, who estimated more than 50 small monkeys have been stolen in England and Scotland the past few years, said police believe the marmosets were taken for use in the international illegal pet trade.
http://www.wilmingtonstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060620/NEWS/606200332/-1/State
Oregon Zoo's ZooTeens Rally To Raise Funds For Permanent Insectarium
Portland, Oregon - There's a big, bizarre and beautiful world of arthropods waiting to be discovered, and if Jamie Klein, a ZooTeen at the Oregon Zoo has her way, the zoo will build a new insectarium to showcase specimens from all over the globe.
http://www.medfordnews.com/articles/index.cfm?artOID=331332&cp=10997
Think your office is a zoo? Companies go pet-friendly
Jun 21, 2006 — By Ellen Wulfhorst
NEW YORK (Reuters) - On a typical day at Tellme Networks Inc., Jackson snores, Penny spends time learning Chinese and the bosses and workers are delighted.
Penny, a Labrador Retriever, and Jackson, a bulldog, are part of an effort at many U.S. companies to allow pets in the workplace. One survey shows nearly one in five U.S. companies allow pets at work.
Millions of Americans believe pets on the job lower absenteeism and encourage workers to get along, according to the survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=2102275
Franklin Park Zoo enjoys baby boom
By Denise Lavoie, Associated Press Writer June 21, 2006
BOSTON --A two-week old zebra, a giraffe named Autumn and three tiny kangaroos are part of a baby boom at Franklin Park zoo, where Australian walkingsticks, blue poison dart frogs and three different kinds of bats have also been welcomed into the world during the past year.
Zookeepers are hoping the new arrivals will draw more visitors to the zoo, which has struggled financially in recent years.
Founded in 1913, the 72-acre zoo is located in Boston's Franklin Park, in the city's Dorchester neighborhood.
The zoo's location smack in the middle of an inner-city neighborhood gives residents a view of zebras, ostriches and even wildebeest from their front porches. But its location also probably kept some visitors away.
"There remains a stigma of the neighborhood, which is unfounded, but people have their fears," said John Linehan, the zoo's president and chief executive.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2006/06/21/franklin_park_zoo_enjoys_baby_boom/
More Animals and Security at Potter Park Zoo
Natalie Johnson
Nearly a week after three Potter Park Zoo animals are killed, the zoo is getting ready for replacements.
Last Thursday night, two dogs slipped into the zoo and mauled four Patagonian Cavies. Three of them died.
The two dogs have been captured.
Potter Park Zoo is importing five Cavies from the Toronto Zoo in Canada.
The zoo director doesn't exactly know how the dogs got in, but he says the zoo is taking extra precautions so it will not happen again.
The large South American rodent that survived the dog attack is expected to live, bringing the Potter Park Zoo Cavy count up to six once the others arrive.
http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/3204731.html
Summer program shows kids exactly who's who at the zoo
By Jen Marckini
Lansing State Journal
Four-year-old Grace Dilday put on her Pooh Bear ears looking for animals in Lansing's Potter Park zoo this week.
Grace didn't catch Piglets, Roos or Tiggers, but she did get the chance to pet her first animal - a rabbit.
"She's so soft," said Grace, petting the white rabbit.
http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060622/NEWS01/606220366/1001/news
Animals of Russia's arctic heading to MN Zoo
The Minnesota Zoo presented plans Thursday for its new exhibit featuring the animals that live on Russia's Arctic coast, including the Russian grizzly bear.
The $23 million exhibit is called "Russia's Grizzly Coast" and it will be the zoo's most expensive addition since 1996. The new exhibit will also include wild boars, Amur leopards, sea otters, and a woolly mammoth dig.
Minnesota Zoo Director Lee Ehmke said the 3.5-acre exhibit will open in 2008 and will be near the zoo's Central Plaza, at the opening of the facility's outdoor area.
Kris Vehrs, deputy director of the Maryland-based American Zoo and Aquarium Association, said the exhibit will be unique among American zoos for featuring this particular Russian ecosystem.
Ehmke said the exhibit will enhance the Minnesota Zoo's standing among other U.S. zoos because it's committing staff and money to help with conservation on Russia's eastern coast.
"More and more, zoos are measured by their real-world conservation activities," Ehmke said. "It is becoming one of the critical roles of zoos."
http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=127694
Bay and beyond
Clear your head. Gape at the view. Get some exercise. Change your scenery. Meet some creatures. You're in the Bay Area, after all.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Aquarium of the Bay Sea life indigenous to San Francisco Bay is the focus at this venue that features two clear-tunnel exhibitions through which visitors can walk and be surrounded by fish. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. $7.50-$33.95. Pier 39, Embarcadero at Beach St. (888) 732-3483. www.aquariumofthebay.com.
California Academy of Sciences "Snake Alley." Anaconda, African rock python, ball python, pine snake, California king snake, ground boas, emerald tree boas, more. "Hotspot: California on the Edge." Meet live frogs, salamanders and insects. "Discovery Tide Pool." Visitors can handle a few of the animals that live along our coast, including turban snails, hermit crabs and mussels. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. 875 Howard St. (415) 321-8000. www.calacademy.org.
Coyote Point Museum Native animals, reptiles and birds in wildlife habitats; games, displays and films in Environmental Hall. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun. 1651 Coyote Point Dr., San Mateo. (650) 342-7755. www.coyoteptmuseum.org.
Happy Hollow Park and Zoo Baby Zoo offers creative play areas, rides and puppet shows. Animal-contact area houses domestic and exotic animals. 1300 Senter Rd., San Jose. (408) 277-3000.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/06/22/NSGNVJEQRR1.DTL&type=travelbayarea
Zoo Tales: Four Species of Raptors On Display at N.C. Zoo
BY TOM GILLESPIE: SPECIAL TO THE PILOT
They're called birds of prey, or raptors, and their grace and beauty is legendary.
They generally include hawks, falcons, owls, kites, eagles, ospreys, condors and some vultures.
They're high on the food chain and have few predators -- except the one that could cause their most rapid decline -- man.
Birds of prey range in size from the huge, 30-pound Andean condor to the tiny, one-ounce Bornean falconet. Their weight is surprisingly light, though, due to their hollow bones and much of their body mass being feathers. A golden eagle, which can stand as tall as 40 inches, weighs only about 13 pounds.
Primarily, they feed on the flesh of other animals, grasping and killing their prey with their talons. It is a myth that the larger raptors, such as eagles, can grasp and carry off small children and larger domestic animals. A golden eagle, for example, weighs about 12-15 pounds. It can lift and fly away with only about one-third its own weight.
http://www.thepilot.com/features/062306Zoo.html
State reduces Mill Mountain Zoo funding
Mill Mountain Zoo did not receive quite as much money as it hoped in the latest state budget. The zoo requested $200,000 but found out this week it's being allotted $40,000 in the two-year budget, less than it received in recent years.
Zoo Director Sean Greene says, "Well it wasn't what we expected, hoping for a little bit more, then again, when you get $40,000, you can't be sad about that. It's better than nothing."
In past years, the zoo has received more than $80,000 in the state budget. Greene says the zoo is paying down debt from the winter when the zoo is staffed, but visitors don't come out.
The zoo does have a new cougar, Nina, new paint, and some other improvements. Greene says that's helped bring more people out.
http://www.wdbj7.com/Global/story.asp?S=5068186&nav=S6aK
Harriet, the world's oldest tortoise, dies aged 176
SYDNEY: A 176-year-old giant tortoise believed to have been studied by famed English naturalist Charles Darwin, has died in Australia after a short illness.
The extremely elderly tortoise, Harriet, was hatched on the Galapagos Islands in 1830 but lived out her final years at Australia Zoo in southeast Queensland where she was the star attraction.
Senior veterinarian John Hangar said the 150-kilogram (330-pound) reptile died on Thursday night after a short illness.
"She had been sick yesterday with, in effect, heart failure," Hangar told ABC radio.
"She had a fairly acute heart attack and thankfully passed away quietly overnight."
Hangar said Harriet, who had made it into the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's oldest living animal, had been credited with helping Darwin pioneer his theory of evolution.
"It's thought she may have been taken off there (Galapagos) by Charles Darwin," he said.
"She's spent a period of time in Britain and found herself at the Botanic Gardens in Brisbane from about 1850 or 1860 onwards and eventually she found her way up to Australia Zoo."
Harriet was originally named Harry, as she was mistakenly identified as male, an error which was not rectified for more than a century.
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1037268
Dogs Break into Local Zoo Again
June 23, 2006 06:42 AM EDT
Two killer dogs got inside Potter Park Zoo again Wednesday night. This comes less than a week after the same two dogs killed three zoo animals. A black steel gate separates animal from man, and a fence is supposed to protect animals from what's outside the zoo.
Gerry Brady, Director of Potter Park Zoo: "Our highest priority is to make sure our animal collection is safe from outside intruders."
http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=5069334&nav=0RbQ
Dogs killed after getting in zoo again
2 canines accused of attacking cavies caught in sheep pen
By Christine Rook
Lansing State Journal
Two dogs believed to have killed three Potter Park Zoo cavies last week were euthanized Thursday after they were found at the zoo inside an exhibit of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.
The dogs, which were caught Monday, had been returned to their owner late Tuesday only to escape from their fenced backyard by 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. Officials discovered the dogs in the zoo shortly after midnight Thursday.
"These dogs are pros," said Jamie McAloon Lampman, director of Ingham County Animal Control.
http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060623/NEWS01/606230326/1001/news
Brevard Zoo is all butterflies about its summer activities
By JANET BEGLEY
correspondent
June 23, 2006
MELBOURNE — Visit the Brevard Zoo and you'll see the same animals doing the same things. Right?
Wrong.
If you plan your visit to the zoo this summer, it can be an even more rewarding experience for you and your family with the special activities that are taking flight.
The Brevard Zoo is the only animal attraction in Brevard County, according to marketing director Andrea Hill.
"We offer a variety of animals not often found in other zoos," said Hill. "But if you ask our guests, it is the experience. Our zoo is filled with boardwalks that wind around in a circle and we have lush vegetation throughout the park. This creates an intimate experience between our guests and the animals."
Kathi Schillo, president/CEO of the Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of ComMerce, said that the Brevard Zoo is a shining star among the leisure/recreation attractions in Brevard County.
"They have a creative approach to continuously bring outstanding events and activities to our citizens," said Schillo. "Their nature-based environment offers tremendous educational opportunities for the entire family."
http://www.tcpalm.com/tcp/local_news/article/0,2545,TCP_16736_4791626,00.html
Delhi Zoo restructuring on cards
New Delhi - The Central Zoo Authority has proposed restructuring the Delhi zoological park in a move that may see the involvement of corporates, Environment Secretary Prodipto Ghosh said here Tuesday.
An autonomous body, the Central Zoo Authority has over the last few years derecognised 90 zoos in the country for shortcomings on various counts, mostly due to lack of resources.
The Central Zoo Authority is looking at various measures to raise resources including setting up of a national zoo research centre and improve visitor facilitation. It has proposed an action plan for Delhi zoo, which if successful will be later extended to other states,’ Ghosh said during a media briefing.
The draft action plan for restructuring the Delhi zoo is awaiting approval by the ministry of environment and forest.
http://indiaenews.com/2006-06/12880-delhi-zoo-restructuring-cards.htm
Traffic Is A Zoo At The Zoo.
posted June 23rd, 2006
There is free admission to the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Zoo today, but the real zoo is on the road leading to the gates.
It seems as though everyone in the city is taking advantage of the sunshine and visiting the tigers, monkeys, and goats, as traffic on Attridge Drive is bumper to bumper.
One bus driver waited 45 long minutes just to get to the entrance.
The free admission lasts until 9 tonight, with free charter buses running from city hall to the zoo until 6.
Tyran Ault Reports.
http://www.ckom.com/index.php?p=localnews&action=view_story&id=3732
Zoo invites visitors to 'adopt' animals
Thursday, June 22, 2006
By KELLEY YOUMANThisWeek Staff Writer
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is inviting visitors to take a piece of the zoo home with them at its annual adoption event this Saturday.
On Saturday June 24, the zoo will celebrate Adoption Appreciation Day.
For a minimum donation of $35, people can "adopt" an animal and help contribute to the zoo's $650,000 annual food bill.
The adopter helps support an animal of their choice, without having to clean up after it or care for it, as animals remain at the zoo.
Adoption coordinator Pat Patzer sent out more than 2,100 invitations to families around central Ohio who have adopted an animal within the last year.
Many people have been adopting animals through the zoo for 20-some years, she said. On average, Patzer said she processes 50 adoptions per week.
"People tend to get hooked," she said. "We definitely have a strong backing ... But we always need more people to participate because as we grow, the food bill is going to grow as well."
Adopters receive a certificate, photo and fact sheet about their adopted animal, and more than one person or family can adopt a single animal, Patzer said.
For more than 30 years, the zoo has run the ADOPT program, which stands for "animals depend on people, too."
Households that have adopted in the last year received six tickets for free admission on June 24, and an invitation to adopt another animal.
Visitors can adopt an animal at the entrance and will immediately receive the six free tickets, good for admission on June 24 only, Patzer said.
For more information call (614) 645-3407 or log onto www.columbuszoo.org.
http://www.thisweeknews.com/?edition=common&story=thisweeknews/062206/Powell/News/062206-News-176564.html
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A Different Kind of Audit
One good thing about high energy prices: It makes energy-efficiency a much easier sell. The reason is simple: higher prices mean a shorter payback period on upgrades. So, as a homeowner, where do you start? Better insulation? Triple-glazed low-E windows? A solar water heater? According to this article in the Christian Science Montitor, "Experts recommend a targeted approach to big-ticket items in order to derive the most bang for the buck. The game plan: Diagnose the biggest inefficiencies, then invest where necessary to collect big rewards." To figure out what your house needs, start with an energy audit. Call your utility or find a contractor to analyze your home energy needs. If you can't afford a professional audit, you can it yourself. For help, see the Lawrence Berkeley Lab's online energy audit here.
Recession of the Jorge Montt Glacier, Patagonia (click to animate)
The above picture is the year 2000. Drastically different from the lower picture, the year 1975,
A NASA Study of the Patagonian Icefields of South America's Argentina and Chile. (Click on)
This is a picture by nature explorers.
Photographer states :: I visited El Calafate and the made an excursion in a ferry called Upsala Explorer around 7 glaciers in Lago Argentino. I couldn't go to Perito Moreno, but for sure will return!!! This was a great experience, a great place and a great opportunity for us people, to remember we need to take care of our nature and our world!
The Patagonian Icefields are just as inviting to heat as the Peninsula of Antatctica. It absorbs large amounts of heat calories as does the Peninsula and the continent of ice. It is also at higher latitudes from the Peninsula and adds to the conductivity of heat from the equator.
So the dynamics include much more than the Antactica continent in the Southern Hemisphere.
There is the culprit. Heat transfer system from the equator directly to the Antarctica Peninsula.
June 27, 2006. 0921 gmt.
Pacific Global Satellite.
The South American continent serves as a 'conduit' if you will. Terra Firma is warmer than the ocean. The southern aspect of the continent facilitiates the heat from the equator to the Peninsula which is at highest latitudes of Antarctica.
Click here to animate. It didn't take long to put heat back on the Peninsula.
June 26, 2006. 9:00 AM.
One week past the Northern Solstice and at first opportunity the heat from the sun, still lingering in the north has shifted over Antarctica already.
I waited until today for it to become clear before putting the 'map picture' here but the signs were there the entire time. Last week even when the 'on the ground temperatures' were far below zero across the continent there was still a high 'dew point' which told me there was melting/sublimination in the face of the lack of sun.
Yesterday, there was a warm wind that blew across the southwest corner of WAIS (West Antarctica Ice Sheet). I knew the heat was coming back at the first travel of the solar radiation south. Today's map proves it. Human Induced Global Warming is ever present. I'm sorry, but, as people on this planet we have to take a stand. It is why Steven Hawking is so vocal about space travel. He means it. It's his way of contributing to the urgency of the circumstances we all face. No one is immune.
Morning Papers - concluded
The weather in Antarctica (Crystal Ice Chime) is:
Scott Base
--
-24.0°
Updated Tuesday 27 Jun 8:00PM
The weather at Glacier Bay National Park (Crystal Wind Chime) is:
46 °F / 8 °C
Overcast
Humidity:
81%
Dew Point:
41 °F / 5 °C
Wind:
Calm
Pressure:
30.16 in / 1021 hPa
Visibility:
10.0 miles / 16.1 kilometers
UV:
0 out of 16
Clouds:
Overcast 7500 ft / 2286 m
(Above Ground Level)
end
Scott Base
--
-24.0°
Updated Tuesday 27 Jun 8:00PM
The weather at Glacier Bay National Park (Crystal Wind Chime) is:
46 °F / 8 °C
Overcast
Humidity:
81%
Dew Point:
41 °F / 5 °C
Wind:
Calm
Pressure:
30.16 in / 1021 hPa
Visibility:
10.0 miles / 16.1 kilometers
UV:
0 out of 16
Clouds:
Overcast 7500 ft / 2286 m
(Above Ground Level)
end
A hand delivered message from God
June 26, 2006. Buena Vista, Virginia.
Photographer states :: Maury river in Buena Vista, coming out of banks during heavy rainfall.
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