This is a Fox Squirrel (click on)
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Race to save fire trapped koalas
A BUSHFIRE may have wiped out hundreds of koalas in one of the nation's largest and most valued colonies, experts fear. / The Daily Telegraph
Morning Papers - continued ...
Zoos
Drought taking bite out of zoo budget
LYNTON GRACE
The drought has impacted on the Western Plains Zoo (WPZ), with the zoo's food bill approaching half a million dollars for the first time.
Feed such as hay and grain now costs double compared to last year and the zoo has been forced to secure its feed supply for the next 12 months already.
Animal food preparation supervisor Andrew Reilly said the majority of the WPZ's animals graze, meaning the primary food required was hay and grains, and manufactured pellets.
"Most of that is affected by the drought - we're having to look further afield for grain to find supplies," Mr Reilly said.
"I've just come back from the South Australian border."
The zoo uses enormous amounts of feed - for example, 35 tonnes of oats a year - forcing the zoo to plan far ahead.
http://blayney.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?class=national%20news&subclass=general&story_id=536846&category=general
George's place gets update Lincoln museum, library influence changes to Washington's site
By DORI MEINERTCOPLEY NEWS SERVICE
Published Monday, December 04, 2006
ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Many Americans know George Washington was the nation's first president, but that's about all. They can't picture the "father of our country" as anything but a white-haired, stern-looking man.
With the use of forensic science and plenty of special effects, a new museum and education center at Washington's stately Mount Vernon home aims to give visitors a more complete image of the man - with a 21st century twist.
The effort to add some contemporary razzle-dazzle to Washington's life is similar to the idea behind the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, which was a model for some of the exhibits at Mount Vernon.
During a film on his Revolutionary War battles, snowflakes fall on the audience as Washington leads his troops across the frozen Delaware River. Seats rumble and lights flash in the theater as cannons fire on-screen.
http://www.sj-r.com/sections/news/stories/102125.asp
Extinction - South China tigers may be extinct
BEIJING, China (UPI) -- Scientists fear the South China Tiger, one of the world`s
most endangered species, may be extinct in the wild.
If that is true, the only remaining members of the species are the 68 now living in 18 Chinese zoos, Xinhua, the official government new agency, said. Those tigers are all descended from two males and four females captured in either the 1950s or 1970s and provide too little genetic diversity to preserve the species.
'If we can`t find any wild south China tigers, they will certainly disappear because of the inbreeding,' said Huang Zihong, a zoologist.
Scientists from the South China Institute of Endangered Species began a search for wild tigers in October, but so far have had little success.
Copyright 2006 by United Press International
Podcast Zoo Tour
Cutting edge Zoo podcast NOW available … from your iPod
Your iPod already plays all of your favorite tunes. Now it can tell you about the animals at Miami Metrozoo, just like a personal tour guide. This pocket size wealth of information will come in handy upon your visit. You’ll be able to listen to something about every animal that’s here at anytime. There are no specific times to meet or any path that you need to take because the “Tour Guide” is always with you to tell you about what you want to know and when.
You can listen to audio information on animal diet, habitat, adaptations and more. Animal sounds and music that will take you to every geographic region represented in the Zoo with special song selections is NOW available.
http://www.miamimetrozoo.com/podcast-zoo-tour.asp
Photolog :: Singapore Zoo
http://raining-noodles.blogspot.com/2006/12/photolog-singapore-zoo.html
Zoo offers winter camps for kids
Friday, December 01, 2006
PORTLAND - During the two-week winter break from school, day camps for kids will be held Dec. 18-22 and 27-29 at the Oregon Zoo.
Each day's activities focus on an animal theme. "Some Like It Cold" has campers examining how animals such as polar bears are built for winter. In "How Do They Do That?" children discover how animals climb, fly, glide, dive and survive in the wild.
During "Short Days, Long Nights," campers learn about the differences between nocturnal animals and those seen in daytime.
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/argus/index.ssf?/base/news/1165005234198600.xml&coll=6
Von Bank joins Minnesota Zoo
Submitted by Pat Minelli on December 1, 2006 - 3:58pmFiled under: General News
Bill Von Bank, director of marketing at Valleyfair Amusement Park in Shakopee since 2003, was named director of marketing and sales for the Minnesota Zoo effective Monday.
Prior to his Valleyfair position, Von Bank was executive director of the Burnsville Convention and Visitors Bureau, director of marketing at Historic Murphy’s Landing, and executive director of the Shakopee Chamber/Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Currently serving on the board of directors for the Shakopee Convention and Visitors Bureau, Von Bank, of Prior Lake, is also a member of the Burnsville Chamber of Commerce and a volunteer with the Community Action Program (CAP Agency). He has served as a board member on the Advertising Federation of Minnesota and as president of Twin Cities Tourism Attractions of Minnesota.
http://www.shakopeenews.com/node/1013
Choose Your Favorite Name for Atlanta Zoo's Baby Panda
ATLANTA, December 1, 2006 - Starting today you can vote for a new name for America's newest sweetheart, a very cute baby panda born in Atlanta, Georgia.
The cute baby girl was born on September 6th and is now 86 days old.
Panda's are traditionally named on their 100th day.
Being that she was born in the south, four of the ten possible names selected have a southern connotation.
Xiao Tao meaning little peach, Mei Tao meaning beautiful peach, Mei Lan meaning Atlanta beauty, and Cheng Ya meaning pretty Atlanta girl from Chengdu.
You can choose your favorite out of ten possible panda names at
http://www.zooatlanta.org.
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=seenon&id=4814312
New zoo smoking ban includes outdoors
Philadelphia Business Journal - December 1, 2006
The Philadelphia Zoo said Friday it has banned smoking.
Zoo officials said the new no-smoking policy is "intended to provide a safer, healthier and more comfortable environment for guests, employees and animals."
Previously, smoking was allowed outdoors at the zoo. But the new policy, which went into effect Friday, bans smoking in all areas of the zoo, inside and out.
"The zoo's mission is focused squarely on protecting habitats and animals around the world. We're glad to promote a cleaner environment right here at home for the 1.2 million people who visit every year -- and for our diligent staff and precious animals. And we believe it will make the zoo even more enjoyable for kids and grownups alike," said Vikram Dewan, the organization's president and CEO.
The Philadelphia Zoo is the nation's first zoo and is home to 1,300 animals.
It is traditionally among the top five tourist attractions in Philadelphia.
http://philadelphia.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/stories/2006/11/27/daily43.html?jst=b_ln_hl
Hyenas Provide Howling Good Times At Denver Zoo
(CBS4) DENVER The Denver Zoo is showing off two new arrivals, spotted hyena cubs born on Nov. 14. The cubs were born to mother, Ngozi, and father, Kibo.They weighed in at about three pounds but are growing quickly and now weigh about five pounds each. There is a boy cub and a girl cub, but zookeepers have not yet named them.The hyena birth was the third in Predator Ridge since March 2005. There are only 51 spotted hyenas on exhibit in 19 zoos in North America. The spotted hyena, native to Africa, is the largest of the four hyena species and can grow up to four feet tall and weigh up to 250 pounds. They scavenge carcasses or kill prey in packs.The zoo doesn't plan to exhibit the cubs until the spring. However, visitors can view the cubs via a live video feed on monitors in the interpretive center of Predator Ridge.
http://cbs4denver.com/local/local_story_335152005.html
Pricey Zoo Expansion
New estimate needed for expansion project
By SHAWN LOGAN, CALGARY SUNThe $120-million price tag for ambitious plans to expand the Calgary Zoo is likely going to require a new estimate due to soaring market costs, a city committee will hear next week.
The zoo’s massive Project Discovery expansion, which will include a new elephant enclosure and Arctic Shores exhibit, was originally costed out some 18 months ago.
But Calgary’s booming construction market has forced the zoo to rethink its plans, looking to shave costs by breaking the expansion into smaller phases and determine a more accurate price for the project, said Grahame Newton, the zoo’s director of corporate affairs.
http://calsun.canoe.ca/News/Alberta/2006/12/01/2577234.html
Zoo hosts holiday event
Herald Times Reporter
MANITOWOC — The Lincoln Park Zoo, 1215 N. Eighth St., will host Happy Holidays at the Zoo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16.
The event is free and open to the public. Santa Claus will make an appearance from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Big Red Barn.A horse-drawn wagon will be giving rides around the park starting at 11 a.m.Visitors also can view decorated exhibits, enjoy refreshments and take part in activities near the Big Red Barn. The Education Center will host the Balloon Man, face painters and crafts; there also will be gifts for sale.Zoo hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays; it’s closed Sundays. The zoo will be closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.For more information, call 920-683-4685.
http://www.htrnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061201/MAN0101/61201103/1984
Young giraffe dies after breaking neck at Garden City zoo
Associated Press
GARDEN CITY - A year-old giraffe at the Lee Richardson Zoo in Garden City died Thursday after breaking her neck, zoo officials said.
The giraffe, named Makena, died when she apparently panicked after wedging her head into a small opening inside a holding stall in a zoo barn, the zoo said in a statement.
The holding stall is in a newer section of the barn and had been used to house two previous young giraffes without incident, the zoo said.
Counseling was offered to help staff deal with the loss of one of the zoo's favorite animals, the zoo said.
Minnesota Zoo mourning yet another dolphin
Ayla, 14, was born with a severe curvature of the spine. Her condition had been deteriorating, and she was destroyed.
David Peterson, Star Tribune
Last update: December 01, 2006 – 10:34
The Minnesota Zoo ended the life of a 14-year-old dolphin on Friday and braced for an emotional public reaction.
"Ayla was a very sick animal," said Kevin Willis, director of biological programs. "We had no choice."
It was the third dolphin death at the zoo this year.
One of four Atlantic bottlenose dolphins at the state institution in Apple Valley, Ayla was born with severe scoliosis, or curvature of the spine. She was noticeably disfigured and couldn't jump out of the water, though she took part in other aspects of the zoo's dolphin shows until her condition worsened in August.
http://www.startribune.com/462/story/848951.html
Rare tamarins born at BR Zoo
Brazil loaned twins’ parents
By EMILY KERNAdvocate staff writer Published: Dec 2, 2006
Golden lion tamarins born Tuesday cling to their mother in a corner of their cage at BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo — barely distinguishable by a black stripe on their heads amid the orange fur of their mother.
The twin monkeys represent the international effort underway to save this extremely rare primate from extinction.
Only about 1,500 of these animals live in the wild.
More than 90 percent of the Brazilian rainforest, which is home to the golden lion tamarin, has been cut down to obtain lumber, mine for charcoal or to make room for plantations, cattle grazing or development, according to zoo officials.
The Baton Rouge Zoo has one male and one female, both on loan from the Brazilian government.
Golden lion tamarins usually give birth to twins. Both the male and female care for their young.
The adults carry the babies with the male doing most of it, especially as the babies grow larger, zoo officials said.
Normally, the female only takes the babies to nurse.
“The golden lion tamarin serves as a good model for what zoos can do for endangered animals,” Sam Winslow, the Baton Rouge Zoo’s general curator, said Friday.
http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/4808521.html
Mill Mountain Zoo may get a fresh look (Video)
A fresh new look could be headed to Mill Mountain Zoo. The zoo is looking for ways to develop some of its unused land. Today, a group of landscape architecture students from Virginia Tech unveiled projects they have worked on all semester.
The goal was to design exhibits that focus on the natural wildlife of Virginia. The theme of the new exhibits would be Virginia Wild. The zoo plans to review the presentations. They may implement some of the ideas within the next few years.
http://www.wdbj7.com/Global/story.asp?S=5758762&nav=S6aK
Holiday Celebration at The Central Park Zoo
http://www.centralpark.com/ev_details.php?showev=352
Tech students suggest improvements to zoo
The students' designs focused on children, accessible walkways and using its existing features.
By Marques G. Harper 777-6494
Christina Hicks, a Virginia Tech student, has seen her share of zoos: the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., and several zoo parks when she lived in England. Now, with this semester quickly coming to a close, she can add one more to her list: the Mill Mountain Zoo.
As part of Tech's landscape architecture program, Hicks and 15 other students in the class had to come up with designs for a new Virginia wildlife exhibit on unused land at Mill Mountain Zoo.
The students, who started the project in October, were divided into teams of three. The groups unveiled their final designs Friday at a presentation at the Discovery Center on Mill Mountain.
"I'm really excited to see how the zoo will take our ideas and explore the possibilities," said Hicks, a 20-year-old Fredericksburg resident. "I was pleasantly surprised. The zoo was a lot bigger than I had imagined. With this site, they have great possibilities."
http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/94026
It’s two girls and a boy for zoo’s lions
By Kory Dodd Staff Writer
ASHEBORO — At five weeks old, these cats are pretty feisty. During their first face-to-face meeting with humans Friday, the North Carolina Zoo’s triplet lion cubs hissed, flipped on their backs and displayed their tiny claws. Momma would be proud — if she hadn’t been lured away by a breakfast of processed horse meat and locked in a nearby room.The ruse to separate Sala, the zoo’s 7-year-old lioness, from her cubs was necessary to ensure the safety of the team of zookeepers and veterinarians sent in to determine the sex of her babes and give them their first checkup."They’re really healthy and have fat little bellies. So mom’s taking care of them," said Jenni Bowers, a lion keeper.
http://www.news-record.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061202/NEWSREC0101/61202005
Zoo Settles Discrimination Lawsuit
POSTED: 11:45 am PST December 2, 2006
SAN DIEGO -- The San Diego Zoo has settled a lawsuit that alleged discrimination against people in wheelchairs, NBC 7/39 reported.
One of the plaintiffs, who has polio, claimed he was pulled out of line to sign a waiver as he entered the zoo last year.
Zoo officials said the waiver gives a list of basic rules and people can refuse to sign it. As part of the settlement, the zoo and wild animal park will discontinue the policy.
http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/10448632/detail.html
Britney Spears takes Sean Preston to the Los Angeles Zoo for her birthday.
Spears turns 25 years old today. Spears has been partying every night for the last 10 days and today she spent some much needed time with her son Sean who is 14 months old. They took a golf cart throughout the zoo and received a special "VIP behind the scene" tour of the whole park. The whole time park security kept the 20 or so photographers that were there at bay...
http://flynetonline.com/home/2006/12/britney-spears-takes-sean-preston-to.html
Looking for a new pet? Go to Jacksonville Zoo
Animal rescue agencies are on hand with cute cats and dogs ready for adoption.
By ADAM AASEN, The Times-Union
As Sandi Bowers watched her new black hound dog scamper around, tugging on his leash, she said she won't worry about the puppy being a handful.
"He's a hyper dog, but I've got three hyper grandkids, so it's a good match," she said. "Plenty of hands to help out."
Bowers is one of many animal lovers who attended the pet adoption fair Saturday at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. The fair continues from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at the zoo.
The event features 12 animal rescue agencies, including the Jacksonville Humane Society, Jacksonville Animal Care and Control, Florida East Coast/St. Augustine Humane Society and the Nassau County Humane Society, to give participants a chance to find out about pet adoption and perhaps leave with a new friend on a leash.
http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/120306/met_6600644.shtml
Zoo's family farm nearly completed
The Clarian-Arnett Family Farm at the Columbian Park Zoo is nearly complete. A wooden barn, 30-foot windmill and a shed have been built.
Zoo officials are preparing educational signs and themes for the barn's interior, as well as exterior areas.
Clarian-Arnett donated 100 percent of the cost to build the farm, which will include a petting zoo and various exhibits.
It's part of the zoo's multimillion dollar master plan.
A few other exhibits will begin construction soon. They're all scheduled to open sometime next summer.
WHERE
Columbian Park Zoo, at the corner of Wallace and Park avenues in Columbian Park.
WHEN
Completed in spring 2007, but not open until early summer 2007.
COST
$300,000
WHAT'S INSIDE
The farm features chickens, goats, miniature horses and other animals. It has interior stalls, an outdoor petting area, a vegetable garden, interpretive stations featuring a variety of farm animals and a fiberglass interactive milking cow.
-- Curt Slyder/cslyder@journalandcourier.com
Sofia Zoo Marks Bears' Day
Lifestyle: 3 December 2006, Sunday.Sofia Zoo marks Sunday its traditional holiday Mechkin Den (Bear Day).The bear celebrations come among the annual initiatives of children zooclub Noi with the facility's educational centre.The kids will test their knowledge on the carnivorous mammals and the winners will be prized by National Geographic, Darik News revealed.Children also made sure that all bears in the zoo were treated to special care and attention on this day, if they were still awake.
http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=73509
Welcome, new zoo director
OUR OPINION
We extend a warm welcome to Terrence DeRosa, the new director of the Potawatomi Zoo.
DeRosa comes into the job with some impressive credentials. Currently, he is the living animals collections manager at the San Antonio Zoological Gardens and Aquarium. DeRosa also has worked at New York's Bronx Zoo, the Detroit Zoo and the Brookfield (Ill.) Zoo, and he serves on an Association of Zoos and Aquariums committee.
DeRosa will be filling the position vacated by Greg Bockheim, who left in September after 3 1/2 years running the Potawatomi Zoo.
Potawatomi Zoo has made solid progress in the past several years in a number of areas, and we expect that it will continue to do so under the direction of DeRosa. He begins his new position on Jan. 1.
Bushfires threaten major Australian koala colony
CANBERRA, Dec 4 (Reuters) - Bushfires may have wiped out one of the last remaining outposts of healthy Australian koalas, scientists and animal rescue experts said on Monday.
Park rangers and specialist rescue teams from Sydney's Taronga Zoo have been searching for two days for surviving koalas in a vast tract of bushland in which wildfires have been burning uncontrolled for more than two days.
"The fear is that koalas can't really move fast along the ground to get away from the fires and unfortunately many probably will have been killed," a Taronga Zoo spokeswoman told Reuters.
The fires are burning in the Pilliga scrub nature reserve, 350 km (217 miles) northwest of Sydney, which is home to one of Australia's most genetically diverse koala colonies.
"The Pilliga scrub contains thousands of koalas and is one of the healthiest colonies in genetic terms," the zoo spokeswoman said. "The hope is that some will have been able to break across firebreaks."
Australia's koala population is estimated in the hundreds of thousands and although not threatened nationally, individual colonies are under threat from urbanisation and disease.
Koala numbers in recent years have been hit hard by disease, especially chlamydia, as well loss of habitat through logging and attacks by introduced feral animals.
Koalas need large areas of connected native forest to survive and travel long distances along corridors of their preferred food, eucalyptus trees, to search out territory and mates.
Bushfire threat for koalas
December 05, 2006 12:00
A BUSHFIRE may have wiped out hundreds of koalas in one of the nation's largest and most valued colonies, experts fear.
A rescue team arrived in the Pilliga Nature Reserve, 350km north-west of Sydney, on Saturday, but wind changes have so far prevented a thorough search.
The Pilliga bushfire has burnt out 82,400ha and is one of the fires in the Coonabarabran area being fought by 200 firefighters.
The area is home to a genetically diverse koala colony numbering in the thousands.
Wildlife experts hope to be allowed into the area today.
"We have no idea of how many may have been affected," Taronga Zoo spokeswoman Danielle McGill said.
"The RFS said they had seen quite a few kangaroos and wallabies that are fine.
"But in terms of koalas we haven't heard anything so far."
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,20869924-5006009,00.html
Rare white buffalo born at local zoo
Sonny and Jill Herring, owners of Woodlands Zoo in Farmington, know their wide array of animals draw patrons to their zoo but the couple never had considered "spirituality" as a tourist draw.
But now, thanks to one very unique birth, the Herrings can boast that, too. On Nov. 12, a perfectly normal brown buffalo at the zoo gave birth to a white baby bull calf - an occurrence that zoo owner Jill Herring said is about 1 in 10 million.The Herrings said they received an immediate response to the birth from American Indians across the region and have been reeling ever since.According to American Indian legend of the White Buffalo Woman, the prophetess was sent to her people by the Creator to teach them how to communicate with the deity through the prayer pipe.
http://www.heraldstandard.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17544617&BRD=2280&PAG=461&dept_id=480247&rfi=6
25th Anniversary Holiday Celebration at the Brookfield Zoo
http://www.oakparkjournal.com/2006/2006-Brookfield-zoo-xmas-holiday-magic.html
Zoo's big cats not just lyin’ around
By TOM GALUSHASPECIAL TO THE CHIEFTAIN
Last month, we reviewed the lives of wild lions; this month, let’s look at the lives of the lions that live at the Pueblo Zoo.
The 2-year-old sisters, Ulana and Saida, though sexually mature, are not yet full-grown Ñ both are playful with each other, and with Jahari, the zoo's new cubs’ 4-year-old, 300-pound father.
Sometimes too playful. According to keeper Heather Smith, as Ulana and Saida "run, scamper and roll around," in the Serengeti Safari exhibit at the Pueblo Zoo, "they try to be affectionate with Jahari, but he’s leery of their attention." Small wonder. Their play is so rough that Smith has occasionally seen blood on Jahari’s flanks from the female cats’ playful slaps.
http://www.chieftain.com/life/1165216274/3
Best for the animals, best for the zoo
By VIKRAM DEWAN
THERE'S been no shortage of opinion, or media coverage, on our decision to relocate the four magnificent elephants who live at the Philadelphia Zoo.
For the most part, people understand that the zoo's animal-care standards have changed as we develop larger, more exciting exhibits. Many also accept the economic realities, that bigger exhibits, with bells and whistles for animals and visitors, are also more expensive. While our goal was always to build a world-class elephant habitat, the millions necessary for such a project just never materialized. Living within your means is no easy task, for a household or a zoo that's home to more than 1,300 exotic animals.
The debate over elephants in the United States is likely to continue for some time. From the perspective of the Philadelphia Zoo, as we plan for life after elephants, we can all be reassured that Dulary, Petal, Kallie and Bette are going to excellent new homes (three to the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore and one to the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee), and that we will keep in touch and keep you updated on their progress.
But there is common ground in the great elephant debate: It would be absolutely devastating to the planet if elephants in the wild disappeared forever. And that could happen.
http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/news/opinion/16159015.htm
Molly is walking tall at the zoo
By Staff reporter
BEING this good looking is no tall order for Chester Zoo's latest addition.
Molly is the first Rothschild giraffe to be born at the zoo. Mum is Kelly, six, and dad Thorn, five.
Kelly has taken to her new role as mum and just 30 minutes after she was born, Molly, who weighs 70kg, was on her feet.
Mike Jordan, Chester Zoo's Curator of Mammals and Birds, said: "To begin with, Kelly was a little anxious in her role as a new mum and we were on standby to intervene and help the calf. "But they have now taken to each other and Molly is suckling and mum Kelly is being very attentive. She is coming along very well and we are delighted with her progress."
The birth of the zoo's first Rothschild giraffe is all the more welcome as there are only 600 Rothschild giraffes left in the wild in Kenya and Uganda.
http://www.thisiswirral.co.uk/display.var.1055493.0.molly_is_walking_tall_at_the_zoo.php
King Kong and Winnie the Pooh in Moscow Zoo
King Kong has "settled" in the Moscow Zoo which is holding the exhibition of topiary art. For the first time the masters of trees and bushes figure clipping present their art works in the capital of Russia. One of the zoo grounds has become home for the six-meter-high King Kong wreathed of stems and twigs of decorative plants, Winnie the Pooh and a man-sized kitten. There you will see also a steppe eagle with the wingspread of 12 meters and a four-meter panda. The sculptures will be changing throughout the whole winter. Thus, on the New Year's Eve a boar will appear among other topiary figures.
Source: news.mail.ru
http://www.russia-ic.com/news/show/3068/
Simian scare haunts zoo
DESPITE THE sprawling lake in the Zoological Garden here being protected against the falling of sewer water into it thereby protecting the inmates from several water-borne diseases, the menace of the stray monkeys is still to be tackled. These monkeys are major infection-carriers.
Earlier, stray monkeys were caught and left in the forest but now, that’s become impractical. On the one hand, the Zoo authorities lack sufficient funds for hiring professional monkey-catchers and transporters and on the other, none of the Forest authorities are ready to allow the stray monkeys left in the forests due the protests from those residing near the forests. Zoo officials say experts, who visited the zoo recently to provide specialised treatment to the animals, said the animals may be at the risk of contracting tuberculosis because of the stray monkeys.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/5922_1859324,0015002500030000.htm
Birds Missing From Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
(CBS4) COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. Zoo keepers at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs were trying to figure out how two green aracari toucan birds got out of their exhibit over the weekend. Officials feared the birds may have been stolen.The male and female pair was discovered missing from the exhibit on Saturday morning. They have not been found at the zoo.The bird and reptile building is equipped with multiple successive sets of doors. According to animal department officials, it is unlikely that both birds could get through the sets of doors without someone noticing.The green aracari is native to South America. The birds are the smallest of the toucans weighing in at 125 grams.Anyone who sees the toucans is asked to call the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
http://cbs4denver.com/pets/local_story_114085044.html
Autism Awareness Celebrated at Philadelphia Zoo
April 23, 2006 - Hundreds of kids, adults and athletes took part in a special day at the Philadelphia Zoo.
The seventh annual autism awareness day was filled with plenty of fun and entertainment for all.
Families got a chance to meet members of the Philadelphia Soul team and cheerleading squad.
They also took part in some fancy dancing with the "Soulman" mascot.
In between kids got their faces painted and learned how to spin balls on their fingers.
The Zoo struggles with insurance
BY FRANKLIN HAYES
Gulf Breeze News
franklin@gulfbreezenews.com
Many consider The ZOO of Northwest Florida and Botanical Gardens (The ZOO) to be an invaluable asset to Santa Rosa County. However, that intangible status has not helped the organization cure all of its hurricane woes.
"With hurricane Ivan, our insurance company basically insured us like we were a strip mall, like as an individual gift shop, an individual restaurant and individual offices, but [we were] not insured as a zoo. This year we don't have wind insurance, [our insurance provider] won't write it. It's not even an option of me paying dearly for it and that I can't afford it. I don't even have that option of having wind insurance," Natalie Aiken, Director of Visitor Services for The ZOO said.
http://www.gulfbreezenews.com/news/2006/0504/Front_Page/003.html
Orphaned Sea Lion Pups Find Home At The Zoo
Two orphaned California sea lion pups are the latest arrivals at the National Zoo. The 10-month-old pups will be on public exhibit starting Wednesday. The two pups, Summer and Calli, were rescued in June, 2005 on separate beaches in California and raised at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach, Calif. The Center typically releases successfully rehabilitated pups back into the wild, but because these two young females were hand-reared, they have become dependant on, and accustomed to, humans. After the nearly 3,000-mile journey from California, the pups were placed in quarantine at the National Zoo, where they stayed for 30 days under the observation of the Zoo’s veterinarians. When the young sea lions left quarantine, Zoo staff began introducing the two to their future exhibit and the Zoo’s resident 29-year-old female California sea lion, Maureen. Their keepers say the introductions have gone well -- although the pups are feisty and playful, they are respectful of Maureen’s larger size and greet her in nose-to-nose sea lion fashion.Keepers have also begun the pups’ behavior training -- training that will allow staff to conduct health exams without anesthesia, do demonstrations for the public, and provide enrichment and exercise for the pups. Calli, known as the “superstar” by her keepers, has readily taken to training, while Summer was a bit hesitant initially, but is now making great progress. The pups weigh approximately 70 pounds each, but will weigh between 200 and 250 pounds when they are fully grown.Summer, who was abandoned by her mother, and Calli, whose mother died shortly after giving birth, were both escorted to the National Zoo by staff of the Pacific Marine Mammal Center on March 5.
http://www.wtopnews.com/index.php?nid=25&sid=779234
Chaffee Zoo Director Planning for Future
May 2, 2006 - The new Chaffee Zoo director is getting used to his new job during his first week, but he's already making plans for the future.
Lewis Greene says it could be three to four months before he's ready to spell out his plans for the zoo's future, but he says before the zoo can move forward, it has to take care of some old business, which includes finding a new home for at least one of its exhibits.
Walking around the ground's of Fresno's Chaffee Zoo with new director Lewis Greene, you get an idea of how he thinks.
"I think its important to consider public input. After all, it is public tax dollars," said Greene.
http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=local&id=4137229
EcoCenter will replace the old zoo
By EILEEN KIRSCH / La Crosse
The Hixon Forest Nature Center was founded by a small group of volunteers in the early 1980s to help the residents of the Coulee Region, especially children, appreciate and understand our natural world with hands-on learning experiences.From its inception, it has operated on a shoestring budget, but more than 100,000 grade school students have benefited from programs offered at the center.Hixon Forest Nature Center is supported by memberships, donations, grants and fundraising events. Unfortunately, the existing nature center building is inadequate because it is too small for the large numbers of children and volunteers involved with programs. The building does not have air conditioning or adequate restrooms. Furthermore, the close proximity to the railroad tracks means that trains frequently interrupt programs because participants cannot hear over the noise.The nature center operates efficiently on a limited budget. Staff members actually put in a lot of volunteer time because they love teaching children and they love the natural world that we are so lucky to have around La Crosse.
http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2006/05/08/opinion/01ecocenter_0508.txt
Beyond Zoos, for Activists to the Extreme
IDA ACTION ALERTS
1. Stop Horse Massacre in National Wildlife Refuge
2. Make Someone's Day - Appreciate an Animal Advocate
3. National Zoo Plans to Expand Elephant Exhibit – And Herd
CAMPAIGN NEWS & UPDATES
1. Compassion for Animals Road Expedition
2. The Special Chimpanzees of IDA-Africa
3. Whole Foods Market Ends Sale of Live Crustaceans
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/06/21/18281818.php
concluding …
Drought taking bite out of zoo budget
LYNTON GRACE
The drought has impacted on the Western Plains Zoo (WPZ), with the zoo's food bill approaching half a million dollars for the first time.
Feed such as hay and grain now costs double compared to last year and the zoo has been forced to secure its feed supply for the next 12 months already.
Animal food preparation supervisor Andrew Reilly said the majority of the WPZ's animals graze, meaning the primary food required was hay and grains, and manufactured pellets.
"Most of that is affected by the drought - we're having to look further afield for grain to find supplies," Mr Reilly said.
"I've just come back from the South Australian border."
The zoo uses enormous amounts of feed - for example, 35 tonnes of oats a year - forcing the zoo to plan far ahead.
http://blayney.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?class=national%20news&subclass=general&story_id=536846&category=general
George's place gets update Lincoln museum, library influence changes to Washington's site
By DORI MEINERTCOPLEY NEWS SERVICE
Published Monday, December 04, 2006
ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Many Americans know George Washington was the nation's first president, but that's about all. They can't picture the "father of our country" as anything but a white-haired, stern-looking man.
With the use of forensic science and plenty of special effects, a new museum and education center at Washington's stately Mount Vernon home aims to give visitors a more complete image of the man - with a 21st century twist.
The effort to add some contemporary razzle-dazzle to Washington's life is similar to the idea behind the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, which was a model for some of the exhibits at Mount Vernon.
During a film on his Revolutionary War battles, snowflakes fall on the audience as Washington leads his troops across the frozen Delaware River. Seats rumble and lights flash in the theater as cannons fire on-screen.
http://www.sj-r.com/sections/news/stories/102125.asp
Extinction - South China tigers may be extinct
BEIJING, China (UPI) -- Scientists fear the South China Tiger, one of the world`s
most endangered species, may be extinct in the wild.
If that is true, the only remaining members of the species are the 68 now living in 18 Chinese zoos, Xinhua, the official government new agency, said. Those tigers are all descended from two males and four females captured in either the 1950s or 1970s and provide too little genetic diversity to preserve the species.
'If we can`t find any wild south China tigers, they will certainly disappear because of the inbreeding,' said Huang Zihong, a zoologist.
Scientists from the South China Institute of Endangered Species began a search for wild tigers in October, but so far have had little success.
Copyright 2006 by United Press International
Podcast Zoo Tour
Cutting edge Zoo podcast NOW available … from your iPod
Your iPod already plays all of your favorite tunes. Now it can tell you about the animals at Miami Metrozoo, just like a personal tour guide. This pocket size wealth of information will come in handy upon your visit. You’ll be able to listen to something about every animal that’s here at anytime. There are no specific times to meet or any path that you need to take because the “Tour Guide” is always with you to tell you about what you want to know and when.
You can listen to audio information on animal diet, habitat, adaptations and more. Animal sounds and music that will take you to every geographic region represented in the Zoo with special song selections is NOW available.
http://www.miamimetrozoo.com/podcast-zoo-tour.asp
Photolog :: Singapore Zoo
http://raining-noodles.blogspot.com/2006/12/photolog-singapore-zoo.html
Zoo offers winter camps for kids
Friday, December 01, 2006
PORTLAND - During the two-week winter break from school, day camps for kids will be held Dec. 18-22 and 27-29 at the Oregon Zoo.
Each day's activities focus on an animal theme. "Some Like It Cold" has campers examining how animals such as polar bears are built for winter. In "How Do They Do That?" children discover how animals climb, fly, glide, dive and survive in the wild.
During "Short Days, Long Nights," campers learn about the differences between nocturnal animals and those seen in daytime.
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/argus/index.ssf?/base/news/1165005234198600.xml&coll=6
Von Bank joins Minnesota Zoo
Submitted by Pat Minelli on December 1, 2006 - 3:58pmFiled under: General News
Bill Von Bank, director of marketing at Valleyfair Amusement Park in Shakopee since 2003, was named director of marketing and sales for the Minnesota Zoo effective Monday.
Prior to his Valleyfair position, Von Bank was executive director of the Burnsville Convention and Visitors Bureau, director of marketing at Historic Murphy’s Landing, and executive director of the Shakopee Chamber/Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Currently serving on the board of directors for the Shakopee Convention and Visitors Bureau, Von Bank, of Prior Lake, is also a member of the Burnsville Chamber of Commerce and a volunteer with the Community Action Program (CAP Agency). He has served as a board member on the Advertising Federation of Minnesota and as president of Twin Cities Tourism Attractions of Minnesota.
http://www.shakopeenews.com/node/1013
Choose Your Favorite Name for Atlanta Zoo's Baby Panda
ATLANTA, December 1, 2006 - Starting today you can vote for a new name for America's newest sweetheart, a very cute baby panda born in Atlanta, Georgia.
The cute baby girl was born on September 6th and is now 86 days old.
Panda's are traditionally named on their 100th day.
Being that she was born in the south, four of the ten possible names selected have a southern connotation.
Xiao Tao meaning little peach, Mei Tao meaning beautiful peach, Mei Lan meaning Atlanta beauty, and Cheng Ya meaning pretty Atlanta girl from Chengdu.
You can choose your favorite out of ten possible panda names at
http://www.zooatlanta.org.
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=seenon&id=4814312
New zoo smoking ban includes outdoors
Philadelphia Business Journal - December 1, 2006
The Philadelphia Zoo said Friday it has banned smoking.
Zoo officials said the new no-smoking policy is "intended to provide a safer, healthier and more comfortable environment for guests, employees and animals."
Previously, smoking was allowed outdoors at the zoo. But the new policy, which went into effect Friday, bans smoking in all areas of the zoo, inside and out.
"The zoo's mission is focused squarely on protecting habitats and animals around the world. We're glad to promote a cleaner environment right here at home for the 1.2 million people who visit every year -- and for our diligent staff and precious animals. And we believe it will make the zoo even more enjoyable for kids and grownups alike," said Vikram Dewan, the organization's president and CEO.
The Philadelphia Zoo is the nation's first zoo and is home to 1,300 animals.
It is traditionally among the top five tourist attractions in Philadelphia.
http://philadelphia.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/stories/2006/11/27/daily43.html?jst=b_ln_hl
Hyenas Provide Howling Good Times At Denver Zoo
(CBS4) DENVER The Denver Zoo is showing off two new arrivals, spotted hyena cubs born on Nov. 14. The cubs were born to mother, Ngozi, and father, Kibo.They weighed in at about three pounds but are growing quickly and now weigh about five pounds each. There is a boy cub and a girl cub, but zookeepers have not yet named them.The hyena birth was the third in Predator Ridge since March 2005. There are only 51 spotted hyenas on exhibit in 19 zoos in North America. The spotted hyena, native to Africa, is the largest of the four hyena species and can grow up to four feet tall and weigh up to 250 pounds. They scavenge carcasses or kill prey in packs.The zoo doesn't plan to exhibit the cubs until the spring. However, visitors can view the cubs via a live video feed on monitors in the interpretive center of Predator Ridge.
http://cbs4denver.com/local/local_story_335152005.html
Pricey Zoo Expansion
New estimate needed for expansion project
By SHAWN LOGAN, CALGARY SUNThe $120-million price tag for ambitious plans to expand the Calgary Zoo is likely going to require a new estimate due to soaring market costs, a city committee will hear next week.
The zoo’s massive Project Discovery expansion, which will include a new elephant enclosure and Arctic Shores exhibit, was originally costed out some 18 months ago.
But Calgary’s booming construction market has forced the zoo to rethink its plans, looking to shave costs by breaking the expansion into smaller phases and determine a more accurate price for the project, said Grahame Newton, the zoo’s director of corporate affairs.
http://calsun.canoe.ca/News/Alberta/2006/12/01/2577234.html
Zoo hosts holiday event
Herald Times Reporter
MANITOWOC — The Lincoln Park Zoo, 1215 N. Eighth St., will host Happy Holidays at the Zoo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16.
The event is free and open to the public. Santa Claus will make an appearance from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Big Red Barn.A horse-drawn wagon will be giving rides around the park starting at 11 a.m.Visitors also can view decorated exhibits, enjoy refreshments and take part in activities near the Big Red Barn. The Education Center will host the Balloon Man, face painters and crafts; there also will be gifts for sale.Zoo hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays; it’s closed Sundays. The zoo will be closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.For more information, call 920-683-4685.
http://www.htrnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061201/MAN0101/61201103/1984
Young giraffe dies after breaking neck at Garden City zoo
Associated Press
GARDEN CITY - A year-old giraffe at the Lee Richardson Zoo in Garden City died Thursday after breaking her neck, zoo officials said.
The giraffe, named Makena, died when she apparently panicked after wedging her head into a small opening inside a holding stall in a zoo barn, the zoo said in a statement.
The holding stall is in a newer section of the barn and had been used to house two previous young giraffes without incident, the zoo said.
Counseling was offered to help staff deal with the loss of one of the zoo's favorite animals, the zoo said.
Minnesota Zoo mourning yet another dolphin
Ayla, 14, was born with a severe curvature of the spine. Her condition had been deteriorating, and she was destroyed.
David Peterson, Star Tribune
Last update: December 01, 2006 – 10:34
The Minnesota Zoo ended the life of a 14-year-old dolphin on Friday and braced for an emotional public reaction.
"Ayla was a very sick animal," said Kevin Willis, director of biological programs. "We had no choice."
It was the third dolphin death at the zoo this year.
One of four Atlantic bottlenose dolphins at the state institution in Apple Valley, Ayla was born with severe scoliosis, or curvature of the spine. She was noticeably disfigured and couldn't jump out of the water, though she took part in other aspects of the zoo's dolphin shows until her condition worsened in August.
http://www.startribune.com/462/story/848951.html
Rare tamarins born at BR Zoo
Brazil loaned twins’ parents
By EMILY KERNAdvocate staff writer Published: Dec 2, 2006
Golden lion tamarins born Tuesday cling to their mother in a corner of their cage at BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo — barely distinguishable by a black stripe on their heads amid the orange fur of their mother.
The twin monkeys represent the international effort underway to save this extremely rare primate from extinction.
Only about 1,500 of these animals live in the wild.
More than 90 percent of the Brazilian rainforest, which is home to the golden lion tamarin, has been cut down to obtain lumber, mine for charcoal or to make room for plantations, cattle grazing or development, according to zoo officials.
The Baton Rouge Zoo has one male and one female, both on loan from the Brazilian government.
Golden lion tamarins usually give birth to twins. Both the male and female care for their young.
The adults carry the babies with the male doing most of it, especially as the babies grow larger, zoo officials said.
Normally, the female only takes the babies to nurse.
“The golden lion tamarin serves as a good model for what zoos can do for endangered animals,” Sam Winslow, the Baton Rouge Zoo’s general curator, said Friday.
http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/4808521.html
Mill Mountain Zoo may get a fresh look (Video)
A fresh new look could be headed to Mill Mountain Zoo. The zoo is looking for ways to develop some of its unused land. Today, a group of landscape architecture students from Virginia Tech unveiled projects they have worked on all semester.
The goal was to design exhibits that focus on the natural wildlife of Virginia. The theme of the new exhibits would be Virginia Wild. The zoo plans to review the presentations. They may implement some of the ideas within the next few years.
http://www.wdbj7.com/Global/story.asp?S=5758762&nav=S6aK
Holiday Celebration at The Central Park Zoo
http://www.centralpark.com/ev_details.php?showev=352
Tech students suggest improvements to zoo
The students' designs focused on children, accessible walkways and using its existing features.
By Marques G. Harper 777-6494
Christina Hicks, a Virginia Tech student, has seen her share of zoos: the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., and several zoo parks when she lived in England. Now, with this semester quickly coming to a close, she can add one more to her list: the Mill Mountain Zoo.
As part of Tech's landscape architecture program, Hicks and 15 other students in the class had to come up with designs for a new Virginia wildlife exhibit on unused land at Mill Mountain Zoo.
The students, who started the project in October, were divided into teams of three. The groups unveiled their final designs Friday at a presentation at the Discovery Center on Mill Mountain.
"I'm really excited to see how the zoo will take our ideas and explore the possibilities," said Hicks, a 20-year-old Fredericksburg resident. "I was pleasantly surprised. The zoo was a lot bigger than I had imagined. With this site, they have great possibilities."
http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/94026
It’s two girls and a boy for zoo’s lions
By Kory Dodd Staff Writer
ASHEBORO — At five weeks old, these cats are pretty feisty. During their first face-to-face meeting with humans Friday, the North Carolina Zoo’s triplet lion cubs hissed, flipped on their backs and displayed their tiny claws. Momma would be proud — if she hadn’t been lured away by a breakfast of processed horse meat and locked in a nearby room.The ruse to separate Sala, the zoo’s 7-year-old lioness, from her cubs was necessary to ensure the safety of the team of zookeepers and veterinarians sent in to determine the sex of her babes and give them their first checkup."They’re really healthy and have fat little bellies. So mom’s taking care of them," said Jenni Bowers, a lion keeper.
http://www.news-record.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061202/NEWSREC0101/61202005
Zoo Settles Discrimination Lawsuit
POSTED: 11:45 am PST December 2, 2006
SAN DIEGO -- The San Diego Zoo has settled a lawsuit that alleged discrimination against people in wheelchairs, NBC 7/39 reported.
One of the plaintiffs, who has polio, claimed he was pulled out of line to sign a waiver as he entered the zoo last year.
Zoo officials said the waiver gives a list of basic rules and people can refuse to sign it. As part of the settlement, the zoo and wild animal park will discontinue the policy.
http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/10448632/detail.html
Britney Spears takes Sean Preston to the Los Angeles Zoo for her birthday.
Spears turns 25 years old today. Spears has been partying every night for the last 10 days and today she spent some much needed time with her son Sean who is 14 months old. They took a golf cart throughout the zoo and received a special "VIP behind the scene" tour of the whole park. The whole time park security kept the 20 or so photographers that were there at bay...
http://flynetonline.com/home/2006/12/britney-spears-takes-sean-preston-to.html
Looking for a new pet? Go to Jacksonville Zoo
Animal rescue agencies are on hand with cute cats and dogs ready for adoption.
By ADAM AASEN, The Times-Union
As Sandi Bowers watched her new black hound dog scamper around, tugging on his leash, she said she won't worry about the puppy being a handful.
"He's a hyper dog, but I've got three hyper grandkids, so it's a good match," she said. "Plenty of hands to help out."
Bowers is one of many animal lovers who attended the pet adoption fair Saturday at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. The fair continues from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at the zoo.
The event features 12 animal rescue agencies, including the Jacksonville Humane Society, Jacksonville Animal Care and Control, Florida East Coast/St. Augustine Humane Society and the Nassau County Humane Society, to give participants a chance to find out about pet adoption and perhaps leave with a new friend on a leash.
http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/120306/met_6600644.shtml
Zoo's family farm nearly completed
The Clarian-Arnett Family Farm at the Columbian Park Zoo is nearly complete. A wooden barn, 30-foot windmill and a shed have been built.
Zoo officials are preparing educational signs and themes for the barn's interior, as well as exterior areas.
Clarian-Arnett donated 100 percent of the cost to build the farm, which will include a petting zoo and various exhibits.
It's part of the zoo's multimillion dollar master plan.
A few other exhibits will begin construction soon. They're all scheduled to open sometime next summer.
WHERE
Columbian Park Zoo, at the corner of Wallace and Park avenues in Columbian Park.
WHEN
Completed in spring 2007, but not open until early summer 2007.
COST
$300,000
WHAT'S INSIDE
The farm features chickens, goats, miniature horses and other animals. It has interior stalls, an outdoor petting area, a vegetable garden, interpretive stations featuring a variety of farm animals and a fiberglass interactive milking cow.
-- Curt Slyder/cslyder@journalandcourier.com
Sofia Zoo Marks Bears' Day
Lifestyle: 3 December 2006, Sunday.Sofia Zoo marks Sunday its traditional holiday Mechkin Den (Bear Day).The bear celebrations come among the annual initiatives of children zooclub Noi with the facility's educational centre.The kids will test their knowledge on the carnivorous mammals and the winners will be prized by National Geographic, Darik News revealed.Children also made sure that all bears in the zoo were treated to special care and attention on this day, if they were still awake.
http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=73509
Welcome, new zoo director
OUR OPINION
We extend a warm welcome to Terrence DeRosa, the new director of the Potawatomi Zoo.
DeRosa comes into the job with some impressive credentials. Currently, he is the living animals collections manager at the San Antonio Zoological Gardens and Aquarium. DeRosa also has worked at New York's Bronx Zoo, the Detroit Zoo and the Brookfield (Ill.) Zoo, and he serves on an Association of Zoos and Aquariums committee.
DeRosa will be filling the position vacated by Greg Bockheim, who left in September after 3 1/2 years running the Potawatomi Zoo.
Potawatomi Zoo has made solid progress in the past several years in a number of areas, and we expect that it will continue to do so under the direction of DeRosa. He begins his new position on Jan. 1.
Bushfires threaten major Australian koala colony
CANBERRA, Dec 4 (Reuters) - Bushfires may have wiped out one of the last remaining outposts of healthy Australian koalas, scientists and animal rescue experts said on Monday.
Park rangers and specialist rescue teams from Sydney's Taronga Zoo have been searching for two days for surviving koalas in a vast tract of bushland in which wildfires have been burning uncontrolled for more than two days.
"The fear is that koalas can't really move fast along the ground to get away from the fires and unfortunately many probably will have been killed," a Taronga Zoo spokeswoman told Reuters.
The fires are burning in the Pilliga scrub nature reserve, 350 km (217 miles) northwest of Sydney, which is home to one of Australia's most genetically diverse koala colonies.
"The Pilliga scrub contains thousands of koalas and is one of the healthiest colonies in genetic terms," the zoo spokeswoman said. "The hope is that some will have been able to break across firebreaks."
Australia's koala population is estimated in the hundreds of thousands and although not threatened nationally, individual colonies are under threat from urbanisation and disease.
Koala numbers in recent years have been hit hard by disease, especially chlamydia, as well loss of habitat through logging and attacks by introduced feral animals.
Koalas need large areas of connected native forest to survive and travel long distances along corridors of their preferred food, eucalyptus trees, to search out territory and mates.
Bushfire threat for koalas
December 05, 2006 12:00
A BUSHFIRE may have wiped out hundreds of koalas in one of the nation's largest and most valued colonies, experts fear.
A rescue team arrived in the Pilliga Nature Reserve, 350km north-west of Sydney, on Saturday, but wind changes have so far prevented a thorough search.
The Pilliga bushfire has burnt out 82,400ha and is one of the fires in the Coonabarabran area being fought by 200 firefighters.
The area is home to a genetically diverse koala colony numbering in the thousands.
Wildlife experts hope to be allowed into the area today.
"We have no idea of how many may have been affected," Taronga Zoo spokeswoman Danielle McGill said.
"The RFS said they had seen quite a few kangaroos and wallabies that are fine.
"But in terms of koalas we haven't heard anything so far."
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,20869924-5006009,00.html
Rare white buffalo born at local zoo
Sonny and Jill Herring, owners of Woodlands Zoo in Farmington, know their wide array of animals draw patrons to their zoo but the couple never had considered "spirituality" as a tourist draw.
But now, thanks to one very unique birth, the Herrings can boast that, too. On Nov. 12, a perfectly normal brown buffalo at the zoo gave birth to a white baby bull calf - an occurrence that zoo owner Jill Herring said is about 1 in 10 million.The Herrings said they received an immediate response to the birth from American Indians across the region and have been reeling ever since.According to American Indian legend of the White Buffalo Woman, the prophetess was sent to her people by the Creator to teach them how to communicate with the deity through the prayer pipe.
http://www.heraldstandard.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17544617&BRD=2280&PAG=461&dept_id=480247&rfi=6
25th Anniversary Holiday Celebration at the Brookfield Zoo
http://www.oakparkjournal.com/2006/2006-Brookfield-zoo-xmas-holiday-magic.html
Zoo's big cats not just lyin’ around
By TOM GALUSHASPECIAL TO THE CHIEFTAIN
Last month, we reviewed the lives of wild lions; this month, let’s look at the lives of the lions that live at the Pueblo Zoo.
The 2-year-old sisters, Ulana and Saida, though sexually mature, are not yet full-grown Ñ both are playful with each other, and with Jahari, the zoo's new cubs’ 4-year-old, 300-pound father.
Sometimes too playful. According to keeper Heather Smith, as Ulana and Saida "run, scamper and roll around," in the Serengeti Safari exhibit at the Pueblo Zoo, "they try to be affectionate with Jahari, but he’s leery of their attention." Small wonder. Their play is so rough that Smith has occasionally seen blood on Jahari’s flanks from the female cats’ playful slaps.
http://www.chieftain.com/life/1165216274/3
Best for the animals, best for the zoo
By VIKRAM DEWAN
THERE'S been no shortage of opinion, or media coverage, on our decision to relocate the four magnificent elephants who live at the Philadelphia Zoo.
For the most part, people understand that the zoo's animal-care standards have changed as we develop larger, more exciting exhibits. Many also accept the economic realities, that bigger exhibits, with bells and whistles for animals and visitors, are also more expensive. While our goal was always to build a world-class elephant habitat, the millions necessary for such a project just never materialized. Living within your means is no easy task, for a household or a zoo that's home to more than 1,300 exotic animals.
The debate over elephants in the United States is likely to continue for some time. From the perspective of the Philadelphia Zoo, as we plan for life after elephants, we can all be reassured that Dulary, Petal, Kallie and Bette are going to excellent new homes (three to the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore and one to the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee), and that we will keep in touch and keep you updated on their progress.
But there is common ground in the great elephant debate: It would be absolutely devastating to the planet if elephants in the wild disappeared forever. And that could happen.
http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/news/opinion/16159015.htm
Molly is walking tall at the zoo
By Staff reporter
BEING this good looking is no tall order for Chester Zoo's latest addition.
Molly is the first Rothschild giraffe to be born at the zoo. Mum is Kelly, six, and dad Thorn, five.
Kelly has taken to her new role as mum and just 30 minutes after she was born, Molly, who weighs 70kg, was on her feet.
Mike Jordan, Chester Zoo's Curator of Mammals and Birds, said: "To begin with, Kelly was a little anxious in her role as a new mum and we were on standby to intervene and help the calf. "But they have now taken to each other and Molly is suckling and mum Kelly is being very attentive. She is coming along very well and we are delighted with her progress."
The birth of the zoo's first Rothschild giraffe is all the more welcome as there are only 600 Rothschild giraffes left in the wild in Kenya and Uganda.
http://www.thisiswirral.co.uk/display.var.1055493.0.molly_is_walking_tall_at_the_zoo.php
King Kong and Winnie the Pooh in Moscow Zoo
King Kong has "settled" in the Moscow Zoo which is holding the exhibition of topiary art. For the first time the masters of trees and bushes figure clipping present their art works in the capital of Russia. One of the zoo grounds has become home for the six-meter-high King Kong wreathed of stems and twigs of decorative plants, Winnie the Pooh and a man-sized kitten. There you will see also a steppe eagle with the wingspread of 12 meters and a four-meter panda. The sculptures will be changing throughout the whole winter. Thus, on the New Year's Eve a boar will appear among other topiary figures.
Source: news.mail.ru
http://www.russia-ic.com/news/show/3068/
Simian scare haunts zoo
DESPITE THE sprawling lake in the Zoological Garden here being protected against the falling of sewer water into it thereby protecting the inmates from several water-borne diseases, the menace of the stray monkeys is still to be tackled. These monkeys are major infection-carriers.
Earlier, stray monkeys were caught and left in the forest but now, that’s become impractical. On the one hand, the Zoo authorities lack sufficient funds for hiring professional monkey-catchers and transporters and on the other, none of the Forest authorities are ready to allow the stray monkeys left in the forests due the protests from those residing near the forests. Zoo officials say experts, who visited the zoo recently to provide specialised treatment to the animals, said the animals may be at the risk of contracting tuberculosis because of the stray monkeys.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/5922_1859324,0015002500030000.htm
Birds Missing From Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
(CBS4) COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. Zoo keepers at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs were trying to figure out how two green aracari toucan birds got out of their exhibit over the weekend. Officials feared the birds may have been stolen.The male and female pair was discovered missing from the exhibit on Saturday morning. They have not been found at the zoo.The bird and reptile building is equipped with multiple successive sets of doors. According to animal department officials, it is unlikely that both birds could get through the sets of doors without someone noticing.The green aracari is native to South America. The birds are the smallest of the toucans weighing in at 125 grams.Anyone who sees the toucans is asked to call the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
http://cbs4denver.com/pets/local_story_114085044.html
Autism Awareness Celebrated at Philadelphia Zoo
April 23, 2006 - Hundreds of kids, adults and athletes took part in a special day at the Philadelphia Zoo.
The seventh annual autism awareness day was filled with plenty of fun and entertainment for all.
Families got a chance to meet members of the Philadelphia Soul team and cheerleading squad.
They also took part in some fancy dancing with the "Soulman" mascot.
In between kids got their faces painted and learned how to spin balls on their fingers.
The Zoo struggles with insurance
BY FRANKLIN HAYES
Gulf Breeze News
franklin@gulfbreezenews.com
Many consider The ZOO of Northwest Florida and Botanical Gardens (The ZOO) to be an invaluable asset to Santa Rosa County. However, that intangible status has not helped the organization cure all of its hurricane woes.
"With hurricane Ivan, our insurance company basically insured us like we were a strip mall, like as an individual gift shop, an individual restaurant and individual offices, but [we were] not insured as a zoo. This year we don't have wind insurance, [our insurance provider] won't write it. It's not even an option of me paying dearly for it and that I can't afford it. I don't even have that option of having wind insurance," Natalie Aiken, Director of Visitor Services for The ZOO said.
http://www.gulfbreezenews.com/news/2006/0504/Front_Page/003.html
Orphaned Sea Lion Pups Find Home At The Zoo
Two orphaned California sea lion pups are the latest arrivals at the National Zoo. The 10-month-old pups will be on public exhibit starting Wednesday. The two pups, Summer and Calli, were rescued in June, 2005 on separate beaches in California and raised at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach, Calif. The Center typically releases successfully rehabilitated pups back into the wild, but because these two young females were hand-reared, they have become dependant on, and accustomed to, humans. After the nearly 3,000-mile journey from California, the pups were placed in quarantine at the National Zoo, where they stayed for 30 days under the observation of the Zoo’s veterinarians. When the young sea lions left quarantine, Zoo staff began introducing the two to their future exhibit and the Zoo’s resident 29-year-old female California sea lion, Maureen. Their keepers say the introductions have gone well -- although the pups are feisty and playful, they are respectful of Maureen’s larger size and greet her in nose-to-nose sea lion fashion.Keepers have also begun the pups’ behavior training -- training that will allow staff to conduct health exams without anesthesia, do demonstrations for the public, and provide enrichment and exercise for the pups. Calli, known as the “superstar” by her keepers, has readily taken to training, while Summer was a bit hesitant initially, but is now making great progress. The pups weigh approximately 70 pounds each, but will weigh between 200 and 250 pounds when they are fully grown.Summer, who was abandoned by her mother, and Calli, whose mother died shortly after giving birth, were both escorted to the National Zoo by staff of the Pacific Marine Mammal Center on March 5.
http://www.wtopnews.com/index.php?nid=25&sid=779234
Chaffee Zoo Director Planning for Future
May 2, 2006 - The new Chaffee Zoo director is getting used to his new job during his first week, but he's already making plans for the future.
Lewis Greene says it could be three to four months before he's ready to spell out his plans for the zoo's future, but he says before the zoo can move forward, it has to take care of some old business, which includes finding a new home for at least one of its exhibits.
Walking around the ground's of Fresno's Chaffee Zoo with new director Lewis Greene, you get an idea of how he thinks.
"I think its important to consider public input. After all, it is public tax dollars," said Greene.
http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=local&id=4137229
EcoCenter will replace the old zoo
By EILEEN KIRSCH / La Crosse
The Hixon Forest Nature Center was founded by a small group of volunteers in the early 1980s to help the residents of the Coulee Region, especially children, appreciate and understand our natural world with hands-on learning experiences.From its inception, it has operated on a shoestring budget, but more than 100,000 grade school students have benefited from programs offered at the center.Hixon Forest Nature Center is supported by memberships, donations, grants and fundraising events. Unfortunately, the existing nature center building is inadequate because it is too small for the large numbers of children and volunteers involved with programs. The building does not have air conditioning or adequate restrooms. Furthermore, the close proximity to the railroad tracks means that trains frequently interrupt programs because participants cannot hear over the noise.The nature center operates efficiently on a limited budget. Staff members actually put in a lot of volunteer time because they love teaching children and they love the natural world that we are so lucky to have around La Crosse.
http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2006/05/08/opinion/01ecocenter_0508.txt
Beyond Zoos, for Activists to the Extreme
IDA ACTION ALERTS
1. Stop Horse Massacre in National Wildlife Refuge
2. Make Someone's Day - Appreciate an Animal Advocate
3. National Zoo Plans to Expand Elephant Exhibit – And Herd
CAMPAIGN NEWS & UPDATES
1. Compassion for Animals Road Expedition
2. The Special Chimpanzees of IDA-Africa
3. Whole Foods Market Ends Sale of Live Crustaceans
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/06/21/18281818.php
concluding …
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