Everyone seems to be making more of these bin Laden tapes than should be...

I am all for identifying the guy, but, I'd much rather locate him and see the end of him.

Regardless, remember this?


Terror plot in Germany may have targeted U.S. facilities (click here)
By David McHugh The Associated Press
BERLIN — Three suspected Islamic terrorists from an al-Qaida-influenced group nursing "profound hatred of U.S. citizens" were arrested on suspicious of plotting imminent, massive bomb attacks on U.S. facilities in Germany, prosecutors said Wednesday. A senior State Department official said German investigators had determined the Frankfurt International Airport and the nearby U.S. Ramstein Air Base were the primary targets of the plot but that those arrested may have also been considering strikes on other sites, particularly facilities associated with the United States.
It was the second time in as many days that European officials said they had thwarted a major attack, following the arrest by Danish authorities on Tuesday of eight alleged Islamic militants with links to senior al-Qaida terrorists. It also comes less than a week before the sixth anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States.
German Federal Prosecutor Monika Harms said the three suspects, two of whom were German converts to Islam, had trained at camps in Pakistan run by the Islamic Jihad Union, a group based in Central Asia. They had obtained some 1,500 pounds of hydrogen peroxide for making explosives.
"We were able to succeed in recognizing and preventing the most serious and massive bombings," Harms told reporters. She declined to name specific targets, but said the suspects had an eye on institutions and establishments frequented by Americans in Germany, including discos, pubs and airports.
The senior State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity to describe discussions between American and German intelligence agencies, said the threat had been a major reason the U.S. Embassy in Berlin had boosted security and issued two warnings in April and May about possible impending terrorist attacks.
Chancellor Angela Merkel called the arrests a "very, very great success."...

Just for a minute, imagine the plot to have worked. Just for the sake of example. I am more than pleased the intelligence worked and that is not the issue, but, just imagine these terrorists were able to carry out the plot.

Now.

A couple days later...

...after all the excitement and terror had 'set in' around the globe...

...what appears on the internet?

Yep. Osama bin Laden with the message that unless the USA converts to Islam otherwise there will be no ending the war in Iraq, etc., etc...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWHKDASKChI&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fnews%2Egoogle%2Ecom%2Fnwshp%3Ftab%3Dwn

So, to contend this is a tape that is autonomous from any successful terrroist bombing on USA assets as if still another possibility is not giving enough credit to the mastermind of September 11th. The sad reality for 'bin' is that the world is coming to terms with his ability to invade infrastructure and to realize the intercepts that 'nailed down' the plot came from Pakistan gives clear indication to where he is actually living and conducting his business.

Now, if I may, I'd like to take this tape message once step further. This is pure speculation but none the less a perspective never pursued in the media.

So...

Here is a guy about 55 years old or so in a Pakistan tribal area, eating goat with his personal mentor, Omar, contemplating the next attack to dwarf the attacks of September 11th. Let's suppose he actually believes he has a purpose in his life. Not just some deranged anger with the USA. Not just a bastard son of his father that has to prove to all the world he is a man to contend with and 'the best' of all his siblings. Let's give 'bin' some credit in believing he is doing the right thing here.

Osama bin Laden, as wacked as he may be, reflects some of the most profound ideology of the Islamic world in recognizing the power of the USA over not just Islam, but, 'the way the world works.' Basically, he recognizes the USA as 'the evil' among people.

How is that not so strange?

We, as Americans, have witnessed to ourselves the corruption of our government, balanced it with the outcomes of other peoples, including farmers in Africa disaffected by USA policies, we have looked to Darfur and realized there are no policies of the USA that are successful to stop the genocide, we 'at home' have watched our democracy used and abused by Neocons providing more and more reason to be concerned for our own citizens.

The point is that when the USA has policy that 'hurts' others, especially Islamic populous it is instilling fear and hatred that reverberates through the community of Islam which comprises 50% of Earth's population. When bin Laden states, '...if the USA converts to Islam the war in Iraq will stop...' He is reflecting the fact we have a president that reflects extremist Christian principles which allows him morally to attack illegally an Islamic country, namely Iraq. That has clout in the populous of Muslims around the world. That is what gives 'bin' his clout to young men whom see their purpose in life to defeat the 'great evil.'

When one reflects on 'bin's message from the standpoint of 'sanity' there is a lot of reality that comes out of his statements. He is wrong in that there is another way to end the war in Iraq and that is to withdraw our troops. It would no longer give 'bin' a playground for his terrorist networks and sympathizers. He is wrong about a lot of things in his message, and that is more reassuring than anything else about this 'madman.'

He is a very clever man to plot against the West the way he does but all in all I can also see the unraveling of al Qaeda's reach as the West is able to unravel the plots and score successes against his abilities. The deepest problem that The West faces is not Osama himself, but, the reality that The West's own policies, politicians and priorities need to change. Not to give up democracy, or freedom of religion but to realize the profound 'right of passage' our societies give to the directives of 'bin' and Omar.

When the USA provides reason for others to realize how their suffering is a direct result of policies and politics practiced within our borders, is it enough to 'be safe' or do we need to move beyond that and realize others react to our society in an overwhelming way.

I firmly believe the USA is becoming just about as safe as it can. Not to say there won't be attempts or perhaps details that might slip through the cracks, but, September 11th was preventable. The USA intelligence agencies were 'on the case.' Realizing the USA is coming closer to being 'safe' I firmly believe we need to realize the power of USA policies globally and 'add' to them conscience to soften adversity to the people they can disaffect.

Ridding the world of 'bin' is one thing, being safe within our borders is another, but, do we want a future for our children that ? might ? spawn another 'bin,' another Omar? I think not and to that end we need to realize we need leadership that believes in 'a governmental conscience' to foreign policy. We also need leadership that apologies for poor decision making, willing to step aside for the best interest of the country. The face of American elections have to change to realize we are responsible in some way for messages such as those 'fired off' in contemplation of building fear in Western society intended to demise it.

The next president of the USA has to be strong enough to realize wars achieve little when it comes to domestic protection at home and stopping madmen like Osama bin Laden starts with the very policies we have with Islamic countries with populations at risk for extremism.

Bush the Paranoid - No matter where he goes it's always overwhelming force

Arrest .... Footage of Greg McLeay's arrest.

Matthew BennsSeptember 9, 2007

A FATHER of three wept yesterday as he revealed how crossing the road ahead of an APEC motorcade led to his violent arrest in front of his young son and a traumatic 22 hours in jail.
Greg McLeay was released on bail yesterday after his wife, Sophie, and children spent a sleepless Friday night worrying about him.
"Because of APEC I was not allowed to speak to him - even the lawyer couldn't," Mrs McLeay said.
"The children are traumatised. We spent the night sleeping together on the sofa. How does walking to yum cha with your 11-year-old son end up with 22-hours in jail and no access to a lawyer?"
Footage available on ninemsn showed Mr McLeay, a 52-year-old accountant from Sydney's North Shore, speaking to police in Pitt Street before four officers pushed him to the ground.
He could be clearly heard trying to explain that he was simply attempting to protect his glasses. He has a condition called astigmatism, which means he can barely see without them.
Mr McLeay was arrested under sweeping powers given to police for the APEC period that allows officers to arrest and hold people without bail until APEC ends.
Mr McLeay said he and his son, George, cycled into the city on Friday - the APEC public holiday - and met a friend, Stephen Carter, 40, to work on his accounts at Mr McLeay's Pitt Street office.
They walked out at lunchtime to go to Chinatown for yum cha. They were crossing the street to avoid a police cordon outside the Westin hotel when a police officer started shouting at them.
"I didn't know what was going on," Mr McLeay said.
"I asked which way to go and he directed me around the block. I started to walk away and he suddenly started yelling at me. It was like a fool's comedy....

I'll tell you how dispicable FOX News and the Republicans are. Remember what they were saying when Senator John's life was first in danger?

Well I do remember. Never once did they worry about his well being. The chances he could return to the Senate and carry out the confidence of the South Dakota voter who placed him in office. Never once did FOX News or the Republican media ever say, "I am sorry to hear such tragic news."

NEVER ONCE !!!!

These are compassionate people whom believe in Pro-Life? ONLY when it serves their political agenda. Liars all !

GOP Governor Could Name New Senator (click title above)
Thursday, December 14, 2006
By JOE KAFKA, Associated Press Writer

PIERRE, S.D. — Control of the U.S. Senate could be determined by Republican Gov. Mike Rounds if a replacement must be named for Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson.
State law would allow the governor to appoint a temporary replacement for a vacant Senate seat until the next general election in 2008, when Johnson's term expires.
Johnson, 59, underwent late-night brain surgery in Washington after being hospitalizes for stroke-like symptoms.
Rounds said in a statement Wednesday: "Our prayers are with Tim, Barbara and their family. We are hopeful of good news for our friend and colleague."
Rounds' press secretary, Mark Johnston, said early Thursday that Rounds had nothing else to say.
"We're watching as much as everyone else. The most important thing is making sure Senator Johnson is OK," Johnston said.
A provision in state law calls for a special election when a U.S. Senate seat is vacant, but Secretary of State Chris Nelson said it would not apply because Johnson's term ends after the next general election.
"If there's a vacancy, the governor appoints a replacement who serves until the next general election," Nelson said.
(Story continues below)...

Repuglicans have no respect for human life and ONLY seek to control the power of the USA. I never doubted for one minute Senator Johnson would take his rightful seat in the Senate. I have written on multiple occassions about the ability of people to recover when brain trauma hits in one way or another. Why? Because I have a sister that proved over and over exactly the capacity of people to overcome profound adversity and return to a productive life full of purpose.

The Conservative Media is disgusting in their motivations and 'idea' they can actually control the abandonment of a human life when so much potential for his recovery was unknown. The Neocon media should be banned from the airwaves. Do you think they learned their lesson regarding human potential and healing? Nope. If given half a chance they would do it all over again.

Sen. Johnson Gets it Now, But Do You? (click here)
...an open letter to the U.S. Senate from Donna Smith, American SiCKO

DENVER – It was a moving scene. Sen. Tim Johnson of South Dakota returned to the U.S. Senate yesterday, nine months after suffering a brain hemorrhage that nearly took his life.I vividly remember that day. I was working at a contract position here in Denver when someone came out of our break room and said some Senator from South Dakota had a stroke or something. My stomach flipped. We had just moved from South Dakota weeks before, and Tim Johnson was one of my U.S. Senators.When I arrived home that day to my daughter's home where we were living in a small storage room, a handwritten note was waiting in her mailbox for me. It was to me from Sen. Tim Johnson. The irony of receiving that note on that day was spooky for me. The note is on his U.S. Senate note paper, and he thanked me for my efforts to be a fair reporter in western South Dakota where most media leans heavily and easily to the far right. I still have that note and will treasure it always. It wasn't easy to report on any Democrat in western South Dakota, and it was kind of him to acknowledge that fact....

Conrad: B-52 Mistake Won`t Reflect Poorly on Minot

The Air Force Chief of Staff said the Minot Air Force Base probably won`t be in trouble for the long term because of last week`s flight of a B-52 bomber loaded with nuclear weapons.

Minot airmen mistakenly loaded a B-52 bomber with six nuclear warheads, and sent them to Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana on August 30.

The warheads sat there for 10 hours before airmen discovered them loaded to the advanced cruise missiles.

Senator Kent Conrad said he thinks this mistake will not shine a negative light on the Base and its search for more missions.

"I don`t think it reflects on Minot Air Force Base at all," Conrad said. "I think this reflects on the command and control structure in the Air Force. I don`t think it has any adverse effect or reflection on Minot Air Force Base."

General Mike Moseley told Congressman Earl Pomeroy the incident is likely to result in personnel changes at the Minot base and more training safeguards.

In case no one recognizes it, this is incompetency. It is at the highest levels of our military command structure. There needs to be people removed from their positions including the Commander and Chief. These are loose nukes, people!!! When was a complete inventory conducted on these weapons because there are minimally four nuclear warheads no one had a clue about? Where are the others? Bush can no longer point a finger at Russia stating they are not in control of their inventory, because, neither is the USA. Impeach Bush and Cheney. NOW !

America wants more of the same from Giuliani? A president that believes in 'hands off' management of our Executive Branch. One that is already seeking to outsource cabinet level positions to regional authority and funding. Giuliani might be good a making the stop lights on NYCity streets work in coordination to prevent grid lock and placing overwhelming police power on every NY City corner that leads to dead immigrants, but, he is NOT qualified to lead this country !

Right Wing Republicans, including the Religious Right aren't interested in a Qualified candidate. They are interested in one they can control.

That is why we have the incompentent leadership in Washington we have now with Bush and Cheney and the Republican Party. The people that vote Republican want candidates, 'on the take,' regardless of what they say because then and only then they are assured that their stockholdings and their preferential economy will continue....

Republicans don't care about America. They care about controlling a powerful country, with flag waving, baby kissing and supposedly moralistic verbosities. The Religious Right love war, they love the fiscal benefits of having the USA Treasury at their disposal and they love pulling the worlds chain to watch any country dance on the head of a pin in order to please the USA for one reason or another.

Rudy Giuliani is in no way qualified to be president, but, people will vote for him because he is a caucasian MALE and traumatically bonded to the country through the events of September 11, 2001. He is more overtly out and about now, (one has to realize he and Osama have a lot in common. They share the same trauma bond with the American people. Now that is something to be proud of, huh?), because of the sixth year following this tragedy to 'spin' his popularity. He has no answers to any of the problems the USA has except more of the same Republican Rhetoric and that is exactly what the Republican Right Wing wants. They want candidates that are 'yes men' to their fiscal agenda that is laced with religious bias to justify their immorality on every issue that exists.

End of discussion.

Giuliani hasn't come to my America. Nowhere near it. Why? Because there aren't people in my America interested in voting for him, that's way. So don't tell me he is interested in reaching out to America. He's not. He interested in 'capturing' just enough attention of the electorate to win 2008. That is all the Republicans want of him and nothing more. They want power, not a country.

America’s Mayor Goes to America (click here)
...1. As New York’s mayor, he was pro-choice, pro-gun control and pro-gay rights.

2. He has demonstrated an odd propensity over the years for publicly dressing up in women’s clothing, proof of which is now readily available online, including a disturbing clip of Donald Trump nuzzling the mayor’s bosom.

3. He once endorsed Mario Cuomo for governor.

4. Once, while mayor, he holed up for months at the apartment of a gay couple who were close friends of his. Try explaining that one at Bob Jones University.

5. He has divorced two times; the last time, he broke the news to his family on national television. His two children don’t seem inclined to vote for him, let alone nominate him for Father of the Year.

6. Presidential politics is said to be largely about warmth and likability, and these aren’t words that leap to mind with Giuliani. His former political ally, Ed Koch, once felt moved to write a book titled “Giuliani: Nasty Man.” It sold well....

The Unpatriotic Act - Judge Strikes Down Part of Patriot Act

Friday September 7, 2007 7:16 AM
By LARRY NEUMEISTER
Associated Press Writer
NEW YORK (AP) - A federal judge struck down a key part of the USA Patriot Act on Thursday in a ruling that defended the need for judicial oversight of laws and bashed Congress for passing a law that makes possible ``far-reaching invasions of liberty.''
U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero immediately stayed the effect of his ruling, allowing the government time to appeal. Justice Department spokesman Dean Boyd said: ``We are reviewing the decision and considering our options at this time.''
The ruling handed the American Civil Liberties Union a major victory in its challenge of the post-Sept. 11 law that gave broader investigative powers to law enforcement.
The ACLU had challenged the law on behalf of an Internet service provider, complaining that the law allowed the FBI to demand records without the kind of court supervision required for other government searches. Under the law, investigators can issue so-called national security letters to entities like Internet service providers and phone companies and demand customers' phone and Internet records.
In his ruling, Marrero said much more was at stake than questions about the national security letters.
He said Congress, in the original USA Patriot Act and less so in a 2005 revision, had essentially tried to legislate how the judiciary must review challenges to the law. If done to other bills, they ultimately could all ``be styled to make the validation of the law foolproof.'' ...



Now Bush's Henchmen at the Supreme Court can reverse the decision and begin jailing all those that are nay sayers to Bush's economy and wars.

...and here is good news for those that like to top off their DVD watching with Popcorn.

...ConAgra Foods Inc, maker of Orville Redenbacher and Act II microwave popcorn brands, said Wednesday it will drop diacetyl from its butter-flavored microwave popcorn in the "near future" to safeguard its employees.
The additive, which gives microwave popcorn a buttery taste, has long been linked with a rare lung disease, bronchiolitis obliterans, found in plant workers....

That should be a lesson to everyone. If the ingredient has more than six letters, difficult to spell and sounds strange enough to come from Mars, it can't be good for you.

B

U

T

T

E

R

Six letters and easy to trace, it comes from either goats or cows. The WORSE that can happen is for one's cholesterol to increase with frequent and compulsive use. But, look on the bright side, you lungs will be intact, especially if you don't smoke.

OH, YEAH. Not made in China.

Bush and the Republicans give an entire new meaning to recycle "Bin."

No different than the Korean Conflict. It always makes good press for the Neocons. The Republicans have served in the majority of years after the Korean Conflict and they just can't seem to sign off on a war that serves no one. Amazing.

Back in DVD and Surround Sound, the one, the only, son of bin Laden, Osama !

This has got to be as much a national shame as still being at war with North Korea. Bin is using Grecian Formula (click here). Isn't that what Regan used to use? Right? And like, what is this 'thing' about a 'media arm' of al Qaeda? Al Qaeda has a media arm? And of course the USA can't find it and him. Okay then. Six years after this terrorist and his network downed the skyscrapers in NYC and he is still on the loose in Pakistan and Afghanistan. You know, scientists can find members of an endangered goat species in the Himalayas, with species in Pakistan and Afghanistan (click here) , the Markhor, but NATO and the CIA can't find Osama bin Laden. Perhaps they need to ask a mountain goat. Right? I mean you would think by now that would be an option.



Osama Bin Laden To Appear In New Video Soon (click here)
September 6, 2007 10:24 p.m. EST
Susheela Hegde - AHN News Writer
Washington D.C. (AHN) - Al Qaida's media arm al Sahab has announced a new video message by Osama bin Laden is on the way.
Posted on a Jihadist websites Thursday, the banner notice with a photo of Al Qaida leader said: "Soon, God willing, video message by the Lion Sheik Osama bin laden, may God protect him."
"We expect the release to occur within the next 72 hours," Jihadist websites monitor IntelCenter is quoted by AFP as saying.
Bin Laden's beard is black in the photograph, unlike the graying beard in the previous ones.
If the new video surfaces as per the notice, it will coincide with the sixth anniversary of 9/11 terrorist attacks. However, similar announcements were not followed by videos in the past.
Bin Laden has not appeared in video since 2004. However, an audio message was posted last year dispelling the speculations about his death.

whale watching

Posted by maryschwalm on August 30th, 2007
I made it out on the water today for the much anticipated and talked about whale watch. In return for what i can only see as my patience and dilligence, the whales did this, over and over, and over again. thank you whales.

Frog Hunter Discovers New Species

Kathy Krynak, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo's amphibian keeper and part-time frog hunter, shared field notes with me from her most recent expedition, during which she traveled to Ecuador with a team of volunteers to conduct an amphibian survey of the land of Reserva Las Grelarias. The survey, sponsored by Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, appears to have uncovered at least three unknown frog species including the "Punk Rocker Frog" shown in the photo to the left. Read about the adventure in her Journal of a Frog Hunter.

Journal of a Frog Hunter
By Katherine Krynak
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo's Kathy Krynak shares her most recent field journal, recounting the surveying of amphibians of Reserva Las Gralarias in Ecuador. Please visit the Las Gralarias Foundation web site for more information on this recent expedition and the conservation projects and programs of Reserva Las Gralarias.

http://www.clemetzoo.com/conservation/field/projects/amphibian/journal/

Zoos

Hutchinson Zoo reopens after flood recovery
Associated Press - August 30, 2007 9:54 AM ET
HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) - Fourteen weeks after torrential rains flooded the Hutchinson Zoo, its doors open Saturday morning.
Zoo officials say all of the zoo's display animals are back in Hutchinson and should be in their exhibits on Saturday.
More than 7 inches of rain fell in Hutchinson on May 23rd, causing the zoo's lagoon to overflow and flooding the grounds. After most of the water in the city receded, the record-high groundwater table kept much of the zoo underwater for weeks.
Zoo visitors will see a new exhibit. During the flood, workers put the zoo's beaver into the flooded aviary so the animal could swim. The beaver liked it so much, the zoo decided to make a permanent exhibit.
The Hutchinson News: http://www.hutchnews.com/
Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

http://www.kbsd6.com/Global/story.asp?S=7004870


Simba, Tonga and the Taiping Four
Are the former zoo animals really better off at 'home'?
STEPHANIE NOLEN
From Friday's Globe and Mail
August 31, 2007 at 4:12 AM EDT
JOHANNESBURG — Simba the lion gets bones
to gnaw, rocks to lie on and scrubby bush to hide behind, should he feel the need, in his new home in Shamwari in South Africa's Eastern Cape. For the first time, Tonga the circus hippopotamus has mud aplenty in which to wallow:
he will be released today on a wildlife reserve in Limpopo.
And soon, the Taiping Four (who are gorillas, not freedom fighters, although their story is suitably dramatic) may have fresh wild celery to lunch on, when they are shipped out of a Pretoria zoo to a reserve in Cameroon.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070831.wgorilla31/BNStory/International/home


New zoo exhibit may feature snow leopards, monkeys
$150,000 grant aids construction
By George Basler
Press & Sun-Bulletin
BINGHAMTON -- Some animals at the Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park will soon be housed in a new exhibit building designed to be part of a major facelift of the zoo's lower area, officials said Thursday.
The zoo plans to build a new, 2,400-square-foot "Wonders of Nature" exhibit for year-round display of a variety of species, Executive Director Mike Janis said.
The estimated construction cost is $210,000, with $150,000 coming from a donation by the Binghamton-based Conrad & Virginia Klee Foundation. Zoo and foundation officials announced the donation Thursday. A $20,000 donation from Teddy Bear Artists, and $40,000 to be raised through fundraising efforts will complete the funding.

http://www.pressconnects.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070831/NEWS01/708310340/1006


Fountains, giraffes may help zoo set record
Friday, August 31, 2007
WALTER BRYANT
News staff write
The Birmingham Zoo is on its way to record-breaking attendance for the year.
As of Sunday, 355,070 people had visited the zoo since the first of the year, said Katrina Cade, spokeswoman for the zoo.
Records show there were 472,542 visitors in 2006, compared with 449,807 in 2005. That reflects a steady growth since the attendance of 335,300 in 2000, the first year the zoo became a private attraction.
The increased attendance got a boost from Community Free Admissions Day on Aug. 5, which had a goal of 5,000 and drew more than 16,000 visitors.
Cade said the new Sea Lion Splash Show, feeding the giraffes, riding the train and playing in the Junior League of Birmingham-Hugh Kaul Children's Zoo jet-stream fountains are very popular.
Zoo memberships, which start at $40 and give a family unlimited attendance at the Birmingham Zoo and discounted admission at 150 other zoos for a year, were approximately 12,000 households as of July 31. They increased from 4,305 in 2001 to 10,557 in 2006.
"With several new animal additions and new shows, we constantly strive to provide new and inventive animal and recreational experiences for the family, which supports our mission," said William R. Foster, president and CEO of the zoo.
The zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $11 for adults, $6 for children ages 2-12 and senior citizens. Children under 2 and Birmingham Zoo members are free.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/118854899115820.xml&coll=2


Steve Irwin's dream for Australia Zoo becoming reality
By Glenis Green
September 01, 2007 12:00am
"MATE, it's going to be bigger than Disneyland."
Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin might have sounded a tad ambitious when talking to The Courier-Mail a few years ago about plans for his beloved Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast.
But not any more.
As the first anniversary of his death looms, the zoo continues to go from strength to strength – with record-breaking attendances and a multimillion-dollar development schedule.

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,22341319-3102,00.html



EPA Awards $10,000 to Dallas Zoo for Waste-to-Energy Project
by Trey Granger on August 31st, 2007
Dallas, TX – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $10,000 to the City of Dallas for the Dallas Zoo Waste-to-Energy project.
The project will focus on overcoming technical, economic and environmental constraints in utilizing biomass for energy production.
Utilizing biomass for energy production will allow the zoo to reduce the amount of manure and waste disposed in landfills, and to offset annual electric and natural gas costs.
For more information on energy, visit Earth 911’s Energy page.

http://earth911.org/blog/2007/08/31/epa-awards-10000-to-dallas-zoo-for-waste-to-energy-project/


Buffalo Zoo’s Cinereous Vulture Chick Can Now Fly!
(Buffalo, NY, August 31, 2007) - - The Buffalo Zoo is pleased to announce the cinereous chick that hatched on May 15, 2007 can now fly!
After more than three months of being reared by its parents, the vulture chick (now a fledgling) left the nest on Wednesday and began exploring the exhibit. Visitors can find all three cinereous vultures in their exhibit, which is located across from the polar bears.

http://www.wivb.com/Global/story.asp?S=7012821


Zoo/Aquarium Sketches
First, some penguin sketches from the San Francisco Zoo....
I don't know if anyone remembers my post about the Baiji dolphins in China, but there has been a possible sighting since the announcement of their "functionally extinct" status. Not exactly a confirmed breeding population, but at least it offers a bit of hope:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6969226.stm


Zoos ban equine transfers in EI response
Zoos across Australia have banned movement of all equine species while the horse flu outbreak persists, a Victorian zoo spokesperson said.
Werribee Open Range Zoo spokeswoman Leah Grinter said zoos had taken steps including taking some species off public display and cancelling some tours, to ensure their equine creatures were protected from the flu bug.
Species at risk of the virus at Werribee Open Range Zoo are the zebra, the Mongolian wild horse, the donkey and the southern white rhinoceros, which can be infected even though it's not an equine species, Ms Grinter said.

http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/Zoos-ban-equine-transfers-in-EI-response/2007/08/31/1188067343799.html


After hesitation, zoo's new giraffes stick their necks out
Saturday, September 01, 2007
By Linda Wilson Fuoco, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
It took some coaxing to get the new giraffes to venture out yesterday into the Pittsburgh replica of an African savanna. Waiting to see the 9-foot-tall "babies" were reporters, photographers and a handful of zoo visitors who were at the right place at the right time for the unannounced debut of the newest stars at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07244/813942-85.stm


Family Day upcoming at Ellen Trout Zoo on Sept. 8
By ASHLEY COOK
The Lufkin Daily News
Friday, August 31, 2007
The upcoming Family Day at Ellen Trout Zoo celebrates making families stronger by spending more time together at the dinner table.
The event is part of a national campaign to promote regular family dinners as a way to reduce teen substance abuse, said a news release from KWSP/KAVX Christian Radio, one of the event sponsors.

http://www.lufkindailynews.com/featr/content/features/stories/2007/09/01/church_family_day.html


Alaska Zoo gets new lynx, named Tony
by The Associated PressFriday, Aug. 31, 2007
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- A baby lynx named Tony is now on display at the Alaska Zoo.
Zoo officials say the male weighs 3 pounds and is approximately 10-weeks old.
He was brought to the Alaska Zoo by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game about a month ago.
Tony was found abandoned in the Palmer area. He has spent the last month in quarantine.
Lynx are the only cat native to Alaska.
Zoo officials say the elusive animals have long legs, a short black-tipped tail, large furry feet that act as snowshoes in deep snow and long tufts on each ear for camouflage in forests.
An adult lynx weighs anywhere between 18 and 30 pounds. Lynx reach maturity within a year of their birth.

http://www.ktuu.com/Global/story.asp?S=7013673



Keep the Oceans Clean Campaign and Game

http://www.keepoceansclean.org/home/


Fayette County Music festival opens at Woodland Zoo
By Lori Ann Goodwin, Herald-Standard
09/01/2007
Updated 09/02/2007 12:06:05 AM EDT
As the humidity in Fayette County faded away, the Fayette County Music Festival got underway Friday evening at the Herald-Standard Pavilion at the Woodlands Zoo in Farmington.
Friday evening's lineup featured a selection of jazz musicians, most who are Fayette County natives, including the Bobby Reed Quartet, jazz guitarist Fred Adams Jr. and trombonist Harold Betters.

http://www.heraldstandard.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18772799&BRD=2280&PAG=461&dept_id=480247&rfi=6


Zoo animals never ‘rest in peace’
* Animals’ body parts being sold after death * Wildlife director general says auctioning of rare species’ horns is prohibited By Hina Farooq LAHORE: The animals at the Lahore Zoo may have a peaceful life, but after death, they are not allowed to ‘rest in peace’, according to zoo officials. They said that the animals’ bodies are operated upon after their death and ‘important’ parts are taken out and auctioned, mostly to medicine companies.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007%5C09%5C02%5Cstory_2-9-2007_pg7_35


State Zoo to carry out captive breeding
By A Staff Reporter GUWAHATI, Sept 1 – In a significant development for the conservation of select species it has been decided that scientific captive breeding would be carried out in Assam State Zoo, Guwahati. Even though there have been instances of some wildlife breeding well in the zoo, it would be for the first time that scientific captive breeding would take place under strict supervision. Among the species identified for the project are one-horned rhino, golden langur, serow, and grey Bhutan pheasant.

http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/details.asp?id=sep0207/at08


Alaska Zoo has new additionby Heather Balderson
Saturday, Sept. 1, 2007
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- The Alaska Zoo has a new addition of the feline variety.
Tony the baby lynx was rescued by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game on the side of the road in Palmer.
The zoo estimates him to be between eight and 12 weeks old.
His caretakers are currently getting him used to being around people and are hoping to include him in an education program in the future.
Tony also has some friends to keep him company.
"In his drinking water, which is a big, black flat, are two goldfish. It's just behavioral enrichment. It gives him something to do, although, I think he watches them but he hasn't really done anything with them yet. He just got them yesterday," Zoo Curator Shannon Jensen said.
The zoo says Tony is also litter box trained and sleeps with his blue stuffed hippo every night.

http://www.ktuu.com/Global/story.asp?S=7016557


Zoo keepers release their animal
By Saffron Howden
September 03, 2007 12:00am
CLARENCE Sophie Dany has a rare ability to help people find their inner animal.
The NIDA director, an Australian with French parents, has been training Taronga Zoo keepers in the art of communicating to the crowds that come to see animals in their care perform.
It wasn't hard to bring out the animal in zookeepers, Ms Dany said. "What's fascinating is the zookeepers themselves were so free and so in tune with that child-like instinct," she said.
"They seem to have adopted that animal persona."

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,22349447-5001021,00.html


A little off beat, but, a reminder to the varied roles we play in life

The Zookeeper's Wife
A War StoryDiane AckermanW.W. Norton: 368 pp., $24.95History is a loosely knotted net, through which many lives and stories are lost. Jan Zabinski, the director of the Warsaw Zoo, and his wife, Antonina, saved the lives of more than 300 imperiled Jews, but the zookeeper and his wife fell through gaps in the chronicles of Nazi-besieged Poland. They are now reclaimed by poet and naturalist Diane Ackerman in "The Zookeeper's Wife," a stunning tale of war and sanctuary.

http://www.latimes.com/features/printedition/books/la-bk-seaman2sep02,0,1140924.story?coll=la-headlines-bookreview


Island lizard at home in zoo's new exhibit
By TOM GALUSHASPECIAL TO THE CHIEFTAIN
…However chuckwallas came to the island, they now represent a rare and unique endemic species.
Island biogeography is the study of organisms' development on islands and in island-like patches of landscape. It shows how the descendants of migrants like our hypothetical chuckwalla become new species, often tending toward dwarfism or gigantism - the latter in the case of the San Esteban chuckwallas, which grow much bigger than their mainland relatives.
The Pueblo Zoo displays two San Esteban chuckwallas in a naturalistic "rocky" environment in the new Islands of Life building. The zoo also uses a common chuckwalla in several of its popular educational programs….

http://www.chieftain.com/life/1188799627/4


Waiting for a male rhino at Delhi Zoo
Kunal Diwan
Zoo left with three females of the species
Photo: V.V. Krishnan In happier times: A rhino in its enclosure at Delhi Zoo .
NEW DELHI: A male rhinoceros at Delhi Zoo died of snakebite over the weekend. It was four years old and the only male rhinoceros in the zoo.
The Indian one-horned rhino had been brought to Delhi Zoo from Patna a few years ago.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/09/04/stories/2007090450750200.htm


Labor Day picnic draws 5,000 to zoo
By Peter Smithpsmith@courier-journal.comThe Courier-Journal
Even with her union's labor contract scheduled to expire later this month, Barbara Harris of Louisville wasn't letting that cloud her enjoyment of the annual Labor Day picnic today at the Louisville Zoo.
"When you come out to have fun, sometimes you forget about the troubles," said Harris, who works at Ford's Louisville Assembly Plant on Fern Valley Road. "We come here and eat and have a good time. It's like a family reunion."

http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070903/BUSINESS/709040302


Visitors Enjoy One More Summer Visit To The North Carolina Zoo
Labor Day is one of the busiest days at the zoo, as people try to enjoy the unofficial day of summer.
Randolph County, NC -- Labor Day means a break from school, but some students didn't take a holiday from learning.
People like the Case family of Randleman spent Labor Day at the North Carolina Zoo. They live just 20 minutes down the road.
"It's sort of the end-of-the-summer kind of thing, sort of last hurrah. We're members of the zoo. We like to come in two, three times a year. Sometimes even more than that," said Mark Case.
Eighteen-month-old Sophie and her parents drove from Durham to see the animals.
"Well, we heard the weather was going to be a little cooler for the weekend and this is our first trip to the zoo with our daughter. She's just starting to learn all her words, so it's been really fun. Like, turtles were a big hit. She just learned 'turtle' this week," said Cathy Snell, Sophie's mom.
Most visitors to the zoo live within three-and-a-half hours.
More than 7,000 people visited the zoo on Labor Day. This year, the zoo is seeing its highest number of visitors in 10 years.
Source: WFMY News 2
Copyright: 2007 digtriad.com

http://www.digtriad.com/news/local_state/article.aspx?storyid=89037


Oceans Exhibit at Indianapolis Zoo Closes for Changes
Sep 4, 2007 07:36 AM EDT
INDIANAPOLIS - A zoo exhibit will be closed for about the next week. Zoo staff will be making some changes to the new Oceans exhibit.
The display opened on Memorial Day. The zoo wanted to wait until after the busy summer season to make the changes.
The closing will not affect the outdoor viewing areas for the polar bear and sea lion - seal exhibits.
The exhibit is set to reopen next Friday.

http://www.wishtv.com/global/story.asp?s=7021664


Hours Change at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Starting today, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. And while summer may be winding down, there's still plenty to do at the Zoo.
The popular summer exhibits DINOSAURS!, TOUCH! Amazing Rays & Sharks and Butterfly Magic remain open through Sunday, September 16. Dr. ZooLittle's Wild Animal Show runs weekends only through September at the Zoo Amphitheater.
At TOUCH!, visitors can reach into an 11,000-gallon saltwater pool and feel the smooth skin of stingrays and small sharks -- just $1 per person in addition to regular Zoo admission. DINOSAURS!, which features 15 lifelike animatronic creatures, is $2 per person in addition to regular Zoo admission.
You can experience DINOSAURS! for free at ZOObilee, the Zoo's 125th anniversary celebration on Saturday, September 15. The Zoo will be open late that day, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and will feature live entertainment, animal encounters and a free concert by Red {an orchestra} at 5 p.m.
Regular admission to the Zoo is $10 per person ages 12 and older, $5 for kids ages 2 to 11 and free for children under 2 and Zoo members. Parking is free. Located at 3900 Wildlife Way, the Zoo is easily accessible from Interstates 71, 77, 90 and 480. To learn more, visit clemetzoo.com or call (216) 661-6500.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo . . . Cleveland's Natural Wonder

http://www.clemetzoo.com/pressroom/index.asp?action=details&pressrelease_id=1263


'Wild Life Live' soars into September at the Oregon Zoo
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
PORTLAND, Ore. - While summer unofficially ends with the Labor Day weekend, the animals with the Wild Life Live show keep the fun going. Shows continue at 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays through September, and daily during the zoo's World Animal Festival, Sept. 29 through Oct. 7.
The shows are free with zoo admission.
Wild Life Live, presented by Portland General Electric, features majestic birds such as hawks and eagles, which swoop between perches and make dramatic take-offs and landings, coming within a few feet of spectators, and sometimes closer. Audiences experience the birds flying, eating carrion and hunting during the show.

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/argus/index.ssf?/base/news/118893365279460.xml&coll=6


Evansville zoo needs docents
Courier & Press staff reportOriginally published 02:20 p.m., September 4, 2007Updated 02:21 p.m., September 4, 2007
Evansville's Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden will offer docent training for people who are interested in working with animals and children.
Docents are Zoo volunteers who provide educational experiences through presentations and exhibit interpretation with live animals and other materials.
To become a Docent, you must complete an application, attend a 36-hour training course, and commit to fulfilling 60 volunteer hours per year.

http://www.courierpress.com/news/2007/sep/04/evansville-zoo-needs-docents/


The animals come in two-by-two as zoo enjoys summer baby boom
By Michael McCarthy
Published: 29 August 2007
A baby boom has been taking place at Chester Zoo, where dozens of new arrivals have added to the animal population.
New additions have included two red panda cubs, four prairie marmot kittens, 18 flamingos and a three-striped turtle.
Further births include a buffy-headed capuchin monkey, a bongo calf (the bongo is an African deer), a shoal of banggai cardinal fish and a vicuna, a relative of the llama.
Zoo staff say they are delighted, and especially pleased with the birth of the buffy-headed capuchin. "The male capuchin, Eubank, and female Maud have recently produced a young animal, which can now be seen at the zoo," a spokesman said. "We have kept the species since 1996. Both parents came from Brazil and are on loan from the Brazilian government for conservation breeding.
http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/this_britain/article2903570.ece


Coachella Valley's Living Desert a zoo of exotic critters
By MEREDITH GRENIER
Los Angeles Daily News
Article Launched: 08/28/2007 03:30:15 PM PDT
PALM DESERT, Calif.—At the entrance to the Living Desert, docent Judy Lowry greets visitors with the help of a live tarantula. The arachnid welcome sets the stage for a day of surprises at this 1,200-acre park that guidebooks call the "must-do" destination in the Coachella Valley.
"The tarantula grabs their attention pretty fast," said Lowry, "but you ought to see their reaction when we bring out the rosy boa."
These animal ambassadors are just a sampling of the 450 species that live in this Palm Desert habitat—the only American zoo and botanical garden dedicated to displaying and conserving species from the world's deserts.
With its plethora of blooming trees, shrubs and flowers, and animals in natural habitats, the lush oasis defies any notion of the desert as a hostile wasteland.

http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_6741821?nclick_check=1


When new animals move in at the zoo, things can get hairy
By JOEY HOLLEMAN - jholleman@thestate.com
TIM DOMINICK/TDOMINICK@THESTATE.COM
Adjoa, Imi and Makale are joining the two baboons Riverbanks Zoo already houses. The zoo tries to minimize the friction when new residents arrive.
Baines, a 27-year-old male, long has ruled the roost in the baboon exhibit at Riverbanks Zoo.
Recently, he had to begin sharing power with a new kid on the block, a 4-year-old male named Mikale.
Next door in the lion exhibit, the new guy, Zuri, finally got to meet females Lindsey and Brynn up close after checking them out from a distance for months.
Blending new animals with old at a zoo always is a challenge. With large mammals, and their large teeth, the process can be especially worrisome for keepers.
Both of the potentially volatile situations at Riverbanks went smoothly, a testament to the skill and patience of the zoo’s mammal-care staff.

http://www.thestate.com/local/story/158141.html


Fire hoze fun at the zoo
devon.editorial@archant.co.uk
29 August 2007
FIRE fighters from Ilfracombe have given a helping hand to a whole troop of new fans which they hope will hang around for some time to come!The station has donated hundreds of yards of decommissioned fire hose to Exmoor Zoo for the animals to play on.The flexible hoses will be ideal for athletic gibbons, lemurs and all manner of primates, providing them with swings, hammocks, trapezes and anything else inventive keepers can come up with."Toys are an important part of keeping animals entertained and these will prove fascinating to all manner of our residents who really appreciate the value of a good hose!" said keeper Steve Eddy.Barry Webb of Ilfracombe Fire Station added: "The service is always keen to promote itself among the community and this was another opportunity to help a worthy cause.

http://www.northdevongazette.co.uk/northdevongazette/news/story.aspx?brand=NDGOnline&category=news&tBrand=devon24&tCategory=newsndga&itemid=DEED29%20Aug%202007%2007%3A47%3A07%3A167


Zoo invites public to join its circle of friends
By LaReeca Rucker
lrucker@jackson.gannett.com
When Davis Frye was 5 years old, the elephants at the Jackson Zoo were his favorite animals. Today, he’s a 35-year-old attorney with Jackson’s Baker-Donelson law firm, who frequently takes his 7-year-old son, Coleman, to the zoo to see the boa constrictors.
Frye, a Friends of the Zoo Board member, invites the public to attend the Feast With the Beasts, an annual event for Friends of the Zoo members set for Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.“It’s a good opportunity for those who are not members to become Friends of the Zoo,” Frye said. “Membership dues help us improve the facility.”Christopher Mims, director of marketing and public relations for the zoo, said a membership entitles you to free admission to the Jackson Zoo and more than 100 other zoos across the country for an entire year. Members also receive discounted parking and gift store discounts.

http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070829/FEAT05/70829004


Zoo Boo sponsorship opportunities available for businesses
Submitted by Binder Park Zoo
Businesses looking to increase their presence in the community will benefit from a number of unique sponsorship opportunities during Binder Park Zoo's All New Great Zoo Boo. Businesses can expect to reach 45,000 - 50,000 people in just two weeks, making The Great Zoo Boo an ideal method for reaching families with young children. Those interested should contact the Zoo at (269) 979-1351 ext. 153 or plan to attend an informational lunch meeting set to take place on September 6th, at noon to learn more.
This opportunity is ideal for businesses looking to gain a strong representation in the community, promote their business to families, and support a local nonprofit. There are multiple levels of sponsorships available that can accommodate businesses both large and small. Funding from sponsoring businesses will go to directly support the Zoo's conservation initiatives as well as providing for the zoo's animals through the winter months when the Zoo is closed.


http://battlecreekenquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070829/LIFESTYLE08/708290308


Donation From Australia Zoo
Published by Karuna August 30th, 2007 in Updates.
Karuna Director Yeshe Khadro accepts $15,000 Kindness Week donation. Kindness week was launched at Australia Zoo by His Holiness The Dalai Lama in June. Karuna appreciates this wonderful support from Australia Zoo.

http://www.karuna.org.au/2007/08/30/donation-from-australia-zoo/


Zoo vet sets record straight It is time to present the actual facts about The Zoo
Northwest Florida's animals and operations. Much misinformation has been stated and suggested in the press, on the web, and at the water coolers at work.
To start out, the monthly rate (percentage of animals dying) at The Zoo has been right in line with any zoo in the nation, at about 3 to 3.5 percent. This is most remarkable when you realize that our numbers are elevated by all the sick and malnourished reptiles we rescued in Milton, the one hundred sick and malnourished cockatiels we accepted to give care and shelter from animal rescue, the scores of New York City animal control cases we have accepted, and finally, the geriatric animals we sometimes accept from larger zoos. Incidentally, most of these animals would have been euthanized if The Zoo did not give them a chance for a better life.

http://www.gulfbreezenews.com/news/2007/0830/Opinion/030.html


Valley Zoo's red panda babies named
edmontonjournal.com
Published: Wednesday, August 29
EDMONTON - The Valley Zoo's two-month-old red pandas are no longer nameless.
Zoo staff chose the names "Neko" and "Su Lin" out of 950 submissions. "Su Lin" means "a little something very cute."
Jan Archbold, spokeswoman for Edmonton Community Services, said the list was sent to all zoo staff, who chose their favourite three names for each of the two panda cubs.

http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/story.html?id=61e1efab-90ef-4f72-8721-c723f0230902&k=92537


Werribee zoo acts on infection fears
WERRIBEE Open Range Zoo is on high alert over equine flu, cancelling its rhinoceros tours and moving some equine species off display.
The zoo has 39 animals from four species susceptible to the highly contagious virus — nine rhinoceros, 23 zebra, five Przewalski horses and two donkeys.
Zoos have imposed a nationwide halt on the movement of any equine species.
With a high number of interstate visitors from NSW and Queensland, Werribee zoo fears its animals may contract the virus from humans or from an outbreak at the neighbouring Werribee Park Equestrian Centre. "It's absolutely top of mind for us and of course we are concerned that there are horses there and it could pose a risk to our animals," zoo spokeswoman Leah Grinter said.

http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/werribee-zoo-acts-on-infection-fears/2007/08/30/1188067277989.html


Zoo Atlanta Show Hawk Still Missing

A star attraction that flew off from Zoo Atlanta right in the middle of a bird show performance remained on the lam in the skies over Grant Park Thursday.Alamo, a Harris hawk, can probably be most easily identified by the leather strap hanging from one of his yellow legs. Alamo is mostly black with white on the tip of his tail.His handlers told 11Alive News that Alamo is not a danger to the public and can fend for himself by feeding on mostly small rodents, but they still want him back home.The outdoor bird show has been a mainstay at Zoo Atlanta but the star went missing while entertaining visitors. "We're all very upset about this. This is an animal that we've all bonded to," said John Elmore. "I think he's in the Grant Park area."Elmore tried to guess as to why Alamo would flee Zoo Atlanta after six years. "Just to see maybe what might be over the other side of the trees there." Zoo officials are confident they will get Alamo back. When they do, they are going to let him fly in the show again but not until after he's completely retrained.

http://www.11alive.com/news/article_news.aspx?storyid=102413


Legislators hope to override Blago veto of zoo tax bill
By Jenny Lee, jlee@qconline.com
Local legislators hope to override the governor's veto of a measure that would have allowed the Rock Island County Forest Preserve District to ask voters to increase the property tax rate to raise money for Niabi Zoo.
State Rep. Patrick Verschoore, D-Milan, who sponsored the measure in the House, said he's confident he'll have enough votes in the House to override the governor's veto during a veto session in October or November.
The dilemma is whether Senate president Emil Jones, D-Chicago, would call up the issue for an override vote, especially since he's said he won't call up other measures regarding the state budget.

http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=352353




School, zoo join hands against polythene use
Chandigarh, August 30: A Group of 20 students from Vivek High School, Sector 30B, along with Ms Parminder Kaur, incharge, Eco-club, visited the MC Zoological Park, Chhatbir, as part of a collaborative anti-polythene campaign initiated by the zoo to educate visitors about the ill-effects of polybags, plastic bottles and other plastic packaging materials.
Students were given a lecture session by Dharminder Sharma, IFS, Field Director of the zoo. Polythene and plastics are not only harmful to animals’ health but also to children’s health and the environment.

http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=253795



Darjeeling park to breed two more species
KOLKATA: The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling is set to have breeding programmes for the highest number of endangered species among the various “coordinating” zoos in the country.
While it has been selected as a breeding centre for two more species besides the three already in existence, it has also been considered a “participating zoo” for another five highly endangered species from the east Himalayan region, B.K. Gupta, Scientific Officer, Central Zoo Authority (CZA), told Hindu The from New Delhi on Thursday.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/09/07/stories/2007090755241600.htm


Grandparents Day at The Zoo
By Kristen Ward
E-mail
The Jackson Zoo is celebrating Grandparents Day. The event is this Sunday, September 9. Grandparents will get in the Zoo free--all they have to do is bring at least one grandchild to the Zoo. The Jackson Zoo was recently named Travel Attraction of the Year by the Mississippi Tourism Association. The Zoo is open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

http://www.wjtv.com/gulfcoastwest/jtv/news.apx.-content-articles-JTV-2007-09-06-0012.html


Park's piglets rarely found in U.S. zoos
By Angela Holman
TODAY'S LOCAL NEWS
August 29, 2007
The three red river hog piglets born July 30 at the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park in Escondido stick close by their father's side as they chase and wrestle with each other.
All three of the male piglets were born on exhibit. Their parents, Janey and Mowgli, already have raised two litters since 2002.
Autumn Nelson, animal care supervisor for the park's mammal department, said the family will lie together and Janey nurses the piglets, but they knew instinctively to go to Mowgli when they were born.
“The dad plays a very active role in the rearing of the young; he's very protective of them,” Nelson explained.
Red river hogs are a somewhat secretive species because they are nocturnal and mainly live in heavily forested areas in central and west Africa. They are fairly nonaggressive, but will fight to protect their young.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/northcounty/20070829-9999-lz1mc29piglet.html



East Rockaway man rescues, places wildlife in zoos
BY MICHAEL
August 29, 2007
With equal vigor, Larry Wallach rough-housed yesterday on the front lawn of his East Rockaway house with his young son and a 14-pound cat - but this feline was a 7-week-old Siberian Tiger cub.The scene might seem strange to some, but to those who know Wallach, nothing could be more normal. "There's nothing like it, being able to handle a big animal," said Wallach, 49, who holds a federal license to handle and care for an array of wildlife. "I just always loved it."

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/nassau/ny-litig295350436aug29,0,6463971.story


Zoos thankfully bring wildlife to suburbia
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
While Ms. O’Conner of PETA is correct that most zoos are limited in the quality of life they can provide to large, intelligent animals such as elephants, she fails to realize a fundamental truth about the Keepers of the Planet: Out of sight = out of mind. Abilene is extremely fortunate to have a zoo, especially one that is accredited. Without zoos and parks, most children would never have the opportunity to experience the diversity of wildlife and the outdoors.

http://reporternews.com/news/2007/aug/28/zoos-thankfully-bring-wildlife-to-suburbia/


Lincoln County is site of butterfly restoration effort
Oregon silverspot on brink of extinction, but zoo and Nature Conservancy hope to bring it backIn an effort to save the threatened Oregon silverspot butterfly from extinction, the Oregon Zoo and its conservation partners have released more than 500 rare butterfly pupae at three sites on the Oregon coast. This year's butterfly rearing program has been the most successful in the zoo's nine-year history of rearing threatened and endangered butterflies. The zoo hopes these efforts will help stabilize the declining population.

http://www.newportnewstimes.com/articles/2007/08/29/news/news17.txt


In cruel confinement
Man may try to justify his reasons for removing various animals from their natural habitat and subjecting them to a life of imprisonment. But some of the living conditions are atrocious. Angela Wambua reports on the effects it has on the creatures.
When I was asked to write this article, my first reaction was: What on earth will I write? I could not for the life of me figure out where I was going to start, I couldn’t very well interview the subjects as they don’t talk, but I ploughed on ahead and, for want of a better word, enlisted the help of Queen, our family dog.
Queen is a lovely dog and as her name suggests, she tends to do things her way. If she deigns to take a nap right on the doorstep, you are simply going to have to wait for her to daintily stretch and get up and out of the way.
Mind you, she will give you a stern look to let you know that you interrupted her nap, and that is unacceptable. She will go out if and when it pleases her, and she has this contemptuous look she gives the other neighborhood dogs when they chase after cars, one that says, "I’m above such ridiculous behaviour, thank you very much."

http://www.eastandard.net/mag/mag.php?mnu=details&id=1143973737&catid=318



Lion Country Safari turns the big 40
Reported By: Eric Glasser Photographer: Tony Araujo
"We were kind of a Jurasic Park, nobody really knew how it would work!" says Lion Country Safari's Terry Wolf. When Lion Country first opened 40 years ago, the park was considered a maverick. Scientists and zoos scoffed at the idea of allowing animals to roam free - while humans stayed caged in their cars. "Obviously everybody's now come around and they see the blessings that are given to the animals when you provide them with space," says Wolf, "And every zoo that now creates a new exhibit is looking to create this sort of environment."

http://www.wptv.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=fecfab51-a2fa-41d9-9dd5-181accce78ce



Zoo welcomes new arrival
The Clarion-Ledger
The opportunity to see the offspring of the world's rarest big cat species awaits those on Friday who are Friends of the Zoo or who wish to join the organization.
Judda, a six-week-old female Amur Leopard, is not on exhibit yet but can be seen through the zoo hospital viewing room window from 5:30-7:30 p.m. during the Feast with the Beasts, an annual event for Friends of the Zoo members. Judda is the first surviving cub of Nikolai (male) and Katya, Amur leopards at the Jackson Zoo since 2004. Two cubs were born in Katya’s first litter, but one did not survive. Amur Leopards are an endangered species with field surveys estimating fewer than 50 left in the wild. An estimated 200 live in captivity in zoos around the world. The big cat is native to far eastern Russian and northeast China. The common name comes from the Amur River, the world’s ninth longest river, in northeast Asia. They are also known as Far East leopards and Siberian leopards.

http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070830/NEWS/70830005



Zoo always gets this big request
By SALATHEIA BRYANTCopyright 2007 Houston Chronicle
The folks at the Houston Zoo get some pretty kooky requests occasionally, such as when event planners ask to rent a monkey or elephant for a party.
In all cases, the answer is no.
But perhaps one of the most unusual and persistent requests comes from physicians, or patients, who hope to borrow the zoo's MRI or CT scanners to examine obese people.
It's a long-standing urban legend that zoos have jumbo versions of such equipment to help diagnose illnesses in elephants and other huge creatures. But, to the disappointment of some doctors, zoo officials must tell them they have no such device.
During her five-day shift this week, zoo public affairs coordinator Cathy Kuntz logged four calls inquiring about an MRI scanner. She surveyed local medical facilities to determine what they have and what their weight limits are, and shared the information with callers.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/5100006.html


Province commits to strengthen animal protection laws

Though it may be too little too late for Tyson the Australian kangaroo, other animals like those held at London's Lickety Split Ranch and Zoo and across the province could soon benefit from stronger animal welfare legislation.The McGuinty government announced Friday (Aug. 31) it would toughen Ontario's animal protection laws, a move animal activists are calling an "historic commitment."

http://www.londontopic.ca/article.php?artid=4775


AMPHIBIAN DECLINES AND CHYTRIDIOMYCOSIS
In 1998, biologist Karen Lips was surprised to find quantities of dead frogs in her study area in Panama. Since frog corpses don’t last long in the jungle, she presumed that what she saw was just a microcosm of what was actually happening. Inspection of the dead amphibians revealed that they had all been attacked by a fungus of the family Chytridae, which was christened Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (“Bd”). Members of this fungal family normally subsist on decaying organic matter. Bd was the first one known to attack living vertebrates. Within a year, researchers had isolated Bd from dead frogs of several species in Australia, as well as in the United States, Costa Rica, and even a number of zoos. It was also found in preserved specimens of Arroyo Toads (Bufo microscaphus californicus) from a 1991 California die-off. By the time Bd was discovered, herpetologists were well aware of a worldwide frog decline, and figuring out just how the fungus fit into this picture became a priority.

http://rigorvitae.blogspot.com/2007/09/amphibian-declines-and-chytridiomycosis.html


Gazette readers really get around
The Gazette

http://www.gazetteonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070901/NEWS/70830037/1006/NEWS


Jim Knox's Wild Zoofari
Posted Sept. 2, 2007
(WTNH) - This fall, a new live-action show is coming to PBS. It's called "Jim Knox's Wild Zoofari." The show featuring some of the best known zoo's, animal parks and aquariums seeks to educate kids about conservation.
Wild Zoofari co-creators and brothers Bruce and Jim Knox hope you'll come along. Jim of course, is the Zoo Educator at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo.
Jim Knox's Wild Zoofari is a new live-action high definition, children's wildlife series filmed on location in North America's premier zoos and aquariums. The focus of the show's 14 episodes is fun, education, and wildlife conservation for kids and families.

http://www.wtnh.com/Global/story.asp?S=7017050&nav=menu29_2


Dated :

Hawthorn youngsters deliver care package to zoo's new baby elephant
By BRANDI SPELBRING
Staff Writer
Shana Jones' third grade class at Hawthorn Elementary takes a trip every year to the St. Louis Zoo, but the trip this year was particularly special.
Students presented a basket of goodies to the zoo's newborn elephant, Meliha. The basket included bottles of ketchup, bottles of bubbles, jello boxes, and baby rattles; items requested by the zoo to stimulate the baby with different tastes and experiences. These gifts will help the staff recreate situations and behaviors in the wild for Meliha as she grows.

http://www.salem-tc.com/news/2006/1027/Front_Page/015.html



It's a zoo trying to keep up at Audubon
NEW ORLEANS — One of the white tigers at Audubon Zoo lazily approaches his lagoon and paws at stagnant, antifreeze colored water.
The algae-choked water is one example of maintenance issues zoo officials say have gone unchecked following Hurricane Katrina’ devastating aftermath.
But addressing these fixes, many of which predate the storm, holds top priority today, according to Audubon Nature Institute President and CEO Ron Forman.
During the 14 months following Hurricane Katrina, a shallow labor pool plagues all New Orleans employers. The zoo staff decreased 30 percent from 500 employees pre-Katrina to about 350 after the storm, which created challenges for the facility.

http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/UpToTheMinute.cfm?recID=7057


Friday, October 27, 2006
A Day at the Zoo and Other Musings
http://pencilshaver.blogspot.com/2006/10/day-at-zoo-and-other-musings.html


Zoo gets the tallest baby
Tim Walsh 18/10/2006AT 5FT 7in tall, Whipsnade Zoo's newest arrival is hardly a babe in arms. The 11-day-old male giraffe is still trying to find its feet around its paddock at the zoo, in Bedfordshire, but keepers are said to be pleased with its progress. The calf, which has not yet been named, is the eighth to be born at Whipsnade. For the youngster's mother, Savannah, who was born at the zoo in 2001, the big bundle of joy was her first calf after a 15-month pregnancy. A zoo spokesman said: "We are delighted with our new arrival. "He will be a great new member of the herd here and a valuable addition to the European Endangered Species breeding programme."

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/225/225907_zoo_gets_the_tallest_baby.html

Pandas Get New Home At National Zoo
New Exhibit Part Of $53 Million Asia Trail
POSTED: 8:52 am EDT October 18, 2006
UPDATED: 9:02 am EDT October 18, 2006
WASHINGTON -- The panda bears at Washington's National Zoo have a new home.

http://www.wesh.com/news/10102392/detail.html


Blind people 'see' animals at new exhibition
Pretoria, South Africa
Blind people will for the first time be able to "see" animals at the National Zoological Gardens in Pretoria, thanks to a new exhibition that opened on Wednesday.The exhibition allows visually handicapped people to touch animal trophies while a guide explains the animals' features and habitat. The visitors are also able to hear the sound that the animal makes."When friends tell me how big an animal is or what colour it is, it does not mean much for me, but now I have felt the giraffe's eye lashes or the teeth of the baboon. It is just wonderful," explained Andre Manders of the South African National Council for the blind.

http://www.mg.co.za/articlepage.aspx?area=/breaking_news/breaking_news__national/&articleid=287077


Potter Park Zoo could face downsizing if millage doesn't pass
By Trey Scroggin The State News
A proposal on the Ingham County ballot to increase funding for the Potter Park Zoo in Lansing might make the difference in the zoo's survival.
And that, supporters say, is important enough to impose a $46 annual tax increase, at most, on property owners in the county.
"Basically, Lansing has built a pretty nice zoo but then couldn't afford to keep it up," said Ingham County Commissioner Mark Grebner. "The zoo is almost a frill at this point."

http://www.statenews.com/index.php/article/2006/10/potter_park_zoo_could


Baby is neck-st big thing at zoo
By ONLINE REPORTEROctober 17, 2006 ZOOKEEPERS at Whipsnade say they are delighted with their newest addition - a baby that is nearly 6ft tall.
Savannah the giraffe gave birth to her first calf 11 days ago, after a 15-month pregnancy.
The youngster, who already measures 5ft 7ins, is still trying to find his feet around the paddock at the zoo in Bedfordshire.
The calf, which has not yet been named, is the eighth to be born at Whipsnade.
Zoological director David Field said: "The calf will be a great new member of the herd here."
Savannah was also born at Whipsnade, in August 2001.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2006480266,00.html


Gay animal expo draws crowds to Oslo zoo
Posted by Lindsay Beyerstein
at 9:06 AM on October 19, 2006.
An Oslo zoo's special exhibit on homosexuality in the animal kingdom has won over the zoo-going public, despite initial opposition from conservative groups.
Families are flocking to the Oslo Museum of Natural History to learn about the 1500 species known to exhibit homosexual behavior in the wild, including whales, flamingos, and chimpanzees.

http://www.alternet.org/blogs/peek/43228/


Smithsonian's Zoo Opens New Asia Trial
The Smithsonian Institution's National Zoo opened its new Asia Trial and giant panda habitat Tuesday, the first phase of a complete makeover of the zoo's exhibits.
Seven Asian species now call the $53 million renovated space home. Besides the zoo's three popular giant pandas, the exhibit includes a larger, more prominent space for sloth bears, fishing cats, red pandas, clouded leopards, a Japanese giant salamander and Asian small-clawed otters.
''Visitors are treated to up close views,'' said Susan Ades, head of exhibit design for the zoo. ''You can see, hear, touch and even smell the zoo's science.''

http://www.happynews.com/news/10192006/smithsonian-zoo-opens-new-asia-trial.htm


19 - Creation of forest park, mini zoo in Palawan urged
Thursday, October 19 2006 @ 06:13 PM BSTTourism
A board member in this island province has urged Governor Joel T. Reyes to establish a provincial forest park and mini zoo as additional tourist attractions in the province.Board Member Mark Madamba said the provincial park will showcase the vast forest products that can only be found in the province such as Narra, Kamagong, Rattan and other plant and tree species.Madamba said on the other hand, the mini zoo will display abundant exotic and indigenous animals and birds such as Palawan bearcat, Talking Mynah or "kiao," mousedeer and Palawan peacock.The animals and birds, some of them endangered, could be preserved and protected in the mini zoo, he added.The forest park can also serve as Boy and Girl Scouts camping site and picnic area for tourists. (PNA)

http://www.bayanihan.org/html/article.php/20061019181345561


Catskill zoo's animals up for auction
CATSKILL, N.Y. About a thousand animals including yaks, rhinos and monkeys went on the auction block yesterday at the Catskill Game Farm.
Animals were sold for prices ranging from a few dollars to several thousands.
Boom Boom the Rhino went for $5,500, while 14 Barbado sheep went for $3,250 and a Pygmy donkey was sold for a thousand dollars.

http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=5559637&nav=4QcS


Akron Zoo seeking renewal levy
By Mike D’Agruma
SUMMIT COUNTY — On Nov. 7, Summit County voters will see Issue No. 20, a .8-mill renewal levy for the Akron Zoo that would cost the owner of a $100,000 home approximately $2 a month if approved.
The renewal is not a tax increase and would allow the zoo to continue along the same lines of expansion as it has in the past five years, said L. Patricia Simmons, zoo president and chief executive officer.
“Like all zoos and regional attractions, the Akron Zoo must refresh and add exhibits over time to provide up-to-date education and maintain visitorship,” she said. “Continued funding will allow the Akron Zoo to add between six and 10 new exhibits.”

http://www.akron.com/20061019/wzl38.ASP

continued...