Zoos
Baby Pandas being feed (Video)
http://media.smh.com.au/?rid=31363&category=Viral%20Fever
Bleak outlook for polar bears
THE polar bear population could be reduced by two-thirds by mid-century, if forecasts of melting sea ice hold true, the US Geological Survey has reported.
The fate of polar bears could be bleaker than that estimate, because sea ice in the Arctic might be vanishing faster than the models predict, the geological survey said in a report to determine if the big white bear should be listed as a threatened species.
"There is a definite link between changes in the sea ice and the welfare of polar bears," said Steve Amstrup, who led the research team.
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2007/09/08/1188783558358.html
Dartmoor Zoo
Dartmoor Wildlife Park has had a sad history. It was opened about 30 years ago, with a variety of native UK rescued animals. Over the years, it grew and developed, and expanded its collection into more exotic “zoo” species. It became the largest collection of cat species in the South-West of England. About 10 years ago, it ran into financial troubles and the owners had difficulties keeping up with changes in Zoo Licensing regulations. The park went into a major decline, and the owners were prosecuted for bad animal management issues. The zoo licence was taken away.Last year, the park was eventually sold to the Mee family, a family with no zoo keeping experience, but a great love of animals and they were ready to take on the challenge of the zoo.The Curator and I were contacted by the Mee family at the start of 2007, to run the animal department of the zoo. I have always believed that bad zoos should not be shut down, they should be renovated and brought up to modern standards, and this was my opportunity to try.It hasn’t been an easy process. The enclosures were extremely dilapidated, with rotten fence posts and gaping holes in the wire mesh. The staff already at the park had no formal training and needed to be taught basic husbandry of the animals. Diets were appalling – chocolate cake for the tapir and jam sandwiches for the coati. The animals hadn’t been seen by a vet in years. The concept of enrichment had been lost on the previous owners. The record keeping system was incomprehensible and largely useless, as most of the animals had the same name and were unable to be identified as individuals.
http://www.zoobeat.com/38/dartmoor-zoo-9158/
Tennessee Aquarium Researcher Awarded Conservation Grantposted
September 12, 2007
Stargazing Minnow, Warpaint Shiner and Rosyside Dace may not be common names to most fisherman in the Southeast, but according to one researcher, they are just as important to area rivers and streams as bluegill, largemouth and stripers. "Tangerine Darters and Flame Chubs in particular are gorgeous and would amaze people anywhere," says Dr. Anna George, director of the Tennessee Aquarium's Research Institute.Dr. George has been awarded a Conservation Endowment Fund Grant from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to examine the genetic diversity of 10 fish species in the region. Her study will cover 10 stream systems in the upper Tennessee River drainage which run through parts of North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_113218.asp
Stick to pumpkins
JENNIFER O'CONNOR
The Record's profile of the Shantz farm was a reminder of how much hard work goes into keeping the family farm viable (It Takes A Family To Run a Farm, Sept. 7). But farmers are taking a big risk by offering petting zoos, which are hotbeds of E. coli bacteria. Numerous children have been infected with the potentially deadly disease after visiting such displays. Infections can spread through direct animal contact or simply by touching the surroundings near an animal exhibit.
If farmers want to avoid potential liability nightmares, they'll stick with pumpkin patches and corn mazes and leave petting zoos in the "bad idea" file.
Jennifer O'Connor
People for the Ethical Treatment
of Animals
Fort Erie
http://www.therecord.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=record/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1189581343670&call_pageid=1024322168441&col=1024322594318
A response to Dale Jamieson’s article “Against Zoos”
In Dale Jamieson’s article, “Against Zoos,” Jamieson describes four reasons for why some think zoos are ethical and why he thinks these reasons have no validity. The four main reasons Jamieson says advocates feel zoos are ethical is for their amusement purposes, educational services, opportunities for research, and uses in preservation. Jamieson states that none of these four justifications are adequate enough to warrant the keeping of zoos, since not even the top zoos in the country employ them properly. I agree with the idea presented by Jamieson that many zoos do not employ these components adequately, but I feel instead of getting rid of zoos entirely, we should be advocating the reforming of zoos.
http://ursenvethics.blogspot.com/2007/09/response-to-dale-jamiesons-article.html
Longleat Meerkats take photos of themselves
By Sally Peck
Last Updated: 1:37am
BST 09/09/2007
News of budding photographic talent amongst the UK's meerkat population has been greatly exaggerated.
According to reports earlier this week, a mob of meerkats turned their paws to photography when Ian Turner, deputy head warden at Longleat Safari Park, in Wiltshire, accidentally left a camera unattended in their enclosure.
Upon his return, Mr Turner was reportedly "stunned" to discover that the meerkats had used the camera to take photographs of each other, and that they were all stored on the camera's digital memory card.
But, while the media - including the Telegraph - embraced images of the curious animals, and readers registered their interest (or incredulity) by driving up the articles' clicks online, bloggers and photographers pointed out one small hitch in the story.
The camera the furry photographers were supposedly using to capture family snaps is a Canon EOS 650, a traditional camera that only takes film.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml;jsessionid=VPZANYJ2UAZ1TQFIQMFCFFOAVCBQYIV0?xml=/news/2007/09/07/nmeer107.xml
World's zoos to launch campaign to save frogs
By Pablo GorondiBudapest - In a global effort to save amphibians from a deadly disease, zookeepers around the world want to turn 2008 into the "Year of the Frog."As many as 2 000 of the world's 6 000 known amphibian species - like frogs, toads and salamanders - are in danger of extinction due to the spread a parasite fungus called chytrid, which causes frogs to suffocate."This is the biggest extinction crisis since the last age of the dinosaurs," said Jeffrey Bonner, chairman of Amphibian Ark, an initiative that hopes to collect 500 frogs from each of at least 500 different species for breeding programs."Amphibians have been on planet Earth for 360 million years," he said. "Now we stand to lose one-third to one-half of those species within the blink of an eye."
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=31&art_id=nw20070830191023513C972795
Easy to spend a day
By ALLI VAILNews Reporter
Sep 11 2007
Travel the world’s exotic locales and see the wildlife at the Calgary Zoo.
The zoo spreads across continents with featured areas playing host to a multitude of animals like gorillas, dwarf crocodiles, wallabies, bearded dragons, piranhas, anteaters and more. The Australia section houses a Western Grey Kangaroo, the Africa section a Grevy’s Zebra.
See how Western Canada may have looked long ago in the Prehistoric Park, which features plant life and a collection of cast dinosaurs from an ancient time.
http://www.pqbnews.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=50&cat=46&id=1061309&more=0
My Experience Selling Raw Diets To Zoos
11 09 2007
I have written other articles regarding my interesting experiences in dealing with the Zoos in the United States. But, I have one that tops them all.
A late fall regional zoo conference in Texas several years ago was the ultimate experience. We were invited to attend the AAZPA regional conference at the Glady Porter Zoo in Texas. Because of our affiliation with the Zoos as a supplier of raw meat diets for the larger carnivores, we had the privilege of visiting the back room quarters( that other visitors are not allowed to be in). There were about 100 people attending the zoo for a personal tour of the facility. I have always been fascinated with the large ape collections at the zoos , so once we had a chance to tour the Gorilla complex I couldn’t wait to see the exhibit. The holding pens behind the scenes are just strong barred cages that house the apes off site from the visitors.
http://www.barfworld.com/blog/?p=20
Armadillos In European Animal-Keeping
During the past ten years or so armadillos of several species have become more commonly kept and bred within Europe, both on zoological institutions and in private collections. Although various species have a long history within European animal-keeping – especially the Nine-banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) which has been used as a research model particularly for leprosy studies for many years – it is only relatively recently that consistent breeding has been achieved.
http://europeanvacationhub.blogspot.com/2007/09/armadillos-in-european-animal-keeping.html
UNC-Chapel Hill's David Plaisted writes:
"We can assume that in many cases the Lord created animals that would be a delight to man, and created man to be a blessing to the animals. Even today, both children and adults enjoy seeing gorillas and chimpanzees in zoos. It is reasonable to assume that these creatures were partly made for just this reason, to be a joy and entertainment to us."
Duke's Eric Michael Johnson responds:
"So, in His infinite wisdom the purported Creator of the Universe specifically chose to make great apes because He knew, one day (six thousand years hence), little Jimmy could point at one with amusement. And He said it was good. This is what passes for a 'reasonable' explanation in creationist circles (and from a university professor at that)?"
http://chronicle.com/blogs/footnoted/index.php?id=547
Beat Box Parrot
http://media.smh.com.au/?rid=31374&category=Viral%20Fever
September 12, 2007
Editorial Notebook
Alex the Parrot
By VERLYN KLINKENBORG
Thinking about animals — and especially thinking about whether animals can think — is like looking at the world through a two-way mirror. There, for example, on the other side of the mirror, is Alex, the famous African Grey parrot who died unexpectedly last week at the age of 31. But looking at Alex, who mastered a surprising vocabulary of words and concepts, the question is always how much of our own reflection we see. What you make of Dr. Irene Pepperberg’s work with Alex depends on whether you think Alex’s cognitive presence was real or merely imitative.
A truly dispassionate observer might argue that most Grey parrots could probably learn what Alex had learned, but only a microscopic minority of humans could have learned what Alex had to teach. Most humans are not truly dispassionate observers. We’re too invested in the idea of our superiority to understand what an inferior quality it really is. I always wonder how the experiments would go if they were reversed — if, instead of us trying to teach Alex how to use the English language, Alex were to try teaching us to understand the world as it appears to parrots.
These are bottomless questions, of course. For us, language is everything because we know ourselves in it. Alex’s final words were: “I love you.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/12/opinion/12wed4.html?ex=1190260800&en=cf6a115c8d0ec7d8&ei=5070&emc=eta1
Vic border patrols target horse flu
September 8, 2007 - 1:59PM
Victoria will deploy a small army of private security guards at state border crossings to stop equine influenza spreading from NSW and Queensland.
State premier John Brumby, speaking at Flemington, said about 100 security guards would augment police and Department of Primary Industry (DPI) patrols that guard the 28 river crossings from NSW into Victoria.
"We will employ additional security guards, who will work and assist police and DPI, to ensure we have 24/7 protection on the 28 river crossings into Victoria," Mr Brumby told reporters.
"We want to make sure we safeguard the industry fully and properly right throughout the Spring Carnival period and ensure there are no horse movements into the state of Victoria."
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2007/09/08/1188783541970.html
Major horse flu announcement due Sunday
Racing NSW will make a major announcement on the equine influenza (EI) crisis at a press conference in Sydney on Sunday after racing resumed at Warwick Farm in the city's south-west and Eagle Farm in Brisbane on Saturday.
Racing NSW chief executive Peter V'Landys has called the urgent press conference for 11am at the organisation's head office in the Sydney CBD.
The in-house Warwick Farm meeting, exclusively for horses trained on the track, only got the final seal of approval to go ahead on Saturday morning after tests taken on Friday from all gallopers engaged returned negative to EI.
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2007/09/08/1188783552903.html
Tribe Denounces Whale Shooting
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: September 9, 2007
Filed at 9:08 p.m. ET
NEAH BAY, Wash. (AP) -- The Makah Tribal Council on Sunday denounced the killing of a California gray whale that was harpooned and shot several times off Washington's coast, calling it ''a blatant violation of our law'' and promising to prosecute those responsible.
But one of the men suspected in the killing told a newspaper Sunday that he was ''feeling kind of proud'' and whaling is ''in the blood.''
''We are a law-abiding people, and we will not tolerate lawless conduct by any of our members,'' the council said in a statement released Sunday.
The U.S. Coast Guard detained five men believed to have killed the whale on Saturday, then turned them over to tribal police for further questioning.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Whale-Shot.html?ex=1190001600&en=27276a16f74f9fe1&ei=5070&emc=eta1
September 8, 2007
Editorial
Once Around the Park
Animal rights activists have long warned that the horses that haul hansom cabs around Central Park had a bad deal. New Yorkers began to pay a bit more attention after a horse collapsed last year before horrified onlookers. Now we learn, not from the horse’s mouth but from City Comptroller Bill Thompson, that some carriage owners may be neglecting their horses and that the city needs to do a better job policing the business.
Some will latch onto the comptroller’s findings as a reason to do away with the carriages altogether. Considering how popular they are with tourists and romantics, that seems drastic.
What’s needed is tighter regulation to ensure the horses get regular checkups, have clean stables and are treated humanely. An equine retirement age would also be a good idea. As a result of the report, the Department of Consumer Affairs and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, which are responsible, respectively, for monitoring the carriages and the well-being of the horses, have made commitments to step up their diligence. The health commissioner agreed to organize an oversight board called for some 25 years ago.
The charm of the hansom cabs is that they are a throwback to old New York, “The Age of Innocence” New York. But it’s hard to maintain that innocence in the concrete city that never sleeps. Horses, carriages and their drivers snarl traffic on Central Park South and leave an unmistakable rural essence.
Right now, they have no place else to congregate. The comptroller suggests opening a stable in Central Park, one that could also accommodate the recreational horseback riders who disappeared last spring with the closing of the nearby Claremont stables on the Upper West Side. The idea deserves exploration.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/08/opinion/08sat3.html?ex=1189915200&en=0316674a8cd2bc64&ei=5070&emc=eta1
Is every zoo good?
Topic : Is every zoo good?Nowadays, zoo is a popular resort of animals. Thus people can see many kinds of animal at zoo. However zoo is more harmful than good to animals. And this zoo spread in the world. There are some causes to this such as bad environment for animals, small enclosure and price advance of entry costs at zoos. One of the reasons for bad effect on zoo is a loss of real conservation. Today animals are endangering since their habitats are changing because of pollution, less of food and destruction of ecosystem. Thus many kinds of animal were sent to zoo because of people who argued that being have to save endangered animals. By the way the environment of zoo is not suitable for animals and not same natural circumstance as theirs. Because many animals in the zoo are separated from their families and friends in their native place then they live in new group which are made by raisers. These unnatural social groups sometimes let them hurt from fighting with other creatures and make them lonesome. Also the creatures are always fed by feeders therefore their natural hunting instincts are decrease and they become fat and lazy.
http://cuteje7.blogspot.com/2007/09/is-every-zoo-good.html
Tyler @ Niagara Zoos
http://tjbray.blogspot.com/2007/09/tyler-niagara-zoos.html
It's not an ugly duckling, it's a smew (video)
DENVER - A smew is a small duck which is native to Northern Europe and Northern Asia.
That's right, smews like cold water! Since the hatching of some "smewlings" at the Denver Zoo, keepers had to make sure their water was nice and cold. The five siblings don't live with their parents who spend their days in a pond by other cold weather friends, the polar bears. Denver Zoo keepers were hoping for some smewlings but weren't counting on it. These ducks are difficult to breed in the zoos. They're exceptionally picky about having the right surroundings for a nest. Smews are also overly choosey about mates. So, it was a surprise to keepers when they spotted eggs in a nest.
http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=76945
Maasai role debated: educators or exhibits?
By Ryan Pearson
Associated Press
Two West Coast zoos played host to visitors from Kenyan Maasai tribes over the summer, eliciting mixed – and at times, awkward – reactions from zoo-goers and outside observers.
In the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park, people wandering the paved walkways to check out lions and gazelles also saw a group of the Maasai outside a hut. Wearing brightly colored traditional garb, they demonstrated dance rituals and chatted with visitors about how they interact with animals at home in the savannas of East Africa.
http://www.journalgazette.net/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070909/NEWS03/709090374
Kangaroo a springboard for debate
Tyson is AWOL - and Ontario candidates are promising animal-welfare laws
TIMOTHY APPLEBY
September 8, 2007
LONDON, ONT. -- Where's Tyson, the roadside kangaroo? Australian Environment Minister Malcolm Turnbull was asking that question earlier this year, his attention caught by a furor over the small Ontario zoo where Tyson lives - or perhaps lived.
"We think he's being hidden," said Melissa Tkachyk, programs officer for the Toronto office of the World Society for the Protection of Animals, which spearheaded a long and ultimately successful campaign for Ontario's 40-plus privately run menageries to be scrutinized and policed.
Other speculation suggests Tyson - a "big red" kangaroo thought to be about six years old - has been relocated. Or possibly eaten.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20070908.ANIMALS08/TPStory/TPNational/Ontario/
Rescued animals get a new chance for a better life
Story by Laura McHugh, 6 News Lawrence
5:24 p.m. Friday, September 7, 2007
"Quite a few snakes and lizards..."
The journey for these animals began Tuesday, more than 200 miles away, at the Critter Connection pet store in Hays.
According to the Animal Health Department, state and local officials found numerous fish, snakes, guinea pigs and other animals dead inside the store. They report the surviving animals suffered from severe malnutrition, neglect and illness.
So Wednesday night, more than 250 animals made the trip to Lawrence.
"They're okay. Some will need vet care for injuries, absesses. They mainly just need to be fed," said Jeaneen Hercha of the Lawrence Humane Society.
Several birds, a dog, two ferrets and three cats stayed at the Lawrence Humane Society.
http://www.49abcnews.com/news/2007/sep/07/rescued_animals_get_new_chance_better_life/
Pandas headed to Spain as diplomatic gesture
September 7, 2007 - Finally, two giant pandas are leaving their southwest China home Friday for Spain.
The pandas are a goodwill gesture promised to Spain's King Juan Carlos during his visit to Beijing earlier this year.
The pair - seven-year old "Bing Xing" and four-year old "Hua Zui Ba" - are due to go on display in about two weeks.
The pandas will remain in Spain for ten years.
China regularly sends the animals abroad as a sign of warm diplomatic relations.
China uses payments from zoos that host the pandas to fund extensive research and breeding programs.
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=nation_world&id=5645684
IMLS grants available
The following is a text-only press release from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). An HTML version of this release can be read on the agency's Web site at www.imls.gov/news/2007/090507.shtm.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 5, 2007
Press Contacts
202-653-4632
Jeannine Mjoseth, jmjoseth@imls.govMamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov
Museums, Libraries, and Archives Urged to Apply for Free IMLS Connecting to Collections BookshelfWashington, DC-To help raise the conservation IQ of museums, libraries, and archives, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), in cooperation with the American Association of State and Local History (AASLH), is offering 2000 free copies of the Connecting to Collections Bookshelf, a core set of books, DVDs, online resources, and an annotated bibliography that are essential for the care of collections. A simple electronic application for the IMLS Bookshelf is available at www.aaslh.org/Bookshelf.
http://mlaupdate.blogspot.com/2007/09/imls-grants-available.html
A kingdom too small
DIONNE BUNSHAin Sasan, Gir forestPhotographs: Ashima Narain
Lions in Gir look for new territories as the sanctuary is not large enough for their population.
A LION prowling on the beach? Yes, small groups of the world's last surviving Asiatic lions have moved out of the Gir sanctuary in Gujarat's Saurashtra region towards the coastal forests of Diu. They have not disturbed any sunbathers so far. Nor have they attacked people in the coastal villages. The Gir Protected Area (GPA) is simply too small to hold the 327 Asiatic lions that the planet has in the wild, so the younger ones have moved out in search of new territory - as far as Diu, around 80 km away.
http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2210/stories/20050520000106500.htm
continued…
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Virus Is Seen as Suspect in Death of Honeybees
Andy Bradshaw, left, his grandfather, Howard Bradshaw, and Isaias Corona working with bees this year near Visalia, Calif.
...The die-offs, in which adult bees typically vanished without returning to hives, were reported by about a fourth of the nation’s commercial beekeepers. The losses captured public attention as rumors swirled about causes, like climate change, cellphone signals and genetically-modified crops. Scientists have rejected those theories....
Morning Papers - continued... (click for link to swan pictures)
Fledging black swans are seen in the zoo of Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Sept. 4, 2007. It is a rare case that black swans bred in Autumn.[Xinhua]
A black swan couple and their fledglings are seen in the zoo of Wuhan, Central China's Hubei Province, Sept. 4, 2007. It is a rare case that black swans bred in Autumn.[Xinhua]
Zoos
Baby panther doing well at Florida zoo
A 2-month-old Florida panther being raised at a zoo in Tampa is doing just purr-fectly.
The big cat's name is Calusa. She's named after the American Indian tribe, but the staff at the Lowry Park Zoo calls her Lucy. Right now the staff is feeding her meat with kitten formula poured over it. She gets something to eat every two or three hours and gets taken to a wooded area to play twice a day. Zoo staff says she tries to climb trees and charpens her claws on logs.
The blue-eyed cub was brought to the zoo after her mother was found to have abandoned her. She was also found with a cut on her head, and that is healing well.
Lucy will spend her life at the zoo. A veterinarian says it would be almost impossible to successfully reintroduce her to the wild because of the way she has been raised.
Scientists estimate there are as many as 100 panthers in Florida, that's up from about 30 two decades ago before a panther recovery program.
Copyright 2007 The E.W. Scripps Co. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
http://www.abcactionnews.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=0461e9d3-4aa1-478f-8dad-b214df7335fd
Zydeco Zoo To Do: Wine & Dine at Dallas Zoo
Want to party in the wild for a good cause? Then the Wilds of Africa Plaza at the Dallas Zoo is where you'll want to be this Saturday evening. The Zoo to Do event is a fundraiser that benefits the Dallas Zoological Society. The evening will include music, dancing, cocktails, a monorail tour, silent auction, and best of all, food from more than 20 of Dallas' top restaurants (Abacus, Trece, Dallas Fish Market and Nana -- just to name a few.) The cost is $250 per person, and proceeds benefit the zoo's education and wildlife conservation programs. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Contact Ann Forsyth-Smith at annf@dalzoo.org or 214-943-2771, ext 322.
http://eats.beloblog.com/archives/2007/09/zydeco_zoo_to_do_wine_dine_at.html
Lehigh Valley Zoo must stand on its own
September 12, 2007
The decision by the Lehigh County commissioners in 2004 to have a nonprofit organization run the Lehigh Valley Zoo made sense. The Lehigh Valley Zoological Society took over the care of the animals at the 29-acre zoo, and the commissioners eventually were able to better focus on the county's core operations -- services for people.But it was more complicated than that, of course, because it takes money to operate and maintain a zoo. At the time, the county entered into a lease with the nonprofit and agreed to provide the zoo with $1.9 million over five years. It was impossible to predict attendance and how much money it would take to run the zoo, but it seemed to be a reasonable agreement at the time. At any rate, the goal was for the zoo to be self-sufficient in five years.This week, however, an advisory committee to Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham recommended that the county provide more financial support to the zoo, which will receive its last payment of $200,000 in 2009. Now, the advisory committee said, the county should do several things, including: Provide an additional $250,000 to $400,000 after 2009, with increased (yet unspecified) payments over the next two years. Offer a line of credit totaling $400,000. Make electrical and plumbing repairs. Also, the committee advised, the zoo should submit six types of reports, plus a five-year master plan by July 2008, in addition to maintaining its accreditation.
http://www.mcall.com/news/opinion/all-editorial2.6037952sep12,0,756628.story
When will people see the zoo needs to move?
I am so tired of seeing headlines and big articles about the Mill Mountain Zoo ("The zoo dude," Extra, Sept. 9), when nothing, no fundraiser or other publicity will alter the fact that the zoo's space is limited and always will be. Even the approved $500,000 by Roanoke City Council is not going to alter that.
I find it hard to believe that people would be so narrow-minded as to insist on trying again and again to convince people that the mountaintop zoo is a good thing. Does it really help the animals to now have painted fences? Or that the gift shop is now sufficiently stocked with stuffed animals? The animals are lacking the space they desperately need and deserve and could easily have if the zoo relocated to Explore Park, as has been suggested numerous times.
For years, this zoo has had space problems. It seems that the location is the most important issue, not the animals' welfare, according to statements by Jack Hanna (fundraiser in March) who praised nothing else but the "setting of the zoo." Do the animals enjoy the view?
I just wonder where the educational value of this zoo lies when children see wild animals in cramped cages, behind fences instead of in a more natural setting like Explore Park could offer.
NAN FARISS
ROANOKE
http://www.roanoke.com/editorials/letters/wb/131647
Zoo to You comes to elementary school
By Cory Frolik The Daily Times
Article Launched: 09/12/2007 12:00:00 AM MDT
FARMINGTON — Ferrets are not going to pass dogs or cats anytime soon as the most popular household pet, but a fair number of students at Mesa Verde Elementary School thought they were pretty cool.
Many children found appealing the way the small animals lounge in hammocks. Others liked the furry creature's quiet temperament.
But Wendy Thacker, a second-grade teacher at Mesa Verde, asked students to really think about what it would be like to own such an animal.
"What did they smell like?" she asked her class.
http://www.daily-times.com/news/ci_6867140
Canisius Serves As Foster Home To Zoo Animals
Twelve Caiman and an Anaconda snake housed in Health Science Building
BUFFALO, NY – Canisius College is serving as the temporary home for 12 Caiman and an Anaconda snake from The Buffalo Zoo. The animals are being housed on the third floor of the Health Science Building while the Zoo finishes construction on its South American Rainforest building. Their habitats were built by Zoo curators last spring and Canisius students have since been conducting behavioral research on the Caiman, part of the crocodile family, under the direction of Michael Noonan, PhD, professor of psychology/biology. “This is a win, win, win for everyone involved,” Noonan says. “The animals receive a nice stable environment in which to get settled. The students get a solid research project out of it. And the college strengthens its strong relationship with its good friends at the Zoo.” The Caiman and Anaconda are expected to reside on campus until July 2008, when the Zoo’s rainforest exhibit is scheduled for completion. Their habitats are not open to the public although select animals from The Buffalo Zoo will be on exhibit for the Canisius community during the college’s mini-zoo in November.To read more about the Biology major at Canisius, click here.For more information, contact the Office of Public Relations at (716) 888-2790. Canisius College is one of 28 Jesuit colleges in the nation and the premier private college in Western New York. Canisius prepares leaders – intelligent, caring, faithful individuals – able to promote excellence in their professions, their communities and their service to humanity.
Date released: 9/12/2007
http://www.canisius.edu/newsevents/display_story.asp?iNewsID=5055&strBack=default.asp
New 'Zoo' owners hope to tame party image
By: Ashley Latoof
Issue date: 9/12/07 Section: News
Party animals will have to find a new place to mingle after a notorious apartment complex changed ownership.Residents received fliers informing them that Jefferson on Fifth Street, commonly known as "The Zoo," is now Timber Creek Apartments.Pacific Living Properties, a San Diego-based company, bought the 128-unit apartment complex on Aug. 27 with plans to fix it up and give it a new look. "Obviously we want to change the image," said Casey Roseman, property manager. Many think "The Zoo" got its nickname because of the party atmosphere of the residence. But according to The Orion archives, the nickname can be traced back to 1939 when a traveling circus stopped on Fifth and Oak streets for six days.
http://media.www.theorion.com/media/storage/paper889/news/2007/09/12/News/New-zoo.Owners.Hope.To.Tame.Party.Image-2962410.shtml
Detroit Zoo Features Work Of Judy Yaker
Posted under:
A one-woman exhibition of over 170 color and black-and-white photographic images of nature and wildlife taken by Bloomfield Hills, Mich., photographer Judy Yaker will debut at the Detroit Zoo's Ford Education Center Exhibit Gallery September 21, 2007.
Natural Selections: Photographs by Judith G. Yaker features images of mammals, birds and reptiles taken during Yaker's travels around the world, including Africa, Asia, Europe and North America, as well as at the Detroit Zoo. Also featured are photos of birds and invertebrates taken in Yaker's neighborhood and at Kensington Metropark.
"I love photographing birds and bugs as well as cats, wild and domestic," said Yaker. "But tigers are my true passion." All of the tiger photos featured in the exhibition were taken at the Detroit Zoo in recent years.
http://www.huliq.com/33969/detroit-zoo-features-work-of-judy-yaker
Putting zoo's animals in the picture
By Staff reporter
ARTIST Rosie Rees will share a slice of paradise with an exhibition of her work at Chester Zoo.
The zoo's diversity of species, from tiny seahorses to giant birds, has been the inspiration behind Rosie's exhibition A Painter in Paradise. Rosie's artwork has captured a taste of the worldwide biodiversity the zoo brings to its visitors through its 7,000 animals and 200- plus species of plants, including a national collection of cacti and locally endangered Black Poplar.Originally from
Shropshire, Rosie, a keen photographer and strong supporter of the zoo, took up the position as the zoo's artist in residence in March this year.
http://www.eveningleader.co.uk/news/Putting-zoos-animals-in-the.3191842.jp
First of a series of gardens open at Jacksonville Zoo
09/12/2007
from staff
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens opened their latest addition to the Zoo, the Gardens at Trout River Plaza with a weekend-long event Sept. 7-9.
The $1.9 million, 1.6 acre Gardens at Trout River Plaza is the first in a series of new gardens and exhibits to open at the Zoo.
“The opening of this artistic garden space completes yet another part of our award-winning Botanical Gardens Master Plan,” said Zoo Executive Director Dennis Pate. “This new garden is now the only one of its kind in Jacksonville and just a preview of what’s to come with planning already underway for our Asian Bamboo Garden and Monsoon Asia exhibit.”
http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=48410
Go get ‘em ladies !!
The real haters run the Zoo
Using the label 'feminist' to insult and blame demeans us all, writes Monica Dux.
ZOO magazine, a publication for pubescent boys trapped in the bodies of grown men, is running a competition in which readers are encouraged to send in a picture of their girlfriend's cleavage. The lucky lady who is judged worthiest will win a $10,000 boob job.
As you would expect, there have been protests from women's groups and health professionals, including plastic surgeons, who have argued that the competition is not just in poor taste but is also unethical.
Zoo responded with a new competition, a search for "Australia's Sexiest Feminist 2007", also known as "the hottest girl in sensible shoes".
http://www.theage.com.au/news/opinion/the-real-haters-run-the-zoo/2007/09/12/1189276805398.html
Paris Hilton employs zoo keeper
Bang! Showbiz Thursday, 13 September 2007
Paris Hilton has so many pets she has to employ a zoo keeper to look after them all.
The socialite has a menagerie of animals, including dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits and monkeys, and she allows most of them to roam free around her house.
Due to her busy schedule, Paris has a keeper who cares for her beloved beasts when she is away from them.
She told Elle magazine: "My animals make me really happy. I just love my pets. I have 11 dogs, three ferrets, two rabbits, two monkeys and three cats.
"The monkeys and ferrets are at my ranch, but the dogs and cats and bunnies run around my house. I have this guy, Eric, who's like a zoo keeper, and he's with them all the time. He loves them, and I love them, too. But since I work a lot I'm not always home."
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/4199534a1860.html
PETA to protest wildlife ‘psychological sufferings’ at zoo
By Jerome AningInquirer
Last updated 06:11pm (Mla time) 09/12/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- Members of the animal welfare group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) will picket the Manila Zoo on Thursday to protest congestion in the zoo and alleged “psychological sufferings” of the captive wildlife there.PETA, in a statement, said that unless the animals were freed, they are sure to suffer “a lifetime of loneliness and misery.”“The animals at the Manila Zoo are treated like prisoners, even though they've committed no crime. These animals are bred or captured for a lifetime of loneliness and misery, and the best way to help stop the suffering is to boycott the zoo,” PETA director for Asia-Pacific Jason Baker said.Baker said that in the wild, many animals spend their entire lives with their close-knit families, but in zoos, animals are usually separated from their families when they are babies.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/news/view_article.php?article_id=88212
2 China Pandas Loaned to Australia Zoo
16 hours ago
BEIJING (AP) — China has selected a pair of giant pandas — Wangwang and Funi — to send to the Adelaide Zoo, an official said Wednesday, in a goodwill gesture announced during a recent visit to Australia by President Hu Jintao.
Cao Qingyao, a spokesman for the State Forestry Administration that oversees China's panda breeding program, said the male bear, Wangwang, is 2 years old and the female, Funi, is 1 year old.
They will come from the Wolong-based China Research Center for Protecting Giant Panda in Southwest China's Sichuan province, and can be transported as soon as the facilities at Adelaide Zoo, in South Australia state, are ready for them, Cao said.
"They are very cute and lovely," he said.
Cao did not say how long the pandas would be kept by Australia. A pair of pandas sent to Spain on Saturday were to stay there for 10 years.
The giant panda is unique to China and serves as an unofficial national mascot, imbuing such loans with political overtones. China regularly sends the animals abroad as a sign of warm diplomatic relations or to mark breakthroughs in ties.
China uses payments from zoos that host loaned pandas to fund extensive research and breeding programs. Under such loan agreements, any panda cubs born overseas to lent animals remain China's property.
The panda is one of the world's rarest animals, with about 1,590 living in the wild in China, mostly in the western provinces of Sichuan and Shaanxi. Another 210 have been bred in captivity.
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jpKevWjNJ_VnzMW-ym5nkUEyfD0A
China picks panda couple, Wangwang and Funi, for loan to Australian zoo
http://www.daylife.com/story/0g4C1OA9rD2Aj
Drinking Class at the Brew at the Zoo! (Video)
Monkeys, bears and great local brews! Where else would Drinking Class's Pete Munsey? Pete and and the SENCAST crew headed down the the Maryland Zoo last May to check out the event, and talk to some of the local brewers. Be sure to check out the Reggae brew fest at the zoo this weekend!
http://www.senbaltimore.com/clubs/drinking_class/drinking-class-at-the-brew-at-the-zoo.shtml
A new arrival at Chester Zoo
By Staff reporter
He's just a few days old but Tejas, the tiny lion cub, offers a glimmer of hope for his species.
The male Asiatic Lion, who is being hand-reared by Chester Zoo's carnivore team, was born to mum Asha after a three and half month pregnancy.
With between 300-350 Asiatic Lions left in the wild, the little male will make a big difference to the conservation of his species.
Asiatic Lions can now only be found in India's Gir Forest and 17 lions have been killed there in the last five months. With the number of Asiatic Lions plummeting, Chester's new cub will eventually play a major part in a breeding programme for his species, ensuring it continues.
http://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/wirralnews/display.var.1680950.0.a_new_arrival_at_chester_zoo.php
Pesky zebra mussels in Cheney Reservoir
Associated Press - September 8, 2007 1:54 PM ET
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) - A state biologist found zebra mussels in Cheney Reservoir this week, which is bad news for swimmers, boaters and the public water system.
The mussels clog intake structures at water and power plants and damage native fish populations. They also can cut feet and hands of those who are wading or swimming.
Cheney Reservoir supplies about 70% of Wichita's water.
Jerry Blain, a water superintendent in Wichita, says the city had already done a study and found that any option for getting rid of the mussels is expensive.
The mussels have also been found in El Dorado Reservoir and Winfield City Lake.
Officials say boaters probably unknowlingly carried the mussels on their boats.
Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
http://www.kwch.com/Global/story.asp?s=7045243
continued…
Baby panther doing well at Florida zoo
A 2-month-old Florida panther being raised at a zoo in Tampa is doing just purr-fectly.
The big cat's name is Calusa. She's named after the American Indian tribe, but the staff at the Lowry Park Zoo calls her Lucy. Right now the staff is feeding her meat with kitten formula poured over it. She gets something to eat every two or three hours and gets taken to a wooded area to play twice a day. Zoo staff says she tries to climb trees and charpens her claws on logs.
The blue-eyed cub was brought to the zoo after her mother was found to have abandoned her. She was also found with a cut on her head, and that is healing well.
Lucy will spend her life at the zoo. A veterinarian says it would be almost impossible to successfully reintroduce her to the wild because of the way she has been raised.
Scientists estimate there are as many as 100 panthers in Florida, that's up from about 30 two decades ago before a panther recovery program.
Copyright 2007 The E.W. Scripps Co. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
http://www.abcactionnews.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=0461e9d3-4aa1-478f-8dad-b214df7335fd
Zydeco Zoo To Do: Wine & Dine at Dallas Zoo
Want to party in the wild for a good cause? Then the Wilds of Africa Plaza at the Dallas Zoo is where you'll want to be this Saturday evening. The Zoo to Do event is a fundraiser that benefits the Dallas Zoological Society. The evening will include music, dancing, cocktails, a monorail tour, silent auction, and best of all, food from more than 20 of Dallas' top restaurants (Abacus, Trece, Dallas Fish Market and Nana -- just to name a few.) The cost is $250 per person, and proceeds benefit the zoo's education and wildlife conservation programs. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Contact Ann Forsyth-Smith at annf@dalzoo.org or 214-943-2771, ext 322.
http://eats.beloblog.com/archives/2007/09/zydeco_zoo_to_do_wine_dine_at.html
Lehigh Valley Zoo must stand on its own
September 12, 2007
The decision by the Lehigh County commissioners in 2004 to have a nonprofit organization run the Lehigh Valley Zoo made sense. The Lehigh Valley Zoological Society took over the care of the animals at the 29-acre zoo, and the commissioners eventually were able to better focus on the county's core operations -- services for people.But it was more complicated than that, of course, because it takes money to operate and maintain a zoo. At the time, the county entered into a lease with the nonprofit and agreed to provide the zoo with $1.9 million over five years. It was impossible to predict attendance and how much money it would take to run the zoo, but it seemed to be a reasonable agreement at the time. At any rate, the goal was for the zoo to be self-sufficient in five years.This week, however, an advisory committee to Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham recommended that the county provide more financial support to the zoo, which will receive its last payment of $200,000 in 2009. Now, the advisory committee said, the county should do several things, including: Provide an additional $250,000 to $400,000 after 2009, with increased (yet unspecified) payments over the next two years. Offer a line of credit totaling $400,000. Make electrical and plumbing repairs. Also, the committee advised, the zoo should submit six types of reports, plus a five-year master plan by July 2008, in addition to maintaining its accreditation.
http://www.mcall.com/news/opinion/all-editorial2.6037952sep12,0,756628.story
When will people see the zoo needs to move?
I am so tired of seeing headlines and big articles about the Mill Mountain Zoo ("The zoo dude," Extra, Sept. 9), when nothing, no fundraiser or other publicity will alter the fact that the zoo's space is limited and always will be. Even the approved $500,000 by Roanoke City Council is not going to alter that.
I find it hard to believe that people would be so narrow-minded as to insist on trying again and again to convince people that the mountaintop zoo is a good thing. Does it really help the animals to now have painted fences? Or that the gift shop is now sufficiently stocked with stuffed animals? The animals are lacking the space they desperately need and deserve and could easily have if the zoo relocated to Explore Park, as has been suggested numerous times.
For years, this zoo has had space problems. It seems that the location is the most important issue, not the animals' welfare, according to statements by Jack Hanna (fundraiser in March) who praised nothing else but the "setting of the zoo." Do the animals enjoy the view?
I just wonder where the educational value of this zoo lies when children see wild animals in cramped cages, behind fences instead of in a more natural setting like Explore Park could offer.
NAN FARISS
ROANOKE
http://www.roanoke.com/editorials/letters/wb/131647
Zoo to You comes to elementary school
By Cory Frolik The Daily Times
Article Launched: 09/12/2007 12:00:00 AM MDT
FARMINGTON — Ferrets are not going to pass dogs or cats anytime soon as the most popular household pet, but a fair number of students at Mesa Verde Elementary School thought they were pretty cool.
Many children found appealing the way the small animals lounge in hammocks. Others liked the furry creature's quiet temperament.
But Wendy Thacker, a second-grade teacher at Mesa Verde, asked students to really think about what it would be like to own such an animal.
"What did they smell like?" she asked her class.
http://www.daily-times.com/news/ci_6867140
Canisius Serves As Foster Home To Zoo Animals
Twelve Caiman and an Anaconda snake housed in Health Science Building
BUFFALO, NY – Canisius College is serving as the temporary home for 12 Caiman and an Anaconda snake from The Buffalo Zoo. The animals are being housed on the third floor of the Health Science Building while the Zoo finishes construction on its South American Rainforest building. Their habitats were built by Zoo curators last spring and Canisius students have since been conducting behavioral research on the Caiman, part of the crocodile family, under the direction of Michael Noonan, PhD, professor of psychology/biology. “This is a win, win, win for everyone involved,” Noonan says. “The animals receive a nice stable environment in which to get settled. The students get a solid research project out of it. And the college strengthens its strong relationship with its good friends at the Zoo.” The Caiman and Anaconda are expected to reside on campus until July 2008, when the Zoo’s rainforest exhibit is scheduled for completion. Their habitats are not open to the public although select animals from The Buffalo Zoo will be on exhibit for the Canisius community during the college’s mini-zoo in November.To read more about the Biology major at Canisius, click here.For more information, contact the Office of Public Relations at (716) 888-2790. Canisius College is one of 28 Jesuit colleges in the nation and the premier private college in Western New York. Canisius prepares leaders – intelligent, caring, faithful individuals – able to promote excellence in their professions, their communities and their service to humanity.
Date released: 9/12/2007
http://www.canisius.edu/newsevents/display_story.asp?iNewsID=5055&strBack=default.asp
New 'Zoo' owners hope to tame party image
By: Ashley Latoof
Issue date: 9/12/07 Section: News
Party animals will have to find a new place to mingle after a notorious apartment complex changed ownership.Residents received fliers informing them that Jefferson on Fifth Street, commonly known as "The Zoo," is now Timber Creek Apartments.Pacific Living Properties, a San Diego-based company, bought the 128-unit apartment complex on Aug. 27 with plans to fix it up and give it a new look. "Obviously we want to change the image," said Casey Roseman, property manager. Many think "The Zoo" got its nickname because of the party atmosphere of the residence. But according to The Orion archives, the nickname can be traced back to 1939 when a traveling circus stopped on Fifth and Oak streets for six days.
http://media.www.theorion.com/media/storage/paper889/news/2007/09/12/News/New-zoo.Owners.Hope.To.Tame.Party.Image-2962410.shtml
Detroit Zoo Features Work Of Judy Yaker
Posted under:
A one-woman exhibition of over 170 color and black-and-white photographic images of nature and wildlife taken by Bloomfield Hills, Mich., photographer Judy Yaker will debut at the Detroit Zoo's Ford Education Center Exhibit Gallery September 21, 2007.
Natural Selections: Photographs by Judith G. Yaker features images of mammals, birds and reptiles taken during Yaker's travels around the world, including Africa, Asia, Europe and North America, as well as at the Detroit Zoo. Also featured are photos of birds and invertebrates taken in Yaker's neighborhood and at Kensington Metropark.
"I love photographing birds and bugs as well as cats, wild and domestic," said Yaker. "But tigers are my true passion." All of the tiger photos featured in the exhibition were taken at the Detroit Zoo in recent years.
http://www.huliq.com/33969/detroit-zoo-features-work-of-judy-yaker
Putting zoo's animals in the picture
By Staff reporter
ARTIST Rosie Rees will share a slice of paradise with an exhibition of her work at Chester Zoo.
The zoo's diversity of species, from tiny seahorses to giant birds, has been the inspiration behind Rosie's exhibition A Painter in Paradise. Rosie's artwork has captured a taste of the worldwide biodiversity the zoo brings to its visitors through its 7,000 animals and 200- plus species of plants, including a national collection of cacti and locally endangered Black Poplar.Originally from
Shropshire, Rosie, a keen photographer and strong supporter of the zoo, took up the position as the zoo's artist in residence in March this year.
http://www.eveningleader.co.uk/news/Putting-zoos-animals-in-the.3191842.jp
First of a series of gardens open at Jacksonville Zoo
09/12/2007
from staff
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens opened their latest addition to the Zoo, the Gardens at Trout River Plaza with a weekend-long event Sept. 7-9.
The $1.9 million, 1.6 acre Gardens at Trout River Plaza is the first in a series of new gardens and exhibits to open at the Zoo.
“The opening of this artistic garden space completes yet another part of our award-winning Botanical Gardens Master Plan,” said Zoo Executive Director Dennis Pate. “This new garden is now the only one of its kind in Jacksonville and just a preview of what’s to come with planning already underway for our Asian Bamboo Garden and Monsoon Asia exhibit.”
http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=48410
Go get ‘em ladies !!
The real haters run the Zoo
Using the label 'feminist' to insult and blame demeans us all, writes Monica Dux.
ZOO magazine, a publication for pubescent boys trapped in the bodies of grown men, is running a competition in which readers are encouraged to send in a picture of their girlfriend's cleavage. The lucky lady who is judged worthiest will win a $10,000 boob job.
As you would expect, there have been protests from women's groups and health professionals, including plastic surgeons, who have argued that the competition is not just in poor taste but is also unethical.
Zoo responded with a new competition, a search for "Australia's Sexiest Feminist 2007", also known as "the hottest girl in sensible shoes".
http://www.theage.com.au/news/opinion/the-real-haters-run-the-zoo/2007/09/12/1189276805398.html
Paris Hilton employs zoo keeper
Bang! Showbiz Thursday, 13 September 2007
Paris Hilton has so many pets she has to employ a zoo keeper to look after them all.
The socialite has a menagerie of animals, including dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits and monkeys, and she allows most of them to roam free around her house.
Due to her busy schedule, Paris has a keeper who cares for her beloved beasts when she is away from them.
She told Elle magazine: "My animals make me really happy. I just love my pets. I have 11 dogs, three ferrets, two rabbits, two monkeys and three cats.
"The monkeys and ferrets are at my ranch, but the dogs and cats and bunnies run around my house. I have this guy, Eric, who's like a zoo keeper, and he's with them all the time. He loves them, and I love them, too. But since I work a lot I'm not always home."
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/4199534a1860.html
PETA to protest wildlife ‘psychological sufferings’ at zoo
By Jerome AningInquirer
Last updated 06:11pm (Mla time) 09/12/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- Members of the animal welfare group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) will picket the Manila Zoo on Thursday to protest congestion in the zoo and alleged “psychological sufferings” of the captive wildlife there.PETA, in a statement, said that unless the animals were freed, they are sure to suffer “a lifetime of loneliness and misery.”“The animals at the Manila Zoo are treated like prisoners, even though they've committed no crime. These animals are bred or captured for a lifetime of loneliness and misery, and the best way to help stop the suffering is to boycott the zoo,” PETA director for Asia-Pacific Jason Baker said.Baker said that in the wild, many animals spend their entire lives with their close-knit families, but in zoos, animals are usually separated from their families when they are babies.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/news/view_article.php?article_id=88212
2 China Pandas Loaned to Australia Zoo
16 hours ago
BEIJING (AP) — China has selected a pair of giant pandas — Wangwang and Funi — to send to the Adelaide Zoo, an official said Wednesday, in a goodwill gesture announced during a recent visit to Australia by President Hu Jintao.
Cao Qingyao, a spokesman for the State Forestry Administration that oversees China's panda breeding program, said the male bear, Wangwang, is 2 years old and the female, Funi, is 1 year old.
They will come from the Wolong-based China Research Center for Protecting Giant Panda in Southwest China's Sichuan province, and can be transported as soon as the facilities at Adelaide Zoo, in South Australia state, are ready for them, Cao said.
"They are very cute and lovely," he said.
Cao did not say how long the pandas would be kept by Australia. A pair of pandas sent to Spain on Saturday were to stay there for 10 years.
The giant panda is unique to China and serves as an unofficial national mascot, imbuing such loans with political overtones. China regularly sends the animals abroad as a sign of warm diplomatic relations or to mark breakthroughs in ties.
China uses payments from zoos that host loaned pandas to fund extensive research and breeding programs. Under such loan agreements, any panda cubs born overseas to lent animals remain China's property.
The panda is one of the world's rarest animals, with about 1,590 living in the wild in China, mostly in the western provinces of Sichuan and Shaanxi. Another 210 have been bred in captivity.
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jpKevWjNJ_VnzMW-ym5nkUEyfD0A
China picks panda couple, Wangwang and Funi, for loan to Australian zoo
http://www.daylife.com/story/0g4C1OA9rD2Aj
Drinking Class at the Brew at the Zoo! (Video)
Monkeys, bears and great local brews! Where else would Drinking Class's Pete Munsey? Pete and and the SENCAST crew headed down the the Maryland Zoo last May to check out the event, and talk to some of the local brewers. Be sure to check out the Reggae brew fest at the zoo this weekend!
http://www.senbaltimore.com/clubs/drinking_class/drinking-class-at-the-brew-at-the-zoo.shtml
A new arrival at Chester Zoo
By Staff reporter
He's just a few days old but Tejas, the tiny lion cub, offers a glimmer of hope for his species.
The male Asiatic Lion, who is being hand-reared by Chester Zoo's carnivore team, was born to mum Asha after a three and half month pregnancy.
With between 300-350 Asiatic Lions left in the wild, the little male will make a big difference to the conservation of his species.
Asiatic Lions can now only be found in India's Gir Forest and 17 lions have been killed there in the last five months. With the number of Asiatic Lions plummeting, Chester's new cub will eventually play a major part in a breeding programme for his species, ensuring it continues.
http://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/wirralnews/display.var.1680950.0.a_new_arrival_at_chester_zoo.php
Pesky zebra mussels in Cheney Reservoir
Associated Press - September 8, 2007 1:54 PM ET
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) - A state biologist found zebra mussels in Cheney Reservoir this week, which is bad news for swimmers, boaters and the public water system.
The mussels clog intake structures at water and power plants and damage native fish populations. They also can cut feet and hands of those who are wading or swimming.
Cheney Reservoir supplies about 70% of Wichita's water.
Jerry Blain, a water superintendent in Wichita, says the city had already done a study and found that any option for getting rid of the mussels is expensive.
The mussels have also been found in El Dorado Reservoir and Winfield City Lake.
Officials say boaters probably unknowlingly carried the mussels on their boats.
Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
http://www.kwch.com/Global/story.asp?s=7045243
continued…
In the 24 hour loop (click to animate) with only 4 views rather than 8, the Antarctica Peninsula is hot.
September 12, 2007
1323 gmt
Antarctica
Vortices are at every corner of Antartica and in the wind map below it is obvious over WAIS (West Antarctica Ice Sheet) as the wind is primarily offshore as colder heavier air from the top of the Blue Ice falls to the lower altitudes of WAIS displacing the lighter warmer air. Noted in the satellite picture above, the Weddell Sea, east of the Peninsula is receiving a vortex directly.
September 12, 2007
9:00 PM UTC
Wind Satellite Map of Antarctica (click to animate, thank you)
September 12, 2007
6:00 PM GMT
Jet Stream Satellite (click for animation)
The vortices offshore are obvious. In animation there is a lot of distrubance of the Jet Stream as the heat transfer is occuring at higher altitudes. The vortices are affecting the Jet Stream at most altitudes as noted at 6:00 AM with a profound and equal distrubance wave at 12 o'clock.
It is still winter in Antarctica and already on the Peninsula the temperatures are nearly above zero and rising.
Warmest reporting stations
Base Orcadas, Antarctica
Time :: 7:00 PM GST
Elevation :: 20 ft / 6 m
Temperature :: 30 °F / -1 °C
Conditions :: Light Snow
Humidity :: 97%
Dew Point :: 29 °F / -1 °C
Wind :: 30 mph / 48 km/h from the North
Wind Gust :: -
Pressure :: 29.26 in / 991 hPa (Falling)
Visibility :: 1.0 miles / 2.0 kilometers
UV :: 0 out of 16
Clouds:
Mostly Cloudy 394 ft / 120 m Mostly Cloudy 2953 ft / 900 m
(Above Ground Level)
Great Wall, Antarctica
Time :: 7:00 PM GST
Elevation :: 33 ft / 10 m
Temperature :: 28 °F / -2 °C
Conditions :: Blowing Snow
Humidity :: 91%
Dew Point :: 26 °F / -3 °C
Wind :: 37 mph / 59 km/h from the West
Wind Gust:-
Pressure :: 29.19 in / 988 hPa (Rising)
Visibility :: 3.0 miles / 5.0 kilometers
Coldest Reporting Stations
Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, Antarctica
Time :: 6:00 AM NZST
Elevation :: 9285 ft / 2830 m
Temperature :: -80 °F / -62 °C
Conditions :: Overcast
Wind :: 8 mph / 13 km/h from the NE
Wind Gust :: -
Pressure :: in / hPa (Rising)
Visibility :: 7.0 miles / 11.0 kilometers
UV :: 0 out of 16
Clouds:
Few 2953 ft / 900 m Overcast 9843 ft / 3000 m
(Above Ground Level)
Vostok, Antarctica
Time :: 12:00 AM VOST
Elevation :: 11220 ft / 3420 m
Temperature :: -91 °F / -68 °C
Humidity :: 40%
Dew Point :: -97 °F / -71 °C
Wind :: 6 mph / 9 km/h / from the SW
Wind Gust :: -
Pressure :: in / hPa (Rising)
Visibility :: 12.0 miles / 20.0 kilometers
The weather in Antarctica (Crystal Ice Chime) is getting back to 'usual.'
September 13, 2007
1029
Long shadows, but, it is good to see Scott Base out of the darkness.
September 13, 2007
1034
The top map provides an understanding of the depth of the earthquakes.
The DEPTH of the magnitude 8.4 quake was 30.0 kilometers.
Which is why there is primarily damage to 'terra firma.' However, Africa is still remains vigilant. Nothing saying shallow earthquakes can't cause damaging waves. They can. However, the deeper the earthquake displacement the more water 'above' that displacement that will receive the energy of that techtonic movement. So, the upside is that there is probably little to fear in regard to tsunami to Indonesia, BUT, when adding the 'energy wave' to a longer surface and onto Africa, the authorities on the East Coast of Africa are 'correct' to be vigilant. I congratulate those caring for the coastal populous in Africa. Good call.
East African nations issue tsunami alerts (click here)
1 hour ago
NAIROBI (AFP) — African nations neighbouring the Indian Ocean on Wednesday warned of a possible tsunami after an earthquake struck off the west coast of the Indonesian island of Sumatra, officials said.
The Kenyan authorities advised residents along the coastal region to keep off the beaches and remain alert, warning that a tsunami was expected.
"An earthquake hit southern Sumatra, Asia at 2:10 pm (1110 GMT). A massive tsunami is expected to hit the Kenyan coast at 11.39 pm (2039 GMT) tonight. This is when the tide is high," government spokesman Alfred Mutua said in a statement.
"The government is asking all people to evacuate from the beach areas. This is to be noted by all beach hotels and people residing next to the beach," the statement added.
Neighbouring Tanzania's meteorological agency also issued a warning urging residents living along the coastline and on the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba to be vigilant.
"The earthquake has generated a tsunami. It is expected that the tsunami waves will hit Tanzania coastal areas as from 11:30 pm (2030 GMT) tonight," the agency said in a statement.
The government of Mauritius issued a tsunami issued the alert that was broadcast on radio stations, urging the tiny Indian Ocean island's inhabitants to keep off beaches at night.
A response committee was formed and residents in some of the most exposed coastal regions were encouraged to gather in designated areas for the night.
Earlier, a massive 8.2-magnitude earthquake struck off Sumatra island, toppling buildings. It triggered an Indonesian tsunami alert, which was rapidly called off.
Indonesia has endured repeated major quakes in recent years, including the 2004 quake that unleashed a tsunami across the Indian Ocean.
It killed over 220,000 people in a dozen countries including some 168,000 in the Indonesian province of Aceh alone.
That tsunami killed around 300 people in Somalia, caused damage in Africa's Indian Ocean islands of the Seychelles and Mauritius. It also hit the coasts of Kenya and Tanzania.
1 hour ago
NAIROBI (AFP) — African nations neighbouring the Indian Ocean on Wednesday warned of a possible tsunami after an earthquake struck off the west coast of the Indonesian island of Sumatra, officials said.
The Kenyan authorities advised residents along the coastal region to keep off the beaches and remain alert, warning that a tsunami was expected.
"An earthquake hit southern Sumatra, Asia at 2:10 pm (1110 GMT). A massive tsunami is expected to hit the Kenyan coast at 11.39 pm (2039 GMT) tonight. This is when the tide is high," government spokesman Alfred Mutua said in a statement.
"The government is asking all people to evacuate from the beach areas. This is to be noted by all beach hotels and people residing next to the beach," the statement added.
Neighbouring Tanzania's meteorological agency also issued a warning urging residents living along the coastline and on the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba to be vigilant.
"The earthquake has generated a tsunami. It is expected that the tsunami waves will hit Tanzania coastal areas as from 11:30 pm (2030 GMT) tonight," the agency said in a statement.
The government of Mauritius issued a tsunami issued the alert that was broadcast on radio stations, urging the tiny Indian Ocean island's inhabitants to keep off beaches at night.
A response committee was formed and residents in some of the most exposed coastal regions were encouraged to gather in designated areas for the night.
Earlier, a massive 8.2-magnitude earthquake struck off Sumatra island, toppling buildings. It triggered an Indonesian tsunami alert, which was rapidly called off.
Indonesia has endured repeated major quakes in recent years, including the 2004 quake that unleashed a tsunami across the Indian Ocean.
It killed over 220,000 people in a dozen countries including some 168,000 in the Indonesian province of Aceh alone.
That tsunami killed around 300 people in Somalia, caused damage in Africa's Indian Ocean islands of the Seychelles and Mauritius. It also hit the coasts of Kenya and Tanzania.
A few storms and a tsunami.
September 12, 2007
1845 utc
Water vapor of Tropical Depression 8.
It is a 'normal/cyclonic' storm that is very well formed already at a relatively high central pressure or 1007. It has a great deal of potential to become big and bad. The 'thing' about hurricanes/tropical depressions in a Human Induced Global Warming troposphere is that 'pressure' and 'temperature' are related. They are complimentary to each other when it comes to increasing velocity of winds of these storms.
Example: Boiling water. It boils at 212 F. Right? But did you know you can boil water at 98.6 F? It is possible IF the pressure is very high. In other words as the temperature of the Earth reacts to the pressure of Earth, there will be higher velocities in an environment that is 'stacking' it's temperature at higher altitudes.
Seeing the well formed central eye of the storm at such low pressure brought to mind the 'idea' that as the troposphere is hotter at higher latitudes it may very well change the column of air we call 'normal' at sea level to allow higher velocities. See the column of air would be less at higher temperatures EXCEPT with super hot air 'trapped' without molecules allowed to expand in volume, the actual velocity of the air molecules 'seeking expansion' under hotter climatic conditions will actually accelerate. So it may be why there is far more damage to these systems than one would 'traditionally' expect under the same temperatures and 'normal sea level pressure.'
Think of it this way. When putting a limited amount of water in a tea kettle and then heating it to boiling; the 'normal' state of the tea kettle would be to allow the increased pressure due to expanded capacity of the water vapor out the spout and the kettle sings. But. What if that kettle had no spout and was sealed without the ability to allow the steam out. What would happen? It would explode. The water would completely turn to vapor and become so hot with molecules moving very fast that the pressure due to the space between the molecules would test the tensil strength of the metal teapot. Same thing with the troposphere. The heated water vapor, where it exists, expands without any place to escape under carbon dioxide 'heat' and that manifests in water vapor with 'enhanced' velocity.
Eighth and ninth depressions forming (click here)
The eighth tropical depression of the hurricane season is forming about 1,100 miles east of the Lesser Antilles. The storm is moving west-northwest around 12 miles per hour with maximum sustained winds near 35 mph. A National Weather Service advisory reports the storm is expected to continue on its northerly track, decreasing in speed during the next 24 hours. A ninth depression is also forming along the northwestern Gulf of Mexico along the Texas coast. Tropical storm warnings are issued for Port O'Conner, Texas to Cameron, La. The depression is moving north near 6 mph with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph. Rainfalls, according to a NOAA advisory, are expected between 5-10 inches with extremes along the middle and upper coast of Texas and lower southwestern Louisiana. The depression is expected to reach tropical storm status prior to making landfall.
Just as a point of reference when a storm 'spins' 'anticyclonically the 'normal definition is that is a 'high pressure spin.' The odd aspect to the last storm that made landfall in North Carolina, "Gabrielle,' is that it was supposed to have a low pressure center as it was called a Tropical Storm. However. There is no official measure of it's 'central pressure' I have noted yet. I don't know if there is anyone other 'Tropical Storm' on record that NOAA/NASA/The National Weather service hasn't provided a central pressure as a matter of record. Very odd.
September 12, 2007
1845utc
Water Vapor of Humberto as a 'normal/cyclonic' storm for the Northern Hemisphere.
This is Humberto in Water Vapor Satellite. Louisiana and New Orleans will get some rain from this storm. Certainly it's something manageable by the levees. This storm does not have the potential to cause all that much trouble.
TD 9 becomes Tropical Storm Humberto (click here)
Tropical Depression 9 has gained strength and is now Tropical Storm Humberto.
A tropical storm warning remains in effect from Port O'Connor, Texasto Cameron. La. A tropical storm watch remains in effect from east of Cameron to Intracoastal City L.
At 1 p.m. the center of Tropical Storm Humberto was about 70Miles south-southwest of Galveston, Texas and about 145 miles east-northeast of Corpus Christi, Texas.
Humberto is moving toward the north near 6 mph and this general motion is expected to continue over the next 24 hours. On the forecast track, the center of Humberto should be crossing the Texas coast within the warning area tonight.
Maximum sustained winds have increased and are now near 45 mph with higher gusts. Some additional strengthening is possible prior to landfall. The earlier air force reserve unit reconnaissance aircraft returned to base for mechanical reasons, but a second aircraft is expected to reach Humberto within an hour or so.
The next advisory will be issued by the National Hurricane Center at 4 p.m.
September 12, 2007
1830z
UNISYS Enhanced Infrared Satellite.
Most of North America is under a high pressure system but there is some trouble brewing. Tropical Storm Humberto is offshore of Texas and Louisiana and they know it. Even the New Orleans paper is monitoring this and the tropical depression in the Atlantic which more than likely will pick up velocity once in reach of the Lesser Antilles.
The high pressure system may very well serve as a barrier to Humberto dumping a lot of rain inland, which won't prevent some much needed water reaching the southern states, however it might prevent the middle of the continent from being deluged again. It won't stop Texas from more flooding and people in chronically wet areas this season need relief from FEMA while moving away from those newly forming lagoons and swamps. Seriously.
continued...
I should not have been surprised. Reining in Russian corruption isn't done by a simpleton.
Viktor Zubkov, the former mayor of Saint Petersburg in Russia, on June, 28, 2005. Photographer: Viktor Chernov/ Bloomberg News
Russia has it's trouble with corruption and I am confident Mr. Zubkov has been ruling that 'clean-up' with an iron fist. Of course with financial corruption comes a lot of 'racketeering' and Moscow's crime rate has been climbing.
Of course President Putin came to his post within Russia in 1999 taking much the same route as soon to be Prime Minister Zubkov. President Putin was a member of the Committee of External Relations as did PM to be. Zubkov and Putin are rather cozy, he was Deputy Chair while Putin was the leadership of the Committee. Interestingly, while President Putin was born and raised near Europe in Saint Petersburg (once Leningrad), the PM to be Zubkov has aquired most of his leadership skills in the region of St. Petersburg, in the State Tax office, Mayor's Office and the Agricultural sector. Good buddies I would characterize as the relationship between Zubkov and Putin. More than likely they share a great deal of charasmatic traits in regard to the cultural demands of Russian society.
Somewhat troubling is a change in leadership in taking away a Prime Minister that was also of Jewish lineage and culture. I can't be sure, but, with coming elections and what might be a leaning of a Prime Minister to heritage instead of national sovereignty, perhaps Putin felt a bit uncomfortable with the prospect of a Russia President with cultural ties to Israel. Just a guess. It goes a little be more than 'curious' about that aspect as there has been increasingly stronger ties between the Arab nationsand Russia; 'with that' an increasing verbosity regarding disfavoring Israel for it's policies in the region. Just a point of contention that I am sure will dissolve with proven leadership by a new face and name at the top of Russian government.
At any rate, I believe the new Prime Minister has some very interesting experience in handling the fiscal disruptions of former oligarchs and their continued ripple effect across national secruity issues that beset many areas of Russian cities. One thing though, where I would expect President Putin's KGB experience to make up for what Mr. Zubkov would bring there will probably be a change in 'strategy' against the corruption that besets Russia. Rather than the covert approach that has been less than a good strategy for the current Russian President, perhaps the fiscal aspect the Mr. Zubkov brings will show more success in depriving the corrupt violence of Russia cities their source of income and munitons. I wish him a great deal of luck in bringing safer streets to not just St. Petersburg, but, Moscow as well.
Needless to say, Mr. Zubkov has his eye on the EU and treaties there as well as with NATO. It will be interesting his focus as he establishes a Prime Minister's backbone looking to be Russian President.
I am sure we will learn more about the soon to be Prime Minister Zubkov and his directives for Russia. He is a handsome man and carries a degree of charisma to the people of Russia. Russians have come to enjoy a great deal of knowledge about the personality of their current President and he has not shied away from that attention, as it handily brought him a great deal of approval of his country.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Zogby Poll: 51% of Americans Want Congress to Probe Bush/Cheney Regarding 9/11 Attacks; Over 30% Seek Immediate Impeachment
Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery to the victims of 9/11 terrorist attacks on the Pentagon
Kansas City, MO (Zogby International) September 6, 2007 - As America nears the sixth anniversary of the world-churning events of September 11, 2001, a new Zogby International poll finds a majority of Americans still await a Congressional investigation of President Bush' and Vice President Cheney's actions before, during and after the 9/11 attacks. Over 30% also believe Bush and/or Cheney should be immediately impeached by the House of Representatives.
The 911truth.org–sponsored poll also found that over two-thirds of Americans say the 9/11 Commission should have investigated the still unexplained collapse of the 47-story World Trade Center Building 7 at 5:20 p.m. on September 11, 2001.
WTC 7 housed the mayor's emergency bunker and offices of the SEC, IRS, CIA and Secret Service and was not hit by any planes but still completely collapsed into its own footprint nearly eight hours after the Twin Tower attacks. FEMA did not explain this collapse, the 911 Commission ignored it, and the promised official study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is now 2 years overdue.
Americans think a lot about September 11, 2001, but, in thinking about it they don't necessarily believe the current path of the USA is correct.
Americans see 9/11 as most important event of their lives (click here).
Mon Sep 10, 11:17 AM ET
WASHINGTON (AFP) - Six years after the September 11 attacks on the United States, most Americans view the plane hijackings that killed around 3,000 people as the most significant historical event of their lives, according to a poll released Monday.
Eighty-one percent of those surveyed said they see the attacks as the most significant historical even of their lifetimes, with more people on the east coast -- 90 percent -- choosing this view compared to 75 percent on the west coast.
The Zogby International telephone poll surveyed 938 people between September 6 and 9 and has a three-percentage point margin of error.
The poll also showed 61 percent of respondents saying they think of the events at least once a week and 16 percent saying they think of the attacks every day.
A full 91 percent said they believe the United States will be attacked again on US soil.
Sixteen percent said they had personally visited the site of the World Trade Center in New York City to pay tribute to those who died when two passenger jets plunged into the towers and caused them to collapse.
A third jet hijacked by Al-Qaeda militants hit the Pentagon outside Washington, and a fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania.
Firefighters plan to read names on 9/11
Zvi, right, and Judy Levinhar, of Tel Aviv, Israel, hang a photos of their son Shai Lenvinhar, who died during the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on the eve of 6th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, Monday, Sept. 10, 2007 in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
September 11, 2007 is a Republican political venue rather than a day or memorializing.
Joseph Jones, whose wife Felicia Dunn-Jones died of lung disease five months after inhaling toxic dust in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, poses with their portrait at the 9/11 Memorial on Staten Island, New York on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2007. Her name has been added to the list of victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
Wind Shifts Fanning Sierra Nevada Fires; Only 15 Percent Contained So Far
August 31, 2007
Mesa, Idaho
Photographer states :: GRAY'S CREEK FIRE PLUME
September 3, 2007
Palmdale, California
Photographer states :: An S-2 twin engine air tanker makes a drop on the North Fire burning in the Angeles National Forest. The fire has burned through 1,500 acres of brush and timber so far.
September 2, 2007
Bend, Oregon
Photographer states :: Smoke from the Black Butte fire
September 3, 2007
Bend, Oregon
Photographer states :: Smoke from the Black Butte fire drifting north over the top of Mt. Jefferson
September 4, 2007
near Morgan Hill, California
Photographer states :: As of 3 hours ago, it had burned 5,200 acres and could burn up to 10, 000 today. The wind was fairly strong so the smoke spread quickly south throughout the valley. The following series of pictures were taken only minutes apart as it covered the cloud above.
September 11, 2007
Ayinde O. Chase - AHN Staff
Sacramento, CA (AHN) - A blaze that has burned nearly 100 square miles of wilderness in the Sierra Nevada mountain range had crews working round the clock. As of late Sunday night firefighters only had about 15 percent of it contained.
The fire in the Plumas National Forest has so far destroyed an unoccupied summer home, a trailer and a shed since it erupted early last week. Many others were forced to flee from the fire's impending embers.
Mandatory evacuations remained in effect for 50 to 100 people in the North Arm of Indian Valley and other small communities. Officials have urged residents of Genesee and Taylorsville to leave their homes since the wind change is turning the fire back in their direction but is not requiring them to leave.
The wind direction on Sunday shifted carrying smoke toward the San Joaquin Valley and San Francisco Bay area, nearly 200 miles away, authorities said. Health officials even had to issue warnings in cities hundreds of miles away due to haze and difficult breathing conditions.
Particularly the elderly, people with pulmonary illness and people who work outdoors need to be careful.
The fire had burned through 62,000 acres, or 97 square miles, the Forest Service reported.
According to an AP report more than 2,700 firefighters battled the fire on Sunday employing the use of eight air tankers and 15 helicopters. Fire officials took to the sky dropping water and fire retardant chemicals. There was no estimate when the fire might be contained.
The weather at Glacier Bay National Park (Crystal Wind Chime) is:
Elevation : 33 ft / 10 m
Time :: 5:56 AM est
Tempterature :: 54 °F / 12 °C
Conditions :: Overcast
Humidity :: 88%
Dew Point :: 50 °F / 10 °C
Wind :: 6 mph / 9 km/h / 2.6 m/s from the NW
Pressure :: 30.25 in / 1024 hPa (Steady)
Visibility :: 1.8 miles / 2.8 kilometers
UV :: 0 out of 16
Clouds :: Mostly Cloudy 200 ft / 60 m
Overcast 5500 ft / 1676 m
(Above Ground Level)
Time :: 5:56 AM est
Tempterature :: 54 °F / 12 °C
Conditions :: Overcast
Humidity :: 88%
Dew Point :: 50 °F / 10 °C
Wind :: 6 mph / 9 km/h / 2.6 m/s from the NW
Pressure :: 30.25 in / 1024 hPa (Steady)
Visibility :: 1.8 miles / 2.8 kilometers
UV :: 0 out of 16
Clouds :: Mostly Cloudy 200 ft / 60 m
Overcast 5500 ft / 1676 m
(Above Ground Level)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)