Zoos

White tiger dies at Nehru Zoo
Hyderabad, September 07: Rudra, a 12-year-old male white tiger in the Nehru Zoological Park died.
The zoo authorities informed that the tiger had been suffering from chronic tumour in the neck region for 20 days. Rudra was brought here from Nandankanan Zoological Park in the year 2000.
Preliminary report of post mortem revealed that the big cat had died of respiratory failure. With Rudra’s death, the zoo is now left with five male and four female white tigers.

http://www.siasat.com/english/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=205048&Itemid=79&cattitle=Hyderabad


Lowry Zoo Loves Lucy
By LENORA LAKE, Tribune correspondent
Published: September 12, 2007
TAMPA - An abandoned 2-month-old Florida panther being raised at Lowry Park Zoo should be 'an ambassador for her species,' say staff members caring for her.
Calusa, named after an American Indian tribe, has grown from about 2 pounds to 10 pounds since the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission placed the spotted cub with the zoo Aug. 8.
For the past month, the zoo's veterinary staff has been feeding the cub - known as Lucy - first with a bottle and now with solid food, treating her for parasites, checking a laceration on her head to be sure it is healing and monitoring her growth. For almost three weeks, one of the staff members took her home at night. Now she can stay by herself in the animal hospital.
David Murphy, the zoo's veterinarian, said the wildlife commission is expected to OK displaying her at the zoo, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., within six to eight weeks.

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2007/sep/12/me-lowry-zoo-loves-lucy/?news-breaking



Denver Zoo visitors get eyeful as baby giraffe born
By John Ingold Denver Post Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 09/07/2007 05:23:36 PM MDT
Sure, she's a long-legged stunner with eyelashes into the next zip code. Yeah, she just gave birth to a healthy baby boy.
But the glow of the expectant mother aside, who wants to be on display while in labor?
That's where Masika found herself a few days ago, hanging out in her giraffe enclosure at the Denver Zoo, soaking in admiration from the zoo's visitors when — BAM! — baby Kang decided he wanted to get some of that attention too, and now. And so it came to pass that Masika the giraffe went into labor in front of complete strangers.
Not impressed? You try giving birth to a 6-foot 1-inch, 165-pound child in front of an audience. She's only 13 feet tall herself, people!

http://www.denverpost.com/commented/ci_6818462



SF Zoo's Lion House Reopens Amidst Changes

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (KCBS) - The San Francisco Zoo is ready to reopen its Lion House, eight months after a zookeeper was mauled while feeding a Siberian tiger.
KCBS' Doug Sovern reports that new safety measures are in place.
As Sovern explained, the lions and tigers seemed slightly less than totally thrilled to see reporters on site. They prowled inside their cages, waiting to be fed chunks of horse meat.
The zoo's executive director, Manuel Mollinedo, explained new steel mesh on the cages, a feeding chute, and a greater distance between the public and the big cats should head off another attack.
"The physical changes that we have done are going to prevent that," he offered. "We also revisited all of the zoo protocol and as long as the staff follows the protocol, I feel very confident that we will not have a reoccurrence of what happened."

http://www.kcbs.com/pages/910278.php?contentType=4&contentId=886113


7 held in Miraj for theft of peacocks
7 Sep 2007, 0432 hrs IST , TNN
PUNE: The Bharati Vidyapeeth police on Thursday arrested seven men from Miraj in the Sangli district for allegedly stealing 12 peacocks and couple of sandalwood from the Rajiv Gandhi zoo at Katraj, sometime on Monday night. However, the police failed to recovered the stolen birds and the sandalwood. Meanwhile, the birds which were located in the zoo premises on Wednesday haven’t been brought to the cages in last two days. The seven suspects were produced before the judicial magistrate (first class) Sanjay Yadav, who remanded them to police custody till September 11.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Pune/7_held_in_Miraj_for_theft_of_peacocks/articleshow/2345767.cms


Lily the lion steps into the zoo spotlight
Friday, September 07, 2007
By Linda McKee
Infant Barbary lion Lily rests in the arms of her keeper after a gruelling day of meeting her adoring public for the first time at Belfast Zoo yesterday.
Lily was rescued from her zoo enclosure in June after she was rejected by her mother Fidda at birth, and reared by keeper Linda Frew in her home.The tiny lion cub has taken up residence in her new paddock at Belfast Zoo, where she was born earlier this summer.A second cub in the litter was less lucky and was killed by the lioness.

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/article2939402.ece


Zoo plans $7.5M space where kids can go apeAll-weather facility will include multitude of hands-on activities
By JENNI LAIDMANBLADE STAFF WRITER
It wasn’t that long ago when most children had a favorite climbing tree, a stream to splash in, and a good place to hunt for turtles.As early as May, 2009, the Toledo Zoo plans to provide children all of the above, with the creation of a new $7.5 million kids area at the zoo.

http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070907/NEWS38/709070435/-1/NEWS


The zoo over time
Friday, September 07, 2007
1882: Jeptha H. Wade donates 73 acres and 14 American deer to Cleveland and the exhibit becomes known as Wade Park. Animals kept at the East Side park in the early days were mostly of local origin.
1907: Cleveland City Council decides to move the zoo to its current location between Fulton Road and West 25th Street to make way for the Cleveland Art Museum.
1940: Cleveland Natural History Museum assumes control of zoo.
1956: New pachyderm building opens, mostly to house animals acquired on safari.
1957: Cleveland Zoological Society takes over operations.
1959: Nearby Big Creek overflows, wiping out the zoo's reptile collection and damaging several buildings.
1962: Lion and tiger exhibits open, with moats separating the animals from the public.
1968: City of Cleveland transfers zoo ownership to Cleveland Metropolitan Park District.
1972: Veterinary hospital opens to care for 1,000 animals of 341 species.
1982: Zoo gains accreditation from national Association of Zoos & Aquariums.
1985: Collection of fish and invertebrates moves to the zoo from Cleveland Aquarium in Gordon Park.
1992: The 87,000-square-foot, $30 million RainForest exhibit opens.
1997: The $10.3 million, eight-acre Wolf Wilderness exhibit opens.
2000: The $10 million Australian Adventure, a renovation of the zoo's 40-year-old Children's Farm into an eight-acre mockup of a working Australian ranch, opens.
2004: The $9 million Sarah Allison Steffee Center for Zoological Medicine opens.


Cleveland zoo's veterinary care is on display for visitors
At zoo's med center, visitors can observe exams, surgery
Friday, September 07, 2007
Michael Scott
Plain Dealer Reporter
A fat-tailed lemur with a sinus infection was the perfect patient Thursday at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
He was anesthetized and feeling no pain. Not during a blood test or an oral exam. Not during a rectal exam.
And not even when his furry animal underside was fully exposed.

http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/118915655942440.xml&coll=2


GTA's last polar bear heads back up north
Sep 07, 2007 04:30 AM
Curtis Rush Staff Reporter
Polar bear lovers are out in the cold in Toronto.
The last polar bear has left the Toronto Zoo and the exhibit has shut down while a $12 million, two-year redevelopment begins.
The zoo has shipped off 27-year-old Bisitek to northern Ontario, where she is to enjoy "a restful retirement" at the Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat, according to zoo officials.
The move was made to allow the zoo to launch a bigger and better polar bear habitat and tundra phase, where Arctic wolves, reindeer, snowy owls and other animals would be introduced.
The project is expected to be completed in 2009.

http://www.thestar.com/News/article/254145


Zoo a must-see -- mom
By JACQUELINE LEBLANC
leblanc.jacqueline@dailygleaner.com
Published Friday September 7th, 2007
Appeared on page A5
Five-year-old Tyson Wiggins fills his palms with grains and kneels towards the small slit in the boards that surround the petting zoo at the FREX.
A small goat squeezes its head through a slit and sniffs Tyson's full hand. As the goat begins to chomp on the grains, Tyson scrunches his nose and looks at his mother.

http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/rss/article/67900


Yahoo at the Zoo Pictures

http://news.yahoo.com/photos/ss/events/lf/031802zooanimals/im:/070912/ids_photos_wl/r1559689063.jpg;_ylt=Ajkdv2ndKdm8Qan1.Ob_vreaK8MA


Zoo reopens Lion House for public feedings 10 months after mauling
Patricia Yollin, Chronicle Staff Writer
Friday, September 7, 2007
For almost 10 months now, the big cats in the Lion House at the San Francisco Zoo have enjoyed their own private dining room. They could gnaw on hunks and chunks of meat, and the occasional beheaded rabbit, in churchlike silence.
That's about to change. The cavernous building, which has been closed to the public since a keeper was mauled by a Siberian tiger on Dec. 22, reopens today - with $250,000 in safety upgrades.
On Thursday morning, the media got a preview of the ritual that has been one of the zoo's biggest attractions for 67 years, and is believed to be the only remaining scheduled public feeding of lions and tigers in North America.

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/09/07/BAMMS0JIB.DTL


Meerkats have a home at the zoo
September 7, 2007 12:23 pm — Three small, furry Southern Belles have arrived at the Seneca Park Zoo.And this morning, Monroe County and Seneca Park Zoo officials unveiled the girls’ new home – a meerkat exhibit at the zoo, 2222 St. Paul St.Meerkats are small mammals and members of the mongoose family. They are very social, living in colonies, known as “mobs” of up to 30. Each animal is about a foot-long.Three female meerkats, ages 4, 5 and 6, from the Cameron Park Zoo in Waco, Texas have already moved into a habitat in the northern end of the zoo’s main building, right by Roscoe, a white rhinoceros who has lived at the zoo for over a year, said Zoo Director Larry Sorel.

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070907/NEWS01/70907007/1002/NEWS


Ukrainian zoo names skunks Clinton and Bush
KHARKOV, September 7 (RIA Novosti) - A zoo in Kharkov, Ukraine's second-largest city, has named the country's only pair of skunks after two U.S. presidents, Bush and Clinton, a spokesman for the zoo said Friday.
The skunks, known for their ability to excrete a foul-smelling odor when alarmed, are the last captive pair remaining in a Ukrainian zoo, the spokesman explained, adding that their names were chosen to reflect the species' geographic origin - North America.
The animals were presented to the zoo as a gift two weeks ago, and since then they have not excreted their trademark odor.
Asked about their taste preferences, the spokesman said that ate everything, from fruit and vegetables to fish and meat.
"Most of all, they like juices," he said.

http://en.rian.ru/world/20070907/77397491.html


Captive breeding of tigers begins in Nandankanan Zoo
From our ANI CorrespondentBhubaneshwar, Sept 7: The famous Nandankanan Zoo in Bhubaneshwar has restarted breeding of tigers in captivity for maintaining a viable population. The zoo launched a captive breeding programme with its youngest group of three tigers now four-years-old, and the authorities find it to be the right time to go for planned breeding.The famous zoo currently has 28 tigers -- 10 white and 18 normal coloured ones.Zoo officials believe genetic management of captive population is essential for a successful programme through maximum avoidance of inbreeding, as it causes reduction in reproduction as well as revival of the species.

http://www.dailyindia.com/show/172113.php/Captive-breeding-of-tigers-begins-in-Nandankanan-Zoo



Panda pair leave Shanghai for Spain
By Huang Zhiling (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2007-09-08 09:53

SHANGHAI -- At 7:59 am Beijing time Saturday morning, two giant pandas took off on a 747 freighter from Shanghai directly to Spain.
The pandas are on their way to Spain's Madrid Zoo for a 10-year stay which is part of the Giant Panda International Conservation Cooperation Project between China and Spain.
Bing Xing and Hua Zuiba, the panda duo, will land in Madrid Saturday evening after flying for nearly 14 hours, said Michael Drake, Managing Director for TNT Greater China.
TNT, the world's leading express and mail delivery provider, has been appointed the official carrier, overseeing all stages of the panda transfer.
They panda pair will then be transported to the Madrid Zoo. After a brief break to help them acclimatize to the local environment, they will make their official debut in late September 2007, he told chinadaily.com.cn.
Seven-year-old male panda Bing Xing, whose name means "Star of Ice," weighs 140 kilograms, and four-year-old female Hua Zuiba, whose name means "Cuty Lips," weighs 93 kilograms.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2007-09/08/content_6091134.htm


Oleson Park Zoo to survive
Talks aim to keep popular FD site thriving
By BILL SHEA, Messenger staff writer
Animal lovers can look forward to the future survival of the Oleson Park Zoo, according to Fort Dodge officials and leaders of a private support group.The more upbeat assessment of the site’s future comes a few weeks after the Friends of the Oleson Park Zoo threatened to disband and sell most of the animals. That led to a public protest on the steps of the Municipal Building on Aug. 13 at which people chanted ‘‘Save the zoo.’’

http://www.messengernews.net/News/articles.asp?articleID=12406


Wet weather puts zoo on the map
By Staff reporter
COME rain or shine, Chester Zoo has something for everyone this autumn.
Following one of the wettest summers on record, the 110-acre zoo has splashed out to make sure there is fun for all the family, even in a downpour.
A special rainy day route around the zoo has been planned out and a Wet Walk leaflet will be given to zoo visitors who brave the weather.
The leaflet also has a special voucher which gives a paying adult a free child place on a return visit.
Sharon Leeson, the zoo's Head of Marketing and Development, said: "Despite sometimes atrocious conditions over the summer, we have been lucky in that spells of bad weather have not deterred our visitors.

http://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/wirralnews/display.var.1674007.0.wet_weather_puts_zoo_on_the_map.php


Zoo passed up polluted parkland
History: For decades, chemicals were dumped at the 65-acre site that Blank Park Zoo had wanted

Safety: It's safe to play and fish at what is now a popular park, environmental experts report
By MELISSA WALKER
REGISTER STAFF WRITER
September 8, 2007
Copyright 2007, Des Moines Register and Tribune CompanyA Polk County park eyed for a major expansion of Blank Park Zoo sits atop a decades-old military dump site that officials fear has left soil and a popular fishing spot contaminated with pesticides, asbestos and chemical compounds.That is one reason zoo officials decided last month to back away from a proposed land swap that would have transferred ownership of the 65 park acres to the city, paving the way for a $57 million zoo expansion."The city told us that right now, with their initial findings, they did not want the zoo to move on to that property," said Jim Hourigan, president of the Blank Park Zoo Foundation. "They thought the levels that were detected were high enough that we should look for a site elsewhere. ... I don't think they want the liability associated with owning it."
http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070908/NEWS05/709080342/1001/NEWS&lead=1


Zoo Babies (Video)
Saturday September 8th, 2007
I went to my annual trip to the zoo yesterday. Here is some mandatory zoo footage. There are also four photos on 23.

http://www.solitude.dk/archives/20070908-1555/


Career profile: N.E.W. Zoo president preserves Reforestation Camp goals
By Laurie Weyenberg Press-Gazette correspondent
To explain the importance of Judy Krawczyk's job, it's important to know how the N.E.W. Zoo began.
In 1948, sparks from a train passing though the Suamico area set a fire that destroyed many trees. Francis Evrard (chairman of the county's Agricultural Conservation Commission) suggested that the land be reforested, using inmates. He felt this was a good way to rehabilitate prisoners while restoring the land. It was known as "Evrard's Folly". But with no better idea, a prison camp was built. Harry Barth and his wife, Aurelia, and their children were hired to run the camp. In March 1950, the first inmates arrived at the "Reforestation Camp" and the planting of 250,000 seedlings soon began. Harry Barth and Francis Evrard talked about the beauty of the area and how nice it would be if they could bring city children out to the camp to learn about nature. They also shared a dream of someday building a zoo.

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070909/GPG03/709090586/1250/GPGlife

September 09, 2007
Zoo special backs up I-275 traffic
Zoo-goers looking to take advantage of Lowry Park Zoo's $3 admission day backed up traffic along I-275 and Sligh Ave. Sunday afternoon, Tampa police said.
To alleviate congestion, police had asked the zoo to close its parking entrances, said Dana N. Metz, Director of Marketing for the Lowry Park Zoo. However, visitors who can find other parking accommodations will be allowed to enter the park.

The Zoo, Tel Aviv and Egyptian Embassy
As part of Uplan my class got to go to the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo. Which was so cool. They have loads of animals mentioned in the Bible, and some that aren't...like penguins for example. The enclosures are pretty big, and all the animals seem interested enough, so it wasn't one of those bad person zoos. They even have breeding programs, though the only breeding we saw was between two randy penguins.My class all made a picnic and we had this for lunch. I made the eggplant and zuccini mix, which was damn good!

http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/yoniforsyth/year_in_israel/1189350900.html

Edinburgh Zoo
http://andytheweirdo.vox.com/edinburgh-zoo/

Pricey pandas eat up conservation funds'Champagne to beer': Zoo wants to keep fluffy favorites but pay China less for the privilege.

By MARK DAVISThe Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionPublished on: 09/10/07
The zoo's top guy wants to extend Atlanta's love affair with its adult giant pandas beyond 2009, when the bears are scheduled to return to China.
But Lun Lun and Yang Yang, though easy to love, are pricey to keep.
The zoo has sent $1.1 million annually to China since the two pandas came to Atlanta in 1999. To date, it has spent more than $7 million in a loan agreement with the Asian nation, said Dennis Kelly, the zoo's president and CEO. From a strictly bottom-line perspective, the pandas are "consuming all the money we could spend on other conservation efforts," he said.
With two years left in the 10-year deal, Kelly said he and the board of directors are considering asking China to let the bears stay longer. But keeping them, he said, must meet "a long-term, sustainable strategy."
Translation: the champagne-and-caviar relationship needs to become a beer-and-wieners affair. The zoo would like to pay China less per year for its two Ailuropoda melanoleucas.
"If [Chinese officials] see the benefit of that, I'm sure we could come to a mutually beneficial agreement," Kelly said.

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/living/stories/2007/09/09/panda_0910.html

Take a rainforest adventure at the zoo these holidays
Enjoy an action-packed rainforest adventure these September school holidays at Auckland Zoo, from 22 September to 7 October.
Join the search for the lost treasure at two free daily shows. Meet "Bugman" Ruud Kleinpaste and his amazing creepy-crawlies up close and be in to win the chance to have Paddlepop Lion attend your party. Kids and grown-ups can meet members of the Breakers basketball team and take the opportunity to help save endangered rainforest animals.
Make attending the daily rainforest adventure shows your first port of call, where Captain Tongue-Tied and first mate Paddlepop Lion need willing pirates and adventurers to help them solve the rainforest clues and locate the lost treasure.

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0709/S00117.htm

Childhood Cancer Awareness at the Zoo

Sabrina Hall - shall@kgmb9.com
It's National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and in Hawaii it was kicked off at the Honolulu Zoo where kids with cancer shared their stories in hopes you might listen.
Taja survived lymphoma.
"I had cancer when I was two," said 5-year-old Taja Koch. Kaela battled leukemia.
"I was five years old," said Kaelo Teho, who is now seven.
And Mari also had leukemia when she was four.
"I was sick for two and a half years," said 15-year-old Mari Galiher.

http://kgmb9.com/kgmb/display.cfm?storyID=12387&sid=1183


Panda celebrates birthday at Chongqing Zoo
A panda named “YouYou” (友友) celebrated her one-year birthday last week (Sep 5) at Chongqing Zoo, China. The zoo prepared a butter cake for “YouYou” for celebration.

http://yeinjee.com/asianpop/chongqing-panda-celebrates-birthday/


Zoo-doo season
For two weeks: If you hope to get in on the Woodland Park Zoo's Fall Fecal Fest, the sale of zoo-animal manure for lawn and garden compost, the zoo needs to hear from you before Sept. 21. The zoo-doo sale is how the zoo rids itself of the mounds of mature manure stockpiled from its animal population.
The zoo is again holding a drawing for people to get in on the sale. Standard-size entry postcards — one per person — can be mailed to Zoo Doo, Woodland Park Zoo, 601 N. 59th St., Seattle, WA 98103. Include your name, day and evening phone numbers, the amount of zoo doo you'd like to buy and a preferred time (weekday or weekend) for pickup. No phone orders will be taken.
Cards will be drawn randomly, and those whose cards are chosen will be notified. The limit is one full truck per person, and prices vary from $60 for the largest amount to $4 for the smallest, a bag. Information is online at www.zoo.org, or call 206-625-7667.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003877357_here10m.html

Philadelphia Zoo Photos, Pt. II
10 09 2007
As promised, here is the second set of the better photos from my trip to the Philadelphia Zoo. I probably should (at the reccomendation of several commentors) register with Flickr and upload the lot of them, but that will have to wait until tomorrow (I’ll also go back and do likewise for the pictures on this computer as time permits). Let’s pick up where we left off, with one of my most favorite of big cats, the Amur Leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis);

http://laelaps.wordpress.com/2007/09/10/philadelphia-zoo-photos-pt-ii/

Princess to visit Marwell Zoo
MARWELL Zoo near Winchester is expecting a royal visitor next week.
The Princess Royal will be opening on Monday (September 17) the new 'South East Asia' exhibit, which is one of several new zones at the centre.
She has visited Marwell three times before, having unveiled 'Penguin World', 'Into Africa', and 'World of Lemurs' on her previous trips.

http://www.thisishampshire.net/news/hampshirenews/display.var.1677255.0.princess_to_visit_marwell_zoo.php

Meerkats favorite webcam animal at Riverbanks Zoo

COLUMBIA - Webcam fans have voted on their favorite ZooView animal, and the active, slender-tailed meerkat has stolen the show. Throughout the month of September, the meerkats will be the star of the SCE&G ZooView webcam. "This is not a huge surprise given the enormous popularity of meerkats," said Dargan Davis, public relations manager for Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.
http://www.gaffneyledger.com/news/2007/0910/Local_News/028.html

A New Day in Panda Canyon
Posted at 3:08 pm September 10, 2007 by Ellie Rosenbaum
As many of you are aware, the San Diego Zoo is embarking on a new project, Elephant Odessey, to provide an updated area for not only our elephants but many other species of animals and plants here at the Zoo. To accomodate this, an exciting new bus route has been instituted for the safety of all and to facilitate the construction project on Horn & Hoof Mesa: our tour buses are driving up Panda Canyon.

http://www.sandiegozoo.org/wordpress/default/a-new-day-in-panda-canyon/

Guard knocked out in zoo break-in
A security guard at a wildlife centre near Dundee was knocked unconscious after she disturbed three youths in one of the animal enclosures.
Security at Camperdown Wildlife Centre had been heightened after vandals tortured and killed birds and animals there earlier this year.
In the latest incident, the 24-year-old was attacked after she found the youths in the deer enclosure on Sunday night.
Tayside Police appealed for anyone with information to contact them.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/tayside_and_central/6987609.stm


In U.S. zoos, pandas have universal appeal
Los Angeles Times
The giant pandas of the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C. - and those of the San Diego Zoo - are hot tickets. The endangered bears, indigenous to China, have become so admired by Americans that there are fan clubs, panda cams enabling viewers to watch them remotely, and hundreds of products featuring pandas, such as T-shirts, clocks, mugs and mouse pads.At the National Zoo, the roly-poly mammals have been one of the capital's biggest tourist draws since two pandas took up residence in 2000. After the birth of cub Tai Shan in 2005, interest mushroomed. Now, the three are spending their first summer in an expanded habitat.On the West Coast, the San Diego Zoo's pandas recently welcomed a baby born Aug. 3. And in Atlanta, the zoo is getting ready for a big celebration to mark cub Mei Lan's first birthday on Sept. 6. But the news from the zoo in Memphis, Tenn., is not happy: Ya Ya didn't carry her baby to term.

http://www.newsday.com/travel/ny-a2col5360424sep09,0,6406180.story

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Celebrates 125th Anniversary Saturday
Submitted by Eugmc on September 10, 2007 - 11:22pm. 1882 was a big year for Cleveland. John D. Rockefeller unites his oil holdings into the Standard Oil trust. Of course, our Standard Oil is now a thing of the past but it wasn't just Standard Oil that was born that year. The Cleveland Zoo was formed.
Saturday, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo will celebrate their 125th anniversary. The Zoo has a fun filled day of activities lined up. They are calling the event the "ZOObilee". This is just a sampling of the fun you can have if you want to "monkey around" and Saturday.

http://www.clevelandleader.com/node/2766

Baby Monkey at Irvine Park Zoo
The Irvine Park Zoo has a new addition to its attractions.
Visitors are going to the Chippewa Falls Zoo to catch a glimpseof the new born baby.The baby is no more than 10 inches long and clings to its mothers back so tightly that the zoo keepers haven't been able to tell the sex of the baby yet.
The zoo is excited about the new arrival but will only be able to keep the monkey for a short time.The baby is going to another zoo in a few months, where it can get used to being around people and living in captivity.Zoo keeper Jennifer London is sad to see the baby go, but says it's in the best interest for the baby monkey, who is small enough to fit through the cage and could get out.
Although the baby has to leave it's mother it will be going to a facility that is more secure than the current zoo.

http://www.weau.com/news/headlines/9700527.html

Dedicated elephant handlers happy but nervous about baby Malti
2 days ago
CALGARY (CP) — While it's unclear if a whole village is still required to raise a child, it certainly takes a few dozen people to raise an elephant.
As the Calgary Zoo's baby Asian elephant, Malti, trotted and pranced in front of her adoring crowd for the first time Monday, few paid attention to her ever-present, ever-watchful handlers. For months now, the zoo's crew of six elephant-keepers have been putting in long hours - often six days and nights in a row, with shifts stretching to 35 hours at a time.
Then there's the veterinarians, the health technicians, the supervisors and small army of volunteers bringing everyone hot meals.
Though Malti was born a month ago, the 24-hour care started long before her mother Maharani's 22-month gestation period ended.

http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5g1Uo_w6lr7wemClv6Z5vZczAZ5Yg

'Extreme Makeover' coming to zoo's frogsAmphibians to get $500,000 home

By JENNI LAIDMAN

BLADE STAFF WRITER
The Toledo Zoo will bound into its Year of the Frog with the creation of a half-million-dollar amphibian pad next year, the zoo board learned yesterday.
The amphibian annum is the creation of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums - which accredits member zoos nationwide, including Toledo - to draw attention to the rapid depletion of frogs and salamanders around the planet.
A fungal infection is eliminating frog populations around the world, while habitat destruction erodes important frog and salamander breeding ponds. Pesticides also play a role in the plague frogs face, and global warming appears to be a contributor. Not much is known about the fate of a third type of amphibian known as a caecilian.

http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070911/NEWS16/709110379

Lion Dies In Himachal Zoo
Tuesday 11th of September 2007
A lion has died in a zoological park in Himachal Pradesh, wildlife officials said Tuesday.'The autopsy report indicates that the 13-year-old lion, Shiva, died due to a liver problem,' said Sachin Bindra, the veterinarian who carried out the autopsy.The lion had been unwell for the past couple of weeks and died Monday. He was being kept at the Renuka Lion Safari zoological park in Sirmaur district, about 180 km from here.The zoo lost another lion in February this year. In the last few years, four lions have died in the zoo and many experts feel that inbreeding could be the reason for the deaths. There are now 12 lions left in the zoo.


Zoological Society wants center at county zoo for stranded seals
By BRIAN IANIERI Staff Writer, (609) 463-6713
Published: Tuesday, September 11, 2007
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE - The county Zoological Society is turning its attention to creating a facility for seals stranded on the shores of Cape May County.
The nonprofit group that works in conjunction with the county zoo says it wants to raise money to open and maintain a triage center for marine mammals.
Zoological Society Executive Director Bill MacQueen said he hopes the highly publicized plight of a blind seal stranded in Cape May Point will drive the desire to bring a facility to Cape May County.
The 200-pound harbor seal is currently at the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine, where officials are trying to find it a home but have had difficulty due to its special needs.
MacQueen said he hopes a triage center could eventually evolve into an exhibition and education center.

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/capemay/story/7501019p-7398094c.html

Lehigh Valley Zoo panel rattles the cage for more funding
Tells Lehigh County plans went 'off course' after privatization.
By Romy Varghese Of The Morning Call
September 11, 2007
committee to Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham is recommending the county provide more money and support to the Lehigh Valley Zoo.The zoo is already receiving $1.9 million over five years under a lease with the county that began in November 2004. Its operator, the nonprofit Lehigh Valley Zoological Society, will receive its last payment of $200,000 in 2009.The county had turned the zoo over to private management as a way to salvage the money-losing operation. At the time, county officials expected the attraction to be self-sufficient after five years.

http://www.nj.com/southjersey/index.ssf/2007/09/stranded_seal_center_proposed.html

Zoo party for blind children
By Oscar Power

A NATIONAL charity for blind children, based in Highbridge, is already planning for Christmas - with a party scheduled for London Zoo.
THE National Blind Children's Society turned to the Al Fayed Charitable Trust (Harrods) for help with the party as it has supported the society's golf day for the past three years.
Harrods did not disappoint them and within weeks of the society's request they received a Harrods hamper, which will now be auctioned off and a donation of 25 teddy bears to be used at the children's party.
Tracy Wightman, national fundraising and public relations manger said: "We depend on these vital contributions to ensure that the charity's events are a success and the support of Harrods is greatly appreciated."
If you want information on how you can help with either the children's party or the golf day, contact Tracy Wightman on 01278-764778.

http://www.thisisthewestcountry.co.uk/news/wcsomersetnews/display.var.1680071.0.zoo_party_for_blind_children.php

Zoo’s annual tasting event hailed a success
By Melissa Russell/Correspondent
GateHouse News Service
Tue Sep 11, 2007, 11:25 AM EDT
Stoneham -
It was a wild affair in so many ways.
Wild, as in wild animals. Wild, as in wild weather. And wild, as in a wild success.
Powerful thunder and lightning and impressive downpours didn’t dampen the spirit of fun at Stone Zoo’s third annual A Wild Affair Saturday. When the rains came, zoo goers just picked up their cocktails and ducked under tents or into the mammal house to share space with the meerkats and marmosets.
The popular fundraising event Sept. 8 was a record breaker, zoo officials said, selling out in advance and bringing in $40,000 to support zoo programs.
Beginning as a one-time centennial celebration in 2005, the event has grown into a local tradition that attracted at least 600 people this year, said David Hirschberg, the zoo’s vice president of institutional advancement.

http://www.townonline.com/stoneham/homepage/x1822772856

Hildy, world's oldest giraffe, dies at Dallas Zoo
02:36 PM CDT on Tuesday, September 11, 2007
By KATIE MENZER

The Dallas Morning News

kmenzer@dallasnews.com
Hildy, the world's oldest giraffe, died this morning at the Dallas Zoo. She was 33.
Hildy was born at the Dallas Zoo on Oct. 9, 1973, and had lived there all her life. Kibo, one of Hildy's six children, was her constant companion at the zoo.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/091207dnmetgiraffe.c383dbd5.html

Taronga Zoo elephants in DNA tests
THEY were the DNA tests that had onlookers wondering if there had been some monkey business in the elephant enclosure.
But, as Taronga Zoo keepers were quick to point out yesterday, there was an innocent explanation for the decision to take cheek swabs from the massive animals.
The results will be subjected to DNA analysis and then studied by researchers hoping to establish a genetic map of wild elephant populations in their native Cambodia.
Zoo staff said the mammals, who understand their keepers' commands in Thai and English, had co-operated with the instruction to open their mouths so 15cm cotton swabs could be rubbed on the inside of their cheeks.

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,22402225-5006009,00.html

Lowry Park Zoo Cares For Panther Cub
TAMPA - An abandoned, 2-month-old Florida panther being raised at the Lowry Park Zoo should be "an ambassador for her species," say zoo staff members caring for her.
Calusa, named after an American Indian tribe, has grown from about 2 pounds to 10 pounds since the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission placed the spotted cub with the zoo Aug. 8.
For the past month, zoo veterinary staff members have been feeding the cub known as Lucy (first with a bottle and now with solid food), treating her for parasites, checking a laceration on her head to be sure it is healing and monitoring her growth. For almost three weeks, one of the staff members had to take her home at night. She now stays by herself in the animal hospital.

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2007/sep/11/lowry-park-zoo-introduces-panther-cub/?news-breaking

Bing Lee launches Zoo-branded giftcards
NSW electrical retailer Bing Lee has launched a range of gift cards – one of which benefits Taronga Zoo.
The new range includes a specially designed and limited edition Francois Langur card which will send a percentage of money from each gift card sale to the Taronga Zoo Foundation. The foundation was established in 2000 and aims to be recognised as a world leader in the support for the conservation and presentation of Australian and exotic wildlife. Funds raised by the foundation are also used to enhance education programs and improving the exhibits and breeding facilities at both Taronga and Western Plains Zoos.

http://www.insideretailing.com.au/articles-page.aspx?articleType=ArticleView&articleId=1307


Zoo's giant rabbit Bunzilla dies
BLOOMINGTON — Bunzilla, a Flemish giant rabbit and a top attraction among young visitors at Miller Park Zoo, has died. He was age 6.Zoo marketing coordinator Susie Ohley made the announcement in an email on Tuesday, one day after the death of the massive rabbit that arrived at the facility on June 16, 2001.Bunzilla was born Feb. 16, 2001, she said. The average lifespan of a Flemish giant rabbit is 5.“He was a good old boy,” said John Tobias, superintendent of the zoo at 1020 S. Morris Ave. “He was popular so we thought we should let people know.”

http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2007/09/11/news/doc46e6efa453f55208588821.txt

Fishing group opposes ban on set nets to save dolphin
5:00AM Thursday August 30, 2007

By Angela Gregory
Conservationists are pushing for swift action to help save Maui's dolphins. Photo / Glenn Jeffrey
Evidence surrounding the deaths of critically endangered Maui's dolphins does not support a need to ban set netting in west coast harbours of the North Island, says a fishing lobby group.
A draft plan released by Conservation Minister Chris Carter in Auckland yesterday to help protect Hector's and Maui's dolphins included proposals to set up marine mammal sanctuaries and ban set nets in areas where the dolphins roam.
There are thought to be only 111 Maui's dolphins left in New Zealand, the population ranging from Maunganui Bluff down to Taranaki.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10460657



Elusive fox the new Tasmanian devil
A campaign to prevent an ecological catastrophe by exterminating foxes introduced in Tasmania has become clouded in a mist of slander, intrigue and conspiracy theories.
The Government of the island state is convinced that a population of European red foxes has been introduced to the island, either by accident on container ships or deliberately in an act of malicious eco-terrorism.
Unlike mainland Australia, Tasmania has until now remained fox-free and boasts the country's healthiest populations of small marsupials such as bettongs, bandicoots and pademelons - exactly the kind of prey favoured by the rapacious Vulpes vulpes.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/2/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10460631#Scene_1



Abused donkeys carry weight of nation
Ethiopian farmer Fekadu Asfaw stood defiantly before an angry veterinarian, having just beaten his four severely malnourished donkeys.
"They are donkeys, aren't they? They have to be beaten to perform commands," Fekadu said.
Visibly furious, veterinarian Fissiha Gebre-ab turned to other farmers and their beasts of burden nearby with a harsh admonition: "Don't you know the saying that a farmer without a donkey is a donkey, because he has to carry the burden himself?"

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/2/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10460629#Scene_1



Number of ill horses continues to climb
BRISBANE - Almost half of the horses quarantined at a Queensland equestrian venue are now showing symptoms of horse flu.
Around 250 horses have been stuck at Warwick's Morgan Park, south-west of Brisbane, since a quarantine lockdown was imposed at the site on Sunday.
Around 100 horse owners and helpers who have stayed behind to care for the animals are facing a long wait at the venue - the flu must infect all of the horses at the site before the 30-day quarantine period can officially begin.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/2/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10460519#Scene_1


Tunnels to put the the kibosh on salamander squash
5:00AM Wednesday August 29, 2007
There's light at the end of the tunnel for salamanders.
CALGARY - Canadian researchers know why the salamander crossed the road, and now they hope to fix things so it won't have to.
The federal parks agency plans to install tunnels under a highway at a cost of about C$40,000 ($53,670) to end years of carnage among the long-toed salamander of Waterton Lakes National Park in southern Alberta.
The project is aimed at diverting the 13cm-long amphibians under the pavement during their nocturnal journeys between a mountainside and a lake where they breed.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/2/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10460425


Island home planned for lizard species and rescue bid for seagrass
5:00AM Monday August 20, 2007By Tony Gee
Eight species of lizards are to be relocated to a local island as part of a plan designed to improve the health of Whangarei Harbour.
The plan, funded by Marsden Pt port owner Northport Ltd through a 10-year, $500,000 Whangarei Harbour Health Improvement fund, also includes work to restore beds of undersea grass.
Friends of Matakohe/Limestone Island Society intend to transfer eight lizard species to the island off suburban Onerahi in Whangarei Harbour.
Northport's fund is granting $10,660 to cover first-year costs of the three-year lizard relocation project.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/topic/story.cfm?c_id=281&objectid=10458747

continued...

Rare antelopes breeding again in Kenya

This hand out file photo of the Kenya Wildlife Conservancy shows "Kenya", the first Kenyan born baby Bongo-antelope from an American-raised bongo, rests 05 February 2004 near its mother 'Mum' at the Mount Kenya Game ranch. The population of rare African antelopes that were bred in captivity and re-introduced to their native habitat three years ago has increased, Kenyan officials said.

Brainy Parrot Dies, Emotive to the End

Alex, a 31-year-old African gray parrot, knew more than 100 words and could count and recognize colors and shapes.

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…

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…

Antarctica Ice Chime

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

Most of the penguin cams are still down from winter.

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

September 11, 2007

Pituffik, Greenland

Photographer states :: Snow Squall over Saunders

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.

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.