Zoos
Oregon Zoo does Sea Lion surgery
http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1305090370
WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES
Volunteers erect zoo playground in one day
By CHRISTOPHER QUINN
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 11/16/07
When the volunteers rolled in, there was empty ground and piles of lumber, plastic and steel.
By the end of the day, there was a 3,000-square-foot, $104,000 playground.
More than 300 volunteers from Home Depot, Zoo Atlanta and the Grant Park community showed up at Zoo Atlanta on Thursday for a one-day playground miracle.
It is part of a $25 million program by Home Depot and KaBoom, a national nonprofit, to build 1,000 community playgrounds in 1,000 days across the United States.
At the zoo, workers had removed aged equipment from a worn-out playground. Using pictures drawn by kids visiting the zoo of what a new playground should look like, KaBoom teams produced a design.
KaBoom coordinators lined up delivery of the materials and, starting at 9 a.m., volunteers unpacked, set up and screwed and hammered parts together. By 2:30 p.m., they were working out the last details.
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/living/stories/2007/11/15/PlayNotes_1116.html
Pittsburgh Zoo responds to PETA demands for investigation
By The Tribune-Review
Thursday, November 15, 2007
The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG aquarium responded this morning to an animal rights group's request Wednesday for an immediate federal investigation of the Nov. 9 incident in which polar bears at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium attacked a young white-tailed deer that jumped into the polar bear exhibit's pool. Zoo staff eventually separated the buck from the bears, but the deer was later euthanized because of its injuries.
Pittsburgh Zoo officials say they are not aware of the investigation requested by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, which wants the U.S. Department of Agriculture to determine whether the zoo is violating the Animal Welfare Act.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/breaking/s_538136.html
What's the zoo to us? $125M
BY ALEXANDER COOLIDGE AND JESSICA BROWN
ACOOLIDGE@ENQUIRER.COM AND JLBROWN@ENQUIRER.COM
Four months before appealing to voters for renewal of its tax levy, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden on Thursday released an economic impact study showing it pumped nearly $125 million into the local economy.
That’s almost as much as the area’s 18 fine arts organizations combined (in 2005) and about 3½ times more than the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, according to previous studies by the same group.
“That’s pretty substantial,” said George Vredeveld, director of the University of Cincinnati department that conducted the study.
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071115/NEWS01/311150057
Zoo staff devastated by loss of giraffe
Friday, 16 November 2007, 10:08 am
Press Release: Wellington Zoo
NEWS RELEASE
16 November 2007
Zoo staff devastated by loss of giraffe
Wellington Zoo’s male giraffe, Ricky, died yesterday afternoon from unknown causes.
The Zoo’s General Manager Operations, Mauritz Basson, said the 20-year-old giraffe died just over a week after being moved, along with two other giraffes, into a new and bigger enclosure.
Mr Basson said Zoo staff “are all devastated at this loss, as we know Zoo visitors will be, as Ricky was very popular”.
S“Ricky’s keepers noticed that he wasn’t interested in his food on Wednesday, and he was constantly monitored until 10pm when he was given his last dose of medication for the day.
“Yesterday morning he seemed to have perked up a bit and he was still under constant monitoring but as the day went on his condition deteriorated. We managed to get him standing – but he died as we were administering treatment.
Mr Basson says staff have conducted a post-mortem and are waiting for the results to determine the exact cause of death.
“We don’t believe Ricky’s death was connected to last week’s move, early indications show that he died from old age or cardio-vascular failure, but we won’t know for certain until we receive the histopathology results. Our two other giraffes, Zahara and Tisa, are doing fine.”
Ricky was born at Taronga Zoo in Sydney and has been at Wellington Zoo since 1988.
ends
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0711/S00152.htm
Be Safe At The Zoo
http://www.funnyjunk.com/funny_pictures/4669/Be+Safe+At+The+Zoo/
Bambi Barriers at a zoo near you?
By Eric Heyl
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Friday, November 16, 2007
Spare no expense. Erect a Berlin Wall-style barricade around the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.
Otherwise, the eminently preventable tragedy that occurred there last week might well be repeated.
The zoo deals with animals all the time. That is a large part of what makes the Highland Park wildlife haven a zoo.
So you would think precautions already would have been in place to prevent a wild deer from sneaking onto the premises, leaping 20 feet into the polar bear tank, head-butting and engaging in other antisocial activity with two polar bears, gradually realizing that a deer's natural habitat is not a pool of polar bear water, going into shock and having to be euthanized.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/opinion/columnists/heyl/s_538230.html
Seeking sanctuary for orangutans at the zoo (video)
By LANA BERKOWITZ
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle
Move over, sharks, penguins and meerkats, it's showtime for the great apes of Asia.
And the endangered orangutans deserve the attention, according to Lynn Killam, Houston Zoo primate supervisor.
Animal Planet's new Friday night series, Orangutan Island, focuses on 35 orphans given a second chance on an island sanctuary in Borneo.
Killam says the series, which spotlights the animals' personalities and struggles, complements conservationists' efforts to build concern for orangutans.
"It's important for people to understand how endangered they are," Killam said. " 'No tree, no me' is true of orangutans."
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/features/5305731.html
Princess Aiko visits Tama Zoo on kindergarten trip
Princess Aiko took a trip to Tama Zoological Park in western Tokyo on Friday with her kindergarten classmates on an excursion.
The 5-year-old Princess, the daughter of Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako, parted with her mother at the gate of the zoo in Hino shortly after 10 a.m. and was led inside by a Gakushuin Kindergarten teacher.
During the trip, Princess Aiko looked at roaming lions from a bus and visited a part of the zoo where giraffes and zebras were kept, enjoying contact with the animals.
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/national/news/20071116p2a00m0na031000c.html
Denver Zoo Lights
http://www.denverzoo.org/zoolights/index.asp
Friday, November 16, 2007
Zoo to ask voters for $36M levy
OK would give it $1M more per year
Business Courier of Cincinnati - by Dan Monk Senior Staff Reporter
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is preparing to ask voters next March for a new five-year tax levy that would raise $36 million for operating expenses.
That's about $1 million per year more than the zoo now gets from Hamilton County taxpayers. And it's about $4 million more than its levy contract with the county says it is permitted to seek from voters, said Tim Molony, chairman of the county tax levy review committee.
The nine-member advisory panel - civic volunteers who scrutinize levy requests on the county's behalf - is urging county commissioners to place the measure on the ballot next spring. Commissioners are scheduled to discuss the matter Nov. 26.
"It's a pretty nice asset the city has," Molony said of the zoo. "They're under new leadership. They seem to have great plans for the future."
http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2007/11/19/story1.html
Zoo touts economic impact
Touts study showing it generates $125M a year
BY ALEXANDER COOLIDGE
ACOOLIDGE@ENQUIRER.COM AND JESSICA BROWN
Four months before voters will decide on a levy, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden on Thursday released an economic-impact study showing that it pumped almost $125 million into the economy during 2006.
That's almost as much as the area's 18 fine-arts organizations combined (in 2005) and about 3½ times more than the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, according to previous studies by the same group.
"That's pretty substantial," said George Vredeveld, director of the University of Cincinnati department that conducted the study.
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071116/NEWS01/711160441/1077/COL02
Louvre Atlanta continues this fall with The Louvre and the Ancient World. Showcasing more than 130 treasured Egyptian, Near Eastern, and Greco-Roman antiquities from the Louvre, the exhibition examines the growth of these collections under Napoleon, the discoveries and decipherment of hieroglyphics and cuneiform, and the Louvre's leading role in excavating the cradle of civilization at the end of the 19th century and during the 20th century.
A special installation highlights the colossal, ten-foot-long Tiber—one of the largest sculptures in the Louvre's collections. The Eye of Josephine, opening concurrently, reassembles more than 60 Greco-Roman and Egyptian antiquities that were installed by the Empress Josephine at Malmaison, her residence located on the outskirts of Paris.
http://www.louvreatlanta.org/en/home/Home.html
Golf carts stolen from zoo
By Paul Crocetti/Daily News staff
GHS
Fri Nov 16, 2007, 10:00 AM EST
MENDON -
Police are still on the lookout for a runaway golf cart after two of the vehicles were stolen from Southwick's Zoo Wednesday.
Uxbridge Police found one of the carts on Chapin Court shortly after the theft was reported at 6:39 a.m., according to reports.
The other vehicle is a late 1990s, green Yamaha model with an aluminum dump attached, with an estimated worth of between $3,000 and $4,000, said Police Chief Ernest Horn.
"It's very unique," he said. "It looks like a mini dump truck."
http://www.milforddailynews.com/homepage/x1737676294
Quick Lion Cub Update
Posted at 10:49 am November 16, 2007 by Marcia Redding
Today was a special occasion - the seven (yes, all seven!) lion cubs were briefly handled for the first time (see Marcia’s previous blog, Baby Boom at Lion Camp!!). Both moms, Oshana and Mina, were given a yummy treat in the rooms next to their maternity dens while the cubs were quickly and quietly checked out. Oddly, Oshana was more relaxed about this than Mina, which is exactly opposite of their last litters. This time, Mina was the one that anxiously inspected her three when reunited with them; Oshana was pretty relaxed about the whole thing.
We are proud to announce that Oshana has two males and two females; Mina has one male and two females. An excellent ratio! Now that we know the sexes, we have to start thinking about names! What a happy task!
http://www.sandiegozoo.org/wordpress/default/quick-lion-cub-update/
Thanksgiving Weekend Traffic Advisory
EXPECT HEAVY TRAFFIC IN HERMANN PARK OVER THANKSGIVINGWEEKEND
Hermann Park and the Houston Zoo are popular weekend recreation destinations any time of year.
Hermann Park and the Houston Zoo are popular recreation destinations any time of year. However, we expect Hermann Park will welcome a large number of visitors on the Friday after Thanksgiving, one of 5 free days observed at the Zoo.
With limited parking spaces available in the Park, holiday visitors can expect traffic congestion in the area.
When traffic reaches a saturation point in Hermann Park, Houston Police Department traffic control officers are instructed to make Golf Course Drive, the main thoroughfare through the Park one way from Montrose Blvd. to the North MacGregor exit of the Park.
There are workable alternatives to driving the family car to the Park during peak traffic times. Carpooling or riding the METRO bus system or METRORail are proven ways to beat potential traffic problems.
http://www.houstonzoo.org/en/cms/?4560
Recycle Rummage Sale
By Jaime Wilson, Green Team Member
It's our favorite time of year -- Rummage Sale!!! Members of our Green Team just spent the last five hours unloading all sorts of preloved treasures that are now looking for a new home. The hardest part is keeping our focus on sorting, organizing and pricing...instead of shopping. We are successful most of the time.
Tomorrow morning at 10am we open our doors to the public. Everything is set up in Kampala, our conference room by the Kampala Cafe. Saturday, November 17 and Sunday, November 18 we will be open from 10am to 4pm, so come on out and get a few great bargins.
Here is a quick list of stuff we have: books, Precious Moments, Treasured Teddies, Beanie Babies, Christmas dishes, plush animals and Disney characters, golf clubs, jewelry, wine glasses, Tupperware dishes, Christmas ornaments and lots more!
http://sacramentozoo.blogspot.com/2007/11/recycle-rummage-sale.html
SALISBURY — Second jaguar in three years dies at Salisbury Zoo
By Greg Latshaw
Staff Writer
SALISBURY — A male jaguar at the Salisbury Zoo was found dead in his cage Thursday with an apparent ruptured spleen.
The death of the 13-year-old animal shocked zoo officials. The jaguar behaved normally, ate regularly and exhibited no symptoms of any illness, according to a zoo announcement.
“It’s a comparable feeling to coming home today to find the family pet, who had been doing OK, dead,” Public Works Director James Caldwell said.
The Maryland State Animal Health Lab performed a preliminary necropsy, and final results will likely be released next week, Caldwell said.
http://www.dailytimesonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071116/NEWS01/71116032/1002
Late Denver Zoo chief's wit, dedication hailed
By Tom McGhee
The Denver Post
Article Last Updated: 11/16/2007 05:24:36 PM MST
Denver Zoo president and chief executive Clayton Freiheit, 69, who died Oct. 28, will be remembered for a self-confidence that bordered on arrogance, a sharp wit, a love of animals and a willingness to mentor colleagues, said Craig Piper, the Denver Zoo's executive vice president, at a memorial service for Freiheit today.
Before he died of cancer, Freiheit, who headed the zoo for 37 years, agreed that a memorial service after his death would be appropriate, Piper said. But the man who loved to "hold court" in a bar or pub would want remarks to be brief, no fanfare and nothing maudlin, Piper said.
Freiheit's colleagues and friends delivered a service leavened with humorous anecdotes and mostly dry-eyed tributes.
http://origin.denverpost.com/lacrosse/ci_7484146
GF&P retrieves orphaned mountain lion kittens
Female was the third lion killed with cubs in the vicinity
By Ryan Woodard, Journal staff Saturday, November 17, 2007
18 comment(s) Normal Size Increase font Size
A South Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks crew retrieved three mountain lion kittens Friday morning that were deemed unable to survive on their own after their mother was killed Thursday in the mountain-lion hunting season.
"We went out early this morning and worked as quickly as possible to recover them," GF&P regional wildlife supervisor John Kanta said Friday afternoon.
Kanta, trapper Jack Alexander and two GF&P biologists left at 6:30 a.m. Friday to find the kittens, which they located in a den in a steep rock crevice about a mile and a half from where the mother was killed.
http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2007/11/17/news/top/doc473e16984cc94170299835.txt
Animal welfare groups pan two Alberta zoos
Wildlife officials reviewing reports of rule violations
Deborah Tetley, Calgary Herald
Published: Thursday, November 08, 2007
The province is reviewing scathing reports by animal welfare groups that call two central Alberta roadside attractions the "bottom of the barrel" for zoos in the country.
Fish and Wildlife officers are looking into allegations of filthy drinking water, rotting carcasses in cages and animals going "insane" from boredom, levelled at Discovery Wildlife Park near Innisfail, and at Guzoo Animal Farm near Three Hills.
"The reports are already being sent out to our field staff, who will go through the allegations and respond where needed," said Darcy Whiteside, a spokesman for Alberta Sustainable Resources.
http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/story.html?id=0600767f-346d-48b0-b8be-caa38b701186&k=32287
Hop til you drop with a green gift to save amphibian species
(Pass this along, please...) It’s a simple idea: Make this a “hop til you drop” holiday shopping season, and set aside a small portion of your spending for a green gift to save frogs and other amphibians that, otherwise, are hopping toward the most significant mass extinction since the dinosaurs. Last month, the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) reported that:
“Species are becoming extinct a hundred times faster than the rate shown in the fossil record. Of the major vertebrate groups that have been assessed comprehensively, over 30 percent of amphibians, 23 percent of mammals and 12 percent of birds are threatened.”
The good news is, there is a logical, relatively simple plan to avert the amphibian extinction crisis. It’s called Amphibian Ark. More about that in a second.
http://frogmatters.wordpress.com/2007/11/12/hop-til-you-drop-with-a-green-gift-to-save-amphibian-species/
A hop away from extinction
BANGALORE: They are not exactly cutie-pies. Being slimy and warty, frogs may not feature in your list of favourite animals. But you’ve got to admit you would miss their rrribbids if they fell silent on a rainy night. And, tellingly, they are an indicator of the health of the local environment.
According to research by the World Conservation Union (IUCN), nearly half of the Earth’s 6,000 amphibians, including frogs, are in danger of extinction. Destruction of habitat, trade and over-collection are just some of the factors that are threatening the frogs along with a another unstoppable killer, amphibian chytrid, a fungal disease that has the capacity to catalyse what could be the largest mass extinction since dinosaurs disappeared, according to IUCN.
To save the frog from this fate, the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, IUCN’s Conservation Breeding Specialist Group, and the IUCN Amphibian Specialist Group have formed Amphibian Ark, a programme designed to educate, raise funds and captive breed the species. They have also declared 2008 as the Year of the Frog.
We are in the early stages of what could easily become the biggest mass extinction the planet has ever seen. This site is a resource for anyone to use to keep track of what has just become extinct or what is in serious danger.
It is imperative to maintain portions of the wilderness untouched so that a tree will rot where it falls, a waterfall will pour its curve without generating electricity, a trumpeter swan may float on uncontaminated water - and moderns may at least see what their ancestors knew in their nerves and blood. - Bernard DeVoto
http://exitstageright.wordpress.com/2007/11/12/a-hop-away-from-extinction/
On the run for a dream night
By Staff reporter
The Dreamnight runners with the welcoming committee at Chester Zoo
AN organisation that makes dreams come true for children has been given a marathon boost.
Dreamnight at the Zoo provides an annual, free evening for chronically ill and disabled children.
Some 145 zoos in 29 different countries worldwide take part in Dreamnight events.
Chester Zoo is one of the zoos that runs Dreamnight events and, as such, welcomed a team of runners who had run from Rotterdam Zoo to Chester to raise funds for the cause.
Rotterdam's Roparun team ran a sponsored relay-run of some 350 kilometres, ending at Chester.
Up to 13 runners, four cyclists and five facilitators made the two-day journey to raise money for the Dreamnight at the Zoo Foundation.
http://www.thisiswirral.co.uk/display.var.1827083.0.on_the_run_for_a_dream_night.php
Bronx Zoo Provides New Home for Pakistani Snow Leopard
United States, Pakistan begin new conservation collaboration
By Cecelia Martin
Washington File Staff Writer
Ambassador to Pakistan Ryan Crocker speaks at a ceremony for "Leo" the Pakistani snow leopard. (U.S. Embassy Islamabad)
Washington -- “Leo” the leopard is taking up residence in an esteemed American zoo. The Pakistani government officially loaned the young male snow leopard to the Bronx Zoo in New York in an arrangement formalized August 8 at a send-off ceremony in Islamabad, Pakistan. Leo will be temporarily housed at the U.S. zoo as part of an international species conservation program to breed endangered wildlife in captivity.
The transfer of the orphaned snow leopard from Pakistan to the United States is the result of efforts by several conservation groups working with the two governments. At the ceremony, U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Ryan C. Crocker remarked, “The successful transfer of this snow leopard to the Bronx Zoo is an impressive example of trans-continental, public-private collaboration.”
The snow leopard inhabits the high mountain ranges and plateaus of South and Central Asia. Often poached for its beautifully marked fur, it is also threatened by habitat degradation. It is listed on the World Conservation Union’s Red List of Threatened Species. Although the snow leopard is protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the legislation is weakly enforced.
http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/display.html?p=washfile-english&y=2006&m=August&x=200608081806162scnitram7.682437e-02
Back from the Brink: California Condors Part II (Video)
Posted: Nov 14, 2007 10:12 AM EST
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Reported by: Wendy Thies
CENTRAL COAST
One of the rarest and most incredible sights on earth is to see a California condor mid-flight. With only 150 flying free in the world, you could go a lifetime without seeing even one.
But a local zoo is about to change that.
A song for the sacred, a tribal elder from the Chumash Nation holds a condor feather as she blesses the future site of the new California Condor Exhibit at the Santa Barbara Zoo.
Last month's groundbreaking and ceremony paves the way for a six million dollar addition. This will become one of only three zoos in the world to display the critically endangered California condor.
http://www.ksby.com/Global/story.asp?S=7358540
State auditor says zoo needs to improve financial practices
ST. PAUL (AP) A state audit of the Minnesota Zoo recommended 19 ways the zoo could improve its financial accounting, but said zoo officials generally used adequate safeguards in their accounting practices.
Legislative Auditor James Nobles did find that the zoo in Apple Valley overpaid a food service vendor by nearly $30,000, didn't sufficiently verify that vendors were paying the proper commissions and sometimes had the same employee handling receipts and deposits.
The financial review covered the period from July 2003 through December 2006.
Zoo Director Lee Ehmke, in a response dated Monday, said the zoo is working to improve most of the financial practices cited by December or sooner.
Many of the problems cited in the audit were contractual problems.
http://wcco.com/minnesotawire/22.0.html?type=local&state=MN&category=n&filename=MN--ZooAudit.xml
Zoo guests get unique after-dark experience
By Heidi Atkin
Close-Up Correspondent
Article Last Updated: 11/08/2007 02:42:49 PM MST
Those willing to brave the dark got a unique experience this Halloween at Hogle Zoo.
"Night at the Living Zoo" has become a yearly Halloween tradition. At this year's event, guests were fed a spaghetti dinner, introduced to small animals they were allowed to touch and then were led in small groups on an after-dark tour.
"You may not like the animals, but somebody else may. It's a great way for kids to learn about conservation and existing in the same areas as animals and to have that respect while having a lot of fun," explained Holly Braithwaite, spokeswoman for the Hogle Zoo.
http://www.sltrib.com/slc/ci_7406651
Whale found deep in Amazon jungle
By Gary Duffy
BBC News, Sao Paulo
Brazil's Amazon rainforest has had a surprise visit from a minke whale, which got stuck on a sand bank. Gary Duffy reports from Sao Paulo.
A 5.5m long minke whale has been spotted more than 1600km (994 miles) from the Atlantic Ocean, deep inside the Amazon rain forest.
The whale ran aground earlier this week but after being freed with the help of vets and biologists it disappeared shortly afterwards.
It is the second time this week in Brazil that a lost animal has been spotted in an unexpected location.
The minke whale ran aground on a sandbar deep inside the Amazon.
Local people had been splashing water on the whale's back and fin while it was exposed to the hot Amazon sun.
The whale is said to weigh about 12 tons.
Reports of a mysterious animal in the area had been causing alarm among locals near to the Tapajos river, a tributary of the Amazon.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7099625.stm
Whale gets stuck in Amazon
http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_7090000/newsid_7099500/7099576.stm?bw=bb&mp=rm&asb=1&news=1&ms3=52
2 meerkat kits draw curious crowds at San Jose zoo
4-WEEK-OLD BABIES STAYING CLOSE TO MOM
By Lisa Fernandez
Article Launched: 11/09/2007 01:36:00 AM PST
Two meerkat babies are the newest buzz at San Jose's Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, where visitors are doing whatever they can to catch a glimpse of the nearly 4-week-old kits.
Born Oct. 13, the two meerkats (think Timon in the "Lion King" movies) are so young that no one's even gotten close enough to learn their sex, said zoo spokeswoman Vanessa Rogier. They'll be named only after a veterinarian checks them out.
She said the kits have been spending their days nursing from their mother, Kubaza, and snuggled up in a nest, especially since it's been so cold.
Zoo employees suspect a meerkat named Mdudu is "probably the dad," Rogier said, though no one is sure because there are three meerkat males at the zoo.
The African names are a nod to the meerkats' place of origin, and the kits' birth brings the meerkat population at the zoo to seven.
Meerkats are "very playful, very busy animals," Rogier said. "They're always on guard, looking out for danger, grooming, basking in the sun."
It's a good time to be a meerkat.
The television network Animal Planet has been following a group of African meerkats on its popular show "Meerkat Manor," which Rogier notes that viewers around the globe watch "like a soap opera."
When that meerkat matriarch, Flower, died in September during a bloody struggle with a cobra, news outlets including the New York Times and the Mercury News noted the public's grief, and the thousands of condolences on chatboards and dozens of video tributes to her.
http://www.mercurynews.com/valley/ci_7414023
Inaccuracies found in state financial audit of Minnesota Zoo
BY MARICELLA MIRANDA
Pioneer Press
Article Launched: 11/08/2007 12:01:00 AM CST
Results from a state financial audit of the Minnesota Zoo found inaccuracies being made with travel expenses, contract agreements, and revenue from vendors.
The report, released today, noted eight financial errors - including six mistakes found in the state's last audit from 2002, said Legislative Auditor Jim Nobles.
"There's certainly more findings here than we have in a typical audit report," Nobles said today. "But I would say there's nothing that's alarming.
The zoo is financially unlike other state agencies because it receives private and public funding. It also collects revenue from tickets, membership sales, gifts, and food.
Those differences can complicate finances, Nobles said.
Larger state agencies are audited annually. But smaller ones, such as the Minnesota Zoo, typically have audits every four years or more due to state budget cuts.
http://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ci_7408039?nclick_check=1
Exotic animal theft suspects charged, remain behind bars
FLINT
THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION
Friday, November 09, 2007
By Kim Crawford
kcrawford@flintjournal.com • 810.766.6242
Three suspects from Flint and Mundy townships have been charged in Wayne County with burglary and larceny in connection with the thefts of exotic animals from two Livonia pet stores earlier this year.
Adam Lock, 23, and wife Julie M. Lock, 22, of Flint Township and Joshua Roberts, 24, of Mundy Township were charged Thursday with six criminal counts in two burglaries in which expensive birds and reptiles valued at thousands of dollars were taken.
Prosecutors have not filed charges in the thefts from Wilderness Trails Zoo in Birch Run Township or the Animal Magic sanctuary near Belleville, in Wayne County, but according to police, the three have given statements admitting to all the thefts.
Police on Tuesday recovered nearly 70 exotic animals, including foxes, various cats, amphibians, fish, toucans, a Brazilian parrot and an Australian wallaby in raids on two houses in Flint and Mundy townships.
Each of the three suspects is facing two counts of breaking and entering a building, two counts of larceny over $20,000, and two counts of larceny from a building.
http://www.mlive.com/news/flintjournal/index.ssf?/base/news-47/119462340880290.xml&coll=5
Death at the Zoo
Kim,a chimp kept at the Little Rock Zoo since 1969, died Thursday evening. News release on the jump.
ZOO NEWS RELEASE
The Little Rock Zoo mourns the loss of Kim, an elder chimpanzee living at the zoo since 1969 who died while sleeping in her favorite hammock bed Thursday evening.
Records on Kim’s arrival to the zoo estimate her birth date to be in 1961, however, zoo staff say she is likely to be older than records indicate because she was wild caught in Africa and there is no documented knowledge of her actual birth date.
Kim was suffering from congestive heart failure causing her health to rapidly decline in the last few months. It was only a matter of time before the chimp would pass away. Also, a preliminary necropsy on Kim late this afternoon found a massive tumor in her stomach that was probably cancerous.
http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/2007/11/death_at_the_zoo_2.aspx
Deer Jumps Into Pittsburgh Zoo's Polar Bear Exhibit
Deer Injured, Euthanized; Bears Not Harmed
POSTED: 5:46 pm EST November 9, 2007
UPDATED: 6:22 pm EST November 9, 2007
PITTSBURGH -- Polar bears at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium got an unexpected visitor when a deer jumped about 20 feet into their pool.
"One of the grounds keepers asked if we had seen the deer swim with the polar bears,” said Game Caldenron, a zoo visitor.
Surveillance video from the zoo shows the deer jumping into the pool. The animal nearly landed on a floating white block. One bear immediately dove in to check out his new pool partner.
Officials said the deer jumped an 8-foot fence to enter the zoo and had been wandering around for a while. After jumping into the pool, the deer made a couple of laps around the pool before climbing out with both bears following close behind.
Eventually zookeepers were
http://www.wpxi.com/news/14554633/detail.html
Zoo to hold career day for animal lovers
The Salt Lake Tribune
Article Last Updated: 11/09/2007 09:59:01 PM MST
Posted: 9:57 PM- Students interested in working with animals in zoological or environmental fields can get a chance to experience that work first hand at the Hogle Zoo's first-ever Career Day.
At the event, which runs from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 17, middle school, high school and college students can talk to environmental educators, meet with field biologists and observe Hogle's animal care staff in action. Some staff members will speak about how they built their careers, and information will be available on a variety of other zoo-related jobs.
The fee is $10 per person. All students under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult chaperone. No pre-registration is required for this event, but participants must check in at the event table to receive an event pass.
For more information, visit Hogle Zoo online at www.hoglezoo.org or contact Suzanne Blockburger, at 801-584-1737 or sblockburger@hoglezoo.org.
http://www.sltrib.com/ci_7422558
Aurora zoo reveals plan to get paws on new bears
Popular exhibit: Phillips Park budget seeks money to bring back its most requested attraction
November 10, 2007
By Dan Campana STAFF WRITER
AURORA -- It's been a few years since the city's last bear sighting.
Eight years, to be exact. That's when Judy, the Phillips Park Zoo bear, died of cancer. Since then, the question of a bear return to Aurora has been a constant.
"It's always been a hot topic," Zoo Coordinator Randy Johnson said.
That could change by decade's end if the city approves a budget request from the zoo to begin the planning for a new, larger bear exhibit at the historic park on the southeast side.
The zoo, which Johnson said draws an average of 200,000 visitors annually, has asked for $50,000 to begin the engineering and design process that could ultimately bring a pair of bears back to the city.
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/644002,2_1_AU10_ZOO_S1.article
Several Animals Killed In Indy Zoo Blaze (Video)
Portion Of Zoo Closed
POSTED: 5:15 pm EST November 10, 2007
UPDATED: 7:14 am EST November 12, 2007
INDIANAPOLIS -- A fire at the Indianapolis Zoo early Saturday morning killed several small animals and closed part of an exhibit.
Zoo officials said the fire in the Critter Corner building of its Encounters area began before 4:30 a.m.
Zoo workers were at the scene of the blaze within a minute of its discovery, and firefighters arrived within five minutes, 6News' Cheryl Jackson reported.
http://www.theindychannel.com/news/14561432/detail.html?rss=ind&psp=news
Australia Zoo scoops top Qld tourism award
Posted Sun Nov 11, 2007 2:10pm AEDT
Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast has won the state's top tourism industry honour at the Queensland Tourism Awards, which were announced in Townsville last night.
Australia Zoo won the major tourism attraction award while Warner Village Theme Parks chief executive John Menzies was recognised for his contribution to the industry.
Far north Queensland netted the highest number of awards, winning six of the 26 categories. Townsville and the Gold Coast followed closely behind, each region winning five awards.
Tourism Minister Desley Boyle says this year's competition was particularly strong, with more than 200 entries received from across the state.
http://abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/11/11/2087593.htm?section=business
Baby elephant makes its debut at Montgomery Zoo
November 10, 2007 - Tina, an african elephant, stands with her baby, a female elephant weighing 247 pounds, at the Montgomery Zoo in Montgomery, Ala. on Saturday November 10, 2007. The as yet unnamed baby was born on Friday night. (Montgomery Advertiser, Mickey Welsh)
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=DS&Date=20071111&Category=NEWS01&ArtNo=711110802&Ref=PH&Profile=1001
Riverbanks Zoo Honors Veterans
Columbia) - On Sunday, Riverbanks Zoo wanted to honor and thank those who served in the military by offering veterans free admission to the zoo.
"It is important to acknowledge the contributions these individuals have made to our nation," said Satch Krantz, executive director of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. "At Riverbanks we want all service men and women to know how much we appreciate their efforts, and this is a small gesture that can display our gratitude."
In addition to Veterans Day recognition, Riverbanks will honor Fort Jackson Basic Combat Training graduates who come to the Zoo in uniform on the Friday of their graduation with free admission.
http://www.wltx.com/FYI/story.aspx?storyid=55521
continued...
Saturday, November 17, 2007
This is what happens when a society gives itself permission to hunt endangered Marine Mammals. Anything goes ! And these are Kyoto Signators?
Slow death ... dolphins herded into Taiji's bay are killed over several days by Japanese fisherman. Photo: Nigel Barker
November 10, 2007
Winning the hearts and minds of the Japanese is the new mission of groups opposed to dolphin and whale hunting, writes Andrew Darby.
THEY call it the killing cove, a small stretch of water off a pebbled beach in southern Japan near the whaling village of Taiji.
It is here that the fishermen of Taiji go to slaughter their annual dolphin catch - a controversial and little-known part of Japan's lucrative local fishing industry.
Last year Nigel Barker left Sydney to live in Taiji, where his Japanese wife's family have a holiday house.
He knew of the dolphin hunt, but didn't go as an activist. Instead, he became compelled to document what he saw - until he was driven out of town by threats to his safety.
"I'm very happy to be back," he said, as he settled into Sydney again this week. "Except that I can't get it out of my head. It's become my, sort of, contemporary nightmare now."
Barker filmed every step of the hunt that it was possible to document from shore. "They go up to 30 kilometres offshore to find the dolphins. Then they use metal tubes which they hold in the water and beat. The noise neutralises the dolphin's sonar, and it deafens them. When they are being driven in, they become very listless."...
Zoo urges Bush to save polar bears
Hudson, the nearly 1-year-old polar bear cub at Brookfield Zoo, enjoys a pumpkin treat. (Courtesy)
BROOKFIELD 'Threatened' designation sought
November 15, 2007
November 15, 2007
BY ANDREW HERRMANN Staff Reporter aherrmann@suntimes.com
Brookfield Zoo's three polar bears are popular attractions -- massive beasts which, tossing toys and buckets into their exhibit pool, sometimes act like kids at the beach.
But, zoo president Stuart Strahl said Wednesday, "We do not want zoos to be the only place where people can see polar bears."
A report by government scientists is predicting that two-thirds of the world's 22,000 polar bears -- and all of those in Alaska -- will disappear by 2050, mostly due to arctic ice cap melting caused by global warming.
As Brookfield's bears frolicked behind them, Strahl and National Resources Defense Council official Andrew Wetzler urged the Bush administration to classify polar bears as a "threatened" species. That designation would require the government to develop a survival plan, including ways to address overall global warming and greenhouse gasses, said Wetzler.
Under legal pressure by the council and other environmental groups, the Interior Department has agreed to consider the designation and is expected to rule in January.
Brookfield's bears were born in captivity but wild polar bears this summer saw a record reduction in their sea ice habitat. Over the last 30 years, sea ice on the Arctic Ocean has shrunk by more than 1 million square miles, or about 17 times the size of Illinois, according to the NRDC.
"If we don't take action now, our generation, and our children's generation, will be the last generations to see polar bears in the wild,'' said Wetzler.
Some say that putting the bears under the Endangered Species Act would be premature. "The listing of a currently healthy species based entirely on highly speculative and uncertain climate and ice [forecasts] . . . would be unprecedented," Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin wrote in a letter to the Interior Department.
Alaska officials also say oil and gas operations, current conservation plans and bear hunting for food by native Alaskans also could be threatened under the proposed polar bear designation.
Flamingos at the OKC Zoo
http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1312369553
Pandas: Still at Risk
Posted at 10:08 am November 15, 2007 by Suzanne Hall
The San Diego Zoo has the largest population of giant pandas in the U.S., even with the recent return of Mei Sheng to China. With four animals on site, we are fortunate to be surrounded by these amazing creatures. Sometimes it can be hard to imagine that they are ambassadors of a species in peril. But they are the most endangered bear species in the world.
The World Conservation Union (IUCN) regularly examines the status of species worldwide and assesses their population status and risks of extinction. The “Red List” it provides categorizes animals in a way that makes the conservation status of each species easily identifiable to scientists and laymen alike. Earlier this week, the IUCN’s bear specialist group (BSG) released a report updating the characterization of extinction risk for all of the eight living bear species. Unfortunately, despite improvements in research, captive breeding, and habitat protection in recent years, the giant panda is ranked as the bear species most at risk of extinction.
http://www.sandiegozoo.org/wordpress/default/pandas-still-at-risk/
The Ocean Goes Bananas. . .
Diana Gingles '08
Issue date: 11/15/07 Section: World
Thousands of bananas are washing up in bunches on the beach of Terschelling Island in the Northern Netherlands. A cargo ship lost at least six loads of unripe fruit from Cuba. The green bananas have littered the beaches and the neighboring Ameland Island.
There are no reports of how the bananas tasted after being in the saltwater, but locals are hoping to donate the fruit to local zoos.
This is not the first time the people of Terschelling have had unusual items wash up on their beach. Last year thousands of sneakers, briefcases, and children's toys came in with the tide. Almost 20 years ago there were sweaters that came up on shore.
You might say the people of Terschelling live in beachcomber heaven.
http://media.www.thecowl.com/media/storage/paper493/news/2007/11/15/World/The-Ocean.Goes.Bananas-3107671.shtml
Indonesia seeks OPEC support for forestry cause
Riyadi Suparno, The Jakarta Post, Riyadh
As the host of the upcoming global climate meeting, Indonesia hopes that the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) will support its cause to reduce global warming by absorbing more carbon through the protection of rain forests, Indonesia's energy minister said Friday.
"OPEC is concerned about global issues. The discussion now centers on the global environment. That's good for us who will host the UN climate change meeting in Bali next month," Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said before the OPEC ministerial meeting Friday.
The global fight against emissions, Purnomo said, is not about reducing demand for energy, which is impossible, but about reducing gas emissions via various mitigation efforts, such as through technology intervention and gas absorption by rain forests.
http://www.thejakartapost.com/detailheadlines.asp?fileid=20071117.B06&irec=5
Lynx on comeback
5:00AM Thursday November 08, 2007
Lynx numbers are up.
MADRID - Numbers of the endangered Iberian lynx are increasing for the first time after decades of decline.
Environment Minister Cristina Narbona said yesterday that Spain aimed eventually "to fix a timetable to remove the lynx from its status as a species under threat of extinction".
Speaking in Seville, where Spain and Portugal signed an Iberian lynx pact to implement protective measures, she promised Madrid would contribute €7 million ($13 million) over four years to support the lynx, in addition to €26 million pledged by the EU.
Two years ago, scarcely 150 lynxes survived in two small colonies in Andalusia. But there are now up to 250 in two colonies in the region. This year 44 cubs were born.
- Independent
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?c_id=39&objectid=10474657
Zoo director discusses his great job, unique on-the-job injuries
By Scott Richardson
Srichardson@pantagraph.com
Advertisement
BLOOMINGTON -- John Tobias walked into his career as a zoo director through the side door.
He was working at a tire plant when he decided nature photography would be more to his liking. He became enthralled with zoos during visits to take pictures of animals at a facility in Topeka, Kan., where he lived at the time.
He eventually was hired to work at a zoo in Denver. He transferred to the Minneapolis State Zoo in Apple Valley, designed his own college major in zoo management, graduated and worked at zoos in Indianapolis and elsewhere. He moved to the Twin Cities to become director of Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington in 1991.
It's been a great life, said Tobias, 64. But it's one that has its own unique on-the-job hazards.
"I've been swatted by an elephant and kicked by a camel," said the soft-spoken Tobias, a grin appearing on his bearded face.
No elephants or camels live at the Miller Park Zoo. They're just too expensive to house, he said. But the zoo is home to leopards, tigers and bears, oh my! Lemurs, red wolves and wallabies live there, too. Sea lions and a pair of river otters play in the ponds, and
various creatures slither, flutter, bellow and bark at the park on the city's near southwest side.
Tobias still finds time to take nature photos. Several are displayed at zoo exhibits, and two were used to create an Amazon landscape on the wall of the Rainforest, a year-round, indoor exhibit where visitors can watch colorful birds fly through thick green foliage.
http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2007/11/05/go/doc472f7b7b5640c208006710.txt
Coast in hunt for tourism honours
12:00a.m. 6 November 2007
A kite festival, jazz cruise, cooking school and one of the world’s most famous zoos are among a diverse group of Sunshine Coast operators competing for Queensland’s top tourism honours.
The minister for tourism, regional development and industry, Desley Boyle, said 17 Sunshine Coast enterprises were among more than 200 tourism operators entered in the Queensland Tourism Awards 2007, to be presented in Townsville on Saturday.
“The Queensland Tourism Awards 2007 is the most competitive ever, reflecting high standards of excellence in all sectors of Queensland’s vibrant tourism industry,” Ms Boyle said.
“The Sunshine Coast has operators competing in 14 of 25 Queensland Tourism Awards categories, highlighting the wide range of tourism experiences, services and products on offer.
http://www.thedaily.com.au/news/2007/nov/06/coast-hunt-tourism-honours/
Exhibit to bring changes
BY KARA RHODES
kara.rhodes@timesnews.com
Published: November 06. 2007 6:00Am
The opening of the Erie Zoo's new tiger exhibit will mean new tigers and a new home for Kumar, the zoo's elderly white tiger.
Kumar will stay at the Erie Zoo. At almost 17 years old, he's too old to move to another zoo, said Scott Mitchell, the Erie Zoo's chief executive.
Mitchell said Kumar and the zoo's new Amur tigers will rotate time with Kumar in the new main tiger exhibit and in large holding areas, including one outdoors, that the zoo is also building as part of the renovations.
Mitchell said the Amur tigers will live in the holding areas after they breed and while they care for their young. During those times, he said, Kumar will live primarily in the main exhibit.
The life expectancy of a tiger is 15 to 20 years old, Mitchell said. He said white tigers like Kumar generally don't live that long.
"He's really getting up there, so we don't want to add the stress of moving him to another zoo," Mitchell said. "It might be more than he can handle at this point."
Kumar arrived at the Erie Zoo in April 1994.
http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071106/NEWS02/711060368
One zoological group oversees the management of three zoos–the Melbourne Zoological Gardens, Victoria’s Open Range Zoo, and the Sir Colin MacKenzie Zoological Park. Where is this group located?
Filed under: Zany Zoo, Trivia Questions
8. One zoological group oversees the management of three zoos–the Melbourne Zoological Gardens, Victoria’s Open Range Zoo, and the Sir Colin MacKenzie Zoological Park. Where is this group located?
TBD: It is the Zoological Board of Victoria which manages the Melbourne Zoological Gardens, the Werribee Zoological Park (known as Victoria’s Open Range Zoo at Werribee), and the Sir Colin MacKenzie Zoological Park (Healesville Sanctuary). All the zoos are located in Victoria, Australia.
http://triviabydawggone.com/blog/?p=843
Thinking big when it comes to elephants
Monday, November 12, 2007
T hree decades ago, the Oregon Zoo was considered a world leader on captive Asian elephants. Today, even those representing the zoo admit that's no longer the case. Despite evolving scientific knowledge about elephants and their complex needs, the Oregon Zoo, like most urban zoos, is living in the past. As a result, these endangered animals are needlessly suffering.
Don't get me wrong, it's not for lack of trying. A behind-the-scenes tour leaves no doubt that those who look after Portland's most popular zoo residents are doing what they can within the facility's space limitations. But for years, the zoo has kept six or more elephants confined to pens the size of an average suburban backyard. That might be fine for the family dog, but we now know it's totally inadequate for earth's largest land mammal, which can weigh as much as 10,000 pounds and which has evolved to walk long distances each day.
Restricted space and unnatural conditions are causing the elephants to suffer and die prematurely from chronically diseased feet and crippling arthritis. Those challenges and the associated expense have led 16 major zoos to close or phase out their elephant exhibits, including zoos in Detroit, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Chicago and New York.
Consider Pet, who was euthanized in Portland in 2006. Pet's feet were so deteriorated from chronic infections that she could barely stand. In her last months, she moved excruciatingly slowly, using her trunk as a crutch. An autopsy revealed she also had severe, bone-on-bone arthritis in most of her joints.
http://www.oregonlive.com/commentary/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/editorial/1194652503181100.xml&coll=7
Careers for Graduates with a Degree in Zoology
The End of the Alphabet Can Be the Top of the Line
Provided By: Associated Content, Inc.
Graduates with a degree in zoology directed their college studies toward the study of animal life. Naturally then one would expect that careers for graduates with a degree in zoology will connect on some level with animals, their breeding, behavior, growth and relevance to humankind. That means that for graduates with a degree in zoology there really are lots of careers out there. Some of the careers for graduates with a degree in zoology may mean working directly with animals on an every day basis. But for those whose interest in animals is more academic than practical there are careers for graduates with a degree in zoology in which the graduate never actually confronts a live animal unless he or she sets out to do so. Animals are such an important part of our human existence that we need graduates with a degree in zoology to help us care for and appreciate the animal life in our midst.
http://www.collegerecruiter.com/career-counselors/archives/2007/11/careers_for_graduates_with_a_d_7.php
Microchips to the aid of endangered animals
Scientists from Central Zoo Authority are on a
visit to Nehru Zoological Park
HYDERABAD: As part of the conservation breeding initiative of Central Zoo Authority (CZA), endangered species, which are pure breed in nature, are being implanted with microchips at Nehru Zoological Park. Identification of pure breed species can help in captive breeding plans of CZA and local zoo authorities.
A team of scientists from CZA are on a three-day visit to Nehru Zoological Park to identify pure breed or genetically superior species of Asiatic lions, Bengal tigers, vultures and the mouse deer at the Hyderabad zoo.
Identifying pure breeds
“The CZA has decided that 50 major zoos must have at least 100 physically, genetically and behaviourally healthy individuals of each critically endangered wild animal species. To achieve this, existing pure breed animals are being identified and animal history sheets are to be maintained by the CZA and zoo authorities,” said Director of Hyderabad Zoo P. Bhaskar Reddy.
The team of scientists have started the identification of genetically superior species from Hyderabad before visiting other zoos in the country. “The project will be taken up in other noted zoos in the country. The idea is to identify and separate animals of superior quality and breed them in captivity,” Mr. Reddy said.
http://www.hindu.com/2007/11/16/stories/2007111661850400.htm
Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers
http://www.mns.org.my/artabout.php?aid=40
Irwin family statue unveiled at Australia Zoo
Posted Thu Nov 15, 2007 2:13pm AEDT
Updated Fri Nov 16, 2007 1:22pm AEDT
Video
http://video.msn.com/?mkt=en-us&fg=rss&vid=6e78b433-20f7-4c88-a952-01580703dfb0&from=05
Statue of Steve, Terri, Bindi and Bob Irwin unveiled at Australia Zoo, Beerwah, on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, on November 15, 2007. (ABC TV)
Thousands of people have turned out at Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast to celebrate the life of the late Crocodile Hunter on 'Steve Irwin Day'.
His widow Terri Irwin has unveiled a large bronze statue of the wildlife conservationist with his family dog and a crocodile at the entrance to the zoo.
She says it is a very special tribute to the life of Steve.
"I think it's so special because our last trip together was catching crocodiles so we've commemorated those crocodiles as well," she said.
"It's a huge day we've got all of our friends and family and people that we love. It's a day to celebrate Steve's life and we're going to make sure the beat goes on into the future."
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/11/15/2091866.htm
Dinosaur stolen from zoo
UPDATE: According to chatter on Famous, the dinosaur was found in Pinedale.
Have you seen a big dinosaur in the last couple days? It should stand out. It's 11 feet long. Weighs 700 pounds. Made of steel. Anybody?
Should you see it roaming around, let Peggy Harshman know. She made the dinosaur, which has gone missing from the Cliff Finch Topiary Zoo in Friant. Thieves are suspected.
Harshman, meanwhile, is feverishly trying to find the velociraptor, which she values at $20,000-$30,000.
There's only one person capable of such a caper: Bigfoot.
http://www.fresnobeehive.com/archives/2007/11/dinosaur_stolen.html
Illegal Food Market in China Literally a Wild Animal Zoo
More than 10,000 wild animals sold per day
By Lu Jianhui
Central News Agency
Nov 12, 2007
HONG KONG—Recently, eating exotic wild animals has gained popularity again in Guangdong Province in mainland China
. Reports speculate that a local official is behind the open operation of an illegal food market in the Nanhai District of Foshan City. This food market openly sells astonishing numbers and breeds of animals such as small pandas, civet cat, sika deer and other exotic wild animals. The entire market is like a zoo.
According to the report by Hong Kong's The Sun newspaper, the market, which is situated in a private housing complex near the Nanhai District, has a sign on the front door which reads "Wholesale Foods." However, this "food market" is actually more like a zoo of wild animals.
According to the report, nearly over 100 vendors are selling wild animals as food. From an anonymous insider, this place was opened only two months ago and is privately owned. There are many security
guards on site with iron batons in their hands. One man who claims to be the manager said that this place is operated by the nephew of a Guangzhou City government official, and that they are not afraid of being reported at all.
http://en.epochtimes.com/news/7-11-12/61874.html
Legal administrators sponsor Phoenix Zoo 5K run for education
Nov. 15, 2007 12:00 AM
Editor's note: Mary Jezwinski submitted this article. Submit stories on education to lori .baker@arizonarepublic.com.
A fundraising race through the Phoenix Zoo last month raised about $6,000 to benefit three schools with wishes posted on the wishlists.azcentral.com Web site.
The database is a partnership between Arizona schools and The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com to provide a central place for schools to ask for supplies and volunteers, and for businesses and individuals to see what schools need.
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/1115ednbywishlist1115.html
PETA to USDA: Investigate Indy zoo fire
By Scott Thien
scott.thien@indystar.com
A national animal-rights group is pressing the U.S. Department of Agriculture to investigate last weekend's fire at the Indianapolis Zoo that killed nearly a dozen small animals.
This morning, PETA sent a letter to Dr. Elizabeth Goldentyer, eastern regional director of the USDA's animal care division, urging an inquiry into Saturday's incident in the zoo's Encounters Critter Corner building.
"The terror and pain that these animals experienced in their dying moments is almost beyond comprehension," PETA Director Debbie Leahy wrote today in news release. "Animals held captive in zoos are at the mercy of humans in so many ways, including for their very lives, which, in this case, the Indianapolis Zoo failed miserably to safeguard."
Killed by smoke inhalation were three turtles, named Olive, Bess and Nate, a snake named Nibbler, two birds, an armadillo, two rodents and several hissing cockroaches.
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071114/LOCAL/711140527/0/OPINION
A little off topic, except People need water, too.
Zoo to get free water in '08
Change comes after students complain of access to, price of water
By: Siobhan Daniel
Issue date: 11/15/07 Section: News
Students in the Zona Zoo section at home football games will be able to receive free water beginning the first game of next year after complaints about safety and comfort of the student section were brought up.
While tonight's football game against Oregon is being hailed as the UA's biggest contest of the season, Zona Zoo members will have limited access to water until the first game of next season.
Currently, the Zona Zoo section on the east side of Arizona Stadium has no fountains for members, as the only way to obtain water is to purchase it, said Tommy Bruce, president of the Associated Students of the University of Arizona.
"For safety and health reasons, we should have water at the games since there are no water fountains," Bruce said.
After Bruce received several complaints, the decision was made to provide a water jug and cups for Zona Zoo members to enjoy at every game beginning next fall.
"There use to be water brought to the games, but it was stopped, and now that a few comments have been made, we are bringing it back," Bruce said.
http://media.wildcat.arizona.edu/media/storage/paper997/news/2007/11/15/News/Zoo-To.Get.Free.Water.In.08-3103864.shtml
At The Detroit Zoo On A Nice November Day
by Mike Wrathell
mwrathell@yahoo.com
Last Saturday, I went with a friend to The Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak and Huntington Woods. It was partly cloudy and cool, but such days are perfect to see many of the animals who don't like hot days and big crowds. Having worked at the Zoo for over a year, I have a bit of inside knowledge and would like to share some of it with you. It was great to see one of the polar bears close up. I am not sure if it was Talini, the baby girl who is about three now, I think, and probably nearly fully grown. I would have asked a zookeeper, but none were around.
We also saw two white rhinoceri, the tigers, the lions, one griz, some giraffes, and a lot of flamingoes. We did not get to see Jacques, the lone hippo; it was a bit too chilly for him, but he was out earlier in the day for a stint.
Once we walked past the Reptile House, we entered Huntington Woods. So the bears don't live in Royal Oak, but the butterflies do....
http://americajr.com/news/detroitzoo1114.html
Jack Hanna to speak in Gainesville to support SFCC zoo
By KATIE EMMETS, Alligator Contributing Writer
Jack Hanna, a famous animal expert, will speak in Gainesville on Monday to benefit the SFCC Teaching Zoo.
Hanna will discuss wildlife conservation and share his experiences at an evening reception at the Springhills Ballroom in the Best Western Gateway Grand.
The program will last from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
"He cares so much about our program and wants to help us out," said Buz Bireline, assistant director of the zoo.
Hanna is on the board of advisers at the zoo and is a friend of the zoo technology program, Bireline said.
Bireline said Hanna asked to do some filming at the zoo.
Hanna also filmed at SFCC in 2002.
The event will start with hors d'oeuvres at 6:30 p.m. and end with pictures and autographs at 7:45 p.m.
Each ticket costs $35, and all event proceeds will go toward the creation of the zoo's new master plan.
The plan will include visitor-access improvement, a conservation center for endangered wildlife and a multi-use educational building.
"We are continuing to make the zoo the best facility we can," Bireline said.
http://www.alligator.org/articles/2007/11/15/news/sfcc/hanna.txt
More zoo funding approved
Nov 15, 2007 @ 07:45 AM
Observer-Dispatch
UTICA - The Oneida County Board of Legislators approved an additional $141,000 in funding for the Utica Zoo at its Wednesday board meeting by a 22-5 vote.
The zoo was eligible for the money because it came up with a five-year business plan, which was the contingency the legislature placed on the money.
The money was factored into the 2007 budget, but the legislature held onto it until the zoo presented them with a plan.
Zoo Executive Director Beth Irons said she was relieved they got the funding, and it will help get them in a stable financial state.
In the 2008 budget, the zoo's county funding increased from $354,000 to $363,270.
That number does not include the additional $141,000.
http://www.uticaod.com/homepage/x1149886617
Microsoft Zoo Tycoon 2: Endangered Species Expansion Pack
Zoo Tycoon 2 gives you the chance to build the ultimate zoo and enjoy it firsthand. You can explore your 3D zoo world as a zoo guest or even care for your animals as a zookeeper. The Endangered Species expansion pack will give you even more to love about Zoo Tycoon 2!
With the Endangered Species expansion pack, you’ll care for and enjoy some of the rarest animals in the world. See if you have what it takes to bring these unique animals back from the brink of extinction. Whether it’s the lovable Koala from the jungles of Australia or the exotic Komodo Dragon from the Lesser Sunda Islands, these wonderful new animals will inhabit your dream zoo and challenge your zoo skills!
http://www.ascent.co.nz/productspecification.aspx?itemID=360725
Toledo Zoo to turn on its holiday light show
The Lights Before Christmas at the Toledo Zoo lasts until Dec. 31. Event hours are 5 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 5 to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
( THE BLADE )
The Toledo Zoo tomorrow night will plug in and light up more than 1 million lights as part of its 22nd annual Lights Before Christmas holiday event.
And you were worried about your utility bills this winter!
The popular annual event, which has attracted more than 2.6 million people since starting in 1986, will kick off with the ceremonial lighting of the 85-foot Norway spruce tree between 6 and 6:30 in the evening.
Located near the Broadway entrance of the zoo, the tree has been adorned with more than 32,000 lights. For the first time, it will have energy-saving LED lights this year.
http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071115/ART03/711150306
Akron Zoo visitors break attendance record
Posted by Donna J. Miller November 15, 2007 08:47AM
Categories: FYI
For the fifth year in a row, the Akron Zoo has set an attendance record. Through the end of October, attendance was 256,719.
New at the zoo this year were a pair of young lions in May and four penguin chicks hatched in spring.
The zoo has more than 700 animals from around the world. It's open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5.50. Parking is $1.50. For more: akronzoo.org.
http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2007/11/akron_zoo_visitors_break_atten.html
Zoo crews spend months preparing Wildlights displays
Thursday, November 15, 2007 3:41 AM
By Matt Tullis
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Bill Hunt doesn't hang a single Christmas light at his home, and his artificial tree hasn't seen the light of day in a decade.
He isn't a Grinch or an Ebenezer Scrooge, though.
It's just hard for Hunt to find the motivation to decorate for the holidays after spending four months lighting up the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium for its annual Wildlights exhibition beginning Friday.
Making sure more than 3 million lights are in place can take its toll.
"By the time this is done," Hunt joked, "I'm all out of the Christmas spirit."
http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/weekender/stories/2007/11/15/9A_OUTDOORS_15.ART_ART_11-15-07_T13_3H8F5BI.html?sid=101
Pandas: Still at Risk
Posted at 10:08 am November 15, 2007 by Suzanne Hall
The San Diego Zoo has the largest population of giant pandas in the U.S., even with the recent return of Mei Sheng to China. With four animals on site, we are fortunate to be surrounded by these amazing creatures. Sometimes it can be hard to imagine that they are ambassadors of a species in peril. But they are the most endangered bear species in the world.
The World Conservation Union (IUCN) regularly examines the status of species worldwide and assesses their population status and risks of extinction. The “Red List” it provides categorizes animals in a way that makes the conservation status of each species easily identifiable to scientists and laymen alike. Earlier this week, the IUCN’s bear specialist group (BSG) released a report updating the characterization of extinction risk for all of the eight living bear species. Unfortunately, despite improvements in research, captive breeding, and habitat protection in recent years, the giant panda is ranked as the bear species most at risk of extinction.
http://www.sandiegozoo.org/wordpress/default/pandas-still-at-risk/
continued...
http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1312369553
Pandas: Still at Risk
Posted at 10:08 am November 15, 2007 by Suzanne Hall
The San Diego Zoo has the largest population of giant pandas in the U.S., even with the recent return of Mei Sheng to China. With four animals on site, we are fortunate to be surrounded by these amazing creatures. Sometimes it can be hard to imagine that they are ambassadors of a species in peril. But they are the most endangered bear species in the world.
The World Conservation Union (IUCN) regularly examines the status of species worldwide and assesses their population status and risks of extinction. The “Red List” it provides categorizes animals in a way that makes the conservation status of each species easily identifiable to scientists and laymen alike. Earlier this week, the IUCN’s bear specialist group (BSG) released a report updating the characterization of extinction risk for all of the eight living bear species. Unfortunately, despite improvements in research, captive breeding, and habitat protection in recent years, the giant panda is ranked as the bear species most at risk of extinction.
http://www.sandiegozoo.org/wordpress/default/pandas-still-at-risk/
The Ocean Goes Bananas. . .
Diana Gingles '08
Issue date: 11/15/07 Section: World
Thousands of bananas are washing up in bunches on the beach of Terschelling Island in the Northern Netherlands. A cargo ship lost at least six loads of unripe fruit from Cuba. The green bananas have littered the beaches and the neighboring Ameland Island.
There are no reports of how the bananas tasted after being in the saltwater, but locals are hoping to donate the fruit to local zoos.
This is not the first time the people of Terschelling have had unusual items wash up on their beach. Last year thousands of sneakers, briefcases, and children's toys came in with the tide. Almost 20 years ago there were sweaters that came up on shore.
You might say the people of Terschelling live in beachcomber heaven.
http://media.www.thecowl.com/media/storage/paper493/news/2007/11/15/World/The-Ocean.Goes.Bananas-3107671.shtml
Indonesia seeks OPEC support for forestry cause
Riyadi Suparno, The Jakarta Post, Riyadh
As the host of the upcoming global climate meeting, Indonesia hopes that the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) will support its cause to reduce global warming by absorbing more carbon through the protection of rain forests, Indonesia's energy minister said Friday.
"OPEC is concerned about global issues. The discussion now centers on the global environment. That's good for us who will host the UN climate change meeting in Bali next month," Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said before the OPEC ministerial meeting Friday.
The global fight against emissions, Purnomo said, is not about reducing demand for energy, which is impossible, but about reducing gas emissions via various mitigation efforts, such as through technology intervention and gas absorption by rain forests.
http://www.thejakartapost.com/detailheadlines.asp?fileid=20071117.B06&irec=5
Lynx on comeback
5:00AM Thursday November 08, 2007
Lynx numbers are up.
MADRID - Numbers of the endangered Iberian lynx are increasing for the first time after decades of decline.
Environment Minister Cristina Narbona said yesterday that Spain aimed eventually "to fix a timetable to remove the lynx from its status as a species under threat of extinction".
Speaking in Seville, where Spain and Portugal signed an Iberian lynx pact to implement protective measures, she promised Madrid would contribute €7 million ($13 million) over four years to support the lynx, in addition to €26 million pledged by the EU.
Two years ago, scarcely 150 lynxes survived in two small colonies in Andalusia. But there are now up to 250 in two colonies in the region. This year 44 cubs were born.
- Independent
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?c_id=39&objectid=10474657
Zoo director discusses his great job, unique on-the-job injuries
By Scott Richardson
Srichardson@pantagraph.com
Advertisement
BLOOMINGTON -- John Tobias walked into his career as a zoo director through the side door.
He was working at a tire plant when he decided nature photography would be more to his liking. He became enthralled with zoos during visits to take pictures of animals at a facility in Topeka, Kan., where he lived at the time.
He eventually was hired to work at a zoo in Denver. He transferred to the Minneapolis State Zoo in Apple Valley, designed his own college major in zoo management, graduated and worked at zoos in Indianapolis and elsewhere. He moved to the Twin Cities to become director of Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington in 1991.
It's been a great life, said Tobias, 64. But it's one that has its own unique on-the-job hazards.
"I've been swatted by an elephant and kicked by a camel," said the soft-spoken Tobias, a grin appearing on his bearded face.
No elephants or camels live at the Miller Park Zoo. They're just too expensive to house, he said. But the zoo is home to leopards, tigers and bears, oh my! Lemurs, red wolves and wallabies live there, too. Sea lions and a pair of river otters play in the ponds, and
various creatures slither, flutter, bellow and bark at the park on the city's near southwest side.
Tobias still finds time to take nature photos. Several are displayed at zoo exhibits, and two were used to create an Amazon landscape on the wall of the Rainforest, a year-round, indoor exhibit where visitors can watch colorful birds fly through thick green foliage.
http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2007/11/05/go/doc472f7b7b5640c208006710.txt
Coast in hunt for tourism honours
12:00a.m. 6 November 2007
A kite festival, jazz cruise, cooking school and one of the world’s most famous zoos are among a diverse group of Sunshine Coast operators competing for Queensland’s top tourism honours.
The minister for tourism, regional development and industry, Desley Boyle, said 17 Sunshine Coast enterprises were among more than 200 tourism operators entered in the Queensland Tourism Awards 2007, to be presented in Townsville on Saturday.
“The Queensland Tourism Awards 2007 is the most competitive ever, reflecting high standards of excellence in all sectors of Queensland’s vibrant tourism industry,” Ms Boyle said.
“The Sunshine Coast has operators competing in 14 of 25 Queensland Tourism Awards categories, highlighting the wide range of tourism experiences, services and products on offer.
http://www.thedaily.com.au/news/2007/nov/06/coast-hunt-tourism-honours/
Exhibit to bring changes
BY KARA RHODES
kara.rhodes@timesnews.com
Published: November 06. 2007 6:00Am
The opening of the Erie Zoo's new tiger exhibit will mean new tigers and a new home for Kumar, the zoo's elderly white tiger.
Kumar will stay at the Erie Zoo. At almost 17 years old, he's too old to move to another zoo, said Scott Mitchell, the Erie Zoo's chief executive.
Mitchell said Kumar and the zoo's new Amur tigers will rotate time with Kumar in the new main tiger exhibit and in large holding areas, including one outdoors, that the zoo is also building as part of the renovations.
Mitchell said the Amur tigers will live in the holding areas after they breed and while they care for their young. During those times, he said, Kumar will live primarily in the main exhibit.
The life expectancy of a tiger is 15 to 20 years old, Mitchell said. He said white tigers like Kumar generally don't live that long.
"He's really getting up there, so we don't want to add the stress of moving him to another zoo," Mitchell said. "It might be more than he can handle at this point."
Kumar arrived at the Erie Zoo in April 1994.
http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071106/NEWS02/711060368
One zoological group oversees the management of three zoos–the Melbourne Zoological Gardens, Victoria’s Open Range Zoo, and the Sir Colin MacKenzie Zoological Park. Where is this group located?
Filed under: Zany Zoo, Trivia Questions
8. One zoological group oversees the management of three zoos–the Melbourne Zoological Gardens, Victoria’s Open Range Zoo, and the Sir Colin MacKenzie Zoological Park. Where is this group located?
TBD: It is the Zoological Board of Victoria which manages the Melbourne Zoological Gardens, the Werribee Zoological Park (known as Victoria’s Open Range Zoo at Werribee), and the Sir Colin MacKenzie Zoological Park (Healesville Sanctuary). All the zoos are located in Victoria, Australia.
http://triviabydawggone.com/blog/?p=843
Thinking big when it comes to elephants
Monday, November 12, 2007
T hree decades ago, the Oregon Zoo was considered a world leader on captive Asian elephants. Today, even those representing the zoo admit that's no longer the case. Despite evolving scientific knowledge about elephants and their complex needs, the Oregon Zoo, like most urban zoos, is living in the past. As a result, these endangered animals are needlessly suffering.
Don't get me wrong, it's not for lack of trying. A behind-the-scenes tour leaves no doubt that those who look after Portland's most popular zoo residents are doing what they can within the facility's space limitations. But for years, the zoo has kept six or more elephants confined to pens the size of an average suburban backyard. That might be fine for the family dog, but we now know it's totally inadequate for earth's largest land mammal, which can weigh as much as 10,000 pounds and which has evolved to walk long distances each day.
Restricted space and unnatural conditions are causing the elephants to suffer and die prematurely from chronically diseased feet and crippling arthritis. Those challenges and the associated expense have led 16 major zoos to close or phase out their elephant exhibits, including zoos in Detroit, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Chicago and New York.
Consider Pet, who was euthanized in Portland in 2006. Pet's feet were so deteriorated from chronic infections that she could barely stand. In her last months, she moved excruciatingly slowly, using her trunk as a crutch. An autopsy revealed she also had severe, bone-on-bone arthritis in most of her joints.
http://www.oregonlive.com/commentary/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/editorial/1194652503181100.xml&coll=7
Careers for Graduates with a Degree in Zoology
The End of the Alphabet Can Be the Top of the Line
Provided By: Associated Content, Inc.
Graduates with a degree in zoology directed their college studies toward the study of animal life. Naturally then one would expect that careers for graduates with a degree in zoology will connect on some level with animals, their breeding, behavior, growth and relevance to humankind. That means that for graduates with a degree in zoology there really are lots of careers out there. Some of the careers for graduates with a degree in zoology may mean working directly with animals on an every day basis. But for those whose interest in animals is more academic than practical there are careers for graduates with a degree in zoology in which the graduate never actually confronts a live animal unless he or she sets out to do so. Animals are such an important part of our human existence that we need graduates with a degree in zoology to help us care for and appreciate the animal life in our midst.
http://www.collegerecruiter.com/career-counselors/archives/2007/11/careers_for_graduates_with_a_d_7.php
Microchips to the aid of endangered animals
Scientists from Central Zoo Authority are on a
visit to Nehru Zoological Park
HYDERABAD: As part of the conservation breeding initiative of Central Zoo Authority (CZA), endangered species, which are pure breed in nature, are being implanted with microchips at Nehru Zoological Park. Identification of pure breed species can help in captive breeding plans of CZA and local zoo authorities.
A team of scientists from CZA are on a three-day visit to Nehru Zoological Park to identify pure breed or genetically superior species of Asiatic lions, Bengal tigers, vultures and the mouse deer at the Hyderabad zoo.
Identifying pure breeds
“The CZA has decided that 50 major zoos must have at least 100 physically, genetically and behaviourally healthy individuals of each critically endangered wild animal species. To achieve this, existing pure breed animals are being identified and animal history sheets are to be maintained by the CZA and zoo authorities,” said Director of Hyderabad Zoo P. Bhaskar Reddy.
The team of scientists have started the identification of genetically superior species from Hyderabad before visiting other zoos in the country. “The project will be taken up in other noted zoos in the country. The idea is to identify and separate animals of superior quality and breed them in captivity,” Mr. Reddy said.
http://www.hindu.com/2007/11/16/stories/2007111661850400.htm
Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers
http://www.mns.org.my/artabout.php?aid=40
Irwin family statue unveiled at Australia Zoo
Posted Thu Nov 15, 2007 2:13pm AEDT
Updated Fri Nov 16, 2007 1:22pm AEDT
Video
http://video.msn.com/?mkt=en-us&fg=rss&vid=6e78b433-20f7-4c88-a952-01580703dfb0&from=05
Statue of Steve, Terri, Bindi and Bob Irwin unveiled at Australia Zoo, Beerwah, on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, on November 15, 2007. (ABC TV)
Thousands of people have turned out at Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast to celebrate the life of the late Crocodile Hunter on 'Steve Irwin Day'.
His widow Terri Irwin has unveiled a large bronze statue of the wildlife conservationist with his family dog and a crocodile at the entrance to the zoo.
She says it is a very special tribute to the life of Steve.
"I think it's so special because our last trip together was catching crocodiles so we've commemorated those crocodiles as well," she said.
"It's a huge day we've got all of our friends and family and people that we love. It's a day to celebrate Steve's life and we're going to make sure the beat goes on into the future."
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/11/15/2091866.htm
Dinosaur stolen from zoo
UPDATE: According to chatter on Famous, the dinosaur was found in Pinedale.
Have you seen a big dinosaur in the last couple days? It should stand out. It's 11 feet long. Weighs 700 pounds. Made of steel. Anybody?
Should you see it roaming around, let Peggy Harshman know. She made the dinosaur, which has gone missing from the Cliff Finch Topiary Zoo in Friant. Thieves are suspected.
Harshman, meanwhile, is feverishly trying to find the velociraptor, which she values at $20,000-$30,000.
There's only one person capable of such a caper: Bigfoot.
http://www.fresnobeehive.com/archives/2007/11/dinosaur_stolen.html
Illegal Food Market in China Literally a Wild Animal Zoo
More than 10,000 wild animals sold per day
By Lu Jianhui
Central News Agency
Nov 12, 2007
HONG KONG—Recently, eating exotic wild animals has gained popularity again in Guangdong Province in mainland China
. Reports speculate that a local official is behind the open operation of an illegal food market in the Nanhai District of Foshan City. This food market openly sells astonishing numbers and breeds of animals such as small pandas, civet cat, sika deer and other exotic wild animals. The entire market is like a zoo.
According to the report by Hong Kong's The Sun newspaper, the market, which is situated in a private housing complex near the Nanhai District, has a sign on the front door which reads "Wholesale Foods." However, this "food market" is actually more like a zoo of wild animals.
According to the report, nearly over 100 vendors are selling wild animals as food. From an anonymous insider, this place was opened only two months ago and is privately owned. There are many security
guards on site with iron batons in their hands. One man who claims to be the manager said that this place is operated by the nephew of a Guangzhou City government official, and that they are not afraid of being reported at all.
http://en.epochtimes.com/news/7-11-12/61874.html
Legal administrators sponsor Phoenix Zoo 5K run for education
Nov. 15, 2007 12:00 AM
Editor's note: Mary Jezwinski submitted this article. Submit stories on education to lori .baker@arizonarepublic.com.
A fundraising race through the Phoenix Zoo last month raised about $6,000 to benefit three schools with wishes posted on the wishlists.azcentral.com Web site.
The database is a partnership between Arizona schools and The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com to provide a central place for schools to ask for supplies and volunteers, and for businesses and individuals to see what schools need.
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/1115ednbywishlist1115.html
PETA to USDA: Investigate Indy zoo fire
By Scott Thien
scott.thien@indystar.com
A national animal-rights group is pressing the U.S. Department of Agriculture to investigate last weekend's fire at the Indianapolis Zoo that killed nearly a dozen small animals.
This morning, PETA sent a letter to Dr. Elizabeth Goldentyer, eastern regional director of the USDA's animal care division, urging an inquiry into Saturday's incident in the zoo's Encounters Critter Corner building.
"The terror and pain that these animals experienced in their dying moments is almost beyond comprehension," PETA Director Debbie Leahy wrote today in news release. "Animals held captive in zoos are at the mercy of humans in so many ways, including for their very lives, which, in this case, the Indianapolis Zoo failed miserably to safeguard."
Killed by smoke inhalation were three turtles, named Olive, Bess and Nate, a snake named Nibbler, two birds, an armadillo, two rodents and several hissing cockroaches.
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071114/LOCAL/711140527/0/OPINION
A little off topic, except People need water, too.
Zoo to get free water in '08
Change comes after students complain of access to, price of water
By: Siobhan Daniel
Issue date: 11/15/07 Section: News
Students in the Zona Zoo section at home football games will be able to receive free water beginning the first game of next year after complaints about safety and comfort of the student section were brought up.
While tonight's football game against Oregon is being hailed as the UA's biggest contest of the season, Zona Zoo members will have limited access to water until the first game of next season.
Currently, the Zona Zoo section on the east side of Arizona Stadium has no fountains for members, as the only way to obtain water is to purchase it, said Tommy Bruce, president of the Associated Students of the University of Arizona.
"For safety and health reasons, we should have water at the games since there are no water fountains," Bruce said.
After Bruce received several complaints, the decision was made to provide a water jug and cups for Zona Zoo members to enjoy at every game beginning next fall.
"There use to be water brought to the games, but it was stopped, and now that a few comments have been made, we are bringing it back," Bruce said.
http://media.wildcat.arizona.edu/media/storage/paper997/news/2007/11/15/News/Zoo-To.Get.Free.Water.In.08-3103864.shtml
At The Detroit Zoo On A Nice November Day
by Mike Wrathell
mwrathell@yahoo.com
Last Saturday, I went with a friend to The Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak and Huntington Woods. It was partly cloudy and cool, but such days are perfect to see many of the animals who don't like hot days and big crowds. Having worked at the Zoo for over a year, I have a bit of inside knowledge and would like to share some of it with you. It was great to see one of the polar bears close up. I am not sure if it was Talini, the baby girl who is about three now, I think, and probably nearly fully grown. I would have asked a zookeeper, but none were around.
We also saw two white rhinoceri, the tigers, the lions, one griz, some giraffes, and a lot of flamingoes. We did not get to see Jacques, the lone hippo; it was a bit too chilly for him, but he was out earlier in the day for a stint.
Once we walked past the Reptile House, we entered Huntington Woods. So the bears don't live in Royal Oak, but the butterflies do....
http://americajr.com/news/detroitzoo1114.html
Jack Hanna to speak in Gainesville to support SFCC zoo
By KATIE EMMETS, Alligator Contributing Writer
Jack Hanna, a famous animal expert, will speak in Gainesville on Monday to benefit the SFCC Teaching Zoo.
Hanna will discuss wildlife conservation and share his experiences at an evening reception at the Springhills Ballroom in the Best Western Gateway Grand.
The program will last from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
"He cares so much about our program and wants to help us out," said Buz Bireline, assistant director of the zoo.
Hanna is on the board of advisers at the zoo and is a friend of the zoo technology program, Bireline said.
Bireline said Hanna asked to do some filming at the zoo.
Hanna also filmed at SFCC in 2002.
The event will start with hors d'oeuvres at 6:30 p.m. and end with pictures and autographs at 7:45 p.m.
Each ticket costs $35, and all event proceeds will go toward the creation of the zoo's new master plan.
The plan will include visitor-access improvement, a conservation center for endangered wildlife and a multi-use educational building.
"We are continuing to make the zoo the best facility we can," Bireline said.
http://www.alligator.org/articles/2007/11/15/news/sfcc/hanna.txt
More zoo funding approved
Nov 15, 2007 @ 07:45 AM
Observer-Dispatch
UTICA - The Oneida County Board of Legislators approved an additional $141,000 in funding for the Utica Zoo at its Wednesday board meeting by a 22-5 vote.
The zoo was eligible for the money because it came up with a five-year business plan, which was the contingency the legislature placed on the money.
The money was factored into the 2007 budget, but the legislature held onto it until the zoo presented them with a plan.
Zoo Executive Director Beth Irons said she was relieved they got the funding, and it will help get them in a stable financial state.
In the 2008 budget, the zoo's county funding increased from $354,000 to $363,270.
That number does not include the additional $141,000.
http://www.uticaod.com/homepage/x1149886617
Microsoft Zoo Tycoon 2: Endangered Species Expansion Pack
Zoo Tycoon 2 gives you the chance to build the ultimate zoo and enjoy it firsthand. You can explore your 3D zoo world as a zoo guest or even care for your animals as a zookeeper. The Endangered Species expansion pack will give you even more to love about Zoo Tycoon 2!
With the Endangered Species expansion pack, you’ll care for and enjoy some of the rarest animals in the world. See if you have what it takes to bring these unique animals back from the brink of extinction. Whether it’s the lovable Koala from the jungles of Australia or the exotic Komodo Dragon from the Lesser Sunda Islands, these wonderful new animals will inhabit your dream zoo and challenge your zoo skills!
http://www.ascent.co.nz/productspecification.aspx?itemID=360725
Toledo Zoo to turn on its holiday light show
The Lights Before Christmas at the Toledo Zoo lasts until Dec. 31. Event hours are 5 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 5 to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
( THE BLADE )
The Toledo Zoo tomorrow night will plug in and light up more than 1 million lights as part of its 22nd annual Lights Before Christmas holiday event.
And you were worried about your utility bills this winter!
The popular annual event, which has attracted more than 2.6 million people since starting in 1986, will kick off with the ceremonial lighting of the 85-foot Norway spruce tree between 6 and 6:30 in the evening.
Located near the Broadway entrance of the zoo, the tree has been adorned with more than 32,000 lights. For the first time, it will have energy-saving LED lights this year.
http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071115/ART03/711150306
Akron Zoo visitors break attendance record
Posted by Donna J. Miller November 15, 2007 08:47AM
Categories: FYI
For the fifth year in a row, the Akron Zoo has set an attendance record. Through the end of October, attendance was 256,719.
New at the zoo this year were a pair of young lions in May and four penguin chicks hatched in spring.
The zoo has more than 700 animals from around the world. It's open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5.50. Parking is $1.50. For more: akronzoo.org.
http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2007/11/akron_zoo_visitors_break_atten.html
Zoo crews spend months preparing Wildlights displays
Thursday, November 15, 2007 3:41 AM
By Matt Tullis
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Bill Hunt doesn't hang a single Christmas light at his home, and his artificial tree hasn't seen the light of day in a decade.
He isn't a Grinch or an Ebenezer Scrooge, though.
It's just hard for Hunt to find the motivation to decorate for the holidays after spending four months lighting up the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium for its annual Wildlights exhibition beginning Friday.
Making sure more than 3 million lights are in place can take its toll.
"By the time this is done," Hunt joked, "I'm all out of the Christmas spirit."
http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/weekender/stories/2007/11/15/9A_OUTDOORS_15.ART_ART_11-15-07_T13_3H8F5BI.html?sid=101
Pandas: Still at Risk
Posted at 10:08 am November 15, 2007 by Suzanne Hall
The San Diego Zoo has the largest population of giant pandas in the U.S., even with the recent return of Mei Sheng to China. With four animals on site, we are fortunate to be surrounded by these amazing creatures. Sometimes it can be hard to imagine that they are ambassadors of a species in peril. But they are the most endangered bear species in the world.
The World Conservation Union (IUCN) regularly examines the status of species worldwide and assesses their population status and risks of extinction. The “Red List” it provides categorizes animals in a way that makes the conservation status of each species easily identifiable to scientists and laymen alike. Earlier this week, the IUCN’s bear specialist group (BSG) released a report updating the characterization of extinction risk for all of the eight living bear species. Unfortunately, despite improvements in research, captive breeding, and habitat protection in recent years, the giant panda is ranked as the bear species most at risk of extinction.
http://www.sandiegozoo.org/wordpress/default/pandas-still-at-risk/
continued...
New dolphin born at Monkey Mia
Western Australia's world-renowned Monkey Mia tourist destination.
Photo: AFP
November 16, 2007 - 10:20AM
A new dolphin calf has been born at Western Australia's world-renowned Monkey Mia tourist destination.
The baby dolphin is the second born to Piccolo, part of a small group of dolphins that may be hand-fed by humans under strictly controlled conditions at the famous beach.
The calf was born on Tuesday in the World Heritage-listed Shark Bay area, 800km north of Perth.
"Both mother and calf are doing well, with the newborn measuring approximately 50cm long," WA Environment Minister David Templeman said.
Visitors are being urged to stay away from Piccolo and her calf when they come to shore to prevent the newborn from beaching itself.
"In the first few weeks of life, the calf is tuned into the mother's movements and will follow any rapid movement in the water," Mr Templeman said.
"If people are in the water near the calf and they move, the calf could follow and inadvertently beach itself."
Almost half of Indo-Pacific Bottlenose dolphins do not live past three years old.
AAP
A new dolphin calf has been born at Western Australia's world-renowned Monkey Mia tourist destination.
The baby dolphin is the second born to Piccolo, part of a small group of dolphins that may be hand-fed by humans under strictly controlled conditions at the famous beach.
The calf was born on Tuesday in the World Heritage-listed Shark Bay area, 800km north of Perth.
"Both mother and calf are doing well, with the newborn measuring approximately 50cm long," WA Environment Minister David Templeman said.
Visitors are being urged to stay away from Piccolo and her calf when they come to shore to prevent the newborn from beaching itself.
"In the first few weeks of life, the calf is tuned into the mother's movements and will follow any rapid movement in the water," Mr Templeman said.
"If people are in the water near the calf and they move, the calf could follow and inadvertently beach itself."
Almost half of Indo-Pacific Bottlenose dolphins do not live past three years old.
AAP
Firefighters hold their ground in Lake Forest (NPR audio)
Twelve firefighters are trapped atop a ridge off Santiago Canyon Road in Orange County after flames jumped the road. The blaze roared up the hillside and prompted the crew members to deploy their fire shelters. They were surrounded by burning brush, but they made it out alive. "We just remained calm, everyone did," one firefighter said after he was checked out by paramedics. All of the firefighters were treated at the scene and did not want to go to the hospital.
COLDNESS AND BLIGHT IN A WARMING PLANET
Ali al-Nuaimi
OPEC to put carbon capture at heart of new green agenda (click here)
13 hours ago
RIYADH (AFP) — OPEC leaders are set to make carbon capture and storage the centerpiece of their new-found green agenda by urging greater use of the emerging technique to curb carbon emissions, Algeria's energy minister said Friday.
Chakib Khelil, reading from a draft declaration expected to be approved at the end of an OPEC summit, said point three would be "energy and environment: carbon storage could reduce the impact of fossil fuels on climate change and developed countries have the technology on this."
Earlier a source told AFP that the joint communique to be issued by OPEC leaders on Sunday would include a "big announcement on the environment."...
...Yvo de Boer, executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), praised the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries for its attitude to the issue.
"I think the debate here points to a constructive willingness to participate in international dialogue about climate change," he said....
Climate injustice is greatest for those with incomes below Rs 3,000 and least for those with incomes above Rs 30,000
An extract from Hiding Behind the Poor, a report by Greenpeace on climate injustice, shows how the poor will be the biggest victims of global warming
Climate change is man-made. The globe is heating up due to the emission of Greenhouse gases, the most prominent being carbon dioxide produced by burning fossil fuels. Historically, developed countries are the biggest contributors to GHG emissions. However, over the last few decades, emissions of rapidly developing economies like India and China have surged. In fact, China and India are ranked at second and fifth respectively among the world’s biggest emitters.
The next round of negotiations for the second phase of the Kyoto Protocol, covering the period after 2012 should start this December in Bali. Governments are busy debating about who to blame and who must commit to drastic emission cuts to save the world from climate change. But India at this point of time is faced by two sharply contradictory realities. On the one hand, there is a rapidly growing rich consumer class which has made the country the 12th largest luxury market in the world; on the other hand, India is home to more than 800 million poor people who are extremely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change....
Abrupt rise in oil prices possible (click here)
IEA Wednesday, 7 November 2007 22:18
The International Energy Agency has warned that a global oil crisis involving an abrupt escalation in oil prices before 2015 cannot be ruled out.
In its world energy outlook for 2007 the agency says that it is very uncertain whether new oil production in the period up until 2015 will be enough to compensate for the natural fall off in output from existing oil fields and keep pace with the projected increase in demand.
The agency said that the consequences of unfettered growth in world energy demand are alarming.
This is the strongest warning yet from the IEA, which is a sister agency of the OECD based in Paris.
The agency has become alarmed because the pace of global economic growth has quickened, driven mainly by China and India.
It says securing a reliable and affordable supply of oil is going to become a formidable challenge for all because of growing demand.
It says that to satisfy this demand Middle Eastern oil producers would have to invest more $1.1 trillion in oil facilities, and increase their supply of oil by 87% by 2030.
The IEA warns however, that there are growing doubts about the willingness, and ability, of national oil companies to make these investments.
The IEA is calling for vigorous, immediate, and collective policy action by all governments to move the world on to a more sustainable energy path.
Carbon taxes and stringent efficiencies measures, it says, are the fastest and cheapest way to do it.
Polling Shows Growing Support for Carbon Taxes
11/13/2007 by Daniel Rosenblum
New polls are showing increasing support for carbon taxes as concern about climate change grows. We're pleased with these results, but we're frustrated that as yet no polls have included questions that would indicate whether support for revenue-neutral carbon taxes exceeds that for carbon taxes for which the revenue uses are either unspecified or earmarked. While we strongly suspect the answer would be Yes, it would be helpful to have our suspicions confirmed by actual polling data....
Field Poll: Californians See Global Warming as a Serious Threat to State's Overall Quality of LifeAuthor: Field Research Corporation (click here)
Published on Nov 9, 2007, 08:38
According to the results of a special statewide Field Poll commissioned by Next 10, an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organization, Californians attach a high degree of importance to the issue of global warming and air pollution and believe actions should be taken now to address the problem. More than four in five see global warming as either a very or somewhat serious threat to the state's overall quality of life. Majorities also say it's a very serious threat to the health of residents living or working in areas with poor air quality, to the relationship between the Sierra snow pack and the state's water supply, to Central Valley farmers, and to California's coastal communities.
The public sees many entities as having the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The four groups seen as being most able to affect change are major corporations, gas and electric utility companies, the general public and the U.S. government, in order of efficacy.
Support for taking action on global warming includes majorities across all regions of the state and among both registered voters and adults not registered to vote. In addition, poll results show that the more people know about global warming, the more likely they are to feel immediate action should be taken about the problem. But, in the face of this pronounced state of concern and apprehension, Californians are bullish about the state's ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while expanding jobs and economic prosperity. Nine in ten Californians say the state can be a leader in new technologies to improve efficiency and reduce global warming.
(Additional survey results will be included in Next 10's California Green Innovation Index, an analysis of the impact of innovation on California's economy and environment, to be released on November 14th.)
Initial findings from the new survey were presented today in Sacramento at the Behavior, Energy and Climate Change conference, a national conference of academic, business, government and environmental leaders whose goal is to accelerate the transition to an energy-efficient and low carbon future. Results are based on a telephone survey conducted August 10-28, 2007 among a random sample of 1,003 California adults in English and Spanish....
Let's see, Summer in the Southern Hemisphere isn't for five more weeks. Hot as hell and Bush does NOTHING.
November 17, 2007
0710 gmt
West Pacific Satellite
The areas of Earth able to sustain enough water vapor to transfer heat are the tropics. The tropical systems are having their water vapor removed to the poles to attempt to thermoregulate the troposphere.
November 17, 2007
0331 gmt
Pacific Global Satellite
The heat onto Antarctica is coming directly from the equator.
November 16, 2007
0600 gmt
Antarctica Jet Stream
The story regarding the massive shift in climate over Antarctica started November 11, 2007 (see animation here) as a large upper wind heat transfer occurred taking the frigid air offshore. That occured at 1 o'clock while at the same time and opposite that air movement an onshore heat transfer system at 7 o'clock approached the upper troposphere. Antarctica is receiving a lot of climate change. Lot of sublimination of it's ice and impacts on any biotic balance.
November 17, 2007
0600
Antarctica Surface Wind Map (click here for animation)
There is nothing but on shore winds over East Antarctica and that holds true for most of the continent bringing far warmer tempertures to the continent. The wind distribution is patchy. There are calm winds in some areas while Mawson an Australian station is receiving near 50 mph winds at 33 feet elevation.
The frigid cold over Antarctica is gone. It was being pushed off the continent over the Blue Ice further to East Antarctica and this week the deep frigid aire is gone. The currently coldest temperature is -42 Fahrenheit/-41 C. That is blastedly scary.
November 17, 2007
0300 UTC
Antarctica Temperature Satellite
There a few views missing on the animated satellite. Missing are 6 AM, 9AM and 6 PM. On animation the satellite reflects the warmest temperatures Antarctica has ever sustained that I have witnessed. The temperature over the entire Polar Plateau is in the Negative Forties. Cold, but, for Antarctica not cold enough. The humidity map on animation (click here) reveals a majority of high levels of humidity due to sublimination of the ice.
The warmest reporting stations are ::
Base Jubany, Antarctica
6:00 AM GMT
Elevation :: 13 ft / 4 m
Temperature :: 33 °F / 0 °C
Conditions :: Mist
Humidity :: 95%
Dew Point: :: 32 °F / 0 °C
Wind :: 23 mph / 37 km/h from the SW
Wind Gust :: -
Pressure :: 29.07 in / 984 hPa (Falling)
Visibility :: 2.0 miles / 4.0 kilometers
Clouds:
Scattered Clouds 492 ft / 150 m
Mostly Cloudy 9843 ft / 3000 m
(Above Ground Level)
King Sejong, Antarctica
6:00 AM GMT
Elevation :: 33 ft / 10 m
Temperature :: 33 °F / 0 °C
Conditions :: Overcast
Humidity :: 73%
Dew Point :: 28 °F / -2 °C
Wind :: 12 mph / 18 km/h from the ENE
Wind Gust :: -
Pressure :: 29.03 in / 983 hPa (Falling)
Visibility :: 12.0 miles / 20.0 kilometers
UV :: 0 out of 16
The Coldest Reporting Stations are :
Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, Antarctica
6:50 PM NZDT
Elevation :: 9285 ft / 2830 m
Temperature :: -41 °F / -41 °C
Conitions :: Clear
Wind :: 8 mph / 13 km/h from the East
Wind Gust :: -
Pressure :: in / hPa (Rising)
Visibility :: 7.0 miles / 11.0 kilometers
Clouds :: Few 5906 ft / 1800 m
(Above Ground Level)
Henry, United States
2:20 AM GMT
Elevation :: 9039 ft / 2755 m
Temperature :: -37 °F / -38 °C
Wind :: 7 mph / 11 km/h from the East
Wind Gust :: -
Pressure :: in / hPa (Rising)
Never saw Vostok this warm.
Vostok, Antarctica
12:00 PM VOST
Elevation :: 11220 ft / 3420 m
Temperature :: -34 °F / -37 °C
Humidity :: 46%
Dew Point :: -42 °F / -41 °C
Wind :: 18 mph / 30 km/h from the SW
Wind Gust :: -
Pressure :: in / hPa (Falling)
Visibility :: 12.0 miles / 20.0 kilometers
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