The incompetency of the Supreme Court majority is obvious and based completely in political ideology. Yesterday, the Supreme Court carried forth incompetent legislation written by ideologues that masterminded an illegal war and no longer sit in their seats of leadership of the House and Senate. Two of which had either committed fraud and ethical violations or caused undue fiscal demands of constituencies.
To begin, infanticide is illegal in the USA. It always has been and I don't see that changing. The conflict between the definition of infanticide and abortion is not an issue. Infanticide is the death of a child born into life outside the uterus.
The issue of women's health falls into many categories of which included in that is abortion. When women don't want to be expecting a child they will terminate that pregnancy and it is a known fact. Those women have every right to safely terminate an unwanted pregnancy. In a court primarily of men and where Samuel Alito was the replacement of a female jurist, this court has neither the insight or right to be determining the outcome of women's health.
I have always found it helpful to understand issues before making judgement of my own by listening to others and understanding their perspective. I have been fortunate to work in professions whereby I meet many people; men, women and children nearly everyday of my life in ways that their lives, occupations and personal ventures are revealed in America.
There are two stark examples of women that come to mind which this law would directly impact negatively in that they would seek abortions regardless the laws within the USA.
One is a young twenty year old, whom was engaged in a relationship with a man for several years practicing birth control. When the relationship hit a lull, she left it to live alone.
After a time, the young man called and stated he was being deployed to Iraq and wanted to be married before he left. He asked to see her, asked her to marry. They were married in time for his deployement.
She is not pregnant and nor does she want to be with that understanding before the marriage. Her rational was that while living with her then husband there was some question in her mind as to whether the relationship could stand the test of time. She didn't want to have children in a relationship that would result in divorce. When she was asked did she think she would ever have children, she stated simply, "No." She didn't feel the relationship is capable of being that stable and I am not interested in having children.
Whether or not she ever changes her mind is for the future to reveal, but, when she was asked if she would ever terminate a pregnancy within the marriage, her statement was, 'absolutely.' That 'absoluteness' would result whether or not she fell under current consenting laws.
To many Pro-Lifers a woman like this should have their 'tubes tied' or consider a 'hysterectomy.' That is an outrageosly extreme statement garnering the concept of totalitarianism for the sake of sparing a woman's life to insure all other conceptions would go forward. It is an undue burden on any woman whom might later decide otherwise and should have that freedom to do so.
The other instance hits far closer to home. It is my sister whom's issues have appeared here many times.
She grew up with love and promise believing she would have the same experience as a woman when she married and started a family. Along the path of life she was thrown a curve. A tumor. A brain tumor. Her life was saved, much to the gratitude of a loving husband, by some of the best physician/surgeons in the USA if not the world; through many treatments of radiation. As a result the way she felt about her body changed, in that she didn't feel her reproductive organs would produce a child that was healthy.
Here was a woman so violated by a tumor that it transended her experience as a woman and the concept of motherhood. Prior to the diagnosis, she had left a prestigious career, with a great deal of promise, to move to the Midwest whereby she and her spouse would purchase 17 acres of land to build their 'Dream Home' and start a family. All that changed when she was exposed to thirty days of life saving radiation. She continued to use birth control and never looked for a tubal ligation or hysterectomy. Neither procedures were discussed with her spouse or even entered the rhelm of that marriage. To her husband, neither she or he could ever consider such a thing and the 'idea' of another surgery no matter it's manifestation was like 'water torture.'
Eventually, she would consent out of love of her spouse, to consider an adoption. They listed with four agencies and within five months were notified they would be receiving a baby within the next nine months. Her spouse was elated and didn't care what the future burdens would be for them considering any challenges to her health, all was possible and that was all he cared about. To my sister, it was a time to reflect and define motherhood and she didn't like the picture that unfolded before her. She didn't like the idea of ever having a child raised by a nanny or caregiver while she was helpless at some future date to carry out that roll. Realizing her husband's elation, she decided to leave the marriage and live alone.
Her tumor was never resolved as it is cystic and malignant but only thwarted by radiation. No matter her ability to function at the time that was never guaranteed to her in the future. When I once asked her had she ever by chance gotten pregnant because of failed birth control would she have an abortion, her response was, 'absolutely.'
Neither the USA Congress, Senate or House, or Justice Kennedy have the right to determine the happiness of either of these women.
What occurred yesterday was wrongly preceived by religious organizations as outlawing infanticide. That is not the case. What did occur yesterday was the allowance of doctors to perform any type of procedure that is necessary to save a woman's life and the 'idea' that women can autonomously live a life whereby they have control over their reproductive capacity. It is an outrage and every woman now is presented with danger to herself and her family as did not exist before this ruling of a bill marred with ideology without the common sense of a twit.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Judge Ginsburg is right. It's a direct attack on women's health and happiness. Not all women find pregnancy and children a joy. That is their right
The decision is going to throw the matter to the legislature. There are a lot of implications regarding women and their best outcome when they find they have an unwanted pregnancy. This decision is going to open back street abortion clinics all over again.
My initial reaction was wrong. I thought banning Partial Birth Abortion was correct in that it was a late term issue and one that was mostly cruel. But, this decision mixes the entire matter with Abortion Rights of all kind and quite frankly I am a bit astounded.
-- It bans safe and effective abortions as early as 12-15 weeks, which impermissibly burdens the right to obtain an abortion before viability.
-- It fails to make any exception to the ban when a woman's health is atstake, which violates established constitutional protections that havebeen in place for 30 years.
-- It uses broad language subject to wildly different interpretations that cover steps doctors routinely take in performing abortions in the second trimester, thus making it impossible for doctors to understand exactly what is prohibited.
I believe the states are going to have to legislate to protect women. Perhaps in a way that will challenge this decision all over again. I don't want to wait to find statistics of dead women are escalating while we are waiting for effective law to regain it's balance.
The Court has done an injustice to women and quite frankly they have lost my support when I actually thought I could find solice in having late term pregnancy protected while still protecting women. I am quite taken back by this blatant disregard for women, the practice of medicine, and confidentiality.
Women will be traveling outside the country again. This is a political Supreme Court and not one interested in the well being of the women of this nation.
Wow, didn't expect this mess. For as much as I wanted to see late term abortion stopped, I cannot stand behind this decision. It's a darn shame. This is treating women as chattel all over again.
...also not out of sight is the blind eye of Bush turns to his illegal war...
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Bush sparred across the table with Democratic congressional leaders opposed to the Iraq war on Wednesday in a prelude to a veto showdown over a conflict that has claimed the lives of more than 3,200 U.S. troops.
During an hourlong meeting at the White House, the president told lawmakers directly he will not sign any bill that includes a timetable for a troop withdrawal, and they made it clear Congress will send him one anyway.
"We believe he must search his soul, his conscience and find out what is the right thing for the American people," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada, told reporters after the session. "I believe signing this bill will do that."
But Dana Perino, White House spokeswoman, said, "It appears that they are determined to send a bill to the president that he won't accept. They fundamentally disagree."
Bush Makes Saddam Look Good
The Nation: Devastating Poll Confirms Iraqi Disapproval Of American Occupation
Yep, you did it, George — mission impossible accomplished. Unbelievably, four years of a bungled occupation have managed to make Saddam Hussein's tyranny look good in comparison with "liberated Iraq." At least, that is the view of the Iraqi weightlifter made famous through a video of him taking a sledgehammer to Saddam Hussein's statue. "I really regret bringing down the statue," Kadhim al-Jubouri said on British television this week. "The Americans are worse than the dictatorship. Every day is worse than the previous day."
Oh, I am not finished discussing these murders.
Not by a long shot. The Conservative Party in the USA, along with the NRA think they have a strategy to shut down any other point of view.
This IS the statement that appears on the NRA webstite:
The National Rifle Association joins the entire country in expressing our deepest condolences to the families of Virginia Tech University and everyone else affected by this horrible tragedy.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families.
We will not have further comment until all the facts are known.
Andrew Arulanandam
Director of Public Affairs
National Rifle Association
They might very well join the country in moarning this tragedy, but, that doesn't preclude them from taking a stand to promote gun regulation. There are currently court cases that indicate gun manufacturers have a right to perform a vital service to this country but not to escalate the harm of average citizens in that process.
Also what came across the radar today is also the issue of partial birth abortion. Women have a right to their bodies and their health. They have a right to have a life they have set for themselves without the ideology of government. Government does not belong in the moral business. I want to explore the issue of abortion from the standpoint that Judge Gingsburgh understands it and that is from the safety of women within our society.
By the way, this decision about this law does not stop Partial Birth Abortions. They are still legal when a woman's life is in danger. Everyone needs to keep that perspective as any 'social' tilt that would lend itself to misunderstanding in the country is dangerous. I am sure everyone respects a woman's health at least that much and I would hate for any political commentator finding themselves facing a lawsuit for the peril they caused.
These issues deserve more than a simply 'banged out' emotional reply. So, therefore, later.
Not by a long shot. The Conservative Party in the USA, along with the NRA think they have a strategy to shut down any other point of view.
This IS the statement that appears on the NRA webstite:
The National Rifle Association joins the entire country in expressing our deepest condolences to the families of Virginia Tech University and everyone else affected by this horrible tragedy.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families.
We will not have further comment until all the facts are known.
Andrew Arulanandam
Director of Public Affairs
National Rifle Association
They might very well join the country in moarning this tragedy, but, that doesn't preclude them from taking a stand to promote gun regulation. There are currently court cases that indicate gun manufacturers have a right to perform a vital service to this country but not to escalate the harm of average citizens in that process.
Also what came across the radar today is also the issue of partial birth abortion. Women have a right to their bodies and their health. They have a right to have a life they have set for themselves without the ideology of government. Government does not belong in the moral business. I want to explore the issue of abortion from the standpoint that Judge Gingsburgh understands it and that is from the safety of women within our society.
By the way, this decision about this law does not stop Partial Birth Abortions. They are still legal when a woman's life is in danger. Everyone needs to keep that perspective as any 'social' tilt that would lend itself to misunderstanding in the country is dangerous. I am sure everyone respects a woman's health at least that much and I would hate for any political commentator finding themselves facing a lawsuit for the peril they caused.
These issues deserve more than a simply 'banged out' emotional reply. So, therefore, later.
SLIDESHOW: Endangered penguin hatches at Ore. Zoo
The endangered Humboldt penguin parents, Pico and Bonita, are raising it. Bonita, the mother, was featured three years ago on the Animal Planet show “Growing Up Penguin.” The hour-long documentary followed her life from hatching to first swim to leaving the nest for good.
Because penguins do not have external sex organs, the chick's gender is not yet known.
"We won't know its sex until we do a blood test, or it lays an egg or it doesn't lay an egg," said penguin keeper Rick Yazzolino.
The chick's hatch weight was 2.8 ounces, and by April 4 it was already up to 10.4 ounces. The chick has been eating well and overall is "doing fantastic," according to Yazzolino.
Humboldt penguins are native to the warm coastal waters of Peru. Of the 17 penguin species, Humboldt penguins are among the most threatened.
Chester Zoo Increases Monkey Living Welfare
A team of researchers has found a simple and unique way to significantly reduce stress levels, and increase the welfare of monkeys living in a popular zoo. The study, carried out by Durham University with Chester Zoo, found that planting a meter-wide barrier of tropical shrubs between the monkeys’ glass-fronted enclosures and the visitors’ viewing platforms reduced the animals’ stress-related behavior by more than half.
The techniques developed in the study have now won the praise of animal welfare scientists, who have awarded the research team with the prestigious Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) Wild Animal Welfare Award for their work.
The study investigated the stress levels of a type of monkey known as a mandrill, which is one of the exotic animals bred at Chester Zoo, in North West England. Seven mandrills – which are the world’s largest monkey species and whose native habitat is the tropical rainforests of Central and Western Africa, are kept at the 110-acre Zoo. In the wild, mandrills have been classed as vulnerable (World Conservation Union Red List of Threatened Species 2006) meaning that they face a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future.
article continues at link above
Zoos
Visitors At Belgium Zoo Banned From Making Eye Contact With Apes
In an attempt to maintain their social behavior, the officials at the Antwerp Zoo in Belgium have ordered visitors not to make eye contact with the apes. They have also placed signs at various places in the zoo that advise visitors that if one of the apes makes eye contact then they should look away.
The Daily Telegraph reported Monday that zoo officials feel the apes lose their sociability if they see into eyes of visitors. A spokesman for the Antwerp Zoo told the newspaper, "We are saying to visitors that, if our apes hold eye contact with them, then they should look away for a bit or take a step back."
http://www.wayodd.com/visitors-at-belgium-zoo-banned-from-making-eye-contact-with-apes/v/7011/
Orangutans Play Video Games at Ga. Zoo
By DORIE TURNER Associated Press Writer
ATLANTA (AP) - Four-year-old Bernas isn't the computer wizard his mom is, but he's learning. Just the other day he used his lips and feet to play a game on the touch-screen monitor as his mom, Madu, swung from vines and climbed trees. The two Sumatran orangutans at Zoo Atlanta are playing computer games while researchers study the cognitive skills of the orange and brown primates.
The best part? Zoo visitors get to watch their every move.
The orangutans use a touch screen built into a tree-like structure that blend in with their zoo habitat. Visitors watch from a video monitor in front of the exhibit.
http://www.wtopnews.com/index.php?nid=456&sid=1113407
Rare Baby Lemurs Born at Santa Barbara Zoo (video)
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Reported by: Colin Seiler
SANTA BARBARA
Two new members of a very rare population are now part of the Santa Barbara Zoo.
Two black and white ruffled lemurs were born on April 1. Both lemurs weighed in at about five ounces, and they are now living with their mother in the holding area.
Lemurs are an endangered species.
This is the second black and white ruffled lemur birth at the Santa Barbara Zoo, as twin males were born in may of 2005.
http://www.ksby.com/Global/story.asp?S=6382052
Honolulu Zoo to celebrate Earth Day this weekend
Advertiser Staff
The Honolulu Zoo will celebrate Earth Day this weekend with with activities, talks and ice cream for kids.
· Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. — hands-on recycling in a volunteer garden, zoo animal talks, and animal biofacts
· Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. — demonstration stations on worm composting by Waikiki Worm Company, educational games and crafts from the Hawaii Coral Reef Initiative, activities by Oahu Invasive Species Committee, and the Honolulu Zoo Society. Juice and ice cream for the kids complements of Meadow Gold Ice Cream.
For additional information on Earth Day, call the Honolulu Zoo Society, 926-3191.
http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Apr/17/br/br0635182749.html
Aboriginal dancers descend on Auckland Zoo this Sunday
MEDIA RELEASE 18 April 2007 Aboriginal dancers descend on Auckland Zoo this Sunday
Round up the family and all your Aussie mates to come and see internationally renowned Aboriginal dance troupe, Descendance, perform at Auckland Zoo this Sunday 22 April (midday) as part of G'Day NZ Australia Week.
Descendance was formed in 1999 from the Ngaru Aboriginal Dance Company, Sydney’s first independent traditional indigenous troupe, and is made up of performers representing Aboriginal and Torres-Strait Islanders from many diverse tribes. The troupe's one-hour lunchtime performance at the band rotunda, located near the zoo's Aussie Walkabout exhibit, will feature dancers, singers, storytellers and musicians.
Visitors will be treated to an exciting and eclectic show with the timeless sounds of the didgeridoo, and songs and spectacular renditions in traditional regalia of animal, hunting and spirit dances.
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0704/S00160.htm
Dickerson Park Zoo celebrates Earth Day on Sunday
Dickerson Park Zoo will celebrate Earth Day from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday with a ?Party for the Planet.?The zoo said the public will learn about simple conservation techniques and backyard animals such as squirrels, rabbits, robins and snakes.Activities include Disney animal face masks, animal origami, animal tattoos and seed packets.There will be presentations about birds of prey and snakes. The Fishin? Magicians will entertain at the Junior League Amphitheatre.Zoo admission is $4 for children ages 3 to 12 and $6 for adults. ?Party for the Planet? activities are free with admission.Visit www.dickersonparkzoo.org for more information.
http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070418/BREAKING07/70418010
Rare warty pigs set to hog the limelight
ADRIAN MATHER
THEY are more often found in the forests of the Philippines, fighting for survival against local tree-cutters and hunters.
Now two critically-endangered Visayan warty pigs have been brought to Edinburgh Zoo as part of an international breeding programme.
Over the past 50 years, their numbers in the wild have been decimated to such an extent that they are now among the world's most threatened animals.
The pair - which have been named Alice and Cooper - were transferred from Poznan Zoo in Poland at the end of last month and are the first to ever be housed in any of Scotland's zoos or wildlife facilities. They have joined other new arrivals from the world's endangered species list at the Corstorphine attraction, including Britain's only Tibetan white-lipped deer.
http://news.scotsman.com/scitech.cfm?id=597252007
The Captive Monkeys Suffering 'Zoo Stress'
Captive monkeys suffer zoo stress, reveals new research. Scientists studying rainforest mandrills, the world's largest species, found visitors peering at them through the glass window caused them to snarl, pace and behave abnormally.But they soothed their anxiety levels by more than half simply by planting a three feet wide barrier of tropical shrubs between their enclosures at Chester Zoo and the viewing platforms.
http://www.lse.co.uk/ShowStory.asp?story=OZ1736318F&news_headline=the_captive_monkeys_suffering_zoo_stress
San Diego Zoo names month-old elephant 'Impunga'
The Associated Press
Article Launched: 04/17/2007 06:33:20 PM PDT
ESCONDIDO, Calif.- An African elephant born last month at the San Diego Zoo has been named Impunga, zoo officials said Tuesday.
His name (pronounced im-POON-gah) means "experienced adviser" in Swati, the official language of Swaziland.
Impunga was born March 11, marking the third birth for a herd of seven African elephants rescued from culling in Swaziland and brought to the zoo's Wild Animal Park in 2003.
Two other elephants are pregnant and due later this year, zoo officials said.
————
On the Net:
http://www.sandiegozoo.org/wap/ex—elephants.html
http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_5689919?nclick_check=1
Zoo welcomes new director (video)
The new Executive Director of the New York State Zoo at Thompson Park in Watertown starts his job this week.
Dr. John Scott Foster comes to the zoo from Indianapolis. Foster previously worked at the Chicago Zoological Society, Indianapolis Zoo, White River Botanical Garden, and the Seneca Park Zoo in RochesterFoster says he's excited to start his new job and plans on making the zoo more interactive for its visitors.
"So that they'll be opportunities to interact with the keeper staff, they'll be opportunities to interact with the volunteer and education staff and really have a more hands on experience and have a chance to ask some of those questions that you always wondered about," said Foster.
As for the zoo losing its AZA accreditation, Foster said the board is still looking into its options to appeal the decision.
http://news10now.com/content/all_news/?ArID=102325&SecID=83
FDA Approves the First Bird Flu Vaccine H5N1 in the United States
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said on Tuesday it has granted the first approval in the United States of a vaccine for humans against the H5N1 influenza virus, commonly known as avian or bird flu. The vaccine could be used in the event the current H5N1 avian virus were to develop the capability to efficiently spread from human to human, resulting in the rapid spread of the disease across the globe. Should such an influenza pandemic emerge, the vaccine may provide early limited protection in the months before a vaccine tailored to the pandemic strain of the virus could be developed and produced.
“The threat of an influenza pandemic is, at present, one of the most significant public health issues our nation and world faces,” said Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D., Commissioner of Food and Drugs. “The approval of this vaccine is an important step forward in our protection against a pandemic.”
http://caribjournal.com/2007/04/17/fda-approves-the-first-bird-flu-vaccine-h5n1-in-the-united-states/#more-1752
Pet Food Recall UPDATE: Memorial March Planned
A nationwide march is planned in response to the pet food recall tragedy that seems to grow by the day.
The website for Pets Need a Voice Too, or PNV2 reports that the march will take place on April 28th, and states that “We are marching in memory of our pets…as pet owners, dog lovers, cat lovers and average citizens.”
The April 28 march is set for the following cities, with others possibly added in the days ahead: Boston, Massachusetts; Reno, Nevada; Kitchener, Canada; Ottawa, Canada; Jacksonville, Oregon; Uniontown, Pennsylvania; Portland, Maine; San Diego, California; Orange County, California; and Austin, Texas.
The website can be found here: www.pnv2.com
http://caribjournal.com/2007/04/15/pet-food-recall-update-memorial-march-planned/
UPDATE: Pet Food Recall Controversy Headed to U. S. Senate
The pet food recall controversy moves to the U. S. Senate this week, where the FDA is expected to be in the hot seat. While no specific day has been mentioned for the enquiry, sources say it could take place sometime Thursday.
U. S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced last week that the U.S. Senate will hold an oversight hearing on the ongoing investigation and the regulatory mechanisms that govern the pet food industry as the widespread recall of contaminated pet food continues.
“Many cats, dogs and other pets, considered members of the family are now suffering as a result of a deeply flawed pet food inspection system,” said Durbin. “The FDA’s response to this situation has been tragically slow. Pet owners deserve answers. The uncertainty about what is safe to feed their pets has gone on far too long. I want to learn exactly when the FDA knew about the contamination, who is inspecting pet food manufacturing plants, and whether we need to force the FDA to update their regulations to protect our pets. Most importantly, I want to hear how the FDA is going to work to resolve the current crisis and ensure this doesn’t happen again."
http://caribjournal.com/2007/04/09/update-pet-food-recall-controversy-headed-to-u-s-senate/
The Bears are getting hot at the Kow Keow Zoo.
We take you now to the Kow Keow Zoo, some 45kms outside of Pattaya where some of the residents are finding it hard to cope with the hot weather which is being experienced here in Chonburi Province. The bear enclosure is receiving the most attention at this time as the hot weather is starting to take its toll and some of the bears are becoming agitated which represents a danger to the zoo keepers who look after these strong and potentially dangerous animals. Sweet flavored iced water and fruits are being given to the bears four times a day and vets are on standby around the Zoo as the hot temperatures are set to continue for at least the next 7 days.
http://www.pattayacitynews.net/news_18_04_50.htm
Rahul Khanna campaigns to save elephants
Posted April 17th, 2007 by Tarique
New Delhi, April 17 (IANS) Actor Rahul Khanna has joined the 'save the elephant' campaign and stars in the new anti-zoo ad made by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
Shot by photographer Colston Julian, the ad is titled "Actor Wants Fans to Know That Elephants Don't Belong in Zoos and Cities" and Rahul is shown shackled in chains, with bruises painted on his body.
"Zoos cannot provide for the complex needs of the animals who they hold captive," said Rahul in a press statement.
PETA has pulled up its socks after Mumbai saw the death of an elephant named Laxmi, who was hit by a speeding tanker. In the absence of proper medical attention, Laxmi suffered a broken leg and spinal injuries before dying a day later.
http://www.indianmuslims.info/news/2007/april/17/india_news/rahul_khanna_campaigns_to_save_elephants.html
Penguin turns up in South Africa
CAPE ST. FRANCIS, South Africa, April 17 Animal rehabilitation officials are trying to find a home for a king penguin that turned up in Cape St. Francis, South Africa.The penguin, named Elvis, washed ashore thousands of miles from its Antarctic home and is in the care of the Ajubatus Marine Rehabilitation Center in St. Francis, the Cape Times reported Tuesday."I can't believe how well he's looking now. He is beautiful," said the center ' s Trudi Malan. "My wish is to release him back home, possibly to Marion Island, but the scientists say we can't because of the risk that he will carry back diseases." Malan said there has been some interest in the penguin from European zoos but no concrete plans have been made.
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/52984.html
Plight of Polar Bears Affects Us All
Polar bears, like the one pictured here, have now been put upon the endangered species list due to global warming. In fact, fears for their survival have become so real by prominent environmentalists, that it has now been predicted that these Arctic carnivores may become extinct in the wild by the year 2050. The Arctic ice shelf, the bear’s hunting grounds, has been receding steadily for the past 30 years. The bears depend on large ice floes for both hunting and to bare their young, which occur in the spring. It has now been estimated that since the late 1970’s the total area of summer polar ice has declined more than 20 per cent and is accelerating each year at a much faster rate.
Polar bears depend on a steady diet of Arctic ringed seals, walruses and fish, all of which are declining or moving to other locations further north. With a decline in these food sources, polar bears will have no choice other than either to adapt to their new environmental reality – or die. And that ‘adaptation’ may force the bears to add another possible food source to their hunting forays – Man. Eskimos and other indigenous people who also live in the arctic regions, and depend on the same food sources as the polar bears may find themselves on ursus maritumus’ shopping list, as the bears loose their natural fear and apprehension and begin to approach villages and other places of human habitation to find food. People working in the far north, including oil well drillers, scientists, and other people may also be at risk, especially if they are out alone and far away from others.
http://www.naturalbuy.com/plight-of-polar-bears-affects-us-all/
Honolulu Zoo to celebrate Earth Day this weekend
Advertiser Staff
The Honolulu Zoo will celebrate Earth Day this weekend with with activities, talks and ice cream for kids.
· Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. — hands-on recycling in a volunteer garden, zoo animal talks, and animal biofacts
· Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. — demonstration stations on worm composting by Waikiki Worm Company, educational games and crafts from the Hawaii Coral Reef Initiative, activities by Oahu Invasive Species Committee, and the Honolulu Zoo Society. Juice and ice cream for the kids complements of Meadow Gold Ice Cream.
For additional information on Earth Day, call the Honolulu Zoo Society, 926-3191.
http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Apr/17/br/br0635182749.html
New plan tried to keep impala safe, zoo says
By JENNI LAIDMANBLADE STAFF WRITER
Toledo Zoo officials were trying to prevent a repeat of an accident that killed an impala a year ago when they chose a completely new method of preparing the flighty animals for shipping.
But the new travel plan proved no protection for 21-month-old Hurley, who died last week while being prepared for shipment to the Milwaukee County Zoo, zoo officials told the zoo board's animal care committee yesterday.
A year earlier, Hurley was with another impala that died as they were being prepared for transport to a zoo in Battle Creek, Mich.
Hurley and Jack were tranquilized and put into a crate together for their trip to Michigan. As soon as the crate doors were closed, the 110-pound animals panicked.
"They just ricochetted,'' Zoo Director Anne Baker said.
http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070412/NEWS38/704120413/-1/NEWS
Taiwanese zoo worker has arm reattached after crocodile attack
ASSOCIATED PRESS
4:49 a.m. April 12, 2007
TAIPEI, Taiwan – A zoo worker had his forearm reattached Thursday after his colleagues recovered the severed limb from the mouth of a 440-pound Nile crocodile, an official said.
The crocodile severed Chang Po-yu's forearm on Wednesday at the Shaoshan Zoo in the southern city of Kaohsiung when the veterinarian tried to retrieve a tranquilizer dart from the reptile's hide, zoo officials said.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/world/20070412-0449-taiwan-crocodileattack.html
Providence zoo welcomes emu chicks for the first time
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Some baby birds are flaunting their feathers for the first time in public.
These are three emu chicks, born last month at The Roger Williams Zoo in Providence.
They made their debut Wednesday.
The birds, native to Australia, can't fly.
But once they're grown up, they'll be able to run as fast as 30 miles an hour.
(Copyright 2007 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
http://www1.whdh.com/news/articles/local/BO48803/
San Francisco zoo workers rear tiny ape (10:14 a.m.)
By The Associated Press
Article Launched: 04/12/2007 10:13:53 AM MDT
ALBUQUERQUE — Zoo keepers in San Francisco are hoping the third time will be a charm for an Albuquerque-born ape.
Sungai, a siamang born last August at the Rio Grande Zoo, was rejected by her first-time mother despite the zoo staff's efforts to encourage motherly instincts.
Sungai was rejected again by adult siamangs at the Houston Zoo.
Now, keepers in San Francisco are hand-rearing Sungai, and they have introduced her to an adult pair of siamangs in hopes they will adopt her as their own.
http://www.lcsun-news.com/latest/ci_5650815
New butterfly exhibit to open at zoo
Posted by Birmingham News staff April 12, 2007 13:14PM
A new butterfly exhibit will open Saturday at the Birmingham Zoo.
Butterfly Encounter will have more than 600 butterflies from 20 commonly-found Alabama species. Inside the 3,000-square-foot greenhouse facility will be monarchs, emperors, zebra longwings and tiger swallowtails. A double set of doors will keep them from escaping as visitors enter and exit the building.
Visitors can watch butterflies emerge from chrysalises and their wings unfold for the first time to learn more about their life cycle from tiny egg to caterpillar to butterfly.
First American Bank is sponsoring the exhibit that will remain at the zoo until Sept. 3. It is located near the Wildlife Stage and the Predator Building.
Near the new exhibit is a new rabbit sculpture created by sculptor Frank Fleming. It is a gift from the Birmingham-based Nall-Whatley Foundation.Walter Bryant
http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2007/04/new_butterfly_exhibit_to_open.html
Orphaned Elephant Seal Pups Rehab at the San Francisco Zoo
The researchers first spotted the elephant seal pup named Tamara on the Farallon Islands, 27 miles off the coast of San Francisco. When she showed up in Santa Cruz after swimming for more than a week from the Farallon Islands to Santa Cruz, the pup was in such tragic condition, significantly emaciated and covered with oil that her rescuers thought she wouldn't survive.
Tamara was the first elephant seal pup to be rescued during the pupping season which generally runs from early March through late June, according to Jessica Hsu from the Marine Mammal Center.
http://en.epochtimes.com/news/7-4-12/54034.html
Chessington Zoo defends its gorillas' home
By Dan Menhinnitt
Bosses at Chessington Zoo yesterday blasted newspaper reports saying they have not been properly caring for their 10 gorillas.
According to reports in national newspapers the zoo risked seeing its gorilla enclosure closed down if conditions there did not improve.
The information came to light after a Freedom of Information Act request from The Independent.
The newspaper managed to get hold of two unpublished reports one from 2005 and a second from December 2006 expressing grave concern over the condition of the zoo's western lowlands gorillas.
http://www.wimbledonguardian.co.uk/news/topstories/display.var.1326270.0.chessington_zoo_defends_its_gorillas_home.php
Photos of rescued seal pup at the Central Park Zoo
Photos in the newsmongabay.comApril 13, 2007 Baby seal introduced to new home
A seal pup rescued in Maine last year is now settling in at its new home in the Central Park Zoo. The pup, named Seven, was rescued last September by Marine Animal Lifeline, a group based in Maine that rehabilitates stranded animals and aims to release them back into the wild. They determined that Seven wouldn't be able to survive in the wild due to an impairment in her hind flipper, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), which runs Central Park Zoo.
http://news.mongabay.com/2007/0413-wcs.html
125 years on, zoo set for a makeover
By Pamela Raghunath, Correspondent
Mumbai: The 125-year-old Byculla Zoo and Botanical Gardens is poised for renaissance. The reinvented look will be complete with a theme park comparable with the best in the world.
"The zoo will be redeveloped in two phases - we are still in the first phase of planning and design, which will be followed by the actual execution of the master plan," R.A. Rajiv, additional municipal commissioner, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) told Gulf News.
"I hope that, by the year-end, the actual work will take off," he says.
The Jijamata Udyan Zoo, formerly known as the Victoria Gardens, in south-central Mumbai's Byculla, is managed by the BMC, which had been asked by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) to prepare a master plan this year or face derecognition.
http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/07/04/14/10118147.html
Rare white alligator comes to Knoxville Zoo (video)
Just a couple of days after arriving from Florida, Knoxville's newest resident, a rare white alligator, sits so still that many think she may be fake
Knoxville Zoo curator Phil Colclough assures us she is alive and well. "They're just kind of calm animals by nature," says Colclough. "They're pretty docile animals, believe it or not. She's just sitting up their basking in her heat."There are only around 30 to 35 white alligators in the world. That rarity has lead to mystery surrounding the reptiles, and the mystery has lead to legend. According to modern folklore, it is good luck to gaze into the pink eyes of one such gator. "Yeah, we spent a whole two days with her and we've been lucky every since," jokes Colclough. If you'd like to see this gator, she will be visiting the zoo from now until Labor Day. Then she will head back home to Saint Augustine, Florida.
http://www.wbir.com/life/programming/local/liveatfive/story.aspx?storyid=44210
Detroit Zoo offers Earth Day events
ROYAL OAK -- The Detroit Zoo will host its annual Earth Day celebration from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. April 21. Earth Day at the zoo is designed to be an educational experience dedicated to celebrating wildlife and teaching visitors about environmental conservation.
The day will include earth-friendly crafts, animal enrichment activities, an endangered-species scavenger hunt, games, zookeeper talks, and local conservation groups. Live performances by Marc Thomas and Max the Moose will be held at the Ford Education Center Theater at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
http://www.dailytribune.com/stories/041507/loc_zoo001.shtml
Party time planned at local zoo for Earth Day
OUTINGSKAREN RALLOTribune Staff WriterSOUTH BEND -- The Potawatomi Zoological Society will honor Earth Day with an Association of Zoos and Aquarium event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the zoo, 500 S. Greenlawn Ave.It's part of a national celebration. Locally, there will be activities and educational programs for the entire family including a scavenger hunt, recycling and a program about the wonders of water and how to calculate water use.Regular admission applies: $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and ages 3-14, and free for age 2 and younger. For details, call the zoo at (574) 235-9800 or visit www.potawatomizoo.org.
http://www.southbendtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070415/Lives01/704150473/-1/LIVES/CAT=Lives01
Pittsburgh Aquarium Fun Facts
At 42,000 sq. ft. (64% larger than its forerunner the AquaZoo) the new Aquarium is the largest aquarium in Pennsylvania, and one of the largest aquarium facilities in the world. Not bad for an inland city!
Spiny lobster can live up to 100 years
The new Aquarium has one of five collections of King Penguins in the country.
A King penguin will incubate a single egg on top of its feet for 52 days.
The shark exhibit's acrylic window is 6 inches thick and 24 feet tall, and holds nearly 100,000 gallons of water. It can be viewed from two different floors and five different viewing angles (sharks scheduled to arrive in late summer).
The new Aquarium is the only aquarium or zoo in North America displaying a threatened river dolphin species. Chuckles, an Amazon River Dolphin, inhabits the Tropical Rainforest Habitat and holds the longevity record for its species.
The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is home to the largest coral propagation facility in the continental United States.\
A life-size mural of a humpback whale allows visitors to compare their own size with the large marine mammal.
The world's first rotating aquarium and terrarium tanks are exhibited at the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium.
Fish tanks have been scattered throughout the zoo since the former Pittsburgh AquaZoo closed its doors in 1998 to make way for the new Aquarium. Many zoo personnel have had fun getting up close and personal with the fish who have shared their offices while waiting for their new home.
http://pittsburgh.about.com/library/weekly/aa070500e.htm
Knut The Polar Bear Cub Removed From Zoo Display
(AP) BERLIN Knut, the Berlin Zoo's lovable polar bear cub, was taken off display Monday because of teething pains. "He is getting his right upper canine," zoo veterinarian Andre Schuele told The Associated Press.Earlier, the 4 1/2-month old cub's daily public appearance was cut short after only 30 minutes and he was put on antibiotics."At the moment he is resting on his blanket and sleeping," Schuele said, adding that despite his lethargy Knut did eat his regular meal in the morning.Thousands of people line up daily to see the cub, and his button-eyed face has been a fixture for newspapers, television and the Internet.
http://cbs4denver.com/topstories/topstories_story_107100719.html
Woodland Park Zoo (slide show)
We went to the Woodland Park Zoo which is a 92 acre area of amazing animals and exhibits. Some of our favorite animals we saw were the big brown Bears, Zebras, Elephants, hippopotamus, Komodo Dragons, balled eagles and the very funny gorillas. They also had an Australian section in the Zoo which had Wallaby’s, Emus, Kookaburras and even Magpies which we thought was pretty funny. Luckily for Grant it was pretty flat as he pushed the wheelchair around all day.
http://www.travelblog.org/North-America/United-States/Washington/Seattle/blog-149430.html
Zoo garage may cost taxpayers additional $4 million
By Bob Young
Seattle Times staff reporter
Seattle taxpayers' tab for a new garage at Woodland Park Zoo could increase by almost $4 million, according to a revised city forecast.
The city's share of the cost for a controversial 710-stall garage was estimated at $8.2 million in 2005. But a new analysis by City Council staff puts the likely bill for taxpayers at $11.9 million.
The council is scheduled to vote Wednesday on selling bonds for garage construction. That step is expected to be the last council action on garage financing, which the council initially approved by a unanimous vote in 2004.
Councilman David Della, who chairs the council's parks committee, said he doesn't expect the new forecast to threaten council support for the garage. "It's not so troubling that I think we have to backtrack on our decision," Della said.
The four-story garage is projected to cost $28 million, including interest payments, over 20 years. Under an arrangement with the Woodland Park Zoological Society, a nonprofit that operates the zoo, the city would pay 75 percent of the garage cost that remains after parking revenues are used to pay down construction and operating expenses. The zoo society would pay the rest.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003669353_zoogarage17m.html
Koala has baby in pouch: Chiang Mai Zoo
Chiang Mai Zoo has welcomed a new-born koala bear, as one of the four marsupials - sent from Australia to Thailand to mark the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne - gave birth in January. However, the baby koala will remain in the mother's pouch for breastfeeding another five to six months before it is strong enough to venture into the outside world - probably in July, according to zoo veterinarian Somchai Chotapisitkul.The pregnancy came as a surprise. Somchai recalled that zoo staff had observed how one koala named Coco had something moving in her pouch near her abdomen so they kept her apart for safety.
http://nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30032052
continued …
Visitors At Belgium Zoo Banned From Making Eye Contact With Apes
In an attempt to maintain their social behavior, the officials at the Antwerp Zoo in Belgium have ordered visitors not to make eye contact with the apes. They have also placed signs at various places in the zoo that advise visitors that if one of the apes makes eye contact then they should look away.
The Daily Telegraph reported Monday that zoo officials feel the apes lose their sociability if they see into eyes of visitors. A spokesman for the Antwerp Zoo told the newspaper, "We are saying to visitors that, if our apes hold eye contact with them, then they should look away for a bit or take a step back."
http://www.wayodd.com/visitors-at-belgium-zoo-banned-from-making-eye-contact-with-apes/v/7011/
Orangutans Play Video Games at Ga. Zoo
By DORIE TURNER Associated Press Writer
ATLANTA (AP) - Four-year-old Bernas isn't the computer wizard his mom is, but he's learning. Just the other day he used his lips and feet to play a game on the touch-screen monitor as his mom, Madu, swung from vines and climbed trees. The two Sumatran orangutans at Zoo Atlanta are playing computer games while researchers study the cognitive skills of the orange and brown primates.
The best part? Zoo visitors get to watch their every move.
The orangutans use a touch screen built into a tree-like structure that blend in with their zoo habitat. Visitors watch from a video monitor in front of the exhibit.
http://www.wtopnews.com/index.php?nid=456&sid=1113407
Rare Baby Lemurs Born at Santa Barbara Zoo (video)
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Reported by: Colin Seiler
SANTA BARBARA
Two new members of a very rare population are now part of the Santa Barbara Zoo.
Two black and white ruffled lemurs were born on April 1. Both lemurs weighed in at about five ounces, and they are now living with their mother in the holding area.
Lemurs are an endangered species.
This is the second black and white ruffled lemur birth at the Santa Barbara Zoo, as twin males were born in may of 2005.
http://www.ksby.com/Global/story.asp?S=6382052
Honolulu Zoo to celebrate Earth Day this weekend
Advertiser Staff
The Honolulu Zoo will celebrate Earth Day this weekend with with activities, talks and ice cream for kids.
· Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. — hands-on recycling in a volunteer garden, zoo animal talks, and animal biofacts
· Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. — demonstration stations on worm composting by Waikiki Worm Company, educational games and crafts from the Hawaii Coral Reef Initiative, activities by Oahu Invasive Species Committee, and the Honolulu Zoo Society. Juice and ice cream for the kids complements of Meadow Gold Ice Cream.
For additional information on Earth Day, call the Honolulu Zoo Society, 926-3191.
http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Apr/17/br/br0635182749.html
Aboriginal dancers descend on Auckland Zoo this Sunday
MEDIA RELEASE 18 April 2007 Aboriginal dancers descend on Auckland Zoo this Sunday
Round up the family and all your Aussie mates to come and see internationally renowned Aboriginal dance troupe, Descendance, perform at Auckland Zoo this Sunday 22 April (midday) as part of G'Day NZ Australia Week.
Descendance was formed in 1999 from the Ngaru Aboriginal Dance Company, Sydney’s first independent traditional indigenous troupe, and is made up of performers representing Aboriginal and Torres-Strait Islanders from many diverse tribes. The troupe's one-hour lunchtime performance at the band rotunda, located near the zoo's Aussie Walkabout exhibit, will feature dancers, singers, storytellers and musicians.
Visitors will be treated to an exciting and eclectic show with the timeless sounds of the didgeridoo, and songs and spectacular renditions in traditional regalia of animal, hunting and spirit dances.
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0704/S00160.htm
Dickerson Park Zoo celebrates Earth Day on Sunday
Dickerson Park Zoo will celebrate Earth Day from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday with a ?Party for the Planet.?The zoo said the public will learn about simple conservation techniques and backyard animals such as squirrels, rabbits, robins and snakes.Activities include Disney animal face masks, animal origami, animal tattoos and seed packets.There will be presentations about birds of prey and snakes. The Fishin? Magicians will entertain at the Junior League Amphitheatre.Zoo admission is $4 for children ages 3 to 12 and $6 for adults. ?Party for the Planet? activities are free with admission.Visit www.dickersonparkzoo.org for more information.
http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070418/BREAKING07/70418010
Rare warty pigs set to hog the limelight
ADRIAN MATHER
THEY are more often found in the forests of the Philippines, fighting for survival against local tree-cutters and hunters.
Now two critically-endangered Visayan warty pigs have been brought to Edinburgh Zoo as part of an international breeding programme.
Over the past 50 years, their numbers in the wild have been decimated to such an extent that they are now among the world's most threatened animals.
The pair - which have been named Alice and Cooper - were transferred from Poznan Zoo in Poland at the end of last month and are the first to ever be housed in any of Scotland's zoos or wildlife facilities. They have joined other new arrivals from the world's endangered species list at the Corstorphine attraction, including Britain's only Tibetan white-lipped deer.
http://news.scotsman.com/scitech.cfm?id=597252007
The Captive Monkeys Suffering 'Zoo Stress'
Captive monkeys suffer zoo stress, reveals new research. Scientists studying rainforest mandrills, the world's largest species, found visitors peering at them through the glass window caused them to snarl, pace and behave abnormally.But they soothed their anxiety levels by more than half simply by planting a three feet wide barrier of tropical shrubs between their enclosures at Chester Zoo and the viewing platforms.
http://www.lse.co.uk/ShowStory.asp?story=OZ1736318F&news_headline=the_captive_monkeys_suffering_zoo_stress
San Diego Zoo names month-old elephant 'Impunga'
The Associated Press
Article Launched: 04/17/2007 06:33:20 PM PDT
ESCONDIDO, Calif.- An African elephant born last month at the San Diego Zoo has been named Impunga, zoo officials said Tuesday.
His name (pronounced im-POON-gah) means "experienced adviser" in Swati, the official language of Swaziland.
Impunga was born March 11, marking the third birth for a herd of seven African elephants rescued from culling in Swaziland and brought to the zoo's Wild Animal Park in 2003.
Two other elephants are pregnant and due later this year, zoo officials said.
————
On the Net:
http://www.sandiegozoo.org/wap/ex—elephants.html
http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_5689919?nclick_check=1
Zoo welcomes new director (video)
The new Executive Director of the New York State Zoo at Thompson Park in Watertown starts his job this week.
Dr. John Scott Foster comes to the zoo from Indianapolis. Foster previously worked at the Chicago Zoological Society, Indianapolis Zoo, White River Botanical Garden, and the Seneca Park Zoo in RochesterFoster says he's excited to start his new job and plans on making the zoo more interactive for its visitors.
"So that they'll be opportunities to interact with the keeper staff, they'll be opportunities to interact with the volunteer and education staff and really have a more hands on experience and have a chance to ask some of those questions that you always wondered about," said Foster.
As for the zoo losing its AZA accreditation, Foster said the board is still looking into its options to appeal the decision.
http://news10now.com/content/all_news/?ArID=102325&SecID=83
FDA Approves the First Bird Flu Vaccine H5N1 in the United States
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said on Tuesday it has granted the first approval in the United States of a vaccine for humans against the H5N1 influenza virus, commonly known as avian or bird flu. The vaccine could be used in the event the current H5N1 avian virus were to develop the capability to efficiently spread from human to human, resulting in the rapid spread of the disease across the globe. Should such an influenza pandemic emerge, the vaccine may provide early limited protection in the months before a vaccine tailored to the pandemic strain of the virus could be developed and produced.
“The threat of an influenza pandemic is, at present, one of the most significant public health issues our nation and world faces,” said Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D., Commissioner of Food and Drugs. “The approval of this vaccine is an important step forward in our protection against a pandemic.”
http://caribjournal.com/2007/04/17/fda-approves-the-first-bird-flu-vaccine-h5n1-in-the-united-states/#more-1752
Pet Food Recall UPDATE: Memorial March Planned
A nationwide march is planned in response to the pet food recall tragedy that seems to grow by the day.
The website for Pets Need a Voice Too, or PNV2 reports that the march will take place on April 28th, and states that “We are marching in memory of our pets…as pet owners, dog lovers, cat lovers and average citizens.”
The April 28 march is set for the following cities, with others possibly added in the days ahead: Boston, Massachusetts; Reno, Nevada; Kitchener, Canada; Ottawa, Canada; Jacksonville, Oregon; Uniontown, Pennsylvania; Portland, Maine; San Diego, California; Orange County, California; and Austin, Texas.
The website can be found here: www.pnv2.com
http://caribjournal.com/2007/04/15/pet-food-recall-update-memorial-march-planned/
UPDATE: Pet Food Recall Controversy Headed to U. S. Senate
The pet food recall controversy moves to the U. S. Senate this week, where the FDA is expected to be in the hot seat. While no specific day has been mentioned for the enquiry, sources say it could take place sometime Thursday.
U. S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced last week that the U.S. Senate will hold an oversight hearing on the ongoing investigation and the regulatory mechanisms that govern the pet food industry as the widespread recall of contaminated pet food continues.
“Many cats, dogs and other pets, considered members of the family are now suffering as a result of a deeply flawed pet food inspection system,” said Durbin. “The FDA’s response to this situation has been tragically slow. Pet owners deserve answers. The uncertainty about what is safe to feed their pets has gone on far too long. I want to learn exactly when the FDA knew about the contamination, who is inspecting pet food manufacturing plants, and whether we need to force the FDA to update their regulations to protect our pets. Most importantly, I want to hear how the FDA is going to work to resolve the current crisis and ensure this doesn’t happen again."
http://caribjournal.com/2007/04/09/update-pet-food-recall-controversy-headed-to-u-s-senate/
The Bears are getting hot at the Kow Keow Zoo.
We take you now to the Kow Keow Zoo, some 45kms outside of Pattaya where some of the residents are finding it hard to cope with the hot weather which is being experienced here in Chonburi Province. The bear enclosure is receiving the most attention at this time as the hot weather is starting to take its toll and some of the bears are becoming agitated which represents a danger to the zoo keepers who look after these strong and potentially dangerous animals. Sweet flavored iced water and fruits are being given to the bears four times a day and vets are on standby around the Zoo as the hot temperatures are set to continue for at least the next 7 days.
http://www.pattayacitynews.net/news_18_04_50.htm
Rahul Khanna campaigns to save elephants
Posted April 17th, 2007 by Tarique
New Delhi, April 17 (IANS) Actor Rahul Khanna has joined the 'save the elephant' campaign and stars in the new anti-zoo ad made by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
Shot by photographer Colston Julian, the ad is titled "Actor Wants Fans to Know That Elephants Don't Belong in Zoos and Cities" and Rahul is shown shackled in chains, with bruises painted on his body.
"Zoos cannot provide for the complex needs of the animals who they hold captive," said Rahul in a press statement.
PETA has pulled up its socks after Mumbai saw the death of an elephant named Laxmi, who was hit by a speeding tanker. In the absence of proper medical attention, Laxmi suffered a broken leg and spinal injuries before dying a day later.
http://www.indianmuslims.info/news/2007/april/17/india_news/rahul_khanna_campaigns_to_save_elephants.html
Penguin turns up in South Africa
CAPE ST. FRANCIS, South Africa, April 17 Animal rehabilitation officials are trying to find a home for a king penguin that turned up in Cape St. Francis, South Africa.The penguin, named Elvis, washed ashore thousands of miles from its Antarctic home and is in the care of the Ajubatus Marine Rehabilitation Center in St. Francis, the Cape Times reported Tuesday."I can't believe how well he's looking now. He is beautiful," said the center ' s Trudi Malan. "My wish is to release him back home, possibly to Marion Island, but the scientists say we can't because of the risk that he will carry back diseases." Malan said there has been some interest in the penguin from European zoos but no concrete plans have been made.
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/52984.html
Plight of Polar Bears Affects Us All
Polar bears, like the one pictured here, have now been put upon the endangered species list due to global warming. In fact, fears for their survival have become so real by prominent environmentalists, that it has now been predicted that these Arctic carnivores may become extinct in the wild by the year 2050. The Arctic ice shelf, the bear’s hunting grounds, has been receding steadily for the past 30 years. The bears depend on large ice floes for both hunting and to bare their young, which occur in the spring. It has now been estimated that since the late 1970’s the total area of summer polar ice has declined more than 20 per cent and is accelerating each year at a much faster rate.
Polar bears depend on a steady diet of Arctic ringed seals, walruses and fish, all of which are declining or moving to other locations further north. With a decline in these food sources, polar bears will have no choice other than either to adapt to their new environmental reality – or die. And that ‘adaptation’ may force the bears to add another possible food source to their hunting forays – Man. Eskimos and other indigenous people who also live in the arctic regions, and depend on the same food sources as the polar bears may find themselves on ursus maritumus’ shopping list, as the bears loose their natural fear and apprehension and begin to approach villages and other places of human habitation to find food. People working in the far north, including oil well drillers, scientists, and other people may also be at risk, especially if they are out alone and far away from others.
http://www.naturalbuy.com/plight-of-polar-bears-affects-us-all/
Honolulu Zoo to celebrate Earth Day this weekend
Advertiser Staff
The Honolulu Zoo will celebrate Earth Day this weekend with with activities, talks and ice cream for kids.
· Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. — hands-on recycling in a volunteer garden, zoo animal talks, and animal biofacts
· Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. — demonstration stations on worm composting by Waikiki Worm Company, educational games and crafts from the Hawaii Coral Reef Initiative, activities by Oahu Invasive Species Committee, and the Honolulu Zoo Society. Juice and ice cream for the kids complements of Meadow Gold Ice Cream.
For additional information on Earth Day, call the Honolulu Zoo Society, 926-3191.
http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Apr/17/br/br0635182749.html
New plan tried to keep impala safe, zoo says
By JENNI LAIDMANBLADE STAFF WRITER
Toledo Zoo officials were trying to prevent a repeat of an accident that killed an impala a year ago when they chose a completely new method of preparing the flighty animals for shipping.
But the new travel plan proved no protection for 21-month-old Hurley, who died last week while being prepared for shipment to the Milwaukee County Zoo, zoo officials told the zoo board's animal care committee yesterday.
A year earlier, Hurley was with another impala that died as they were being prepared for transport to a zoo in Battle Creek, Mich.
Hurley and Jack were tranquilized and put into a crate together for their trip to Michigan. As soon as the crate doors were closed, the 110-pound animals panicked.
"They just ricochetted,'' Zoo Director Anne Baker said.
http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070412/NEWS38/704120413/-1/NEWS
Taiwanese zoo worker has arm reattached after crocodile attack
ASSOCIATED PRESS
4:49 a.m. April 12, 2007
TAIPEI, Taiwan – A zoo worker had his forearm reattached Thursday after his colleagues recovered the severed limb from the mouth of a 440-pound Nile crocodile, an official said.
The crocodile severed Chang Po-yu's forearm on Wednesday at the Shaoshan Zoo in the southern city of Kaohsiung when the veterinarian tried to retrieve a tranquilizer dart from the reptile's hide, zoo officials said.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/world/20070412-0449-taiwan-crocodileattack.html
Providence zoo welcomes emu chicks for the first time
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Some baby birds are flaunting their feathers for the first time in public.
These are three emu chicks, born last month at The Roger Williams Zoo in Providence.
They made their debut Wednesday.
The birds, native to Australia, can't fly.
But once they're grown up, they'll be able to run as fast as 30 miles an hour.
(Copyright 2007 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
http://www1.whdh.com/news/articles/local/BO48803/
San Francisco zoo workers rear tiny ape (10:14 a.m.)
By The Associated Press
Article Launched: 04/12/2007 10:13:53 AM MDT
ALBUQUERQUE — Zoo keepers in San Francisco are hoping the third time will be a charm for an Albuquerque-born ape.
Sungai, a siamang born last August at the Rio Grande Zoo, was rejected by her first-time mother despite the zoo staff's efforts to encourage motherly instincts.
Sungai was rejected again by adult siamangs at the Houston Zoo.
Now, keepers in San Francisco are hand-rearing Sungai, and they have introduced her to an adult pair of siamangs in hopes they will adopt her as their own.
http://www.lcsun-news.com/latest/ci_5650815
New butterfly exhibit to open at zoo
Posted by Birmingham News staff April 12, 2007 13:14PM
A new butterfly exhibit will open Saturday at the Birmingham Zoo.
Butterfly Encounter will have more than 600 butterflies from 20 commonly-found Alabama species. Inside the 3,000-square-foot greenhouse facility will be monarchs, emperors, zebra longwings and tiger swallowtails. A double set of doors will keep them from escaping as visitors enter and exit the building.
Visitors can watch butterflies emerge from chrysalises and their wings unfold for the first time to learn more about their life cycle from tiny egg to caterpillar to butterfly.
First American Bank is sponsoring the exhibit that will remain at the zoo until Sept. 3. It is located near the Wildlife Stage and the Predator Building.
Near the new exhibit is a new rabbit sculpture created by sculptor Frank Fleming. It is a gift from the Birmingham-based Nall-Whatley Foundation.Walter Bryant
http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2007/04/new_butterfly_exhibit_to_open.html
Orphaned Elephant Seal Pups Rehab at the San Francisco Zoo
The researchers first spotted the elephant seal pup named Tamara on the Farallon Islands, 27 miles off the coast of San Francisco. When she showed up in Santa Cruz after swimming for more than a week from the Farallon Islands to Santa Cruz, the pup was in such tragic condition, significantly emaciated and covered with oil that her rescuers thought she wouldn't survive.
Tamara was the first elephant seal pup to be rescued during the pupping season which generally runs from early March through late June, according to Jessica Hsu from the Marine Mammal Center.
http://en.epochtimes.com/news/7-4-12/54034.html
Chessington Zoo defends its gorillas' home
By Dan Menhinnitt
Bosses at Chessington Zoo yesterday blasted newspaper reports saying they have not been properly caring for their 10 gorillas.
According to reports in national newspapers the zoo risked seeing its gorilla enclosure closed down if conditions there did not improve.
The information came to light after a Freedom of Information Act request from The Independent.
The newspaper managed to get hold of two unpublished reports one from 2005 and a second from December 2006 expressing grave concern over the condition of the zoo's western lowlands gorillas.
http://www.wimbledonguardian.co.uk/news/topstories/display.var.1326270.0.chessington_zoo_defends_its_gorillas_home.php
Photos of rescued seal pup at the Central Park Zoo
Photos in the newsmongabay.comApril 13, 2007 Baby seal introduced to new home
A seal pup rescued in Maine last year is now settling in at its new home in the Central Park Zoo. The pup, named Seven, was rescued last September by Marine Animal Lifeline, a group based in Maine that rehabilitates stranded animals and aims to release them back into the wild. They determined that Seven wouldn't be able to survive in the wild due to an impairment in her hind flipper, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), which runs Central Park Zoo.
http://news.mongabay.com/2007/0413-wcs.html
125 years on, zoo set for a makeover
By Pamela Raghunath, Correspondent
Mumbai: The 125-year-old Byculla Zoo and Botanical Gardens is poised for renaissance. The reinvented look will be complete with a theme park comparable with the best in the world.
"The zoo will be redeveloped in two phases - we are still in the first phase of planning and design, which will be followed by the actual execution of the master plan," R.A. Rajiv, additional municipal commissioner, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) told Gulf News.
"I hope that, by the year-end, the actual work will take off," he says.
The Jijamata Udyan Zoo, formerly known as the Victoria Gardens, in south-central Mumbai's Byculla, is managed by the BMC, which had been asked by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) to prepare a master plan this year or face derecognition.
http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/07/04/14/10118147.html
Rare white alligator comes to Knoxville Zoo (video)
Just a couple of days after arriving from Florida, Knoxville's newest resident, a rare white alligator, sits so still that many think she may be fake
Knoxville Zoo curator Phil Colclough assures us she is alive and well. "They're just kind of calm animals by nature," says Colclough. "They're pretty docile animals, believe it or not. She's just sitting up their basking in her heat."There are only around 30 to 35 white alligators in the world. That rarity has lead to mystery surrounding the reptiles, and the mystery has lead to legend. According to modern folklore, it is good luck to gaze into the pink eyes of one such gator. "Yeah, we spent a whole two days with her and we've been lucky every since," jokes Colclough. If you'd like to see this gator, she will be visiting the zoo from now until Labor Day. Then she will head back home to Saint Augustine, Florida.
http://www.wbir.com/life/programming/local/liveatfive/story.aspx?storyid=44210
Detroit Zoo offers Earth Day events
ROYAL OAK -- The Detroit Zoo will host its annual Earth Day celebration from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. April 21. Earth Day at the zoo is designed to be an educational experience dedicated to celebrating wildlife and teaching visitors about environmental conservation.
The day will include earth-friendly crafts, animal enrichment activities, an endangered-species scavenger hunt, games, zookeeper talks, and local conservation groups. Live performances by Marc Thomas and Max the Moose will be held at the Ford Education Center Theater at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
http://www.dailytribune.com/stories/041507/loc_zoo001.shtml
Party time planned at local zoo for Earth Day
OUTINGSKAREN RALLOTribune Staff WriterSOUTH BEND -- The Potawatomi Zoological Society will honor Earth Day with an Association of Zoos and Aquarium event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the zoo, 500 S. Greenlawn Ave.It's part of a national celebration. Locally, there will be activities and educational programs for the entire family including a scavenger hunt, recycling and a program about the wonders of water and how to calculate water use.Regular admission applies: $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and ages 3-14, and free for age 2 and younger. For details, call the zoo at (574) 235-9800 or visit www.potawatomizoo.org.
http://www.southbendtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070415/Lives01/704150473/-1/LIVES/CAT=Lives01
Pittsburgh Aquarium Fun Facts
At 42,000 sq. ft. (64% larger than its forerunner the AquaZoo) the new Aquarium is the largest aquarium in Pennsylvania, and one of the largest aquarium facilities in the world. Not bad for an inland city!
Spiny lobster can live up to 100 years
The new Aquarium has one of five collections of King Penguins in the country.
A King penguin will incubate a single egg on top of its feet for 52 days.
The shark exhibit's acrylic window is 6 inches thick and 24 feet tall, and holds nearly 100,000 gallons of water. It can be viewed from two different floors and five different viewing angles (sharks scheduled to arrive in late summer).
The new Aquarium is the only aquarium or zoo in North America displaying a threatened river dolphin species. Chuckles, an Amazon River Dolphin, inhabits the Tropical Rainforest Habitat and holds the longevity record for its species.
The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is home to the largest coral propagation facility in the continental United States.\
A life-size mural of a humpback whale allows visitors to compare their own size with the large marine mammal.
The world's first rotating aquarium and terrarium tanks are exhibited at the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium.
Fish tanks have been scattered throughout the zoo since the former Pittsburgh AquaZoo closed its doors in 1998 to make way for the new Aquarium. Many zoo personnel have had fun getting up close and personal with the fish who have shared their offices while waiting for their new home.
http://pittsburgh.about.com/library/weekly/aa070500e.htm
Knut The Polar Bear Cub Removed From Zoo Display
(AP) BERLIN Knut, the Berlin Zoo's lovable polar bear cub, was taken off display Monday because of teething pains. "He is getting his right upper canine," zoo veterinarian Andre Schuele told The Associated Press.Earlier, the 4 1/2-month old cub's daily public appearance was cut short after only 30 minutes and he was put on antibiotics."At the moment he is resting on his blanket and sleeping," Schuele said, adding that despite his lethargy Knut did eat his regular meal in the morning.Thousands of people line up daily to see the cub, and his button-eyed face has been a fixture for newspapers, television and the Internet.
http://cbs4denver.com/topstories/topstories_story_107100719.html
Woodland Park Zoo (slide show)
We went to the Woodland Park Zoo which is a 92 acre area of amazing animals and exhibits. Some of our favorite animals we saw were the big brown Bears, Zebras, Elephants, hippopotamus, Komodo Dragons, balled eagles and the very funny gorillas. They also had an Australian section in the Zoo which had Wallaby’s, Emus, Kookaburras and even Magpies which we thought was pretty funny. Luckily for Grant it was pretty flat as he pushed the wheelchair around all day.
http://www.travelblog.org/North-America/United-States/Washington/Seattle/blog-149430.html
Zoo garage may cost taxpayers additional $4 million
By Bob Young
Seattle Times staff reporter
Seattle taxpayers' tab for a new garage at Woodland Park Zoo could increase by almost $4 million, according to a revised city forecast.
The city's share of the cost for a controversial 710-stall garage was estimated at $8.2 million in 2005. But a new analysis by City Council staff puts the likely bill for taxpayers at $11.9 million.
The council is scheduled to vote Wednesday on selling bonds for garage construction. That step is expected to be the last council action on garage financing, which the council initially approved by a unanimous vote in 2004.
Councilman David Della, who chairs the council's parks committee, said he doesn't expect the new forecast to threaten council support for the garage. "It's not so troubling that I think we have to backtrack on our decision," Della said.
The four-story garage is projected to cost $28 million, including interest payments, over 20 years. Under an arrangement with the Woodland Park Zoological Society, a nonprofit that operates the zoo, the city would pay 75 percent of the garage cost that remains after parking revenues are used to pay down construction and operating expenses. The zoo society would pay the rest.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003669353_zoogarage17m.html
Koala has baby in pouch: Chiang Mai Zoo
Chiang Mai Zoo has welcomed a new-born koala bear, as one of the four marsupials - sent from Australia to Thailand to mark the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne - gave birth in January. However, the baby koala will remain in the mother's pouch for breastfeeding another five to six months before it is strong enough to venture into the outside world - probably in July, according to zoo veterinarian Somchai Chotapisitkul.The pregnancy came as a surprise. Somchai recalled that zoo staff had observed how one koala named Coco had something moving in her pouch near her abdomen so they kept her apart for safety.
http://nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30032052
continued …
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
The torrent is so fast the picture looks 'touched up.' I don't think so.
April 16, 2007
Holden, Massachusetts
Photographer states :: Old Mill Site on the Flooded Quinapoxet River. Well out of its bank this little stream is a raging torrent
The lichens and moss on the trees are too real to expect any other aspect of the film to be artificial. The ground cover on the bank is red leaves from more than likely a maple stand. I can almost see the individual leaves. I really think the velocity of that water is considerable.
Maine has a rocky coastline. I've heard of beach replenishment, but, rock replenishment? Hm?
April 16, 2007
York Beach, Maine
Photographer states :: Crashing waves at Sohier Park. Phot taken during the Noreaster in April 2007.
My choice in photos are not as sterile as those of newspapers. Not interested in same. Interested in facts and perceptions.
April 16, 2007
Lancaster, New Hampshire
The best indicator of any understanding of an area when affected by environmental threat or change are from the folks that live there. One of the arguments made 'against' environmentalists is that they proceed regardless of the public. It is not the case here and is getting to be less and less the case nationally or globally. When it comes to Human Induced Global Warming, the people that are aware of it understand it's source, scope and results.
What is so hard to believe is that some folks aren't aware of the issue. That is because the president never brings the 'verbiage' forward. Bush's lack of language on the issue is purposeful. Premediated. To realize how pathetic the White House has become, when I listened to a White House Briefing yesterday with the press corp, the words, "...I just don't know...I'll have to refer you to the State Department on that..." were the most frequently spoken words to any question in the room.
Referring to the picture above, the ground is so saturated that the trees are literally 'top heavy' compared to the anchor that is their roots. A wind and they just topple over.
Picture blurred from moving photographer
April 16, 2007
Bradford, New Hampshire
Photographer states :: Storm runoff from the April 16th NorEaster swells a river downstream from Lake Todd over it's banks.
There is snow melt in addition to the warmer rains.
April 16, 2007
Bradford, New Hampshire
Photographer states :: Rescue workers secure the area as stormwater from the April 16th NorEaster roars over the dam at the south end of Lake Todd.
April 17, 2007
6:00 GMT
Jet Stream over Antarctica
The air masse over the continent is circulating from the top Blue Ice down reflecting how it's density is preventing heat intrusion and forcing winds 'off' the continent to lower latitudes. Literally, the Peninsula is cooled by the top Blue Ice today. Nice.
April 17, 2007
12:00 PM
Antarctica
There is some stagnant air over southwest WAIS and with that an accumulation of heat. The peninsula is cooling off but due to it's higher latitudes and with current climate conditions will always be warm. Interesting though when looking at the 'jet stream' (which I'll place above) one would expect it to be still. But, when climate conditions are good throughout the region that is not necessarily the case. Wonder how Scott Base if fairing today?
Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, Antarctica
Elevation :: 9285 ft / 2830 m
Temperature :: -80 °F / -62 °C
Conditions :: Blowing Snow
Wind :: 17 mph / 28 km/h / from the NNE
Wind Gust :: -
Pressure :: in / hPa (Rising)
Visibility :: 1.0 miles / 1.2 kilometers
UV :: 0 out of 16
Clouds :: Mostly Cloudy 2461 ft / 750 m Overcast 5906 ft / 1800 m
(Above Ground Level)
Vostok, Antarctica
Elevation :: 11220 ft / 3420 m
Temperature :: -80 °F / -62 °C
Conditions :: Clear
Humidity :: 32%
Dew Point :: -88 °F / -66 °C
Wind :: 12 mph / 18 km/h / from the SSW
Wind Gust :: -
Pressure :: in / hPa (Falling)
Visibility :: 12.0 miles / 20.0 kilometers
Aviation
Flight Rule :: VFR ()
Wind Speed :: 12 mph / 18 km/h /
Wind Dir :: 210° (SSW)
Ceiling :: 100000 ft / 100000 m
Base Jubany, Antarctica
Elevation :: 13 ft / 4 m
Temperature :: 28 °F / -2 °C
Conditons :: Overcast
Humidity :: 92%
Dew Point :: 27 °F / -3 °C
Wind :: 6 mph / 9 km/h / from the SW
Wind Gust :: -
Pressure :: 29.52 in / 1000 hPa (Rising)
Visibility :: 9.0 miles / 15.0 kilometers
UV :: 0 out of 16
Clouds :: Overcast 1476 ft / 450 m
(Above Ground Level)
Aviation
Flight Rule :: MVFR ()
Wind Speed :: 6 mph / 9 km/h /
Wind Dir :: 230° (SW)
Ceiling :: 1500 ft / 450 m
The weather at Scott Base (Crystal Ice Chime) is:
The station readings are current but the webcam is down. The webcams seem offline or without picture except for one (click on).
The weather at Glacier Bay National Park (Crystal Ice Chime) is:
Elevation :: 33 ft / 10 m
Temperature :: 30 F / -1 C
Conditions :: Clear
Humidity :: 93%
Wind :: Calm
Pressure :: 30.02 inches / 1016 hPa
Visibility :: 10.0 miles / 16.1. kilometers
Ultraviolet :: 1 out of 16
Clouds :: Clear (Above ground level) - The question that pops up for me when they make this statement about above ground level is : Do clouds happen below ground level? Now if they mean sea level that’s a different issue. But, ground level? To my way of thinking that could be nearly any elevation. Maybe it’s me.
Temperature :: 30 F / -1 C
Conditions :: Clear
Humidity :: 93%
Wind :: Calm
Pressure :: 30.02 inches / 1016 hPa
Visibility :: 10.0 miles / 16.1. kilometers
Ultraviolet :: 1 out of 16
Clouds :: Clear (Above ground level) - The question that pops up for me when they make this statement about above ground level is : Do clouds happen below ground level? Now if they mean sea level that’s a different issue. But, ground level? To my way of thinking that could be nearly any elevation. Maybe it’s me.
Now that Sol's rays have moved north, it's once again cold in Antarctica
April 17, 2007
1303 gmt / 903 est
The southern hemisphere.
It's fairly calm.
The odd thing about these hemispheric satellites of "The Weather Channel" is that the color code they use is 'backwards' than what they use on other satellites and from what one would expect. The 'redder' the color the colder the air masse. It checks-out with reporting stations. I haven't looked today yet, but, yesterday all were zero or below with Amundsen at NEGATIVE 96. Believe that? So, let's get a "Weather Underground" satellite.
This is the entire Northern Hemisphere - It's indictable
April 17, 2007
1303 gmt / 903 est
Are there 'repeating' vortexes over Russia? Are there vortexes generated over Europe?
Nope. Only on the approach to the USA and after crossing it. That should say something to someone. Won't you think?
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