I usually do a review of the movies I viewed after a film festival...

...and I will again, but, tomorrow along with a look at the Ice Masses of Earth.


Have a Happy Father's Day.


It ain't easy bein' a Dad. Nope. Lot of hard work, but, always rewarding. Pat yourselves on the back. It is all very rewarding and one of the gifts of life that keep on giving. And for those without children, I am sure you are significant to a young person somewhere. Know you have a difference and today is as much your day as anyone's. Be happy.

Morning Paper's - It's Orgins

The Rooster

One of the factors I was concerned about is manifesting. Lightning. Four strikes in the NE USA alone on Saturday.

June 17, 2007
2030z
UNISYS Water Vapor Satellite GOES East (click title above for 12 hour loop)


June 17, 2007
2030z
UNISYS Water Vapor Satellite of north and west hemisphere


Lightning strike kills one, injures six (click here - Canada)
Group knocked flat by 'stray voltage'
CanWest News Service; Edmonton Journal
Published: Sunday, June 17, 2007
PIGEON LAKE - One man was killed and six others were seriously injured by a lightning strike as they tried to take shelter from a storm on Pigeon Lake Saturday afternoon.
Around 1 p.m., a thunderstorm hit the western side of the 22-kilometre long lake and sent boaters and fishermen fleeing for cover. One group was on the water, but quickly docked at the boat launch and took cover under the nearby treeline.
Fisherman Gordie Armstrong was in his own boat 20 to 30 yards from the group. It was pouring rain, but there was little lightning, he said.


Lightning Strike Sparks Blaze at Assisted Living Apartments (click here)
A lightning strike is the apparent cause of a fire at Hoover Place, an assited living apartment complex in Dayton.
Dayton fire crews responded to 5407 Hoover Avenue, evacuating the building, around 4 Sunday afternoon.
Several engines and ladder trucks were called to the scene.
One firefighter was injured, with a minor neck burn.
Right now, no word on the exact number of people affected by the blaze, but some residents are being taken back inside other parts of the complex.
Stay with 2News for more on this breaking news and the threat of more severe weather, Sunday at 11.


What is that over Florida?


Rain Drenches Area, Floods Streets, Not Okeechobee - video (click on)
(CBS4) SOUTH MIAMI-DADE Two days of heavy rain has left some South Miami-Dade neighborhoods soggy after street flooding, and the weekend forecast does not offer much hope for a drier Fathers' Day.A tropical weather system is continuing to threaten rain throughout the weekend, and while forecasters at the National Hurricane Center don't believe it will develop into a named storm, it still carries plenty of water.Despite the drought conditions which have plagued Florida, the rain has been a problem for some neighborhoods.In the South Miami-Dade neighborhood of Mary Ann Estates, a drainage improvement program has instead become a drainage problem. Newly installed drains apparently did not help channel more than 2 inches of rain from the neighborhood, leaving water well over a foot deep in places....

Floods are still ravaging Texas while the middle of North America receives bizarre weather. What did I say? Fixed. The Climate pattern is fixed.

June 16, 2007

Great Falls, Montana

Photographer states :: Sudden hailstorm that caught us by surprise. A lot of these stones were 1" in diameter. Ended up just ripping my tree to shreds.

Severe storms strike Wyoming, South Dakota
Associated Press - June 17, 2007 12:45 PM ET
RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) - Weekend storms produced at least two tornadoes, large hail and heavy rain near the South Dakota and Wyoming border.
Twisters touched down last evening three miles east of Spearfish, South Dakota, and a few minutes later ten miles east of town.
Damage included a semi blown over on Interstate 90 and a roof torn off a trailer house near Spearfish.
Hail up to one-inch in diameter was reported in eastern Wyoming.
In South Dakota, heavy rains washed over roads and driveways, and flooded ditches, pastures and livestock yards. Some residents say they hadn't seen a downpour like it in years.
Copyright 2007

The Associated Press.

All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Iceberg "Sicko" strikes the USA Healthcare Industry. Will the captains go down with their ships? I sincerely hope so !

"Sicko" is due out soon. I spent the last few days in Provincetown, Massachusetts viewing some rather interesting films. Through all that, guess what the local matinee was advertising? You guessed it. Michael Moore's "Sicko."

Look the film reveals a lot of truths and dramatizes the gross disparity of appropriate care vs. the interest of a disinterested government. It's time for huge changes. This time the baby is getting thrown out with the bath water. No lie. People die. No more. Single payer system including all our soldiers now on waiting lists for health care.

There is something very, very "W"rong in the USA. Healthcare that kills. Unabated Human Induced Global Warming. Escalating gun violence. Non-responsive government in the face of strong electorate opinion. This country needs change. Big change and it's ain't coming from the Republicans. All we can expect from them is more of the same.

Birds are a very important environmental indicator

Northern Bobwhite (click here). Quail. Game birds. Habitat destruction along with the effects of Human Induced Global Warming are causing steady and rapid decline of these birds. I just can't believe in the face of all this evidence the USA still stands in defiance of the demands for drastic change. Like. What the heck already ? Money is worth all this? Pursuit of happiness doesn't include a healthy Earth? Buoy.

March 6, 2001
Researcher to participate in EPA-funded project for Great Lakes (click here)

...The researchers will consider indicators within five major areas: water quality and diatoms; fish and macroinvertebrates; wetland vegetation; birds and amphibians; and chemical contaminants....





Status of Australia's birds (click here)
In 2000, one in five of Australia's birds (20%) was listed as threatened (Garnett and Crowley, 2000). This gives us a very clear message that the state of Australia's environment (i.e. its ecological health), is extremely poor and in decline. Birds Australia publishes annual reports on the State of Australia's Birds, based on massive data sets.

Palestine sovereignty breached, Israel left to moderate

Palestinians wait Saturday to cross to the Israeli side at the Erez Crossing, in the northern Gaza Strip (AP photo by Wissam Nassar)

This is a picture that headlines of The Jordan Times on-line. The tone of the newspaper today is far more 'settled' than one might expect. I believe the country of Jordan is feeling good about the change in Palestine authority. The question of course is now best to assure the well being of the people in Gaza currently occupied by Hamas and their revolutionary militia. To provide any 'monies' to Hamas is a mistake, but the EU feels it's a necessary aspect of the survival of the people there:

EU to keep paying Palestinian government salaries in Hamas-controlled Gaza (click here)
By Reuters
A European Union aid program plans to continue making subsistence payments to tens of thousands of Palestinian government workers and pensioners in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, EU officials said on Sunday.The EU payments may be one of the only financial cushions for Gazans after Islamist Hamas seized control of the territory in fierce fighting with Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas's secular Fatah faction.Israel and the United States want to isolate Hamas - economically, diplomatically and militarily - in the Gaza Strip, while allowing funds to flow to the Western-backed emergency government set up in the West Bank by Abbas.

The EU needs to reconsider it's position in that monies may not reach the people it's intended to reach. To realize the actions of Hamas are an attempted coupe against an internationally and anticipated Palestinian government is to realize the deaths in Gaza are acts against the Palestinian people. Those that may have voted for Hamas may indeed be among those attacked by the Hamas militia.

Hamas wakes up to grim reality (click here)
ANNETTE YOUNG IN JERUSALEM
"GAZA is becoming the Mogadishu of the Mediterranean," said one Palestinian official who refused to be named. "People thrown off the rooftops of 10-storey buildings, Palestinians shooting other Palestinians at point blank, others shot in front of their families. So Hamas is in control but do they really think people won't forget what has happened given our culture of pay-back and revenge?"
Yesterday, as locals awoke to the reality of a Hamas-controlled Gaza, people were beginning to count the cost of last week's fighting. Some shops began opening, university students returned to classes and people nervously left their homes for the first time in five days.
With Israel having closed the Erez and Karni border crossings, and Egypt having done the same with the Rafah crossing (the Rafah crossing is long known for it's smuggler tunnels), Gaza is effectively sealed off from the rest of the world, with its 1.5 million residents having no choice in the past week but to stay in their homes as gun battles raged on the streets outside.

The tone of the occupation of Gaza is taking on a serious nature of which no one needs to apologize in that Hamas has victimized it's own people to gain control, temporary control, of a strip of land that belongs to Palestine. This reality has been in the works for a long time. However, the people of Palestine never bargained for a Hamas controlled reality which would cost them their lives. The people now occupying Gaza have committed crimes against those citizens in an attempt to overthrow their government. They must be held responsible. There are reports that the Fatah leaders that remained in Gaza have fled for their lives to Egypt. Even when Hamas dominates the authority in Gaza they are still willing to kill legitimate government officials there.

Around 100 Fatah security and administrative officials flee to Egypt (click here)
Close to 100 Palestinian officials from the moderate Fatah group of President Mahmoud Abbas crossed into Egypt from the Gaza Strip in the early hours Friday, Egyptian police said.
Hours later, the Egyptian security delegation in Gaza also returned to Egypt after failing in its mediation efforts between the warring Palestinian factions, said an official at the Rafah border crossing.
The Egyptian border official said the delegation chief, Col. Burhan Hamad, and five other members were heading to Cairo.
Fleeing aboard a fishing boat on the Mediterranean sea, 97 senior members of Fatah's security and administrative apparatus arrived in the Egyptian port of El-Arish hours after fighters from the militant Hamas group took control of Gaza, an Egyptian security official in El-Arish said.
The retreating Fatah members were transferred to camps affiliated to Egypt's security forces, a police official in Cairo confirmed.
Egyptian officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.

I want to add my voice to any that feels as though it is time for legitimate government for Palestine while recognizing violent extremists and their ability to charade as a concerned government authority; when in fact they were simply seeking 'a chance' at killing and coupe. This is a difficult reality for those involved in the Middle East Peace Process to learn as they have long attempted to 'include' as factions of populous in the region for representation rather than continued violence. That is not realistic and at this point I strongly feel Israel is deserving of an apology for it's unpopular position over the years. Israel knows without a shadow of a doubt the violence the extremists have planned when the circumstances permit it.

The Abbas government is the only legitimate authority of the Palestine people and has survived a well executed coupe. It is up to President Abbas to now lead Palestine in recognition of the atrocities that occurred to the people there. With so many fleeing I doubt that will be difficult. Hamas is contained, but, is yet to be dealt with. I can only hope the people in Gaza will receive humanitarian aid until the militia turns itself over to Palestinian authorities. I don't see any other option is realistic in the face of all those murders by Hamas. I won't change my mind regardless of how it might transpire in attempting once again to legitimize those involved in this coupe. If the region does not deal harshly with the violence and murders of Hamas in Gaza then same will continue without abating in all of the region. We have already noted the return of Katyusha rockets from Southern Lebanon (click here) in celebration of occupied Gaza.

This is the time the region needs to recognize Hamas for what it is and provide a clear understanding to all extremists they have a chance to participate in peaceful governance or suffer at their own poor judgement. To tolerate Hamas is to give permission of more murder. I just don't see it, especially in the face of the reality there was concerted effort by Fatah to include all of Hamas while demanding prisoner releases and the like. Abbas never betrayed the people of Hamas, yet none of those efforts matter. They are jaded and won't let go of the pain of the past long enough to see the hope of the future.

...and the tide is coming up in Provincetown...

It's quite an unsettled world Bush as incited, isn't it? I mean the most stated word of this USA administration is "emboldened.' Bush's aggression against Islam has certainly done that. It has emboldened the most extremists of radicals globally. I sincerely believe that was not a good idea. I suppose Bush and Cheney feel as though they brought them out of hiding. I don't know if they ever were ever in hiding. The organized Jihadist networks such as Hamas have always been known to the Middle East. Trying to have them participate in government in a peaceful and productive venue was always the challenge. What Hamas has done is bring strong speculation to that process. Can these Jihadist advocates ever be 'trusted' in positions of influence and in positions of military power?

It's a bit complicated, because in all sincerity the path the international community was on before the illegal invasion into Iraq for oil was the most productive even with Saddam in place as a dictator. Why? Because if Islam proves to be untrustworthy of military power as is being noted in a Shia nation such as Iran then we have armed people that will commit atrocities through the lack of instilling human rights before democracy.
See, the USA is currently training Iraqi people to provide a military for it's country. Does it really need a military. Iraq is about the size of Texas and bordered by countries that are not dissimilar to itself. What would anyone need a military in Iraq for as Saudi Arabia could protect any Sunni Arabs and Iran any Shia Arabs. Neither Saudi Arabia or Jordan or Egypt or Iran want a war. I sincerely believe that. I would be nice if the Saudi government would look at how it's spending it's monies outside it's borders to completely stop radical elements but other than that I believe these people want to enforce peace. Placing a substantial military in Iraq completely disrupts the stability of the region and beyond. While Iraq has the potential of being a sacred haven for pilgrims, it doesn't need to be armed to the teeth for it's sovereignty and Hamas' inability to be civil and part of a Unity Government in Palestine raises many, many questions about the current 'strategy' of the USA in Iraq as well. Whom are we arming and why?

We need to leave that country.

Okay.

Yesterday was an interesting day in Provincetown, Massachusetts as the Gay Marriage standard continues fro many more years. I doubt it will ever change here and the people of this town are happy for it. It was a most interesting place to be to receive the news. I congratulate the people of Massachusetts for realizing the importance of civil rights to all Americans. Very nice.

The film festival is one I will attend this summer. The independents are having problems with distribution and that is a darn shame. The films are exceptional and need to be seen. The films I saw yesterday evening were excellent examples of those that would benefit the USA's viewership and may not be distributed. "In the Shadow of the Moon" and "An American Crime." Both are very important films and "An American Crime" is a child advocacy film for the difficulty there is in watching it.

So.

I think I'll close for this weekend and perhaps seek to do a few entries tomorrow for "It's Saturday Night." Perhaps. I apologize for any typos as I am doing this on the outside deck in full sunlight. A bit of a challenge, but, I wasn't about to miss this tide for anything.

...later...

Back to basics. Pack a small purse size bottle of Purell in their backpacks

I recently visited a zoo. On the day I was there the visitor census was high with many children on organized outings. They marveled at the wildlife and learned about wetlands. For many the highlight of the day was 'communing' with the animals, not the wild type but the petting zoo type. It was a chance to be with animals that culminated in a resolution of a lot of enthusiasm they experienced touring the exhibits. It was correct to have a petting zoo available to these young people as it allowed validation of their feelings about animals.

There is concern for the exposure to unwanted germs by these unwitting guests to the petting zoo. The world is not perfect and while exposure to common bacteria and virus happen everyday and frequently to children with immature immune systems, there is a danger to bacteria that can do harm. Germs and food for children are a real issue and children need to form good hygiene.

I strongly feel the zoos have a place to protect their young visitors by providing simple handwashing guides and stations to practice the art of cleanliness. A hand washing station where simple soap, nothing fancy can be used to clean the hands before touching the animals and after. It is a time when children have incentive to learn about such safety issues when interacting with animals and it is a time to capture. Additionally, to carry a small bottle of Purell in the backpack on such an outing is more than appropriate. The Children's Zoo or Petting Zoo could easily have a concession whereby the waterless antibacterial soaps can be purchased for a small fee.

At any rate, it is a responsibility of the adults to be sure the encounters with animals at a Petting Zoo is a good one and not a dangerous one. Protecting the health of the visitors is important and will foster loyal members to zoos in the future. Let's do it right this summer. Thank you.

Morning Papers - continued ...

Zoos

What is World Ocean Day?

History
Created in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro - although not yet officially designated by the United Nations - World Ocean Day is an opportunity each year to celebrate our world ocean and our personal connection to the sea. The Ocean Project, working closely with the World Ocean Network, helps each year to coordinate events and activities with aquariums, zoos, museums, conservation organizations, universities, schools, businesses. Together with the World Ocean Network, we are also working to have the United Nations officially designate World Ocean Day as June 8th each year. Take time to do something good for our ocean: sign the petition today!

http://www.theoceanproject.org/wod/about.php



World Ocean Day
It seems only fitting that we should remind people that today, June 8th, is "World Ocean Day"
"Created in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro - although not yet officially designated by the United Nations - World Ocean Day is an opportunity each year to celebrate our world ocean and our personal connection to the sea. The Ocean Project, working closely with the World Ocean Network, helps each year to coordinate events and activities with aquariums, zoos, museums, conservation organizations, universities, schools, businesses. Together with the World Ocean Network, we are also working to have the United Nations officially designate World Ocean Day as June 8th each year. Take time to do something good for our ocean: sign the petition today." - taken from www.theoceanproject.org
posted by Ocean Paddler at 13:03


http://www.oceanpaddlermagazine.com/blog/2007/06/world-ocean-day.html



Beluga flown across U.S. to Tacoma Zoo
June 11, 2007 at 1:05 pm · Filed under Zoos
From nwsource.com:
TACOMA — A thousand-pound, 6-year-old beluga whale arrived at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium early Sunday after a flight on a chartered military transport plane from his previous home at Chicagos John G. Shedd Aquarium.
Qannik, Inuit for snowflake, traveled tucked inside an enormous, foam-padded plastic glass tank in the DC-8 plane for a cross-country flight that cost $84,000, according to officials at the Tacoma aquarium.
All told, Point Defiance officials say they paid nearly $120,000 to bring their baby beluga to his new home.

http://www.distantcreations.com/blog/2007/06/11/beluga-flown-across-us-to-tacoma-zoo/



Dead keeper's family critical of Denver Zoo
By Hector Gutierrez, Rocky Mountain News
June 8, 2007
The family of a zookeeper killed after a jaguar attacked her criticized the Denver Zoo on Thursday, saying it had not been forthcoming with information surrounding the February tragedy.
On Wednesday, the zoo released a statement saying that it had not completed its investigation into the attack on Ashlee Pfaff.
Denver police detectives investigated the Feb. 24 attack and documented how other zookeepers came to Pfaff's aid. The department cleared the case with no criminal charges being recommended for filing to the district attorney.

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_15_5576561,00.html



Family Of Fatal Zoo Mauling Victim Wants Answers
POSTED: 4:23 am MDT June 8, 2007
DENVER -- The family of a woman who was fatally mauled by a jaguar in an unlocked Denver Zoo enclosure said they still haven't been given answers or information about her death.
Ashlee Pfaff, 27, was attacked by a 140-pound jaguar and died from her injuries on Feb. 24. The jaguar was shot and then had a jugular vein cut in order to euthanize it.
An autopsy determined that Pfaff died of a broken neck and had extensive internal injuries.

http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/13465844/detail.html



Police Clear Denver Zoo In Jaguar Killing
By Staff
Jun 7, 2007
A police investigation has cleared the Denver Zoo of any responsibility for a fatal attack by a jaguar on a zookeeper.
The zoo's own investigation, done jointly with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration and state agencies, is still under way, The Rocky Mountain News reported.

http://www.postchronicle.com/news/breakingnews/article_21285262.shtml



Seattle zoo studies elephant's sudden death
Associated Press - June 11, 2007 10:45 AM ET
SEATTLE (AP) - The Woodland Park Zoo says it may take weeks for test results to reveal the cause of death for Hansa (HAHN'-suh) the elephant.
1 of the most popular animals at the Seattle zoo was found dead Friday in the elephant barn. The 6-year-old had been born at the zoo.
The two-ton body was cremated Saturday at a crematorium in Aberdeen for large animals.
Three elephants remain at the Woodland Park Zoo.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/319351_elephed.html



Zoo group looking for site for National Elephant Center
Associated Press - June 9, 2007 2:34 PM ET
LITTLE ROCK (AP) - A group negotiating a three million $600,000 deal with an elephant sanctuary in Arkansas to turn the refuge into a National Elephant Center says talks have fallen apart and the group is looking elsewhere.
Mark Reed, board president for the National Elephant Center, says the board is looking at land in Texas, Florida and a far-Western state. The group includes ten zoos, and also is in preliminary discussions involving property near Little Rock. The group wants a site of at least 100 acres with room to expand.

http://www.wmcstations.com/Global/story.asp?S=6635481


US zoo donates to orangutan conservation project in Sabah
KINABATANGAN (Bernama) - The Woodland Park Zoo in the United States will donate US$8,500 (RM28,840) to an orangutan conservation project here in honour of an elephant which died at its zoo in Seattle last week.
The zoo's conservation director Lisa Dabek would come to Sabah soon to present the cheque for the amount to the Kinabatangan Orangutan Conservation Project (KOCP) in Sukau, the Seattle Times said in its online report.
When contacted by Bernama, Dr Marc Ancrenaz of KOCP confirmed that representatives from the Woodland Park Zoo would visit Sukau next month.

http://www.brunei-online.com/bb/thu/jun14b3.htm



Female elephant to arrive at North Carolina Zoo
Associated Press - June 11, 2007 2:05 PM ET
ASHEBORO, N.C. (AP) - A female African elephant will be moved from a zoo in Canada to the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro.
Zoo officials say the elephant is coming on breeding loan to help her species survive and stay healthy. The 19-year-old elephant, named Samantha, will likely arrive in a climate-controlled truck from the Valley Zoo in Edmonton, Alberta.
Officials aren't sure how long she will stay, but they hope the zoo's elephant herd will include two males and five females by the end of the year.
The North Carolina Zoo is working on a $2.5 million renovation of its elephant exhibit.

http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?S=6641288



Samantha the elephant leaving Edmonton zoo bound for North Carolina
Bob Weber, Canadian Press
Published: Wednesday, June 13, 2007
EDMONTON (CP) - One of the biggest attractions - literally - at Edmonton's Valley Zoo is leaving town.
Samantha, a 19-year-old, 3,200-kilogram African elephant, is heading to an elephant facility in Asheboro, N.C., in hopes of becoming a mom.
"We made the determination that the age that she is, it's very important to get her into a breeding program," said Dean Treichel, operations supervisor at the Edmonton zoo. "It's an age of elephant that's much sought-after right now in terms of breeding programs."
Treichel said even though breeding programs such as the one at the North Carolina Zoo are intended to furnish animals for the North American captive population, they are still important for the overall health of the species.

http://www.canada.com/topics/news/oddities/story.html?id=ef6ad3dd-dffd-4e14-a3d4-1533776160ba&k=67386



Greens refer zoo deaths to RSPCA
The Greens have called for an independent inquiry into animal welfare at two New South Wales zoos after the recent deaths of an African elephant and a rhinoceros.
The elephant died on the weekend at Western Plains Zoo at Dubbo, while the pregnant Rhino died last week at Sydney's Taronga Zoo.
The Greens have asked the RSPCA to investigate.
Greens MP Lee Rhiannon says the Government should be trying to seek answers as well.
"The Greens still believe that the best outcome would be for the zoo to cooperate with an independent inquiry," she said.
"It needs to be transparent and fully accountable to the Government and allowing the public to know what's happening."
Ms Rhiannon says she wants the RSPCA to ensure commercial interests are not being placed before animal welfare.
"The Greens have received secret government documents through a motion passed by the Upper House and that has documented a number of examples of animal welfare problems at both these zoos where animals have been injured or died," she said.
"That's why we have been calling for many months for an independent inquiry, because the Government hasn't responded.
"We've now referred the matter to the RSPCA."

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200706/s1948202.htm



Zoo defends practices after elephant death
Western Plains Zoo has rejected claims that an independent inquiry is needed in to the welfare of its animals.
The claim follows the weekend death of 'Cherie', a 36-year-old African elephant.
A pregnant rhinoceros also died at Sydney's Taronga Zoo last week.
Greens call for independent inquiry
The New South Wales Greens have called for an independent inquiry into animal welfare at both zoos.
The Greens MP, Lee Rhiannon, says they have asked the RSPCA to investigate the deaths.
"The Greens still believe that the best outcome would be for the zoo to cooperate with an independent inquiry," she said.
"It needs to be transparent and fully accountable to the Government and allow the public to know what's happening."

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200706/s1948838.htm


PETA wants zoo to give up elephants after Hansa's death
03:33 PM PDT on Monday, June 11, 2007
KING5.com Staff
Woodland Park Zoo
Hansa, the first elephant born at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, died in her sleep Thursday night or Friday morning.
SEATTLE – The animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is calling for the Woodland Park Zoo to give up its elephants after the death of six-year-old Hansa last week.
PETA wants the zoo to close its elephant exhibit and send its three remaining elephants to a sanctuary; Chai, the 28-year-old mother of Hansa; Bamboo, a 40-year-old Asian elephant; and Watoto, a 38-year-old African elephant. PETA says Hansa's death demonstrates that zoos cannot handle the needs of the animals.
PETA says since 1991, 14 zoos have either closed their elephant exhibits or announced plans to phase them out because of the difficulties meeting the needs of the animals.

http://www.nwcn.com/statenews/washington/stories/NW_061107WABhansapetasanctuaryTP.3a0aa7db.html


PETA Offers $10,000 Toward Maggie's Care if Alaska Zoo Transfers Ailing Elephant to a Warm-Climate Sanctuary
For Immediate Release:
June 7, 2007
Contact:
Lisa Wathne 757-622-7382
Anchorage, Alaska -- Today, PETA sent a letter to the Alaska Zoo’s board of directors congratulating the directors on their announcement that Maggie, the zoo’s solitary elephant, will be transferred to a more elephant-friendly location. PETA has offered both its expert assistance in making preparations for the move and a pledge of $10,000 toward Maggie’s long-term care if the zoo transfers her to either The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee or the Performing Animal Welfare Society sanctuary in California.

http://www.peta.org/mc/NewsItem.asp?id=9892



Demand Grows For Elephant Meat
We've all heard about elephants being slaughtered for their tusks. Ivory's always been a huge market. But now, the meat's worth more than the tusks, as it's become considered a "delicacy" in the African marketplaces, where smoked elephant meat brings in around $5.45 per pound. While the ivory brings in more than $13.5 per pound at market, a typical kill yields around $180 for the ivory - but $6,000 for the meat. The future looks bleaker all the time for wild elephants.
Perhaps zoos could step into the breach. After all, Oregon Zoo managed to kill four female elephants in a record 4 years' time, and they were big ones - averaging 10,000 pounds apiece. Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo managed to ice a substantially smaller one (only six years old) last Friday, but still, it could be a money-maker. Why cut up and incinerate the corpses when they can be smoked and sold?

http://maxredline.typepad.com/maxredline/2007/06/demand_grows_fo.html



Don Your Mullet and Take Daddy to the Zoo: Indigo Girls This Sunday!
Oh yes, Seattlest fans, it's that time of year again. When, after weeks of teasing, the sun finally decides to stick around. When all able-bodied gay men head to Madison Beach in their tight little shorts with their cute little dogs, and all the able-bodied lesbians head to some outdoor location with their picnic blankets and their mullets for an Indigo Girls concert.
Ever since the children of Fremont decided they hate the rest of us, the I-Girls have been playing at the zoo, which is fine. Nobody loves little furry animals quite like a bunch of lesbians. Besides, the Zoo Tunes shows end hella early, so we can all get a head start on our Sunday evening nesting activities.

http://www.seattlest.com/archives/2007/06/11/don_your_mullet_and_take_daddy_to_the_zoo_indigo_girls_this_sunday.php



Regional tax would keep zoo open, help drive economy, business owners say
Community leaders support millage.
By Carol Hopkins
Journal Register News Service
An informal survey of area business owners and Oakland County politicians -- including County Executive L. Brooks Patterson -- shows most in favor of a proposed regional tax to fund the Detroit Zoo.
Advertisement
"As much as I don't like taxes, I think it's a good thing, as long as (the zoo's) run right," said Mark Kraus III, owner of Kraus Brick & Supply in Waterford Township. "The kicker is they can't pay for it with just receipts."
Patterson echoed the sentiment.
"That's very modest in order to keep the zoo open," he said. "The bad news is that it will probably be on the ballot at the same time as other taxes, such as the sales tax on services, so (supporters) are going to have to fight to separate it from the others."

http://www.dailytribune.com/stories/061207/loc_zoo001.shtml



LETTER: Zoo congratulations
By TIM JONES
Former director
Monday, June 11, 2007
Congratulations to Ellen Trout Zoo on your 40th birthday. Jerri and I have very fond memories of Ellen Trout Zoo and the friendly people of Lufkin. We really enjoyed the seven years I was director of Ellen Trout Zoo. Jerri and I had hoped to join Gordon and Charlotte Henley on June 16th for your celebration but I am having trouble these days driving long distances because of a back problem.
Gordon and Charlotte Henley have done a lot with Ellen Trout Zoo, and I congratulate them for a job well done. Lufkin has one of the finest zoos in the U.S. Hope you have another great 40 years.
Tim Jones, former director
Ellen Trout Zoo, Raymondville

http://www.lufkindailynews.com/opin/content/news/opinion/stories/2007/06/12/letter_jones.html



Zoologists to conduct research on rare zoo animals
* Zoo director says it will help zoo and its animals
By Hina Farooq
LAHORE: The Punjab government under the National Internship Programme (NIP) of the federal government has sent six zoologists to the Lahore Zoo to study and compile their research work on rare species, the zoo officials told Daily times on Sunday.
They said the studies would cover animal behaviour and various diseases. They said the experts would complete their studies and recommendations within three months. “These studies will be submitted to the Punjab Wildlife Department,” the officials added. The projects aimed at studying the behaviour and diseases of elephants, tigers, deer, lions and other endangered species. Through these studies various diseases like blood parasite, tuberculosis, lung infections and many other unidentified ones would be taken under consideration, they said.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007%5C06%5C12%5Cstory_12-6-2007_pg13_4



Zoo ready for transfer to Ingham Co.
Potter Park passes U.S. inspection; awaits 2nd review
Tom Lambert
Lansing State Journal
Lansing's Potter Park Zoo has passed its final hurdles before it's taken over by Ingham County on July 1.
The zoo recently passed an inspection by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and a final, more stringent five-year review will be conducted by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums at the end of July.
Before that inspection, zoo officials say the facility needs major work, including fixing a leaky penguin pool and repairing interior leaks and cracks in the bird and reptile house.

http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070612/NEWS01/706120338/1001/news



Zoo liable for gorilla injuries
Tuesday 12 June 2007
Rotterdam's Blijdorp zoo is liable for the injuries caused when the silverback gorilla Bokito escaped from his enclosure and attacked a woman, a spokesman for the zoo said on Tuesday.
Bokito jumped the ditch separating his enclosure from the public on May 18, grabbed a woman and dragged her off.
The victim, 57-year-old Yvonne de Horde, suffered a broken wrist and lower arm, a crushed hand and dozens of bites. She had already said she would sue the zoo.
The decision on damage liability means she will receive compensation. How much will depend on the healing process and any permanent medical or psychological damage, compensation lawyer Maarten Tromp told ANP.

http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2007/06/zoo_liable_for_gorilla_injuries.php



Zoo to celebrate Father's Day
Herald Times Reporter
MANITOWOC — Lincoln Park Zoo will host a Father’s Day celebration and grand opening for its new aviary from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, June 17.
Games and activities will take place throughout the zoo, Wildlife of Wisconsin will have an educational display complete with live creatures, and free ice cream will be available.
In addition, food will be sold at the zoo’s Little River Cafe.
Summer hours at the zoo are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. The Big Red Barn is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

http://www.htrnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070612/MAN0101/70612038/1984



Topeka Zoo announces birth of lion cubs
Story by Liz Dodds (Contact)
11:01 a.m. Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Two new cubs born to mother Asante and father Avus at the Topeka Zoo.
Four African lion cubs were born to mother Asante and father Avus on June 6 and 7 at the Topeka zoo.
Zoo officials say two of the cubs died at birth, but the two remaining cubs are doing well.
Both are with their mother off exhibit in the Lion's Pride holding facility.
This is Asante's first litter of cubs. Mother and cubs will be introduced to the exhibit and other lions later this summer.
The last birth of lions at the Topeka Zoo was in 1989.
Cubs born at the Topeka Zoo on June 6th & June 7th, 2007.
Asante joined the Zoo in 2005 from the Fort Worth Zoo in Fort Worth, Texas. Avus joined the pride in 2006 from the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin.
The Lion's Pride opened in 1989.

http://www.49abcnews.com/news/2007/jun/12/lion_cubs_born_topeka_zoo/



Lion births first litter at Topeka zoo
Two of four cubs survive; birth of lions is first at zoo since 1989
By Adrielle Harvey
The Capital-Journal
Published Wednesday, June 13, 2007
The Topeka Zoo has two new members of its Lion's Pride exhibit.
Lion cubs were born June 6 and 7 to mother Asante and father Avus, both members of the zoo's pride. Asante, a first-time mother, had four cubs, but two didn't survive.
Four African lion cubs were born to mother Asante and father Avus on June 6 and 7 at the Topeka Zoo. Two of the cubs died at birth. The remaining two are being raised off-exhibit.
"It's not that uncommon in a first-time birth," said zoo director Michael Coker.
Coker said the zoo was prepared for the birth of the cubs and Asante was separated into the Lion's Pride building before the event.
Zoo veterinarian Shirley Llizo said the zookeeper for the lions, Kit Elliott, was the first to discover the delivery.
"She found the first one," Llizo said. "That was one that was dead." The second cub, which survived, came along that afternoon. "The second one, she and I observed the birth," said Llizo, who found the second dead cub and the second live cub the next morning.

http://cjonline.com/stories/061307/loc_176594900.shtml




4 lion cubs in Basel Zoo could make public debut Friday
The Associated Press
Published: June 14, 2007
BASEL, Switzerland: Four Lion cubs born earlier this week could make their first public appearance on Friday, the Basel Zoo said.
Visitors will be able to watch for the cubs on an external monitor that shows what is happening in their cage, the zoo said in a statement Thursday. But the lions often spend a great deal of time in indoor areas where they cannot be seen.
The zoo did not say which of its two 5-year-old lionesses — named Okoa and Cora — delivered the litter.
The last lion birth at the zoo took place two years ago with the arrival of siblings Cabara and Catali. They were transferred last April to the St. Louis Zoo in the United States.

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/06/14/europe/EU-GEN-Switzerland-Lion-Cubs.php



Thanks to Cute Knut, Berlin Zoo draws more visitors, revenue
Thanks to Cute Knut, Berlin Zoo draws more visitors,
revenue
By JACOB COMENETZ - Associated Press Writer
© AP
2007-06-12 18:02:03
BERLIN (AP) - «Cute Knut» is growing up, but the Berlin Zoo's celebrity polar bear cub remains endearing enough to draw a crowd _ and is even turning into a money maker for the Berlin Zoo.
Now a meter (three feet) long and around 30 kilograms (65 pounds), six-month-old Knut drew several hundred people many of them
small children _ Tuesday for the unlikely activity of admiring a polar bear under a broiling sun.
Zoo officials say the cub, the first
polar bear born at the Zoo in 33 years, has given them a significant financial boost. Visitor numbers are already up, said Zoo director Gerald Uhlich. The zoo welcomed its millionth visitor for the year in mid-May, a mark typically reached in late July. Revenue is expected to rise by ¤2.5 million (US$3.3 million) from ¤12.5 million (US$16.6 million) last year.

http://www.pr-inside.com/thanks-to-cute-knut-berlin-zoo-r151351.htm



Work underway to introduce night safari in zoo: Minister
Chennai, June 14: Work is underway to introduce night safari at the Arignar Anna Zoological Park at Vandalur, near here, at an estimated cost of Rs 100 to Rs 150 crore with assistance from the Central Zoo Authority, State Forests Minister N Selvaraj said today.
Addressing mediapersons after paying a surprise visit to the zoo following reports of poor maintenance, he said he had directed the zoo officials to work on new systems to upgrade the status of Asia's largest zoo.
The Minister also inspected the newly built sunshades and battery-operated trains and directed the authorities that the standard of these facilities should be improved.

http://www.newkerala.com/news5.php?action=fullnews&id=39054



Zoo Shows Off Oldest of Three New Penguin Chicks
Last Update: Jun 14, 2007 3:35 PM
(WSYR-TV) – The Rosamond Gifford zoo showed off the oldest of its three new penguin chicks Thursday morning.
Onondaga County Executive Nick Pirro was on hand for the announcement and weighing of the 17-day-old chick. The zoo believes it is a male since it is growing so fast. With the new chicks, the zoo now has a colony of 26 Humboldt penguins.
The zoo curator, Ted Fox took the opportunity at the weigh in to talk about the zoo’s plans for the penguin exhibit this summer. He says the zoo will try to do more of the weigh-ins in front of the public, rather than behind the scenes.
Click on the RAW Video above to watch Thursday Morning’s weigh in.

http://www.9wsyr.com/mostpopular/story.aspx?content_id=89468104-a2ed-42f6-8ade-3b30e284f2ca



Published: Jun 14, 2007 12:01 PM
Modified: Jun 14, 2007 01:48 PM
N.C. zoo puts sick polar bear to death
The Associated Press
ASHEBORO -- A polar bear at the North Carolina Zoo has been euthanized because of neurological problems that left it unable to walk or stand.
The bear, named Masha, was put to death Wednesday after exploratory surgery showed he was suffering from several health problems, officials said. The bear hadn't eaten for a week.
Masha was one of two bears given to the zoo in 2002, after he was confiscated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from a traveling circus in Puerto Rico.
"The polar bear keepers devoted all the time and energy required to give this bear the quality of life he'd missed out on for most of his life," said Lorraine Smith, the zoo's curator of mammals. "This loss is especially difficult for them."
Officials said Masha suffered from years of malnutrition before arriving at the zoo. Surgery showed the bear had gastric ulcers, bladder and kidney infections, and pneumonia.
Records are spotty but zoo officials believe he was 24 years old.
The second bear, Wilhelm, is on display at the zoo but also suffered poor health while in the circus.

http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/603792.html



Gulf Shores Attraction: Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Things to Do in Gulf Shores, Alabama
Ravaged several times by hurricanes, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo has become known as The Little Zoo That Could, and has been prominently featured on the television network Animal Planet.
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo was formed in 1989, and was originally known as the Zooland Animal Park. Originally founded by Joey Ward of Gulf Shores, Alabama, the zoo was a private enterprise. Two years later, the Ward family formed the Zoo Foundation as a non-profit corporation, and land was donated to the Zoo Foundation for the development of the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo originally operated on 17 acres of donated land, but an additional 13 acres were donated later.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/276892/gulf_shores_attraction_alabama_gulf.html



Artificial insemination attempt on Hogle Zoo elephant fails
By Greg Lavine
The Salt Lake Tribune
Article Last Updated: 06/14/2007 03:17:48 PM MDT
Posted: 3:19 PM- The pitter-patter of baby elephant feet at Hogle Zoo will have to wait.
A German artificial insemination team's attempt to make Christie a mom in March was not successful, said Nancy Carpenter, the zoo's lead veterinarian.
"Typically, we anticipate having to try multiple times," she said.
A recent blood test revealed the pregnancy attempt had failed.
Zoo staffers hope to schedule a return visit from the German team in early July, said Holly Braithwaite, spokeswoman for the zoo.
Carpenter said blood testing can predict a window of opportunity for Christie about 100 days in advance. Female elephants have about three or four times a year in which they can become pregnant.
"Hopefully, the next time it will take," Carpenter said.

http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_6141276



Who's the Daddy?
Louisville Zoo determines baby elephant's father
Can you see the family resemblance?
2007-06-12 23:34:51 -
Just in time for Father's Day, the Louisville Zoo has verified that the father of Scotty, the Zoo's baby elephant that was born March 18, is a 28-year-old
African elephant from the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium named Jackson. Jackson was determined to be the father through DNA testing since mother Mikki was artificially inseminated (AI) in June 2005. Jackson is described by the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium as a very easy going bull.
'He is very patient and works well with his handlers,- said Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium Zoo Elephant Manager Willie Theison. 'And he is really good with his two kids here at PittsburghVictoria and Callee.-

http://www.pr-inside.com/louisville-zoo-determines-baby-elephant-s-father-r151574.htm



Investigation Continues, New River Zoo Closed After Minor Injury To Child
By Fawn Roark
A five-year-old child received a minor injury at the New River Zoo recently when an animal, a coatimundi, that had gotten out of it’s pen nipped a child on the knee, according to Ashe Animal Control Director Jeff Jones.
The coatimundi is a member of the raccoon family, is omnivorous, feeding on fruits, invertebrates and other
small animals, according to information found at www.belizezoo.org/zoo/zoo/mammals/coa/coa1.html. They feed by using their long noses, poking them under rocks and into crevices, and using their long claws to dig holes or tear apart rotting logs. They range all through Central America and are quite common in Belize. They usually weigh about the same as a large house cat.
The Zoo was closed on May 31st, Jones said, after the coatimundi escaped it’s enclosure by digging and tunneling under the outer edge of it’s enclosure. The young boy was visiting the zoo with his grandparents when the coatimundi approached him and bit him on the knee, according to Jones.

http://www.mountaintimes.com/mtweekly/2007/0614/newriverzoo.php3



Rare Condor Chick Hatches at Denver Zoo
The Associated Press
Thursday, June 14, 2007; 3:35 PM
DENVER -- The Denver Zoo has a newly hatched Andean condor, only the second condor to hatch at a zoo anywhere in the world over the past year, zoo officials said Thursday.
The Denver condor, a male, hatched May 13. He and his parents are the zoo's only condors.
Andean condors are an endangered species and came close to extinction in the 1970s, the zoo said. There are estimated to be only a few thousand of the giant birds in the wild, while 74 live in captivity in North America.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/14/AR2007061401190.html



Rare Andean condor hatches at Denver Zoo
The Associated Press
David Parsons
Denver Zoo's first Andean condor chick, a male, hatched on May 13, 2007, is shown with a parent in this photo released on Thursday, June 14, 2007 by the Denver Zoo. Andean condors are endangered in the wild and only one other chick has hatched in the past year in zoos throughout the world. First-time parents, Evita and Andy, took turns incubating the egg for 61 days and continue to take excellent care of their young chick.
A rare Andean condor has hatched at the Denver Zoo, becoming only the second such bird to hatch at a zoo anywhere in the world in the past year, zoo officials said Thursday.
The Denver condor, a male, hatched May 13, joining a condor born in Sydney, Denver Zoo spokeswoman Amy Sarno said. The chick, which does not yet have a name, and his parents, Evita and Andy, are the zoo's only condors, she said.
When the Denver chick matures, it will either be taken to another zoo for breeding - most likely in Europe or South America - or it may be considered for a program in Colombia that releases the birds into the wild, Sarno said.
The chick weighed only one-half pound when it was born but has already grown to nearly five pounds. A mature condor has a wingspan of 11 feet and stands about four feet tall. They generally grow to about 30 pounds and can live up to 50 years.

http://www.kansascity.com/440/story/151210.html



Grizzly facility makes debut at S.F. Zoo
(Jason Steinberg/Special to The Examiner)
Sister grizzly bears escaped euthanasia due to Montana conservationist’s efforts.
SAN FRANCISCO (Map, News) - Only two and a half years removed from their mother’s euthanasia, orphaned grizzly bear sisters Kiona and Kachina now have something to be happy about. The Hearst Grizzly Gulch, a newly constructed bear dwelling facility at the San Francisco Zoo, will celebrate its grand opening today.
The $3.7 million, one-acre habitat, located in the east wing of the zoo, is equipped with a 20,000-gallon pool, heated rocks, a waterfall and an herb meadow. San Francisco Zoo is now one of only three animal facilities in the state that house grizzly bears.
“These bears are a reminder that humans have to learn to coexist with wildlife,” said Paul Garcia, public relations manager at the San Francisco Zoo.

http://www.examiner.com/a-780043~Grizzly_facility_makes_debut_at_S_F__Zoo.html?cid=rss-San_Francisco



Dalai Lama tours zoo of late Steve Irwin
By DENNIS PASSA
Associated Press Writer
BEERWAH, Australia --
The Dalai Lama toured the zoo of late "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin on Wednesday, where he thanked Irwin's family for its dedication to wildlife.
Delicately handling a Burmese python and petting a frisky koala, the spiritual head of the world's Buddhists visited Australia Zoo and addressed a sold-out crowd at its open-air, arena-style "Crocoseum."
The Dalai Lama's visit ended when American-born Terri Irwin, Steve's widow, and their children, Bindi and Bob, came on stage, with Bindi carrying a koala.
The last time the place was this full was nearly nine months ago during a memorial service for Steve Irwin, who died last September when the barb from a stingray pierced his chest while he was diving at the Great Barrier Reef.

http://www.miamiherald.com/804/story/137933.html



Rare white gator will be at Palm Beach Zoo through September
By Ivette M. Yee
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Posted June 14 2007

West Palm Beach· He's white as chalk with bright blue eyes. Mardi came to South Florida, but not for the sun.
The 9-foot, 230-pound white alligator from the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans will be on display beginning Friday and through September at the Palm Beach Zoo.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/palmbeach/sfl-pgator14jun14,0,2944868.story?coll=sfla-news-palm


Pregnant panda at Memphis Zoo miscarries, ultrasound shows
The Associated Press
Published: June 13, 2007
MEMPHIS, Tennessee: A giant panda at the Memphis Zoo has miscarried and is no longer pregnant, an ultrasound test showed Wednesday.
"It was sad, but it was in the early stages of growth and it's not uncommon for young mammals to lose their first offsprings with miscarriages," zoo president Chuck Brady said.
Ya Ya, a 6-year-old panda on loan from China was artificially inseminated in January, and the zoo announced in May that she was pregnant.
The miscarriage was caused by Ya Ya's low level of the hormone progesterone, and she was not harmed by the pregnancy, Brady said.
The fetal tissue in Ya Ya's uterus had not yet begun to differentiate into a form recognizable as a baby panda. The gestational sac in which the fetal cells had begun to grow will be expelled natural.

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/06/13/america/NA-GEN-US-Panda-Mating.php


Zoo is free for children of deployed soldiers
Children of deployed military personnel will be admitted free to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden on Father’s Day.
South Carolina’s Operation Military Kids and the zoo teamed up to help families who can’t celebrate the day with their military dads (or military moms). Families need to bring a copy of the parent’s deployment orders to get the free admission.
Riverbanks also offers free admission to all fathers on Father’s Day. The zoo is open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.

http://www.thestate.com/154/story/91328.html


Zoo animals join in on peak hour traffic.
June 13th, 2007
Commuters in Berlin found themselves sharing the road with escapees from a local zoo — six horses, three camels, two goats and a llama.
The animals escaped from a small petting zoo in the east of the capital and appeared shortly before 7 a.m. local time at a busy roundabout a few hundred meters away, local police said.
The animals’ excursion, which led to minor disruption but no injuries, was ended swiftly. The horses were caught in a nearby park and the llama at a cemetery, police said. Their comrades also were apprehended.
It was not immediately clear how the animals escaped.

http://thecrazynews.wordpress.com/2007/06/13/zoo-animals-join-in-on-peak-hour-traffic/


Zoo Proposes Half-price Passes in Exchange for Bond
Hogle Zoo says if voters approve a $65 million bond for zoo improvements they'll give something back.
June 13th, 2007 @ 6:32am
If the zoo is short on money then offering half price passes is the last thing they need to do. Unless of course they plan on selling so many extra passes as to make up the loss and then some.
Those who care to patronize the zoo should be willing to pay MORE for their chosen form of entertainment. Those of us who don't care to spend our day watching caged animals should be free to spend OUR entertainment/recreation/educational dollars someplace else.
STOP taxing me to subsidize a few, politically favored forms of entertainment.

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=1344814&comments=true


ENMAX Conservatory at the Calgary Zoo unites Energy-efficiency, Environment and Education
CALGARY, June 13 /CNW/ - ENMAX Energy Corporation and the Calgary Zootoday announce plans to work together in the development of the new ENMAXConservatory, a showcase for innovative and environmentally-friendly energytechnology. The new facility will show visitors the benefits of lifestyle andenergy provision choices that will reduce their personal ecological footprint.The exhibit will also feature interactive displays that illustrate alternativeand emerging sources of sustainable energy and promote development practicesfor the City of Calgary that exemplify responsible environment management.

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/June2007/13/c4157.html



Donor offers to replace zoo's stolen wheelchairs
Chairs taken during the NEW Zoo's Family Day
By Tony Walter
twalter@greenbaypressgazette.com
A case of stolen wheelchairs has become a case of community bounty.
While 7,300 people were touring the NEW Zoo on Family Day, June 2, somebody stole two of the three wheelchairs that were donated to the zoo last year.
But Green Bay Home Medical Equipment, 2020 S. Webster Ave., Allouez, the donor last year, came to the rescue when zoo operations manager Maria Fisher called to ask about buying second-hand replacement wheelchairs.

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070613/GPG0101/706130607/1207/GPGnews



Zoo looks at needs
Alamogordo Daily News
By Karl Anderson, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 06/13/2007 12:00:00 AM MDT
The Alameda Park Zoo discussed recent progress and immediate needs at its monthly meeting of Alamogordo Friends of the Zoo Monday at the AFOTZ complex just north of the Alamogordo Chamber of Commerce building.
The next three projects the zoo needs to complete are an entrance complex, the eagle exhibit and the walk-through aviary. The zoo is still looking for funding to complete them.
The zoo is also going to have a presentation, in conjunction with the Forest Service, on the Mexican gray wolf Aug. 18 at Silver Springs Campground's amphitheater in the Lincoln.
The new lemur exhibit, now complete except for the sidewalk and railing, will be the new home for the lemurs before the end of June, according to Steven Diehl, director of the zoo.

http://www.alamogordonews.com/news/ci_6126897



Fu will explore an ACL theory during surgery at the Pittsburgh Zoo.
By Allison M. Heinrichs
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Sometimes forward-thinking means looking back 50 million years.
In an effort that, if successful, could re-write medical textbooks and revolutionize knee surgery, Dr. Freddie Fu has turned to the fossil record and zoo animals to learn more about the anatomy of the human knee.
"I'm somebody with maybe a little bit different ideas than other doctors," said Fu, chairman of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's department of orthopedic surgery.
Today he plans to perform knee surgery on Johnny, a 99-pound, 12-year-old Mandrill monkey with a damaged left knee at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. While repairing Johnny's knee -- the first knee surgery on a Pittsburgh zoo animal -- Fu will peek at how it's put together.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_512302.html



Tree fossil at zoo at least 800m years old
Zoo asks FAD to preserve fossil
By Hina Farooq
LAHORE: The Federal Archeology Department (FAD) is working on preserving a fossil at the Lahore Zoo that assumed a year ago to be 15 million years old, but is now proved to be 800 to 1,400 million years old, officials told Daily Times on Tuesday.
The fossil is of an Acesherarabica or Keeker or Babool tree found at Chinji near Chakwal and brought to the zoo in 1982. The zoo authorities put its pieces together to make it into a tree. At the time, the only knowledge of the fossil was that it was the remnant of a very old tree and therefore, it was put up at the zoo entrance. A year ago, it was found that the tree was at least 15 million years old and the signboard on the tree was put up indicating its age. The zoo asked the FAD to search the history of the tree two months ago and the FAD Research Centre deputy director Arshad Mughal recently submitted a report to the zoo authorities, with information that was previously unknown.
The report stated that the tree was found in Siwalik in Chingi Nagri and in Dhock Pathan.
The trees were from the middle and late Miocene age of the zoological table.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007%5C06%5C13%5Cstory_13-6-2007_pg13_13



ZooBlooms Returns to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
The Zoo's world-class gardens take center stage
Usually the animals at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo are the main attraction, but that all changes at ZooBlooms, where the Zoo's award-winning gardens take center stage. On Sunday, July 8 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. visitors are encouraged to focus on the Zoo's leafy exhibits with activities for all to enjoy from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This year's theme, "Reclaim Nature: Cultivate a Habitat In Your Corner of the World," focuses on the importance of planting species native to our region. The Zoo showcases its 168 acres of gardens, which include native and environmentally beneficial plants and flowers.

http://www.clemetzoo.com/pressroom/index.asp?action=details&pressrelease_id=1242



Wild Asia's annual Responsible Tourism Awards
Find out about this year's Responsible Tourism Award and how to apply.
Wild Asia’s annual Responsible Tourism Awards were first introduced in November 2006. The awards gave us the opportunity to acknowledge operators who were making a difference through their Responsible Tourism efforts.
The awards act as both a showcase for these exemplary resorts and as an inspiration to others. By sharing the winners' best practices and demonstrating how easy and beneficial Responsible Tourism is to implement, we hope other operators will follow suit - making Responsible Tourism part of their business strategy.
UPDATES
The regional closing ceremony this year will be held in Phuket, with the help of Evason Phuket and Six Senses Spa and Resort. The proposed dates will be the 13-15th of November 2007. If you would like to attend this closing event, please contact Wild Asia as soon as you can as we have limited spaces available.

http://www.wildasia.net/main.cfm?page=article&articleID=308


Copenhagen Zoo's Thailand Connection
If you happen to be in the Copenhagen area, why not take a trip to one of the oldest zoos in Europe. Established in 1859, The Copenhagen Zoo is Denmark's 3rd largest tourist attraction and is home to around 3,500 animals.
You'll find lions, tropical birds, penguins and my personal favourite elephants. You might even see one of my Thai elephant's relatives. (I know that none of the elephants are really mine, but hey a girl can dream.)
The Copenhagen Zoo has always had Asian elephants. In 1962, the Danish King Frederik and Queen Ingrid were visiting Thailand and received the gift of gifts, 2 elephants. The one, Chang Mai, is in his forties and a bit of a Hugh Hefner type. As far as elephants go, he is supposedly the oldest great grandfather in the world. In 1970 he became the proud father to a lovely baby girl who now lives in Rotterdam Zoo in Holland, where she has a daughter and a grandaughter.
Zoologisk Have(Copenhagen Zoo)
Roskildevej 32
2000 Frederiksberg
Tlf: 72 20 02 00
Fax: 72 20 02 19
Entrée
Adults 120 crowns
Children (3-11 years old) 60 crowns
Open 9-18 in June
Open 9-21.30 in July and August

http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/eur_denmark_copenhagen/2007/06/07/copenhagen-zoos-thailand-connection/


Who goes to the zoo? Lack of research
Jump to Comments
When compiling the Manifesto for Zoos a while back ( which you can download for free from the JohnReganAssociates website), I came to appreciate how little general data on who visits zoos either in the UK or ( to best of my knowledge) Europe or globally.
Individual zoos have carried out their visitor surveys of course - but largely for fairly short term marketing purposes, and it is quite difficult to make like for like comparisons to produce a solid national, European or world picture.
Then there is little information on who doesn’t go to zoos, or on general public attitudes to zoos and simialr organisations.
This is the kind of information that is most valuable when seeking Government support

http://zoofunding.wordpress.com/2007/06/07/who-goes-to-the-zoo-lack-of-research/


CFUnited: It's literally a Zoo this year!
Posted At : June 14, 2007 6:45 PM Posted By : Joe Rinehart
Related Categories: Conferences
Teratech's always done a great job with their social networking events at both the CFUnited and Frameworks conferences.
This, though, they're going all out: the big social event is at the National Zoo! When you hear about this year's frameworks argument and that someone got "fed to the lions," it's going to take on an entirely new meaning...

http://www.firemoss.com/blog/index.cfm?mode=entry&entry=2C6DA151-3048-55C9-431CBC20E4A528C8


Rio Grande Zoo
Founded in 1927, the 64-acre Rio Grande Zoo offers visitors close encounters with more than 250 species of exotic and native animals. Popular species include seals and sea lions, chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, elephants, polar bears, giraffes, hippos, camels, tamarins, koalas, Mexican wolves, mountain lions, monkeys, jaguars, zebras and rhinoceros. State-of-the-art exhibit design and eye-pleasing landscaping enhance zoo animal husbandry by creating naturalistic habitats with trees, grasses, water features and rockwork. Walking distance through the zoo is about 2.25 miles. The Rio Grande Zoo is a facility of the Albuquerque Biological Park.

http://www.cabq.gov/biopark/zoo/



Recognized as the No. 1
Family-Friendly Zoo in the United States
by Child magazine, Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo features 56 acres of lush, natural habitats comprising seven main exhibit areas:
Asian Domain, Primate World, Manatee and Aquatic Center, Florida Wildlife Center, Free-Flight Aviary, Wallaroo Station children's zoo, and the new Safari Africa.
Tampa's Lowry Park Zoological Society, in agreement with the City of Tampa, operates Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization and provides programs in education and conservation to benefit the general public and to enhance the quality of life in Tampa Bay. Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo also exists as a center for conservation of endangered wildlife both locally and around the globe.

http://www.lowryparkzoo.com/html/l2/l2_zooyou_history.html


ZOO MISSION STATEMENT
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore's mission is to inspire and educate people to join with it in the active support and conservation of wild life and wild places. The Zoo is committed to serving its communities by engaging people with the wonder of the living world through personal encounters that foster lifelong harmonious relationships with nature.

http://www.marylandzoo.org/



Progressive Democrat Issue 125: GLOBAL WARMING FOCUS: Forests
The more optimistic global warming scientists believe we have a good 10 years to deal with global warming. After that, all bets are off. Some even say all bets are off right now, but I think we still have time.
My main efforts this year have been the preservation of forests, reforestation, and preservation of wetlands because these three things will be absolutely critical for our abilities to deal with both global warming per se (due to their carbon sequestration abilities) and in dealing with the CONSEQUENCES of global warming, including flooding, soil erosion, etc.
This comes from something I wrote long ago, but is still very relevant and bears repetition.

http://moleprogressive.blogspot.com/2007/06/progressive-democrat-issue-124-global.html



Cute and cuddly - and loaded with E. coli
Children may love to pet the animals at the zoo, but they're the most susceptible to the diseases lurking in our furry friends
ANDRE PICARD
From Friday's Globe and Mail
June 8, 2007 at 8:54 AM EDT
There's a lot more to petting zoos than fluffy rabbits and goats that eat out of your hand. Farm animals can be carriers of nasty critters such as E. coli, salmonella and other zoonotic diseases.
But visitors are not taking adequate measures to protect themselves from infection, according to a new Canadian study published in the Journal of Infectious Disease.
Fewer than one in three visitors wash their hands after touching the animals, and a large number of children carry items into the petting area that will likely be in their mouths later, including pacifiers, baby bottles, stuffed toys and food items.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070608.wxldoses08/BNStory/specialScienceandHealth/home


Petting zoos can have hidden dangers, officials warn
by Jake Stump
Daily Mail Capitol Reporter
Petting zoos - like cotton candy and Ferris wheels - are a popular staple of fairs and festivals in West Virginia.
But coming in contact with these animals could put you on an unsettling ride of contracting a dangerous strain of E. coli, according to the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.
With fairs and festivals beginning to sprout up across the state this summer, Agriculture officials are warning residents of the potential health hazards from touching animals at petting zoos.
Even animals that appear healthy can carry E. coli, a bacterium that can ultimately cause kidney damage or even death, said Buddy Davidson, spokesman for the state Department of Agriculture.

http://www.dailymail.com/story/News/2007061112/Petting-zoos-can-have-hidden-dangers-officials-warn/




2 OZ. ORANGE SCENTED WATERLESS HAND CLEANER

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MICRELL LOTION SOAP800ML
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http://www.acehardwaresuperstore.com/purell-antibacterial-lotion-soap-p-66787.html?ref=42



At Petting Zoos, Simple Disease Prevention Guidelines Frequently Ignored
Posted on: 06/11/2007
A new study shows that simple guidelines to protect petting zoo patrons from disease-causing germs found in the zoo are frequently not followed, thus allowing the risks of contracting serious intestinal illnesses to persist. The study will be published in the July 1, 2007 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases (and currently available online).
As we enter summertime, petting zoos open to families, allowing adults and children to learn about and experience animals. Unfortunately, in addition to goats, sheep, and other animals, petting zoos sometimes allow people to meet critters with names like E. coli, Salmonella, Cryptosporidium, and Campylobacter—bacteria that live in the intestinal tracts of some animals and which are shed in the animal's feces. Too often, these organisms make their way into the digestive tracts of the human visitors and cause serious illness.
According to a recent review, between 1991 and 2005 there were at least 55 outbreaks of intestinal disease associated with animals in public settings in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), among others, have offered simple guidelines that would help prevent the transmission of these diseases.

http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/hotnews/76h119103155062.html


Ohio zoos keep growing with plans for more exhibits
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
The Associated Press
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio's five city zoos, already among the most attended in the country, are planning major renovations and expansions over the next five to 10 years, according to The Columbus Dispatch.
The popularity of zoos in Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo keep growing.
Ohio and California are the only states with at least three zoos that draw more than 1 million people a year, according to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. They are also the only states with four zoos that draw at least 900,000 annually.
Add to that the Wilds, a 10,000-acre refuge about 60 miles east of Columbus near Zanesville, which features 25 species of wildlife from Africa, Asia and North America.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07156/790102-37.stm



Alligators overcrowd animal home
An animal research centre that took in Chinese alligators to protect them from extinction nine years ago, is now so overcrowded its struggling to cope.
The centre, in eastern China, wanted to boost alligator numbers but it's been so successful it's now got over 10,000.
It said it was trying to release some of the animals into the wild but they often struggled to survive alone.
The Chinese alligator is still one of the world's most endangered species, with just 200 living in the wild.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_6730000/newsid_6737200/6737233.stm


Membership Travels Well
By DIANA RANSOM
June 10, 2007
Before you dash out of town this summer, make sure your membership cards are packed. The organizations you support and the memberships you hold at home may offer discounts and freebies when you travel.
If you support a local zoo or aquarium that participates in the Reciprocal Admissions Program of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, you can get discounted or free admission at 110 zoos and aquariums across North America.
For example, members of the Los Angeles Zoo, paying a yearly $45 fee for individuals and $70 for families, may visit the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston free and the Philadelphia Zoo for half price. To find a list of facilities, go to www.aza.org/ForEveryone/reciprocity.
There are a number of reciprocal programs for art museums, with higher-level contributors typically getting free admission and purchase discounts at the participating museums. For $150 a year, members of the Friends of Art program at the Milwaukee Art Museum can visit more than 45 museums in the U.S. and Canada free.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118142365092630311.html?mod=googlenews_wsj


Logging May Wreck Orangutan Forests in a Decade, UN Says
June 11, 2007 — By Alister Doyle, Reuters
THE HAGUE — Illegal logging could destroy the last forest strongholds of orangutans within a decade and the world should do more to help Indonesia halt smuggling both of apes and of timber, a U.N. report said on Monday.
Burning of forests, sometimes to clear land to grow palm oil for biofuels, was adding to threats to endangered orangutans which live on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra, according to a report issued at a U.N. wildlife conference.
“Indonesia cannot and should not have to deal with this issue alone,” Achim Steiner, the head of the U.N. Environment Programme (UNEP), said in a statement. He urged more funding for wardens and a global customs crackdown on illegal trade.
“It is very clear … that there is a highly organised structure of illegal trade in orangutans,” said Willem Wijnstekers, Secretary General of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.

http://www.savetheorangutan.co.uk/?p=427



Authorities Step Up Action against Illegal Loggers Threatening the Last Orang-Utans
UNEP Urges Timber Importing Nations and International Community to Back Indonesia’s Efforts by Boosting Customs and Border Controls
The Hague/Nairobi, June 2007-The plight of the ‘old man of the forest’ may be a little brighter today as a result of crack downs by Indonesian authorities on illegal timber smuggling.
But the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is warning that the future of the orangutan, the rainforests of south East Asia and the people whose livelihoods rely on these ecosystems will ultimately depend on international support and regional cooperation especially from timber importing countries.
In recent weeks the Indonesian authorities have stepped up action against the illegal timber trade seizing 30,000 cubic meters of processed wood in Nunukan, East Kalimantan and arresting six people.
A further 40,000 cubic meters of processed wood has been confiscated in Kutai, also East Kalimantan Province along with several arrests.

http://www.savetheorangutan.co.uk/?p=429



UN lauds Indonesia`s crackdown on illegal timber to save Orangutans
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The United Nations has welcomed efforts by the Indonesian government to crack down on illegal logging which is both endangering orangutans - one of the world`s few great apes - by destroying their habitat and increasing opportunities for them to be bought and sold illicitly, UN Daily News said.
Recently, Indonesian authorities have intensified their efforts to curb the illegal timber trade, seizing 30,000 cubic meters of processed wood in Nunukan in East Kalimantan province and arresting six people. More have been arrested in the same province n conjunction with an additional 40,000 cubic meters that officials have seized.
“We can only applaud the efforts of the Indonesia authorities to stamp out illegal logging and illegal timber trading,” said Achim Steiner, executive director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), in a statement released recently.

http://www.savetheorangutan.co.uk/?p=434



African Bat Eared Fox Kits
"Five South African bat eared fox kits have emerged from their birthing den at the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park . The kits were born sometime in late April, but have only recently started making a public appearance outside the den. These foxes are native to African savannahs and are rarely seen in zoos." --Yahoo

http://www.cuteaddict.com/2007/06/african_bat_ear.html



Erie County Legislature Proposes Permanent 3% Funding for the Arts
Jun 11th, 2:10pm By Gabrielle Bouliane
In a decade which has been devastating nationally in terms of funding for the fine arts, new legislation has been proposed in the Erie County Legislature to permanently set aside 3% of Erie County tax dollars "for the purpose of promoting the arts and cultural resources of Erie County through contracting with nonprofit organizations for the support and maintenance of zoos, theaters, orchestras, galleries, museums, and other similar entities."
To answer the first question on most lips, this isn't a new tax, or diversion of funding or increased spending of any kind. In fact, it's the same amount of money that Erie County devotes to the arts each year, roughly $5.6 million. The difference? The amount given to major arts non-profits would be permanently set aside for this purpose, instead of being subject to the vagaries of the annual budget politicking.

http://www.buffalorising.com/story/erie_county_legislature_propos



Earth's Tree News
Today for you 37 news items about Earth’s trees. Location, number and subject listed below. Condensed / abbreviated article is listed further below.
Can be viewed on the web at http://www.livejournal.com/users/olyecology or
by sending a blank email message to earthtreenews-subscribe@lists.riseup.net
--British Columbia: 1) Development threatens old trees, 2) Treesit update, 3) Aligning private and Crown land logging rules, 4) at-risk species, 5)from forestry to recreation and tourism,
--Oregon: 6) Wilderness history, 7) ‘new’ logging ‘experiment,’ 8) State lands needs more logging, 9) Humongous fungus, 10) We’re the cause of extinctions,
--Montana: 11) Plum Creek tax scams and REIT adventures catch up to ‘em
--Kentucky: 12) State forest land expansion
--UK: 13) Sennybridge protest continues on after one year
--Zimbabwe: 14) Stumps in the heart of Mukuvisi Woodlands
--South Africa: 15) All the wrong reason to log
--Congo: 16) Logging road research
--Burundi: 17) Save Kibira Forest
--Niger: 18) Poor farmers reforest on the cheap
--Mumbai: 19) Save the precious mangroves and salts pans

http://olyecology.livejournal.com/53336.html



Write to your MPP to demand changes to the Ontario SPCA Act
June 12, 2007 11:17 AM
A bill that would have offered more protection for Ontario's cats and dogs is dead.
Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman introduced a private member's bill that would have amended the Ontario SPCA Act.
"Mr. Runciman's bill addressed a significant weakness in the current legislation," said Ontario SPCA acting chief Insp. Hugh Coghill. "Currently only cats, kittens, dogs and puppies kept for breeding or for sale are protected under the offence section of the act. Expanding the standards of care in the act to apply to any person who owns or has custody of a cat or dog would have helped to offer protection to thousands more pets across the province."

http://www.insidetoronto.ca/news/Scarborough/Column/article/28148



New York “Canned Hunting” Bill Is More Than That
June 12th, 2007 . by Tom Remington
Many of you know of late that I have been hard on politicians and animal rights groups, including the Humane Society of the United States. I have good reason.
In New York, the HSUS along with slimy politicians are making every attempt to slide a terrible piece of legislation through the Assembly and Senate before the current session ends in 6 days. I have been told that this is typically when New York’s legislators try to hide their pet bills before any of the other “I’m tired and I don’t give a hoot” legislators discover them.
The bill in question is labeled as a “canned hunting” bill, A2612. This bill is bad in many ways. First it is being pushed by the Humane Society of the United States. It is no secret what their long term goals are. They care nothing about individual and property rights and their only goal is to see the end of all forms of hunting, fishing, trapping and any sport or recreation that involves animals.
The below is taken from the Humane Society’s New York office website.

http://mainehuntingtoday.com/bbb/?p=2224



Who's watching the fish tanks?
State, U.S. officials agree: Not much oversight on exhibitions
By MARK DAVIS
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 06/15/07
The death this week of Norton, one of the Georgia Aquarium's whale sharks, was the sort of tale that gets printed, televised, e-mailed and discussed at work cubicles, dinner tables and just about anyplace where people swap stories.
But it won't generate much official buzz at the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, which keeps an inventory of creatures on public display across the state. Despite Norton's size — he stretched 23 feet — the aquarium is not obligated to file a separate report on his death, state officials say. It only has to revise its count of whale sharks the next time the aquarium files an animal survey with the agency.

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/atlanta/stories/2007/06/14/0615lvaquariumregs.html


Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
7:30 p.m. Wednesday through June 15; 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. June 16; 1:30 p.m. June 17. The all new Blue Tour of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is set to astound audiences. Check all realities at the door, and embark on a journey filled with imagination, dreams come true and circus-sized spectacle. Packed full of surprises, Ringling Bros. breaks circus tradition with high speed action, cutting-edge technology and an interactive adventure that will keep audiences talking. For more details, read today�s �Take the Kids� column on page 14. Tickets: $12 to $65, available at The Pensacola Civic Center box office, Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 434-7444. Additional fees may apply. Pensacola Civic Center, 201 E. Gregory St. 432-0800, or visit www.pensacolaciviccenter.com.

http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070613/ENTERTAINMENT/70607052



Robot Jockeys Give Camel Racing a Modern Twist
by Ivan Watson
Morning Edition, May 22, 2007 · Camel racing is an ancient sport that remains highly popular among the Arabs of the Persian Gulf, but it's been criticized by human rights groups because of the jockeys: young boys secured to the saddles with Velcro. Now robot jockeys are transforming the traditional sport.
At the Golden Camel Sports Equipment Trading Shop on the edge of Dubai, the robot jockeys sell for about $500 apiece in a variety of colors. They've been used at the adjacent racetrack for about a year.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10304576&sc=emaf



Rare Monkey Stolen From Brazil Zoo
By TALES AZZONI 06.06.07, 1:56 PM ET
The theft of a rare Amazon monkey from a Brazilian zoo could harm biologists' efforts to repopulate the endangered species, zoo officials said Wednesday.
Workers arriving at the zoo Tuesday morning noticed the male pied tamarin was missing, and found a wrench and a coat left behind in its cage.
"This is a significant loss," said Luiz Antonio da Silva Pires, director of the city zoo in Bauru, 220 miles northwest of Sao Paulo. "The monkey was likely one of the few still alive in captivity and we were hoping to use it to start a new population and keep the species alive."

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/06/06/ap3795005.html



Zoo Has History of Animal Injuries, Deaths
For Immediate Release:
June 6, 2007
Contact:
Lisa Wathne 757-622-7382
Cleveland, Ohio -- This morning, PETA sent an urgent letter to Elizabeth Goldentyer, Eastern Regional director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) animal care unit, urging her to immediately investigate a zoo visitor’s report that a kangaroo was struck by the zoo’s train, allegedly causing injuries so severe that the animal’s tail had to be amputated. The visitor says that a zoo employee told her that similar accidents occur several times a year.

http://www.peta.org/mc/NewsItem.asp?id=9881



Zoo chief pitches sales tax increase in D.C.
REGISTER STAFF
June 6, 2007
Blank Park Zoo chief Terry Rich told lawmakers in the nation's capital today that if voters approve a sales-tax increase in Polk, Warren and Dallas counties next month, he'll consider letting more kids into the zoo for free.
Voters in the three-county area will decide July 10 whether to pay an extra penny on most purchases to support a plan designed to lower property taxes, prop up local government budgets, and support cultural efforts, which include the zoo.
“All of the non profit cultural institutions are strapped for operating dollars,” said Rich. “I believe Yes to Destiny will provide children in our state accessibility to enjoy the zoo, keep our prices moderate and still allow for market rates for those coming from outside the state.”

http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070606/NEWS/70606025/1001/COMM05



Kids guilty of throwing at zoo buses
THE ENQUIRER
Two juveniles admitted today in Hamilton County Juvenile Court that they threw rocks and bricks at school buses headed to the Cincinnati Zoo May 3.
A 12-year-old boy was convicted of felonious assault and a 13-year-old was convicted of assault. Both will be sentenced at a later date.
A 5-year-old riding a Lakota school bus was hit by a brick and hurt by shattered glass.

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070606/NEWS01/306060034/1077/COL02



Pair Pleads Guilty In Zoo Bus Attack
CINCINNATI -- Two boys admitted Wednesday that they threw bricks and rocks at school buses near the zoo.
Both boys had been originally charged with felonious assault, but the judge amended the charge to misdemeanor assault for the13-year-old boy.
The judge refused to reduce the felony charge against the 12-year-old boy but dismissed several other charges.
The older boy’s legal guardian was ordered to pay court costs for a marijuana possession charge against him, and he will be sentenced June 13.
The younger boy will be sentenced June 20, and probation investigations have been ordered for both boys, whose names have not been released because they are juveniles.
Police said the pair threw items last month at school buses full of Adena Elementary School students on a field trip to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
Three kindergartners suffered minor injuries in the incident, investigators said.

http://www.wlwt.com/news/13453970/detail.html



Bali Zoo needs your help

http://www.etravelblackboard.com/index.asp?id=65549&nav=48


Zoo donation made in honor of father
Shambaugh’s gift will be recognized at ceremony this afternoon.
By Kevin Kilbane
kkilbane@news-sentinel.com
Local businessman Mark Shambaugh has made a “significant” donation in honor of his father, Max Shambaugh, that will fund construction of the African Lion exhibit in the new African Journey area at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo.
The zoo will recognize the gift and honor Max Shambaugh during a special ceremony at 4:15 p.m. today at the zoo, 3411 Sherman Blvd., in Franke Park. Mark Shambaugh asked that the amount of the donation not be made public, but “it is funding the largest component of the African Journey project,” said Cheryl Piropato, zoo education director.
Max Shambaugh is the retired president of the Fort Wayne-based Shambaugh & Son construction company. His son now is the company’s president and chief executive officer.
The elder Shambaugh became a member of the zoo’s board of directors in 1985 and is still a director emeritus on the board. He also was a key player in developing the zoo’s Australian Adventure and Indonesian Rain Forest areas, according to the zoo.
“I made this gift to the zoo to honor my father’s love of animals, his long-standing commitment to the zoo from Day One, and our entire family’s appreciation for one of Fort Wayne’s finest assets!” Mark Shambaugh said in a statement.
Work is under way on the African Journey exhibit, which involves a total renovation of the former African Veldt area. With Shambaugh’s donation, the zoo has raised more than $8.4 million toward the project goal of $10.5 million.

http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/17336316.htm



Ocelots move in to Louisville Zoo
12:24 PM EDT on Thursday, June 7, 2007
Louisville Zoo Press Release
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The Louisville Zoo has two new cats -- endangered Brazilian ocelots, to be exact.
Brazilian ocelots, a subspecies of ocelots (there are eight), are native to Brazil and about three times the size of a housecat. They are one of the smallest felines found in the tropical rainforest.
“They are very hard to find and rarely seen,” Louisville Zoo General Curator Steve Wing said, “because they are very shy and blend in well with their surroundings.”

http://www.whas11.com/news/local/stories/060707whasmjdLocalOcelots.2467490a.html



Liberty Hill Zoo in Granville has closed
By SARAH SUTTON, ssutton@poststar.com
Updated: Thursday, June 7, 2007 9:22 PM EDT
GRANVILLE -- The wild beasts from Granville's Liberty Hill Zoo have a new home, and no, it's not the African savannah or the rainforests of South America. It's the Adirondack Mountains.
A few months ago, the zebras, sheep, goats, monkeys, tortoises and numerous other creatures who once lived at the Granville zoo were taken in by Adirondack Animal Land in Broadalbin, just south of Great Sacandaga Lake.
The Liberty Hill Zoo, owned by John and Beverly DeGraff, did not open this year, and according to its Web site and answering machine, has closed "due to unforeseen circumstances."
The DeGraffs did not respond to messages left at their home answering machine on Wednesday and Thursday.

http://www.poststar.com/articles/2007/06/07/news/latest/doc4668af24a7b2f378979611.txt



Prague ZOO - one of the nicest Zoological gardens in Europe
Prague ZOO is said to be one of the best in Europe and could easily keep your kids busy for one entire day. The ZOO does its best to be a pleasant and interesting place for everybody and if you take a few minutes and organize your trip it can really be an unforgettable experience.
Be sure to take a look at the “Don’t miss” section, where you can find a timetable of the most important events that take place in the ZOO during the day.
One of the most appreciated pavilions are the Indonesian Jungle and the Monkey Island where you can have a look at the luxuriant flora and fauna of the jungle or practically play with the cute lemurs.
Another place that your kinds will definitely love is the Children Area and the Children ZOO, a special built farm, where kids are allowed to enter some enclosures and play with different domesticated animals (rabbits, sheep, pigs, ponies, hens, ducks, geese).
There are also some slot machines, where kids can buy low calories granules and feed their favourite animals.

http://www.prague.net/prague-zoo



Detroit Zoo Celebrates Arrival Of African Wild Dogs
Similar Stories
Visitors to the Detroit Zoo can experience puppy love in a wild new way with the arrival of African wild dogs. Five-year-old sisters Nata and Ngami moved to Detroit from the Oklahoma City Zoo and took up residence today in the Zoo’s African Grasslands between the zebras and warthogs.
“Not only will the dogs be fun for our visitors to watch, they are also part of an important captive conservation program,” said Scott Carter, the Detroit Zoological Society’s Director of Conservation and Animal Welfare. “We’re excited to be a part of the conservation program for this critically endangered species.”
African wild dogs, also known as "painted dogs,” have mottled fur in shades of black, brown and tan. They are about the size of a medium domestic dog, weighing between 40 and 80 pounds and measuring 25 to 30 inches high. They have large, rounded ears and differ from wolves and other dogs in that they have four toes on each foot instead of five.

http://www.huliq.com/24138/detroit-zoo-celebrates-arrival-of-african-wild-dogs



Animal lovers party for the primates at Brew at the Zoo event
by Laura Provolt, 6/9/2007
Drizzly weather did not stop more than 200 zoo supporters from mingling in the Sequoia Park Zoo Saturday night as they sipped nearly a dozen varieties of beer donated by Six Rivers Brewery and enjoyed a gourmet barbecued dinner prepared by chef Michael Lyle, while live music by Dr. Squid reached the far corners of the zoo.
Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation President Jeff Lamoree said the pre-sale of about 200 tickets combined with monetary donations from a dozen local businesses and about 20 Dutch auction contributions would probably reach the $20,000 goal the foundation had set to raise from the evening. With the money, he said, construction will begin Monday to expand and improve the chimpanzee section, including Bill’s enclosure. The event was part of the zoo’s centennial celebration.
Talia Nachshon, who manages Six Rivers Brewery restaurant and catering, said the brewery donated nearly a dozen kegs of its award-winning beers to the event.

http://www.eurekareporter.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ArticleID=24971



She's one of a kind
Zoo's humane education specialist stresses the importance of protecting nature
By Michael P. McConnell
Daily Tribune Staff Writer
Lisa Marie Forzley is the only humane education specialist at any zoo in the country.
Craig Gaffield/Journal Register News Service
ROYAL OAK -- The Detroit Zoo has a one-of-a-kind specialist.
Lisa Marie Forzley is the only humane education specialist at any zoo in the country.
"An important part of our mission of celebrating and saving wildlife is to provide the community with educational opportunities that lead to an appreciation and stewardship of animals and nature," said Ron Kagan, Detroit Zoological Society executive director.
Forzley, 28, started the job at the zoo in February and was formerly an elementary school teacher in Dearborn Public Schools.
She is working on her master's degree in humane education through the Institute for Humane Education in Surry, Maine. She previously earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Michigan State University.

http://www.dailytribune.com/stories/061007/loc_zoo001.shtml



Zoo names Murray to directors board
By MARGIE KACOHA, STEPHANIE MURPHY
Daily News Real Estate and Business Writer
Sunday, June 10, 2007
J.B. Murray of Palm Beach has been appointed to the board of directors of the Palm Beach Zoo.
Murray is the managing partner of Squire Sanders & Dempsey's West Palm Beach office. His main area of practice is probate and commercial litigation.
"I feel strongly that having a great zoo in our community is in everyone's best interest," Murray said. "It is a wonderful amenity for families, a force for conservation education, and an important element in our ability to attract tourism to Palm Beach County."

http://www.palmbeachdailynews.com/news/content/news/webzoobrief0610.html



'Project Zebu' honors zoo docent
Tammie Wersinger Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted June 10, 2007
The 8-month-old miniature zebu, a breed of cattle, was donated to the Sanford zoo by Altamonte Springs breeder Rick Bogle. He made the donation to honor the late Miles "Mac" McCarry, who was the zoo's longest active docent. McCarry died July 11, 2006.
McCarry, who volunteered for about 20 years and was best known for his elephant shows, was a retired cattleman and author from Iowa.
A graduate of Iowa State University, he was active in the dairy cattle industry and worked with the Holstein Association, Curtiss Breeding Service and the National Dairy Shrine. He developed an artificial insemination cooperative and launched the first tape-recorded radio program from a farm.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/seminole/orl-szebu1007jun10,0,218691.story?coll=orl-news-headlines-seminole



Detroit Zoo may ask for tax to help fund operations
6/10/2007, 9:16 a.m. EDT
The Associated Press
ROYAL OAK, Mich. (AP) — The Detroit Zoo may ask voters in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties next year to approve a regional property tax to help fund its operations.
In exchange for the 0.1-mill property tax, schoolchildren in those counties could get free field trips, Zoo Director Ron Kagan said. Details of the property tax proposal still are being formulated.
The tax could complete the transition from management by Detroit to management by the nonprofit Detroit Zoological Society. The city turned over zoo management to the society last year in a cost-cutting move.

http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/business/index.ssf?/base/news-44/1181482152289120.xml&storylist=mibusiness



Hutchinson Zoo still closed from flooding
Associated Press - June 10, 2007 11:04 AM ET
HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) - Efforts to dry up the Hutchinson Zoo continue more than two weeks after flooding forced the zoo to close.
A May 23rd storm caused water to spill out of the zoo's lagoons, flooding exhibits and walkways. Water in the basement of the zoo's gift shop and office building was as deep as ten inches.
Now, sump pumps are being run in an effort to keep things dry.
Zoo director Charlotte Poepperling says it's been hard to access the full extent of the damage.
The city-owned zoo doesn't have flood insurance. But Poepperling believes Hutchinson's risk management funding will cover some damage.
She also hopes the Federal Emergency Management Agency will help.
Many of the animals have been sent to zoos in El Dorado and Wichita, while others deal with the water.

http://www.kbsd6.com/Global/story.asp?S=6637011


Al Ain Zoo now offers a moonlit experience to visitors
Posted on
Sunday, 10 June 2007
Industry Sector
Other
Country
United Arab Emirates
Recently, Al Ain Zoo has ushered in an exciting new experience for its visitors.
After undergoing extensive works, expanding exhibits, improving facilities and doing away with outdated, small cages, the Zoo has been transformed into a fun and informative destination for the whole family. The experience is now extending into the night. Beginning Thursday June 14 and until September 30, the Zoo will be open from 4 pm - 10 pm every night.
Visitors can roam over 40 hectares of the Zoo and see over 600 animals on display to learn about and enjoy.
"This is the first time in the Middle East that a Zoo will be open at night. I am confident that it will be an unforgettable experience for the whole family. It is a great opportunity to escape the summer heat and experience something unique in the UAE," said Majid Al Mansouri, Managing Director of Al Ain Zoo.

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/index.php?option=com_pressreleases&view=detail&pr_id=5885&Itemid=77



Zoo adding a bit of Asia to botanical gardens
06/11/2007
by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
Imagine slowly strolling down a winding path lined with exotic plants and flowers. Relax on a bench with a view of a placid reflective pond filled with lotus blossoms or meditate in an authentic Asian pavilion before you explore a mist-filled garden of bamboo.
By next summer, that experience won’t be a world away, it will be part of the latest addition to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens when the Asian section of the zoo’s botanical garden opens to the public.
”It will be the first permanent thing in North Florida that has anything to do with Asian culture,” said architect Tri Vu, who is designing the pavilion as well as a bridge for the garden.
Vu added the design will not be specific to any particular Asian country, but will embrace the cultures of the entire Asian community in Jacksonville. The architectural design includes a pavilion that will be built with traditional Asian materials and techniques, including a lot of open space and exposed bamboo construction.

http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=47742



New bald eagle arrives at Columbian Park Zoo
By JOE LARSON
jlarson@journalandcourier.com
The new bald eagle at Columbian Park Zoo is majestic - but not always graceful.
The unnamed bird, which arrived at the zoo around noon today, is missing about half of its right wing. The bird still has the commanding look of a bald eagle, but its attempts at flight sometimes end with dramatic falls to the floor.
"He's an injured wild bird who was non-releaseable," explained Amber Frederick, education coordinator for the Columbian Park Zoo.
No one is sure of exactly how the young adult bird suffered the injury, but it required about half of its wing to be amputated, said Claudine Laufman, director of the Columbian Park Zoo.
The bald eagle, which originated on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska, spent the last two years at the Bird Treatment and Learning Center in Anchorage, Alaska, where it had a diet of salmon, caribou and moose.

http://www.jconline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070608/NEWS/70608033/-1/RSS



Free viewing of 'Inconvenient Truth' at Binder Park Zoo
Submitted by Binder Park Zoo
On Wednesday, June 13th at 7:00 p.m., Binder Park Zoo and the Brigham Audubon Society are pleased to bring to Battle Creek a free public viewing of the Oscar Award winning "An Inconvenient Truth," a documentary about global warming.
Presented by Al Gore, former Vice-president of the United States, "An Inconvenient Truth" is an eye opener for those who know little about the causes and effects of global warming.

http://battlecreekenquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070607/LIFESTYLE08/706070308



Surf's Up at zoo's Penguin Beach
Tampa, Florida - The penguins didn't "march" to Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo, but they are making a big splash in their new year-round outdoor exhibit near the entrance to Safari Africa, opening to the public this Saturday.
The zoo's newest residents are African penguins, endemic to mainly offshore islands and a few mainland sites on South Africa's coast. Their new home at the zoo is designed to reflect architectural and waterfront elements of Boulders Beach near Cape Town in South Africa, a popular tourist attraction where penguins reside which has become a suburban area and public beach.
"Penguins are incredibly charismatic animals, and we are fortunate to have the climate to exhibit these charming creatures outdoors year-round," said Lex Salisbury, president and CEO. "We also want our visitors to know that the species is currently listed as 'vulnerable' due to dwindling numbers in the wild, so we hope guests will come away with a better knowledge of what these birds need to ensure their long-term survival."

http://www.tampabays10.com/news/local/article.aspx?storyid=56353



Penguin chicks on view at Akron Zoo
Beacon Journal staff report
Four endangered Humboldt penguin chicks born in late April and early May have started venturing from their burrows.
The chicks are about 6 to 8 inches tall and weigh between 3.5 and 5 pounds. Their burrows are built into the back of the penguin exhibit.
The protective penguin parents are still feeding the chicks, which cannot yet eat on their own and are too young to enter the water.
The Humboldt penguin, found in the waters off Peru and Chile, is an endangered species. By some estimates, the penguins may be extinct in the wild in 10 years.
The Akron Zoo houses these birds as part of the Humboldt Penguin Species Survival Plan, which is a cooperative effort with other zoos to save the species through work in captivity and in the wild. The addition of the four chicks increases the number of Humboldt penguins at the Akron Zoo to 19.

http://www.ohio.com/mld/beaconjournal/17332069.htm



RENUKA LION FAMILY FACING HARD TIME
by S R Pundir
Family of 13 Asiatic Lions is facing health hazard. Situation has now taken serious turn and has converted into ‘death sentence’ for this family as these popular Lions would disappear from the scene of Renuka Ji after a few years in the absence of their next generation.
A Lion Safari spread over seven hectare of forest land on the bank of pious Shri Renuka Ji Lake is home for a family of 13 Asiatic Lions. It attracts lacs of tourists and wild life lovers every year but hardly any visitor know that this large family of Lions is facing hard time due to genetic ailments as a result of over 30 years inbreeding. State Wild Life Wing of Forest Department has added more woe in their fight by ignoring directions of Central Zoo Authority [CZA] of India since long in this regard.
Recent decision of the state Wild Life department to implement CZA directions has brought a relief for the nature and wild life lovers. Department has principally decided to carry out sterilization on the lion family in Renuka to stop further reproduction and end long separation of three lions from the rest of their family.

http://himachal.us/2007/06/13/renuka-lion-family-facing-hard-time/2277/news/pundeer

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