Zoos
Live web cams let zoos bear all
While searching for a San Francisco Bay Area hotel a few weeks ago, Laurie Deddens insisted that its business center have Internet access.
After all, how else could she watch the giant pandas?
“They’re so cute. ... Whenever I have down time, I go check what the latest is,” Deddens said. “There’s news every day.”
The news comes to her computer from live Web cameras – one in San Diego, one in Washington, D.C., – trained on two panda moms and their new cubs. Deddens keeps the cams on all day, hoping to catch the pandas tending their young.
She is not alone. Web cams have been rolling in American zoos since the late 1990s – reality TV with claws and fur for millions of animal fans across the globe. For zoos competing for the attention and dollars of the public, the cams are practically mandatory.
http://home.hamptonroads.com/stories/story.cfm?story=92638&ran=20609
Zoo Animal to Undergo Surgery
Doctors Will Operate to Remove Large Tumor From Giraffe
Wednesday, October 5, 2005; 11:24 AM
Doctors at the National Zoo in Washington will operate on of its Rothschild's giraffes today to remove a large, lemon-sized tumor.
Zoo veterinary and animal care staff first noticed the lump about one month ago during a training session with the animal. Zoo officials say fluid drained from the tumor indicates it's a skin cancer known as basal cell carcinoma.
A team of zoo staff and other experts will anesthetize the giraffe and remove the lump. Veterinarians say the giraffe's long neck makes anesthesia especially complicated. Giraffes have a tendency to regurgitate, which can be fatal while under anesthesia.
Zoo officials will hold a news conference this afternoon to provide an update.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/10/05/AR2005100500851.html
It's All Cheetahs, All Day Long At The Oregon Zoo
Portland, Oregon - Though the cheetah can outrun all other land animals, its most important race right now is the race for survival. On October 16, Oregonians can help these spotted cats by participating in three events at the Oregon Zoo that support the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), including Run for the Cheetah, Cheetah Camp, and "Big Cat. Big Party."
http://www.centralpointnews.com/articles/index.cfm?artOID=316908&cp=4311
New rules established for petting zoo at N.C. State Fair
mjwncralral8867
The state agriculture commissioner has announced new rules for the petting zoo at the N.C. State Fair, which opens next week, after more than 100 people got sick after visiting the fair's petting zoo.
Among the changes: visitors will be separated from baby goats, lambs and other animals by a fence. Also, the fairgrounds will have an additional 60 restrooms, including some set up across from the petting zoon.
"Proper hand-washing with the soap, water and paper towels, we believe, is the key," Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said Wednesday.
Because most of those who got sick last year were children, Troxler said strollers, pacifiers, and baby bottles are among the items that shouldn't be brought into the petting zoo.
E. coli, a bacteria found in the intestines of otherwise healthy goats, sheep and cattle, is transmitted via feces. Its symptoms are abdominal cramps and bloody diarrhea, with kidney failure possible in children.
This year's fair will be held Oct. 14-23.
http://www.the-dispatch.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051005/APN/510051388&cachetime=5
Ontario zoos not tip-top
By 24 hours news services
Twelve of 16 Ontario zoos flunked an audit by an international animal organization which is demanding facilities be upgraded or shut down.
Pat Tohill, of the London, England-based World Society for the Protection of Animals, said Ontario provides little legislative protection for animals in zoos, particularly exotic creatures.
Ginette Albert, a spokesman for the Ministry of Natural Resources, said their inspectors ensure the proper care of native species in zoos.
"We can refuse to issue the zoo licence if they don't comply," Albert said, adding there's no government ministry that governs exotic species. These animals are protected only by general anti-cruelty legislation.
The WSPA hired Dr. Ken Gold, described by the organization as a specialist in zoo management, to conduct a number of audits of animal exhibits such as bears and tigers.
In his report, titled Failing the Grade, Gold says that Ontario zoos "are on a par with some of the worst zoos I have seen in many developing countries." He cites numerous cases of tiny enclosures, flimsy barriers and the lack of fresh water.
http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/News/2005/10/05/1248829-sun.html
Fair petting zoo to see changes
By ANDREA WEIGL, STAFF WRITER
RALEIGH -- Fairgoers will be able to pet barnyard animals only through a fence at this year's N.C. State Fair petting zoo, one of several changes implemented after an E. coli outbreak at last year's fair infected more than 100 people.
"We took this E. coli outbreak traced to a petting zoo at the State Fair very seriously," state Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said at a news conference Wednesday. "We've worked very hard to enhance the health measures."
Last year, fairgoers could wander among the animals and walk on the animals' feces-laden bedding, which officials believe is how the bacteria spread.
http://newsobserver.com/news/story/2810471p-9254877c.html
Opposition to importing of Asian elephants gains momentum
Sydney: Leading animal welfare and conservation groups Wednesday opposed plans by the Australian government to import eight Asian elephants for its zoos.
The groups - International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Humane Society International (HSI) and RSPCA - in a joint statement said that they would appeal against the decision by the Australian Minister for Environment, Ian Campbell, to allow the elephants from Thailand to go to Taronga and Melbourne zoos in the country.
The appeal will begin on Oct 11 October, at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal here.
The groups felt that this import fails to meet the requirements of Australia's environment legislation.
http://www.newkerala.com/news.php?action=fullnews&id=31036
Animals from zoo at library
Wednesday, October 5, 2005
The Friends of the Milford Town Library will present an adult program (children may also attend) featuring Betsey Brewer, director of Earth Limited at Southwick's Zoo, tomorrow at 7 p.m., in the library's Program Room.
Brewer has a master's degree in wildlife conservation education and will offer a zoomobile presentation designed to park environmental awareness. She will bring approximately seven animals with her from the zoo.
http://www.milforddailynews.com/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=78918
LA Zoo crew joins gator catching crusade
Associated Press
LOS ANGELES - Reggie the alligator has outwitted gator wranglers from Florida, but his latest adversaries will come from closer to home.
Reptile experts from the Los Angeles Zoo have been given the job of trying to capture the 7-foot gator, which was illegally dumped at least two months ago in Machado Lake at Ken Molloy Harbor Regional Park in South Los Angeles.
They will be joined by a volunteer gator wrangler, a Hurricane Katrina evacuee enlisted by a city councilwoman to help nab the reptile. Thomas "T-Bone" Quinn of New Orleans offended gator wranglers from Orlando-based Gatorland last month when he described their gator-capturing techniques as "retarded."
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/states/california/northern_california/12821238.htm
Soccer fields, park, trails proposed for zoo parking lot
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Mayor Tom Murphy's administration has introduced legislation that would turn the northern end of the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium parking lot into a soccer field, park land and trails.
A resolution now before City Council would steer $200,000 in city funding and $200,000 from the state to the design of a 40-acre extension of Highland Park.
The zoo is in agreement with the proposed change, said spokeswoman Rachel Capp. "Soccer fields, kids, families -- that's in line with what we do," she said.
The zoo would shift some parking southward to the site of a former asphalt dump and would have the same number of spaces it does now, she added.
The project would ultimately involve $12 million in expenditures by the city, zoo and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, said Pat Hassett, assistant director of city planning. PennDOT would reconstruct the Butler Street Bridge near the site, he said.
City Councilman Len Bodack said the project has the support of community groups and answers the need for more soccer fields in the city. Council could take a tentative vote on the design funding next Wednesday.
If all goes well, soccer fields could be ready by spring 2008.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05278/582852.stm
New frog center planned at the London Zoo
Oct 4, 2005, 23:50 GMT
LONDON, England (UPI) -- The Zoological Society of London reportedly will build a new center for the conservation of frogs, toads and other amphibians.
The $4 million project will include a public exhibit at the London Zoo, laboratories for disease research, and captive breeding facilities, the BBC reported. It will be designed to be the first integrated amphibian conservation center in the world.
Scientists told the BBC amphibians are possibly the most threatened animals on Earth, with a third of the species at risk of extinction. Amphibians, including frogs, toads, salamanders and caecilians, are present on every continent except Antarctica.
Captive breeding is one part of ZSL`s three-pronged plan; the other arms involve a laboratory to research interactions between amphibians and Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, their fungal nemesis, as well as a public exhibit and information center tentatively entitled Frog World.
Frog World is expected to open in 2007.
http://science.monstersandcritics.com/news/article_1052529.php/New_frog_center_planned_at_the_London_Zoo
More than 75 new state laws in effect
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Domestic violence victims now have greater protections
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Associated Press
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RALEIGH - A clutch of new state laws went into effect over the weekend, including more protection for domestic violence victims and visitors to petting zoos.
More than 75 new laws approved by the Legislature went into place Saturday.
Among the highlights:
• Older jurors: The required age to request an exemption from jury service increased from 65 to 72. The change is expected to help broaden the jury pool.
• Domestic violence: Tenants may now break leases or have their locks changed if faced with the threat of domestic abuse, sexual assault or stalking.
The bill also "will prohibit discrimination against domestic violence victims by landlords," said Beth Froehling with the N.C. Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
• Scrub up at petting zoos: Stricter sanitation will be required for petting zoos in the wake of a bacterial outbreak at the 2004 State Fair.
The mandatory rules won't be in place when the fair begins Oct. 14, but voluntary guidelines that the Agriculture Department approved this spring will "serve as a starting point" and probably will be similar to the coming requirements, department spokesman Brian Long said.
Fair visitors will now reach through fences to pet animals. One popular attraction at the fair had allowed children to walk freely in a pen with small farm animals.
There will be hand-washing stations with soap, water and towels near the petting zoos, Long said. The petting zoos had offered hand-cleaning gels.
• Disclose outsourcing: Vendors who bid on state government contracts now must disclose whether any of the work will be performed out of the country.
http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observer/news/local/12811361.htm
Area zoos criticized for unsafe enclosures
Tue, October 4, 2005
By KATE DUBINSKI, Free Press Reporter
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Three London-area zoos have failed an audit by an animal rights group that cited unsafe conditions for visitors and mistreatment of animals.
Among the shortcomings identified by the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) were the spectre of wild animals such as lions and tigers escaping enclosures it said were too low.
The WSPA -- set to release its report today -- randomly chose 16 zoos in Ontario -- mostly small, roadside operations -- and graded them.
Only four of the zoos got a passing grade, including the Toronto Zoo. All others earned a score of less than 40 out to 50, indicating an "unacceptable level of deficiencies," the report said.
http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/News/Local/2005/10/04/1247224-sun.html
Ontario zoos failing animals, report says
By ALLISON DUNFIELD
Tuesday, October 4, 2005 Posted at 2:06 PM EDT
Globe and Mail Update
A dozen Ontario zoos were given a failing grade by a world animal protection agency Tuesday because of poor conditions.
The World Society for the Protection of Animals issued report cards to 16 zoos across the province, including wildlife sanctuaries and tropical gardens.
An auditor with professional zoo experience was hired to look at the enclosures of mostly large animals including bears, wolves and big cats.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20051004.wzoo1004/BNStory/National/
Toronto's Zoo Gets a Passing Grade.
Oct, 04 2005 - 3:40 PM
The World Society for the Protection of Animals is issuing a failing grade to Ontario's Zoos.
Of the 16 Zoos looked at the Toronto Zoo was one of four that passed.
However, the local Grizzly Bear Exhibit was rated below average.
Campaign Officer Melissa Tkachyk says there are no standards regulating exotic wild life in our zoos.
Among the worst Zoos were Oshawa's Bowmanville zoo and the Elmvale Jungle Zoo.
http://www.640toronto.com/news/metro.cfm?cat=7428109912&rem=20096&red=80110923aPBIny&wids=410&gi=1&gm=metro.cfm
Sick Manatee brought to Lowry Zoo
Tampa, Florida - Lowry Park Zoo Caring for Lemon Bay Manatee at David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Hospital.
A young male manatee suffering from red tide exposure has arrived at Lowry Park Zoo’s David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Hospital for treatment and rehabilitation.
The zoo’s animal and veterinary staff are caring for the male manatee who was rescued September 28 from Lemon Bay in Charlotte County.
Estimated to be 2 years old, the 560-pound manatee was brought to the hospital with symptoms of red tide (lethargic, unable to come up for breath on his own).
While under constant watch, zookeepers fitted him with a floatation device and placed him in a shallow pool of water to prevent him from drowning.
http://www.tampabays10.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=19586
Jaguar Cub Makes Zoo Debut
(WCCO) Fort Worth, Texas A 6-week-old jaguar cub made his debut at the Fort Worth Zoo on Monday.
Guapo, the jaguar, got a chance to stretch out his legs in his new home in the Texas Wild Exhibit at the zoo.
The cub weighs nearly seven pounds now, but could get up to 200 pounds by the time he is full-size.
Guapo's parents were imported from Bolivia in March, as part of a national breeding program.
http://wcco.com/watercooler/local_story_277092732.html
Zoo escapee heads to exile in sun
Colobus monkeys come from Mount Kilimanjaro
He's going from the leafy glades of north Belfast to the jungles of Africa, for one monkey stopping-out has been a life changing experience.
Colobus monkey Mojo fled his home in the city's zoo after an "argument" with his dad in June but returned to his enclosure a week later.
After his return, it was decided that the fall out with his father, Tommy, could not be reconciled.
On Monday, he and his six brothers were sitting on the tarmac at Heathrow as their journey to a new life in South Africa began.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/4307512.stm
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Zoo and aquarium will need years and (m) millions of dollars to recover
NEW YORK The head of the Audubon Nature Institute says it will take two years and 60 (m) million dollars to restore New Orleans' famous zoo and aquarium.
Ron Forman, president of the Audubon Nature Institute, went to a major zoo conference in New York to say thank you and launch a big fundraising campaign.
Within days of Hurricane Katrina, zoos all over the country started raising money for the Audubon Park Zoo -- without being asked.
Forman says human rebuilding comes first. But he argues that cultural institutions are part of the rebuilding of a city like New Orleans.
In his words, "We're part of the heart of New Orleans. When you have a city that comes back, you have to have a heart."
http://www.kristv.com/Global/story.asp?S=3933111&nav=Bsmh
American Zoos and Aquariums Announce 'Audubon October'
Nationwide Effort to Aid New Orleans Zoo and AquariumDuring Katrina AftermathNEW YORK, Oct. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- New Orleans Audubon Nature Institute today announced "Audubon October," a month-long nationwide effort to save New Orleans' most cherished family institutions. Audubon Nature Institute operates both the New Orleans Zoo and Aquarium. Hurricane Katrina tore at Audubon's facilities, disrupted the lives of hundreds of dedicated staff members and dealt a severe blow to the Aquarium collection. Zoos and Aquariums across the country are joining in the Audubon reliefeffort as they stabilize and rebuild by raising funds to help during recovery efforts. The Zoo and Aquarium community is reaching out to local facility members and supporters to request support for the Aquarium, Zoo and Species Survival Center in New Orleans.
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/10-03-2005/0004158494&EDATE=
October 03, 2005 08:00 AM US Eastern Timezone
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Fujifilm Launches Halloween Pandamonium: Lucky Families Nationwide Get Chance to Visit Fujifilm Giant Panda Habitat; Campaign Celebrates Birth of Giant Panda Cub and Underscores a Shared Commitment to Conservation
VALHALLA, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 3, 2005--Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. today announced "Fujifilm Halloween Pandamonium," a national sweepstakes campaign being launched in conjunction with popular family events hosted by zoos across the country where Fujifilm will have a key presence this Halloween season.
Fujifilm Halloween Pandamonium events will take place at the following zoos: the Bronx and Central Park Zoos in New York City; Brookfield Zoo in Chicago; Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden; Detroit Zoological Park; Denver Zoological Gardens; Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens; Memphis Zoo; Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C.; Oregon Zoo in Portland; and the San Francisco Zoological Gardens.
The Fujifilm Halloween Pandamonium sweepstakes gives families nationwide the opportunity to win a trip to the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C., where they can be among the first to get the chance to meet the giant panda cub born there in July. A Fujifilm donation helped make it possible to bring the cub's parents, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, to the U.S. in 2000, on
… Fujifilm Halloween Pandamonium launches nationwide on October 3, 2005, at www.fujifilm.com/zoo, and gains visibility at Halloween events scheduled at 11 zoos, including some of the nation's largest. All participating zoos will have an official Fujifilm Halloween Pandamonium booth on site for their Halloween celebrations, which will vary in duration from one day to several weekends. The Fujifilm booth highlights the plight of the giant panda, an endangered species with an estimated wild population of only about 1,660, all in China. Trick-or-treaters will be able to have their pictures taken with a Fujifilm panda mascot and will get cool panda trading cards full of interesting giant panda facts, as well as sweepstakes information.
The Fujifilm Halloween Pandamonium sweepstakes gives entrants the opportunity to win an all-expenses-paid trip for four to the National Zoo. The prize package includes roundtrip airfare and two nights' hotel accommodations. Winners will also receive a Fujifilm FinePix E900 digital camera. Those who are interested in more information or wish to enter the sweepstakes should visit www.fujifilm.com/zoo.
http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20051003005147&newsLang=en
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