Zoos
Activists, LA Zoo spar over treatment of elderly elephant
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Associated Press
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LOS ANGELES - Placard-wielding activists urged the city zoo to ship an ailing 47-year-old elephant to a sanctuary, where they say she will enjoy more comfortable conditions.
Zoo officials say Gita the elephant is in good health overall and wouldn't get the same level of care at a sanctuary.
Gita has suffered from arthritis for 20 years and had a severe foot infection. Activists - one holding a placard reading "L.A. Zoo Is Killing Their Elephants" - stood outside the zoo entrance Wednesday, urging that she be transferred elsewhere.
"Gita is suffering from a terminal condition," said Catherine Doyle, who obtained the elephant's health records from the zoo and predicted she would die by age 50. "Because of the seriousness of her condition, we're asking the L.A. Zoo to release her to a more spacious environment like a sanctuary where she can walk on grass instead of concrete."
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/breaking_news/12832552.htm
State boosts safety of fair's petting zoo
By ANDREA WEIGL, Staff Writer
When the N.C. State Fair starts next week, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler wants children to interact with farm animals they're unlikely to see the rest of the year.
But Troxler doesn't want a repeat of last year's fiasco, an E. coli outbreak that left more than 100 people, mainly children, sick after visiting the fair's petting zoo.
So Wednesday, the state announced some changes this year to help keep fairgoers healthy. Here is a user's guide to keep yourself safe at the fair.
1. People will be separated from baby goats, lambs and other animals by a fence.
2. Warning signs will be posted.
3. As many as six hand-washing stations will be positioned near the petting zoo and elsewhere at the fairgrounds.
4. An additional 60 restrooms are going to be available at the fairgrounds this year, including some strategically set up across from the petting zoo.
5. These items should not be brought into the petting zoo: strollers, pacifiers, sippy cups, baby bottles, food, drinks and tobacco products.
What is E. coli? A bacteria found in the intestines of otherwise healthy goats, sheep and cattle. It is transmitted via feces.
What are the consequences of E. coli exposure? Abdominal cramps and bloody diarrhea. For small children, it can lead to kidney failure.
Quotable: "Proper hand-washing with the soap, water and paper towels, we believe, is the key," Troxler said.
http://newsobserver.com/news/story/2810986p-9255452c.html
National Zoo veterinarians in Washington treated giraffe for tumor on its head
11:03 2005-10-06
National Zoo veterinarians treated a giraffe for a tumor on its head, in what the chief vet said was the first such case of skin cancer.
The 13-foot (4-meter)-tall Jafari was back on his feet and in seeming good health in his habitat following the 45-minute procedure that involved 28 people. It is the first case of skin cancer reported among the tall, spotted creatures, chief veterinarian Suzan Murray said.
The medical team, which included a giraffe specialist from Florida and a physician from Children's Hospital, was only able to remove 90 percent of the tumor, so the animal's prognosis was "poor to guarded," Murray said.
Much of the medical procedure had never been attempted before, zoo officials said. Merely administering anesthesia to the animal was difficult because of its size and giraffes' tendency to regurgitate, which could choke him while unconscious.
Zoo staff had to rig a special padded ladder on which to rest Jafari's head, so they could lower it as the anesthesia took effect. Other personnel massaged Jafari's 6-foot (1.8-meter) neck to keep it from developing kinks during the surgery, reports the AP.
http://newsfromrussia.com/world/2005/10/06/64572.html
Potawatomi Zoo helps New Orleans' animals
Posted: 10/06/2005 03:32 pm
South Bend, IN - The Potawatomi Zoo is lending a helping had to a zoo in the Big Easy.
The Potawatomi Zoological Society donated $2,000 to help in the care and cleanup of the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans.
Zoos around the country have given over a half-a million dollars to the zoo after the hurricane disaster.
A large portion of the zoo's animal collection made it through Katrina.
The money will help buy needed supplies for the animals.
http://www.wndu.com/news/102005/news_45185.php
Rare pangolin, seized from tourist, dies
October 6, 2005
LOS ANGELES --An endangered ant-eating animal has died at the Los Angeles Zoo 10 months after wildlife inspectors confiscated it from a tourist returning from Africa.
The pangolin, which the tourist bought from hunters for $3, had been treated for serious liver disease for three weeks before its Oct. 2 death. Treating the animal was a challenge for zoo officials because pangolins are extremely rare in captivity.
"This was the only pangolin in any zoo in the United States," zoo spokesman Jason Jacobs said Thursday. "Because of this we're very proud of the work our animal care staff has done over the last 10 months."
http://www.boston.com/news/science/articles/2005/10/06/rare_pangolin_seized_from_tourist_dies/
Rain hinders wading birds' nesting efforts
October 7, 2005
MIAMI --Too much rain and high water caused a drop in wading bird nests this year, according to a new survey.
Downpours in the middle of the birds' spring breeding period lifted water levels in wetlands and disrupted the birds' foraging for food, according to the South Florida Wading Bird Report.
The report found 31,869 nests from the Kissimmee River to Florida Bay -- a drop of 41 percent from last year and 54 percent from 2002's historic high of 68,750 nests.
Five species -- white ibis, snowy egret, wood stork, great egret and tricolored heron -- are considered "indicator species" or barometers for the broader Everglades system and surrounding natural areas.
This year's survey was broadened to include the Lake Okeechobee and Kissimmee River watersheds.
http://www.boston.com/news/science/articles/2005/10/07/rain_hinders_wading_birds_nesting_efforts/
Zoo Tycoon Ships for the DS
Popular franchise now available on the handheld.
October 11, 2005 - THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) today announced that Zoo Tycoon® DS for the Nintendo DS has shipped to retail outlets throughout North America. This latest installment of the best-selling and critically acclaimed Zoo Tycoon franchise brings tycoon-style gameplay to a handheld system for the first time, taking full advantage of DS technology.
"We are extremely excited to bring the Zoo Tycoon franchise to the Nintendo DS, as the popularity of this brand is sure to translate well to the handheld market," said Richard Browne, Director of Product Development. "The DS technology, including the dual screens and touch screen, allow for seamless life simulation gameplay, giving fans a whole new way to experience Zoo Tycoon."
http://wire.ign.com/articles/657/657739p1.html
PRESS RELEASE: Earth’s Rarest Animals Are Ready to Play, as Zoo Tycoon 2: Endangered Species Goes Gold
11th October 2005
Microsoft Game Studios announced today that the highly anticipated expansion pack to the best-selling Zoo Tycoon 2 has gone gold and will be released on 4th November. The expansion pack adds a spectacular new chapter to the wildly popular Zoo Tycoon 2, featuring 20 rare and exotic new animals, a dazzling new sky tram, and elevated paths and guided Jeep tours that take players closer than ever to their animal habitats.
Zoo Tycoon 2: Endangered Species expands upon the highly acclaimed Zoo Tycoon 2 for Windows with new building options, new music and awards for successful installations in your zoo. Behaviour modifications allow guests to express themselves more creatively, and new deviant animal behaviors are sure to keep fans on their toes. The upcoming expansion to Zoo Tycoon 2 is sure to be a hit with the entire family!
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/press_release.php?aid=12161
THQ Brings Multi-Platinum Zoo Tycoon(R) Franchise to a Handheld Video Game System for the First Time
THQ logo. (PRNewsFoto)
CALABASAS HILLS, CA USA 11/19/2004
Encounter the Ultimate Zoo Experience With 'Zoo Tycoon DS' for the Nintendo DSAGOURA HILLS, Calif., Oct. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- THQ Inc.(Nasdaq: THQI) today announced that "Zoo Tycoon(R) DS" for the Nintendo DS hasshipped to retail outlets throughout North America. This latest installmentof the best-selling and critically acclaimed Zoo Tycoon franchise bringstycoon-style gameplay to a handheld system for the first time, taking fulladvantage of DS technology.(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041118/LATH093LOGO)"We are extremely excited to bring the Zoo Tycoon franchise to theNintendo DS, as the popularity of this brand is sure to translate well to thehandheld market," said Richard Browne, Director of Product Development. "TheDS technology, including the dual screens and touch screen, allow for seamlesslife simulation gameplay, giving fans a whole new way
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/10-10-2005/0004164583&EDATE=
Animal society audit says Calgary Zoo one of '10 best' in the world
EDMONTON (CP) - The Calgary Zoo is getting howls, grunts and roars of approval from an independent audit of Alberta zoos to be released Wednesday.
But two roadside zoos in the province are getting failing grades. Dr. Ken Gold, who has audited more than 250 zoos around the world, says the Calgary Zoo is one of the best he's seen.
"I was amazed and pleasantly surprised at how good most of the exhibits were," said Gold, who visited four zoos in the province on behalf of the World Society for the Protection of Animals.
"Most of the newer exhibits were dramatic and really good for the animals - and really good for the visitors, too.
http://www.brandonsun.com/story.php?story_id=6645
Council to vote on Zoo development plan funding
Wednesday, 12 October 2005, 4:37 pm
Press Release: Wellington Zoo
Media Release
12 October 2005
Council to vote on Zoo development plan funding
Wellington Zoo Trust will present to Wellington City Councillors tomorrow on the capital development options for the Zoo, Zoo Trust Chairperson Neale Pitches announced today.
At the Strategy and Policy Committee (SPC) meeting at 9.15am tomorrow, Councillors will discuss a paper presented by WCC officials entitled “Wellington Zoo – Future Development Options”.
“Following the 2004 approval of the Zoo Trust’s Strategic Plan and the Trust’s first cut at a capital development plan, Council officers have outlined five options in their SPC paper. The option chosen by Councillors will go forward for full business case development prior to the 2006-07 year,” Mr Pitches said.
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0510/S00087.htm
Stoush over elephants' stamping ground
By John Huxley and Andrew Darby
October 12, 2005
Tribunal members visit Taronga Zoo yesterday.
Photo: Peter Morris
They have not yet been cleared to come to Australia but the five Asian elephants earmarked for Taronga Zoo have already been signed up to lucrative, exclusive picture deals and assigned special, celebrity profiles.
Recent requests to photograph the five - one male and four females - in quarantine at Kanchanaburi, west of Bangkok, were turned down because of a deal struck with a TV documentary maker, a zoo spokesman, Mark Williams, said.
"The elephants make a remarkable story but one which the zoo has neither the funds nor the facilities to tell properly. So we went to the experts. The arrangement does involve undertakings about exclusivity, some relating to the print media."
http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/stoush-over-elephants-stamping-ground/2005/10/11/1128796528930.html
Animal society audit says Calgary Zoo one of '10 best' in the world
EDMONTON (CP) - The Calgary Zoo is getting howls, grunts and roars of approval from an independent audit of Alberta zoos to be released Wednesday.
But two roadside zoos in the province are getting failing grades. Dr. Ken Gold, who has audited more than 250 zoos around the world, says the Calgary Zoo is one of the best he's seen.
"I was amazed and pleasantly surprised at how good most of the exhibits were," said Gold, who visited four zoos in the province on behalf of the World Society for the Protection of Animals.
"Most of the newer exhibits were dramatic and really good for the animals - and really good for the visitors, too.
http://www.brandonsun.com/story.php?story_id=6645
Jakarta hotels offer special packages during fasting month
Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Muslims need not worry about being stuck on the road or away from home at meal times during the fasting month of Ramadhan as most hotels offer both sahur (pre-dawn meal) and breaking-of-the-fast menus.
The five-star Hilton Hotel International in Central Jakarta, for instance, offers a menu tempting enough to encourage residents of the city to dine out, rather than at home, which is usually preferred in Ramadhan.
"We have long prepared packages for this Ramadhan. We offer a selection of Indonesian dishes, such as opor ayam (chicken cooked in coconut milk), during Ramadhan. We provide dinner to break the fast and pre-dawn meals for guests and visitors," Hilton public relations manager Emeraldo Parengkuan told The Jakarta Post.
http://www.thejakartapost.com/detailcity.asp?fileid=20051011.G03&irec=2
Ragunan officially reopens
Tantri Yuliandini and Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Minister of Agriculture Anton Apriantono together with Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso reopened Ragunan Zoo in South Jakarta on Tuesday, declaring the 140-hectare compound free of bird flu.
"People need no longer be afraid of visiting Ragunan as of this Oct. 11 it is free of bird flu and open to the public," Sutiyoso said during the reopening ceremony.
The zoo was closed last month after it was found that 19 of its captive birds had avian influenza. The closure reportedly caused the zoo Rp 700 million (about US$70,000) in losses.
Birds from endangered species at risk from bird flu have been treated while those not on the endangered list were culled earlier.
http://www.thejakartapost.com/detailcity.asp?fileid=20051012.G02&irec=1
Oregon Zoo Welcomes Elephant Experts From Around The World
Portland, Oregon - With a reputation for one of the most innovative and successful elephant management programs in the nation, the Oregon Zoo has been chosen to host the 26th Annual Elephant Managers Workshop on October 5-9. Elephant managers, keepers, veterinarians and researchers from as far away as England, New Zealand and Africa will gather to discuss the latest methods of elephant management and care.
http://www.glendaleoregonnews.com/articles/index.cfm?artOID=317301&cp=10976
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