Zoos
Young giraffe dies after brief illness
By Lisa Fleisher
Tribune staff reporter
Published October 13, 2005
Brookfield Zoo lost its youngest giraffe, Kelsey, 7, when the animal died Wednesday of intestinal blockage after a brief illness, zoo officials said.
Zookeepers first noticed on Oct. 6 that Kelsey had stopped eating her normal diet, which consists of hay, vegetables, leaves and twigs, said Stuart Strahl, chief executive and president of the Chicago Zoological Society.
Kelsey gained some strength on Saturday, but by Sunday she was again refusing to eat even her favorite foods, zoo officials said.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-0510130174oct13,1,2379712.story?coll=chi-news-hed
Aquarium opens early to annual pass holders
By JIM THARPE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 10/14/05
Doors to the Georgia Aquarium will swing open two days earlier than planned, but only to those visitors who buy annual passes, officials said Thursday.
People who want to see the planet's biggest fish in the world's biggest fish tank get their first chance to buy tickets today at 9 a.m. when annual memberships go on sale.
Last month, Chris Green of Poblocki Sign Co. installed the G on the Georgia Aquarium. Officials expect about 10,000 visitors per day when it opens Nov. 23 to the general public.
AQUARIUM TICKET INFO
Prices for annual passes (with tax)
Adult $59.50
Child (age 3-12) $43.25
Senior (age 55+) $48.75
HOW TO ORDER
On the Web: http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/
Telephone: 404-581-4000
Aquarium officials decided to advance ticket sales by a day and open the aquarium two days earlier for two reasons. They want to push annual memberships, and they want spread out the crowds expected when the 500,000-square-foot facility opens at the north end of Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta.
The aquarium's public opening had been slated for Nov. 23, but now will be moved up to Nov. 21 for those who buy yearly memberships. Those memberships cost $59.50 for adults, $48.75 for seniors (55 and older) and $43.25 for children (ages 3-12).
http://www.ajc.com/news/content/metro/atlanta/1005/14fishtickets.html
Devil of a gift for a future king
October 17, 2005 - 4:16PM
Tasmania has come up with something very distinctive for the son of its favourite daughter - a pair of Tasmanian devils.
A breeding pair of devils will be sent to Copenhagen Zoo to mark the birth of the future king of Denmark, Premier Paul Lennon has announced.
"We wanted to present the people of Denmark with something uniquely Tasmanian to celebrate the royal birth," he said.
Tasmania's gift also includes a specially commissioned christening spoon, which will be a fusion of crocoite, Tasmania's mineral emblem, and amber, the native stone of Denmark.
Every child born in Tasmania on Saturday will receive a pair of suede booties, similar to those Mary was spotted buying in Hobart during her royal tour in March.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/devil-of-a-gift-for-a-future-king/2005/10/17/1129401188190.html
D.C. Zoo Panda Cub Gets a Name: Tai Shan
By JACOB ADELMAN
Associated Press Writer
Published October 17, 2005, 8:25 AM CDT
WASHINGTON -- The National Zoo's giant panda cub, known to its keepers simply as "the Cub" since his birth 100 days ago, finally has a name: Tai Shan, which means "peaceful mountain."
The name, one of five proposed for the little cub, received 44 percent of the estimated 200,000 votes cast on the zoo's Web site, zoo officials said Monday.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-panda-name,1,5148946.story?coll=chi-news-hed
National zoo in US gets a 'peaceful mountain'
October 17 2005 at 11:22AM
Washington - Washington's National Zoo on Monday named its cute new giant panda cub, Tai Shan, which means peaceful mountain in Chinese, 100 days after it was born to a pair of panda parents on loan from China.
Tai Shan's name emerged first from an online poll which pulled in more than 200 000 votes, and was bestowed by National Zoo director John Berry during a ceremony featuring Chinese music and speeches from zoo chiefs and diplomats from China's embassy.
But the fluffy star of the show was oblivious to the fanfare, kept out of sight in a pen with his protective mother, and zoo officials said he is unlikely to emerge into the media glare until December.
http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=143&art_id=qw1129558682882U255
CORRECTED - Cameroon bids to win back apes from S.Africa zoo
18 Oct 2005 10:24:10 GMT
Source: Reuters
In YAOUNDE item headlined "Cameroon bids to win back apes from S.Africa zoo", issued on Oct. 17, please read in first paragraph ...endangered gorillas... instead of ...endangered guerrillas... (correcting to "gorillas")
A corrected version follows.
By Tansa Musa
YAOUNDE, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Cameroon is launching a bid to negotiate the return of four endangered gorillas whose fate has infuriated wildlife protection groups since the animals were smuggled via Malaysia to a South African zoo.
A Cameroon government delegation was travelling from the Central African country to South Africa on Monday to try to win the release of the young Western Lowland gorillas, dubbed the "Taipeng Four" and smuggled out three years ago.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L17180761.htm
National Zoo's giraffe put to death because of cancer
WASHINGTON (AP) — A poor prognosis for its 2-year-old giraffe forced the National Zoo to euthanize the animal after it took a turn for the worse.
Despite an operation, carried out Oct. 5 and seen here, 2-year-old Jafari died after a bout with cancer.
By Jessie Cohen, National Zoo via AP
The giraffe, named Jafari, was being treated for complications from skin cancer, but Sunday morning it appeared disoriented and was walking in circles.
Veterinarians and animal-care staff, who had been closely watching the animal's health, decided to put the giraffe down, the zoo said. Zoo officials closed the grounds early on Sunday so they could euthanize Jafari.
Jafari, who came to the zoo in April of 2004, was operated on Oct. 5 to treat a cancerous, grapefruit-sized tumor on the top of his head. However, the disease had spread to bone and not all the tumor could be removed.
The National Zoo now has only one giraffe, Randall, a 3-year-old male.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-10-17-jafarieuthanized_x.htm?POE=NEWISVA
N.O. ZOO IN CRISIS
Monday, October 17, 2005
Most of the animals at New Orleans` Zoo survived hurricane Katrina. They are living at the facility, which is now on the verge of a financial crisis. No one is coming to the zoo to see the Asian elephants, or the gorillas, the bears and the giraffes. Without visitors, the zoo is not making money. The Audubon Nature Institute, which runs the zoo, could lose $25 million in the next six months. Already, 175 full time employees have been let go.
http://www.kfdx.com/news/default.asp?mode=shownews&id=9960
John Ball Zoo admission prices may go up
(Grand Rapids, October 16, 2005, 6:07 p.m.) It could cost you more to visit the animals at John Ball Zoo next year.
The zoo has proposed increasing admission fees. Kids ages 4 to 13 would be charged $4, up from $2.50. Visitors between 14 and 62 years old would pay $6 instead of $4.
If approved, it would be the first price increase since 2002, and raise about $270,000 a year to help pay for zoo improvements.
The request will be reviewed Tuesday by the Kent County Commission's finance committee.
http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=3985979&nav=0Rce
Oregon Zoo Rediscovers Ivory-Billed Woodpecker
Portland, Oregon - The ivory-billed woodpecker was thought to be extinct, with the last confirmed sighting in the United States occurring nearly 60 years ago. But in February 2004 the bird's story was brought back to life with a sighting in the swamplands of Arkansas. Hear a detailed account of the rediscovery of this majestic bird from Gene Sparling, the naturalist who first spotted it, and Phillip Hoose, author of The Race to Save the Lord God Bird, at the Oregon Zoo's Kalahari Banquet Center on Wednesday, October 26 at 7 p.m.
http://www.medfordnews.com/articles/index.cfm?artOID=317801&cp=10997
Zoo unveils learning center
By Christy Strawser
Daily Tribune Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: October 16, 2005
ROYAL OAK — One room might be too cold, another too wet, drippy or dark but Detroit Zoo staffers are sure Goldilocks and all her friends will find the new Ford Education Center just right.
(image placeholder)
The media will get a first look at the $9.1 million facility on Tuesday morning, followed by a preview for Detroit Zoo members from 9 a.m.-noon next Saturday and Sunday. Bookings and events for field trips and other groups will begin in January.
Zoo officials believe the 40,000- square-foot interactive learning center will highlight young patrons' trips to the zoo and underscore its conservation efforts.
"(It is) an exciting new facility dedicated to teaching children and adults about wildlife in fun and engaging ways," zoo staff said in a press release. "Both children and adults will be able to embark on virtual journeys through the wild, experience the chill of a polar habitat and express what they have learned through different art mediums, all in this one incredible building."
http://www.dailytribune.com/stories/101605/loc_zoo16001.shtml
A bug's life
It's no secret: Insect killer Massey Services is behind a creepy-crawly exhibit.
Tammie Wersinger Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted October 16, 2005
Oct 16, 2005
SANFORD -- When the name Massey Services is mentioned, dead bugs normally come to mind.
But the Orlando-based company is doing a reverse by helping to bring in live insects -- to the Central Florida Zoo.
The seemingly odd partnership was born out of the zoo's desire to give visitors to the Sanford park a glimpse into a bug's life.
The product of that union is the Massey Services Insect Zoo, which officially opens at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in the entry room of the zoo's Wayne Densch Discovery Center.
"It's ironic, but it makes sense because, even though they are in the business of keeping bugs out of our houses, they understand how important invertebrates are to our world," said education curator Sandi Linn. "What's really funny is that this is certainly not the first time this has been done."
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-sbugzoo1605oct16,0,1504221.story?coll=orl-business-headlines-tourism
Not so scary family fun at Cincy zoo
By Gail Towns
For the Dayton Daily News
If you're headed to the Cincinnati Zoo this month, skip the peanuts. The elephants at HallZOOween are more likely to enjoy a few smashed pumpkins instead.
WHAT: HallZOOween.
WHERE: Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St.
WHEN: 4-8 p.m. today-Sunday, next Friday-Oct.23 and Oct. 28-30.
COST: $12.95 adults, $10.95 senior citizens, $7.95 children (children younger than 2 get in free). Parking fees additional. Tickets available online at http://www.cincinnatizoo.org/.
MORE INFO: (513) 475-6124.
It's all part of an annual event where the animals also get into spirit of things.
"A lot of what separates ours from other events is the fact that we have exotic animals all over the park who participate as well," said spokesman Chad Yelton. "The snow monkeys like to play keep away with pumpkins, and the elephants like to use their feet to crush them. "Sometimes you'll see an elephant grab an entire pumpkin by the trunk and eat them, but usually they quickly turn them into pumpkin pie."
http://www.daytondailynews.com/life/content/life/daily/1014gohallzooween.html
The Loom
October 15, 2005
Of zoos and polls
Posted by Carl Zimmer
My post on the cognitive dissonance in Florida about evolution brought a lot of comments, including one from David. Although he seems to be attacking other commenters rather than post itself as far as I can tell, he makes three points that are worth addressing.
1. "...most of you have no clue as to what ID/Creationists really believe."
"ID/Creationists" is an interesting phrase, given how Intelligent Design advocates keep telling us over and over again that ID is not creationism. Are these ID folks lying?
2. According to David, "ID/creationists" see a difference "between mirco-evolution [sic] (natural selection) and macro-evolution (goo to you by way of the zoo). Therefore you are arguing against a point of view from a position of ignorance."
This supposed distinction between microevolution and macroevolution made by creationists is an old one. It's certainly no secret to me. But acknowledging that "ID/creationists" see this difference doesn't change the thrust of my argument, nor those of the commenters who agreed with it.
http://www.corante.com/loom/archives/2005/10/15/of_zoos_and_polls.php
Trust looks to sell 2 parcels of zoo land to developers
By LAURA LAYDEN, lllayden@naplesnews.com
October 15, 2005
The Trust for Public Land is looking for a few good developers.
The national land conservation group has sent out bid packages to about a dozen developers interested in purchasing parts of the 166.5 acres the Fleischmann family owns in the heart of Naples.
The trust is looking at selling off two tracts to developers for a minimum of $20 million, while preserving the landmark Naples Zoo and the most environmentally sensitive land around it.
Bids must be received by 5 p.m. on Oct. 24.
http://www.naplesnews.com/npdn/news/article/0,2071,NPDN_14940_4159718,00.html
Second Man Charged For Freeing Hawk From Zoo
(AP) SPRINGFIELD Authorities charged a second man Friday for breaking into a zoo and setting free a caged hawk that may have trouble living in the wild.
Adam Loper, 20, was charged with burglary and felony theft. Glenarm resident Sean Coleman, 19, was charged with the same crimes Thursday.
The two men allegedly broke into an enclosure at the Henson Robinson Zoo on Oct. 6 and stole a red-tailed hawk named Mani. The bird, raised by humans, had lived at the zoo for 25 years and may not have enough hunting skills to survive out of captivity.
http://cbs2chicago.com/topstories/local_story_288083107.html
Zoo expects 2 bear cubs soon
By Jason Miller, The News-Dispatch
By the time Washington Park Zoo officials plan to finish a new bear, mountain lion and otter habitat next year, it's likely they'll have two new bear cubs.
Zoo Director Johnny Martinez said Friday the zoo is in line to receive a pair of grizzly bear cubs in the next two weeks from the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department.
”I came back from lunch (Friday) and had a phone message from Montana saying, ‘Yep, they're yours,' “ Martinez said Friday. ”They'd like us to get them here in the next two weeks. But we're trying to find transportation right now. If it all comes off well, they'll be in that new exhibit by next spring.“
http://www.thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2005/10/15/news/n1.txt
Elephants help clean up New Orleans zoo
By JESSICA BUJOL
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS -- Panya and Jean are doing their best to help remove the debris at Audubon Zoo, mostly by eating it. Oak leaves and bark are a rare treat for the two Asian elephants, and Hurricane Katrina left them with a smorgasbord.
Though it escaped major flooding, the zoo is closed to the public for the time being. The animals are fine, but the zoo isn't in any shape to open. In the Jaguar Jungle exhibit, the giant bamboo stalks that once shaded a winding stone path have been blown sideways by Katrina's winds. Piles of debris still dot the landscape.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1110AP_Katrina_Zoo.html
Lions attack zoo cleaner taking short cut
Friday Oct 14 16:00 AEST
Seven lions attacked a cleaner on his first day at work after he took a shortcut through their enclosure, state press said.
Zhang Huabang was in a critical condition after mistakenly walking on Tuesday through the unlocked gate of the enclosure at Shanghai Wildlife Park to get to the other side, the China Daily said.
Staff at the zoo used a water hose to drive the lions away and threw live chickens into the enlcosure to distract the animals before rescuing the cleaner, the report said.
He suffered lacerations to his face, shoulders and legs and was in intensive care, it said.
The zoo was investigating why the gate to the enclosure was unlocked.
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=67266
There are some changes in petting zoo
10/14/2005 5:38 PM
By: Tim Boyum & Web Staff
The State Fair’s petting zoo is up and running one year after more than 100 people were infected with e-coli.
But there are some big changes you need to be aware of when you head out to pet the animals. The changes are aimed to keep you safe but still have fun.
The Bowen family knows the petting zoo well. “Absolutely, we come every year,” Ken Bowen said, “How many years now, 21 years in a row.”
But this year they noticed something different.
http://rdu.news14.com/content/headlines/?ArID=75732&SecID=2
Get scared at the zoo
October 14, 2005
BY PATRICIA CHARGOT
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
What happens when you give three rambunctious tiger cubs pumpkins to play with?
Find out for yourself at the Potter Park Zoo's annual "Boo at the Zoo" celebration. Whatever happens, it should be messy. "All three of the cubs will be outside on exhibit," Gerry Brady, the Lansing zoo's director, said of the 6-month-old Amur siblings.
"They'll be by themselves, romping and playing with pumpkins. They're all doing well and they're big and ornery, about 40 pounds each."
(Amurs are the world's largest cats, larger even than lions. Full-grown males can weigh more than 500 pounds.)
The event runs from noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 29-30. Zoo admission is $2 for kids 3 to 15. An extra $1 will get you snacks, a hayride and a walk through a scary tunnel.
Other fun events:
•Detroit Zoo: This year's "Zoo Boo" is better than ever, with an extended treat trail, a Haunted Reptile House and more. Tickets are $5 for kids 2 and older and must be bought in advance through Ticketmaster at 248-534-6666 or online at http://www.tickermaster.com/. Visits start every 30 minutes from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 20-23 and Oct. 27-31.
•Detroit Historical Museum: Halloween mixes with history as tricksters stroll through the Streets of Old Detroit exhibit from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 30. Wear a costume and get in free! Admission is $3 for other kids; kids 4 and younger get in free.
•Toledo Zoo: Join the fun on the "Pumpkin Path" with the "best candy selection yet" from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 29 and 30. Admission is $6 for kids 11 and younger, $9 for older kids.
•John Ball Park Zoo: Halloween meets world culture in Grand Rapids as hip-hop, ballet and Chinese and Indian traditional dancers mix it up with pumpkins, scarecrows, a magic show and more. "Extravaganza 200" runs from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and Oct. 22-23. Admission is $2.50 for kids 13 and younger.
•Binder Park Zoo: Battle Creek's "Great Zoo Boo" runs today through Oct. 30 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. weekdays and 3 to 8:30 p.m. weekends. Admission is $4.50; kids under 2 who are not-trick-or-treating are free. For an extra $2, you can ride a train into the dark, surrounding pine forest. Boo!
By Patricia Chargot
http://www.freep.com/yak/news/corner14e_20051014.htm
Audubon Zoo cleaning up after hurricane
By JESSICA BUJOL
Associated Press Writer
October 14, 2005
Panya and Jean are doing their best to help remove the debris at Audubon Zoo, mostly by eating it.
Oak leaves and bark are a rare treat for the two Asian elephants, and Hurricane Katrina left them with a smorgasbord.
Though it escaped major flooding, the zoo is closed to the public for the time being. The animals are fine, but the zoo isn't in any shape to open. In the Jaguar Jungle exhibit, the giant bamboo stalks that once shaded a winding stone path have been blown sideways by Katrina's winds. Piles of debris still dot the landscape.
Most of the zoo's residents and a dozen or so key staff members stayed put for Katrina. The caretakers hunkered down in the reptile house, a building designed to withstand a hurricane and serve as a shelter. Food for animals and humans alike had been stockpiled.
http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051014/APN/510141131&cachetime=3&template=dateline
concluding ...
