Zoos
Fair Officials Skip Petting Zoo For Safety Reasons
POSTED: 2:25 pm EST November 4, 2005UPDATED: 2:57 pm EST November 4, 2005
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VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. -- The Volusia County Fair is off and running with one noticeable change. The lights and the rides are all back, but the petting zoo will be absent from the fairgrounds this year.
People who were planning on petting the animals at the Volusia County Fair this year will be disappointed by the changes that have been made to protect the health of fairgoers.
http://www.wesh.com/news/5252030/detail.html
New Zoo Exhibit To Get Polar Bears, Walruses
Nov 4, 2005 7:35 am US/EasternPittsburgh (KDKA) Starting next summer, the Pittsburgh Zoo will be the new home for two young polar bear brothers who have been the stars of the Denver Zoo since they were born last Thanksgiving.
The bears, Koda and Nuka, will be the first residents of the Pittsburgh Zoo's new Water's Edge polar bear exhibit, the Highland Park zoo announced Thursday.
The $12.5 million exhibit will feature an air-conditioned cave for the bears, a waterfall and a swimming area with below-water viewing for visitors.
http://kdka.com/local/local_story_308071955.html
Audubon Zoo Will Reopen!
After weeks of cleaning and planning Audubon Zoo is set to reopen November 26—on the weekends only, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. City tourism leaders have joined Audubon President and CEO Ron Forman in sharing the news that the first major tourist attraction in the city will soon be open for visitors.
To welcome everyone home, Audubon Zoo will be open to Audubon Nature Institute members only on Friday, November 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Then, for the weekend of November 26 and 27, the Zoo will be free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Audubon Zoo has set a reopening date—welcome home Zoo visitors!
Friday, November 25Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to only Audubon Nature Institute Members
Saturday, November 26 and Sunday, November 27FREE and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
After November 27th the Zoo will be open only on the weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until March 2006. Regular admission rates apply during this time.
The Zoo will also be open during the holiday season from Monday, December 26 through Sunday, January 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Regular rates will also apply during this time.
Please note that Audubon Zoo will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
http://ani.convio.net/site/PageServer
Species Survival Emergency Fund
https://secure2.convio.net/ani/site/Donation?ACTION=SHOW_DONATION_OPTIONS&CAMPAIGN_ID=1102&JServSessionIdr001=c6002sper1.app7a
Audubon Park Golf Course Reopening!
Saturday, November 5, 2005
Audubon Nature Institute will reopen its historic, premier public golf course Saturday, November 5 at 7:00 a.m. The course will be open for play on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until March 2006, when it will be open seven days a week.
To book tee times, please call (504) 212-5290 or (504) 866-7885.
Audubon Golf Course is the only public golf course to reopen in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast.
Please note that the Audubon Golf Clubhouse remains closed and currently is in use by the New Orleans Fire Department as a temporary fire station.
http://ani.convio.net/site/PageServer?pagename=golf_course_reopening
N.E. Aquarium caring for endangered turtle
5-foot leatherback stranded on Cape
By Chase Davis, Globe Correspondent
November 3, 2005
Critically ill, dehydrated, and far from its home in the open sea, a massive leatherback turtle found early this week in Cape Cod is providing Bay State biologists the rare and daunting challenge of treating one of the most endangered turtles on Earth.
The 350-pound, 5-foot-long turtle -- biologists are not sure whether it is male or female -- was found Monday on a private beach near Dennis, New England Aquarium officials said yesterday. Because the young turtle had no apparent injuries, they pushed it back out to sea.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2005/11/03/ne_aquarium_caring_for_endangered_turtle/
Bush-meat traders threaten Nigeria’s chimps
By dale morris
Publish Date: 3-Nov-2005
Patience allowed Dale Morris to bond with the scarred primates at Pandrillus rehab project. Sasha Gilmore photo.
Jessica, like many youngsters who grew up in her neck of the woods, had a tough childhood caused mostly by her very large family. Whenever she did something naughty, which was often, an authoritarian aunt or an eagle-eyed grandparent could be relied upon to witness the misdemeanour and dish out an appropriate reprimand. But like many of us who grew up amongst extended family, Jessica knew that she was loved, she knew she was safe, and she knew she would never be alone. Recurrent scoldings were a small price to pay for a family full of mischievous siblings and cousins.
Then one dreadful day they were all gunned down. And Jessica saw it all.
It was two years later that I became acquainted with Jess, a sad-looking specimen with empty eyes and jittery fingers. On our first of many meetings she merely stared at me through the electrified barrier that kept me safe from her notorious tantrums. It was an intense, cold gaze. “Hello, Jessica,” I said hoping to communicate my desire to help. But we didn’t bond on that occasion. She just glowered, slapped herself across the face with terrible force, and ran off into the corner of her cage.
http://www.straight.com/content.cfm?id=13827
Komodo Dragons Welcomed At Minnesota Zoo Save It
(WCCO) Apple Valley, Minn.
The Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley, Minn. welcomed four new
Komodo Dragons to its family on Thursday.
The dragons traveled to Minnesota from their birthplace at the Toronto Zoo.
The new dragons' father, Doni, is owned by the Minnesota Zoo.
The siblings will spend some time in quarantine before being put on display at "Tropics
Trail" in about a month.
http://wcco.com/pets/local_story_308121546.html
White alligator awes zoo visitors
Rachel StultsThe Arizona RepublicNov. 4, 2005 11:55 AM
LITCHFIELD PARK - Carrie Beletz took a step forward as a 4½-foot white alligator
approached her through mucky water. But this sixth-grader was not afraid.
Instead, Carrie, a student at Sahuaro Elementary School in Phoenix, pressed her face to
the glass at Wildlife World Zoo to get a better look at a creature she had never seen
before.
"That's cool," she said. "But I wouldn't want to feed it."
http://www.azcentral.com/community/westvalley/articles/1104wvalligator06-ON.html
Zoo's son shines
Friday, October 21, 2005
The male elephant calf born Tuesday at the Indianapolis Zoo gains strength with each
stride.
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?
Vaccinate zoo birds, ban bird shows, EU warns
By Sam Knight and agencies
The EU has ordered restrictions on bird shows and urged governments to vaccinate the
birds in their zoos as part of the continent's defence against a possible bird flu
pandemic.
The measures were announced late last night by the European Commission after a meeting
of EU veterinary experts, who are still testing a dead turkey in Greece to see whether
the deadly H5N1 strain of the virus has crossed the EU's borders.
Veterinary experts said that there should be an immediate EU-wide ban on the collection
of birds for markets, shows, exhibitions and cultural events, except where national
authorities gave specific permission, the statement said.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,13509-1836859,00.html
Zoo might lose elephants
4 pachyderms could be shipped out over $ shortage
By GLORIA CAMPISI
campisg@phillynews.com
The pachyderms may be packing it in at the Philadelphia Zoo.
Zoo officials could scrap plans for a costly new elephant exhibit within weeks, and
decide to send away the zoo's herd.
But that decision would have nothing to do with a recent clash between two of the
pachyderms that may have blinded the right eye of one of them, they said.
http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/news/local/12958917.htm
Apes Play With Bubbles, Cheetahs Chase Meat-Stuffed Dolls to Draw Crowds
CINCINNATI, Oct. 13, 2005 — The newest attractions at the Cincinnati Zoo aren't cute
baby pandas or cuddly tiger cubs. Instead, zoo administrators are introducing papier-
mâché animals stuffed with raw meat and spritzed with designer perfume.
With attendance sagging at many of the nation's zoos, administrators realize the limited
appeal of lounging lions, tired tigers and bored bears.
"We like to see the animals active and they like to see their faces," said one zoo-goer.
So zoos now feature what they call enrichment activities to keep the animals – as well
as visitors – active and engaged.
"They get excited when we do a lot of new things," said Cecil Jackson, elephant manager
at the Cincinnati Zoo.
In San Diego, guests spend close to $100 to witness firsthand the raw speed of a
cheetah, the fastest animal on land, chasing a stuffed rabbit on a string.
http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/story?id=1210058
Giant Sea Turtle Returns to Audubon Aquarium of the Americas; 'King Midas' Evacuated
After Katrina Returns to New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 12 /PRNewswire/ --
One of the animals evacuated fromAudubon Aquarium of the Americas will return to his New Orleans home onThursday. King Midas -- a giant green sea turtle -- was evacuated from theaquarium following Hurricane Katrina and taken to a temporary home at MoodyGardens Aquarium in Galveston. King Midas is truly a giant, even by turtle standards. He weighsapproximately 300 pounds and is nearly four-and-a-half feet long. He has beenin captivity longer than any other green sea turtle. King Midas came to NewOrleans in 1992 after a 23-year stay at the New York Aquarium at Coney Island.His actual age is a mystery; there are no records to indicate how old he waswhen he arrived in New York. Some experts have even estimated his age at morethan seventy years. King Midas will take a six-to-eight-hour overland journey to New Orleans.Transport will begin Wednesday around midnight so the giant turtle stays ascool as possible during his trip. He's expected to arrive in New Orleans at9:00 a.m. central time.
WHO: King Midas returns to New Orleans
WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 13, 2005 approx. 9:00 a.m. Central time
WHERE: Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, New Orleans
In New Orleans, "King Midas" lives in the huge 400,000-gallon Gulf ofMexico exhibit. He is the first animal to return to the Aquarium followingits post-Katrina evacuation. Other animals including the Aquarium's penguincolony are still in temporary homes across the country. "Seeing King Midasreturn to the Aquarium is a symbol that the Aquarium and New Orleans willrebuild," said Audubon Nature Institute President and CEO Ron Forman. Zoos and Aquarium's across the nation are joining together for "AudubonOctober," a fundraising effort to generate much-needed funds to help Audubonrebuild and reopen. Donations can be made at local zoos and aquariums throughthe month of October, or online at http://www.auduboninstitute.org/ .
Qorvis Communications, LLC aided in the preparation of this advisory
.http://www.qorvisnews.com/ .
Roadside zoos get failing grade from animal rights group Last updated Oct 12 2005 02:57 PM MDTCBC News Two roadside zoos in the province are unsafe for both animals and visitors, and neglect
basic standards of animal care, an audit – paid for by an animal rights organization –
has found.
The World Society for the Protection of Animals says some exhibits at the Discovery
Wildlife Park in Innisfail and the Guzoo in Three Hills are "accidents waiting to
happen."
"At both roadside zoos, bears, tigers and other big cats were kept behind flimsy fences
less than three metres high, without an overhang," Pat Tohill, the WSPA's campaigns
manager, said on their website.
http://www.cbc.ca/calgary/story/ca-zoos-wspa20051012.html
Two Alberta zoos flunk audit
CFCN.ca
POSTED AT 5:39 PM Wednesday, October 12
An animal protectionist group released a report Wednesday slamming two Alberta zoos.
The World Society for the protection of animals released the report in Calgary.
Guzoo Animal Farm in Three Hills faired poorly in the report.
Discovery Wildlife Park in Innisfail also came under fire for not having enough
activities within enclosures for it's animals.
The owners aren't happy their park was criticized, but say the new provincial guidelines
should help them handle that criticism.
"Now it gives us a framework to operate in," says Co-Owner Doug Bos, "and as long as
we're operating in that same frame work, than these activist groups can't lobby the
government to say we're doing stuff wrong, and hopefully it will give them a lot less
voice."
It's authors say the Calgary Zoo needs to be applauded for it's treatment of animals.
The Valley Zoo in Edmonton received a passing grade.
Panda Cub's Public Debut Postponed Until December
By D'Vera CohnWashington Post Staff WriterThursday, October 13, 2005; Page B08
The public debut of the National Zoo's giant panda cub will be delayed until at least
December because he is not venturing out of his hidden den and his mother does not
appear willing to let him do so, animal park officials said yesterday.
Although the black-and-white bear now resembles a toddler more than an infant and has
been walking short distances on all fours, zoo spokeswoman Peper Long said officials
have "pretty much decided" that he will not go on public display in mid-November, as
previously announced. Now, they are looking at going public in December.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/article/2005/10/12/AR2005101201112.html
Calgary Zoo ranks among best
By CP The Calgary Zoo is getting howls, grunts and roars of approval from an independent audit
of Alberta zoos to be released today.
http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/News/National/2005/10/12/1258559-sun.html
Shoemaker crafts boot for LA Zoo elephant
Associated Press
PASADENA, Calif. - Talk about your big orders.
Orthopedic shoemaker Cesar Lua just completed a custom job for an elephant.
Gita, a 47-year-old Asian elephant at the Los Angeles Zoo, had infected portions of a
non-weight-bearing toe removed from her left front foot two weeks ago.
The zoo asked Lua's Novis Orthopedic Shoes to create a boot to keep the wound clean
while it heals.
"They called asking if I could do an orthopedic shoe for an elephant and I said, 'Sure,
I can do it,' thinking it was a joke," Lua said. "And then later I thought, if I can do
human shoes, I could do an elephant shoe."
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/breaking_news/12883965.htm
Chimp returned to Sequoia Zoo after brief escape
Associated Press
EUREKA, Calif. - An escaped chimpanzee is back at the Sequoia Zoo after a brief jaunt
through a residential area that provided quite a sight for the Neighborhood Watch.
The chimp named Bill wandered off Thursday night after vandals broke into the zoo after
closing and cut a hole in his cage, officials said.
The Eureka Police Department received a call around 10:45 p.m. from a Neighborhood Watch
participant reporting that the chimp was in a backyard on Glatt Street. Zoo staff
arrived on scene with police to bring Bill home.
"He was extremely stressed and excited," said zoo supervisor Gretchen Ziegler.
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/states/california/northern_california/12855355.htm
Toledo Zoo making changes suggested by task force
Associated Press
TOLEDO, Ohio - Toledo Zoo officials will implement 115 of 123 recommendations made by a
citizens task force that reviewed operations following the deaths of several animals.
The review included the zoo's internal investigations of the animals' deaths. The task
force, appointed by Lucas County commissioners, began its work after the February firing
of the zoo's chief veterinarian of 22 years, which prompted questions about animal care
and other problems.
The panel's recommendations, announced in July, included the development of a strategic
plan for the zoo and personnel changes. The task force also recommended installing a
video camera in the hippopotamus enclosure to watch its automatic door, near where an
animal died.
"We're turning over a page in the long history of the zoo," board President Stephen
Staelin said Friday. "We are starting a new chapter."
http://www.ohio.com/mld/beaconjournal/news/state/12853790.htm
Manatees Leave Columbus Zoo
Female Manatees To Arrive Sunday
POSTED: 6:17 pm EDT October 7, 2005
UPDATED: 9:12 am EDT October 8, 2005
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The aquarium that once held manatees at the Columbus Zoo was virtually
empty Friday evening, except for some stingrays and fish. The manatees were moved to
Florida, where two of them will be released into the wild.
Curators with the zoo said saying goodbye to Gene, Dundee and Turtle was difficult, but
the purpose of having the manatees was always to rehabilitate them for release into the
ocean, NBC 4's Karin Hirschey reported.
The manatees were taken from individual holding tanks into foam boxes for their trip to
Florida.
http://www.nbc4i.com/news/5072787/detail.html
Emu at zoo put to sleep after contracting Triple E
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- An emu at the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence has been
put to sleep after contracting Eastern equine encephalitis—or Triple E.
The emu—named Bob—got the virus from a mosquito bite. He was 19 years old.
Though he was at first expected to improve, the bird’s condition took a turn for the
worse earlier this week.
Bob was put to sleep on Thursday. He will undergo an autopsy— and then his body will be
cremated.
A zoo spokeswoman says no other animals there have contracted the virus.
http://www.wpri.com/Global/story.asp?S=3953610&nav=F2DO
Nonprofit group to buy Naples Zoo land for $67.5M
By LAURA LAYDEN, lllayden@naplesnews.com
October 8, 2005
It looks like the monkeys and lions won't have to move and the landmark Naples Zoo will
keep its home.
The zoo land is off the market — and so is more than 100 acres of prime property around
it.
The Trust for Public Land announced late Friday afternoon it struck a deal to buy the
land from the Fleischmann family. The trust signed a contract to buy 166.5 acres,
including the roughly 50 acres under the zoo, for $67.5 million.
http://www.naplesnews.com/npdn/news/article/0,2071,NPDN_14940_4141963,00.html
Springfield zoo wants public's help to track down missing hawk
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. Henson Robinson Zoo officials are asking for the public's help to find
a missing red-tailed hawk.
The zoo discovered yesterday that the 28-year-old bird named "Manny" was missing. He's
been at the zoo since the late 1970s and is a popular fixture in school education
programs.
A zoo spokesman says the bird was stolen. Because the red-tailed hawk is a federally
protected species, the thief or thieves could face federal charges.
Zoo officials want anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.
(Thanks Kirk Farah, WTAX-Springfield)
Historic Naples Zoo saved by land trust
By The News-press Staff news-press.com October 07, 2005 A nonprofit land trust reached an agreement today to purchase the historic Naples Zoo
for $67.5 million, a deal that would preserve most of the land and ensure limited
development.
The Trust for Public Land will make Collier County — which had been working to strike a
deal with the owners of the zoo and at one point considered using eminent domain powers
— an offer to purchase the majority of the land by early November.
If all goes well, the nonprofit will use the county money to purchase the zoo from the
Fleischmann family by December.
“If the county is not committed, we won’t buy the property,” said Greg Chelius, Florida
director of the Trust for Public Land.
The nonprofit has not yet determined the price or how much of the land it will sell to
the county or to developers, but promised that most of the land will remain undeveloped.
“We’d like the county to be ready with their money at that point,” Chelius said.
Zoo puts on a charge to add visitors
GARETH EDWARDS
A HEAVY-HITTING ad campaign has been launched by Edinburgh Zoo in a bid to attract
thousands of winter visitors.
The campaign, which features a graphic illustration of the kind of damage a white rhino
could cause to one of the Capital's black cabs, is expected to help visitor numbers rise
from a monthly average of 18,000 over the winter months by up to ten per cent.
And as well as increasing gate receipts at a traditionally slow time of year, bosses at
the zoo are also hoping it will help raise the plight of the increasingly endangered
rhino.
They decided to launch the ad campaign following the success of their summer adverts,
which had the faces of the zoo's new koalas beaming down at people from dozens of city
buses.
The taxi, which is expected to turn heads on the city's streets, is covered in cleverly
designed "scratches", "gouges" and "dents", the kind of damage an angry or curious rhino
could easily cause with its powerful bulk and horn.
Edinburgh Zoo had two well-known white rhinos, Kruger and Umfolozi, who had been there
since 1976 and had 11 calves, helping to ensure the survival of the species. Sadly both
have now passed away, with Umfolozi put down last month due to deteriorating health.
The attraction now has Samson, a three-year-old male from Knowlsley Safari Park, brought
over in September.
A spokeswoman for the zoo said: "There are no other campaigns planned, as our summer bus
campaign with the koalas was very successful. But we thought we'd do a quirky little
advert to get more people in during the winter months, as we're open every day including
Christmas Day.
"Unfortunately, the taxi cannot go too close to our male Samson, as what originally was
still-life artwork, could very easily become real-life damage."
The campaign does have a serious message as well, however, with the rhino chosen to
coincide with next year's Save the Rhino Campaign, being run by the European Association
of Zoos and Aquaria. This will see zoos across Europe try to raise awareness about the
plight of wild rhinos, as well as money to help with conservation projects.
A VisitScotland spokeswoman said: "With more than half a million visitors in 2004,
Edinburgh Zoo is consistently one of Scotland's most popular tourist attractions and
provides a wonderful opportunity for visitors to see a variety of animals in beautiful
parkland surroundings."
http://news.scotsman.com/edinburgh.cfm?id=2054452005
Zoos - palaces or prisons?
Press Packer Amy has written about a topic that attracts a lot of attention - zoos.
Some people think that it's cruel to keep animals in captivity.
Other people argue that without zoos, lots of animals would face extinction.
In her report Amy looks at both sides of the argument.
"I wanted to look at the reasons why a zoo is either a palace or a prison for animals.
Unnatural
Zoos keep animals away from their natural habitat.
And some zoos keep animals in small spaces which isn't fair.
However, there are definitely positive reasons for having zoos.
Learning about animals
Zoos are good because they teach children a lot of things.
It gives them a chance to see animals doing what they would naturally do in the wild.
Animal survival
Zoos also care for animals that wouldn't survive in the wild - animals who are in zoos
are protected from their predators who might eat them.
Also, in the wild, if an animal is ill or injured it might not survive.
When they're in a zoo there is a vet to look after them.
If a species is endangered they are protected in a zoo and are less likely to face
extinction, which is really important."
Bowmanville Zoo fails
WSPA test But zoo owner says there are problems with report
Oct 7, 2005By Jennifer Stone More from this author BOWMANVILLE -- Zoo owner Michael Hackenberger says a report condemning his Bowmanville
facility and questioning its safety contains inaccuracies and disregards the fact that
Bowmanville Zoo is accredited by a well-known governing body.
The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) released report cards on 16 zoos
across the province earlier this week. Three local zoos --- the Bowmanville facility,
Orono's Jungle Cat World, and Northwood, in Seagrave --- were all rated, with only
Jungle Cat World (JCW) passing WSPA's test.
http://www.durhamregion.com/dr/regions/top_stories/story/3084158p-3577342c.html
The Family Patch
Hay rides, corn mazes, craft sales and petting zoos can all be part of the annual
pumpkin picking outing. People seem to want to go back to a simpler time, said Nathalie
Reinke, who helps her son, Greg Reinke at his business, Down on the Farm in Grand
Rapids.
http://www.wisinfo.com/newsherald/mnhlocal/289318007089397.shtml
Oregon Zoo's Pygmy Marmoset Welcomes Mate
Portland, Oregon - Miguel, Oregon Zoo's pygmy marmoset, recently received a mate. Three
-year-old Maya arrived at Oregon Zoo from Gladys Porter Zoo in rownsville, Texas..
Following her required time in quarantine, she and Miguel were introduced to each other
privately, off exhibit.
"Miguel and Maya are getting along wonderfully, grooming each other and frolicking,
chasing and playing throughout the exhibit," said Primate Keeper Renee Cressa.
http://www.centralpointnews.com/articles/index.cfm?artOID=316749&cp=4310
Amphibian centre for London Zoo
Frogs, toads and other amphibians are getting a new home at a conservation centre at
London Zoo. The project will allow scientists to find out more about diseases that threaten the
animals, and should help protect the endangered breeds.
The new centre will also include a breeding programme at Whipsnade Zoo, say the
Zoological Society of London.
A recent worldwide study found that a third of frog, toad and salamander species are on
the brink of dying out.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_4300000/newsid_4304100/4304114.stm
Hunt season hit by row over law
The hunting season has officially started in England and Wales, amid claims that some
people taking part are breaking the law on hunting with dogs. Thousands of people are expected to take part in 200 hunts on Saturday.
But animal rights charity, the League Against Cruel Sports, said some hunters are still
using dogs to kill foxes and other mammals, despite law changes.
But hunters' groups say the claims are false. The law now says packs of hounds can't
chase and kill a fox.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_4400000/newsid_4409400/4409462.stm
Conlin apologizes for zoo garage surpriseCouncilman called 'brave' for speaking to angry neighbors
By KATHY MULADYSEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER
City Councilman Richard Conlin apologized Saturday for a short-circuited process that
resulted in council approval of a parking garage on the west side of Woodland Park Zoo
-- but that stunned and angered neighbors who had worked on the plan for years.
"I think you are all owed an apology on the part of the city and City Council," Conlin
said during a Phinney Ridge Community Council Town Hall meeting attended by at least 100
neighbors, activists, zoo staff members and council and mayoral candidates. Conlin was
the only council member to attend.
"We didn't get much more notice about the change than you did," Conlin said. "It's my
understanding that it was a surprise to us, although it appears that it was more of a
surprise to you."
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/243153_zoo03.html
Chimp quits smoking at China zoo
www.chinaview.cn
2005-10-03 17:34:32
XI'AN, Oct. 3 (Xinhuanet) -- A chimpanzee in a northwest China zoohas succeeded in
quitting smoking, a habit that has troubled her for 16 years.
"Ai Ai", a 27-year-old mother chimp at Qinling Safari Park in Shaanxi Province,
spent four weeks abstaining from smoking, by cutting her daily cigarette consumption
step by step until ridding the habit entirely, a zoo keeper told Xinhua.
He said the zoo management decided to help the chimp quit smoking because it had
been deteriorating her health.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-10/03/content_3578698.htm
Sandalwood thief caught at zoo park
[ Monday, October 03, 2005 01:50:56 amTIMES NEWS NETWORK ]HYDERABAD: The security guards of the Nehru Zoological Park at Bahadurpura thwarted the
efforts of a four-member gang to steal sandalwood from the park on Saturday.
The suspects entered the park by scaling the compound wall near the Miralam tank and
were trying to steal sandalwood when two security guards noticed them.
In the chase that followed, the guards nabbed one of the thieves, who have been
identified as Pramod Sahu, 20, from Uttar Pradesh, police said.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1250092.cms
Zoo management
If those in charge weren't doing the job before, why does the city want them back?
Listen to folks from City Hall and the Zoological Society of Sioux Falls, and you get
the idea that all if forgiven. We're just one, big, happy family, all singing "Kumbaya."
Both are saying that after a summer of discontent - in which the society said it no
longer wanted a contract to run the zoo, the city could have it and do what it wanted -
suddenly the Zoological Society is back in the picture. And not just for an extension of
the management contract through the end of the year, but maybe long-term.
http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/articleAID=/20051002/OPINION01/510020319/1052
Unfettered affection at the zoo
Sunday, October 02, 2005
-- Shirley Kerns greeted her feathered, furry and amphibious friends in the Cleveland
Metroparks Zoo's education building each day with a cheery "Good morning, everyone!"
The zoo docent, who died Sept. 23 at age 64, often was the first person to enter the
room, which houses creatures used in animal-education classes.
"She had this voice," said Sue Duffy, the zoo's coordinator of volunteers. "It had a
musical quality to it. It was soothing, but it had energy. Perfect to wake up sleepy
critters."
Every December, Kerns made little Christmas stockings for each animal and hung them on
their cages. She did the same for crickets and mealworms that were destined for other
critters' dinner plates, "so they wouldn't feel left out," Duffy said.
Kerns also made stockings for several non-zoo birds, who lived at her Broadview Heights
home.
http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/112826760653380.xml&coll=2
New frog centre for London Zoo
The Zoological Society of London is to build a new centre for the conservation of frogs,
toad and other amphibians. The £2.2m (US$4m) project will include a public exhibit at London Zoo, laboratories for
disease research, and captive breeding facilities.
Scientists involved say it will be the first integrated amphibian conservation centre in
the world.
Amphibians are possibly the most threatened animals on Earth, with a third of species at
risk of extinction.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/4298050.stm
Two leopards escape from Junagadh Zoo
Ahmedabad, Oct 1. (PTI): Two leopards escaped from a zoo in Junagadh town of Gujarat through a breach in the enclosure where they were kept, senior forest sources said.
The leopards had escaped from a breach in the damaged gate of the enclosure, sources told PTI.
Details regarding how the gate was damaged are yet to be investigated and the authorities suspecting a foul-play has filed a police complaint in this regard, they said.
The leopards were in their prime, about seven years old and had fled late last night, sources added.
$10,000 needed to rehabilitate Accra Zoo
Accra, Sept. 30, GNA - Friends of the Zoo, a philanthropic association attached to the Accra Zoo on Friday organised a Wine and Cheese Night, at the Zoo aimed at raising 10,000 dollars towards the rehabilitation of Accra Zoo.
Dr Julie Hoag, Coordinator of the Zoo and a Veterinary Surgeon said so far 1,500 dollars have been collected form both local and international companies for the enlargement of some cages and the painting of the Zoo.
She said the actual target for organising the night was to raise five million cedis.
Assuring patrons that all the proceeds would be utilised at making the Zoo come up to modern standards that meet the expectation of the average tourist, she said it was important that Ghana protected the animals that were left as a way of promoting tourism.
"Most of the animals in this Zoo were either born in captivity or were rescued from injury and therefore the needs of all the animals needed to be met emotionally and physically," she said. Dr Hoag expressed the need for the zookeeper to make the living conditions of the animals pleasant and happy, by ensuring that the animals were entertained occasionally to make them relax. She said: "The Accra zoo is more than just a place to visit endangered animals. It is a place for public schools in Accra to learn wildlife appreciation and conservation concepts."
Dr Hoag urged people to donate generously towards the rehabilitation programme and that "the Accra Zoo is not just a government entity, but belongs to all the people of Ghana". "No zoo in the world can thrive without the kind support of the community."
Patrons of the Wine and Cheese Night were mainly made up of friends and family members of the diplomatic missions in Ghana. The Association has already provided a new playground for children who visit the zoo, as part of the rehabilitation programme.
Gulf Coast Zoo goes prime-time
Facility subject of new Animal Planet series starting in February Saturday, October 01, 2005By RYAN DEZEMBER Staff Reporter GULF SHORES -- As the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo prepares for a fall reopening, the 300 animals and staff of about 17 are readying for a new role -- that of prime-time television stars.
The nonprofit zoo, which is located along Alabama 59 about a mile north of the Gulf of Mexico, is the subject of a 13-episode series set to begin airing on the Animal Planet cable channel in February.
The hour-long episodes will chronicle the evacuation of the animals prior to last year's Hurricane Ivan, which devastated the 17-acre park, and the facility's struggles to reopen, including two more full evacuations this summer for hurricanes Dennis and Katrina.
http://www.al.com/news/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/news/1128158519281710.xml&coll=3
Agreement would leave zoo society as managerImproved communication might save deal with city
BEN SHOUSE
bshouse@argusleader.com
The nonprofit organization that runs the Great Plains Zoo announced Friday that it is on the verge of renewing its contract for five years, a move that would reverse its abrupt decision three months ago to turn the facility over to the city.
Mayor Dave Munson and Tony Bour, board chairman of the Zoological Society of Sioux Falls, led a news conference in a cavernous meeting room at the zoo to announce the tentative agreement. They said recent candid meetings between the board and city councilors were the key to the breakthrough.
The city owns the zoo, which opened in 1963. The society owns the animals and has managed operations since 1985.
http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051001/NEWS/510010340/1001
