Zoos
SeaWorld will send 4 whales to zoo
The young killer whales will be sent to Loro Parque, a zoo in the Canary Islands.
Jerry W. Jackson Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted December 9, 2005
SeaWorld Orlando and its sister park in San Antonio are making final preparations to transport four young killer whales to a zoological park in the Canary Islands.
SeaWorld Orlando recently welcomed the birth of a killer whale, bringing the total there to 10, and the three SeaWorlds nationwide are brimming with two dozen orcas. So the parks have enough that they can safely share four with the Loro Parque zoological park at Tenerife, said Fred Jacobs, spokesman for Busch Entertainment Corp., parent of the SeaWorld parks.
"We've known them for a long time, and they do an excellent job," Jacobs said of Loro Parque, a privately owned facility that features sea lions, dolphins, alligators, parrots and land animals but no killer whales.
Jacobs said Loro Parque trainers have been at SeaWorld in San Antonio for about the past year, learning to care for and train the big black-and-white sea mammals. A 7 million-gallon pool is under construction at Loro Parque to house the animals.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orange/orl-seaworld0905dec09,0,516477.story?coll=orl-news-headlines-orange
Police raid estate where lions and tigers hunted
08.12.05 4.20pm
By Elizabeth Nash
MADRID - Police have raided an illegal safari park on a remote private estate in western Spain where huntsmen pursued exotic protected species including lions and tigers.
The lions and tigers had apparently been bought clandestinely from a travelling circus by owners of the estate who organised the hunt.
A lion and a tiger found alive were taken away yesterday by an animal protection society, and one tiger already dead was carried away for incineration.
Seven men were detained on charges of hunting endangered species, police said, and face three years in jail and an eight-year ban on hunting if found guilty.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10359041
Zoos to answer questions on elephant facilities
Sydney's Taronga Zoo and the Melbourne Zoo will return to a tribunal today to provide additional evidence in support of a proposed elephant importation program.
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal has approved the importation of eight elephants from Thailand on the condition that the zoos satisfy questions raised about the conditions and facilities the elephants will be kept in.
The case will be mentioned in Sydney today, to set a time to hear the evidence next week.
The importation program was being challenged by a coalition of animal welfare groups and Nicola Beynon from the Humane Society says the tribunal has not completely dismissed their arguments.
"They've said that they do have outstanding concerns that go to the laws, that go to the animal welfare needs of the elephants and we need to see whether the zoos will be able to meet those outstanding concerns," she said.
Sydney's Taronga Zoo says it will fulfil the tribunal's demands.
Taronga Zoo director Guy Cooper says if all goes well with the tribunal, the elephants will arrive after Easter.
"They have undertaken to give us a final decision on the 16th of this month," he said.
"In the meantime ... we'll be working towards getting any questions that they want finalised and to them by that time, they have made the comment that they do believe the permits should be granted."
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200512/s1526327.htm
Tribunal clears way for zoo to import elephants
Matt Cunningham
08dec05
MELBOURNE will probably be home to three Asian elephants after a tribunal decision yesterday cleared the way for their import.
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal ruled that bringing the elephants from Thailand would not breach any laws, after animal welfare groups appealed against the planned importation.
The female elephants will make their home at the Melbourne Zoo, where they will enjoy the surroundings of the zoo's Trail of the Elephants exhibit.
There are already two Asian elephants at the zoo, but none have been imported since cow Mek Kapah and bull Bong Su came to Melbourne 25 years ago.
They are now set to be joined by Num-Oi, 4, Dokkoon, 12 and Kulab, 5.
The zoo's new additions are part of a group of eight that could now call Australia home, with the other five -- four cows and one bull -- bound for Sydney's Taronga Park Zoo.
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,17495965%5E2862,00.html
Zoos to answer questions on elephant facilities
Sydney's Taronga Zoo and the Melbourne Zoo will return to a tribunal today to provide additional evidence in support of a proposed elephant importation program.
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal has approved the importation of eight elephants from Thailand on the condition that the zoos satisfy questions raised about the conditions and facilities the elephants will be kept in.
The case will be mentioned in Sydney today, to set a time to hear the evidence next week.
The importation program was being challenged by a coalition of animal welfare groups and Nicola Beynon from the Humane Society says the tribunal has not completely dismissed their arguments.
"They've said that they do have outstanding concerns that go to the laws, that go to the animal welfare needs of the elephants and we need to see whether the zoos will be able to meet those outstanding concerns," she said.
Sydney's Taronga Zoo says it will fulfil the tribunal's demands.
Taronga Zoo director Guy Cooper says if all goes well with the tribunal, the elephants will arrive after Easter.
"They have undertaken to give us a final decision on the 16th of this month," he said.
"In the meantime ... we'll be working towards getting any questions that they want finalised and to them by that time, they have made the comment that they do believe the permits should be granted."
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200512/s1526327.htm
Zoos perfect the art of panda breeding
By D'Vera Cohn
The Washington Post
JESSIE COHEN, SMITHSONIAN / THE WASHINGTON POST
National Zoo veterinarians Suzan Murray, left, Sharon Deem and Ellen Bronson anesthetize Mei Xiang for artificial insemination in March. Until her cub Tai Shan was born in July, doctors were not sure the procedure was successful.
WASHINGTON — The National Zoo's giant-panda cub, Tai Shan, didn't just happen — he was brought to you by scientists who spent years of study before they mastered a specialized bit of artificial insemination.
A recent surge in giant-panda science is helping zoos get more animals pregnant, diagnose when they are expecting and put to rest the long-held belief that pandas are poor breeders. The research is producing insights into how pandas communicate, how mothers raise their young and how the animals look for food.
The ultimate goal is to increase the giant panda's chances in the wilds of China, where only about 1,600 remain, threatened mainly by the loss of bamboo forests to logging and development. Scientists are studying the panda's basic survival needs and are trying to build up the number of captive animals so that some could be set loose in potential panda territory.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2002673224_panda09.html
A Cub Born of Technology
Panda, Who Meets Public Today, Is Offspring of Years of Study
By D'Vera Cohn
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, December 8, 2005; Page B01
The National Zoo's giant panda cub, Tai Shan, didn't just happen -- he was brought to you by scientists who spent years studying the intimate details of black-and-white bear biology before they mastered artificial insemination.
A recent surge in giant panda science is helping zoos get more animals pregnant, diagnose when they are expecting and put to rest the long-held belief that pandas are poor breeders. The research is producing insights into how pandas communicate, how mothers raise their young and how the animals look for food.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/07/AR2005120702455.html
Cub inspires 'awws' at zoo
Cub Tai Shan is one of only 1,400 to 1,600 giant pandas in the world. He will live at the National Zoo until age 2, then be taken to China to help perpetuate the species.
The National Zoo is at 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
Hours: Open daily except Christmas Day. Hours through April 1, 2006 are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (grounds) and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (buildings)
Admission: Free
Phone: (202) 633-4800
Web site: www.nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/Giantpandas/default.cfm
Note: Tickets to see Tai Shan have been distributed, but each day at 8 a.m., the National Zoo will make available approximately 60 tickets at the panda information booth. Visitors receiving these passes will not be able to specify what time they'd like to see the panda.
Friday, December 9, 2005
By CHUCK DARROW
Courier-Post Staff
It's panda-monium in the nation's capital as Tai Shan, the recently born giant panda cub, made his debut Thursday at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C.
How hot is the black-and-white baby who was born July 9 to Mei Xiang (pronounced May Shong)?
Absolutely smokin': All 13,000 public tickets to see 5-month-old Tai Shan (pronounced ty-SHUN) between now and Jan. 2 were snapped up in just two hours weeks before he went on public display.
http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051209/NEWS01/512090380/1006
City zoo bosses go ape over plan to let MSPs ban animals
IAN SWANSON SCOTTISH POLITICAL EDITOR
BOSSES at Edinburgh Zoo fear new legislation going through the Scottish Parliament may damage their work and put them at a disadvantage with zoos south of the Border.
The Royal Scottish Zoological Society has told MSPs it is "greatly concerned" about a proposal to give the Scottish Executive powers to ban the keeping of certain species. And it claims the move could harm the national and international work done by Scotland's only zoo on animal conservation.
http://news.scotsman.com/edinburgh.cfm?id=2365872005
Zoo Officials Ready For Pandamonium
Online Tickets Are Sold Out
POSTED: 6:59 am EST December 8, 2005
UPDATED: 6:35 pm EST December 8, 2005
WASHINGTON -- Thursday was the first time the general public got to see Tai Shan, the new baby panda cub at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park.
Since his birth on July 9, Tai Shan has been viewed online more than 7 million times on a "panda cam".
Friday, the panda cub will be 5 months old. He currently weighs 22 pounds.
A few thousand special guests and members of the media have already seen the black-and-white cub up close. But, Thursday marked the first time members of the general public have been allowed to file through the exhibit area.
Zoo officials said the allotment of online tickets sold out quickly.
Officials also said 60 same-day tickets will be handed out starting at 8 a.m. each morning, and they're expected to go quickly. There will be five tickets for each 10-minute viewing slot.
http://www.nbc4.com/news/5490674/detail.html
Lion at Rome zoo is treated for arthritis
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
ROME -- Veterinarians have treated an elderly lion in Rome's zoo for arthritis by inserting some 50 gold pellets into the animal's muscles, the zoo's chief veterinarian said Wednesday.
The Asian lion, named Bellamy, had difficulty walking until the procedure two weeks ago in which 24-karat gold pellets each measuring 1 millimeter (0.04 inches) in diameter were inserted, Klaus Gunther Friedrich said.
"We implanted gold into his spinal muscles and near the joints," he said, adding that gold helps to relieve muscle contraction around painful areas.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1103AP_Italy_Arthritic_Lion.html
Investors seek zoo bid renegotiation
Attorney says group will default otherwise
By Tim Carpenter
The Capital-Journal
The high bidder for Topeka Zoo's defunct animal breeding farm intends to default on a contract to pay $600,000 for the property, lawyers said Wednesday.
Arthur Glassman, an attorney for investors associated with Innovative Consulting Inc., of Topeka, said his clients couldn't obtain bank loans to finance the deal for 148 acres southwest of Topeka adorned with ponds, storage buildings and a tall chain-link fence surrounding half the property.
"It can't be financed at the price it has been bid," Glassman said. "The buyer will be in a position of defaulting on the contract."
http://www.cjonline.com/stories/120805/loc_zoo.shtml
Pet bear headed to California zoo
By The Associated Press
GRANTS PASS — A California zoo is getting a Windfall from Oregon — a live one, at that.
“Windfall’’ is the name given to the 2-year-old bear, formerly kept illegally at a home near Coos Bay. State wildlife officials said the bear is headed to the Applegate Park and Zoo in Merced, Calif., which houses animals that cannot be released to the wild.
“We feel good taking the bear to the Applegate Park and Zoo,’’ said Ron Anglin, Wildlife Division administrator with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. “We needed to make sure the bear had the highest quality standard of care, and with our counterparts in California recommending this facility, it’s a good decision.’’
The Oregon State Police in late October removed the bear from the home of Rocky and Jonathan Perkett of Allegany, after the father and son had brought up the bear as a cub.
http://www.gazettetimes.com/articles/2005/12/09/news/oregon/friore06.txt
Phoenix Zoo works to pacify its pachyderms
Zoo teaching elephants to co-exist
Katie Ruark
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 9, 2005 12:00 AM
You wouldn't know it by looking at them, and it's certainly not something you'd see on the sign in front of their exhibit, but the Phoenix Zoo's elephants all have storied pasts.
All three of the zoo's Asian elephants are former circus animals with at least one incident of hurting someone. Reba, the zoo's most aggressive elephant, killed a Ringling Brothers trainer in 1993 when she knocked him down and stepped on him.
"Most zoos would shy away from having these elephants," said Geoffery Hall, the zoo's executive vice president of Living Collections.
advertisement
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/1209phxelephants09.html
Zoo Welcomes Female Orangutan 'Violet'
POSTED: 4:25 pm HST December 8, 2005
UPDATED: 5:16 pm HST December 8, 2005
HONOLULU -- The Honolulu Zoo showed off Violet, the female orangutan brought there to be the companion of Rusti, for the first time Thursday.
Violet is little, about half the size of Rusti.
She is alone now in the zoo's new $700,000 orangutan enclosure. Violet will remain in quarantine for 30 days. Then, zookeepers will bring Rusti over to join her.
"We are hoping that it will be a very good match -- Match.com, one of those things," orangutan keeper Malia Davis said, laughing.
"Once we put them together, things can change and, of course, we are going to be monitoring that. If anything happens, we lock them up again and slowly introduce them," supervisor Maurice Bolosan said.
Violet and Rusti are in their 20s, so they will have a couple of decades of life together since orangutans can live to about age 50. They will not have offspring because both are neutered.
Violet arrived in Hawaii from the San Diego Zoo. The Honolulu Zoo Society and private donors paid for the new enclosure.
http://www.thehawaiichannel.com/news/5497166/detail.html
Private zoo owner says unruly tiger put to death in Foley
Associated Press
FOLEY, Ala. - A private zoo operator said a woman who wanted to give his 450-pound Bengal tiger a new home in Tennessee didn't contact him until after he had euthanized the animal.
Joe Higginbotham, owner of Kids Country Zoo in Foley, said the 2-year-old male tiger became dangerous and continually tried to break out of its cage. Higginbotham said he had searched for a suitable home for the animal, but no one wanted it.
http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/mld/ledgerenquirer/news/local/13362511.htm
Memorable, successful zoos are a work in progress
"We're in the job of creating memories," says the director of the Virginia Zoo.
By Marques G. Harper
Traditionally zoos have a vested interest in the preservation of animals and conservation efforts.
However, in this day of Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park and "Fear Factor"-style entertainment, an amount of marketing savvy also is necessary to attract zoo visitors.
"Zoos are just not about animals," said Lewis Greene, director of the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk. "We're in the job of creating memories."
Greene said people typically experience the zoo four times: as a toddler, as a student, as a parent and as a grandparent. Therefore, any zoo should want to distinguish itself from any other destination in the area, Greene said.
The Virginia Zoo attracts 300,000 visitors a year. Greene considers that number to be acceptable, but hopes to raise it with special events, once-a-year programs and a planned expansion.
http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/wb/xp-42270
Feeding the animals coming back to zoos
Tampa, Fla. November 13, 2005 12:01:13 AM IST
Zoos across the country are warming up to the idea of letting visitors feed the animals as a marketing and educational tool.
At Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, Fla., visitors pay $2 to feed crackers to giraffes, the Dallas Morning News reports.
That's done from platform that puts the visitors at eye level with the giraffes.
Zoo CEO Lex Salisbury said it provides a great experience that gets kids up close to the tall animal, witness the 18-inch tongue and smell its breath.
Chuck Siegel, deputy director of animal management at the Dallas Zoo, would like to make it more educational.
That zoo is contemplating a change from the past where feeding an animal was prohibited.
He wants to incorporate it with a guided tour or class.
Animal feeding was once common in zoos but ended when biologists worried about the affect on animals' health.
http://news.webindia123.com/news/showdetails.asp?id=160720&cat=World
Feeding animals big lure at zoos
Some claim a close encounter is a way to outdo TV nature shows
By DAVID FLICK
Dallas Morning News
DALLAS - The newest endangered species at zoos these days might be the signs that read, "Please don't feed the animals."
An increasing number of zoos across the country are not just allowing but encouraging visitors to feed birds, fish or even such marquee attractions as giraffes and rhinos. Some are charging a fee to do so.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/3455957.html
Zoos on watch for avian flu
Lincoln Park official helps organize effort
By William Mullen
Tribune staff reporter
November 13, 2005
As the nation and the city try to gird for the possible invasion of a deadly and all but invisible avian flu, zoos nationwide are volunteering for duty as sentinels.
There are others keeping watch, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which monitors farm animals for the disease, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which looks at wildlife.
But the 210 accredited zoos in the U.S. are particularly useful because at least one is near every major population center, and they house diverse animal populations that are under close daily observation by keepers alert to abrupt health changes.
If zoo animals are stricken, officials said, keepers will know almost immediately, and the information will be passed into the national monitoring system.
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/chi-0511130406nov13,0,3398741.story?coll=ny-leadnationalnews-headlines
Zoo Tycoon 2 ships for the Mac
By Peter Cohen
It’s time to monkey around, because MacSoft has announced that it’s shipping Zoo Tycoon 2 for the Macintosh, a strategy game that puts you in charge of a zoo. It’s available for US$39.99 and should hit store shelves this week.
The Macintosh conversion of Zoo Tycoon 2 includes a special bonus — a DVD featuring film segments and trivial from National Geographic’s “Totally Wild” series.
In Zoo Tycoon 2, you build and operate your own zoo, doing everything from setting up the exhibits (making sure the environments are right for the animals, for example), to setting up concession and souvenir stands for the patrons, to making sure the park is well run with maintenance staff and animal caretakers.
http://www.macworld.com/news/2005/12/08/zootycoon2/index.php
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