Psycho kitty terrorizes Connecticut neighbors
Town orders house arrest on 'Lewis' after he ambushed the Avon lady
FAIRFIELD, Conn. - Residents of the neighborhood of Sunset Circle say they have been terrorized by a crazy cat named Lewis. Lewis for his part has been uniquely cited, personally issued a restraining order by the town's animal control officer.
"He looks like Felix the Cat and has six toes on each foot, each with a long claw," Janet Kettman, a neighbor said Monday. "They are formidable weapons."
The neighbors said those weapons, along with catlike stealth, have allowed Lewis to attack at least a half dozen people and ambush the Avon lady as she was getting out of her car.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12057893/
Pet Store Chain Probed Over Sick Puppies
ATLANTA Mar 28, 2006 (AP)— The Georgia Department of Agriculture is investigating a pet store chain accused of selling puppies infected with a parasite.
Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin has warned dog owners to be careful.
A total of 151 puppies at six locations of The Pet Company in the Atlanta area were examined. Of those, 138 tested positive for Giardia, a parasite that can be transmitted between animals and humans.
It is not clear how many infected dogs have been sold to the public. The state is seeking citations and fines against the New Windsor, N.Y.-based stores.
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory?id=1779320&health=true
Common Practices At Petting Zoos Put Visitors At Risk
ATLANTA, GA, March 2006. While petting zoos pose a risk for gastrointestinal illness, most visitors aren't aware that simple prevention measures could prevent infection. In addition, some engage in behaviors that might increase their risk of infection according to several studies being presented this week at the International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases. Researchers from the CDC today release the results of a case-control study of an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 associated with two Florida petting zoos, in which they interviewed visitors who did and did not get sick to identify which behaviors were predictors of infection. Some behaviors that were most strongly associated with illness were feeding a cow or goat, touching a goat and stepping in manure or having manure on your shoes. Not surprisingly, simple handwashing after visiting the petting zoo, including lathering with soap and washing hands before eating and after visiting the petting zoo, were found to protect against infection.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=39947
Kids animated over zoo competition
Monday, Apr 10, 2006Cassaundra Baber Observer-Dispatch
In a moment almost unheard of in an elementary school, Bonnie Sliker begged her students to be louder.
"There's no energy boys and girls," Sliker, a music teacher, told the students during a rehearsal for the "It's A Zoo!" Theater Competition. "This is the opening of your show. It seems like you're bored with this. Tell me the story of 'The Jungle Book.'"
The Utica Rotary initiated the "It's A Zoo" Theater Competition concept three years ago as an effort to raise money to build a pavilion for the Utica Zoo. Funds raised still benefit the zoo, but the focus has become more directed on how the dramatic arts shape children's literacy, said chairwoman Maria Pavelock .
"When a child brings a connection to a storyline by playing a character, it brings a whole new concept to reading," Pavelock said. "It brings an emotional connection to literature."
Each school — this year there are 14 — adapts a piece of nature- or animal-themed children's literature into a theater production, complete with vocals and choreography. Performances began last week and will continue until April 28, when a panel of judges will select eight finalists to compete at Utica College's Strebel Auditorium for the grand prize — a trip to the Bronx Zoo.
http://www.uticaod.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060410/NEWS/604100317/1001
Wash hands after visiting petting zoos
By JANET CROMLEY Los Angeles TimesApril 3, 2006
Those cute petting zoo animals that your kids love to touch may be harboring another type of critter that isn't so cuddly - Escherichia coli O157:H7. Researchers reported that of 1,700 visitors at petting zoos in central Tennessee, 62 percent did not use hand sanitizer stations after visiting the animals. Another report found that 28 percent of visitors to the 2005 South Carolina State Fair did not use hand-washing facilities. Other risky behaviors included bringing food and drink into the zoo. Since October 2004, petting zoos in North Carolina, Florida and Arizona have been linked to outbreaks afflicting nearly 200 visitors, mostly children.
One of Canada's oldest zoos closes after political and management missteps
Les Perreaux, Canadian Press
Published: Friday, March 31, 2006
(CP) - Canadian zoos could have their pick from a menagerie of more than 750 birds and animals after the Quebec City zoo closed Friday, throwing polar bears, parrots and peacocks into an uncertain future.
But some beasts like a pair of grizzly bears are probably too old to be moved, even if a new home can be found for the lumbering orphans. Devastated zookeepers say they have no intention of destroying any animals, but they have yet to hear the shut-down plan from the zoo's owner, the Quebec government.
http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=05b2b7fd-289a-4f67-8065-1ea5c264e58b&k=72993
Senate approves dedicated state money for outdoors, arts
PATRICK CONDON
Associated Press
ST. PAUL - What do ice fishing, deer hunting, parks and trails, clean water, zoos, museums and public broadcasting have in common?
All those things would get a larger, guaranteed slice of money under a wide-ranging constitutional amendment approved by the state Senate on a 42-22 vote Monday. If the House of Representatives follows suit, the amendment would appear on this November's ballot, asking voters if they'd favor increasing the state sales tax by three-eighths of one percent to pay for it.
Senators who support the money say those disparate sources of spending are tied together by their importance to Minnesota's quality of life. And all have suffered, they say, by diminished state funding in recent years.
"This gives Minnesotans a chance to affirm why they live in Minnesota," said Sen. Sandy Pappas, DFL-St. Paul. "We live here for our outdoors, our parks and trails, but also for our museums and culture."
http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsuperior/news/politics/14253813.htm
Senate approves dedicated state money for outdoors, arts
PATRICK CONDON
Associated Press
ST. PAUL - What do ice fishing, deer hunting, parks and trails, clean water, zoos, museums and public broadcasting have in common?
All those things would get a larger, guaranteed slice of money under a wide-ranging constitutional amendment approved by the state Senate on a 42-22 vote Monday. If the House of Representatives follows suit, the amendment would appear on this November's ballot, asking voters if they'd favor increasing the state sales tax by three-eighths of one percent to pay for it.
Senators who support the money say those disparate sources of spending are tied together by their importance to Minnesota's quality of life. And all have suffered, they say, by diminished state funding in recent years.
"This gives Minnesotans a chance to affirm why they live in Minnesota," said Sen. Sandy Pappas, DFL-St. Paul. "We live here for our outdoors, our parks and trails, but also for our museums and culture."
http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsuperior/news/politics/14253813.htm
Linklater's Scotland
MAGNUS LINKLATER
IT IS a cold, wet winter's day, and the animals don't like it. The ring-tailed lemurs are staying determinedly inside their hut. Two sea eagles sit hunched on a branch, their expressions indicating distaste. A couple of grey-crowned cranes pick their way delicately through the mud, looking like Morningside ladies on their way to church. Only the painted hunting dogs seem oblivious to the climate, tearing around their enclosure, then gathering at one end in a menacing pack - like a gang of youths in search of an asbo.
A zoo rarely looks its best in these conditions. It's hard for a chimp to radiate enthusiasm when the rain is seeping into his fur. Only the ducks seem to enjoy it. But something seems to have happened to Edinburgh Zoo since I was last here. I watch the hunting dogs, not from behind grim iron railings or a concrete barrier, but from an African hut, which I reached along a raised walkway. It seem as though I'm almost on top of them; infra-red CCTV cameras let me intrude on their most intimate moments; from a glass-fronted space I can imagine myself part of the pack.
Zoos set to appeal COA decision on giant panda offer
Panel convened by council did not inspect facilities at Taipei City Zoo, says director
Two Taiwan zoos vowed yesterday to appeal a Council of Agricultural decision to reject China's offer of two giant pandas, saying that the council's reasons for doing so were "inadequate" and "without basis."
On Friday, an ad hoc advisory panel convened by the COA announced that Taiwan was unable to accept the pair of pandas because the animals would not receive proper care as required under animal protection laws and other international agreements.
But Taipei City Zoo Director Chen Bao-chung argued the panel never inspected the facilities at the zoo, therefore it does not have substantiated evidence to discredit the zoo's preparations or ability to care for the two pandas.
He also said that although the construction of the building to house the pandas is only 53 percent complete, staff members have already been professionally trained to care for the animals.
Zoos and wildlife parks singled out for awards
01 April 2006
A New Zealand zoo and wildlife park have been recognised for their conservation programmes.
Pukaha Mount Bruce and Auckland Zoo have shared the international Australasian Regional Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria (ARAZPA) award for In Situ Conservation – awarded for exceptional effort towards habitat preservation, species restoration, and support of biodiversity in the wild.
Pukaha Mount Bruce – responsible for the breeding and husbandry of a range of endangered New Zealand species for release to the wild as part of National recovery programs – has played a key role in the survival of some of New Zealand's most threatened wildlife.
Pukaha Mount Bruce has embarked on a forest restoration program and for the first time in New Zealand's history, species have been successfully re-established on the mainland in the wild, at a site where they had become extinct.
Separately, Auckland Zoo was recognised for its work with the Campbell Island Teal.
One of Canada's oldest zoos closes
By LES PERREAUX
CP) - Canadian zoos could have their pick from a menagerie of more than 750 birds and animals after the Quebec City zoo closed Friday, throwing polar bears, parrots and peacocks into an uncertain future.
But some beasts like a pair of grizzly bears are probably too old to be moved, even if a new home can be found for the lumbering orphans. Devastated zookeepers say they have no intention of destroying any animals, but they have yet to hear the shut-down plan from the zoo's owner, the Quebec government.
"We have an obligation to these animals, and there is nobody here who is going to euthanize these animals just because the zoo is closed," keeper Karl Fournier said in an interview.
Texas State Aquarium receives accreditation
The Texas State Aquarium announced Friday it has received accreditation by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association's Accreditation Commission.
Accreditation is granted for five years and is based on collection care, veterinary programs, conservation, education and safety.
Founded in 1924, the AZA represents 210 accredited zoos and aquariums, mostly in North America.
Adriana Garza
IDA ACTION ALERTS 1. IDA Accuses Philly Zoo of Violating Endangered Species Act IDA Submits Legal Notification for Transfer of Off-Exhibit Elephant to Sanctuary IDA and Marianne Bessey of Friends of Philly Zoo Elephants notified the Philadelphia Zoo by letter this week it is in violation of the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) for its mistreatment of Dulary, an endangered Asian elephant. IDA and Friends of Philly Zoo Elephants charge the Zoo with breaching the ESA's prohibition on the "take" of endangered species, which is defined not only as killing, but also "harming" and/or "harassing" a species of animal protected under the Act. IDA and Friends of Philly Zoo Elephants base the charges on two unacceptable housing conditions: 1) For over six months, the Zoo has restricted Dulary to an isolated stall in a concrete-floored barn, severely limiting her access to fresh air and outdoor exercise. According to eyewitness reports, Dulary is frequently only allowed outside for approximately 45 minutes a day, when the Zoo brings the African elephants into the barn. Zoo caretakers have stated on several occasions that Dulary was not allowed to exercise outdoors at all.
SF ZOO GETS RENEWED ACCREDITATION
03/30/06 8:20 PST
SAN FRANCISCO(BCN)
The San Francisco Zoo announced today that it was officially accredited Wednesday by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
The association, a non-governmental organization that the U.S. Department of Agriculture recognizes as a regulating body for major zoos and aquariums, reviews its accredited facilities every five years. The San Francisco Zoo was due for accreditation last year, but that process was tabled for one year while the new executive director, Manuel Mollinedo, settled in, education director Joe Fitting said today.
"Anytime you have a transitional management team it is not uncommon (for the AZA) to give a year for the new team to get acclimated,'' Fitting said. He said the association had renewed the zoo's accreditation at its recent review "with the highest marks possible.''
Red Tide Causes Sea Turtle Die-Off in El Salvador
The culprit is microscopic in size, but its effects are monstrous. Deadly algal blooms— known as “red tide” for the reddish pigments contained in these single-celled organisms at the base of the ocean’s food web—have caused the deaths of some 200 sea turtles.
The event occurred in November 2005 off the southern coast of El Salvador. Soon after the first appearance of the red-tinged water, some of the region’s people fell ill. The government responded by closing shellfish beds in the area, warning against eating seafood from affected areas. The first reports of dead and dying sea turtles washing up on shore occurred in the second week of December. Most of the victims were olive ridley turtles, and a few green and hawksbill turtles were among those stranded.
The Wildlife Conservation Society
The Wildlife Conservation Society saves wildlife and wild lands through careful science, international conservation, education, and the management of the world’s largest system of urban wildlife parks. These activities change attitudes toward nature and help people imagine wildlife and humans living in sustainable interaction on both a local and a global scale. WCS is committed to this work because we believe it essential to the integrity of life on Earth.
U.S. Zoos Brace for Bird Flu Arrival
Maryann Mottfor
March 22, 2006
With health experts warning that bird flu could hit the United States sometime within the next 6 to 12 months, zoo officials are making plans to protect their valuable bird collections from the deadly disease.
Bob Jenkins, director of animal care at the San Francisco Zoo, is keeping a close eye on news reports about the H5N1 strain of the virus, which he fears may hit California sooner rather than later.
The zoo houses 378 birds from 75 species, including exotic chickens and rare raptors.
"We have a very broad collection, so if the avian flu showed up here, it could decimate a significant portion of the live animals we have on view for the public," he said.
Of particular concern is the facility's bald eagle breeding program, in which chickens sit on eagle eggs to keep them warm.
"We'd probably be walking around in moon suits to make sure that the avian flu doesn't arrive there, because that's a very important program," Jenkins said, referring to the space-suit-like bio-containment uniforms frequently worn by officials handling diseased animals.
In ten years, he said, almost 90 bald eagle chicks have been raised in this program and released into the wild.
Rapid Response
While U.S. zoos rush to put protective plans into place, foreign facilities have already experienced problems.
In late February the Cairo Zoo in Egypt shut down for weeks after several birds at the facility died of bird flu.
The Tower of London's famous ravens have been moved indoors to protect them from the possible arrival of bird flu in Great Britain.
And infected birds at an Indonesian zoo forced a temporary closure last September after several employees and visitors were hospitalized with signs of influenza.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/03/0322_060322_zoos_flu.html
Area zoos work to restore trumpeter swan population
March 22, 2006 - If you had been hanging around North America about 150 years ago, you would have seen thousands of trumpeter swans. But, they disappeared. The Brookfield Zoo and the Lincoln Park Zoo are participating in a program to bring the music of the trumpeters back to the Midwest.
You are looking at a scene from Tuesday near Clinton, Iowa. Brookfield and Lincoln Park Zoo worked as a team to release a young male and young female trumpeter swan into a wetland along the Upper Mississippi. It's about turning back the hands of time.
"We're helping the Iowa Department of Natural Resources reintroduce swans into the wild. This will be our second year of participating. We gave them a cygnet at the end of last year," said Michelle Lyczk, Brookfield Zoo senior keeper.
Petting Zoos Can Lead To Bacterial
What might be fun for kids may lead to bacterial infection and gastrointestinal illness, reports a study that was conducted on petting zoos and feeding animals. The results of the study further project that most people were unaware that simple preventive measures such as hand washing could prevent such infections. The results of three such similar studies would be presented at the International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases, to be held at Atlanta, on Monday. Contact with animals, animal faeces, surfaces that have been touched by people following petting of animals, drinking or eating while feeding or petting animals can provide for an ideal background for bacterial growth, paving way for increased risk of bacterial infection. At least 34 people developed illness related to E.coli infection (O157:H7) at two Florida petting zoos, the previous year. This research was carried out by researchers at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in association with Health Department of Florida. Feeding or touching a cow or goat, having manure on shoes or stepping in manure, drying hands on clothes after washing them at the zoo were found to result in increased risk of infection and illness. On the other hand, washing of hands and feet wit soap and lather following a visit to the zoo has a protective effect.
Penguin pines for lady companion
An endangered penguin is pining for his life-long mate who has died of old age.
Pugwash, a 12-year-old South African Blackfoot penguin, can only watch as three other couples in his colony carry out their mating rituals.
Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park in Devon have been searching for a new companion for him ever since Cherry, Pugwash's mate of eight years died.
The park spokeswoman said they needed to find another zoo with a solitary female penguin of the same species.
The park has contacted a number of zoos without success.
Stolen animals have 'slim chance'
Animals stolen from zoos have little chance of survival because they tend to fall into the hands of people who do not know how to look after them properly, according to experts.
An entire colony of threatened marmoset monkeys, including two four-week-old babies, were stolen from a zoo in Devon early on Sunday.
Several exotic birds were also taken in the theft from Exmoor Zoo, while two cockatoos were stolen in a break-in at Birmingham Nature Centre on Friday night.
Indian zoos in sub-standard conditions
Bano HaraluMonday, March 20, 2006 (Guwahati):The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) have started a campaign to try and shut down illegal zoos in the country and also bring in some accountability to the way zoos function. Recently, PETA volunteers visited all the zoos in the North East and captured on film the awful conditions of animals.Visitors at the zoo in Shillong come in with alcohol and tease animals and there's no one to stop them.Poor living conditionsEnclosures are in bad need of repair. Water troughs need to be cleaned and the cages have absolutely no enrichment or cover for the animals. The Aizawl zoo in Mizoram is no better. There is not a single guard around to supervise or stop people from behaving badly. All the enclosures are damaged and dirty. The animals are thin and beg for food and their water troughs are either dry or so unclean that there is algae and fungus growing in them. Conditions in Kohima zoo in Nagaland are also similar with the animals living in extremely unhealthy conditions. In the bigger zoo in Guwahati, the situation is no better either.
Newborn giraffe active, strong
BY JOHN A. TORRES FLORIDA TODAY Of a breed having once been described as a cross between a leopard, an ox and a camel, it's no wonder that Brevard Zoo's newest baby is funny looking.
But officials are thrilled with the 5-foot-9-inch, gangly-legged, long-necked male Masai giraffe.
They describe the yet-to-be-named, 6-day-old baby as "active and strong." He has been exercised once, but he won't be ready for viewing for two or three weeks.
His first photos were released Monday.
"He is so adorable," said zoo spokeswoman Andrea Hill.
The baby was born at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday to Johari, on loan from the San Diego zoo, and her male counterpart, Raffiki. Only 62 Masai giraffes are held in U.S. zoos; the Association of Zoos and Aquariums has a goal of 150.
"It's so great to hear that he's born and his feet are on the ground," said Jane Ballentine, association spokeswoman in Maryland.
Contact Torres at 242-3649 or
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060321/NEWS01/603210337
Côte d'Ivoire zoo looks to South Africa for help
Once one of West Africa's most stunning zoos, Abidjan's menagerie became a sad victim of the country's political turmoil but help from South Africa could give it a facelift and its animals a new lease on life.Boasting more than 200 animals from about 50 different species, the zoo suffered from lack of attention and funding during the crisis years that the former jewel of West Africa has gone through, losing out on international tourism."Since its creation very few shelters and cages have been built, putting at risk the lives of animals exposed to bad weather," deplored the zoo's director, Ayekoue Yapo.About 100 animals died in three years, said Yapo, lamenting the fact that the establishment has to make do with a €50 000 annual budget, which is insufficient to feed, look after and protect the inmates.
SA to facelift 'stunning zoo' in Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast, Abidjan - Once one of west Africa's most stunning zoos, Abidjan's menagerie became a sad victim of the country's political turmoil but help from South Africa could give it a facelift and its animals a new lease on life.Boasting more than 200 animals from about 50 different species, the zoo suffered from lack of attention and funding during the crisis years that the former jewel of west Africa has gone through, losing out on international tourism."Since its creation, very few shelters and cages have been built, putting at risk the lives of animals exposed to bad weather," deplored the zoo's director Ayekoue Yapo.
It's not all happening at the zoo
By
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
03/15/2006
St. Louis Zoo president Jeffrey Bonner doesn't limit his concerns to those 90 acres in Forest Park where nearly 3 million visitors a year oooh and aaah at the lions and tigers and bears.Bonner's zoodom is a far-flung place that stretches around the world - to Ethiopia where Grevy's zebras are fighting to survive and Guam, where Micronesian kingfishers are doing the same - and back again to the Show-Me state, where hellbenders are having a rough go in Ozark streams and American burying beetles still aren't feeling our love."The Zoo is a little bit like an iceberg," Bonner will tell you. "What you see when you visit the Zoo as a casual visitor is just the upper little tiny piece of it. What's really interesting is happening where you can't see it. It's happening in places around the globe."
Elephant programs fighting critics, space
BY DIANE JENNINGS
The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS - Jenny and Keke, two 30-something females, share a two-bedroom house with a 5,000-square-foot yard and a small pool. The digs were considered spacious, even elegant, when they opened in 1959. But today, the elephant house at the Dallas Zoo appears cramped and barren.
Officials hope to build a bigger, more attractive one soon. They'll have to if they want to retain accreditation by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association - not to mention Jenny and Keke.
The growing recognition that these large, majestic and intelligent animals require more space and improved living conditions led to new zoo standards that take effect in May. The new rules, which govern everything from yard, stall and herd sizes to exercise regimens, are forcing zoos across the nation to decide whether to expand or close their elephant exhibits.
Now, museums in the spotlight
March 8, 2006
BY BILL McGRAW
FREE PRESS COLUMNIST
Leaders of the Detroit Historical Society are scheduled to appear this morning before the Detroit City Council to continue discussions about taking over operations of the Historical Museum and Dossin Great Lakes Museum.
The arrangement would be similar to the one the council approved last week with the Detroit Zoological Society, the nonprofit organization that will operate the Detroit Zoo while the city remains owner of the property and animals.
The museums are city treasures and have many fans, but they don't occupy the same place in the hearts of metro Detroiters as the zoo. There's another difference as well: Happily absent in the discussions between the council and Historical Society has been the contentiousness of the zoo talks, even though the society, like its counterpart with the zoo, is heavily composed of suburban residents.
Good-bye, mighty silos
March 8, 2006
Redford resident Rick Dove fought back tears Tuesday when he was driving along the Detroit River and came upon the demolition of the Medusa Cement silos, the last of the mighty industrial cylinders along the east riverfront.
Dove, 53, said he served as a deckhand from 1977 to 1992 on freighters -- such as the Medusa Challenger -- that delivered cement to the huge silos, which were landmarks for decades.
"I loved working on the boats," Dove said. "It was my life."
The remaining towers, just west of Chene Park, will be history in about a week, workers said.
With the silos almost gone, the shoreline east of the Renaissance Center has acres of vacant land that eventually will be transformed into housing and an extension of the Detroit RiverWalk, the 5-mile-long promenade.
But on Tuesday, with the ice floes running in the placid river, the riverfront was one of the most peaceful places in town -- once you got away from the kabooms of the silo demolition.
Jack Hanna on Capitol Hill to Urge Protection of Endangered Species; AZA Announces 'Two Million for $2 Million' Petition Drive
3/8/2006 8:00:00 AM
To: National Desk
Contact: Jane Ballentine of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, 301-562-0777 ext. 252
WASHINGTON, March 8 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Nationally known wildlife conservationist Jack Hanna is in Washington D.C., where he attended a Capitol Hill reception hosted by The Honorable Dennis Hastert (R-IL) and sponsored by Congressional Zoo and Aquarium Caucus Co-Chairs, The Honorable Julia Carson (D-IN) and The Honorable Spencer Bachus (R-AL). Hanna, who has long advocated an increase in funding for protection of endangered species, announced the launch of the AZA's "Two Million for $2 Million" nationwide petition drive. This drive seeks more than two million public signatures in favor of increasing the amount of federal dollars allocated to the Multinational Species Conservation Funds. The Multinational Species Conservation Funds have a 14-year track record of effectively helping protect endangered wildlife, with five separate funds dedicated to in- country conservation of African elephants, Asian elephants, rhinos and tigers, great apes, and marine turtles.
Hanna, director emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, also spoke to the crowd about several of the animals that were brought to the reception by the staff of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, the Salisbury Zoo, and the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore.
"Elephants, turtles, apes -- these are animals that people love and that face extreme risks to their continued survival in the wild," Hanna said. "The Multinational Species Conservation Funds are proven to work, even in fighting against rapidly escalating risks caused by poaching, habitat loss and human- animal conflict."
Hanna added: "We are in critical need of increased funding now, as dangers to endangered species, such as these and many other serious problems, only stand to multiply."
Administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the five Multinational Species Conservation Funds are authorized to receive $5 million apiece annually, yet Congress has never appropriated more than $1.4 million per year per program. The purpose of AZA's petition drive is to urge Congress to appropriate at least $2 million apiece -- hence the "Two Million for $2 Million." The petition drive will continue throughout the summer.
Programs supported by the Multinational Species Conservation Funds include: maintaining or increasing key populations of elephants, rhinos, tigers and great apes in the wild; providing anti-poaching protection for rhinos in Sumatra; and funding a domestic elephant chase squad to ward off wild elephants from farmers' fields in India, thus reducing human-elephant conflict.
According to Kristin L. Vehrs, AZA Interim Executive Director, Congress recognizes the important role that AZA and its accredited members play in global conservation, as well as the unique opportunities that accredited zoos and aquariums provide for people in their home districts to enjoy an up-close experience with animals.
"Each year, more than 143 million people visit AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, which is more than attend NBA, NHL, NFL and Major League Baseball games combined. This degree of public support means that AZA and its members are well-positioned to ask the public to demonstrate support for increased wildlife conservation funding," Vehrs said.
AZA members are meeting with their Congressional representatives and Senators on Capitol Hill this week to urge their support for critical programs to protect endangered species and habitat. AZA works cooperatively with Congress, federal and state government agencies, international conservation organizations and others on legislative and regulatory matters regarding animal welfare, wildlife conservation field programs and conservation research/education initiatives.
Founded in 1924, the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA), envisions a world where all people respect, value and conserve animals and nature. AZA currently has 210 accredited members in the U.S. and Canada, Bermuda and Hong Kong, which are visited by more than 143 million people annually. Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals and a better future for all living things.
For more information visit
http://www.elephantsinourfuture.org and http://www.aza.orghttp://www.usnewswire.com/
Wild animals 'to face circus ban'
The government is to ban certain wild animals from performing in travelling circuses, Animal Health Minister Ben Bradshaw has announced.
He said the use of some animals in circuses was "not compatible" with their welfare needs.
The RSPCA and Born Free Foundation have campaigned hard for a ban to be included in the Animal Welfare Bill.
An environment spokesman said deciding which species will be included will be "open to consultation".
Zoos not affected
The charities say seven tigers, five lions, an Asian elephant, an American black bear, eight camels and three zebra the are among animals still kept in three UK circuses.
Under the plans, a code of practice will be introduced to deal with the training of animals and the accommodation provided for them.
Trainers themselves will also be subject to regular inspections.
No More Elephants in Chicago's Zoos?
Read the tragic stories of Chicago's beloved elephants Ziggy and Mame
Chicago's 48th Ward Alderman Mary Ann Smith has introduced an ordinance requiring Chicago zoos to provide each of its elephants a minimum habitat of 10 acres. Many people think that if the ordinance passes, it will signal the end of elephants in Chicago's zoos.
Beth Stevens, PhD, president of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) Board of Directors and vice president of Disney's Animal Kingdom and animal programs, has said that "This ordinance is not just about elephants in Chicago. It is an attempt by animal rights activists to make Chicago a national example of getting elephants out of zoos today, and getting other species, such as giraffe, lions and gorilla, out of zoos tomorrow."
SPCA OPPOSES REPLACEMENT FOR AILING MARINELAND DOLPHIN
(New Zealand Press Association Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)Wellington, March 9 NZPA - Replacing Marineland's ageing dolphins would go against worldwide trends to treat captive mammals more humanely, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) says.Napier's tourist attraction faces doubts about its future as the health of one of its performing dolphins deteriorates.SPCA national chief executive Robyn McDonald said the two dolphins were kept in a restricted area and in conditions highly contrary to what they would experience in the wild.
http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2006/03/08/1442264.htm
EDITORIAL: Our Solomon can handle this baby
PAUL TAGGART
Shona the dolphin, a Hawke's Bay icon for many years, appears to be close to the end of her life.
Sad though it is, she is long past the age she could have reached in the wild. Which tends to undermine the suggestion that her life has been tragic and unfulfilled. Although those who anthropomorphise sea mammals would probably never agree, whatever the evidence indicates.
However, it again raises the issue of Marineland's future. With one dolphin left apart from Shona - Kelly - the Napier attraction will soon be a single heart-beat away from not being viable.
Attempting to find replacement dolphins has just been too hard in the past, so Marineland has limped on, with its two superannuitants continuing to please the crowds.
http://www.hbtoday.co.nz/localnews/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3675586&thesection=localnews&thesubsection=&thesecondsubsection=
continued …
