Zoos
Steve Irwin was ordinary bloke, says dad
AFP
Wednesday, September 06, 2006 11:12 IST
BEERWAH (Australia): Australia's famed Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin would not want a state funeral as he was "just an ordinary bloke", his grieving father Bob said on Wednesday.
Fighting back tears, the weather-beaten, khaki-clad man told an impromptu news conference that his son had been his "best mate" and funeral arrangements would be up to his widow Terri.
Bob Irwin was speaking to reporters outside his son's Australia Zoo in this small northeastern town, where a massive shrine of flowers, notes and personal mementoes has been laid by thousands of fans of television's wildlife warrior.
The premier of northeastern Queensland state, Peter Beattie, had offered to provide a state funeral for Irwin amid the astonishing global outpouring of grief for the ebullient star.
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1051448
Indianapolis Zoo welcomes baby iguanas
Aug 31, 2006 06:46 AM EDT
Indianapolis - The Indianapolis Zoo is welcoming some new arrivals.
Two baby iguanas were hatched at the Zoo on Tuesday and a third was born Wednesday. It is the first time the rare Jamaican iguanas have been bred successfully outside Jamaica.
One additional baby could hatch from this group of eggs, and the zoo has a second group of 20 viable eggs that are scheduled hatch in one to two weeks.
The zoo is also waiting for the arrival of a baby elephant. Ivory is expected to give birth sometime in the next few weeks.
http://www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?S=5348749&nav=9Tai
Zoo unveils exotic rodents
By BRENDAN BOUFFARD
The State News
JOLIE MYERS · The State News
A Patagonian cavy drinks from a stream Wednesday at Potter Park Zoo. The exhibit was just reopened after dogs killed most of the zoo's cavies in June. The Toronto Zoo donated five cavies to join a sole survivor of the early summer attack.
After a voyage of more than 300 miles, five new Patagonian cavies are on display at the Potter Park Zoo in Lansing.
The cavies, which were quarantined for the past month in the zoo, were first shown to the public last week.
The long-legged rodents, a relative of the guinea pig, look similar to a cross between a miniature deer and jackrabbit. With their long legs, cavies are able to jump 6 feet high.
Gerald Brady, director of the Potter Park Zoo, said the cavies are enjoying their new home.
"When you have a new exhibit, or a new animal, you get such a big boost in attendance," Brady said. "All of the other cavies in the U.S. are very rare."
The animals were donated to the Lansing zoo by the Toronto Zoo earlier this summer.
http://www.statenews.com/article.phtml?pk=37358
Dalton Zoo sets new visitors record
Published on 30/08/2006
POPULAR: Crowds have flocked to South Lakes Wild Animal Park
DALTON Zoo has enjoyed a bumper summer after the hot weather helped trade soar up to 30 per cent.
South Lakes Wild Animal Park is reporting its best summer ever with visitors from across the north of England and Scotland helping it smash all previous attendance records.
People came through the gates of South Lakes Wild Animal Park in their thousands, breaking every record set in the park’s 12-year history. Endangered species across the globe also reaped the rewards with donations to the zoo’s conservation charities at a record high.
Although the zoo is reluctant to divulge exact figures for fear of tipping off competitors, education and marketing manager Karen Brewer said this summer was the “best ever”.
She said: “This is the busiest summer we have ever had, confirming the popularity of South Lakes Wild Animal Park as the region’s leading family attraction.
“Not only are so many new people coming but the comments and feedback from visitors have been fantastic.”
View this story and the latest newspaper in full digital reproduction, just like the printed copy at www.nwemail.co.uk/digitalcopy
Other stories from this category that may interest you:
Congratulations to David and all the staff at Dalton Zoo. Everyone concerned deserves all the best for their endevours over the summer period. Its good to see a local business to so well when so many things are trying to make things difficult.
Allan Crook , Perth
8/31/2006 9:51:12 AM
http://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/viewarticle.aspx?id=406294
Crane delivers Auckland Zoo's first spring arrival
Thursday, 31 August 2006, 3:42 pm
Press Release: Auckland Zoo
31 August 2006
Crane, not stork, delivers Auckland Zoo's first spring arrival
Auckland Zoo has been surprised with a pre-spring arrival. A brolga chick hatched on August 28, marking the Zoo's first 'spring' arrival for 2006 and signalling the start of a busy and exciting season at the Zoo.
Auckland Zoo Curator, John Rowden, is sure the yet-to-be-named brolga chick is the first spring arrival for the Zoo. "It's very exciting," says John. "Spring is my favourite time of the year at the Zoo. Springtime at the Zoo means a flurry of activity and new 'babies'. We also get to see the progress being made in our native breeding programmes - all really great stuff."
"We're really lucky to have these silver-grey cranes. They are native to Australia, yet we are the only Zoo in Australasia that has an active breeding pair," says John.
The brolgas are not the only birds preparing to hatch either. Auckland Zoo, in conjunction with the Bank of New Zealand and Department of Conservation, is preparing for several new kiwi chicks to hatch over the next few months.
The BNZ Save the Kiwi Trust's Operation Nest Egg (O.N.E.) programme has been running for 10 years and Auckland Zoo has released over 135 healthy kiwi chicks back into the wild.
Indications are that the 2006/2007 season is going to be just as busy for the North Island brown kiwi. There are currently 13 eggs in various stages of their 75-day incubation period, with more eggs expected to arrive at the Zoo during spring.
In the wild, predators kill over 95% of kiwi chicks within their first six months of life. However, rearing them in captive facilities like Auckland Zoo before re-introducing them to the wild dramatically increases their chances of survival.
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/SC0608/S00070.htm
Santa`s Reindeer... Sort of, at Dakota Zoo
Chris Gallegos
8/30/2006
Even though some stores may have their Christmas decorations out, .it`s not time for Christmas just yet. Reindeer are synonymous to the winter holiday, but did you know they are also very adaptable to the summer heat?
I found myself in the midst of a reindeer family on my last visit to the zoo and found out that these three really can`t fly.
"Terry, how did you first decide to have reindeer here at the zoo?"
"This is a species that just works well into our system here. They do very well in our winter times. They really thrive in the cold weather," said Terry Lincoln, Director of the Dakota Zoo. "They`ve got special hair, their follicles are hollow, so they are able to withstand temperatures of 80, 90 degrees below zero with no problem and they are about the best insulation factor of any animal out there."
"I see that we have a baby reindeer, who was just born, correct?"
http://www.kfyrtv.com/News_Stories.asp?news=2875
Tiny Menagerie Is Told to Find a New Zoo
Animal Guys, based in a residential area of Altadena, are notified by L.A. County officials that they don't have the right permit to operate.
By J. Michael Kennedy, Times Staff Writer
August 31, 2006
One thing that bothers the Animal Guys is that they have no idea who ratted them out.
Not that they knew they were doing anything illegal — until now.
ADVERTISEMENT
For years, they've been openly running their animal operation in the back of an Altadena home, just a stone's throw from the Angeles National Forest.
Their vans have "Animal Guys" emblazoned on the side.
But now it looks like they will have to move everything, including the lynx, the bobcat, the python, the fox and the alligator.
All because of a pesky zoning law.
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-zoo31aug31,1,3622041.story?coll=la-headlines-pe-california&ctrack=1&cset=true
Men arrested for white rhino poaching
10.20am Wednesday August 30, 2006
JOHANNESBURG - Two men posing as tourists booked into a South African lodge, drove off to view the wildlife - and proceeded to shoot two endangered white rhino bulls and hack off their horns, officials said.
The men were arrested after pulling off their audacious crime in the famed Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park and have been linked to a national syndicate targeting the endangered animals, South African conservation officials said on Tuesday.
"It's the first time we've ever had poachers posing as tourists in one of our game parks," said Jeff Gaisford, spokesman for KZN Wildlife, the conservation arm of the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government.
The suspects, who cannot be named until they appear in court, had four rhino horns, three illegal firearms, ammunition and knives that were believed to have been used to remove the rhinos' horns when they were arrested last Wednesday.
They had been under surveillance because of intelligence provided by the police but were not followed for a three-hour period to prevent them from becoming suspicious. During that time they are believed to have shot the animals.
News of the arrests could only be released yesterday because of the "sensitivity" of the police investigation, KZN Wildlife said in a statement, adding that further arrests were expected.
There have been no recorded rhino poaching incidents in KwaZulu-Natal for several years, though there have been periodic reports of the practice elsewhere in the country.
The suspects had booked into the upmarket Hilltop Camp at Hluhluwe-Imfolozi with commanding views of the rugged park, which became a refuge for the white rhino a century ago when only a few dozen were left.
Conservation efforts allowed the white rhino to storm back from the brink of extinction. The southern sub-species now numbers over 11,000 but is still considered to be endangered by some environmentalists.
There are around 3700 of the smaller but more aggressive African black rhinos, whose numbers are also recovering.
The animals are hunted illegally for their horns, which fetch high prices in Yemen, where they are prized for making dagger handles, and in the Far East, where they are coveted for their supposed medicinal qualities.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10398790
Dead cats, dog, malnourished animals found in apartment
August 30, 2006
CONWAY, N.H. --Police found dead cats and a dog and other animals in poor health in an apartment and arrested a woman in Concord on five counts of cruelty to animals.
Kara Steinhilber, 22, who had lived in the Conway apartment, was released late last week on $5,000 bail and was not allowed to possess or care for any animals. She is scheduled to be arraigned on Sept. 19.
Conway Police were asked to do a check on the animals. Other residents at the complex told her that animals in the apartment hadn't been cared for in some time. As she entered the apartment, an animal control officer found a dog who hadn't had food or water for some time. She also found two dogs in a crate, one of them dead and the other barely alive.
Dead cats later were found in a carrier in the apartment.
Each charge is a misdemeanor punishable up to one year in prison and a $2,000 fine.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/new_hampshire/articles/2006/08/30/dead_cats_dog_malnourished_animals_found_in_apartment/
For now, Senate big enough for Lieberman and Lamont
By Andrew Miga, Associated Press Writer August 30, 2006
WASHINGTON --Rivalry or not, the Senate is big enough for Joe Lieberman and Ned Lamont.
For now.
Congress returns for business Tuesday, and Lieberman, the Democrat now running as an independent, will be back for committee assignments, defense legislation and perhaps party meetings.
Close by will be Lamont, who upset Lieberman in the Aug. 8 primary, seizing the Democratic nomination for the Connecticut seat. Lamont plans to meet Wednesday with party leaders, union leaders and business groups.
"I'm not spending much time in Washington, but I think it's important I at least get introduced down there," Lamont said. "A lot of people down there have a certain interest in this race so I figured some of them are saying stuff about me and I might as well meet them."
http://www.boston.com/news/local/connecticut/articles/2006/08/30/for_now_senate_big_enough_for_lieberman_and_lamont/
Alaska wolf control program faces battle
By Mary Pemberton, Associated Press Writer August 30, 2006
ANCHORAGE, Alaska --Alaska's wolf-killing program to boost moose and caribou numbers is facing a new legal challenge.
Two conservation groups filed a lawsuit in Superior Court alleging that the program, in which more than 550 wolves have been killed, is based on faulty science and violates state law.
Defenders of Wildlife and the Alaska Wildlife Alliance asked the court last week to halt the program authorized in 2003 by the state Board of Game. A similar court challenge launched by the Connecticut-based group Friends of Animals was not successful in putting an end to the program.
But in that case, Superior Court Judge Sharon Gleason had ruled that the Game Board had not followed its own rules in approving the programs and had not considered all alternatives besides aerial killing. The Game Board responded with new regulations that satisfied the legal shortcomings and resurrected aerial wolf control in all five areas.
http://www.boston.com/news/science/articles/2006/08/30/alaska_wolf_control_program_faces_battle/
New zoo tipped to do a roaring trade
31 August 2006
It is a higgledy-piggledy patch of trees, open fields, ponds
and ramshackle buildings.
But in just nine months it could be doing a roaring trade as Norfolk's newest tourist attraction - Cromer Zoo, mark two.
And, while full details of the wildlife that could be on display are not yet being revealed, there will be
jaguars, flamingos, parrots and monkeys. Detailed plans have now been submitted for the zoo, on 10acres of land owned by Benji Cabbell-Manners between Hall Road and Roughton Road on the edge of the town.
Among the proposals are a plant house, at least 20 animal enclosures, a cafe with a veranda overlooking the largest pond, a shop, and a host of new trees planted on the fringes of the site to mask it.
Ken Sims, who runs Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens, near Yarmouth, is the man behind the bold plan to bring a zoo back to Cromer for the first time in 23 years.
The last one opened in 1962 at the top of Howards Hill, and was run by former circus tiger trainer Alex Kerr and his wife Olga, the daughter of Coco the Clown.
It closed on Christmas Day 1983 because of crippling overheads and low winter visitor numbers.
The new zoo's director is Jim Irwin-Davis, whose CV includes work at London Zoo, a decade with the Nigerian wildlife department, managing a wildfowl collection in Surrey, four years in Bahrain, and 17-and-a-half years as curator of Lord Harewood's bird garden in Yorkshire.
Mr Irwin-Davis said wildlife surveys had been carried out, but had not flagged up anything of particular interest on the site.
A bat survey had found Natterer's and Daubenton's bats using a derelict lime kiln as a winter hibernation location, and Mr Irwin-Davis said the building would be conserved to protect the mammals.
The land already has planning consent for a change of use to a zoo, and the drawings will be considered byNorth Norfolk District Council.
http://www.northnorfolknews.co.uk/content/northnorfolknews/news/story.aspx?brand=NNNOnline&category=news&tBrand=NNNonline&tCategory=news&itemid=NOED31%20Aug%202006%2010%3A41%3A09%3A063
Cash setback 'won't stop new zoo plan'
he Royal Zoological Society of Scotland has been denied a £250,000 lottery grant which would have allowed it to carry out a detailed feasibility study for the giant futuristic glasshouse planned at Cuningar Loop between Dalmarnock and Rutherglen.
http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/hi/news/5056583.html
Italian Cultural Day at the Toronto Zoo
Visitors flock from all over the GTA, one luck family wins a one-year membership
A zebra may run with the same power, speed and gracefulness as a professional soccer player sprinting down the pitch, but it will forever be indifferent to participating in the 'beautiful game.'
As part of its marketing plan to increase attendance, the Toronto Zoo held an Italian Cultural Day on Sunday, placing several soccer balls inside the cages of several species - none of whom seemed the least bit interested in going anywhere near the small, round objects. The animals - from bunny rabbits to hyena's to lions - were oblivious to the soccer balls in much the same way they are usually oblivious to the flashing lights of cameras going off all around them.
http://www.corrieretandem.com/viewstory.php?storyid=6579
MNR Doesn't Enforce its Own Rules
WSPA is shocked at the MNR's response to its zoo complaint
Attention: Assignment Editor, City Editor, News Editor, Government/Political Affairs Editor
LONDON, ONTARIO, NEWS RELEASE--(CCNMatthews - Sept. 5, 2006) - The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) is disappointed with the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) response to their zoo complaints. The WSPA submitted a 10 page complaint on July 5, 2006 highlighting the deplorable and disgusting conditions native animals endure at three southwestern zoos (Lickety Split Zoo, Greenview Aviaries Park and Zoo, and Pineridge Zoo).
"We're disgusted that the MNR considers a fox in a box an appropriate environment for our native wildlife," said Melissa Tkachyk, Campaigns Officer. "Clearly they're not concerned how animals are cared for within Ontario zoos."
The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act states: "Animals enclosures in which animals are on public display should be of a size which enables animals to:
A) Exercise natural behaviours to facilitate public education and interpretation.
B) Achieve a distance from the public and other specimens at which the animals are not psychologically or physically stressed.
C) Achieve a full range of body movement and physical movements normally performed."
The MNR response to our complaint: "no violations of the current conditions relating to animal enclosures were identified."
WSPA is appalled by this response. "Why can't the MNR see what visitors have been complaining about for years? Since this story was reported on in July, people have been writing letters to us, the government and the newspapers voicing their concern," said Tkachyk.
Through WPSA's investigation, it found the fox at Lickety Split had no room to run and no place to escape. At Greenview Aviaries, three bobcats were kept in a small cage with patio blocks and again no room to run. At Pineridge, some of the cages weren't locked and visitors could reach into the cages of dangerous animals. This is an issue the MNR didn't even address in its letter. Is the public's safety not a concern to our government?
WSPA is calling on the Premier and MPP's to fix this problem because the MNR isn't fit for the job.
/For further information: WWW.ONTARIOZOOS.CA/
http://www.ccnmatthews.com/news/releases/show.jsp?action=showRelease&searchText=false&showText=all&actionFor=610594
Group says it will continue crusade against roadside zoos
Tue, September 5, 2006
Spokesperson says she is shocked the government found no violations
By RANDY RICHMOND, LONDON FREE PRESS REPORTER
Angry animal-rights activists will appeal to provincial politicians after a Ministry of Natural Resources investigation found nothing wrong with conditions at three area zoos.
“Clearly the Ministry of Natural Resources is not following its own regulations,” Melissa Tkachyk, campaigns officer for the World Society for the Protection of Animals said Tuesday.
“I am shocked.”
The ministry’s own regulations require zoos to keep animals in enclosures that allow them to “exercise natural behaviours” and “achieve a full range of body movements and physical movements normally performed,” she said.
http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/News/Local/2006/09/05/1803838.html
Rescued elephant befriends camel at ranch
11:39 PM CDT on Tuesday, September 5, 2006
By GARY REAVES / WFAA-TV
Fund for Animals, which was founded in 1967, created Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch in Murchison as a refuge for wild animals suffering from man's inhumanity. With more that 1,300 animals, the ranch homes animals ranging from burros from the Grand Canyon to chimps rescued from research labs.
But some may say no animal at the ranch has a story more poignant than the 20-year-old African elephant named "Babe."
Babe is a refugee from the circus world and was originally captured as a baby in Africa. Richard Farinato, the ranch's director, said he believes she injured her foot while being shipped across the ocean, which made her poorly suited for circus work where at times elephants have to be intimidated into submission so humans can control them.
"In some cases, electric shock [is used], in some cases repeated beatings, chain her down and beat her until she accepts what you want us to do," Farinato said.
Her misshapen legs and feet, one is bent at a weird angle, make her looks as though she walks on her ankle.
http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/dws/wfaa/latestnews/stories/wfaa060905_mo_babeelephant.6e875bb2.html
Rocky Mountain windfall
By BILL RADFORD THE GAZETTE
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has something to roar about: a gift of $1.46 million, the largest donation from an individual in the zoo’s 80-year history.
Zoo officials announced the donation Tuesday, along with a matching gift from the El Pomar Foundation. The money is to be spent on developing the zoo’s next major exhibit, Rocky Mountain Wild, scheduled to open in spring 2008. The exhibit, intended to connect zoo visitors with the wild heritage of the Rocky Mountain region, is to include moose, grizzly bears, mountain lions, lynx, North American river otters and bald eagles.
http://www.gazette.com/display.php?id=1321234
Walk was a real bear
This health kick I'm on is going to kill me.
I came to that conclusion recently as I was walking up Coleman Avenue near the Tanglewood Nature Center -- alone except for my portable CD player -- and saw a black bear about 100 yards in front of me.
Yes. A B-E-A-R And not a charming little yellow one with its head stuck in a honey jar or a large, jolly one singing in a country jamboree at Disney World.
No. This one was large, furry and possibly crabby.
I've seen bears before, but that's been at zoos, where there's plenty of space and a large fence between us.
There was no fence separating this bear and me, and definitely not what I'd call enough space, either...
...As I walking down the hill, instead of thinking how well that potentially dangerous situation worked out for me and counting my blessings, I had the following reflection: "Stupid bear. I had to turn around early. He totally screwed up the number of miles I was going to do today."
Fortunately, I snapped out of that pretty quickly. Walking is supposed to be good for you, not endanger you.
I thought about the absurdity of what had just run through my mind as I finished my trek in my own well-populated neighborhood.
A few days later, I hopped in my car and checked out another route, far away from the bear. I figured I'd give him his space if he'd give me mine.
After all, I don't want this health kick to kill me.
Molly McCarthy is the education writer for the Star-Gazette. The Gen-X lifestyles column appears Fridays.
http://www.stargazettenews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060901/COLUMNIST30/609010301
Siring problems
Star-Telegram
The federal bill grabbing the attention of horse lovers and animal rights activists bans the "shipping, transporting, moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donation of horses and other equines to be slaughtered for human consumption, and for other purposes."
The "other purposes" aren't outlined in HR 503, which is scheduled for a House vote on Thursday, but the result of this bill's passage would be to shut down an industry that provides a practical public service: disposal of the remains of dead horses.
It must be acknowledged up front that lots of Americans will never be convinced that allowing the slaughter of horses for sale as meat -- for carnivores in zoos, canines at home or connoisseurs in Cannes -- is a public service.
http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/news/opinion/15416038.htm
School kids should stay out of zoos
Attention: Assignment Editor, City Editor, News Editor, Government/Political Affairs Editor
TORONTO, ONTARIO, LETTER TO EDITOR--(CCNMatthews - Sept. 1, 2006) - Letter to editor,
As students return back to school, parents should be aware their kids could be at risk if the class takes a trip to the zoo. There are no safety regulations, which is why the Minister of Education should prohibit school outings to roadside zoos to protect the health and safety of our school children.
After investigating the conditions of 11 Ontario roadside zoos this summer, I was appalled that visitors are exposed to a number of safety risks. As many zoos do not have appropriate barriers, children were able to put their hands in the cages housing dangerous animals. Tigers were housed behind low, flimsy fences and some of the cages were not even locked.
These conditions shouldn't surprise us as anybody can open a zoo and wouldn't have to abide by welfare or safety regulations. One doesn't even need a permit to keep dangerous animals like lions and tigers in their backyard.
The past dozen years have seen a number of people injured in Ontario by captive animals such as tigers and lions and even small children have been bitten by monkeys. Not only can these bites and wounds be painful but they can also lead to the transmission of diseases.
With the lack of provincial standards that ensure the public's safety at Ontario zoos, WSPA is asking the Minister to ensure that schools don't visit unsafe zoos.
/For further information: www.ontariozoos.ca/
http://www.ccnmatthews.com/news/releases/show.jsp?action=showRelease&searchText=false&showText=all&actionFor=610453
Byculla zoo still awaits recognition
DNA Correspondent
Friday, September 01, 2006 23:29 IST
CZA official says local authorities haven’t been abiding by the rules.
While zoo officials at the Jijamata Udyan and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) have plans to modernise the zoo and provide better infrastructure for the animals, the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) remains unconvinced.
In fact, the CZA, which has stipulated stringent guidelines for zoos to follow, is yet to recognize Byculla zoo. It was reported that the London Society of Zoo, Bernard Harrison & Friends Ltd, along with a company based in the US and one in Haryana had shown an interest to partner the BMC in upgrading the zoo. The project was estimated to cost Rs130 crore and a budgetary provision of Rs25 crore had already been made this year.
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1050627
SC seeks reply on overcrowded zoos
[ 2 Sep, 2006 0218hrs IST
PTI ]
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday sought replies from the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) and states on a petition filed by a NGO, which said there was an urgent need to limit the number of animals in zoos in view of lack of space.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice Y K Sabharwal and Justices C K Thakker and R V Raveendran issued the notices to CZA and state governments on a PIL filed by People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
Appearing for the petitioner, counsel Raj Panjwani said zoos were suffering due to lack of space, unavailability of veterinary doctors, absence of infrastructure and qualified personnel. The NGO had recently drawn the court's attention to animals living a life of forced celibacy in 163 zoos in the country.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1949034.cms
Aussie seahorse at Anglesey zoo
Aug 29 2006
AUSTRALIAN seahorses have been added to a collection of the species at the Anglesey Sea Zoo.
Hippocampus whitei (or White's Seahorse) now form part of a conservation project at the sea zoo.
The fish were obtained from Bio Services at the Weymouth Sea Life Park because the Anglesey tourist attraction had only one White's seahorse on display.
Anglesey Sea Zoo plays an active part in researching seahorse husbandry and campaigns for greater protection for the creatures in their natural habitat.
http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0200wales/tm_objectid=17642888&method=full&siteid=50082&headline=aussie-seahorse-at-anglesey-zoo-name_page.html
Ball is the pride of the zoo
By Peter Trute
August 30, 2006 12:00
IT'S a long way from the African grasslands, but Taronga Zoo's new lion enclosure already has the feeling of home for its occupants.
Taronga's African lions - dad Jambo, mum Kuchani and their three-year-old offspring Asali and Johari - went on show in their Serengeti-inspired exhibit yesterday.
Planted with native grasses and succulents, the enclosure recreates the African savannah where that is the lions' natural environment but without the dangers of poachers and encroaching agriculture.
However not all the enclosure is as you'd find it in the wild.
One man-made addition was a "bungee ball'' dangling from a tree, which soon became the object of Jambo's attentions.
Carnivore keeper Justine Powell said the bungee ball was designed to help the cats exercise, as was the climbing tree.
"Lions can leap up to 12m so the new bungee ball enables them to exercise the amazing jump and lunge of their natural hunting ability,'' she said.
"The climbing tree has definitely been a huge success, with all the lions climbing their way up it and leaving their claw marks in the bark.''
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,20296265-5006009,00.html
L.A. County Officials Say Backyard Zoo Must Go
(CBS) LOS ANGELES County officials say a Siberian Lynx, a squirrel monkey and more than 100 other other wild animals that have been living in a backyard in Altadena for the last eight years must go.
Paul Hahn and David Riherd run Animal Guys Inc., an education and entertainment company, from the backyard of Riherd's parents’ home with Los Angeles city permits, the Pasadena Star-News reported.
The Animal Guys and their menagerie of 120 animals have appeared on MTV, the Discovery Channel and "The
Tonight Show."
The men, who met at Cal State Northridge, were unaware they needed county permits to operate the private zoo, according to the newspaper.
According to county zoning laws, the zoo can't operate in a residential area.
http://cbs2.com/topstories/local_story_241124513.html
Brew at the Zoo
By DCist contributor Celeste Dawn Mitchell
Two thousand of the khaki crowd's finest came out to party Thursday at Friends of the National Zoo's Young Professionals' (or FONZ YP's, if you will) sold-out Brew at the Zoo. Proceeds went toward its Asian elephant conservation project. Just in case patrons forgot they were partying for a cause, four-ounce fill-lines on souvenir mugs intimated that this was a classy tasting affair, not a frat kegger.
Though ticket prices were nearly on par with the price of a Nissan Pavilion show, music was an ambient enhancement and not a focal point. Nonetheless, Arlington country-folk-rockers The Hickories performed "1965" and other tunes from their debut EP for those who chose to ditch the beer lines and grab a spot on the grass.
http://www.dcist.com/archives/2006/08/29/brew_at_the_zoo.php
Zoo's baby elephant gets a name
Associated Press
ST. LOUIS - The Saint Louis Zoo's new baby Asian elephant will be know as Maliha.
The name, which means "strong" and "beautiful" in Hindi, received nearly 8,000 of the more than 20,000 votes cast by mail and online from a field of five names, Zoo officials said Tuesday.
The 341-pound elephant was born Aug. 2 to mother Ellie and father Raja.
Twice as many people offered suggestions for Raja's name, which means "king," when he was born 13 years ago. Maliha is the first baby elephant at the zoo since Raja, but this time the zoo narrowed names to five that had Asian heritage and let people vote.
Voters chose from Sundari (beautiful woman); Nisha (night); Maliha; Sashi (moon) and Jaya (victorious).
Another Asian elephant sired by Raja is due at the zoo in February.
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/local/15391952.htm
Oregon Zoo intent on big cat's return
Wildlife - Officials are working out what it will take, and cost, to bring lions back to the zoo
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
WADE NKRUMAH
What's a zoo without the king of the jungle? For now, the Oregon Zoo's only wild cats are cougars, leopards, ocelots and tigers.
But Tony Vecchio, zoo director, said he's eager for lions to return, hopefully by summer 2009. But like everything else, it's a matter of money.
He said finding money would fall to the Oregon Zoo Foundation, a nonprofit fundraising group. The foundation's development committee would create a plan to seek support from corporations, foundations and individuals, he said.
http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/portland_news/1156904741219130.xml&coll=7
Zoo executives dedicated, caring
Aug. 30, 2006. 01:00 AM
Metro Toronto Zoo
I am writing this letter to address the comments and articles that a few misinformed people have attempted to levy against Metro Zoo in the treatment of its animals.
I have been a senior adviser on the Aboriginal Board at the Metro Zoo for more than four years now and I have also been on the immediate property most of my life. In that time I have had a wonderful working relationship with the Executive Officer Calvin White and the Zoo's Project Manager Paul Harpley and Bill Rappley. Their continued dedication and never-ending work is real proof that the huge decisions regarding all animals are being made by experienced, dedicated, hard-working and deeply caring people.
Thanks to the wonderful direction of the executive officers, the Metro Zoo is the first zoo in this country to take the patience and time to work directly with First Nations and their elders to build the Aboriginal Knowledge Trail. After more than two years of many meetings, and with very careful planning, the Aboriginal Knowledge Trail winds all around the North American animals exhibit of animals that have a spiritual connection with First Nation peoples. Ironically, this project is situated right where our ancestors lived in the past.
I have spent a great deal of time on the zoo's property and have got to know most of the people who work there and I can say, without a doubt, that I have personally never met a better group of hard-working, dedicated people whose main objective is the love and caring of animals, which requires such a delicate balance in keeping up their health and nutrition and spiritual well-being.
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1156888230074&call_pageid=970599119419
Tiger Cubs to Go on Display at National Zoo
Aug 30th - 6:17am
WASHINGTON - The public won't have to wait much longer to see the new Sumatran tiger cubs at the National Zoo.
The new cubs -- two females and a male -- will go on display at 9:45 a.m. on Saturday.
The names of the three new cubs will also be announced on that morning as part of a celebration that will include talks by keepers, arts and crafts, and displays of tiger toys and artifacts.
The cubs were born May 24 and were the sixth litter of Sumatran tigers ever born at the zoo and the third litter for 13-year-old tiger Soyono.
Sumatran tigers are the smallest of nine tiger subspecies, three of which have already become extinct.
As adults, the male cub will weigh about 265 pounds and the females about 200 pounds. Sumatran tigers are endangered -- fewer than 500 are believed to exist in the tropical forests of the Indonesian island of Sumatra.
(Copyright 2006 by WTOP and The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
WASHINGTON - The public won't have to wait much longer to see the new Sumatran tiger cubs at the National Zoo.
The new cubs -- two females and a male -- will go on display at 9:45 a.m. on Saturday.
The tiger cubs will go on display on Saturday. (Photo courtesy of National Zoo)
The names of the three new cubs will also be announced on that morning as part of a celebration that will include talks by keepers, arts and crafts, and displays of tiger toys and artifacts.
The cubs were born May 24 and were the sixth litter of Sumatran tigers ever born at the zoo and the third litter for 13-year-old tiger Soyono.
Sumatran tigers are the smallest of nine tiger subspecies, three of which have already become extinct.
As adults, the male cub will weigh about 265 pounds and the females about 200 pounds. Sumatran tigers are endangered -- fewer than 500 are believed to exist in the tropical forests of the Indonesian island of Sumatra.
http://www.wtopnews.com/index.php?nid=596&sid=897233
A zoo outing fit for children of all ages
By Jason Cannon
Last Saturday, Lizzie, Tiffany and I made our first trip to the Birmingham Zoo as a family.
Lizzie had never been. To her, exotic animals are drawn in vibrant colors on rigid cardboard pages in alphabetical order, so I was looking forward to letting her see the real thing up close.
I didn't really know what to expect. I hadn't been to the zoo in more than 10-years and I certainly hadn't been with a 2-year-old, but I figured it would be a positive experience. Lizzie loves animals.
Lizzie does an impression of a monkey that's almost as good as the real thing. And her cow is Broadway material.
We jumped out of the car and Lizzie was in heaven, even from the parking lot.
http://www.clantonadvertiser.com/articles/2006/04/11/opinion/columnists/9-column.txt
Zoo continuing Safari Slumbers, looking for docents
The Clarion-Ledger
The Jackson Zoo is continuing its overnight sleepover program, Safari Slumbers, this fall. It’s aimed at scout troops, church youth groups, family groups and more.
Three programs are offered: Mississippi Nights, Rain Forest Dreams and Africa After Dark, featuring a behind-the-scenes tour, chats with zookeepers and an up-close visit with an animal guest. Other activities may include stargazing, a sunrise tour, night hike and camp fire stories.
Sleeping would be indoors, on the floor of the zoo’s education building.
The cost is $35 per person and includes a pizza dinner and continental breakfast. A minimum of 10 people is required for booking a group.
The Jackson Zoo is also looking for docents. Docent training classes will be held 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays from Sept. 30 through Nov. 11.
To learn more about the program, join the Docent Safari 9 a.m. to noon on Sept. 16 at the zoo.
For more information, to book a group for Safari Slumbers or to find out more about the Docent Safari, call (601) 352-2586.
http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060830/FEAT05/60830022
You Can Now Visit The Zoo In Oshkosh For Free
(WFRV) OSHKOSH Since 2002, the Zoo at the Menominee Park Zoo has been charging an admission fee. Now, thanks to the generosity of an Oshkosh couple, it looks like those days are over.
Tom and Penny Harenburg donated $65,000 to the Zoo for this year, to eliminate the Zoo's $1.00 for children and $2.00 for adults entrance fees.
It will also cover a portion of zoo upkeep and improvement costs.
The Harenburgs are also working with the Oshkosh area Community Foundation, to set up an annual fund to make sure those admission fees never return.
http://wfrv.com/local/local_story_101170914.html
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