Zoos
The Tears of a Panda
What happens when a zoo animal gets depressed?
By Daniel Engber
Posted Thursday, Sept. 14, 2006, at 6:28 PM ET
Download the MP3 audio version of this story here, or sign up for The Explainer's free daily podcast on iTunes.
A sleep-deprived panda inadvertently crushed her newborn cub to death at a zoo in China last week. "Pandas who lose their young tend to be depressed for a month or so," said a zoo official. "Yaya appeared to be so sad when she couldn't find her baby. … Tears could be seen in her eyes." What happens when a zoo animal gets depressed?
It gets special treats or psychiatric treatment. Keepers can tell something's wrong when an animal becomes lethargic and unresponsive or stops eating its food. Other warning signs include excessive grooming (like picking fur or plucking feathers), rocking in place, and pacing in circles. Zoo employees must first rule out physical ailments that could cause similar symptoms. An animal with an ulcer or a broken finger, for example, might mope around in the corner because it's in pain. A skin condition might elicit a grooming response that looks something like OCD.
A sad-sack animal can sometimes be coaxed out of a funk with "enrichment items" like toys and special foods. The pandas at the National Zoo get "fruitsicles"—apple-juice-flavored ices with embedded pieces of fruit. A blue period may also pass on its own, given enough time.
http://www.slate.com/id/2149682/
US animal rights activists jailed
10.20am Wednesday September 13, 2006
TRENTON, N.J.- Three animal rights activists convicted under a US anti-terrorism law have been sentenced to between 48 and 72 months prison for a campaign to drive out of business Huntingdon Life Sciences, a company that tests pharmaceuticals and chemicals on animals.
A federal court judge in Trenton, New Jersey was due to sentence three more people convicted in the case in the coming days.
The members of Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty were also found guilty of conspiracy and interstate stalking in their campaign against employees of Huntingdon, a British company that tests pharmaceutical, chemicals and dyes on animals.
The company, which has operations in East Millstone, New Jersey, says on its Web site it uses mice, rabbits, cats, dogs, pigs, sheep, cows, fish, birds and monkeys.
In March a jury found the defendants and their organisation guilty of violating the Animal Enterprise Protection Act, a federal law that was amended in 2002 to equate its offenses with terrorism. It marked the first trial and conviction under that law, federal officials said.
Defence attorneys argued that the defendants were exercising their constitutional rights of free speech and had not themselves committed the acts advocated by their Web site. SHAC said it was the victim of a government crackdown on dissent.
During the three-week trial before US District Judge Anne Thompson, jurors heard that defendants urged sympathizers to harass Huntingdon employees, vandalize their cars and publish the names, addresses and phone numbers of their families on a Web site.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10401082
Take a walk on Houston's wild side
The Bayou City is more than a sea of concrete sprawl. Even close to downtown, wildlife lurks around nearly every corner
By DOUG PIKE
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle
We are fortunate that city founders and managers did not and do not ignore the value of open, natural space.
Houston certainly has no shortage of concrete, but its parks department maintains more than 200 open spaces at which real-life wildlife can be surprisingly abundant.
To most city folks, parks are where kids play soccer and dogs chase their tails on sunny Saturday afternoons. We're so focused on the games and activities we bring to these secluded oases that many of us don't notice the birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects crowding the sidelines.
Among Houston's best (and most user-friendly) wildlife-observation areas is its Arboretum and Nature Center, 151 "raw" acres originally carved from the southwest corner of Memorial Park in 1951.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/sports/4185342.html
Talking elephant amazes keepers
15 September 2006
Duration 01:28
An elephant at a South Korean zoo has learned how to "speak".
http://media.smh.com.au/?sy=smh&category=bulletin&rid=21904&source=smh.com.au%2F&t=1UENJL&ie=1&player=wm7&rate=422&flash=1
Treat animals right to prove yourself
By Zou Hanru (China Daily)
Updated: 2006-08-18 06:55
Lawmakers in Hong Kong are deliberating a proposal to impose heavier penalties for animal cruelty offences. And all indications are that the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Amendment) Bill 2006 will sail through once the legislature reconvenes after its summer recess.
The government seeks to increase the maximum penalty for acts of cruelty to animals, which include beating, kicking or torturing, from a fine of HK$5,000 (US$700) to HK$100,000 (US$1,400) and/or imprisonment for six months to one year.
The Hong Kong government felt the need to amend the statute after a spate of animal torture cases came to light in March.
The first was the tragic story of Pan Pan, a puppy found with all of its limbs chopped off.
The same month, a 26-year-old man was jailed for three months for beating to death his flatmate's Shih-tzu dog because its barking was disturbing his TV-watching.
Last month, a 21-year-old man was sentenced to 14 days in jail and fined HK$1,000 (US$140) for locking up his pet dog at home without leaving enough water or food, thus starving it to death.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/opinion/2006-08/18/content_667769.htm
Debut for big little cutie
2-week-old calf is a great hit with crowd at zoo during eagerly awaited introduction
Photo Galleries
Tammy Webber
tammy.webber@indystar.com
Elaina Perry and Ariana Hampton leaned into the wooden fence, impatient to see the Indianapolis Zoo's new baby elephant.
Mom and me: Ivory towers over her baby as she is formally introduced to the public at the Indianapolis Zoo. The calf made her official public debut Thursday just two weeks after birth. For a photo gallery of her explorations, plus video, go to IndyStar.com/multimedia. - Matt Detrich / The Star
DID YOU KNOW?
• The baby will nurse for about two years, although she may begin eating solid food in a few months, slowly increasing her intake. By age 2, she'll begin to grow tusks, which is when Mom will decide it's time to stop nursing.
• She was 266 pounds at birth Aug. 31. She lost about 10 pounds, which is not uncommon, but is gaining it back and is expected to gain about 2 pounds a day for the first year. Full-grown females usually weigh 7,000 to 10,000 pounds.
• She sleeps about six or seven hours a night, sometimes getting up to nurse. She occasionally naps during the day.
Source: Indianapolis Zoo
Then, to a chorus of "Awws!" from the girls and about 150 other onlookers, the 2-week-old calf toddled into view -- her giant ears flapping -- for her first official public appearance since she was born Aug. 31.
"It was very hard to wait for the elephant," said 3-year-old Elaina, Brownsburg.
"Yeah, but then we saw her and now she's eating," chimed in Ariana, 3, Indianapolis. "She's so cute."
The baby, who doesn't yet have a name, soon began exploring the dirt, branches and small pond in the outdoor enclosure, where she and her mother, Ivory, were kept separate from the rest of the zoo's elephants.
Senior elephant trainer Jill Sampson beamed like a proud parent as the baby lifted small branches with her trunk and moved objects with her feet.
"She is very coordinated for her age," said Sampson.
The calf had been outside a few times for short stints, but Thursday was her official public debut. Now, she'll be outside a couple hours a day, weather permitting, Sampson said.
Jenny Homan, Avon, was pleasantly surprised to see the baby, especially since she'd brought her 23-month-old daughter, Samantha, specifically to see the elephant exhibit.
"She played with a stuffed elephant while we were shopping yesterday and then talked about elephants all night long."
Call Star reporter Tammy Webber at (317) 444-6212.
Copyright 2006 IndyStar.com.
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060915/LOCAL/609150453&SearchID=73257326746520
Mourning the "crocodile hunter"
3,000 free tickets go quickly for Irwin's memorial service
Associated Press
BRISBANE, Australia -- About 3,000 grieving fans, hundreds of whom camped on the street overnight, were rewarded Friday with tickets to next week's public memorial service for "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin.
The free tickets were distributed at three locations across Irwin's home state of Queensland, and were snapped up in about 15 minutes.
Melissa Power, a 34-year-old beautician, was at the front of the line in the state capital, Brisbane, and had tears in her eyes when she finally got her ticket.
"It's unbelievable," she said. "I haven't slept and am so overemotional -- I'm looking so forward to it."
Thousands lined up for tickets outside Irwin's Australia Zoo. Some burst into tears after the tickets ran out.
The public service for Irwin will be Wednesday at the "Crocoseum" amphitheater on the grounds of the zoo and will be a "celebration of his life, not a sad funeral," his father, Bob, said last week.
Irwin was killed Sept. 4 when he was pierced in the chest by a stingray while filming a new TV show off the Great Barrier Reef.
His death prompted an outpouring of grief around the world and in Queensland, where tens of thousands turned out and laid flowers, candles and messages of support outside the zoo.
Although larger venues for the public event had been suggested, Irwin's American-born wife, Terri, said her husband would have wanted the service at the Crocoseum.
Terri Irwin and the couple's 8-year-old daughter, Bindi, are to speak at the service, along with Bob Irwin and his close friend and manager, John Stainton, the family said.
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060916/LOCAL17/609160477&SearchID=73257326822414
Wild Senior Information Day At The Tulsa Zoo
KOTV - 9/13/2006 10:07 AM - Updated: 9/14/2006 8:52 AM
The Tulsa Zoo and Good Shepherd Hospice hosted the first "Wild Senior Information Day."
Wednesday, senior citizens enjoyed free admission, food, train rides and even chair massages, courtesy of Community Care College.
There was also bingo, live entertainment, vendors and zoo tours. Seniors even won prizes for the wildest zoo outfit and the largest group represented. More than 250 seniors came out for the event.
Tamara Hooks with the Tulsa Zoo: "It's a wonderful day to be out here and it's a wonderful opportunity for seniors to get active and come out and enjoy a day at the zoo."
Vendor fees at the event will purchase additional wheelchairs for use at the zoo.
http://www.kotv.com/news/?110955
Zoo looks to regain luster
The Zoo Northwest Florida still is fighting back from hurricanes Ivan and Dennis as well as the withdrawal of its accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
H. Doug Kemper Jr., executive director of the zoo near Gulf Breeze, said he initially decided not to reapply for accreditation as zoo workers coped with some $600,000 in storm damage and the loss of 23 animals, including 18 fragile fruit bats.
But he changed his mind after accreditation officials assured him they'd take into account the hurricane problems.
"We just wanted to let it lapse while we try to recover from the storms," he said.
Kemper said he was disappointed by what he considered the accreditation group's failure to live up to its promise to overlook the damage.
He said the denial was based on several factors, including downed fences, lack of potable water for the animals and unsatisfactory graphic signs at exhibits.
But Kemper said water quality meets Santa Rosa County, Florida Wildlife Commission and U.S. Animal Welfare Act standards, and the other problems were unavoidable results of the hurricanes.
http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060914/NEWS01/609140329/1006
Lake Superior Zoo names director
BY BRANDON STAHL
NEWS TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
Attention at the Lake Superior Zoo is often focused on animals, but next week Ryan Gulker will be the zoo's main attraction.
After being without a director since Dec. 13, the zoo will welcome Gulker into the top spot on Monday.
Gulker has worked at Sunset Zoological Park in Manhattan, Kan., for the past 14 years.
He most recently served as the curator -- second in command at the zoo and responsible for overseeing care of the animals.
Sunset Zoological Park is similar to the Lake Superior Zoo in size and both are city-run and financed. Gulker's former supervisor said the similarities should make for an easy transition for him.
"This is a mixed blessing," said Scott Shoemaker, Sunset Zoological Park's director. "It'll be hard to lose him. But he's wanted to be a director for a long time and worked very hard to be a director. I think he'll be very good at the job."
Gulker, who was moving to Duluth on Wednesday night and could not be reached for comment, comes to the Lake Superior Zoo at a critical time -- the facility's accreditation with the American Zoo and Aquarium Association expires this month.
Shoemaker said being accredited by the AZA demonstrates "the zoo is exceeding all standards for animal care and animal welfare."
The Sunset Zoo has been accredited since 1989, Shoemaker said, giving credit to Gulker for that achievement.
Keeping the facility's accreditation probably will be one of Gulker's top priorities.
"He is very familiar with AZA accreditation standards," Shoemaker said. "That's one of his strengths."
http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsuperior/news/local/15515788.htm
Naples Zoo has recently seen the birth of two fascinating African animals: a black and white colobus monkey and a yellow-backed duiker, a type of forest antelope.
Typically, zoo staff select appropriate names for newborns at the zoo. This time, however, everyone is being invited to pitch in and the ultimate winning names will be chosen by the new monkey's mother herself.
Names can be submitted for both new babies through Sunday, Oct. 15. As both of these creatures are African species, names that relate to Africa are encouraged. Entry forms are available at The Zoo Gift Shop or online at www.napleszoo.com. No purchase is necessary to enter and you can enter as many names as you like.
Zoo staff will select five potential names for each baby. The names will then be paired, one for the antelope and one for the monkey, and assigned a color. On Oct. 19, keepers will place five correspondingly colored treats on the colobus monkey island. Whichever colored treat the colobus monkey mother selects first will determine the winning names.
The two people who submitted the winning names and their immediate families will join zoo director David Tetzlaff on an exclusive tour of the zoo featuring an early-morning boat cruise and a special trip to the duiker exhibit. That date will be coordinated with both winning groups and tours will take place at the same time.
Naples Zoo is located at 1590 Goodlette-Frank Road, across from the Coastland Center Mall in the heart of Naples. In addition to innovative presentations like "Serpents: Fangs & Fiction" and "Planet Predator," the zoo offers a historic botanical garden and many rare animals. Guests board the Primate Expedition Cruise to glide by islands inhabited by monkeys, lemurs and apes living in natural habitats.
To learn more about Naples Zoo, visit their Web site at www.napleszoo.com or call 239-262-5409.
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17191425&BRD=2256&PAG=461&dept_id=455823&rfi=6
Southeast Asian Zoo Conference closes
14:33' 14/09/2006 (GMT+7)
VietNamNet Bridge - The 15th annual conference of the South East Asian Zoos Association (SEAZA) closed in Ho Chi Minh City on Sept. 13.
The conference saw the signing of an agreement to establish links between the Saigon Zoological and Botanical Garden and the Taipei Zoo.
Under the agreement, the two zoos will cooperate in scientific research, information sharing, the exchange of animals for preservation purposes, and the training of staffs.
The three-day conference, hosted by HCM City for the second time, was attended by nearly 200 delegates coming from 27 countries and territories.
As many as 51 scientific reports on the topic of "Better Zoos" were delivered at the conference. The reports dealt with animal husbandry and zoo medicine, marketing and fund raising, education and conservation, zoo design, environmental enhancement and an introduction to the Saigon Safari Park.
http://english.vietnamnet.vn/tech/2006/09/611848/
Zoo hosts Grandparents’ Day Saturday
Herald Times Reporter
MANITOWOC - The Lincoln Park Zoo and the Lincoln Park Zoological Society will celebrate Grandparent’s Day and Donor Appreciation Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, at the zoo, 1215 N. Eighth St.
The public is invited; admission is free.
Activities will include free hot dogs, lemonade, cookies, popcorn, lollipops and balloons as well as a magician and music.
For more information, call the zoo office at 920-683-4685 or LaVern Hartl at 920-684-4850.
Fall hours at the zoo are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
http://www.htrnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060914/MAN0101/60914031/1984
Curious George To Visit Chattanooga Zoo
posted September 14, 2006
WTCI, the community’s PBS station, will welcome the newest PBS Kids star Curious George to Chattanooga from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 24, at the Chattanooga Zoo at Warner Park.
Fresh off his Labor Day debut on WTCI, Chattanooga is one of the first cities Curious George has chosen to visit in the United States. Hank, Chattanooga chimp ambassador, will officially welcome the mischievous monkey to the Tennessee Valley. After Hank’s welcome, George will meet all of his local fans for photos and autographs.
“Kids have always identified with George because he's naturally curious
like they are,” said Paul Grove, WTCI President and CEO. “We’re happy Chattanooga is one of George’s first stop in the country. WTCI invites everyone to welcome the star of WTCI’s newest kids program to town.”
WTCI Kids Club members will receive free admission when they wear their Kids Club t-shirts. The event is open to the public with regular paid admission to the zoo.
“Hank is looking forward to welcoming one of his own to Chattanooga,” said Darde Long, the Chattanooga Zoo’s executive director. “We have lots of fun activities planned to honor both Hank and George.”
Curious George is one busy monkey! Since his introduction to the world in 1941 in the beloved children's book by Margret and H.A. Rey, the always curious George has appeared alongside The Man with the Yellow Hat in dozens of books that have never gone out of print, and a recent box-office hit.
The new daily series expands George's world to include a host of colorful new characters and original locales, while maintaining the charm of the beloved books. Each of the 30 half-hour episodes includes two animated stories followed by short live-action pieces showing real kids who are investigating the ideas
that George introduces in his stories. The series is designed to inspire kids to explore science, math, and engineering in the world around them. “Curious George” airs on WTCI weekdays at 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
This event is sponsored by Promise Pediatrics, Little Debbie Snack Cakes, the Chattanooga Zoo and WTCI.
http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_92763.asp
At National Zoo, the Bear Celebrities
Thursday, September 14, 2006
By Karlyn Barker The Washington Post
WASHINGTON--There wasn't much public fuss when he was born at the National Zoo earlier this year. And most visitors have since wandered upon him by accident. But come fall, sloth bear Balawat and his parents will star in a new, high-profile ``digging'' exhibit--the first animals people will see as they stroll through the zoo's pedestrian entrance on Connecticut Avenue NW.
Balawat, known as Bala, was born Jan. 9, exactly six months after the zoo's popular giant panda cub, Tai Shan, was born. Both are about to get expanded quarters as part of Asia Trail, the $53 million overhaul that opens Oct. 17.
http://www.cantonrep.com/index.php?ID=307848&Category=23
Zoo Orangutan Pregnant
Sep 14, 2006 11:15 AM EDT
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo is expecting an addition -- a baby orangutan. A 22-year-old Sumatran orangutan, named Sayang, is pregnant and expected to give birth for the first time in December. It would be the zoo's first orangutan birth since the species was added to the Indonesian Rain Forest exhibit in 1995. The large, red-furred apes are native to Indonesia and Malaysia's rain forests. They have been declining in numbers and are in danger of becoming extinct. Zoo visitors might not be able to tell that Sayang is pregnant. Orangutan babies weigh under four pounds at birth. Sayang is getting some practice at motherhood. Zoo staff members gave her a stuffed orangutan toy, which she holds to her chest as if she is nursing it.
http://www.wane.com/Global/story.asp?S=5407929&nav=menu32_2
Kauffman gives $1.75M to zoo, art institute
Kansas City Business Journal - September 15, 2006
The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation awarded $1.75 million in grants from the Kauffman Legacy Fund on Thursday.
The Kansas City Zoo will receive a $1 million grant to support its $35 million fund-raising campaign. The zoo is raising money to build a more convenient entrance, create a penguin exhibit, expand the children's area, enlarge the tropical forest and build an up-close giraffe feeding area.
The Kansas City Art Institute will receive a $750,000 grant to support its operational costs and facility and grounds improvement projects. The art school has made more than $25 million in improvements in the past 10 years.
"We're pleased to be able to honor our founder by contributing to organizations that are working to improve the quality of life for area residents and enhance the overall welfare of our community," Kauffman Foundation CEO Carl Schramm said in a news release.
http://kansascity.bizjournals.com/kansascity/stories/2006/09/11/daily29.html?surround=lfn
Brookfield Zoo hopes for sea lion love connection
By Frank Mathie
September 14, 2006 - A Chicago zoo is trying to set up a love triangle. A sea lion from California apparently has been looking for love in all the wrong places, but now he has been introduced to two girlfriends from Brookfield Zoo.
Guthrie, all 825 pounds of him, arrived at Brookfield Zoo four months ago, but he is just now getting to spend more and more time with Baily, one of his new girlfriends, and Abby, the other female in this triangle. As you have probably guessed, Guthrie is at the zoo for just one purpose.
"To make babies! That's why he's here. And he's also here because he's a great exhibit animal to work with. He's great with people," said Jennifer McGee, Lead Keeper Brookfield Zoo.
Guthrie was raised in a Massachusetts aquarium but now he is at the Brookfield Zoo until he can create that magic that is hoped to reverse a downward trend in the captive sea lion population.
"We have plenty of sea lions now but the population is mostly older and there are very few females of breeding age. So if we don't take care of the population in zoos and aquariums we won't have a population in zoos and aquariums twenty or thirty years down the road," said Jennifer McGee.
The two females have not been an adult male at the zoo for many years and Guthrie, 24, has never been with females, so it is a mystery if there will be a love connection. So far, the girls are playing hard to get -- only on occasion do they flirt.
"He looks at them and kind of puts himself out there but he lets the females come to him." Jennifer McGee:
But then again you can't rush love. After all, mating season doesn't begin until next July.
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=local&id=4562968
Rare tiger cub dies at Pittsburgh zoo
Staff and agencies
14 September, 2006
58 minutes ago
PITTSBURGH - The smallest of three rare Siberian tiger cubs born at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium died Thursday, zoo officials said.
Zookeepers noticed the cub was lethargic Wednesday when its mother, Toma, allowed her three cubs to leave the den where they were born Aug. 8. Veterinarians tried to treat the cub, but its condition worsened.
There are only about 400 Siberian tigers in the wild and about 190 in U.S. zoos. Their mortality rate in the wild is about 30 to 40 percent.
http://www.localnewsleader.com/brocktown/stories/index.php?action=fullnews&id=6866
French zoo welcomes rare Atlas lion cubs
September 15 2006 at 02:34AM
Les Sables D'Olonne, France - Two Atlas lion cubs, which are extinct in the wild, have been born in a zoo in western France, the zoo said on Thursday.
Djebel and Taza, both females, were born on July 25 to seven-year-old mother Jerada and 17-year-old father Bali, the Sables d'Olonne zoo said.
The last known Atlas lion in the wild, a sub-species also known as Barbary or Nubian lions, was killed by a poacher in Morocco in 1922.
Around 50 live in zoos around the world.
Jerada was being "a real mother hen and very protective", the zoo's scientific director Sandrine Silhol said. - Sapa-AFP
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=31&art_id=qw1158265981271B216
Rare tiger cub dies at Pittsburgh zoo
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
PITTSBURGH -- The smallest of three rare Siberian tiger cubs born at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium died Thursday, zoo officials said.
Respiratory problems likely caused the 5-week-old cub's death, the zoo said. But results of a necropsy performed Thursday won't be available for several weeks.
Zookeepers noticed the cub was lethargic Wednesday when its mother, Toma, allowed her three cubs to leave the den where they were born Aug. 8. Veterinarians tried to treat the cub, but its condition worsened.
The 4-pound female was half the size of her brother and sister, the zoo said.
There are only about 400 Siberian tigers in the wild and about 190 in U.S. zoos. Their mortality rate in the wild is about 30 to 40 percent.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1110AP_BRF_Tiger_Cub_Dies.html
The Philadelphia Zoo
How far will $20 go?
By Caleb Sanders
Samuel L. Jackson is right.
He wasn't kidding when he expressed concern for the slithering intruders in the film Snakes on a Plane. Some of the deadliest animals in the world are snakes, and the Philadelphia Zoo boasts a fine collection.
With an impressive exhibit that features snakes from all over the world, the Philly Zoo could have easily supplied the creatures for that movie. Many of the snakes are extremely venomous and are capable of killing a human being with one bite.
One of the highlights was a display featuring two large green anacondas.
This is world's largest snake that can reach up to 33 feet in length and over 300 lbs. in weight. This predator lurks in the Amazon and feasts on large waterfowl and monkeys.
Another exhibit also features the king cobra, one of the world's deadliest snakes.
Even though it is very venomous, the skin and blood can be used to heal people from certain ailments. However, it is illegal to keep venomous reptiles in Philly, so don't think about ordering one for the dorm room.
With many other snakes like the western diamond back rattlesnake and the emerald tree boa, Philly seems to have one of the best collections of snakes on the East Coast, but in cages not planes.
http://www.waltonian.com/media/storage/paper752/news/2006/09/14/News/The-Philadelphia.Zoo-2278550.shtml?norewrite200609190750&sourcedomain=www.waltonian.com
S.A. Zoo hosting annual kids' run
Web Posted: 09/14/2006 11:41 PM CDT
Express-News Staff
The San Antonio Zoo's 22nd annual Animal Zoo Run and Kids' Zoo Run kicks off today.
Registration may be done in person at the zoo for both races. Registration for today's event begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Koehler Pavilion in Brackenridge Park and the run begins at 6:30 p.m. Registration for the Kid's Run is from 7:30 to 8 a.m. Saturday and the run begins at 8:30 a.m.
Participants will be divided into four-person teams. Cost per team is $75. Cost is $15 per child.
For more information, call (210) 734-7184, ext. 1043.
http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/metro/stories/MYSA091506.02B.zoorun.e6dbe63.html
Tiny tots get up close with zoo critters
It's animal alphabet at the Knoxville Zoo. Kids are getting a real hands on experience with things that start with the letter "B."
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"We're talking about things that live in our back yard," Knoxville Zoo Educator Heather Debord says.
Black widow spiders, and box turtles live in the back yard.
The zoo's new program "Kritter Kids" lets two to five year olds get up close with all types of animals.
"Kids love animals and that's one of the things we're able to utilize as a means of learning," Knoxville Zoo Education Director Kevin Hils says.
An extension to the zoo's summer camps, "Kritter Kids" is a power packed two hours where learning and play are combined. Knoxville Zoo's education director says it's important to create a connection with kids and animals early on.
"There's documentation that kids who have early experiences with animals, it absolutely changes demeanor," Hils says.
After a fun filled lesson on backyard animals, the "Kritter Kids" take a walk through the zoo to see some much bigger creatures like bobcats and wolves. The new program creates a love for animals kids will never forget.
"Kritter Kids" is offered through December. The Tiger Tots Tuesday program is reserved for two and three year olds. Zoo-dler Thursday is for four and five year olds. To register, call the Knoxville Zoo at 865-637-5331 ext.350 or visit Knoxville Zoo's website at www.knoxville-zoo.org
http://www.wbir.com/life/programming/local/liveatfive/story.aspx?storyid=37829
Alaska Zoo's wolf pups
By James DeCrane, CBS 11 News Producer
Earlier this summer, the Alaska Zoo learned that six wolf pups were found in a den near McGrath in a wolf control area. The zoo, which was already looking for new wolves, quickly claimed the pups and brought them to Anchorage.
Their energy and playfulness helped them quickly adjust at the zoo, making them very popular among zoo visitors.
Now several months later, they're much bigger.
"They're growing like weeds getting bigger--certain ones showing dominance over the other ones!" said Pat Lampi of the Alaska Zoo.
in at 60 pounds, the zoo says they're still growing and transforming into adult wolves. They're also still extremely playful and energetic.
"There's always something going on with them. They're very popular,” said Lampi.
The wolves are beginning to develop their social patterns as pack animals, with several pups vying for the spot of alpha male.
"They're forming their own tight-knit group, trying to socialize with people--for their animal control and training,” said Lampi.
The outdoor shelter that the pups are currently in was meant to be temporary, with the goal of moving the wolves down to a larger wooded area. But it remains to be seen whether they'll move into their permanent home before winter, since the area is already occupied.
"We'll have to see who will get more use of it. The two coyotes that are down there, or the six of them might be more comfortable there,” said Lampi.
Either way, as native Alaskans, the wolves appear that they'll be content wherever--as long as they can
be the center of attention.
officials with the Alaska Zoo say they definitely encourage people to check out the wolves as soon as you can, preferably before winter moves in. For more information about the zoo's hours and directions, you can visit: www.alaskazoo.org
http://www.ktva.com/topstory/ci_4339955
Four new pups emerge from their den
By ADAM CLAYTON, STAFF REPORTER Zoo yesterday. (MARCEL CRETAIN, Sun)
Everyone loves puppies. And the crowds at the Assiniboine Park Zoo are no different.
Curator Dr. Bob Wrigley said patrons are quite taken with the zoo's newest inhabitants -- four Arctic fox pups. The pups, who will begin molting into their all-white winter coats in October, were born in June and emerged above ground about a month ago.
"It seems like every time I walk by here there's a mom with her kids watching the pups," Wrigley said outside the Arctic fox habitat yesterday. "Kittens and puppies are hard to beat for the cuteness quotient. They are pretty popular around here."
Arctic foxes were displayed and bred periodically at the zoo from 1965 to 1991, when the group died out. Wrigley said staff spent years trying to acquire more of the animals without any luck, as few North American zoos display the Arctic fox.
With the help of Manitoba Conservation and the Manitoba Trappers Association, six young Arctic foxes were captured near Churchill in the fall of 2003 and brought to Winnipeg. One died, another was sent to a different zoo.
It's not clear which of the four remaining adults produced the pups, but Wrigley said he's hoping more litters will follow.
"There has been no breeding until this year, probably because they were still too young. With any luck they'll breed every year and we'll be able to provide other zoos with them," said Wrigley. "We've got quite a waiting list of other zoos that would like to have this species."
WARM COAT
The species, found throughout the Arctic, has one of the warmest coats of any mammal and can survive in temperatures as low as -70 C.
"They're a wonderful exhibit because they're out in all kinds of weather," said Wrigley. "You can't get too cold for these guys."
Wrigley said the arctic fox is one of Manitoba's most remarkable animals and is known for its phenomenal stamina. When lemmings and voles are scarce, the animal will often travel great distances in search of food.
In 1975, a male arctic fox travelled from the Hudson Bay coast to East Shoal Lake -- more than 1,000 km. Wrigley said it was the longest inland trek of a North American mammal recorded.
Previous story: Who the heckler was that guy?
Next story: Know thy city hall
http://winnipegsun.com/News/Winnipeg/2006/09/15/1842860-sun.html
Hanna’s star power still shines for Columbus Zoo
Friday, September 15, 2006
Marla Matzer Rose
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Jack Hanna gets groomed by a snow monkey as he studies notes before going on Good Morning America. Times Square is outside the windows.
We thought we saw a lot of Jack Hanna before.
We’ll see even more of him as "Jack Hanna’s Fall Fest" is introduced this weekend. The promotion is just the latest example of how the Columbus Zoo’s director emeritus is lending his star power to the place he helped build into one of the country’s most popular zoos.
"We have to continue to tell people about this beautiful thing we’ve built," Hanna said. "We have to compete for the tourist dollar along with everyone else."
With OSU football the fall’s top draw, the zoo has to work even harder on game days.
"Everyone is competing with OSU football," said Lisa Beebe, the zoo’s events coordinator. "We’ve been doing well overall, but we really hope this event will increase our attendance."
http://www.columbusdispatch.com/business-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/09/15/20060915-F1-03.html
Zoo home is coqui-dokey with Puerto Rican icons
Walter Pacheco Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted September 15, 2006
Fiesta del Coqui
When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Where: Central Florida Zoo, 3755 N. U.S. Highway 17-92 (1 mile east of Interstate 4 and 4 1/2 miles west of Sanford).
Cost: $8.95 adults, $6.95 seniors, $4.95 ages 3-12, free age 2 and younger.
Call: 407-323-4450.
Online: centralfloridazoo.org.
A new sound can be heard among the warbles, hisses and growls at the Central Florida Zoo -- ko-kee, ko-kee -- and it has traveled here from Puerto Rico by way of Hawaii.
The coqui frog -- revered in Puerto Rico as a national symbol for its song, hunted in Hawaii for endangering the habitat of native species -- is the star of a new exhibit, which kicks off Saturday with a weekend celebration at the Sanford zoo.
Fiesta del Coqui, which runs through Sunday, celebrates this timid and controversial amphibian's history and folklore, as well as the traditions and culture of Puerto Rico.
"The zoo's collection didn't have anything that represented Puerto Rico, and we were approached with this great opportunity," says Shonna Green, zoo spokeswoman. "Not only do we have something that wholly symbolizes Puerto Rico, but it's an animal that's really adored by Puerto Ricans everywhere."
Evelyn Rojales, a Sanford resident originally from Puerto Rico, is excited about the exhibit and thinks it will be a hit.
"The coqui are very important and special to our people," Rojales says. "We'll do anything to see one in Central Florida."
There are 17 species of coqui; they are predominantly brown with some markings, such as a stripe down their backs.
They measure less than 2 inches, depending on the sex and altitude of habitat. Unlike other frogs, coqui don't posses webbed feet and cannot swim. Coqui can be found in the mountains of Puerto Rico's rain forests but also have adapted to the island's urban areas.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/orl-coquis1506sep15,0,6005319.story?coll=orl-caltop
Neighbors say Doyle's Zoo Interchange plan is 'lunacy'
Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle's proposal to rebuild Milwaukee's Zoo Interchange is "fiscal, planning, and congestion lunacy," Citizens Allied for Sane Highways (CASH) said today.
In an election-year turnaround, Doyle announced he will reverse his stand on the Zoo Interchange project, which he vetoed last year. Doyle said he will propose funding to start reconstruction of the intersection of Interstates 94 and 894 and U.S. Highway 45 in 2012.
CASH is a citizen coalition formed to oppose freeway expansion in Milwaukee. Many of the members live in Milwaukee's Story Hill Neighborhood. The neighborhood would be affected by an expansion of freeway lanes and traffic along Interstate 94 near Miller Park.
"This is a cheap election year ploy to win Waukesha County votes Doyle is not going to get anyway," said Robert Trimmier, co-chair of CASH. "The $27 million to $28 million Doyle says he will propose for Zoo Interchange environmental and engineering studies ought to come from his campaign fund. This is the most expensive campaign commercial on record, and he's charging it to the taxpayers of Wisconsin."
CASH noted that Doyle's proposal comes while work on the Marquette Interchange continues and work on the Interstate 94 corridor between Milwaukee and the Illinois border begins.
"Doyle needs to explain today – before we spend millions and millions on pre-construction studies – how the state is going to pay for this project," said Gretchen Schuldt, CASH co-chair. "The federal government isn't going to have the money – is Doyle advocating toll roads, higher taxes, or both?"
"Doyle wants to drain the entire transportation fund into the Milwaukee area," Trimmier said. "The message to the rest of the state is: Drop dead."
http://www.biztimes.com/daily/2006/9/15/neighbors-say-doyles-zoo-interchange-plan-is-lunacy
Gorillas bound for Cameroon
PETALING JAYA: The four Taiping Zoo gorillas that were smuggled into Malaysia four years ago and later relocated to South Africa, will now be heading back to their home country of Cameroon.
The Cameroon authorities had started a relentless campaign to have the African great apes, aged five to seven years old, returned to them.
The gorillas are now at the National Zoological Gardens in Pretoria, South Africa.
The Malaysian authorities, which confiscated the animals, had decided to deliver them to South Africa in 2004 while Cameroon made a bid for the apes.
Early this month, it was reported that South Africa was informed by the Malaysian Government of the decision to relocate the four gorillas to the Limbe Wildlife Sanctuary in Cameroon.
“Malaysia as the confiscating authority has the jurisdiction in this regard.
“They have initially okayed South Africa and I have no idea why they changed their minds,” Willie Labuschagne, the executive director of South Africa’s National Zoo, was quoted as saying in the report.
However, it is unclear when the relocation will take place and who will pay for the transfer costs. South Africa said it was not paying.
All species of great apes are banned from international trade under the Convention for International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites), which deemed the practice detrimental to their survival in the wild.
In early 2002, Taiping Zoo acquired the animals under a purported animal exchange programme that was later discovered to be a scam.
The Department of Wildlife and National Park, the principal management authority of Cites in Malaysia and also the agency that approved the import in the first place, declined to comment.
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/9/16/nation/15397585&sec=nation
Pizza Hut to serve up $10,000 Zoo donation
St. Louis Business Journal - September 15, 2006
Pizza Hut said Friday that it plans to present the St. Louis Zoo with a $10,000 donation, which it raised through a two-month community initiative.
The check presentation is scheduled for Sept. 23 at 11 a.m. at the South Gate Entrance to the Zoo, One Government Drive. The money is to help celebrate the annual fall festival Ottertoberfest.
The donation to the zoo came from St. Louis area Pizza Hut's "Do the Zoo Thing" campaign. Local restaurants featured "The True Zoo Family Deal," a bundled meal deal where 20 percent of the proceeds from the purchase were donated back to the Saint Louis Zoo, according to a release.
Pizza Hut Inc., a subsidiary of Yum! Brands Inc. (NYSE: YUM), is the world's largest pizza restaurant company with almost 6,600 units in the United States and more than 4,000 units in 100 other countries.
The Saint Louis Zoo, located in Forest Park attracts three million visitors a year.
http://stlouis.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/2006/09/11/daily64.html?jst=b_ln_hl
Zoo is closing Sunday for brewery's private party
By Todd C. Frankel
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
09/16/2006
The St. Louis Zoo, free to the public and normally open every day except two holidays a year, will be closed all day Sunday for an Anheuser-Busch company party.
The closing is the first time the Zoo has done so for a private party and marks a change in the way the tax-supported Zoo goes after new sources of revenue.
The Zoo declined to identify the client, citing a rental privacy policy. But Anheuser-Busch confirmed that it will hold its annual employee "Family Day" at the Zoo that day.
Thousands are expected to attend. Last year, the St. Louis-based brewer's event brought 16,000 people to a Cardinals game.
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stlouiscitycounty/story/CA5FCD6BA99183A1862571EB00115FD2?OpenDocument
Zoo Brew will let you toast a tiger
Sarah D'Esti Miller
IF YOU GO
Zoo Brew
* What: A fundraiser for the Binghamton Zoo
* When: 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23
* Where: The Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park, Morgan Road, Binghamton
* Tickets: $20 for zoo members, $25 for nonmembers, $10 for designated drivers
* Details: Call 724-5461 ext. 222
The Zoo Brew fundraiser for the Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park is usually one heck of a party, and this year's event next week stands to be no exception. Yes, I have a name for this one, too -- Help a critter, drink a bitter.
All right, I'm not sure if there will be bitters there, per se, but if you are a beer-lover, this is the fundraiser for you. There's gonna be beer, and I mean lotsa beer. So far, the lineup includes Brewery Ommegang, Cooperstown Brewery and the Ithaca Beer Company. There also will be Blue Moon Pumpkin Ale, a Hackers Shore Oktoberfest beer, Stella Artois, Southern Tier IPA and good ol' regular domestic beer. If you aren't into beer, you can try all four flavors of the new Anheuser-Busch "Peels" beverages, which were first rolled out this spring -- Cranberry Peach, Strawberry Passionfruit, Blueberry Pomegranate or Pear Lemon. So what if they sound like the body wash selection at Victoria's Secret -- here's the chance to try before you buy.
And don't forget the food. Attendees will be treated to a picnic buffet featuring pizza, hotdogs, hamburgers, sausage, sauerkraut, potato salad, macaroni salad, coleslaw, chips and plenty of soda and water.
There will be door prizes, Doug Mosher will provide the music for the entire event, and there will be cameo appearances by some of the zoo's inhabitants.
http://www.pressconnects.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060916/COLUMNISTS10/609160316/1004/LIFESTYLE
Capitol Notes: Veterans, troops complain Medals of Honor slow to come
Sunday, September 17, 2006
By Lisa Hoffman, Scripps Howard News Service
WASHINGTON -- Gripes are growing in the ranks of some U.S. troops and veterans about the virtual absence of Medals of Honor bestowed upon a growing list of those who have performed extraordinary acts of combat valor in Iraq and Afghanistan.
So far, just one of the nation's top decorations has been awarded, and that was posthumously to Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul Ray Smith, who died in the early days of the war while protecting fellow soldiers from enemy attack near the Baghdad airport.
Critics are especially ticked that no living hero has been selected for the award, and note that -- if the medal were awarded at the same rate at which it was during the Vietnam War -- at least 30 would have been presented so far.
The Pentagon says the process for awarding Medal of Honors is necessarily painstaking, but is proceeding.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06260/722250-28.stm
Lions dying in Indian zoo after failed experiment
(Reuters)
17 September 2006
CHANDIGARH - Twenty-one lions are dying in a zoo in north India after a cross-breeding experiment to boost the park’s attractions went disastrously wrong.
In the 1980s officials at the Chhatbir Zoo in the northern city of Chandigarh, bred captive Asiatic lions with a pair of African circus animals, resulting in a hybrid species.
Within a few years it became obvious it had not worked.
The offspring found it hard to walk, let alone run, because their hind legs were weak. And by the mid 1990s the big cats—which live for up to 20 years in captivity—showed symptoms of failing immune systems.
But it wasn’t until 2000 that the breeding programme was ended, and the male lions given vasectomies, by which time the zoo had 70 to 80 such lions.
Their number dwindled slowly, with disease killing some and some dying of wounds inflicted by other lions.
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticleNew.asp?xfile=data/subcontinent/2006/September/subcontinent_September627.xml§ion=subcontinent
Court apperance for man charged with SpongeBob's theft
SpongeBob the monkey
Marlon Brown, 22, from Lambeth appeared at Kingston magistrate's court on Thursday charged with the theft of SpongeBob the squirrel monkey from Chessington Zoo.
Wearing a hooded jacket, jeans and a black baseball cap, Mr Brown pleaded not guilty to stealing the Bolivian monkey, worth over £2,500.
Despite being eligible to be tried in the magistrate's court, Mr Brown chose to have the case heard in the Crown Court.
After going missing July 16, SpongeBob was found by children playing on a Clapham estate.
He was returned to Chessington but moved to a new home in Battersea zoo after fighting with the female monkeys in his old enclosure.
His role as breeding male in Chessington has been taken over by a new monkey called Van Gogh.
The cheeky monkey keeps a web blog, entitled SpongeBlog, to chart his progress.
http://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/news/topstories/display.var.924164.0.court_apperance_for_man_charged_with_spongebobs_theft.php
Plan calls for removing intrusive carp, using them as zoo feed
JIM SALTER
Associated Press
ST. LOUIS - For years, boaters and fishermen on many Midwestern rivers have battled a fish with a bizarre behavior - silver carp that launch themselves into the air, jumping into boats and often slapping the unsuspecting upside the head.
"They can break your nose or knock you out of the boat," said Duane Chapman, a fisheries biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey.
The carp, brought to the U.S. from Asia by private fish farmers 30 years ago, are more than a nuisance to people. The silver carp and their non-jumping relative, the bighead carp, compete with native fish for food such as paddlefish, bigmouth buffalo and gizzard shad. They have established themselves in parts of the Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio and Illinois rivers.
Problem is, there's little profit for commercial fishermen in harvesting the fish. But the St. Louis Zoo may be the answer to that dilemma.
Rob Hayward, a University of Missouri-Columbia fisheries researcher, and Chapman are part of a team of researchers seeking to create a carp product to feed to zoo animals.
http://www.belleville.com/mld/belleville/news/state/15549827.htm
Rare chameleons born at Taronga Zoo
Tuesday Sep 19 13:55 AEST
The rare veiled chameleon has bred successfully for the first time in an Australian zoo.
Reptile specialists at Sydney's Taronga Zoo have bred four chameleons in captivity, and say the youngsters have a greater chance of survival than they would have had in the wild.
"They've got no predators, they've got a guaranteed basic diet, plus they've got veterinary treatment as well," reptile and amphibian keeper Mark Grant said on Tuesday.
The four chameleons, which were born three to four weeks ago, are now about five centimetres long and are fed on day-old crickets.
They will be put on display after they grow in length and put on a bit more weight. When fully grown they will be about 25cm long.
Chameleons are born bright green and can change colour for camouflage or according to their mood.
They also have the unique ability to move their eyes independently and look in two directions at once.
Veiled chameleons, named after the helmet-like ridge or casque on the top of their heads, are one of about 80 species of Old World chameleons, or true chameleons, and are only found near Yemen and other parts of the Arabian Peninsula.
"They are very hard to come across (in the wild)," said Mr Grant.
"A lot of the Australian zoos haven't had them and we're the first breeding of them in Australia."
The specialists at the zoo prepared the three-year-old parents of the newborns for breeding by spraying them every day to simulate humidity and taking them outside the exhibit for some sunbathing.
Another four eggs are due to hatch in the coming weeks.
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=145689
Puma cub born in Krasnoyarsk zoo
A puma cub was born to Kalina and Graf pumas in Krasnoyarsk zoo "Royev Ruchey" on September, 17. The cub feels well, but its mother refused to feed the newborn, so the zoo workers are taking urgent measures to find a wet nurse for the cub, as the scientific department of the flora and fauna park reported.
A big dog will suit the role of a wet nurse best of all. Several dog owners have already responded to the request, so the zoo workers hope they will manage to grow a healthy animal.
It is worth reminding that a contest on wet nurses for three tiger cubs, whose mother refused to feed them, had been announced in the zoo a year ago. The cubs were fed by domestic dog Nayda then.
http://english.newslab.ru/news/201342
Slightly dated, but, I found it interesting newsprint of all kinds are taking interest in the animals we hold dearly as a society. And not only an interest but speaking out about the issues as well. Very nice.
EDITORIAL
Elephants should undergo testing
Only DNA checks can settle the issue of whether the animals being sent to Australia are domesticated or wild
The dispute between Thai conservationists and two Australian zoos over an elephant-exchange programme has been building up slowly for almost two years. The transfer of eight young elephants, currently at a holding facility in Sai Yok, north of Kanchanaburi, hit a hurdle last month when elephant lovers and environmentalists prevented the animals from being shifted to Bangkok airport and flown Down Under. The protesters want Thailand's Zoological Park Organisation (ZPO) to prove that the eight jumbos were born in captivity and did not originate from the wild - before they are allowed to be sent to new homes at Sydney's Taronga Park Zoo and the Melbourne Zoo. This is a problem, as neither the ZPO nor the Aussie zoos are willing to have the animals undergo DNA tests to determine their origin.
Wildlife activists are particularly concerned that four of the tuskers were not born to domesticated elephants. They say it is suspicious that the original papers for these animals have disappeared. One of the animals is reportedly listed as having a father from Mae Hong Son and a mother from Chumphon, but being born in Surin. It's possible, but such curious details have created suspicions that the animal's registration certificates might have been tampered with to hide its wild origin.
Australian zoo officials' reluctance to replace any of the eight pachyderms is understandable, as these are social animals that have already bonded over their many months together at the holding centre. The officials are keen on elephants that are sociable and used to interaction with humans. And the deal has been "sold" to the Australian public as a vital conservation programme - that life in a specially designed zoo is preferable to possibly being used to beg on Bangkok's crowded streets.
But the ZPO's refusal to allow DNA tests gives the impression it has something to hide in regard to how it obtained the elephants. The Australian zoos paid good money to the ZPO - Bt400,000-450,000 per elephant - and they appear to have taken the word of Thai officials and mahouts that all of them are domesticated animals.
The Australian government has offered assurance that the deal was consistent with the Australian Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act and Cites, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna, under which elephants are an endangered species. The zoos want the elephants as public exhibits as well as part of a breeding programme, which would be Australia's contribution to preservation of the species.
Under the agreement signed in July 2004, the Australian zoos have made cash donations towards a veterinary facility for elephants and offered technical assistance in wildlife conservation. They are also expected to provide a variety of indigenous Australian wildlife to Thai zoos - such as koalas, kangaroos and wombats. Sydney's Taronga Zoo, which hopes to take delivery of five elephants, and the Melbourne Zoo, which will take the other three, say they are spending around AUS$40 million (Bt1.1 billion) on this exchange. This includes a new enclosure complete with hot and cold bathing areas, elephant exercise equipment, waterfalls and ponds and specially designed "sleeping mounds".
The problem stems largely from the fact that the elephant exchange was arranged by the Thaksin government, which has been plagued by corruption scandals and the prime minister's penchant for shady deals that smack of blatant conflicts of interest. This exchange is seen as one of several dodgy animal deals linked directly to Thaksin and one of his pet projects - the Chiang Mai Night Safari Park in his home province.
One way out of this quandary is for the ZPO to come clean on the way it obtained the elephants. Any ZPO officials found to have been involved in any wrongdoing must be punished. Both the ZPO and the Australian zoos, which insist they entered the deal in good faith and have kept their end of the bargain, should also give joint consent for DNA tests to be conducted on the four animals whose origins are most in doubt, if not all of them. The tests should only take a few weeks.
The Australian zoos must take it upon themselves to prove beyond reasonable doubt to both Thais and Australians that they have not in any way been involved in shady dealing with the Thaksin government, which has shown little respect for transparent processes or sincere effort to protect Thailand's endangered wildlife.
http://nationmultimedia.com/2006/07/09/opinion/opinion_30008321.php
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