Europe should find a way to end the import of wild birds to European zoos and households, according to EU food experts and Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Environment chief and food agency target wild-bird trade
Europe should find a way to end the import of wild birds to European zoos and households, according to EU food experts and Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas.
U.N. report: Deep-sea trawling ravaging oceans
Kindly note the humans in comparison to the size of these nets. Marine life of any kind doesn't have a chance. I would like to know how many Marine Mammals are caught in these nets, die and are simply tossed back to the ocean to sink out of sight without accountability.
Experts attribute overfishing to the industrialization of boats like this one, which uses huge nets to catch tuna.
November 14, 2006
Troubled Seas
One report after another over the last decade has documented the degradation of the world's oceans and predicted a catastrophic decline in important fish species. But in terms of sheer gloom none compares to a recent study in the journal Science. It asserts that the progressive unraveling of entire marine ecosystems up and down the food chain could lead to the ''collapse'' of all commercial species, possibly by the middle of this century.
The researchers -- well-known marine scientists from Canada and four other countries -- reached their conclusion after analyzing dozens of ecosystems around the world, 48 marine protected areas, and 53 years worth of fishing data provided by the United Nations. They found that by 2003 -- the last year for which data on commercial fish catches was available -- 29 percent of all species now being fished had collapsed from overfishing, habitat loss or pollution.
The study defined collapse as a 90 percent decline from estimated historical highs.
The study builds upon previous studies in three important respects. Earlier work had documented a 90 percent decline in a few commercially important species like cod, tuna and swordfish; the new study includes many more species. Second, the study provides elaboration of how entire ecosystems fall apart, with the decline of one species triggering the decline of another. Third, it puts the day of reckoning right around the corner -- 2048, to be precise. ''Our children will see a world without seafood if we don't change things,'' said the lead author, Boris Worm of Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia.
The study says that the situation is not hopeless, but only if the world moves quickly to reduce overfishing and other threats. Two opportunities for change lie immediately at hand. One is a proposal now before the United Nations that would end unregulated bottom trawling on the high seas. Bottom trawling -- essentially the strip-mining of the ocean floor by heavily subsidized foreign fleets -- is incredibly destructive. The United Nations banned fishing with huge drift nets years ago; it should do the same with bottom trawling now.
The second is the pending reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Act regulating fishing practices in U.S. waters. The Senate has approved a bill that strengthens the act in important ways. It should be an early order of business for the new Congress.
Intelligence Of Dolphins Cited in Fight Against Hunt
Japan's annual dolphin hunt, shown in this 2003 photo, has faced opposition for years. A group of scientists and administrators of zoos and aquariums is asking Japan to put tighter restrictions on the government-sanctioned event.
Zoos
New zoo director in Duluth working to restore accreditation
The new director of Duluth's zoo is in a tight spot.Attendance is down at the Lake Superior Zoo, it's losing money, and it has lost the accreditation of the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Reindeer hooves were tearing up the hill in their display. Roaming packs of turkeys and peacocks are too big.New director Ryan Gulker said he has to find ways to bring in more revenue without asking the city for more money, save money on labor without cutting a staff that is already bare-bones, and avoid raising ticket prices. It's a tall order, although the reindeer are already gone.Meanwhile, the zoo expects to see fewer than 108,000 visitors this year, down from 128,000 five years ago.Gulker said it's unclear how much it will cost to get the zoo back in shape. With money from the Lake Superior Zoological Society, he has ordered an $8,500 rapid business assessment. He said he wants to reapply for accreditation in 2008.
http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=139293
Are Zoos Safe for Animals?
Many animals in wildlife have difficulty surviving due to their abiotic means. I feel that those animals that are endangered or experiencing starvation should be kept in zoos. Therefore in this context, zoos can be somewhat of a safe haven for many animals. Sometimes it is more endangering to leave animals in their wildlife environments. When an animal is removed it should be with the idea that there new home will be as relatable as their old without the endangerment. In a sense, it is not much of a difference than would be an adopted child or foster child.
http://niketanikol.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!D94B2717E0034175!143.entry
Elephant is healthy, but retains unborn calf
Associated Press
ST. LOUIS - An elephant at the St. Louis Zoo remains healthy, even though she has retained an unborn calf for about a year, zoo officials said.
The elephant Sri's fetus died on Nov. 19 last year after a 22-month pregnancy.
The animal is being monitored and all signs are good. She requires no medical intervention, said Martha Fischer, who manages the elephant program.
Elephants in a similar medical situation usually expel the fetus in the first year, though in some instances it takes much longer. In rare cases, a mother's system can reabsorb the calf, animal experts said.
Opponents of captive-breeding programs point out that in North American zoos, 14 pregnancies since 2001 have ended in stillbirths.
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/local/16018328.htm
ZOO'S NEWEST ELEPHANT
Baby Mac is likely to be breeding heavyweightRecord Asian pachyderm may help sire the next generation
By SALATHEIA BRYANTCopyright 2006 Houston Chronicle
Captive African elephants as of September: 21 males and 127 females in 49 Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited facilities.
Asian elephants: 25 males and 117 females in 42 AZA facilities
As Houston Zoo officials unfurled a banner to display the newly selected name for its baby elephant, the precocious pachyderm was putting on a show of his own, bulling his way through the thick cables surrounding the elephant exhibit and rumbling after the adult females.
Perhaps his show of strength illustrates why he's being named Mac — as in Mack truck.
Since his Oct. 1 birth, he has gained 91 pounds, tipping the scale at 474 pounds. Officials say Mac is the largest Asian elephant born at a U.S. zoo.
Weight aside, he also is special for his genetics.
In the world of captive breeding, where females outnumber males by more than 4 to 1, he likely will be one of the super studs for the next generation of Asian elephants.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/metro/4338588.html
Proposal sows seeds of dissent
Agriculture businesses in Washington Twp. say rule is too tough
Edward L. Cardenas / The Detroit News
David Coates / The Detroit News
Sylvia Orozco moves apples at Westview. The proposed ordinance is intended to regulate farm amenities, such as petting zoos and corn mazes, and to protect the township from lawsuits.
Marylyn Meitzner shops at Westview. The proposal will be reviewed further due to the community's concerns.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP -- The future of farming and agricultural business in Washington Township is important to small business owner Linda Rundles.
Rundles, who owns a specialty confection shop called Juliet Chocolates, looks forward to selling caramel apples during harvest time when visitors flock to the orchards in this northern Macomb County community.
But because the apples come from a nearby farm, she's worried about a new "agritourism" ordinance being considered by the Washington Township Planning Commission that could restrict how orchards do business.
The ordinance is intended to regulate some of the amenities offered at local farms, such as petting zoos, farm stands and corn mazes. No such laws currently exist; officials say that leaves the township open to lawsuits because there are no laws to regulate those offshoot businesses and protect visitors.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061116/METRO03/611160326/1014
Korat zoo joins the safari bandwagon
KARNJANA KARNJANATAWE
Night safari in Chiang Mai has inspired other zoos, latest being the one in Nakhon Ratchasima. — AFP
The zoo in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) recently introduced night safari, giving the visiting public a chance to admire the 2,000 or so animals featured at its sprawling 545 rai compound after dark.
Situated in Muang district of the province, the zoo houses animals native to Asia and Africa, including the big five attractions - the African elephant, lions, leopards, white rhinoceros and wild buffaloes.
Called the "Safari of I-San", it is only available on weekends and public holidays between 7-9pm. Visitors can watch the animals via an hour-long 80-seater tram ride along a circuitous five-kilometre route.
The fare is 20 baht for children and 80 baht for adults, while for foreigners the rates are 50 and 100 baht respectively.
For more information, call 044-934-531/2.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/161106_Horizons/16Nov2006_hori003.php
The problem with zoos
I think the biggest problem with zoos is animal visibility. The last time I was there, I could only find the animal roughly a third of the time. That's exactly like going to the supermarket to buy groceries and only being able to find a third of your groceries. Unacceptable.My plan for improvement is 3-fold:1) Make the cages smaller.2) Remove all sight obstructions. No silly overhangs or "caves" or trees....and the key improvement:3) Install green LEDs on the animals so that when a customer presses a button placed outside the cage two things happen. First, all lights are extinguished. Second, the green LED attached to the animal lights up nice and bright. Bingo.I know what you are thinking. Forget the lights. Why not attach a rope to the animal so that when the customer presses a button, a winch is activated and the animal is quickly pulled and pressed right against the side of the cage or glass wall for easy viewing. Not a bad idea at all. In fact, I like how you think. But, the majority of enclosures can be viewed from 360 degrees. Which side of the enclosure does the animal get pressed against? Do you provide multiple buttons and ropes? How would that work? Do multiple button presses get queued? Too complex, overall.Of course, I'm not serious. They should use red LEDs. Easier to see.
http://kneecarrot.livejournal.com/7600.html
The Best Zoo in the World!”
Anna & Josh's Ratings
The Elephant Gate
This zoo is awesome!
I am not generally a fan of zoos, as I think they are cruel, keeping animals in small, confined ares.
But Berlin Zoo is different- there is ample space for animals to wander, and they all seem quite happy.
We even saw a Panda- it was absolutely gorgeous! And we saw the Lions mating! hehe...scary sound effects.
http://realtravel.com/berlin-reviews-a2844020.html
Elephants HaveAn Achilles' Heel,And It's Their Feet
Zoo Confinement AggravatesTicklish Pedicure Issue;A Keeper's Gentle Touch
By BARRY NEWMANNovember 17, 2006; Page A1
Watch video of elephant keeper Willie Theison giving Natasha the elephant a pedicure.
PITTSBURGH -- The Animal and Plant Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking advice from the public on what to do about problem feet in elephants.
The deadline for sending in ideas is Dec. 11. Hundreds have already arrived. Such as: "Elephants' feet are being destroyed by their confined environment." "They should be able to walk on grass, not concrete." "Some elephants never need their toenails trimmed and some elephants need them continuously trimmed."
Or, as Willie Theison, head elephant keeper here at the Pittsburgh Zoo, suggests: "If you wash the barn, you have to dry the floor. Otherwise, you get athlete's foot in elephants."
Federal warmblooded-animal rules aren't, a spokesman notes, "elephant specific" as yet. But zoo elephants have died this year from complications of sore feet in Oregon, Milwaukee, Los Angeles, and at the National Zoo in Washington. Some activists say zoos, by nature, are the cause. They prodded the government -- which has taken no stand on this -- to publish a notice in the Federal Register in August calling for public views on potential elephant-foot action under federal animal-protection laws.
The zoo industry, like many others, prefers to self-police. To head off the feds, it is setting a major pachyderm shift in motion.
http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB116373280920625942-lMyQjAxMDE2NjEzNzcxMzcyWj.html
or
tinyurl.com/y82pdn.
USDA Seeking Public Comments on Captive Elephants
Animal advocates have long spoken out against the conditions under which elephants are kept in zoos and circuses as being far from natural and often painful and cruel. From lack of stimulation to lack of space, there are issues-a-plenty when it comes to the care of captive elephants.Fortunately, zoos in cities such Philadelphia, Chicago and Detroit, where elephant exhibits have been closed, as well as the United States Depart of Agriculture (USDA) are wising up to these shortcomings. Following the submission of a citizen petition by the group In Defense of Animals, the USDA is now asking for public commentary on the issue.Between now and December 11th, the USDA will be accepting commentary from the public and In Defense of Animals has put together a helpful page for those seeking to send in their thoughts.
http://www.supervegan.com/blog/entry.php?id=532
Collapsed bald eagle nest in Dallam County needed rebuilding
Wildlife Conservationists Partner To Restore Bald Eagle Nest
FORT WORTH, Texas — Wednesday, a bald eagle nest located in the northern Texas Panhandle received a much needed restoration thanks to a statewide partnership of university and state wildlife experts and zoos. The group partnered to build an artificial nest and perch for a pair of bald eagles that has made the area home for the past several years. Biologists feared that if the nest was not restored, the eagle pair, which mates for life, would lose this nesting habitat.
The nest was discovered in 2004 by Texas Tech University Research Biologist and Associate Professor Dr. Clint Boal. Since then, the two adult eagles have produced five eaglets. The tree holding the nest slowly deteriorated, and was found collapsed in October.
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/releases/?req=20061113b
Crimes against apes
Regardless of stiff international regulations, a chimpanzee cartel thrives on the back of demand from private zoos and leading hotels.
http://www.care2.com/news/member/393209835/223549
Scientists fight Japan’s dolphin hunt
Others defend value of tradition
A coalition of marine scientists has launched a campaign to halt Japan's annual "dolphin drive," in which thousands of bottlenose dolphins are herded into shallow coves to be slaughtered with knives and clubs.
The government-sanctioned event, which extends through the fall and winter, has been under fire for years from environmental and animal rights activists.
But in a potentially influential escalation of that battle, mainstream scientists and administrators of zoos and aquariums -- some of whom have been criticized for buying surviving dolphins for use in their shows -- have united to condemn the practice.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15791885/
The fishing stops here: California shields coast
Marine reserves praised by activists, criticized by commercial fishermen
MONTEREY, Calif. - Flying over California’s rugged Central Coast, Mike Sutton pointed to kelp forests and rocky reefs just below the water’s surface that will soon be off-limits to fishing under one of the nation’s most ambitious plans to protect marine life.
“We’re trying to make sure our oceans are protected as our land,” said Sutton, a marine expert at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Despite intense opposition from many fishermen, California wildlife regulators are creating the nation’s most extensive network of “marine protected areas” — stretches of ocean where fishing will be banned or severely restricted.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15813396/
Florida bans fishing off part of southwest coast
Action creates largest marine reserve in North America
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The final element needed to complete the largest marine reserve in North America off Florida's southwest coast won approval Tuesday from Gov. Jeb Bush and the state Cabinet.
The panel voted 3-1 for a management plan banning fishing in a 61 square-mile section of Dry Tortugas National Park in the Gulf of Mexico and Florida Straits about 75 miles west of Key West.
The new Research Natural Area will be added to the existing Tortugas Ecological Reserve, where fishing has been prohibited since 2001. Combined the two areas will prohibit fishing in 261 square miles.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15730950/
Cooperative Eyes
By olivier, Monday 20 November 2006 :: Evolutionary Psychology :: #118 :: rss
The Journal of Human Evolution prepares an issue on the evolution of human eyes; two articles are already downloadable on line; one of them by Michael Tomasello and his team. It defends a "cooperative eyes" hypothesis, according to which human eyes evolved to be white around the pupil, because it made our conspecifics' gaze more conspicuous, and hence allowed for increased cooperation in tasks involving joint attention. The function of human eyes would not only be seeing, but also sharing visual information. I offer a dissenting view on this remarkable experiment.
http://www.cognition.ens.fr/~alphapsy/blog/?2006/11/20/118-cooperative-eyes
Environment chief and food agency target wild-bird trade
Europe should find a way to end the import of wild birds to European zoos and households, according to EU food experts and Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas.
A temporary ban on trade in wild birds was introduced last October to prevent the spread of the pathogenic bird virus avian flu. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) was asked to look into the animal welfare and health risks of lifting the ban, which expires at the end of December.
The final EFSA report published on Monday (13 November) concludes that “it would be preferable to breed birds in captivity with high welfare standards rather than import birds captured in the wild which are often subject to poor conditions.”
http://www.araproject.nl/2006/11/20/environment-chief-and-food-agency-target-wild-bird-trade/
Scientists call for Japan to stop 'inhumane' dolphin hunting
By Associated Press Writer, Edtfonmrssfl November 20, 2006
PROVIDENCE, R.I. --In Japanese villages each year, local fishermen hunt for large numbers of dolphins by herding them into shallow coves and then, scientists say, attacking them with knives and even eviscerating them alive.
Now, a broad-based coalition including marine scientists and aquarium workers is demanding that the Japanese end these government-sanctioned dolphin drives, which opponents criticize as an inhumane annual practice that targets an intelligent and self-aware species.
"They're dying this sort of long, slow, painful, excruciating death," said Dr. Paul Boyle, the former director of the New York Aquarium and current chairman and chief executive of The Ocean Project, a Providence-based coalition that is helping coordinate the effort.
The group is sponsoring an online petition that asks the government to halt the huntings.
The Japanese say the practice is a long-standing cultural and commercial tradition. Takumi Fukuda, fisheries attache for the Japanese embassy in Washington, said fishermen have tried to quicken the dolphins' deaths to lessen their suffering and to maintain the quality of meat.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/rhode_island/articles/2006/11/20/scientists_call_for_japan_to_stop_inhumane_dolphin_hunting/
Four Cheetah Cubs Born at the St. Louis Zoo
Officials at the St. Louis Zoo report four Cheetah cubs were born at the zoo November 10th.
Their mom, Lucia, is a first time mother, and is taking care of her cubs in her maternity den that’s off display at the Zoo’s cheetah exhibit.
"We are absolutely thrilled with the birth of the cheetah cubs," says Dr. Jeffrey P. Bonner, president of the St. Louis Zoo. "And we're really excited that this young cheetah mother is doing a terrific job of rearing them."
Lucia is three years old, on loan to the St. Louis Zoo from White Oak Conservation Center, a wildlife sanctuary in Florida. The first-time father is Shanto, a five-year-old who was brought to St. Louis from the Wassenaar Breeding Center in The Netherlands four years ago.
http://www.myfoxstl.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=1545202&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1
Baby boom hits primate house at Lincoln Park Zoo
The Helen Brach primate house at Lincoln Park Zoo has turned into a monkey maternity ward. It has been new baby after new baby for the past several weeks. So far, the moms and dads and all the little ones are doing just fine.
The Lincoln Park Zoo primate house is in the process of procreating more primates. Five monkeys have been born in five weeks.
"It shows we're doing something right. We're give them the right environment the right social conditions Sue Margulis, Curator of Primates Lincoln Park Zoo.
An Allen's swamp monkey was born over five weeks ago. Then, three weeks ago, a one pound Debrazza's monkey was introduced by mom. And, last week, a Goeldi's monkey was born. Finally, twins were born to a Marmaset's monkey mom yesterday.
"We've had a baby boom in the last six weeks. We've had five infants born since early October. We knew the females were expecting but it's a little unusual to have them all so close together. But the stars were in alignment and that's just they way it worked out," said Margulis.
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=local&id=4780880
Arctic chill coming to Zoo exhibit
Louisville Zoo officials and Mayor Jerry Abramson will update plans for a major new Arctic-themed exhibit called Glacier Run at a news conference at the zoo Tuesday morning.The main part of the exhibit is scheduled to open in 2009 and have polar bears, seals, sea lions, sea otters, sea eagles, Arctic fox, reindeer, snowy owls and other denizens of the frozen climes. The officials will outline a $25 million fund-raising campaign to raise the money needed to build Glacier Run, along with a water park and an animal sanctuary. A fund drive chairman also will be announced.
Nothing Says Love Like a Walrus
When Moscow lawyer Ilya Krasavin went to the Moscow Zoo on his birthday last year, he was surprised to see his name emblazoned on the raccoon's enclosure.
It wasn't a practical joke -- instead, the plaque was recognition of a sponsorship deal his wife had arranged as a birthday present.
"I'd never had such a wonderful present before," said Krasavin, 28. "I think it was a great idea. I pay 3,000 rubles a month and I don't regret it."
For the Moscow Zoo, maintaining its vast menagerie is, not surprisingly, an expensive task. To help cover the costs, 11 years ago it started the "Take Care of an Animal" program, under which individuals and organizations are invited to sponsor a creature of their choice. The donated funds cover maintenance and food costs. In return, sponsors receive a free unlimited entry pass and invitations for two to three family members -- for corporate sponsors, free entry for large groups by advance arrangement -- as well as the option of a name plaque on the animal's enclosure.
http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2006/11/21/021.html
‘Audible Petting Zoo’ at StrathmoreCounty
2nd-graders attend National Philharmonic performances at Strathmore as part of an educational enrichment program.
…MAESTRO Piotr Gajewski led the Philharmonic through a variety of selections, including the works of American icon Leonard Bernstein, Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos and others. The performance was complete with an audible “petting zoo,” as Bill Curry of Strathmore termed it, as composer Russel Peck guided the children through a musical tour of all of the instrumental sections….
http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/article.asp?article=74322&paper=70&cat=104
Some of the zoo bears miss their own party
Associated Press
Article Last Updated:11/20/2006 02:38:57 PM AKST
Some of the bears at the Alaska zoo missed their own party. They were busy napping. The zoo Sunday held its first hibernation celebration so that zoo goers could learn more about how bears spend the winter. The only problem was that the zoo's black and brown bears were a no-show. They spent the time napping on beds of hay in their concrete dens.
The polar bears were the crowd pleasers. That's because they don't hibernate. The event was designed to draw more visitors to the zoo in the winter. The zoo gets about 200,000 visitors a year, and most of them are during the summer.
Kaye Jamison, 87; co-founder of nonprofit Greater L.A. Zoo Assn.
Kaye Jamison, 87, a founder of the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Assn. who also helped choose the location to which the zoo moved 40 years ago this month, died of cancer Thursday at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, said her husband, Max."She was the driving force of private-sector assistance for the establishment of the zoo," said Connie Morgan, president of the group that Jamison helped set up in 1963. The private, nonprofit group immediately set to work building a membership base that could raise money to expand the zoo's collection. Jamison, of North Hollywood, served as the group's president from 1968 to 1972.In 1970, she co-chaired the group's first Beastly Ball with Gloria Stewart, wife of actor Jimmy Stewart. Jamison also established the zoo's docent and travel programs.
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-passings21.4nov21,1,5455895.story?coll=la-headlines-pe-california&ctrack=1&cset=true
A sad day for Reykjavík Farm Animal Zoo
Almost all poultry was killed in Reykjavík Farm Animal Zoo yesterday on the orders of the Agricultural Authority of Iceland out of fear for bird flu.
Halldór Runólfsson, head vet of the Agricultural Authority, told RÚV that these measures had been necessary because some of the Zoo’s birds had been diagnosed with the H5N2 and H5N9 branches of bird flu.
Close to 60 birds of seven different species were killed yesterday: Geese, ducks, pheasants, Icelandic hens, several kinds of doves and a golden plover.
The lives of three birds were spared, of two hawks and the wild eagle Sigurörn, who has been in the Zoo’s care since last summer. He will be released soon.
The cages where the infected birds were kept are being sterilized and can be used again after three months.
The type of bird flu found in the Farm Animal Zoo is not dangerous to humans.
New zoo director named, will bring years of experience
Terrence DeRosa is a manager at zoo in San Antonio.JAMIE LOOTribune Staff WriterSOUTH BEND -- Terrence DeRosa has been named the new director for Potawatomi Zoo.Phil St. Clair made the announcement at the Board of Parks Commissioners meeting on Monday. St. Clair said the Potawatomi Zoological Society was "extremely helpful" in the process of finding a new director, reviewing many applications and bringing DeRosa to South Bend for an interview."We're real excited to have a first-rate director be the head of Potawatomi Zoo," he said.
http://www.southbendtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061121/News01/611210350/-1/NEWS01
Zoo releases photos of lion cubs
N.C. Zoo photo by Beth McChesney
Lion cub triplets, born at the North Carolina Zoo on Oct. 24, explore their new surroundings in their off-exhibit holding area.The triplets are the second lion-cub birthing at the park since 1983 and the first since two female cubs were born there in July 2004.It will be about two to three weeks before the sex of the cubs can be determined.
http://www.news-record.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061121/NEWSREC0101/61121007
National Zoo's Only Giraffe Leaves for Florida
Wednesday November 15, 2006 2:05 pm
The National Zoo's only giraffe is gone. The four-year-old giraffe, known as "Randle," boarded a trailer for his new home at Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, Florida, where he will join four other male giraffes. The National Zoo moved Randle in preparation for the renovation and expansion of its Asian elephant exhibit, where the giraffe has lived since 2003. Although construction isn't scheduled to begin until the spring, zoo officials say they relocated Randle now so that he could avoid D.C.'s winter weather. Other animals at the zoo's elephant exhibit also will be moved over the next year, including a hippo, two pygmy hippos and two capybaras.
http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/1106/374824.html
The ZOO Has Cat Troubles
For the second time in less than a week, The ZOO in Gulf Breeze has had difficulties with its large cats.
Tuesday afternoon the compound was closed after two cougars escaped from their pens for several hours. During the shutdown, about 30 visitors had to move to secured areas while a search was conducted.
On Monday, an African leopard bit a zookeeper. The woman suffered cuts on her hand, but she is expected to return to work this week.
http://community.emeraldcoast.com/navarre/news/article.showarticle.db.php?a=6218
Littlle Rock Zoo Received $775,000 Donation for Two New Exhibits
Eighty-year-old Little Rock Zoo received a $775,000 donation for naming rights to two exhibits by the Laura P. Nichols Foundation, announced by the Arkansas Zoological Foundation on Tuesday. The first installment of $300,000 will give naming rights for a new African Penguin habitat at the zoo while the second payment of $300,000 will give naming rights to a new cheetah exhibit. The rest of the money($150,000) will be spend on conservation education programs.Mike Blakely, Zoo’s director said:
http://www.ecotourismblog.com/entry/littlle-rock-zoo-received-775000-donation-for-two-new-exhibits/
Lincoln Children’s Zoo picks up award
BY ERIN ANDERSEN / Lincoln Journal StarOne of this year’s six prestigious National Awards for Museum and Library Service will go to Lincoln’s Children’s Zoo.The highly competitive $10,000 national award honors three museums and three libraries in the United States for extraordinary public service, including social, educational, environmental and economic contributions to the community.The zoo is considered a museum because it is a curator of various collections.“Our mission ‘to enrich lives through first-hand interaction with living things’ is relevant and even more important today as our society has changed and childhood discovery of the living world is shrinking at a rapid rate,” said Children’s Zoo Executive Director John Chapo.
http://www.journalstar.com/articles/2006/11/15/local/doc455b9a8fb000c775829970.txt
Veterinarians give lioness her bite back at Virginia Zoo
NORFOLK - Cats' mouths are pretty much the same, no matter the breed.
So performing a root canal on a 345-pound lion at the Virginia Zoo was almost routine for a team of veterinary professionals Wednesday.
Only this cat's broken tooth was about 3 inches long, compared with a typical house cat's tooth that measures a fraction of an inch. And the veterinarian and dentist, Paul West, had to get his hands on special equipment to handle lion-size chompers.
Yet it wasn't at all routine for the zookeepers, several of whom wanted to get in on the action, whether by hoisting the sedated lioness onto the operating table or just peeking through the bars of the holding area where the surgery took place.
http://content.hamptonroads.com/story.cfm?story=114473&ran=39428
County Commission approves zoo tax
Written by THOMAS P. MORGAN
County, Lansing have until June 30 to finalize lease
Persuading Ingham County voters to approve regionalizing the Potter Park Zoo was the easy part — it passed Nov. 7 by a 2-1 margin.
But getting the city of Lansing and Ingham County to agree on how to transfer control of the city-owned zoo to the county is proving to be a bit more difficult.
The Ingham County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday night to levy the 0.46-mill property tax increase needed to fund the zoo, but the city and the zoo have yet to finalize a lease agreement.
The Council was expected to vote the previous night on the county’s proposed lease agreement, but the city and the county had not at that point been able to come to an agreement on the labor aspect of the lease.
http://www.lansingcitypulse.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=640&Itemid=29
Prayer, an amendment and relieved zoo officials
Attraction gets extra funds from county
Irons said zoo staff are ready for the challenge.
"The work starts tomorrow morning at 8," Irons said Wednesday night.
Thursday, Nov 16, 2006
By Elizabeth Cooper
Observer-Dispatchecooper@utica.gannett.com
UTICA — Utica Zoo Executive Director Beth Irons said she'd gotten on her knees and prayed Tuesday night that the Oneida County Board of Legislators would provide an extra $150,000 to help the zoo continue operating.
Wednesday, she got her wish when the board approved the added funding as part of the 2007 Oneida County budget.
After Irons got her wish, she said she felt "very good, obviously."
"It's a very positive vote of confidence that we can address things completely and professionally over the next few months and turn the corner and get the zoo on the right course," Irons said.
The zoo has faced funding shortfalls based in large part on the loss of federal funds. In February 2005, the zoo closed for one month because of its financial difficulties.
http://www.uticaod.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061116/NEWS/611160323/1001
Romping Reindeer at the LA Zoo
"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" may be one of the most popular holiday stories, but it's not often that you get to see a live reindeer in Southern California. This holiday season, the L.A. Zoo will have reindeer to see up close and a display of reindeer antlers, you can learn how antlers shed and grow back each year.On weekends from Nov. 23 through the end of the year, there will be holiday entertainment and fun crafts for the family. Santa Claus also will be on hand for photographs for a nominal fee. During "Reindeer Romp," the L.A. Zoo Choo Choo will be available daily to give young visitors train rides for a nominal fee.The Zoo is in Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 2 to12. Zoo hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (closed Dec. 25). Most "Reindeer Romp" activities are free with paid admission. For more information, visit the Zoo website at www.lazoo.org or call 323-644-4200.
Send your greetings to Zoo Atlanta's giant panda cub and win a chance to meet her!
Honor the ancient Chinese tradition of the red envelope and send your wishes to the giant panda cub by bringing your red envelope to Zoo Atlanta!
Red envelopes will be available in the November 16th edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and at all participating Atlanta area Panda Express locations. Red envelopes will carry a $3 off admission coupon to the Zoo. You may deliver your envelope by redeeming this coupon at the Zoo Atlanta gate or by placing it in the official drop box at the Zoo entrance. All red envelopes must be returned to Zoo Atlanta by December 31, 2006!
Participants in the Red Envelope campaign will be entered in a grand-prize drawing to win a behind-the-scenes visit with the giant panda cub! A single winner will be drawn at Zoo Atlanta’s Noon Year’s Eve celebration on December 31, 2006. The winner need not be present to win.
http://atlanta.daybooknetwork.com/story/2006/11/16/1753red-envelope.shtml
Lion's Sexy Secret: It's in the Mane
Given the choice, a female lion is more likely to be attracted to a shaggy male from Chicago than a well-groomed guy from Houston.
Chicago lions simply got more game.
Scientists measured the size and fullness of lions' manes in northern and southern zoos and found that cats living in colder climates had heartier hairstyles, a key attractant to female lions.
Nutrition, social factors, and genetics have previously been considered important factors affecting mane quality, but the new finding suggests that up to one-half of the mane's length and density is determined by temperature.
The study is detailed in the April 13 issue of the Journal of Mammalogy.
Keep it cool
A thick mane retains heat in a hot, dry climate—like wearing a fur hat or wool scarf—and can cause a big cat to overheat.
Average temperatures in the parks that were studied— spanning 2,000 miles from Illinois to Texas —varied from 20 to 54 degrees Fahrenheit in January and 65 to 87 degrees in July.
http://www.livescience.com/animalworld/060412_lion_manes.html
Meet to evolve zoo master plan
PRABUDDHA S. JAGADEB
Bhubaneswar, April 12: There are only two gharials in the wild in Orissa despite hundreds of the reptile having been successfully bred at the Tikarpada sanctuary.
Keeping this in mind, there is not only a need for captive breeding of endangered species, but to re-
introduce them to the wild, said Dr B.C. Chaudhuri, head of department of endangered species management, Wildlife Institute of India (WII). Otherwise, the gharials may soon find a place in the list of highly endangered animals of IUCN, he feared.
Chaudhuri, who is here to attend the training programme for zoo directors for evolving a master plan for zoos, said a nationally coordinated breeding plan of tigers was started two years ago , of which the Nandankanan zoo was a part.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060413/asp/jamshedpur/story_6090925.asp
continued ...
New zoo director in Duluth working to restore accreditation
The new director of Duluth's zoo is in a tight spot.Attendance is down at the Lake Superior Zoo, it's losing money, and it has lost the accreditation of the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Reindeer hooves were tearing up the hill in their display. Roaming packs of turkeys and peacocks are too big.New director Ryan Gulker said he has to find ways to bring in more revenue without asking the city for more money, save money on labor without cutting a staff that is already bare-bones, and avoid raising ticket prices. It's a tall order, although the reindeer are already gone.Meanwhile, the zoo expects to see fewer than 108,000 visitors this year, down from 128,000 five years ago.Gulker said it's unclear how much it will cost to get the zoo back in shape. With money from the Lake Superior Zoological Society, he has ordered an $8,500 rapid business assessment. He said he wants to reapply for accreditation in 2008.
http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=139293
Are Zoos Safe for Animals?
Many animals in wildlife have difficulty surviving due to their abiotic means. I feel that those animals that are endangered or experiencing starvation should be kept in zoos. Therefore in this context, zoos can be somewhat of a safe haven for many animals. Sometimes it is more endangering to leave animals in their wildlife environments. When an animal is removed it should be with the idea that there new home will be as relatable as their old without the endangerment. In a sense, it is not much of a difference than would be an adopted child or foster child.
http://niketanikol.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!D94B2717E0034175!143.entry
Elephant is healthy, but retains unborn calf
Associated Press
ST. LOUIS - An elephant at the St. Louis Zoo remains healthy, even though she has retained an unborn calf for about a year, zoo officials said.
The elephant Sri's fetus died on Nov. 19 last year after a 22-month pregnancy.
The animal is being monitored and all signs are good. She requires no medical intervention, said Martha Fischer, who manages the elephant program.
Elephants in a similar medical situation usually expel the fetus in the first year, though in some instances it takes much longer. In rare cases, a mother's system can reabsorb the calf, animal experts said.
Opponents of captive-breeding programs point out that in North American zoos, 14 pregnancies since 2001 have ended in stillbirths.
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/local/16018328.htm
ZOO'S NEWEST ELEPHANT
Baby Mac is likely to be breeding heavyweightRecord Asian pachyderm may help sire the next generation
By SALATHEIA BRYANTCopyright 2006 Houston Chronicle
Captive African elephants as of September: 21 males and 127 females in 49 Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited facilities.
Asian elephants: 25 males and 117 females in 42 AZA facilities
As Houston Zoo officials unfurled a banner to display the newly selected name for its baby elephant, the precocious pachyderm was putting on a show of his own, bulling his way through the thick cables surrounding the elephant exhibit and rumbling after the adult females.
Perhaps his show of strength illustrates why he's being named Mac — as in Mack truck.
Since his Oct. 1 birth, he has gained 91 pounds, tipping the scale at 474 pounds. Officials say Mac is the largest Asian elephant born at a U.S. zoo.
Weight aside, he also is special for his genetics.
In the world of captive breeding, where females outnumber males by more than 4 to 1, he likely will be one of the super studs for the next generation of Asian elephants.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/metro/4338588.html
Proposal sows seeds of dissent
Agriculture businesses in Washington Twp. say rule is too tough
Edward L. Cardenas / The Detroit News
David Coates / The Detroit News
Sylvia Orozco moves apples at Westview. The proposed ordinance is intended to regulate farm amenities, such as petting zoos and corn mazes, and to protect the township from lawsuits.
Marylyn Meitzner shops at Westview. The proposal will be reviewed further due to the community's concerns.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP -- The future of farming and agricultural business in Washington Township is important to small business owner Linda Rundles.
Rundles, who owns a specialty confection shop called Juliet Chocolates, looks forward to selling caramel apples during harvest time when visitors flock to the orchards in this northern Macomb County community.
But because the apples come from a nearby farm, she's worried about a new "agritourism" ordinance being considered by the Washington Township Planning Commission that could restrict how orchards do business.
The ordinance is intended to regulate some of the amenities offered at local farms, such as petting zoos, farm stands and corn mazes. No such laws currently exist; officials say that leaves the township open to lawsuits because there are no laws to regulate those offshoot businesses and protect visitors.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061116/METRO03/611160326/1014
Korat zoo joins the safari bandwagon
KARNJANA KARNJANATAWE
Night safari in Chiang Mai has inspired other zoos, latest being the one in Nakhon Ratchasima. — AFP
The zoo in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) recently introduced night safari, giving the visiting public a chance to admire the 2,000 or so animals featured at its sprawling 545 rai compound after dark.
Situated in Muang district of the province, the zoo houses animals native to Asia and Africa, including the big five attractions - the African elephant, lions, leopards, white rhinoceros and wild buffaloes.
Called the "Safari of I-San", it is only available on weekends and public holidays between 7-9pm. Visitors can watch the animals via an hour-long 80-seater tram ride along a circuitous five-kilometre route.
The fare is 20 baht for children and 80 baht for adults, while for foreigners the rates are 50 and 100 baht respectively.
For more information, call 044-934-531/2.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/161106_Horizons/16Nov2006_hori003.php
The problem with zoos
I think the biggest problem with zoos is animal visibility. The last time I was there, I could only find the animal roughly a third of the time. That's exactly like going to the supermarket to buy groceries and only being able to find a third of your groceries. Unacceptable.My plan for improvement is 3-fold:1) Make the cages smaller.2) Remove all sight obstructions. No silly overhangs or "caves" or trees....and the key improvement:3) Install green LEDs on the animals so that when a customer presses a button placed outside the cage two things happen. First, all lights are extinguished. Second, the green LED attached to the animal lights up nice and bright. Bingo.I know what you are thinking. Forget the lights. Why not attach a rope to the animal so that when the customer presses a button, a winch is activated and the animal is quickly pulled and pressed right against the side of the cage or glass wall for easy viewing. Not a bad idea at all. In fact, I like how you think. But, the majority of enclosures can be viewed from 360 degrees. Which side of the enclosure does the animal get pressed against? Do you provide multiple buttons and ropes? How would that work? Do multiple button presses get queued? Too complex, overall.Of course, I'm not serious. They should use red LEDs. Easier to see.
http://kneecarrot.livejournal.com/7600.html
The Best Zoo in the World!”
Anna & Josh's Ratings
The Elephant Gate
This zoo is awesome!
I am not generally a fan of zoos, as I think they are cruel, keeping animals in small, confined ares.
But Berlin Zoo is different- there is ample space for animals to wander, and they all seem quite happy.
We even saw a Panda- it was absolutely gorgeous! And we saw the Lions mating! hehe...scary sound effects.
http://realtravel.com/berlin-reviews-a2844020.html
Elephants HaveAn Achilles' Heel,And It's Their Feet
Zoo Confinement AggravatesTicklish Pedicure Issue;A Keeper's Gentle Touch
By BARRY NEWMANNovember 17, 2006; Page A1
Watch video of elephant keeper Willie Theison giving Natasha the elephant a pedicure.
PITTSBURGH -- The Animal and Plant Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking advice from the public on what to do about problem feet in elephants.
The deadline for sending in ideas is Dec. 11. Hundreds have already arrived. Such as: "Elephants' feet are being destroyed by their confined environment." "They should be able to walk on grass, not concrete." "Some elephants never need their toenails trimmed and some elephants need them continuously trimmed."
Or, as Willie Theison, head elephant keeper here at the Pittsburgh Zoo, suggests: "If you wash the barn, you have to dry the floor. Otherwise, you get athlete's foot in elephants."
Federal warmblooded-animal rules aren't, a spokesman notes, "elephant specific" as yet. But zoo elephants have died this year from complications of sore feet in Oregon, Milwaukee, Los Angeles, and at the National Zoo in Washington. Some activists say zoos, by nature, are the cause. They prodded the government -- which has taken no stand on this -- to publish a notice in the Federal Register in August calling for public views on potential elephant-foot action under federal animal-protection laws.
The zoo industry, like many others, prefers to self-police. To head off the feds, it is setting a major pachyderm shift in motion.
http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB116373280920625942-lMyQjAxMDE2NjEzNzcxMzcyWj.html
or
tinyurl.com/y82pdn.
USDA Seeking Public Comments on Captive Elephants
Animal advocates have long spoken out against the conditions under which elephants are kept in zoos and circuses as being far from natural and often painful and cruel. From lack of stimulation to lack of space, there are issues-a-plenty when it comes to the care of captive elephants.Fortunately, zoos in cities such Philadelphia, Chicago and Detroit, where elephant exhibits have been closed, as well as the United States Depart of Agriculture (USDA) are wising up to these shortcomings. Following the submission of a citizen petition by the group In Defense of Animals, the USDA is now asking for public commentary on the issue.Between now and December 11th, the USDA will be accepting commentary from the public and In Defense of Animals has put together a helpful page for those seeking to send in their thoughts.
http://www.supervegan.com/blog/entry.php?id=532
Collapsed bald eagle nest in Dallam County needed rebuilding
Wildlife Conservationists Partner To Restore Bald Eagle Nest
FORT WORTH, Texas — Wednesday, a bald eagle nest located in the northern Texas Panhandle received a much needed restoration thanks to a statewide partnership of university and state wildlife experts and zoos. The group partnered to build an artificial nest and perch for a pair of bald eagles that has made the area home for the past several years. Biologists feared that if the nest was not restored, the eagle pair, which mates for life, would lose this nesting habitat.
The nest was discovered in 2004 by Texas Tech University Research Biologist and Associate Professor Dr. Clint Boal. Since then, the two adult eagles have produced five eaglets. The tree holding the nest slowly deteriorated, and was found collapsed in October.
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/releases/?req=20061113b
Crimes against apes
Regardless of stiff international regulations, a chimpanzee cartel thrives on the back of demand from private zoos and leading hotels.
http://www.care2.com/news/member/393209835/223549
Scientists fight Japan’s dolphin hunt
Others defend value of tradition
A coalition of marine scientists has launched a campaign to halt Japan's annual "dolphin drive," in which thousands of bottlenose dolphins are herded into shallow coves to be slaughtered with knives and clubs.
The government-sanctioned event, which extends through the fall and winter, has been under fire for years from environmental and animal rights activists.
But in a potentially influential escalation of that battle, mainstream scientists and administrators of zoos and aquariums -- some of whom have been criticized for buying surviving dolphins for use in their shows -- have united to condemn the practice.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15791885/
The fishing stops here: California shields coast
Marine reserves praised by activists, criticized by commercial fishermen
MONTEREY, Calif. - Flying over California’s rugged Central Coast, Mike Sutton pointed to kelp forests and rocky reefs just below the water’s surface that will soon be off-limits to fishing under one of the nation’s most ambitious plans to protect marine life.
“We’re trying to make sure our oceans are protected as our land,” said Sutton, a marine expert at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Despite intense opposition from many fishermen, California wildlife regulators are creating the nation’s most extensive network of “marine protected areas” — stretches of ocean where fishing will be banned or severely restricted.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15813396/
Florida bans fishing off part of southwest coast
Action creates largest marine reserve in North America
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The final element needed to complete the largest marine reserve in North America off Florida's southwest coast won approval Tuesday from Gov. Jeb Bush and the state Cabinet.
The panel voted 3-1 for a management plan banning fishing in a 61 square-mile section of Dry Tortugas National Park in the Gulf of Mexico and Florida Straits about 75 miles west of Key West.
The new Research Natural Area will be added to the existing Tortugas Ecological Reserve, where fishing has been prohibited since 2001. Combined the two areas will prohibit fishing in 261 square miles.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15730950/
Cooperative Eyes
By olivier, Monday 20 November 2006 :: Evolutionary Psychology :: #118 :: rss
The Journal of Human Evolution prepares an issue on the evolution of human eyes; two articles are already downloadable on line; one of them by Michael Tomasello and his team. It defends a "cooperative eyes" hypothesis, according to which human eyes evolved to be white around the pupil, because it made our conspecifics' gaze more conspicuous, and hence allowed for increased cooperation in tasks involving joint attention. The function of human eyes would not only be seeing, but also sharing visual information. I offer a dissenting view on this remarkable experiment.
http://www.cognition.ens.fr/~alphapsy/blog/?2006/11/20/118-cooperative-eyes
Environment chief and food agency target wild-bird trade
Europe should find a way to end the import of wild birds to European zoos and households, according to EU food experts and Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas.
A temporary ban on trade in wild birds was introduced last October to prevent the spread of the pathogenic bird virus avian flu. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) was asked to look into the animal welfare and health risks of lifting the ban, which expires at the end of December.
The final EFSA report published on Monday (13 November) concludes that “it would be preferable to breed birds in captivity with high welfare standards rather than import birds captured in the wild which are often subject to poor conditions.”
http://www.araproject.nl/2006/11/20/environment-chief-and-food-agency-target-wild-bird-trade/
Scientists call for Japan to stop 'inhumane' dolphin hunting
By Associated Press Writer, Edtfonmrssfl November 20, 2006
PROVIDENCE, R.I. --In Japanese villages each year, local fishermen hunt for large numbers of dolphins by herding them into shallow coves and then, scientists say, attacking them with knives and even eviscerating them alive.
Now, a broad-based coalition including marine scientists and aquarium workers is demanding that the Japanese end these government-sanctioned dolphin drives, which opponents criticize as an inhumane annual practice that targets an intelligent and self-aware species.
"They're dying this sort of long, slow, painful, excruciating death," said Dr. Paul Boyle, the former director of the New York Aquarium and current chairman and chief executive of The Ocean Project, a Providence-based coalition that is helping coordinate the effort.
The group is sponsoring an online petition that asks the government to halt the huntings.
The Japanese say the practice is a long-standing cultural and commercial tradition. Takumi Fukuda, fisheries attache for the Japanese embassy in Washington, said fishermen have tried to quicken the dolphins' deaths to lessen their suffering and to maintain the quality of meat.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/rhode_island/articles/2006/11/20/scientists_call_for_japan_to_stop_inhumane_dolphin_hunting/
Four Cheetah Cubs Born at the St. Louis Zoo
Officials at the St. Louis Zoo report four Cheetah cubs were born at the zoo November 10th.
Their mom, Lucia, is a first time mother, and is taking care of her cubs in her maternity den that’s off display at the Zoo’s cheetah exhibit.
"We are absolutely thrilled with the birth of the cheetah cubs," says Dr. Jeffrey P. Bonner, president of the St. Louis Zoo. "And we're really excited that this young cheetah mother is doing a terrific job of rearing them."
Lucia is three years old, on loan to the St. Louis Zoo from White Oak Conservation Center, a wildlife sanctuary in Florida. The first-time father is Shanto, a five-year-old who was brought to St. Louis from the Wassenaar Breeding Center in The Netherlands four years ago.
http://www.myfoxstl.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=1545202&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1
Baby boom hits primate house at Lincoln Park Zoo
The Helen Brach primate house at Lincoln Park Zoo has turned into a monkey maternity ward. It has been new baby after new baby for the past several weeks. So far, the moms and dads and all the little ones are doing just fine.
The Lincoln Park Zoo primate house is in the process of procreating more primates. Five monkeys have been born in five weeks.
"It shows we're doing something right. We're give them the right environment the right social conditions Sue Margulis, Curator of Primates Lincoln Park Zoo.
An Allen's swamp monkey was born over five weeks ago. Then, three weeks ago, a one pound Debrazza's monkey was introduced by mom. And, last week, a Goeldi's monkey was born. Finally, twins were born to a Marmaset's monkey mom yesterday.
"We've had a baby boom in the last six weeks. We've had five infants born since early October. We knew the females were expecting but it's a little unusual to have them all so close together. But the stars were in alignment and that's just they way it worked out," said Margulis.
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=local&id=4780880
Arctic chill coming to Zoo exhibit
Louisville Zoo officials and Mayor Jerry Abramson will update plans for a major new Arctic-themed exhibit called Glacier Run at a news conference at the zoo Tuesday morning.The main part of the exhibit is scheduled to open in 2009 and have polar bears, seals, sea lions, sea otters, sea eagles, Arctic fox, reindeer, snowy owls and other denizens of the frozen climes. The officials will outline a $25 million fund-raising campaign to raise the money needed to build Glacier Run, along with a water park and an animal sanctuary. A fund drive chairman also will be announced.
Nothing Says Love Like a Walrus
When Moscow lawyer Ilya Krasavin went to the Moscow Zoo on his birthday last year, he was surprised to see his name emblazoned on the raccoon's enclosure.
It wasn't a practical joke -- instead, the plaque was recognition of a sponsorship deal his wife had arranged as a birthday present.
"I'd never had such a wonderful present before," said Krasavin, 28. "I think it was a great idea. I pay 3,000 rubles a month and I don't regret it."
For the Moscow Zoo, maintaining its vast menagerie is, not surprisingly, an expensive task. To help cover the costs, 11 years ago it started the "Take Care of an Animal" program, under which individuals and organizations are invited to sponsor a creature of their choice. The donated funds cover maintenance and food costs. In return, sponsors receive a free unlimited entry pass and invitations for two to three family members -- for corporate sponsors, free entry for large groups by advance arrangement -- as well as the option of a name plaque on the animal's enclosure.
http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2006/11/21/021.html
‘Audible Petting Zoo’ at StrathmoreCounty
2nd-graders attend National Philharmonic performances at Strathmore as part of an educational enrichment program.
…MAESTRO Piotr Gajewski led the Philharmonic through a variety of selections, including the works of American icon Leonard Bernstein, Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos and others. The performance was complete with an audible “petting zoo,” as Bill Curry of Strathmore termed it, as composer Russel Peck guided the children through a musical tour of all of the instrumental sections….
http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/article.asp?article=74322&paper=70&cat=104
Some of the zoo bears miss their own party
Associated Press
Article Last Updated:11/20/2006 02:38:57 PM AKST
Some of the bears at the Alaska zoo missed their own party. They were busy napping. The zoo Sunday held its first hibernation celebration so that zoo goers could learn more about how bears spend the winter. The only problem was that the zoo's black and brown bears were a no-show. They spent the time napping on beds of hay in their concrete dens.
The polar bears were the crowd pleasers. That's because they don't hibernate. The event was designed to draw more visitors to the zoo in the winter. The zoo gets about 200,000 visitors a year, and most of them are during the summer.
Kaye Jamison, 87; co-founder of nonprofit Greater L.A. Zoo Assn.
Kaye Jamison, 87, a founder of the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Assn. who also helped choose the location to which the zoo moved 40 years ago this month, died of cancer Thursday at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, said her husband, Max."She was the driving force of private-sector assistance for the establishment of the zoo," said Connie Morgan, president of the group that Jamison helped set up in 1963. The private, nonprofit group immediately set to work building a membership base that could raise money to expand the zoo's collection. Jamison, of North Hollywood, served as the group's president from 1968 to 1972.In 1970, she co-chaired the group's first Beastly Ball with Gloria Stewart, wife of actor Jimmy Stewart. Jamison also established the zoo's docent and travel programs.
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-passings21.4nov21,1,5455895.story?coll=la-headlines-pe-california&ctrack=1&cset=true
A sad day for Reykjavík Farm Animal Zoo
Almost all poultry was killed in Reykjavík Farm Animal Zoo yesterday on the orders of the Agricultural Authority of Iceland out of fear for bird flu.
Halldór Runólfsson, head vet of the Agricultural Authority, told RÚV that these measures had been necessary because some of the Zoo’s birds had been diagnosed with the H5N2 and H5N9 branches of bird flu.
Close to 60 birds of seven different species were killed yesterday: Geese, ducks, pheasants, Icelandic hens, several kinds of doves and a golden plover.
The lives of three birds were spared, of two hawks and the wild eagle Sigurörn, who has been in the Zoo’s care since last summer. He will be released soon.
The cages where the infected birds were kept are being sterilized and can be used again after three months.
The type of bird flu found in the Farm Animal Zoo is not dangerous to humans.
New zoo director named, will bring years of experience
Terrence DeRosa is a manager at zoo in San Antonio.JAMIE LOOTribune Staff WriterSOUTH BEND -- Terrence DeRosa has been named the new director for Potawatomi Zoo.Phil St. Clair made the announcement at the Board of Parks Commissioners meeting on Monday. St. Clair said the Potawatomi Zoological Society was "extremely helpful" in the process of finding a new director, reviewing many applications and bringing DeRosa to South Bend for an interview."We're real excited to have a first-rate director be the head of Potawatomi Zoo," he said.
http://www.southbendtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061121/News01/611210350/-1/NEWS01
Zoo releases photos of lion cubs
N.C. Zoo photo by Beth McChesney
Lion cub triplets, born at the North Carolina Zoo on Oct. 24, explore their new surroundings in their off-exhibit holding area.The triplets are the second lion-cub birthing at the park since 1983 and the first since two female cubs were born there in July 2004.It will be about two to three weeks before the sex of the cubs can be determined.
http://www.news-record.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061121/NEWSREC0101/61121007
National Zoo's Only Giraffe Leaves for Florida
Wednesday November 15, 2006 2:05 pm
The National Zoo's only giraffe is gone. The four-year-old giraffe, known as "Randle," boarded a trailer for his new home at Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, Florida, where he will join four other male giraffes. The National Zoo moved Randle in preparation for the renovation and expansion of its Asian elephant exhibit, where the giraffe has lived since 2003. Although construction isn't scheduled to begin until the spring, zoo officials say they relocated Randle now so that he could avoid D.C.'s winter weather. Other animals at the zoo's elephant exhibit also will be moved over the next year, including a hippo, two pygmy hippos and two capybaras.
http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/1106/374824.html
The ZOO Has Cat Troubles
For the second time in less than a week, The ZOO in Gulf Breeze has had difficulties with its large cats.
Tuesday afternoon the compound was closed after two cougars escaped from their pens for several hours. During the shutdown, about 30 visitors had to move to secured areas while a search was conducted.
On Monday, an African leopard bit a zookeeper. The woman suffered cuts on her hand, but she is expected to return to work this week.
http://community.emeraldcoast.com/navarre/news/article.showarticle.db.php?a=6218
Littlle Rock Zoo Received $775,000 Donation for Two New Exhibits
Eighty-year-old Little Rock Zoo received a $775,000 donation for naming rights to two exhibits by the Laura P. Nichols Foundation, announced by the Arkansas Zoological Foundation on Tuesday. The first installment of $300,000 will give naming rights for a new African Penguin habitat at the zoo while the second payment of $300,000 will give naming rights to a new cheetah exhibit. The rest of the money($150,000) will be spend on conservation education programs.Mike Blakely, Zoo’s director said:
http://www.ecotourismblog.com/entry/littlle-rock-zoo-received-775000-donation-for-two-new-exhibits/
Lincoln Children’s Zoo picks up award
BY ERIN ANDERSEN / Lincoln Journal StarOne of this year’s six prestigious National Awards for Museum and Library Service will go to Lincoln’s Children’s Zoo.The highly competitive $10,000 national award honors three museums and three libraries in the United States for extraordinary public service, including social, educational, environmental and economic contributions to the community.The zoo is considered a museum because it is a curator of various collections.“Our mission ‘to enrich lives through first-hand interaction with living things’ is relevant and even more important today as our society has changed and childhood discovery of the living world is shrinking at a rapid rate,” said Children’s Zoo Executive Director John Chapo.
http://www.journalstar.com/articles/2006/11/15/local/doc455b9a8fb000c775829970.txt
Veterinarians give lioness her bite back at Virginia Zoo
NORFOLK - Cats' mouths are pretty much the same, no matter the breed.
So performing a root canal on a 345-pound lion at the Virginia Zoo was almost routine for a team of veterinary professionals Wednesday.
Only this cat's broken tooth was about 3 inches long, compared with a typical house cat's tooth that measures a fraction of an inch. And the veterinarian and dentist, Paul West, had to get his hands on special equipment to handle lion-size chompers.
Yet it wasn't at all routine for the zookeepers, several of whom wanted to get in on the action, whether by hoisting the sedated lioness onto the operating table or just peeking through the bars of the holding area where the surgery took place.
http://content.hamptonroads.com/story.cfm?story=114473&ran=39428
County Commission approves zoo tax
Written by THOMAS P. MORGAN
County, Lansing have until June 30 to finalize lease
Persuading Ingham County voters to approve regionalizing the Potter Park Zoo was the easy part — it passed Nov. 7 by a 2-1 margin.
But getting the city of Lansing and Ingham County to agree on how to transfer control of the city-owned zoo to the county is proving to be a bit more difficult.
The Ingham County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday night to levy the 0.46-mill property tax increase needed to fund the zoo, but the city and the zoo have yet to finalize a lease agreement.
The Council was expected to vote the previous night on the county’s proposed lease agreement, but the city and the county had not at that point been able to come to an agreement on the labor aspect of the lease.
http://www.lansingcitypulse.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=640&Itemid=29
Prayer, an amendment and relieved zoo officials
Attraction gets extra funds from county
Irons said zoo staff are ready for the challenge.
"The work starts tomorrow morning at 8," Irons said Wednesday night.
Thursday, Nov 16, 2006
By Elizabeth Cooper
Observer-Dispatchecooper@utica.gannett.com
UTICA — Utica Zoo Executive Director Beth Irons said she'd gotten on her knees and prayed Tuesday night that the Oneida County Board of Legislators would provide an extra $150,000 to help the zoo continue operating.
Wednesday, she got her wish when the board approved the added funding as part of the 2007 Oneida County budget.
After Irons got her wish, she said she felt "very good, obviously."
"It's a very positive vote of confidence that we can address things completely and professionally over the next few months and turn the corner and get the zoo on the right course," Irons said.
The zoo has faced funding shortfalls based in large part on the loss of federal funds. In February 2005, the zoo closed for one month because of its financial difficulties.
http://www.uticaod.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061116/NEWS/611160323/1001
Romping Reindeer at the LA Zoo
"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" may be one of the most popular holiday stories, but it's not often that you get to see a live reindeer in Southern California. This holiday season, the L.A. Zoo will have reindeer to see up close and a display of reindeer antlers, you can learn how antlers shed and grow back each year.On weekends from Nov. 23 through the end of the year, there will be holiday entertainment and fun crafts for the family. Santa Claus also will be on hand for photographs for a nominal fee. During "Reindeer Romp," the L.A. Zoo Choo Choo will be available daily to give young visitors train rides for a nominal fee.The Zoo is in Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 2 to12. Zoo hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (closed Dec. 25). Most "Reindeer Romp" activities are free with paid admission. For more information, visit the Zoo website at www.lazoo.org or call 323-644-4200.
Send your greetings to Zoo Atlanta's giant panda cub and win a chance to meet her!
Honor the ancient Chinese tradition of the red envelope and send your wishes to the giant panda cub by bringing your red envelope to Zoo Atlanta!
Red envelopes will be available in the November 16th edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and at all participating Atlanta area Panda Express locations. Red envelopes will carry a $3 off admission coupon to the Zoo. You may deliver your envelope by redeeming this coupon at the Zoo Atlanta gate or by placing it in the official drop box at the Zoo entrance. All red envelopes must be returned to Zoo Atlanta by December 31, 2006!
Participants in the Red Envelope campaign will be entered in a grand-prize drawing to win a behind-the-scenes visit with the giant panda cub! A single winner will be drawn at Zoo Atlanta’s Noon Year’s Eve celebration on December 31, 2006. The winner need not be present to win.
http://atlanta.daybooknetwork.com/story/2006/11/16/1753red-envelope.shtml
Lion's Sexy Secret: It's in the Mane
Given the choice, a female lion is more likely to be attracted to a shaggy male from Chicago than a well-groomed guy from Houston.
Chicago lions simply got more game.
Scientists measured the size and fullness of lions' manes in northern and southern zoos and found that cats living in colder climates had heartier hairstyles, a key attractant to female lions.
Nutrition, social factors, and genetics have previously been considered important factors affecting mane quality, but the new finding suggests that up to one-half of the mane's length and density is determined by temperature.
The study is detailed in the April 13 issue of the Journal of Mammalogy.
Keep it cool
A thick mane retains heat in a hot, dry climate—like wearing a fur hat or wool scarf—and can cause a big cat to overheat.
Average temperatures in the parks that were studied— spanning 2,000 miles from Illinois to Texas —varied from 20 to 54 degrees Fahrenheit in January and 65 to 87 degrees in July.
http://www.livescience.com/animalworld/060412_lion_manes.html
Meet to evolve zoo master plan
PRABUDDHA S. JAGADEB
Bhubaneswar, April 12: There are only two gharials in the wild in Orissa despite hundreds of the reptile having been successfully bred at the Tikarpada sanctuary.
Keeping this in mind, there is not only a need for captive breeding of endangered species, but to re-
introduce them to the wild, said Dr B.C. Chaudhuri, head of department of endangered species management, Wildlife Institute of India (WII). Otherwise, the gharials may soon find a place in the list of highly endangered animals of IUCN, he feared.
Chaudhuri, who is here to attend the training programme for zoo directors for evolving a master plan for zoos, said a nationally coordinated breeding plan of tigers was started two years ago , of which the Nandankanan zoo was a part.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060413/asp/jamshedpur/story_6090925.asp
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Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG
Visitors take photos of a polar bear which swims above them at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. The zoo has unveiled a $14 million exhibit for the animals that includes a waterfall, a freshwater stream and a 150,000-gallon pool chilled to between 50 and 55 degrees. It also features a yard where they can play or nap. (Source: Dayoo.com)
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