Zoos
Tarongo Zoo: A Must See Destination in Syndey, Australia
A Review
Looking for a bit of entertainment on a Saturday afternoon I decided to venture out to yet another destination I had yet to explore, and being an animal lover, I decided on the Tarongo Zoo. A zoo neatly located off the coast of Sydney and accessible by both car and ferry.
While the car ride there is rather uneventful, a simple ride through a nice little town and a good view of some cute antique houses, the ferry is a beautiful little mini-tour of Sydney harbor. Ferries depart from Cicular Quay in downtown. However, since I was more closely located via car, I decided to drive. After having lunch in neighboring Crow's Nest, I departed for the zoo. Lucky for me, the zoo offers a large car park for $10.00, parking wasn't an issue.
What I thought was a small local zoo turned out to be a very large, intricately designed, and very comprehensive zoo. The Tarongo zoo houses hundreds of little animals from native Australian critters to animals of Africa, Asia, the Americans, and Europe. An animal lover couldn't ask for a better zoo. My first stop, a neatly organized bird exhibit with pelicans, and ducks of various colors and sizes. The cute little brown ducks with blue bills were my favorites besides the commanding pelicans which were swimming around the beautifully landscaped lake given to them and fishing for a meal. Lunch time at the Tarongo zoo is probably the best time to arrive, as all the animals are out in full force and either awaiting their meals, or having them. A very interesting experience, to be sure!
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/182825/tarongo_zoo_a_must_see_destination.htmlBottom of Form
Zoo Hopes 'Panda Porn' Will Help Pandas Mate (video)
(AP) CHIANG MAI, Thailand Chuang Chuang the panda has been spending his days in front of a big screen television watching panda porn.
Authorities at the Chiang Mai Zoo in northern Thailand hope the images will encourage him to mate with his partner, Lin Hui, and serve as an instructional lesson in how to do it right.
So far, it's been a tough sell, the zoo's chief veterinarian, Kanika Limtrakul, said Tuesday.
"Chuang Chuang seems indifferent to the videos; he has no reaction to what he's seeing on TV," Kanika said. "But, we're continuing to show him videos and hoping they will leave an impression."
Pandas are threatened by loss of habitat, poaching and a low reproduction rate. Females in the wild normally have a cub once every two to three years.
http://wbztv.com/national/topstories_story_086091613.html
Birth of tiger triplets brings zoo full circle
Tri-State Zoological Park still recovering from fire that killed 100 animals last year
By Daleen Berry
CUMBERLAND TIMES-NEWS (CUMBERLAND, Md.)
CUMBERLAND, Md. — After three years that included a deadly fire in 2006, tiger triplets born last week have brought a local zoo full circle.
The electrical fire last March killed about 100 of the Tri-State Zoological Park of Western Maryland animals, but owner Bob Candy is hoping the birth of the three tiger cubs Thursday will help put his expansion plans back on track. Those plans include not just rebuilding much of it, but also making the zoo “the best zoo in the state of Maryland.”
The baby tigers were born to Cheyenne and Khan, a pair of Siberian tigers that were among the first animals to arrive three years ago. Candy was concerned there might be complications with the pregnancy, since Cheyenne’s first litter died in October. But Candy said the mother tiger did great during both labor and delivery.
“She was just fine. She would walk over to be petted after each one (was born),” Candy said. “We take that as a good sign, because they (can) get very possessive (after giving birth)."
http://www.mineralwellsindex.com/statenews/cnhinsall_story_085113530.html
Inji, the Oregon Zoo's popular orangutan, has gallbladder surgery (video)
If you're planning a Spring Break trip to the Oregon Zoo, you'll miss one of the zoo's favorite attractions.
Inji, the 47-year-old matriarch of the zoo's orangutan clan, had her gallbladder removed Monday. Famous for her Super Bowl predictions, Inji is one of the zoo's original residents.
Zoo officials said Inji stopped eating normally in December. Her caretakers later discovered she had gallstones. Some have been treated with medicine, but others required surgery.
The surgery carried some risk for Inji. Zoo officials said the animal's age and orangutans' sensitive respiratory systems could complicate surgery. But officials at the zoo said the Inji risked fatal complications if the gallstones went untreated.
Inji will be out of sight to zoo visitors while she's recuperating.
Need an Inji fix? Check her out here:
http://blog.oregonlive.com/breakingnews/2007/03/inji_the_oregon_zoos_popular_o.html
Rosamond zoo needs $5k more for ocelots
The Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park has raised $31,060 in its effort to bring a mother-daughter pair of ocelots to Central New York later this spring.
Zoo officials need about $36,000, which means they need about $5,000 more.
The small South American cats are at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. To donate, call Debbie Messina at 435-8511, ext. 132, or e-mail her at dmessina@syracusezoo.org.
http://blog.syracuse.com/news/2007/03/rosamond_zoo_needs_5k_more_for.html
WSPA urges municipalities to support Bill 154, protect zoo animals
Call comes after raid on roadside zoo, London council vote
Attention: Assignment Editor, City Editor, News Editor, Travel/Tourism Editor, Government/Political Affairs Editor
TORONTO ONTARIO PRESS RELEASE ROADSIDE ZOOS--(CCNMatthews - March 27, 2007) - The World Society for the Protection of Animals is calling on municipalities across Ontario to support Bill 154 following a vote by London council earlier this week to endorse the proposed "roadside zoo" legislation.
Councillors in London - home to one of the worst roadside zoos in the province - voted Monday to endorse MPP David Zimmer's private member's bill, "An Act to Regulate Zoos," which would require all zoos be licensed and comply with professional welfare and public safety standards.
Ontario is home to more zoos than any other province yet has the weakest laws in the country for ensuring animals confined in these facilities are treated well. Many of these zoos are small, grossly substandard facilities that lack the trained professional staff to properly care for their animals.
WSPA has been actively campaigning for Bill 154 along with other animal welfare groups and welcomed the news of the vote by London council. "WSPA encourages other municipalities to follow London's leadership and voice their support for provincial zoo regulations," said Melissa Tkachyk, Campaigns Officer for WSPA Canada.
A recent poll of Ontarians suggested 97 per cent agreed that zoos should be required by law to meet professional, animal welfare and public safety standards. Thousands of others have written letters and signed petitions in support of such a law, as new cases of horrific conditions at roadside zoos have come to light.
On March 16, the Ontario SPCA seized 28 animals from the Kerwood Wolf Centre west of London in the
Township of Adelaide-Metcalfe. SPCA inspectors said the animals lacked food and water and many were being forced to lay in their own excrement. One horse had to be euthanized. At the time of the raid, the owner was already facing charges stemming from the seizure of 18 animals last year.
http://www.ccnmatthews.com/news/releases/show.jsp?action=showRelease&searchText=false&showText=all&actionFor=642528
Belgrade Zoo needs to move!
Category: Animal Behavior • Animal Rights • Balkans • Politics
Posted on: March 27, 2007 2:59 PM, by Coturnix
Long time ago, I mentioned here something about the Belgrade Zoo. The power of Google brought a Belgrader, Sonja, to my blog, who alerted me to the dire conditions in which the Zoo is right now and the existence of her website (made by her and her students) called Zoo SOS whose goal is to force the City government of Belgrade to move the Zoo from its present location to a better place outside town (not having to deal with the Animal Rights terrorists there, they must have placed a link to PETA by mistake - they do not know the distinction between Animal Rights and Animal Welfare).
Belgrade Zoo is located on Kalemegdan, the most ancient (from Roman through Turkish times) part of Belgrade. The zoo is small, and most of it is on stone and concrete. You can see some pictures of it here (just keep clicking on "Next" until you see them all).
Belgraders love their zoo. It is one of the favourite spots to spend a weekend. But it is also depressing to see animals crowded in small cages. It is especially painful for those of us who have seen modern zoos, like the one here in Asheboro, where animals are free to roam over many acres of land specifically designed to mimic their natural habitats.
http://scienceblogs.com/clock/2007/03/belgrade_zoo_needs_to_move.php
Roanoke pledges $500,000 to help improve Mill Mountain Zoo
ROANOKE, Va. The city of Roanoke has pledged 500-thousand dollars to help improve Mill Mountain Zoo.
The is the biggest grant in zoo history and would be given over three years in three installments. It's linked to the zoo's ability to raise matching funds from other sources.
Zoo officials hope to make improvements such as fixing aging exhibits and building a new quarantine facility.
The zoo wants to become more financially stable and upgrade existing exhibits prior to an accreditation inspection this summer.
The Mill Mountain Zoo has an annual budget of about 700-thousand dollars, which is funded largely by gate admissions, programs and private donations. About ten percent of its money comes from government sources.
http://www.wdbj7.com/Global/story.asp?S=6286722&nav=S6aK
Get In With The Lemurs at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
Our exciting new exhibit In With The Lemurs opens to the public on Friday. Beating the rush to mingle with these amazing primates is BBC Radio One Breakfast Show’s Dominic Byrne who will officially launch the exhibit tomorrow, come along to see Dominic in action.
Dominic has been a big fan of Whipsnade for many years and regularly visits to see the animals, particularly Barclay the Californian sea lion.
The popular newsreader, together with some of his Breakfast Show pals, will be the first to step into the lemurs’ “bachelor pad” and meet the lively inhabitants!
http://www.zsl.org/zsl-whipsnade-zoo/news/get-in-with-the-lemurs-at-zsl-whipsnade-zoo,348,NS.html
New Polar Bear On Exhibit At Denver Zoo (video)
(CBS4) DENVER A 22-year-old male polar bear named Frosty arrived at Denver Zoo in December and was put out on public exhibit with his new mate, resident female, Voda Tuesday.
Frosty, came to Denver Zoo from Tulsa Zoo on a breeding loan sanctioned by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan (SSP).
Frosty has acclimated well to his new surroundings and he and Voda can be seen on exhibit daily in Denver Zoo’s Northern Shores.
http://cbs4denver.com/local/local_story_086224401.html
City votes to keep elephants at zoo
Juno and Savannah will stay at the El Paso Zoo for the rest of their days.
By a 6-2 vote Tuesday, the El Paso City Council ended a debate that began at this council's first meeting in June 2005 by deciding to keep the two female elephants, ages 55 and 45, rather than send them to a Tennessee sanctuary.
Zoo Director Steve Marshall, who took over at the zoo in January and asked for time to evaluate the situation before making a recommendation, assured council members and the public that the zoo's three-quarter-acre habitat exceeds national standards for two or even three elephants.
"Do these animals need to be moved?" Marshall said. "The answer is no."
Ray Darnell, director of the Albuquerque Bio Park, and Mike Keele, deputy director of the Oregon Zoo in Portland, agreed.
http://www.elpasotimes.com/news/ci_5535180
Red panda twins make debut at Sydney zoo
SYDNEY (Reuters Life!) - Twin red pandas made their public debut at Sydney's Taronga Zoo on Wednesday, the latest additions to a breeding program that aims to ensure the survival of the endangered species.
Zoo keepers cuddled and showed off the three-month-old males, named Jinshu and Tenzin, trying to weigh the wriggling cubs on some scales.
The proud parents, meanwhile, Wanmei and Mayhem, completely ignored the visitors crowding around the enclosure and continued their morning snooze.
"They're just brilliant, they're beautiful. It's amazing to be able to hold an endangered animal in my hands knowing that we've just contributed to the world population," said a Taronga Zoo worker who gave her name as Bobby-Jo.
http://www.reuters.com/article/gc08/idUSL289338120070328
Panda Cam makes voyeurism cute again
The National Zoo is one of only five zoos in the country with giant pandas, but the zoo is a bus ride and a Metro stop away. Normally, people who just want a quick panda fix, or don’t like pretending that they’re interested in gazelles would be out of luck. Fortunately, the National Zoo website has the Panda Cam, a continuous feed of those beasts are up to.
As of lunchtime Monday, Tai Shan was pressing his panda face into a rock, asleep. But then a weird mist floated by for a while. Fortunately, the panda seemed unharmed.
The pandas cost a bundle, so the least we can do is get our money’s worth by monitoring them constantly.
http://blog.georgetownvoice.com/?p=129
News from the Fujifilm Giant Panda Habitat
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/default.cfm?cam=LP2
The Club Penguin Alphabet
This is stupid but who cares!
A is for Aunt Arctic! B is for Beacon! C is for Club Penguin! D is for Dumb People that think the iceburg will tip!E is for Everybody plays the game! F is for Fish! G is for Games that rock! H is for Hackers! I is for Ice Fishing! J is for Jumping Pink Puffle! K is for Kings of the castle igloo! L is for Losers that get their friend’s penguin banned forever! M is for Money that you get for playing games! N is for hand Numbing weather! O is for Other penguins to play with! P is for Penguin! Q is for Questions that we ask Aunt Arctic! Ris for Rockhopper! S is for Super parties!T is for tubes in sled racing! U is for Underground Mine! V is for Vultures that hack! W is for Winter all the time! X is for Xtra fun!
Y is forYour own igloo styles! Z is for puffles zoos in your house!
http://born2bajedi.wordpress.com/2007/03/27/the-club-penguin-alphabet/
Zoos try cross-country panda breeding
WASHINGTON (UPI) -- Biologists at the National Zoo in Washington are attempting to impregnate the zoo's female panda with sperm from a California donor.
Sperm from Gao Gao, a male panda at the San Diego Zoo, was flown first class across the country to attempt to impregnate Mei Xiang, a mother of one at the National Zoo, The Washington Post reported Tuesday.
JoGayle Howard, a theriogenologist specializing in the reproductive biology of endangered species, said zoo staff members have been analyzing Mei Xiang's hormone levels to determine the proper time for insemination.
http://www.arcamax.com/newsheadlines/s-176352-462872?source=1930
Nudging nature for newborns
As the mating season shifts into high gear, some animals are getting help getting acquainted. Some offspring leave for other zoos to conserve species and expand breeding pools.
BY Maricella Miranda
The stork doesn't deliver a bundle of joy to all Minnesota Zoo animals.
Sometimes, it takes a little finessing to persuade the big bird to make a stop.
It doesn't help that strict rules govern which animals can breed and when, and where their babies will end up.
Rules aside, some pairs become intimate more often and willingly than others, said Tony Fisher, collections manager at the Minnesota Zoo. But it will take a lot of planning and staff time this year to romance Amur tigers and sun bears.
http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_5534544
Bill would ban circus elephants from city
Group wants all animal performers barred
by amy zimmer / metro new york
MAR 28, 2007
MANHATTAN. The circus is coming to town and animal rights activists are gearing up for a fight.
For groups backing City Councilwoman Rosie Mendez’s proposed ban on exotic animal performers, last night’s annual elephant walk by the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey outfit was the first salvo. On Saturday — timed to the start of the show — they plan to fire back at a rally outside Madison Square Garden.
“Bears don’t naturally wear tutus or ride bicycles,” said John Phillips, executive director of the city’s League of Humane Voters. “Tigers don’t naturally jump through flame hoops.”
http://ny.metro.us/metro/local/article/Bill_would_ban_circus_elephants_from_city/7670.html
New Polar Bear On Exhibit At Denver Zoo (video)
(CBS4) DENVER A 22-year-old male polar bear named Frosty arrived at Denver Zoo in December and was put out on public exhibit with his new mate, resident female, Voda Tuesday.
Frosty, came to Denver Zoo from Tulsa Zoo on a breeding loan sanctioned by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan (SSP).
Frosty has acclimated well to his new surroundings and he and Voda can be seen on exhibit daily in Denver Zoo’s Northern Shores.
http://cbs4denver.com/pets/local_story_086224401.html
New Ride Coming to Fort Wayne Zoo
(Fort Wayne - WANE) The African Veldt at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo may be closed to make way for its replacement, the African Journey which isn't expected to be completed until 2009. But that doesn't mean there won't be a new attraction at the zoo this year. A new ride called the Sky Safari is now under construction at the zoo. It should be finished sometime yet this spring. The ride will allow visitors to get a bird's eye view of the zoo and the work being done in what used to be called the African Veldt. Riders will sit 38 feet above the ground in chairs suspended by cables. According to zoo director Jim Anderson, the ride resembles a ski lift. Cost for the Sky Safari will be $2.00. Just because the African area of the zoo is being renovated doesn't mean you won't be able to see any of the animals. Giraffes, monkeys, leopards and birds will be visible. The zoo opens April 21
http://www.wane.com/Global/story.asp?S=6266136&nav=0RYbS7wV
Berlin Zoo's polar bear cub makes public début
With a sniff and a stumble, Berlin Zoo's irresistibly cuddly baby polar bear made his public debut Friday, delighting hundreds of excited children who packed around the pen's railings.
"We want Knut! We want Knut!" chanted a group of third graders who came to see the zoo's star, dubbed "cute Knut" by the German media.
Ambling cautiously over the uneven, grassy ground, Knut clambered over a log and sniffed curiously at the legs of his handler, Thomas Doerflein.
"I'm so happy to be able to see him today," said Leila Klamann, 9, whose class was visiting the zoo. "And he's so cute!"
http://www.kare11.com/news/national/national_article.aspx?storyid=247961
Animal antics enthral kids at zoo
More than 900 pre-school children from around the Waikato monkeyed around at Hamilton Zoo yesterday to promote outdoor activities.
The event was organised by Sport Waikato for children under five, and included a tour round the zoo, bubble blowing and games.
Crowds of cheering pre-schoolers watched zoo staff feed ring-tailed lemurs, spider monkeys, kunekune pigs and giraffes.
Six-month-old Abby Lamb, who was accompanied by her mum Kate and one-year-old cousin Flynn Barlow, watched the zoo's chimpanzees at play.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/waikatotimes/4003335a6579.html
Army Brigade Begins Work With Baghdad Zoo
New mission aims to increase support and attendance.
By Sgt. Robert Yde
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Public Affairs
BAGHDAD, March 23, 2007 -- “It was kind of a shock because I didn't know they had a zoo,” Sgt. 1st Class Herbert Mowery said of his initial reaction upon learning that one of his new responsibilities would be working with the staff of the Baghdad Zoo.
Mowery, the special projects noncommissioned officer for the 15th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, recently moved with his battalion from Forward Operating Base Falcon located in southern Baghdad to FOB Prosperity located in the International Zone.
With this move came new missions, among those overseeing an area of Baghdad known as Al-Zawra Park, which is home to the once renowned Baghdad Zoo.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1805932/posts
Zoo stingray exhibit adds special touch
Bethany Noble
special for the republic
Mar. 24, 2007 12:00 AM
Valley residents are lining up to experience aquatic life in an interactive exhibit at the Phoenix Zoo.
Stringray Bay, a special exhibit at the zoo, has people of all ages returning again and again for this "touching experience." More than 30 stingrays swim around this 12,000-gallon tank and greet visitors who place their hands in it to feel the rays' silky skin. When a visitor has a piece of frozen fish in hand, the rays flock to it.
The stingrays have had their barbs filed down to prevent stinging.
http://www.azcentral.com/community/chandler/articles/0324tr-zoo0323Z6.html
Canned pet food at Toledo Zoo
March 23, 2007 - Some animals at the Toledo Zoo are fed canned pet food in their diets. So were any animals in danger?
As soon as the veterinarian staff heard about the poisoned pet food, they quickly checked the cans that are given to the animals. Canned pet food for some animals at the zoo is considered a treat.
Chief Veterinarian Wynona Shellabarger of the Toledo Zoo says, "If we were nursing them along for a medical reason or wanted to entice them for a medical reason we sometimes will use the Tasty Choice canned food items on occasion."
Luckily, none of the food stocked at the zoo was contaminated.
"It is not something we use regularly. Actually the stock that we had was not on the recall list either, so we were fine with that."
http://abclocal.go.com/wtvg/story?section=local&id=5145366
The thief who didn't bargain for the solidarity of monkeys
By Michael McCarthy Environment Editor
Published: 24 March 2007
It was all for one and one for all when SpongeBob the monkey was snatched from his zoo cage. His fellow monkeys attacked the kidnapper and drew blood - and this led to the thief's downfall.
Marlon Brown, 23, was convicted yesterday of stealing SpongeBob, an endangered Bolivian squirrel monkey, from his enclosure at Chessington World of Adventures. Brown had denied the theft but the blood found in SpongeBob's cage proved he played a part in the theft, Kingston Crown Court was told.
SpongeBob's kidnapping last July sparked a nationwide campaign requesting the public's help to find him. The primate was spotted by a member of the public two days later, playing with children in Brixton, south London. He was handed in to the local police station and suspicion fell on Brown, who was later arrested.
http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/crime/article2387822.ece
Zoo Atlanta Announces Opening Of Two New Exhibit
Zoo Atlanta President and CEO Dennis Kelly, joined by Mickey Brown, Executive Vice-President Customer Service Organization for Georgia Power, announced today that construction on habitats for two new species is underway at Zoo Atlanta. The two new habitats will be home to a pair of warthogs and a family group of nine meerkats. The warthog habitat is expected to open in mid-May and the meerkat habitat will open early summer.
“Georgia Power generously provided the Zoo with a gift that will enable us to further enhance our Member and guest experience,” said Dennis Kelly, Zoo Atlanta president and CEO. “Warthogs and meerkats are unique African species that guests are sure to enjoy.”
Construction of the new warthog and meerkat habitats was funded through the generous support of Georgia Power. The company has supported Zoo Atlanta’s educational and conservation efforts over the last twenty years.
http://www.huliq.com/16297/zoo-atlanta-announces-opening-of-two-new-exhibit
Zoo hosts international meeting on how chimps think
CHICAGO Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo is hosting an event billed as the first scientific meeting on how chimpanzees think.
The "Mind of the Chimpanzee" conference has drawn the world's leading primatologists to the zoo. Experts have gathered to discuss chimps' apparent mental capacity for empathy, problem-solving and even deception.
The meeting began yesterday and runs through tomorrow.
A public lecture by primate expert Jane Goodall tomorrow on Navy Pier is sold out.
http://www.wqad.com/Global/story.asp?S=6274146&nav=1sW7
Byculla zoo makeover will be a mock-up of continents
Foreign consultants at work, Rs 100-cr project gives animals living areas like natural habitats, water body to depict Indian Ocean
Kavitha Iyer
Mumbai, March 24: Coming to the Byculla zoo soon is an impression of the single land mass that the continents were before plate tectonics got to work millions of years ago. That is the theme recommended by international consultants engaged by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to draw up a comprehensive master plan for the beleaguered zoo’s overhaul.
Over the past week, representatives of the Bangkok-based HKS Designers & Consultants International Co Ltd and US-based landscape designers Portico Group have made presentations to leaders of all political parties in and bureaucrats of the BMC. On Saturday, Mayor Shubha Raul even made her first official visit to the zoo.
http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=228299
Graham Norton: I wanted to be a zoo keeper
Comedian is a closet animal lover
Graham Norton has revealed his childhood ambition: to be a zoo keeper.
'It sounded like the glamorous side of being a farmer,' he says.
'The first time I visited a zoo was in Dublin when I was five; most of the exotic creatures seemed to be just sleeping heaps of fur.
'Then I learnt the plan to work with animals involved actual study rather than hanging round swinging from tyres, and I can't really imagine working with them now.'
Graham, 41, started his showbiz career in radio before achieving television stardom. The only animal he actually gets to look after is his pet mutt.
'My life is ruled by my freakishly large dog, Bailey,' he tells The Times Magazine.
http://www.nowmagazine.co.uk/celeb_news/celebrity_gossipGraham_Norton_I_wanted_to_be_a_zoo_keeper_article_113657.html
Zoo Boss Shocked To Learn Of Burton's Employment
The director of Auckland Zoo says he was shocked to learn that a well-known psychiatric patient who killed his mother was working at the Zoo.
Mark Burton was working part-time for a rehabilitation organisation Second Chance, which has a contract with the Zoo.
Mark Burton killed his mother the day after he had been discharged from Southland Hospital's mental health unit in 2001.
He was found not guilty of murder on the grounds of insanity, and has since been in the care of the Mason Clinic in Auckland.
The Auckland Zoo director, Glen Holland, says the zoo was not a suitable place for a psychiatric patient to be working, as part of his reintegration back into society.
http://www.newswire.co.nz/main/viewstory.aspx?storyid=364883&catid=35
Oklahoma City Zoo goes native
Edmond area students converge on new exhibit
Patty Miller
The Edmond Sun
Some Edmond-area students headed down south to Padre, Texas, for spring break while others traveled south down Martin Luther King Boulevard to the Oklahoma City Zoo. The latter were part of the record-breaking numbers who visited the new zoo exhibit titled Oklahoma Trails, touted as “Totally Native, Totally Wild.”
“Sunday’s total was 15,301 people, and it broke all records for daily attendance,” said Tara Henson, director of marketing and public relations.
She said Sunday’s excellent weather, spring break, as well as the opening of Oklahoma Trails on March 10, all played a role in the high attendance.
The Oklahoma Trails exhibit has 11 distinct life zones and showcases more than 100 species of animals as well as trees and plants native to Oklahoma.
http://www.edmondsun.com/homepage/local_story_083195747.html?keyword=leadpicturestory
3/24/07 - The male Amur tiger named Sivaki, at the Potter Park Zoo, weighing in at 217 pounds, displays his fangs as one of the other tigers comes close to the hanging deer hide he has claimed. The tigers turned two years-old and the Zoo celebrated by giving them a treat-meat stuffed cardboard fawns made by school children and a fresh deer skin.
Robert Killips | Lansing State Journal
http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=A3&Dato=20070324&Kategori=NEWS&Lopenr=703240801&Ref=PH
Pink Martini at the Oregon Zoo concerts
Check out Portland's own Pink Martini at the Wells Fargo Summer Concert series at the Oregon Zoo.
Concert-goers enjoy spectacular music and gourmet picnics at the zoo's park-like amphitheater. Wednesday "Plus" Concerts feature the best of World Music. Concerts are $9.75 general admission, or free for zoo members at the "Plus" level or higher. Premium Concerts feature world-renowned artists at a great price.
http://www.traveloregon.com/Explore-Oregon/Portland-Metro/Upcoming-Events/Performing-Arts/Pink-Martini-at-the-Oregon-Zoo-concerts.aspx
In the lush and fertile land called Oregon, where the vineyards and forests and rivers are known far and wide for their epic abundance, there came a gentle rumbling amongst the people. This rumbling came to be known as an “art scene,” meaning that this place also had a mysterious gift for nurturing the smart and interesting and talented people who came to its shores. In other parts of the world, these people might feel out of place or ahead of their time or even a little crazy. And yet, when they would land on Oregon soil, often after a long cross-country trip that involved camping, they would begin to thrive.
http://www.traveloregon.com/Book-Of-Oregon/Oregon-Artist.aspx
Hogle Zoo Orchestrates Plans for Elephant's Pregnancy
Getting pregnant doesn't usually require the help of Delta Air Lines, Federal Express and a team of experts from Germany. But that's exactly what's unfolding in Salt Lake City tonight.
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=1030818&comments=true
Hogle Zoo Orchestrates Plans for Elephant's Pregnancy
March 25th, 2007 @ 9:47pm
John Hollenhorst Reporting
Getting pregnant doesn't usually require the help of Delta Air Lines, Federal Express and a team of experts from Germany. But that's exactly what's unfolding in Salt Lake City tonight.
In fact, it's zero hour at Hogle Zoo for a very special and very large female. She weighed in this morning at more than 7,000 pounds.
It's the big girl's big night. And if the chemistry is right, it could be the beginning of a very long pregnancy.
Christie the elephant was born in the wild and has lived in the zoo since age 2. She's now grown up and 21. Christie is ready for a new chapter in the book of life-- the natural act of being a mom.
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=1030818
Zoo's blues
Baltimore's financial struggles reflected across the country
BY NICOLE FULLER
SUN REPORTER
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED MARCH 26, 2007
Throughout the sprawling Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, it seems as though virtually everything is in dire need of repair: cracked wooden steps at the mansion, old and leaky roofs, broken gates. For too long, officials say, the zoo's finances have been so abysmal that much of the needed maintenance was simply ignored.
And in a move last week that highlighted how grim the financial situation has become, the zoo's board decided to cancel a plan to take in three elephants from Philadelphia this summer. The reason: The zoo was unable to raise the private financing for an exhibit expansion to accommodate the animals.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/baltimore_city/bal-te.md.zoo26mar26,0,5243192.story?coll=bal-home-headlines
Monroe zoo welcomes new colt
MONROE -- Louisiana Purchase and Gardens Zoo welcomed 16 Percheron draft horses as part of a new attraction. Just recently, that number increased to 17.
Julie, one of the 10 mares, gave birth to her first colt, Bella, on Friday. She was one of four pregnant mares the zoo received when the huge, brown horses arrived from Iowa earlier this month.
Mother and daughter were doing fine Sunday afternoon. Bella took a nap as Julie stood close by eating grass and eyeing visitors.
"Every birth is a major celebration," said Craig Perry, the horse's owner and breeder. "The major part is seeing them in working capacity doing what they're trained to do."
Perry said Percheron draft horses are typically used for pulling plows on farms, so pulling a 24-person wagon around the zoo is a normal workload. "They've been doing it for hundreds of years," Perry said. "It's what they're bred to do."
Bella is no exception.
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070326/BREAKINGNEWS/70326002
Chaffee Zoo Approved for Reaccreditation (video)
03/26/2007 - The Fresno Chaffee Zoo exceeds the American Zoo Association's standards. Monday morning in Denver, Colorado, the AZA gave it a four year accreditation.
Accreditation means the zoo can be part of the endangered species survival plan.
Animals like elephants and tigers attract large numbers of visitors.
A year ago, the AZA tabled the accredication to give the new non-profit zoo board, time to show that it is able to manage the zoo under AZA standards.
http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=local&id=5145466
Berlin Zoo's Panda Yan Yan Suddenly Died, Bild-Zeitung Reports
By Kenneth Wong
March 27 (Bloomberg) -- Yan Yan, the 22-year-old female panda which German and Chinese scientists unsuccessfully tried to get impregnated, died yesterday at Berlin Zoo, Germany's Bild-Zeitung reported.
The cause of Yan Yan's death is unknown and an autopsy will take place today, the newspaper said. Her death leaves 28-year- old male partner Bao Bao the only remaining panda at the zoo.
Yan Yan was born in 1985 in the Chinese city of Fuping and sent to Germany in 1995, a year after former Chinese Premiere Li Peng promised Germany a female panda. Panda is an endangered species with a count of about 1,600, according to the report.
In 2004, after eight futile attempts to impregnate Yan Yan, including showing her ``panda porno'' to stimulate copulation with Bao Bao, a Chinese delegation of experts was sent to Germany to help and that too failed, according to Bild.
(Bild Zeitung 3-27 7)
For the newspaper's Web site, see http://www.bild.de
To contact the reporter on this story: Kenneth Wong in Berlin at kwong11@bloomberg.net.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601100&sid=awRZwVHYtsNs&refer=germany
Thai zoo officials trying to turn male panda onto porn ahead of mating season
CHIANG MAI, Thailand (AP) - Chuang Chuang the panda has been spending his days in front of a television watching panda porn.
Authorities at the Chiang Mai Zoo in northern Thailand hope the images will encourage him to mate with his partner, Lin Hui, and serve as an instructional lesson in how to do it right. So far, it's been a tough sell, the zoo's chief veterinarian, Kanika Limtrakul, said Tuesday.
"Chuang Chuang seems indifferent to the videos, he has no reaction to what he's seeing on TV," Kanika said. "But, we're continuing to show him videos and hoping they will leave an impression."
http://www.cbc.ca/cp/Oddities/070327/K032702AU.html
Get in touch with animals at Mead Valley hands-on zoo
By LEEZEL TANGLAO
The Press-Enterprise
Video: Mr. Joe's farm
MEAD VALLEY - Stacey and Joe Clahassey have no shortage of animals on their 3-acre Mead Valley farm.
They have 27 goats, nine alpacas, five miniature horses, six sheep, three geese, five desert tortoises and several dogs and cats.
They also have nontraditional animals such a pair of emus and a two-hump camel named Oscar that the public can see and touch.
"We invite people to come visit us for the purpose of a hands-on experience with animals, so we call ourselves a more hands-on zoo than a petting zoo," said Stacey Clahassey, 43, who helps run the nonprofit farm with her husband. "You get to interact more in their natural environment on a farm than if you went to a petting zoo."
Many of the animals roam free around the Clahasseys' farm and approach new people with curiosity.
"If you go to the San Diego Zoo down south you wouldn't be able to pet a camel," said Joe Clahassey, also 43. "If you come here you can pet the camel, you can pet alpacas. We've got emus running around, so it's a little different from other petting zoos or even other zoos."
http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_D_zoo27.3ee4939.html
Zoo's lion J.B. euthanized
18-year-old cat put down after liver disease diagnosis
J.B., the 18-year-old lioness at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, was euthanized after veterinarians diagnosed her with liver disease, zoo officials announced yesterday.
The lion's keepers first noticed J.B. was ill March 17 when her appetite decreased and she appeared lethargic, said Rebecca Gullott, the zoo's mammal collection and conservation manager.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.lion27mar27,0,2092498.story?coll=bal-local-headlines
Dated
Stolen monkeys rescued by police
Police have found 18 monkeys that were stolen from zoos during two raids in Tunstall, Staffordshire.
Four out of five endangered marmosets, which were stolen from an East Sussex zoo 11 days ago, were among those found in a house full of monkeys.
It was thought that the cute creatures, which are worth several hundred pounds each, were stolen to order for illegal collectors of rare animals.
Two 35-year-old men have been arrested by police.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_5130000/newsid_5134700/5134786.stm
Zoos Targets for Exotic Animal Thieves
European thieves are stealing exotic animals like marmosets and penguins for rich collectors
AP) Missing marmosets, abducted alligators, purloined penguins: Thieves are targeting Europe's zoos and safari parks to supply animal collectors who want to own ever more exotic species.
Conservationists say the practice is harming animals, threatening vital breeding programs, and adding to an already flourishing illegal trade in exotic birds and animals.
"We live in a designer world and people are not satisfied any more with a budgie or a canary _ they want something more exotic," said John Hayward, a former police officer who runs Britain's National Theft Register, the only national database of animal thefts in Europe.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/09/10/ap/tech/mainD8K1S7J02.shtml
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