Greening The Bronx: Historic Renovation of Zoo’s Lion House Seeks LEED Gold
Posted on May 2nd, 2007 in New York City, LEED, The Bronx by Stephen
If you haven’t been paying much attention to The Bronx lately (and after the Yankees’ miserable April, I wouldn’t blame you), there’s quite a bit of sustainable construction taking place throughout the borough that’s definitely worth your while.
I’ve written here before about Via Verde, winner of the New Housing New York Legacy Project’s first design competition, which will seek a LEED Gold rating. The Bronx Library Center became the first publicly-funded building in the City to receive LEED certification when it earned Silver back in January, and Majora Carter and her Sustainable South Bronx organization continue to do great work in a variety of capacities across the borough. (There’s still no word on what, if any, sustainable design elements we’ll see at new Yankee Stadium, which is rapidly rising out of the ground across the street from the old ballpark.)
The Bronx Zoo is also catching up to the rest of the borough with a restoration project designed by FXFOWLE. Its Beaux-Arts Lion House building (which has been closed to the public since the Zoo moved the lions outdoors nearly twenty years ago, image above via NY Times), is being converted into an exhibition on the island of Madagascar. The project is part of a larger renovation of the Zoo’s Astor Court, and FXFOWLE hopes to earn LEED Gold for its efforts. The renovation itself is scheduled for completion this summer, while the exhibition itself won’t open until next year (and it sounds like it’ll be worth the wait, especially if you’re into thirteen foot long crocodiles).
http://www.greenbuildingsnyc.com/?p=185
Global warming puts the heat on Costa Rica's frogs
5:00AM Thursday May 24, 2007
By John McPhaul
SAN JOSE - Global warming is the top suspect for the disappearance of 17 amphibian species from Costa Rican jungles, scientists said yesterday, warning that monkey and reptile populations were also plummeting.
Five of the amphibian species were found only in Costa Rica, meaning their disappearance from the country's jungles spells extinction, said Alvaro Herrero, a biologist with Costa Rica's National Biodiversity Institute.
Among the now-extinct species is the golden toad, named for its shimmering yellow colour, and two varieties of harlequin frog, identified by their black and green stripes.
Herrero said scientists had yet to identify a precise mechanism for the disappearance of the amphibians, which began decades ago, but a prime suspect was a fatal fungus that has invaded their habitats.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/2/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10441455&ref=emailfriend
Miller Park Zoo plans to 'candle' eagle egg soon
By Scott Richardson
BLOOMINGTON -- Zoo workers may take a closer look at an eagle egg at Miller Park Zoo if an eaglet doesn't hatch before Friday, zoo director John Tobias said Tuesday. New video Eagle cam Eagle watch
Tobias said he may “candle” the egg, a process in which light is shined through the shell to see what’s inside. Closer examination also will reveal if an eaglet tried to break out. Birds sometimes fail to escape the shell and die, he said.
“It’s time to take a closer look,” Tobias said. “One way or the other we have to resolve this.”
“They are both staying really protective. I haven’t given up hope,” added Susie Ohley, the zoo’s marketing coordinator.
Beauty, the zoo’s mature female eagle, and her companion male, Mathata, continue to take turns incubating the last remaining egg of two Beauty laid in a four-day period in early May. The eggs were the first Beauty laid in her 13 years at the zoo.
http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2007/06/06/news/doc4665bfceb35e5961169799.txt
Zoo staff distraught as neighbour forces peacock cull
A zoo has been forced to destroy seven peacocks after a neighbour complained about the noise they made.
The birds were part of the Paignton Zoo’s flock of 100 peacocks, which are allowed to roam free in the grounds.
The seven birds that were killed had taken up residence on the edge of the zoo and occasionally strayed into neighbours’ gardens. They had made their roost beneath a large ash tree in the zoo’s grounds, which has also been cut down to stop others congregating there.
Staff at the zoo in Devon are deeply upset by the cull, which they say was forced on them after one neighbour made repeated complaints to Torbay Council.
Although some local people were pleased to see the birds, others complained that they were damaging their gardens and leaving mess everywhere.
Simon Tonge, the executive director of Paignton Zoo, said: “This is a nightmare for us. It has upset a lot of people and especially me, as I am in the business of keeping birds alive. I can understand people being upset when the birds are right under their windows. We tried moving the peacocks to the other side of the zoo, but they just made their way back.”
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article1890188.ece
Stolen macaws back home in Wichita zoo (video)
9:22 p.m. Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Mac and Cheese are back.
The Sedgwick County Zoo welcomed home their beloved macaws who have been missing since April.
Police received a tip last Friday that led them to the birds.
Now they're putting together a criminal case against the alleged bird-nappers.
Although Mac and Cheese have missed their home in the zoo's jungle, officials say they look healthy.
"Thank you very much to the community for all of your efforts. Everyone out there has been keeping an ear out and an eye out for these birds."
Zoo visitors are excited that the birds back home, but it will be at least a month before Mac and Cheese make a public appearance.
Visit the Sedgwick County Zoo online at www.scz.org.
http://www.49abcnews.com/news/2007/jun/05/stolen_macaws_back_home_wichita_zoo/
Zoo project sparks development debate
By Amanda Iacone
The Journal Gazette
The Allen County commissioners debated with the County Council on Tuesday about how the county prioritizes spending on economic development issues.
The commissioners met with the council to discuss their budget requests for 2008. The commissioners handle an operating budget, plus the budgets for county economic development income tax money and the cumulative capital fund.
The commissioners divide ever-declining CEDIT money between the highway department and economic development projects. Some of that money is directed to groups like the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Alliance.
The council questioned how the commissioners prioritize how that economic development money is spent and what benchmarks determine whether that money actually creates jobs or increases wages.
Councilman Cal Miller, R- 4th, asked which projects would be affected or delayed if the council were to give $500,000 to help with the African Journey construction project at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo.
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/17329168.htm
Zoo slated for lion's share of funding
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
By Andy Sher
Nashville Bureau
NASHVILLE -- The Hamilton County legislative delegation agreed Tuesday to divide a $750,000 grant contained in a Bredesen administration budget amendment between the Chattanooga Zoo at Warner Park and the Tennessee Aquarium.
Lawmakers said they will recommend to Finance Commissioner Dave Goetz that the zoo get 70 percent or $525,000 of the grant and the aquarium get 30 percent or $225,000.
That action would reverse a recommendation that Tennessee Aquarium President Charlie Arant made in a May 31 e-mail, according to a copy of the e-mail provided by a delegation member.
Mr. Goetz had asked the delegation to decide quickly how the split was to be made.
"Whatever they want," Mr. Goetz said when told of the apportionment made by the delegation.
E-mail Andy Sher at asher@timesfreepress.com
http://www.timesfreepress.com/absolutenm/templates/breaking.aspx?articleid=16333&zoneid=41
Sita, the tigress struggles in Orissa zoo
New Delhi: In the Nandankana Zoo in Orissa a tigress is struggling to survive after she was shot by poachers more than two months back.
Sita (as she is known in the Zoo) is rapidly deteriorating. Now the Nandankana authorities made an appeal to veterinarians in the hope that an expert can save the tigress.
Sita who has been in agony ever since, is admitted in the Nandankanan Veterinary Hospital. For the seven-year-old, the hospital is now her home as she has been here since the last two months.
The Royal Bengal tigress had suffered eleven gunshots and one bullet is still stuck in her body.
Though the best vets in the state are treating her, it cannot be ascertained whether she would survive.
http://www.ibnlive.com/news/sita-the-tigress-struggles-in-orissa-zoo/42325-3.html
Bioparco, or Rome Zoo
Posted by MaxReger
31 May 2007
Rome's zoo is being gradually improved and has been renamed the Bioparco. A greater emphasis is now being placed on its ecological and environmental credentials. I visited it on a Wednesday afternoon. Apart from three Russians who asked me for directions to the exit, I was the only visitor. I think the animals were glad to see me. If you like wolves there are lots here. Very wolfish and sleek. Apart from its intrinsic merits, it's one of the few places in Rome where you can get away from the crowds.
http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12994
Rare Rhino Dies At San Diego Zoo
San Diego, CA -- A rare northern white rhinoceros died Wednesday at the San Diego Zoo, dwindling the critically endangered species' population to as few as 13 worldwide, zoo officials said.
Nadi was one of three northern white rhinos at the zoo's Wild Animal Park. No cause of death was given, but the female rhino had shown signs of old age, the zoo said in a statement.
Nadi, believed to be more than 40 years old, was brought from Africa in 1972 and was part of a group maintained at the Dv Kralove Zoo in the Czech Republic.
She and another female rhino named Nola came to the Wild Animal Park in San Diego in 1989 as part of an effort to breed the species.
http://www.todaysthv.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=46750
Groups working to make city parks, zoo smoke-free
By DENISE HOEPFNER
The Lufkin Daily News
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Imagine spending quality time with the kids at the park or the zoo. Blue skies, sunshine and the sound of children laughing are probably prominent in that scenario. Clouds of cigarette smoke drifting by while you try to eat your picnic lunch? Not so much.
The Minors and Tobacco Coalition of Deep East Texas, a program of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council, on Thursday morning hosted a family fun event to "bring awareness that our parks and the zoo are not smoke-free zones," said Kim Simmons, ADAC intervention coordinator.
http://www.lufkindailynews.com/news/content/news/stories/2007/06/01/city/no_tobacco_day.html
Cheetah Brothers to Make Debut at National Zoo
Associated Press
Thursday, May 31, 2007; 9:18 PM
Three cheetahs named after characters in the Harry Potter books will make their public debut tomorrow at the National Zoo.
Two-year-old brothers Draco, Granger and Zabini arrived at the zoo last month from the White Oak Conservation Center in Florida. They were brought to D.C. to help bolster the zoo's participation in the nation's cheetah breeding program.
The cheetahs spent their first 30 days in the National Zoo's quarantine facility, where veterinarians and animal-care staff evaluated their health.
The zoo, which has studied cheetah breeding for more 25 years, plans to use a combination of natural and artificial methods to breed the animals.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/31/AR2007053102211.html
More animals, attractions still needed
Zoo’s new features help boost its appeal
The simple, positive fact about the Kansas City Zoo: It is — finally — making some much-needed improvements.
Although critics still have valid complaints, the zoo is on pace to attract the most visitors since 2001. Major projects planned in the next few years could further enhance its future.
People who attend tonight’s Jazzoo fundraiser, as well as families who will visit during the rest of the summer, will see plenty to like.
The zoo is cleaner than it has been in years. The pedestrian shortcut to the African exhibits is a real time-saver, especially for parents pushing strollers. The new carousel near the entrance is a colorful addition.
In recent months the zoo has added animals, including three young, active cheetahs that were entertaining visitors on a recent sunny day. Old favorites continue to please crowds, including kangaroos that calmly stand face to face with people who are just a few feet away.
It has taken zoo Director Randy Wisthoff and supporters much longer than hoped to secure private funds for major additions to the facility. But some impressive projects are in the works. The focus is to take care of a longtime lament of zoo visitors — the lack of animals near the zoo’s entrance.
The project that will capture the most attention is a new polar bear exhibit. The long-awaited attraction, financed by bond dollars approved by voters, is expected to be ready by 2009. Adding ever-popular penguins, at a privately financed exhibit, would make sense, too.
Officials plan to make it easier to get into the zoo by using private funds for a $10 million makeover of the main entrance.
With its expanses, the zoo is still a long, often-hot walk for some visitors who complain about the lack of animals along the way.
But the improvements should help reduce those criticisms and transform the zoo into a much more enjoyable Kansas City attraction.
http://www.kansascity.com/340/story/131239.html
Zoo promotes six in restructuring
St. Louis Business Journal - May 31, 2007
The Saint Louis Zoo's president and CEO, Jeffrey Bonner, announced Wednesday that several executives were promoted in a recent restructuring of responsibilities.
The Saint Louis Zoo named R. Eric Miller as senior vice president and director of zoological operations at the St. Louis Zoo. He joined the Zoo in 1981 and was named director of animal health and conservation in 1993. In his new post, Miller oversees animal health, education, conservation and research.
Jack Grisham has been named the Zoo's vice president of animal collections. Starting at the Zoo in the late 1960s, he rose to assistant curator of mammals before moving to the Oklahoma City Zoo as director of animal management in 1986, then to the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. in 2003 as associate curator. He returned to the Saint Louis Zoo last fall as director of animal collections.
Wyndel Hill was named vice president of internal relations at the Saint Louis Zoo overseeing human resources, training, volunteer services, security, internal communications and visitor services there. He joined the Zoo in 1991 as director of human resources.
http://stlouis.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/2007/05/28/daily45.html?jst=b_ln_hl
Tropical waterfall for city zoo
A new chimpanzee enclosure at Edinburgh Zoo is to be fitted with a tropical forest, waterfalls and exotic plants.
Water features will be created around the centre while inside will be transformed to recreate the chimps' native habitat.
Work on the Budongo Life Science Centre will start later this year, subject to planning permission.
The new centre is being built as the first part of a 20-year masterplan for the site.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4850658.stm
Zoo's falcon leaves the nest; public asked to help find her
By Brian Alexander
Seattle Times staff reporter
Layla, a 9-year-old Peregrine Falcon flew out of the Woodland Park Zoo.
There's something missing at Woodland Park Zoo, but it probably won't show up in the lost and found.
Zookeepers are looking for their 9-year-old peregrine falcon, Layla, who flew the coop Thursday afternoon while being exercised.
She was last spotted by Greenlake residents, said zoo spokeswoman Gigi Allianic.
"We fly the birds, and they usually return, but she decided to take off, " Allianic said. "She doesn't have a history of going far."
It's not the first time Layla has spread her wings to explore Seattle, Allianic said. Once she was found in the University District.
The zoo is asking people who see the 16- to 18-inch-tall, grey-and-white bird to call the zoo at 206-684-4838. Layla is wearing a radio transmitter, and zookeepers will be out at 5 a.m. Friday trying to locate her.
One of the biggest concerns is making sure Layla gets fed, Allianic said.
"She's captive-bred so she's not trained to hunt," she said.
Zoo personnel plan to use food to lure the bird once they find her.
Peregrine falcons are the fastest birds in the world, Allianic said. They can dive at near 200 mph, she said.
Brian Alexander: 206-464-2026 or balexander@seattletimes.com
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003730512_webfalcon31m.html
Zoo Welcomes New Red Panda
By Herald Staff
Published 06/1/2007
Zoo Welcomes New Red Panda
SWAINTON: (Fri. 6.1) Cape May County Zoo has added a new male red panda to its collection at the 85-acre facility. The new addition is 1-year old Tate acquired from the Knoxville Zoo. Tate will become a permanent fixture at the zoo unlike female siblings, Cyanne and Curry who are just visiting.
The red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) at the zoo are found along the walkway in the African Savanna.
They are from the temperate forests of the Himalayas and some high mountain areas of China and Myanmar (Burma).
There are fewer than 2,500 adult red pandas and they are considered endangered because of habitat loss.
Cyanne and Curry will remain at the Cape May County Zoo until this fall when they will be sent to other facilities as part of the Panda Species Survival Plan’s breeding program.
Cape May County is hoping to bring another female red panda to the zoo soon – a mate for Tate. The mission of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium's Species Survival Plan Program is to help ensure the survival of selected wildlife species.
The zoo at 707 Route 9 North is free and open, weather permitting, 364 days a year – closed on Christmas.
http://www.capemaycountyherald.com/article/articles/3692/1/Zoo-Welcomes-New-Red-Panda
Post-Knut Doings Around Zoo Berlin
Who's German, beloved by millions, appears only in white from head to toe and is difficult to get an audience with? If you guessed Pope Benedict XVI you'll be forgiven, but in Berlin that could only describe the cuter than cute polar bear cub Knut. His "victory against all odds" story (only surviving cub of two, rejected by mother, hand-raised by keeper to the consternation of cruel and heartless animal activists) has only added to his attraction, and the crowds have been rushing Zoo Berlin to get a look at him. This isn't as easy as it seems -- his small size, innumerable adoring fans, and busy schedule (photo shoots with Annie Leibowitz for Vanity Fair, discussions with his security team regarding recent death threats, and meetings with his agents over high-dollar licensing deals) leave Knut only available to fans for two hours per day, and the wait to see the lil' fella can take up the entire afternoon. Thankfully, there are numerous ways to spend the remains of the day in the surrounding neighborhood.
http://gridskipper.com/travel/berlin/post+knut-doings-around-zoo-berlin-256692.php
New Accra zoo requires ¢44bn - Minister
Over 44. 8 billion cedis would be required to put up a new zoo for Accra,including stocking it with exhibits.
The process for the development of a new zoo in the Achimota forests has begun and terms of reference for the design of the zoo, including design standards and guidelines, have been prepared with the pre-contract phase estimated at 6,985,000,000 billion cedis, Prof.Dominic Fobih, Minster of Lands, Forestry and Mines has said.
He said these in response to a question on preparations made to enable Kumasi Zoo to receive animals from Accra Zoo and arrangements to construct a new zoo for the capital.
http://www.myjoyonline.com/archives/news/200706/5258.asp
Cranbeary Back On Exhibit At The Memphis Zoo
Last Update: Jun 1, 2007 8:25 PM
Posted By: Travis Bard
Polar Bear Cranbeary has returned to her home in the Memphis Zoo's Northwest Passage exhibit. Starting Friday, June 1, Zoo visitors can see her from 10:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily.
The 5-year-old female polar bear broke her leg in February and spent a few months recovering in the Zoo's on-site hospital. Cranbeary broke the femur in her left, rear leg after a 14-foot fall into the exhibit's dry moat.
Changes have since been made to the polar bear exhibit. Nearly three feet of pea gravel has been added to the bottom of the dry moat to form a cushion, and a wooden curb has been installed to prevent the polar bears from going to the edge.
To date, more than 300 get-well cards and 650 e-mails have been sent to Cranbeary and her keepers. All of which had been displayed in the Zoo's lobby since the incident.
Cranbeary came to Memphis from the Denver Zoo in early 2006. The trio of polar bears is the centerpiece of the Memphis Zoo's Northwest Passage exhibit.
http://www.myeyewitnessnews.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=763d27b5-4402-4f78-a03f-d1a35e57e889
Marwell zoo offer is now even better
GENEROUS bosses at Marwell Zoo have extended a cut-price entry offer to mark its 35th birthday following an overwhelming response.
And staff have urged as many people as possible wanting to visit the popular attraction to avoid this Sunday. The promotion, run in the Daily Echo, will admit adults for just 40p and children for 25p - the prices when the park opened in 1972.
So many people have applied for the specially-priced tickets, originally only valid for this Sunday, that the tickets will now be valid until December 31, 2007.
Marwell is appealing to visitors not to turn up this Sunday if they can make it another day, as it is anticipating huge queues to get into the Colden Common attraction. Staff have urged visitors who decide they will come and not wait to use their tickets on a later date - including the main summer school holidays - to consider using public tranpsort.
http://www.thisishampshire.net/news/hampshirenews/display.var.1442893.0.marwell_zoo_offer_is_now_even_better.php
Tortoises inspire imaginative merriment on a Glitterville field trip to the zoo!
By: Matt Mullins, BPJ
Date created: 6/1/2007 4:58:19 PM
Last updated: 6/1/2007 5:01:57 PM
Its summer and time for some warm weather adventures. This week we're heading to the zoo to encounter the best beasts Mother Nature has to offer.
The elephants were our first stop and they a remarkable animal. I would all the glitter at AC Moore and lots more to cover one of those things.
Further along our trek through the wild kingdom we're lucky enough to spot snow leopards and white tigers along with some wrestling lion cubs. They were all really cute but they all looked a little hungry too.
The zoo we visited has some wonderful enclosures including prairie dogs and penguins. Don't worry though; these two sets of critters were separated.
At the end of our journey through the zoo we found the animals we were looking for, Giant Aldabra Tortoises.
Tex and Al weigh between 300 and 500 pounds and are between 80 and 130 years old, that's a lot of birthday cakes!
http://www.wbir.com/life/programming/local/style/story.aspx?storyid=45846
Sea Lions Return To NYC
On Friday, Mayor Bloomberg was on hand to welcome back several sea lions to their home at the Bronx Zoo. The celebration was part of the reopening of the landmark Astor Court, one of the few intact turn of the century spaces in New York City. “I’m here because I’m not just the mayor of two-legged New Yorkers; I’m the mayor of all creatures in New York City,” Bloomy said before tossing the official first fish to Cleo, Indy, Adrienne and Kiani, the lone male on loan from Georgia (oh, yeah).
John Blauner, a spectator at the re-opening of the pool, said, “The sea lions are like the Radio City Rockettes.” Confused? We were too, until he explained that they seem to swim in unison.
In addition to feeding the marine mammals, the mayor thanked David T. Schiff, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), which operates the Bronx Zoo, for his contribution to the renovation of the Lion House. “Schiff happens,” Mr. Schiff replied.
Steven E. Sanderson, President and CEO of the WCS, said that 44 million people visit the Bronx Zoo each year. “Generations of families have come to the zoo and built memories,” he said. Meanwhile, a young attendee at the Grizzly bear exhibit whined, “I’ve been here an hour and I haven’t seen a single animal.” Ahhh, memories.
Posted by Jane Warshaw at 4:10 PM
http://www.nypress.com/blogx/display_blog.cfm?bid=85228617
Zoo offering up-close look at stingrays
By Dan Petrella
GateHouse News Service
Fri Jun 01, 2007, 11:36 PM CDT
Brookfield, IL -
Zoo visitors are used to standing back and admiring animals from afar, but this summer Brookfield Zoo is inviting guests to reach their hands into the water to touch live stingrays.
Stingray Bay — the zoo’s largest temporary exhibit ever — features a 16,000-gallon saltwater pool on the East Mall with about two dozen rays of two different species. The Carribean-themed exhibit opened May 26 and runs through Labor Day.
Stingrays have gotten a bad rap for being dangerous animals, and their image wasn’t helped last summer when Steve Irwin from TV’s “The Crocodile Hunter” died after being pierced by a ray’s barb off the coast of Queensland, Australia.
The zoo hopes the exhibit will clear up some of the common misconceptions about these animals and make people more aware of their role in the ocean’s ecosystem.
http://www.chicagosuburbannews.com/hillside/homepage/x941626951
'Snake Lady' squeezes in lessons at Scovill Zoo
DECATUR - A 4-year-old boy slowly crept up to the snake, not sure if the much-bigger reptile would eat him.
"Now, honey, he has a mouth, and anything with a mouth can bite, but I've got his head," Scovill Zoo volunteer Maxine Maldaner reassured him, as she does with dozens of children every day.
The boy, who was visiting the zoo with his preschool class, worked up the courage to get just close enough so he could touch the snake that was curled around Maldaner's neck and over her shoulders.
The youngster walked away with a big smile on his face and knowledge he could only get by touching a real snake. "He's not slimy!"
Maldaner, with the help of her boa constrictor, Bo, teaches many lessons to hundreds of children who come through the reptile house.
http://www.herald-review.com/articles/2007/06/02/news/local_news/1023891.txt
Bubonic Plague Kills Animals in Denver Zoo
For some reason I thought the bubonic plague had been wiped out in North America. So much for that idea… You won’t see me at the Denver Zoo any time soon.
A Denver Zoo monkey has died of bubonic plague, apparently after eating a squirrel stricken with the disease, Colorado health and zoo officials said Monday.
Five squirrels and a rabbit found dead on zoo grounds tested positive for the flea-borne disease in recent weeks, Denver Zoo spokeswoman Ana Bowie said.
Zookeepers May 15 noticed the 8-year-old hooded capuchin monkey was lethargic, and the next day it was found dead in its enclosure….
http://www.simplydumb.com/2007/06/02/bubonic-plague-kills-animals-in-denver-zoo/
Northwest Yosemite Trip Report: Part 1
This made the first few miles of trail mostly shadeless and kind of ugly. It was never the most exciting stretch of trail, but now it was even less appealing.
Lou's back started bothering him early on, and not long after the Kibbie Lake turnoff he decided to cut his trip short. We parted just past the stream that forms the Emigrant Wilderness border, and he headed left to camp in the open slabs overlooking Cherry Creek Canyon. I continued up Kibbie Ridge alone, sorry to lose a good hiking companion but still glad to be out in the backcountry.
I was out of the burn area shortly after that, hiking through forest with occasional swampy meadows. I took a short break at Lookout Point for the view, but the sky was full of hazy high clouds that just weren't very photogenic. A mile or so after that, a couple of faster hikers passed me--the last people I saw on the trip.
http://tehipitetom.blogspot.com/2007/06/northwest-yosemite-trip-report-part-1.html
Lorikeets Land At Good Zoo
By CASEY JUNKINS Staff Writer
WHEELING — Visitors to the Good Zoo at Oglebay Park are now able to hold exotic birds in the palms of their hands at the new Lorikeet Landing exhibit, the first major and permanent exhibit added to the zoo under the park’s new master plan to offer exciting new options to its customers.
Douglas Dalby, chief executive officer of the Wheeling Park Commission, said the master plan for the park is to simply look at ways the park can be improved.
Lorikeet Landing replaces the deer exhibit that was closed last fall. Another permanent exhibit, The Colors of Nature, also is now open in the zoo’s main building.
According to Penny Miller, director of the Good Zoo, Lorikeet Landing will be very innovative, interactive and exciting for patrons of the zoo.
While acknowledging that the deer exhibit was once a very popular attraction at the zoo, Miller said it was time for a change.
http://www.news-register.net/news/articles.asp?articleID=20267
Oregon Zoo condor chick needs a little help to hatch
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
PORTLAND, Ore. -- Seventy-two hours is all the time a California condor chick should need to hatch out of its shell. Unfortunately, that deadline came and went for this season's last chick at the Oregon Zoo's Jonsson Center for Wildlife Conservation.
At 72 hours, the chick had made only a nickel-sized hole in its shell, far too small for it to emerge. Keepers were forced to step in and help, a worst-case scenario for them.
"We decided to intervene for fear that, if we didn't, the chick would not have been able to rotate and might have died in its shell," said Shawn St. Michael, condor curator. "We really don't like to intervene in the hatching, because we much prefer having the parents raise the chick."
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/argus/index.ssf?/base/news/1181071290163160.xml&coll=6
Royal Zoo Director Says Investigation Into Chimp Deaths Finished
POSTED: 1:16 pm CDT June 5, 2007
UPDATED: 1:22 pm CDT June 5, 2007
ROYAL, Neb. -- The director of Zoo Nebraska in northeast Nebraska said on Tuesday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture had concluded its investigation into the escape and shooting deaths of three chimpanzees nearly two years ago.
Ken "Junior" Schlueter said the zoo in Royal will also soon learn whether it will be able to reopen this summer. The zoo closed last month after paperwork for its federal license renewal apparently did not reach the Agriculture Department.
Schlueter said that along with addressing the license renewal, the findings of the chimp escape investigation will be released at a public hearing. Schlueter said the time and location of the hearing has yet to be announced, but it could be in Omaha.
The zoo has faced troubles since the September 2005 shooting deaths of three escaped chimpanzees on zoo grounds.
http://www.ketv.com/news/13446584/detail.html
World Environment Day: Zoo takes the lead with campaign against plastic bags
NGOs demand legislation to protect city’s environment
Minister says Punjab needs own legislation on environmental problems
Staff Report
LAHORE: Environment Day was celebrated at the Lahore Zoo where visitors’ plastic shopping bags were replaced with paper bags on Tuesday. Many non-governmental organisations also celebrated the World Environment Day with seminars and discussions in which they demanded that the government make policies to protect the city’s environment.
Lahore Zoo administration told visitors that plastic bags were dangerous for animals. Boards displaying information on the impact of plastic bags on animals were also displayed in the zoo.
Environment Protection Minister Dr Anjum Amjad said on Tuesday that the formulation of environmental policies or legislation could not bring change unless they were implemented in the true spirit.The minister was addressing a seminar titled, Melting Ice, organised bythe Environment Protection Department at Alhamra.
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007%5C06%5C06%5Cstory_6-6-2007_pg13_10
Wounded, handicapped bat gives birth at Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem
By Jonathan Lis
Two months ago, Debbie, a 5-year-old fruit bat, broke her thumb when her hand became entangled in a net. For bats, this can be a fatal injury - but Debbie has managed to give birth and raise her cub.
Debbie is part of a flock of handicapped giant bats that were adopted by the Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem a few years ago. All the bats in the flock are unable to fly, and they spend most of their time hanging from the ceiling with their heads dangling toward the ground.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/867491.html
Zoo's Glacier Run could open by 2009
By Sheldon S. Shafer
sshafer@courier-journal.com
The Courier-Journal
Nearly $10 million has been raised to build new Louisville Zoo exhibits, including the Glacier Run for polar bears, seals and sea lions, officials said today..
The exhibit would open in 2009, if the zoo can secure $6 million in requested state aid this year, said zoo director John Walczak.
Glacier Run is expected to boost zoo attendance, which has leveled off since Gorilla Forest opened in 2002, hovering around 750,000 annually over the last two years.
Shea Reed, who lives near the zoo and visits at least twice a week year-round with sons John Patrick, 5, and Samuel, 2, agreed that Glacier Run should bring in the crowds.
“Polar bears are one of the most interesting animals for kids,” she said, adding that, since they come so often, her children are anxious to see anything new the zoo offers.
The Glacier Run exhibit is expected to cost just over $20 million.
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070605/NEWS01/70605016/1008
Zoo puts Coast on the board
06.06.2007
By Peter Gardiner
MONOPOLY is the game and the Sunshine Coast, thanks to Australia Zoo's huge popularity, is one of only three Queensland locations to secure a place on its new Australian board.
The Australian public has voted for Steve Irwin's world famous wildlife sanctuary ahead of Brisbane and the Gold Coast. And for Sydney, home of the iconic Opera House, or Australia's very heart, Uluru, it was a case of do not pass go for one of 22 coveted board spots on the updated Here and Now Monopoly.
The Great Barrier Reef was deemed by Australians as another slice of Queensland worthy of being Monopoly hot property.
http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/localnews/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3736914&thesection=localnews&thesubsection=&thesecondsubsection=
Oglebay zoo exbibits focus on nature's colors
by The Associated Press
WHEELING -- Color is the main attraction at two new interactive exhibits at the Good Zoo at Oglebay Park.
Lorikeet Landing features exotic, colorful birds that
visitors can hold in their hands. The Colors of Nature features a rainbow of animals, including transparent fish, camouflaged animals, an albino snake and a huge blue pigeon.
Zoo director Penny Miller said visitors can also experience the thrill of having a lorikeet land on their hand by luring the birds with a cup of nectar.
These rainbow lorikeets truly are like holding a rainbow in your hands,'' she said.
http://www.dailymail.com/story/Entertainment/2007060541/Oglebay-zoo-exbibits-focus-on-natures-colors/
California condors from S.D. make debut at Mexico City zoo
By S. Lynne Walker
COPLEY NEWS SERVICE
June 5, 2007
LUIS J. JIMENEZ / Copley News Service
One of two California condors newly moved to a zoo in Mexico City lifted a wing.
MEXICO CITY – In the city's sunlight-dappled Chapultepec Zoo, a question hovered over a hushed crowd.
Would two California condors, just arrived from the San Diego Wild Animal Park, adapt to their new home in Mexico's capital?
As scientists and dignitaries watched yesterday morning, a male condor named Away who had lived at the Wild Animal Park since he was hatched in 1993 hopped onto a tall rock high above their heads.
He opened his magnificent wings, spreading them 9½ feet, and held his regal pose for the awe-struck audience below him on the ground.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/mexico/20070605-9999-1n5condor.html
Md. Zoo president to step down
Grieb oversaw cost-cutting moves to financially stabilize facility
By Nicole Fuller
sun reporter
Originally published June 5, 2007
The president of the financially troubled Maryland Zoo in Baltimore announced yesterday that she will step down from her post in December to spend more time with her family.
Elizabeth "Billie" Grieb, 56, who has presided over the zoo since 2002, said she decided to quit so she could spend more time with her husband and their five children and four grandchildren. She said family considerations were the only reason she planned to leave the job.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.zoo05jun05,0,5915489.story?coll=bal-local-headlines
Enter the Zoo Tycoon Sweepstakes!
http://www.gamesforwindows.com/en-US/Community/NewsArticles/Pages/EntertheZooTycoonSweepstakes.aspx
The revolving door: why do zoo fundraisers and development professionals not last longer..?
There are some (USA) statistics that seem to show that fundraisers tend to change jobs on average every 18 months. Clearly this is not helpful in the zoo world, which must look to long term projects and long term relationships. So why do they jump ship so often? The following thoughts are not intended to be especially negative ( I had generally supportive attitudes from former employers - although sometimes I had to shout for them), but rather to provoke thought and debate:
Because (a positive reason) they want to learn new skills and develop their careers…?
Because in the zoo world development people can feel isolated..?
Because there is no prospect of advancement inside the zoo..?
Because the zoo’s funding targets are too short term and so impossible to make..?
Because there is insufficient support from management..?
http://zoofunding.wordpress.com/2007/06/05/the-revolving-door-why-do-zoo-fundraisers-and-development-professionals-not-last-longer/
Little sucker hushes puppy
The Dominion Post
Friday, 25 May 2007
ANDREW GORRIE
Dominion Post
HUSH PUPPY: Hugo the three-week-old Labrador Cross puppy gets his teeth into a baby pacifier at Wellington SPCA.
Like most three-week-old babies, Hugo has a dummy to suckle – the only difference is his is a solution to a dog of a problem.
Staff at Wellington SPCA gave the little labrador-cross pooch and his sister, Lottie, baby pacifiers because they were becoming ill from sucking on each other.
Lottie and Hugo were just a 1½ days old and already weak when they were found earlier this month floating in a box in a rubbish bin, SPCA spokeswoman Lisa Snow said.
"They wouldn't have lasted much longer in the bin."
Ms Snow, who has been caring for the puppies after the SPCA retrieved them, contacted Wellington Hospital after a nurse friend suggested giving them dummies.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/4072676a10.html?source=email
Lord of the Rings horse in narrow escape
8:00PM Wednesday May 23, 2007
A small bowel tear has almost done what villains Saruman, Sauron and the black riders could not -- kill Lord of the Rings hero Aragorn's trusty steed.
Brego, who played Aragorn's mount in the Peter Jackson-directed Lord of the Rings trilogy, lives at the Kapiti Coast property of Ray and Jane Lenaghan.
Bought by Aragorn actor Viggo Mortensen after the production, the 22-year-old dutch warmblood stallion had lived in peaceful semi-retirement since the end of filming.
But about two weeks ago Mr Lenaghan, himself a vet, knew Brego was in trouble with colic and they had to get him to Massey University's equine hospital.
"I told Jane when I examined him that we would have to either take him to Massey or dig a hole," Massey News reported.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10441370&ref=emailfriend
Dated
200 trees removed to make way for zoo's rain forest exhibit
EVANSVILLE, Ind. Crews are removing trees to prepare for the arrival of an Amazonian rain forest in Evansville.
They're removing at least 200 trees to make way for a new eleven (m) million dollar exhibit at the Mesker Park Zoo.
Zoo officials want to make it clear that they'll be planting six to eight trees for every one removed.
The ten-thousand-square-foot exhibit will include 650 trees and plants found in the tropics. Many of them are already growing in greenhouses at the zoo.
Construction of Amazonia will take 18 months to two years. It's expected to become the zoo's new centerpiece exhibit with tropical trees, birds, monkeys and a jaguar. The project also includes a new parking lot and zoo entrance.
http://www.wishtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=5124080&nav=0Ra7
Zoo Atlanta Celebrates Baby Boom
Video Available
Video of Sukari, Baby
Web Editor: Tracey Christensen
Last Modified: 7/7/2006 7:29:25 PM
Sukari, an 8-year-old western lowland gorilla and daughter of the late Willie B., gave birth at Zoo Atlanta Thursday to her first offspring.
The newborn is the fifth born at Zoo Atlanta within the past 10 months. Four of the baby gorillas survived, making it the highest number of gorilla infants at Zoo Atlanta in its 118-year history.
“This outstanding track record in breeding western lowland gorillas is one indicator of how successful Zoo Atlanta’s Great Ape program has become,” said Dennis Kelly, Zoo Atlanta president and CEO. “Seeing the infants in their habitats is impressive and extremely inspiring.”
This baby is the fourth living offspring born to Zoo Atlanta’s newest silverback Taz. Sukari and the offspring are both doing fine and early indications are that they are already bonding.
http://www.11alive.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=81687
Giraffes at N.E.W. Zoo Draw Visitors
July 11, 2006 06:54 PM EDT
By: Jeff Alexander
They are the biggest attraction ever at the N.E.W. Zoo in Suamico.
Their names are Zuri and Hodari.
They're putting smiles on the faces of children -- and money in the zoo's bank account.
From the time the zoo opens until the time it closes, the lookout platform is crowded and full of excitement.
These two giraffes are spending their first summer here.
Zoo officials say they knew the giraffes would change everything at the zoo.
They say the number of visitors is soaring.
"Our attendance just for the month of June was up 31%, that's over 50,000 people who came here," said Neil Anderson, zoo manager.
http://www.wbay.com/Global/story.asp?S=5125824
Baby white buffalo roams to zoo, looking for a name
AMANDA RIDLEY, Staff Writer
Published July 8, 2006
Lots of people like rare meat, and Hollywild Animal Park now has some of the rarest … on the hoof.
An all-white baby buffalo, born June 17 in Colorado, is on display at the animal park in northwestern Spartanburg County, zookeeper David Meeks said.
Baby buffalos typically are born orange or red. A white buffalo is said to be as rare as one in 10 million. It is a sacred figure for some Native American tribes.
Clemson University's John Gibbons, who specializes in the reproductive physiology of cows and horses, said white bison typically change colors as they mature, and the baby could darken in the next six months to a year.
Other white buffalos in the United States have attracted tourists from all over the world. National Bison Association Assistant Director Jim Matheson said breeders, in the past, have purposely tried to create a white bison to draw visitors.
http://www.goupstate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060708/NEWS/607080328/1051/NEWS01
1 week later, Oops is still on the loose
The search for Oops is still on a week after the Japanese macaque escaped from Mill Mountain Zoo.
"We're trying hard," said zoo director Sean Greene.
Zoo staff and volunteers searched an area of Mill Mountain on Saturday where there have been reported sightings of the monkey, Greene said. He did not want to elaborate on the location of the search because he fears people may scare Oops from the area.
The 20-pound, 11-year-old monkey escaped through an unlocked door during cage cleanings on July 2.
Greene has been talking with experts from other zoos and is considering hiring a professional animal trapper, he said.
Anyone who sees the monkey should call 911 or a hotline set up by the zoo at 343-3241, ext. 30. Staffers advise people not to approach the monkey because she could become dangerous if frightened.
-- Amanda Codispoti
http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/wb/xp-73013
Zoo do spreads the fun
By Joanne Davidson
Denver Post Society Editor
Article Last Updated: 07/08/2006 04:12:26 PM MDT
A question that had dogged Do at the Zoo organizers almost from the start was: Because the Denver Zoo has plenty of elbow room, why is there way too much congestion at the animal park's signature fundraiser?
The solution was simple - don't crowd all the food booths into one area, spread them around - but for whatever reason it failed to materialize until this year when Mary Smith and her co-chair Marissa Tracey ran with the idea and configured things so that the 2,500-plus guests didn't grow old while waiting in line to taste the food and libations offered by 50 restaurants and liquor outlets.
They established three "destinations": the Zebra Lounge, where guests could also enjoy the Sinatra-style sounds of Danny Wein and the comedy of veterinarian Kevin Fitzgerald; Wild West, where the Railbenders, Buckwild and the Angie Stevens Band shared the stage with comedian Bryan Kellen; and Northern Shores, where Opie Gone Bad, the Manuel Molina Orchestra and comic J. Marc attracted just as much attention as the 6:45 p.m. sea lion show and a polar bear leap at 7:30. Even American Furniture Warehouse boss Jake Jabs got into the act, singing country favorites after Fitzgerald finished his last set.
Janus, Haselden Construction, Arrow Electronics and Richter Scale Productions sponsored these venues.
http://www.denverpost.com/style/ci_4011587
National Zoo Observes Panda's 1st Birthday
National Zoo observes 1st birthday of giant panda Tai Shan; cub gets No. 1-shaped fruitsicle
WASHINGTON, Jul. 9, 2006
By DERRILL HOLLY Associated Press Writer
(AP) One year ago, he was nearly hairless, pink and weighed about four ounces, less than most bagels. On Sunday, his first birthday, giant panda Tai Shan is an active, 56-pound cub and the star attraction of the National Zoo.
"He's like a rambunctious little toddler that loves to get into everything," said Dr. Suzan Murray, the zoo's chief veterinarian.
Murray has monitored every developmental benchmark for the black and white panda since his birth on July 9, 2005. Those included the opening of his eyes, the development of his distinctive markings, his heartbeat, his mobility, and even the frequency of his squeals, grunts and barks.
The cub still nurses, but he has advanced from milk provided by his mother, Mei Xiang, to eating bamboo. The woody perennial grass is the staple of adult pandas' diets, accounting for more than 90 percent of their nutrition.
"My next challenge is weaning Tai Shan from his mom," said Lisa Stevens, the zoo's curator of pandas and primates.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/07/09/ap/tech/mainD8IOJRSO0.shtml
A Shanghai dream for you, Singapore for zoo animals
BY BRINDA KHANDWALA
Monday, July 10, 2006 11:35:49 IST
Animal lover Anckur Choksey’s plans to revamp Rani Baug à la Singapore zoo, mired in red tape
“Mumbai has no tourist destination,” explained Anckur Choksey, owner of the new Orama Excite & Thrill theatre at Atria Mall, Worli. But before Anckur was known for giving Mumbai its first 4 D theatre, he was known as the man who would take up the task of redeveloping the Jijamata Udyan (more commonly known as Rani Baug), such that it becomes Mumbai’s numero uno tourist destination.
“When I saw the Singapore Zoo, I felt the urge to do something like that for our Mumbai zoo,” said the animal lover. “The city needs a place like that. Before proposing the idea here, I talked to the people involved in the making of the Singapore Zoo to know if the Jijamata Udyan could be redeveloped.”
Anckur spent a lot of time with Harrison Bernard, the ex-CEO of the Singapore Zoo, and his team. “Harrison Bernard is a name synonymous with that zoo. He has promised to help us.”
http://www.cybernoon.com/DisplayArticle.asp?section=fromthepress&subsection=inbombay&xfile=July2006_inbombay_standard10204
continued...
