Zoos
Family Of Child Injured At Zoo Releases Statement
3-Year-Old Remains In Critical Condition
POSTED: 5:33 pm EDT July 9, 2007
GREENVILLE, S.C. -- The family of a 3-year-old injured in a freak accident at the Greenville Zoo released a statement on Monday.
McKenzie Jo Van Dorn was struck in the head by a tree limb that fell onto her last Wednesday.
McKenzie has been in critical condition at the Greenville Hospital System Children's Hospital since the accident.
http://www.wyff4.com/news/13648941/detail.html
Slippery slope for pesky barnacles
5:00AM Saturday June 30, 2007
Scientists have developed a novel way to combat one of the world's stickiest and most expensive maritime problems: the encrusting of ships' hulls by algae and barnacles.
They have created a special coating, using nanotechnology, that is engineered to a scale of a millionth of a millimetre. Organisms that try to hitch a ride will simply slip off.
The development, announced at the EuroNanoForum in Dusseldorf last week, is important because "bio-fouling" costs billions of dollars a year, not just to the shipping industry but to private yachtsmen and owners of power and desalination plants whose pipes get blocked by bacteria and barnacles.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?c_id=39&objectid=10448748
Trapping Tiri's hawks a first priority but gun threat stays
5:00AM Wednesday June 27, 2007
By Stuart Dye
Harrier hawks have already killed kokako on Tiritiri, says Fish & Game. Photo / Northern Advocate
The Department of Conservation has given two hawks a stay of execution, after an outcry over plans to shoot them so it can introduce three endangered kokako to the Hauraki Gulf island where the birds live.
Rolien Elliot, DoC's Warkworth area manager, said conservationists would try to catch the harrier hawks and move them from Tiritiri Matangi.
The birds need to be removed to boost the chances of a breeding programme for the kokako - the last remaining offspring of the male Taranaki kokako gene.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?c_id=39&objectid=10448079
Overnight stay offers chance to see zoo in new light
Friday, July 06, 2007
Gazette staff reports
In the early-evening hours at Binder Park Zoo, things wind down for most guests. However, for those taking part in a Binder Park Zoo Overnight program, evening brings a whole new adventure.
``Most people think their time at the Zoo has to end when the zoo closes,'' says Tom Funke, director of conservation education at Binder Park Zoo. ``But that's not necessarily true. Overnight participants get to extend their adventure after the Zoo is closed.''
The night includes lots of activities led by Binder Park Zoo staff, including animal presentations, a night hike through the Swamp Adventure or activities in Wild Africa. Dinner is provided, along with a late-night snack and breakfast the next morning. Overnight participants also receive admission to Binder Park Zoo the days of their overnights as well as the next.
http://www.mlive.com/news/kzgazette/index.ssf?/base/news-24/118373526184040.xml&coll=7
The Binder Park Zoo
The Binder Park Zoo is an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoo located in Battle Creek, Michigan. Among the zoo's most popular exhibits are the Miller Children's Zoo and Wild Africa. Miller Children's Zoo offers visitors the opportunity to feed and interact with a variety of animals including sheep, goats and pigs. Wild Africa is a one-mile loop beginning and ending in a re-creation of an African village. Along the way, visitors will see native African species including ostrich, antelope, zebra and giraffe. There is also an opportunity to feed the giraffes at the Twigga Overlook.
http://www.waymarking.com/wm/details.aspx?f=1&guid=399d5cfb-1797-452d-84f1-81fe1066a806
Berlin Zoo closes down daily Knut show
July 09 2007 at 01:56AM
Berlin - The Berlin Zoo called a halt on Sunday to the daily antics of polar bear cub Knut with his favourite keeper, Thomas Doerflein, saying the bear was now too dangerous to play with.
Bottle-fed after his mother rejected him as a newborn on December 5, Knut has now grown to 50kg.
Since March 23, Doerflein has horsed around with the cub twice daily. They have been seen by one million paying visitors. Sunday's gambolling was the last.
Chief bear keeper Heiner Kloes said that Knut, now 7 months old, would still be on show solo in a pen, but Doerflein, who has become a national celebrity, would only tend to the bear out of public sight. - Sapa-dpa
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=143&art_id=nw20070708215140246C540441
Zoo hopeful for another panda pregnancy after miscarriage
The Associated Press - MEMPHIS, Tenn.
Although the first panda pregnancy at the Memphis Zoo ended in a miscarriage, zoo officials say they're still hopeful that Ya Ya will be a mother one day.
Since the miscarriage, the 6-year-old female panda has returned to her normal activities and demeanor, said Matt Thompson, curator of mammals.
She sits propped on a log, legs splayed, chewing on a piece of bamboo like celery, leaving strips of bark and leaves on her belly like crumbs.
"We were concerned that she might be upset about not having her cub, but she went back to being just a regular panda," he said.
http://www.accessnorthga.com/news/ap_newfullstory.asp?ID=94685
Nisha Gutierrez
Pocatello Zoo Looking to Expand
Dozens of people were at the Pocatello Zoo Saturday as a familiar face turned one year older.
The zoo is not only celebrating Charlie the Bear's Birthday - but also raising money to build a new bear exhibit.
It's a race against time because Charlie is nearing the end of his life and zoo keepers would like him to experience the new exhibit before he dies.
The current bear exhibit is small and mainly concrete. Far from a comfortable habitat for the large grizzly bears like Charlie who is use to open areas. The Pocatello Zoo - which is the largest in Idaho wants to change that.
http://www.kpvi.com/Global/story.asp?S=6760143
Leopards to gain a new exhibit spot at Naples Zoo later this week
By Laura Layden
Sunday, July 8, 2007
The leopards will rock at a new exhibit opening at the Naples Zoo come Saturday.
Photo by Lexey Swall / Daily News
Jeff Carter, animal collections handler for the Naples Zoo, looks over the fence at the new leopard exhibit that will open on July 14. The new exhibit will feature full paned glass into the ground so observers can be about five or six feet away from the animals and is about seven times the size of the old exhibit.
The big cats will roam around a life-like African kopje rock formation, looking as though they’re walking in the wild.
Zoo-goers will get the chance to stand within finger’s reach of the leopards, with only glass separating them.
“It will be our most expensive exhibit yet,” zoo director David Tetzlaff said.
The exhibit, called Leopard Rock, cost $130,000. A donation from The Trust for Public Land, a national nonprofit land conservation group, paid for it.
After the zoo became a nonprofit last year, the trust wrote it a $200,000 check, officially kicking off the second phase of a ReNew the Zoo fundraising campaign to help the landmark attraction make improvements and recover from a blow by Hurricane Wilma nearly two years ago.
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2007/jul/08/leopards_gain_new_exhibit_spot_naples_zoo_later_we/
Berlin zoo ends star polar bear's appearances with keeper
The Associated Press
Published: July 9, 2007
BERLIN: The show is over: the Berlin zoo's fast-growing polar bear cub, Knut, won't be appearing anymore with the keeper who raised him.
The zoo said Monday that it has ended seven-month-old Knut's twice-daily public appearances with keeper Thomas Doerflein. The playful pair have delighted audiences since Knut — then an irresistibly cute 9-kilogram (nearly 20-pound) cub — made his first public appearance in late March.
Now nearing 50 kilograms, or about 110 pounds, the boisterous bear, who will remain on public view, will have his enclosure all to himself.
"Mr. Doerflein's safety counts first of all, of course," zoo spokeswoman Regine Damm said. The zoo also has Knut's independence in mind, she added, as it prepares the bear to "associate with other bears and not with other people."
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/07/09/europe/EU-GEN-Germany-Polar-Bear.php
Hamas force returns stolen lion, minus claws and teeth, to Gaza zoo
The Associated Press
Published: July 9, 2007
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip: Even animals with large teeth and claws do not fare well in the volatile Gaza Strip.
On Monday, Hamas militiamen raiding the hideout of a notorious drug ring stumbled upon a lion stolen at riflepoint two years ago from the Gaza Zoo, said a force commander, Abu Hamam al-Deeb. But she was malnourished, missing four teeth, claws and part of her tail, a veterinarian said.
Militiamen found the 2-year-old lion — as well as drugs and a weapons cache that were the target of the raid — after exchanging fire with the gunmen, al-Deeb said.
Sabrina was brought back to the Gaza Zoo and reunited with her brother, Sakher, who had avoided capture by resisting the gunmen. The two playfully swatted each other in the face and chased each other. When a zoo guard tried to pet Sabrina, Sakher crouched as if ready to pounce on him.
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/07/09/africa/ME-GEN-Palestinians-Stolen-Lion.php
One more black buck dies
Staff Reporter
City zoo authorities mull giving away wild boar
Death toll rises to eight
Two bucks continue to remain quarantined
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: One more black buck, a female, succumbed to the foot-and-mouth disease at the city zoo on Sunday raising the number of bucks that died over the past few days there to eight.
Based on the recommendations of the technical committee set up to help zoo authorities manage the crisis, the zoo remained closed to the public on Sunday and would remain so till the disease was brought under control.
Two bucks continued to remain quarantined in separate cages. Zoo vet C. S. Jayakumar said here that no fresh cases of the disease were noticed.
http://www.hindu.com/2007/07/09/stories/2007070958710300.htm
Disease outbreak in Kerala zoo
Monday, July 9, 2007 (Thiruvananthapuram)
An outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease at the zoo in Thrivananthapuram in Kerala claims 13 animals and forced authorities to close the facility.
Four mithuns and nine black bucks died and three other animals with symptoms have been culled.
A disinfection drive is underway at the zoo and authorities are trying to find out the source of the outbreak.
The zoo is one of the oldest in the country and receives hundreds of visitors everyday.
''Four of the seven mithuns that we had died. The remaining three exhibited severe symptoms. Hence on the technical committee's recommendations and with government's permission, we euthanised the remaining three,'' the zoo's director Elcy George said.
http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20070018289&ch=7/9/2007%207:44:00%20PM
Take short trip to zoo to meet these tall creatures
Jennifer Stoddard
Special To The Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona Published: 07.09.2007
The Reid Park Zoo cares for three giraffes. Two are females, Denver and Texas, and one is a male named Watoto. The two females are similar in size, so the best way to tell them apart is to compare their spot patterns. Texas has more white between her spots than Denver. The male is the smallest giraffe — at only 11 feet tall! His markings are much lighter than those on the females. Watoto, who will turn 2 years old in August, will grow to be much taller and darker as he gets older.
http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/190702
Officials: Zoo will close if money isn't raised
Florida Freedom Newspapers
Monday July 9th, 2007
The Gulf Breeze zoo may be at risk of closing if it doesn’t raise $1 million by the end of 2007, according to zoo officials. It would need to raise another $2 million by the end of 2008.
The Gulf Coast Zoological Society has begun a campaign to raise funds to save The Zoo – Northwest Florida, the 50-acre zoological park located in south Santa Rosa County.
The funds raised will be used to eliminate the debt assumed from the original owners, develop both private- and government-partnership support programs, and grow attendance through planned program developments, Master Plan construction, and Capital Campaign sponsorships.
http://www.nwfdailynews.com/article/7032
'Dora' Explores the Jackson Zoo
Children at the Jackson Zoo Saturday got quite a treat from one of their favorite TV friends.
Dora the Explorer paid a visit to the zoo. She played some of her favorite songs as she shook hands with the crowd and had her picture taken. Dora is a "Nick Jr." character. Many words and phrases on her show are spoken in both English and Spanish.
Despite the threat of rain throughout the morning, plenty of folks came out to see Dora on stage. If you missed her Saturday, you can catch her on Sunday from 1-4 p.m. at the Jackson Zoo.
http://www.wlbt.com/Global/story.asp?S=6757937&nav=2CSf
Zoo recognizes National Zoo Keeper Week
http://www.nczoo.org/press/view.cfm?ID=255
Summer at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
Events to Enhance Your 2007 Zoo Experience
The zoo's website, www.cincyzoo.org, maintains a calendar of special events and activities that helps visitors enhance their zoo and garden experiences this summer.
The first question guests might ask when entering the zoo is where is the award winning botanical garden? The Cincinnati Zoo is the actual Botanical Garden which demonstrates the diversity and interaction of plants and their relationship to animals. 3,000 varieties of plants grace the zoo's 75 acres and surround 500 animal species.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/305180/summer_at_the_cincinnati_zoo_and_botanical.html
Woman Confronts Video Voyeur At Zoo
ST. LOUIS -- A day at the zoo turned into a lesson in video voyeurism for one woman.
Karen Simoncelli was at the reptile house at the St. Louis Zoo with several family members when sensed a man was staring at her.
"I ended up looking toward him and saw him looking down and saw he was carrying a camera case in his hands and his camera was dropped all the way to the ground with his camera in it pointed up my skirt," explained Simoncelli.
At first she thought it was a coincidence, but then realized the man was filming her.
In a split second 48 year old Roy Gallion took off with his victim running behind.
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/news-article.aspx?storyid=86180
Posh pachyderm plan at zoo
Denver Zoo plans 10-acre park to give elephants healthy habitat
By Katy Human
Denver Post Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 07/09/2007 11:03:55 AM MDT
The Denver Zoo is planning a $52 million pachyderm park - with a hot tub, scratching trees and 10 acres for the animals - at a time when at least five other zoos are looking to give their elephants a ride out of town.
Mandatory elephant-care standards were issued by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums last year because of concerns about the aging, poorly breeding elephant population in North American zoos. No other animal has obligatory rules.
"We decided on elephants because there's a tremendous resource commitment to properly maintain and breed elephants," said AZA spokesman Steve Feldman.
"We were going to really ask our members to make that commitment - or not," he said.
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_6329498
Rare Pygmy Hippo Born in Paris Zoo
A rare pygmy hippopotamus,Choeropsis liberiensis, was born in a Paris zoo on 5 June 2007 after a 199-day gestation period. Named Aldo, this pygmy hippo is approximately the size of a human baby at 53 centimeters (21 inches) long and weighing 22 pounds.
"Aldo, when he was born, weighed between four and five kilos," said Juliane Villenain, a biologist at the zoo in the Bois de Vincennes, which is part of the Museum of Natural History. "A week ago we were able to weigh him and he had doubled his weight because he was at ten kilos. So he's growing very well."
The pygmy hippo is, as its name implies, much smaller than their larger relatives, the hippopotamus. Pygmy hippos weigh between 352 and 606 pounds, whereas hippos tip the scales at an astonishing 3.3 tons. Also unlike their much larger and more gregarious relatives, pygmy hippos lead solitary lives except during breeding season. The female takes care of her newborn calf alone.
http://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/2007/07/pygmy_hippo_born_in_zoo_near_p.php
Zoo falls silent after FMD outbreak
G. Mahadevan
Thiruvananthapuram zoo authorities say the virus is under control
— Photo: S. Mahinsha
UNPRECEDENTED: The Thiruvananthapuram zoo has been closed to bring foot-and-mouth disease there under control.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The sprawling campus of the Thiruvananthapuram zoo has fallen silent since Sunday. The strong smell of disinfectants that wafts across the zoo’s boundary walls is an indication that all is not well at the 56-acre facility set up by the rulers of erstwhile Travancore in 1857.
After losing its entire stock of Mithun and eight blackbuck to the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) over the week, the zoo — for the first time in its history — has shut its doors to visitors.
http://www.hindu.com/2007/07/10/stories/2007071056180100.htm
Comcast First Day Festival Is July 28 At Chattanooga Zoo
by Annual Event Celebrates The New School Year
posted July 9, 2007
Chattanooga Zoo will host Comcast's 5th annual First Day Festival, a free event, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 28. In addition to its wild setting, the event will provide age-appropriate activities, including information and giveaways from a variety of social service agencies. Corporate sponsors will be on hand to provide health screenings, child safety tips and educational information for kids in grades K-5.
Approximately 2,500 kids will receive free items to take back to school with them. Their parents will receive information about ways to keep kids healthy and ready to learn.
http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_109865.asp
Nilgai calf falls prey to flood in zoo
OUR CORRESPONDENT
Jamshedpur, July 9: A four-month-old female nilgai calf died at the Tata Steel Zoological Park late last night.
The zoo authorities confirmed the death of the calf and said that it was suffering from pneumonia. The incessant downpour, which resulted in flooding of the zoo a couple of days ago, caused its death.
Nilgai (Boselaphus Tragocamelus Pallas) is the largest Asiatic antelope.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070710/asp/frontpage/story_8037412.asp
Zoo backers discuss needs, projects
Alamogordo Daily News
By Karl Anderson, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 07/10/2007 12:00:00 AM MDT
The Alameda Friends of the Zoo, a nonprofit group that works to raise funds for the Alameda Park Zoo, held its monthly board of directors meeting Monday to discuss future fund-raising projects, plans and other ideas to benefit the facility.
Headed by Steve Diehl, the board discussed its plan to implement recognition of sponsors by posting the names of the largest sponsorships each week on the large zoo marquee that faces 10th Street.
"Everyone will then see who our largest weekly benefactors are," Diehl said.
The board also discussed the need for sponsors to fund the printing costs of the new brochures, which will serve as a map and guide to visitors of the zoo.
http://www.alamogordonews.com/news/ci_6336704
Red Ruffed Lemurs
Chris Gallegos
7/5/2007
They`re one of the more popular animals at the zoo, attracting both young and old to peer into their mysterious, grey eyes. The Red Ruffed Lemur is an animal that is slowly fading away, but with the help of zoos around the country, they are beginning to thrive once more.
"They have a really erie look about them," said Rod Fried, Assistant Director at the Dakota Zoo in Bismarck. "Their eyes look almost as if you are looking into them."
These agile creatures can be seen cautiously waiting for the perfect time to make their move. Tucked away next to the Llamas and the wolves, lie the three wise men lemurs that call the Dakota Zoo their home.
"Lemur means `ghost.` In the eastern parts of Madagascar, they live in forested areas and they are ghost-like in their attributes," said Fried.
http://www.kfyrtv.com/News_Stories.asp?news=8434
Seattle's Crosscut: Zoos Need to Put Animals First
Former Woodland Park Zoo director (today the zoo has a President and CEO, a telling commentary in itself) David Hancocks gives probing insights into the current folly of commercialized, Disneyland-like zoos. Given the recent death of the Woodland zoo's young elephant, Hansa, Hancocks' message is especially pertinent: "As greater knowledge emerges about wild elephants and their extraordinary social, psychological, behavioral, and emotional complexity, more wildlife scientists are declaring that urban zoos cannot provide satisfactory conditions for these extraordinary beings..."
http://saveourzoo.blogspot.com/2007/07/seattles-crosscut-zoos-need-to-put.html
Zoo with a view
Taronga Zoo- so much fun; accessible by ferry and got amazing views of the city. Plenty of animals- saw a platapus, but loved the Lions- we watched them for ages. The tigers were seriously terrifying- very menacing- one paced alongside the glass the entire time we were there- liability goes to the wee kid who was tapping the glass (I almost molled him myself) Great day but do not visit zoos on school holidays- too many screaming kids!!!!!!!!! Seemed to have caught a lot of animals sleeping or yawning. Bet they'd had there fill too.
http://www.travelblog.org/Australasia/Australia/New-South-Wales/Sydney/blog-177550.html
Proposal Could Force Zoos to Shut Down
July 5, 2007 04:35 PM EDT
WILMINGTON -- Owners of exotic animals and privately owned zoos in North Carolina are hoping their animals won't be taken away from them because of a proposal in the state legislature. The proposal would ban anyone in the state from owning exotic animals if they do not have a license from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and $2-million worth of liability insurance.
Robert Tregembo of the Tregembo Zoo in Wilmington says his facility is just one of many that could no longer stay open if the proposal were to pass.
"What they want to do is ban everyone in the state, except for the state zoo, from owning bears, lions, tigers, leopards and all monkeys, which effectively will put small zoos like ours out of business without those type of animals."
http://www.wect.com/Global/story.asp?S=6747270&nav=2gQc
New Brookfield Zoo tiger cubs are purr-fect
By Marni Pyke
Posted Thursday, July 05, 2007
Move over, Hudson.
Brookfield Zoo’s celebrity polar bear cub is getting a little competition these days from two tiny tigers.
The newbies were born May 25 and are being watched over in a secluded den by mom Tiara, a 12-year-old Amur tiger, zoo officials revealed today.
“They’re sleeping a lot, they’re playing and they’re grooming each other,” zoo mammal division lead keeper Mike Brown said.
Tiger cubs are born blind and need constant attention from their mothers in the early stages. Brookfield’s pair now are up and walking and gaining weight. The female cub weighs 12 pounds and the male about 10 pounds.
http://www.dailyherald.com/story.asp?id=329034
Captivity versus extinction: Is wildlife served by zoos?
July 6th, 2007
Posted by Kim
“The euthanization last month of Carol, a beloved 39-year-old Asian elephant at the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park, has reignited the debate over whether zoos provide the care they should for wild animals whose captivity zoo officials say ultimately may protect the species from extinction.” - North County Times
http://www.kimwoodbridge.com/elephant/2007/07/06/captivity-versus-extinction-is-wildlife-served-by-zoos/
Input sought for Wildlife Act
By TOM FLETCHER
Black Press
Jul 06 2007
The B.C. government has extended the deadline for submissions to its Wildlife Act review until July 15, as it considers new issues such as handling exotic species and declining interest in hunting and fishing.
The issue of exotic animals was highlighted in May when a caged Bengal tiger killed a woman on a rural game farm near 100 Mile House.
The federal government regulates importation of animals, but once they are in Canada there is little control over breeding, movement and sale of exotic species. The B.C. Wildlife Act prohibits keeping and selling domestic wildlife, but doesn't cover imported animals.
http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=35&cat=23&id=1020867&more=0
Wisconsin Rapids Zoo
Long Description:
Admission is free! A small zoo with not a lot of exotic species, but still a very nice zoo. Some beautifully landscaped areas including a butterfly garden. A petting zoo where you can feed the goats, pigs, cows, and rabbits. Emus, donkeys, llamas, lemurs, tortoise, cavy.
The zoo is open during the summer months (Memorial Day to Labor Day) 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM every day except Monday.
http://www.waymarking.com/wm/details.aspx?f=1&guid=3b91e878-2bca-4b2e-99c4-71feb728facf
Revised proposal cuts small zoos a break
Jim Nesbitt, Staff Writer
RALEIGH - Supporters of a proposed statewide ban on inherently dangerous animals unveiled a major concession Tuesday to critics who say the bill would put small, privately owned zoos out of business.
The new legislative language, revealed during a Senate committee hearing, would exempt any exhibitor holding the most stringent license offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Aimed at quelling some of the bill's fiercest critics, the new exemption would allow zoos and other exhibitors that hold the top USDA license to keep animals banned from private ownership. Those animals include lions, tigers, bears, wolves, elephants, monkeys and apes. It would also allow zoos to replace aging or ailing animals.
But this latest provision requires a $2 million liability insurance policy that small zoo owners say would be tough to meet and would only apply to exhibits at a fixed location open to the public at regular hours. And it wouldn't cover traveling animal education programs for schools and churches.
http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/626209.html
Kenya The Land Where Safari Was Born
by: Lindsay Carswell
As a child, Africa fascinated me - a land where the wild and exotic animals of storybooks and zoos roamed free on the plains. And where Kenya was always the quintessential home of the safari.
Many visits later I'm no less enthralled by this region of dramatic contrasts, and remarkable wildlife amid stunningly beautiful and varied landscapes that are still unencumbered by the trappings of man. And little compares to nights filled with the primal sounds of the bush - the hoots and laughs of hyenas, the grumble of distant lions and the snorts of a hippo.
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/travel_and_leisure/article_3001.shtml
Rain Forest
This is the Tropical Zone at the Central Park Zoo, my second posting on this zoo (click here for the first posting, featuring the penguin habitat) It is located in the heart of Manhattan and sees 4 million visitors annually. As I wrote in the previous posting, the trend in zoos (and botanic gardens such as the Brooklyn Botanic Garden) is towards habitats and such is also the case with the Central Park Zoo which underwent a complete rehab in 1988. The zoo is divided into three climactic zones: a Polar Zone, a Temperate Territory and a Tropical Zone (interestingly, the Tropical Zone is referred to as the Rain Forest on their official map). The tropical habitat houses a variety of animals in a jungle environment - there are numerous birds, monkeys, snakes, frogs, lizards and toads. In the photo collage, starting upper right going clockwise, we have a Toucanet, Emerald Tree Boa, Colobus Monkey, Tamarin, Scarlet Ibis and a Fairy Bluebird. One of the outstanding aspects of the tropics is the fantastic, bright colors of the native birds. The spectacular plumage is a draw for observers, photographers and I imagine for those who purchase these birds as pets ...
http://newyorkdailyphoto.blogspot.com/2007/07/blog-post.html
Stop student brain drain over summer recess
Sandy Garrett
State superintendent of public instruction
As the rain or heat drives many boys and girls inside this summer, it is tempting for them to sit in front of the TV or stand in front of the refrigerator. We know, of course, there are better uses of their time.
During summer break, children often lose academic skills they have learned. Research studies from John Hopkins University have examined the shortage of learning while students are away from school and report the loss can be even greater for children from low-income families.
Students can fall as much as 2.6 months behind in math skills during the summer. This means, in the fall, teachers spend the first month or so reviewing material children were taught the previous year.
http://www.muskogeephoenix.com/opinion/local_story_189200727.html
Zoo hopeful for another panda pregnancy after miscarriage
Associated Press - July 8, 2007 5:25 PM ET
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - Although the first panda pregnancy at the Memphis Zoo ended in a miscarriage, zoo officials say they're still hopeful that Ya Ya will be a mother one day.
Matt Thompson is the zoo's curator of mammals.
He said since the miscarriage, the 6-year-old female panda has returned to her normal activities and demeanor.
Ya Ya was artificially inseminated in January and the zoo announced in May that she was pregnant after an ultrasound showed a tiny bubble in her belly. But her hormone levels dropped and she had a miscarriage.
But Thompson said Ya Ya is just entering her prime breeding years and that information the zoo learned during the first pregnancy, along with information from other zoos, will help them be better prepared next year.
Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
http://www.wmcstations.com/Global/story.asp?S=6759932
BUDGET TRAVEL ONLINE BLOG
This Just In ...
9:27 AM, 07/ 9/2007
Happy Birthday, Baby Panda!
Today's the birthday of Tai Shan, the panda cub at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C.
See a video of Tai Shan playing. [Courtesy of our partner site, WashingtonPost.com]
Learn how to hug a panda in China for only about $125.
Catch our slide show of baby animals in zoos nationwide.
Find out "What's New In Washington D.C. This Summer".
Posted by Sean O'Neill Permalink
http://current.newsweek.com/budgettravel/2007/07/happy_birthday_baby_panda.html
Zoo sets attendance record
The Louisville Zoo attracted more visitors during the past year than in any previous year.
During its last fiscal year, July 1, 2006, through June 30, 2007, the zoo had 810,546 visitors, breaking the previous record of 798,282 that was set in 2002-2003, the opening year of the Gorilla Forest exhibit.
The Louisville Zoo, a nonprofit organization and state zoo of Kentucky, is accredited by the American Association of Museums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
For more information, visit www.louisvillezoo.org.
Copyright 2007 bizjournals.com
http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/providerarticle.aspx?Feed=ACBJ&Date=20070709&ID=7136636
New Zoo Addition
Lindsey Henley
WSLS NewsChannel 10
Jul 9, 2007
The Mill Mountain Zoo has a brand new edition, and it's not an animal.
It's a new curator. Dave Orndorff has come to Roanoke all the way from the San Diego Zoo.
After 11 years, he says he realized bigger isn't necessarily better.
"I wanted to get back to a smaller facility where I could have a greater impact on all aspects of the collection and all aspects of the zoo," Orndorff said. "There are less exhibits, there are less animals. One thing it has that San Diego doesn't have is there's a very close knit feel to it."
http://www.wsls.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=WSLS%2FMGArticle%2FSLS_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1173351939911&path=!news!localnews
Denver Zoo To Build New Park For Elephants
(AP) DENVER While other zoos have gotten rid of costly elephant exhibits in the face of new regulations, the Denver Zoo is planning to build a $52 million park with lots of room for its pachyderms to roam and soak.
"We want to do much more," Denver Zoo vice president Craig Piper said. "Elephants are not doing well .... We want to help develop self-sustaining populations in zoos as an insurance policy for the wild."
Using private donations, the zoo plans to build a 10-acre "Asian Tropic" exhibit, which will include five habitat areas and contain a hot tub, running rivers and scratching trees and room for six to eight adult elephants at a time. Elephants, rhinos and tapirs will be rotated in and out throughout the day.
http://cbs4denver.com/pets/local_story_190141617.html
Oakland Zoo closer to putting in pandas
CONSTRUCTION, PERMIT PROCESS NEXT ON LIST
By Chris Metinko
MediaNews
Article Launched: 07/05/2007 01:31:55 AM PDT
While the journey has been slow, the Oakland Zoo may be closing in on its goal of receiving two giant pandas from China.
Director Joel Parrott said the zoo is expecting to receive building permits soon from the City of Oakland to start construction on its $1 million panda night house and habitat.
The construction must happen for the zoo to clear some of its final hurdles in securing the rare bamboo-munching creatures.
"I'm cautiously optimistic," Parrott said. "We've received a lot of support, and we're moving forward."
The zoo's progress in securing the black-and-white animals has been slow but steady.
In 2004, the zoo took part in the announcement of an agreement for the loan of two giant pandas from the Chengdu Research Base in China's Sichuan province to the Oakland/East Bay Zoological Society.
http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_6302444?nclick_check=1
San Diego's Great Zoo
The kid sent me some pictures recently of the San Diego Zoo, which reminded me why it's one of the top zoos in the world.
Clockwise from top right: polar bear, meercat, rhinocerous, koala. (You can see larger versions of the photos if you click on them.)
The San Diego Zoo has four giant pandas, more than any other zoo in the country. But the kid found such a horrendous line for panda viewing that she decided to return another time. (She has a season's pass, thanks to a very generous person.)
http://blogs.courant.com/travel_columnists_leblanc/2007/07/the-kid-sent-me.html
Finding Honolulu Zoo may get easier
Photo gallery: Planned changes to Kapiolani Park
By Robbie Dingeman
HAVE YOUR SAY
To view a copy of the Kapi'olani Regional Park master plan update draft report, you can go to the Waikiki-Kapahulu Library.
Copies also were sent to the Waikiki and Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights neighborhood boards, the Waikiki Improvement Association, the Waikiki Business Association, the Kapi'olani Park Preservation Society, the Kapi'olani Park Advisory Council and The Outdoor Circle.
Written comments may be sent to: Department of Design and Construction, 650 S. King St., Honolulu, HI 96813, attn: Terry Hildebrand.
Also to: Gerald Park, Urban Planner, 1221 Kapi'olani Blvd., Suite 211, Honolulu, HI 96814.
The deadline to comment is Monday.
The Honolulu Zoo — which many visitors pass without even noticing — will get a new entrance as part of a proposed multimillion-dollar renovation of Kapi'olani Park.
The planned changes, now open to public comment, call for $13.5 million in improvements to the park that include placing utility lines underground, widening walkways, upgrading Paki Avenue and adding off-street bicycle/moped parking.
The new zoo entrance will be more visible and should help tourists find the attraction. One of the most common questions visitors ask at a kiosk within several hundred feet of the zoo entrance is: "Where is the zoo?"
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070705/NEWS04/707050342/1001/NEWS04
Beluga plans scrapped at Calgary Zoo
Last Updated: Thursday, July 5, 2007 2:09 PM MT
CBC News
The Calgary Zoo says a lack of money, not a public outcry, is the reason for the cancellation of a beluga whale exhibit.
The initial $120-million plan for a new Arctic Shores exhibit included a beluga tank, but zoo officials told city council Wednesday that the belugas, restaurant and banquet centre are now on hold because construction costs have escalated to $200 million.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/calgary/story/2007/07/05/belugas.html
Akron Zoo Komodo dragon dies.
Posted by Donna J. Miller July 05, 2007 12:02PM
A female Komodo dragon died Tuesday at the Akron Zoo.
Contessa died of a ruptured blood vessel in her abdomen, a zoo spokesman said.
Contessa came to the Akron Zoo from the Miami Metro Zoo in October 2001. She had been on exhibit in Komodo Kingdom at the Akron Zoo. She was born Oct. 7, 1998.
TNT, the Akron Zoo's male Komodo dragon, remains in Komodo Kingdom.
http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2007/07/akron_zoo_komodo_dragon_dies.html
Security and Saving Elephants
Posted at 10:07 am July 5, 2007
by Fred Bercovitch and Jeff Andrews
What factors determine how far elephants walk? Our recent trip to Kenya (see blog, Zoo Director becomes a Samburu) brought us to a region about twice the size of Yosemite National Park, an area overseen by the Northern Rangelands Trust. It encompasses elevated mountain ranges with thick forests, grassy plains, dry and sandy riverbeds, scrub brush, and a host of other types of environments. Somehow, elephants manage to make these areas their homes, despite the differences in habitat type. When in the dry riverbeds, the elephants will actually dig for water, which is sometimes hard to find. More surprising, the elephants are quite adept at trekking up a steep mountainside in order to go to a preferred food resource. Although elephants are protected in national parks, their status is much less clear in nongovernmental areas.
http://www.sandiegozoo.org/wordpress/default/security-and-saving-elephants/
Oregon Zoo's 1.5 million visitors a new record
Posted by Richard Hill July 05, 2007 14:27PM
Categories: Breaking News
The Oregon Zoo set an attendance record in the past year, with more than 1.5 million visitors going through its turnstiles.
Zoo officials said today that attendance for the fiscal year ending June 30 was 1,507,515, the highest figure in the facility's 120-year history. The previous record was 1.37 million visitors, in 2000-2001.
Tony Vecchio, the zoo's director, credited mild weather and the completion of the Great Northwest exhibit as primary reasons behind the record attendance. The exhibit added cougars, black bears and bobcats in the past year.
The public debut last summer of Ralph and Alice, the zoo's new ocelots, also drew large crowds, especially after the surprise birth of their kitten, Rio, in September.
http://blog.oregonlive.com/breakingnews/2007/07/oregon_zoos_15_million_visitor.html
Computers gone wild at the zoo
It's more than a game: The future of apes may depend on lessons learned at Zoo Atlanta.
By BILL HENDRICK
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 07/06/07
There's one essential when designing a computer game for great apes: an unbreakable screen.
That's why the screen remains intact as Sulango, a burly 175-pound orangutan at Zoo Atlanta, slams his hairy fists into the front of a touch-activated computer game embedded in a towering "concrete tree."
Satu, 3, doesn't get it yet when it comes to computer games, part of a research project at Zoo Atlanta. But he does enjoy climbing and licking the heavy-duty screen. His father, Sulango, is equally clueless so far, preferring to slug the screen as hard as he can. Another game lets the great apes 'paint.'
Sulango, 14, plays at the Orangutan Learning Tree that's part of his habitat at the zoo. The computer screen is embedded in the concrete. Doing the right thing results in a food reward from the device.
"Come on, Sulango," yells scientist Tara Stoinski, a smile crinkling her cheek.. "Touch the face! Touch the face!"
As things turn out, Sulango has as little talent for computer games as most adult humans. But he and his orangutan family — his mate, Miri, and their 3-year-old baby, Satu — are having fun anyway. They climb over and atop each other, stare at the screen, lick it, touch it with nose, hands and feet.
Here's what they're supposed to do. A single orangutan's face stares out from the middle of the screen. When it's touched, even accidentally, the image is instantly replaced by the faces of three other orangutans — plus the mug just seen. If they learn to recognize and touch the first face they saw, a tasty treat pours out from the bottom of the device.
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/atlanta/stories/2007/07/05/0706meshsmartapes.html
Three Mithun culled at city zoo
Staff Reporter
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Three Mithun were culled at the city zoo on Thursday afternoon to prevent the spread of what is suspected to be Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) that led to the death of four of these animals during the last three days.
The culling, approved by the government, was done on the recommendation of a technical committee consisting of veterinarians and the director of the Department of Animal Husbandry. The three Mithun, including a seven-months-old calf, were an intravenous dosage of magnesium sulphate solution till their hearts stopped.
With this there are no more of Mithun left at the zoo. These ox-like animals are endemic to the north eastern parts of the country.
The carcasses of the culled animals were buried along with large quantities of disinfectants within the zoo premises. The tissue and fluid samples taken from the Mithun that died on July 3 and on July 4 and the two that died on Thursday have been sent for analysis to the office of the Chief Disease Investigation Officer at Palode. The ‘typing’ of the virus present in the samples is expected to be over in the next two days.
http://www.hindu.com/2007/07/06/stories/2007070662050300.htm
Break-out zoo is being reopened
By Jonathan Morris
BBC News South West
Devon DIY expert Ben Mee faced his biggest makeover challenge yet when he took over a zoo.
Father-of-two Mr Mee had written books about DIY and even had a column in The Guardian newspaper.
But fixing a cage which a jaguar had just leapt over, or making an enclosure wolf-proof?
That was a whole new adventure for Mr Mee and his family who are reopening the Dartmoor Wildlife Park which they bought last year.
There was plenty of room for improvement when Mr Mee, his brother Duncan and mother Amelia took over the park, now renamed the Dartmoor Zoological Park, last year.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/6246342.stm
Berlin welcomes polar bear Knut's millionth visitor
Thu Jul 5, 2007 11:30AM EDT
By Adam Williams
BERLIN (Reuters Life!) - Knut, Berlin Zoo's celebrity polar bear cub, entertained his millionth visitor on Thursday, in what is likely to be one of his last daily shows alongside the keeper who raised him.
The zoo put on a special ceremony to welcome the millionth fan, a 32-year-old Dutch tourist who was presented with a bouquet of yellow flowers and bag of Knut memorabilia.
"Last night we saw on television that they were expecting the one millionth visitor at the zoo," Ilja Arends, who was at the zoo with her husband Vincent, told reporters.
"We were planning to go to the zoo and joked we could be the ones. When I stood in line to buy the tickets I saw all those camera people and thought to myself: And now? And then they gave us the flowers! It was all very unexpected."
http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSL0585860220070705
Watch zoo animals have enrichment fun
Reception tonight for photography show
This Saturday, the animals at the Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park will have a play day. Animals in the zoo's collection will have various forms of enrichment offered on a daily basis, often before or after hours. However, on this day, all of the enrichment will be done during zoo hours, and the public will be able to observe the animals getting their toys, treats and scents.
Keeper-led activities will take place from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., and will feature a fruit teepee for the bearcat, piñatas for the Amur tigers and leopards, peanut butter-covered bobbins for the spectacled bears, honey-drenched boxes for the timber wolves and much more. The special day is sponsored and coordinated by the zoo keepers.
The Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park, located on Morgan Road in Binghamton, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The ticket booth closes at 4 p.m. when the last tickets are sold. Admission is $6 (seniors, $5; children, $4; members, free).
An opening reception for "Interplay," an exhibit of photography by Michael Leonard, will run from 6 to 9 p.m. today at Anthony Brunelli Fine Arts, 186 State St., Binghamton. Fresh, homemade Italian gelato from Antonio's Galleria & Cafe in Endicott will be served.
http://www.pressconnects.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070706/LIFESTYLE/707060319/1004/LIFESTYLE
Grizzly Gulch brings record numbers to S.F. Zoo
SAN FRANCISCO (Map, News) - Not since 1984, when giant pandas Yun Yun and Ying Xin were introduced to adoring Bay Area locals, has the San Francisco Zoo raked in the attendance numbers it has during the past 12 months.
From June of last year to the beginning of this month, attendance numbers were tallied at 1,090,300, which Lora LaMarca, director of marketing at the zoo, called “a total record-breaking year.”
The numbers are encouraging for the zoo, which has undergone numerous management changes in the past three years, including new directors and staff, LaMarca said. The city of San Francisco had managed the facility before the S.F. Zoological Society took over in 1993.
LaMarca credits zoo Director Manuel Mollinedo with helping the surge in attendance. She said Mollinedo has collaborated well with staff and reached out to Bay Area families and tourists.
http://www.examiner.com/a-815696~Grizzlies_credited_for_higher_traffic_at_S_F__Zoo.html?cid=rss-San_Francisco
Toddling around the zoo for charity
By Craig Manning
TODDLE: Children and staff from Little Rainbows
YOUNGSTERS from a day nursery in Wallasey have taken part in a sponsored toddle around Chester Zoo and raised £700 for Barnardo's.
The group of 20 children and 16 adults from Little Rainbows Nursery walked for half a mile around the venue on Wednesday.
They were among 670 children from 43 nurseries and primary schools from Merseyside and Cheshire taking part in the sponsored event.
Proceeds will help Barnardo's early years' work and each participating pre-school or playgroup gets to keep 25 per cent of funds.
http://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/wirralnews/display.var.1525187.0.toddling_around_the_zoo_for_charity.php
Grizzly Gulch brings record numbers to S.F. Zoo
SAN FRANCISCO (Map, News) - Not since 1984, when giant pandas Yun Yun and Ying Xin were introduced to adoring Bay Area locals, has the San Francisco Zoo raked in the attendance numbers it has during the past 12 months.
From June of last year to the beginning of this month, attendance numbers were tallied at 1,090,300, which Lora LaMarca, director of marketing at the zoo, called “a total record-breaking year.”
The numbers are encouraging for the zoo, which has undergone numerous management changes in the past three years, including new directors and staff, LaMarca said. The city of San Francisco had managed the facility before the S.F. Zoological Society took over in 1993.
LaMarca credits zoo Director Manuel Mollinedo with helping the surge in attendance. She said Mollinedo has collaborated well with staff and reached out to Bay Area families and tourists.
http://www.examiner.com/a-815696~Grizzlies_credited_for_higher_traffic_at_S_F__Zoo.html
All 4 tiger cubs born at traveling zoo in Duluth have died
© 2007 The Associated Press
DULUTH, Minn. — All four white tiger cubs born this week at a traveling zoo exhibit have died, zoo officials said. A cause of death was not immediately determined.
Marcus Cook, senior animal care specialist with Zoo Dynamics, said the cubs died between 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Thursday. They were born Tuesday to Gita and Splash, two royal white Bengal tigers on display at the Mighty Thomas Carnival.
Cook said the cubs did not die as a result of care or zoo conditions, and added that they had been nursing well. A veterinarian from the Lake Superior Zoo examined the cubs Thursday morning before they died, but could not pinpoint a cause of death.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/4948151.html
Party for Animals at the Zoo
The Topeka Zoo is hosting a party Friday night from 5:30 -8:30 p.m.. They say it is for the animals, but everyone will have a good time with a picnic dinner, games, and music.
KMAJ will be broadcasting live from the Zoo along with the music by Sky Dogs and the Native American drum group Standing Bear Gourd Society.
There will be all kinds of attractions for kids including animal face-painting, a climbing wall, ceramic tile painting, and behind the scenes tours.
Admission prices for the Topeka Zoo are $5.00 for adults, $4.00 for those 65 and older, $3.50 for children age 3-12, and children 2 and under and Friends of the Zoo get in free.
http://www.wibw.com/home/headlines/8355892.html
Zoo Bond Would Mean Tax Hike of $10 to $20
A bond plan for multi-million dollar renovations at Hogle Zoo would cost Salt Lake County residents about $10 to $20 more a year in property taxes.
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=1442423&comments=true
Two New Gorillas Arrive At Philadelphia Zoo (Video)
Web Editor: Matt Bush, Online Content Producer
Created: 7/6/2007 12:58:24 PM
Updated: 7/6/2007 1:52:29 PM
PHILADELPHIA, PA. (NBC) -- The Philadelphia Zoo has two new residents. 12-year-old Honey and her 5-year-old son Coo-Chem-Bah recently joined the zoo's primate exhibit.
The two gorillas came to Philadelphia from the Bronx Zoo in March, but didn't make their public debut until Thursday.
Mom and son spent the day exploring their new surroundings and doing what gorillas do, playing and eating.
Right now the gorillas are living inside, but they'll soon join four other western lowland gorillas that have been at the zoo for years.
NBC
http://www.wcsh6.com/news/watercooler/article.aspx?storyid=65426
Zoo offers Behind the Scenes animal encounters
Friday, July 06, 2007
PORTLAND - Is a limited budget cramping your vacation dreams? Why not head to the Oregon Zoo and take in a Behind the Scenes Encounter. Animal lovers can take advantage of these programs, which provide up-close and personal experiences and an insider's view into the lives of the zoo's most interesting inhabitants.
Guests explore areas not normally accessible to the public and learn about the animals directly from zoo staff. Some encounters even offer hands-on activities with the animals, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Many of the encounters involve helping with the zoo's innovative and internationally renowned animal enrichment program. Enrichment is designed to keep the animals mentally and physically active, just as they are in the wild.
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/argus/index.ssf?/base/news/1183758641168500.xml&coll=6
Columbus boy finalist in Aussie Zoo contest
July 6, 2007
05:12 PM EDT
Columbus - A Columbus boy has made it into the finals of a worldwide competition held by the Australia Zoo.
In May, Jonah Fields, 10, entered a video contest sponsored by the Australian Zoo and the late "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin's family.
Jonah did not win the grand prize and trip to Australia, but he was in the top 50. His family says they still hope that Jonah will be able to visit the Australia Zoo some day.
http://www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?S=6755836&nav=9Tai
Debt Review Committee Needs More Info From Hogle Zoo
Jul 06, 2007 by Eric Ray
Ownership of Zoo Upgrades Could Be A Roadblock
(KCPW News) Hogle Zoo wants $65 million from Salt Lake County to continue construction of its zoo upgrades. Zoo officials say they will build as much as the money will allow. However, that's not good enough for Salt Lake County Treasurer Larry Richardson, who is also chair of the county Debt Review Committee. Richardson says he wants to know specifically which upgrades the bond will fund.
The big question, according to Richardson, is figuring out ownership of the zoo upgrades. State law requires the county to own any facility constructed with bond money, but the zoo is owned by Salt Lake City. Richardson says the next move is for zoo representatives and Salt Lake City to discuss how to solve ownership issues. Until then, Richardson says the county can't move ahead with the bond.
The DRC is also asking the zoo to provide more detailed attendance information. The zoo provided the DRC with a lump attendance sum for the last five years, but the committee wants that separated into paid attendance versus free attendance. The committee also wants to know how large groups of school children attending the zoo at no-cost effects the zoo's bottom line.
http://www.kcpw.org/article/3890
Working for the Summertime Zoo
I've been a ZeumMaster for two years now, and I have truly enjoyed every day I have worked. The part of my job that I love the most is working with kids, helping them and teaching them how to make clay animation and how to perform.
There is one part of being a ZeumMaster that I don't like - I don't get to see the same kids everyday. A lot of the time, after helping a visitor with the clay animation process, I often feel like I'm a part of their experience, and I begin to miss some of the kids after they leave Zeum.
http://zeummasters.blogspot.com/2007/07/working-for-summertime-zoo.html
The Zoo could be closing
Michael Stewart
mstewart@pnj.com
Hurricanes Ivan and Dennis dealt The Zoo Northwest Florida what could be a fatal blow.
Unless $1 million in donations is raised by year's end, there is a good chance The Zoo, an area attraction the past 23 years, could close.
"We're robbing Peter to pay Paul every month," said Jack Nobles, Gulf Coast Zoological Society Board member. "We are scrambling just to make the payroll."
The facility, located between Gulf Breeze and Navarre on
U.S. 98, lost significant revenue when it was forced to close for several months after the 2004 and 2005 storms. Most of the damage The Zoo sustained was not covered by insurance, putting it further in the red.
http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070707/NEWS01/707070310/1006
Zoo camp a natural for kids
Scooter, the banana-eating bearcat, provided a recent close encounter of the zoo kind for young campers seeking a wild adventure during summer vacation.
The Palm Beach Zoo offers the weekly day camp from June through mid-August for kids ages 5 to 14.
Scooter, an 11-year-old, 40-pound native of Southeast Asia, is one of many zoo inhabitants used by staff to teach children about animals.
The campers learn about the zoo's residents through tours, animal visits to the children's tent and trying out zoo-keeping duties.
http://www.palmbeachdailynews.com/news/content/news/ZOOCAMP0708.html
Regional
Foot-and-mouth disease: Zoo to be closed for disinfecting
Thiruvananthapuram, July 7 (PTI): As a precautionary step to check outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease afflicting animals, the zoo here will be closed for a few days from tomorrow to disinfect the park.
However, the statement from the zoo director did not make clear when the zoo would be reopened. The museum attached to the zoo, in the heart of the city, would function as usual.
Three 'Mithun' bulls were culled recently following the outbreak of the disease which had claimed four animals including two black bucks.
The post-mortem of the carcasses had found the affliction as virus-caused foot-and-mouth disease, to which even-clawed animals like buffaloes, hippopotamus, rhinoceros and deer are vulnerable.
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/004200707072121.htm
"Twiga Overlook, Binder Park Zoo, Battle Creek, MI" Waymark
Featured Waymark
in Coin-Op Binoculars
Twiga Overlook, Binder Park Zoo, Battle Creek, MI
N 42° 14.548 W 085° 09.898
16T E 651397 N 4678327
Quick Description: This coin-operated binocular is located at the Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek, Michigan
Location: Michigan, United States
Date Posted: 7/7/2007 12:30:42 PM
Waymark Code: WM1TEC
Reviewed By:
Views: 4
Long Description:
This coin-operated binocular is located on the elevated boardwalk at the Twiga Overlook in the Binder Park Zoo. Here at the Twiga Overlook the binoculars can be used to zoom in on ostriches, giraffes, zebras, antelope and other animals in the zoo's Wild Africa exhibit.
Cost to Operate: 0.25
Primary Vista: Wild Africa exhibit
Number of devices at the site: 2
Other Vistas at the location: Not
http://www.waymarking.com/wm/details.aspx?f=1&guid=e2be4aea-b13d-44b0-9182-87bc8632805b
PM attends zoo party with political donor hours after UK terror attacks
By CHRISTOPHER LEAKE
Last updated at 23:57pm on 7th July 2007
Gordon Brown attended a party thrown by an Indian-born businessman who gave £45,000 to his leadership campaign - just 24 hours after would-be suicide bombers attacked Glasgow airport.
As Britain reeled under the latest terror threat, the Prime Minister left Downing Street to join 700 guests at the party held at London Zoo by Lord Paul of Marylebone.
The decision to break off from meetings with security officials to socialise with the 75-year-old pharmaceutical entrepreneur was not publicised by Downing Street.
Party people: The Prime Minister, along with wife Sarah and son John, attend the party of businessman and political donor Lord Paul of Marylebone
But reports and pictures did appear in Indian newspapers, which said the host was 'celebrating' his friend's arrival at No 10.
Mr Brown returned the compliment, paying wholesome tribute to the Indian-born industrialist, who helped finance his campaign for the Labour leadership, for doing so much for 'our country'.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=466954&in_page_id=1770
Minnesota Zoo Opens New Minnesota Trail
Slideshow: Minnesota Zoo Opens New Minnesota Trail
(WCCO) Following a year-long renovation, the Minnesota Zoo opened its new Minnesota Trail Saturday.
The quarter-mile trail takes guests through more than 15 wildlife exhibits for everything from raccoons to pumas.
Guests can see a variety of Minnesota landscapes, ranging from a underwater look into a beaver pond, a walk alongside a northern forest glade and a bird-watching perch in the treetops.
A welcoming log lodge with a grand stone fireplace offers smaller exhibits for turtles, salamanders and frogs.
http://wcco.com/pets/local_story_188165242.html
Lou's L.A. Zoo's own Dr. Doolittle
Article Last Updated: 07/07/2007 10:02:03 PM PDT
Funny how things work out, Lou Parker says. If he hadn't listened to his wife Ada's advice and called Bernie, who knows what he'd be doing today?
Probably still loafing around the house driving Ada crazy.
But he did call his pal Bernie, and look at him now more than 20 years later - the Dr. Doolittle of docents at the Los Angeles Zoo.
Spinning his magic stories about the biomes - major ecological communities - of the world to schoolchildren from all over the city who are eating it up and writing him letters like this:
"I don't think I would have such a fun time learning about the four biomes and their animals without your biofacts," wrote Julien Piltzer from Balboa Magnet School.
http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_6324462
Internet 'fame' for zoo animals
The baby marmosets will be named in August
A Cornish zoo has welcomed the public's response to footage of some of its animals being shown on the internet.
Newquay Zoo began posting short video clips on YouTube and its own website in February, including newborn animals being hand reared.
"We've had a fantastic response with over 32,000 viewings in four months," spokeswoman Michelle Turton said.
It is currently showing two Pygmy Marmosets, born at the end of June, and asking the public to help name them.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cornwall/6281544.stm
Joburg Zoo earns world-class status
The Pan African Association of Zoos and Aquaria has recognised the improvements at the Johannesburg Zoo, awarding it world-class status.
July 10, 2007
By Millicent Kgowedi
THE Johannesburg Zoo has earned world-class zoo status, after its upgrades met standards set by the Pan African Association of Zoos and Aquaria (Paazab).
Paazab members attended a celebration at the zoo on Friday, 6 July to hand over a plaque that signified partnership between the organisation and the Joburg sanctuary.
"We are gathered here today to reap the fruits of our seeds; everybody here deserves to celebrate for their job well done," said Sophia Mtshali, Johannesburg Zoo's programmes director.
http://www.joburg.org.za/2007/jul/jul10_zoo.stm
California sea lions return to Bronx Zoo
BY ANDREW J. HAWKINS
Tuesday, July 10th 2007, 4:00 AM
That's definitely not a yawn - it's a sea lion getting ready to catch a fish at Astor Court Sea Lion Pool.
The Bronx Zoo must be feeling twice blessed this month - its California sea lions are back and the historic Astor Court is renovated and reopened.
To celebrate, they're "turning back the clock" for the next two weekends to give visitors a taste of what the zoo looked and felt like at the turn of the last century.
The Astor Court Renaissance Weekends will be celebrated July 14-15 and 21-22, during which time the zoo will be overrun with actors, stilt walkers, and bicyclists in period costumes.
Kids can participate in animal-themed crafts, watch a puppet show, or join a "bark-off," to see who can best imitate the sea lions.
http://www.nydailynews.com/boroughs/bronx/2007/07/10/2007-07-10_california_sea_lions_return_to_bronx_zoo.html
Sunset safaris tonight at zoo
Posted by Pedro Ramirez III July 10, 2007 10:45AM
Categories: Breaking News, City News, Entertainment News
Sunset Safaris begin tonight at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, allowing visitors to see animal nightlife, as well as, enjoy live entertainment and music.
The zoo will be open 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays for the rest of the month. Advance tickets are $5 for members, $6.50 for non-members, $8 at the door. For more info, check out the zoo's Web site or call 315-435-8511, ext. 113.
http://blog.syracuse.com/news/2007/07/sunset_safaris_tonight_at_zoo.html
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo to Give Away a Family Membership a Day Until 125th Anniversary Party
It could be your lucky day starting Friday the 13th of July as Cleveland Metroparks Zoo gives away a family membership every day through Saturday, September 15.
The memberships, which entitle holders to free Zoo admission for a year, will be given away randomly during one of each day's three Dr. ZooLittle shows, which start at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the Zoo Amphitheater. The special giveaway is courtesy of the Cleveland Zoological Society and in conjunction with the Zoo's 125th anniversary celebration.
Because the Dr. ZooLittle show runs on weekends only after Labor Day, the free memberships for weekdays after September 3 will be given away randomly at the Zoo's front gate.
The big 125th anniversary party, called ZOObilee!, is scheduled for Saturday, September 15. Further details will be forthcoming, but event organizers promise a fun day featuring live music, roaming entertainers, Get Close Animal Encounters, special guests and animal enrichment demonstrations.
http://www.clemetzoo.com/pressroom/index.asp?action=details&pressrelease_id=1251
Tiger Training At The Bronx Zoo #1
See how handlers train and examine two female tigers at the Bronx Zoo, where you can get up close and personal!!
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/706502/tiger_training_at_the_bronx_zoo_1/
Dated:
Recycle Your Cell Phone And Save Gorilla Habitat
by Wendy Priesnitz
Two major Canadian zoos – the Toronto Zoo and the Greater Vancouver Zoo – have joined over 50 other zoos across North America to help raise awareness for the link between cell phones and the habitat of gorillas. The zoos are all part of a cell-phone recycling initiative that will raise funds for conservation programs, help the environment and create awareness of the damaging effects of improperly discarded cell phones.
ECO-CELL, a Louisville-based cell phone recycling and fundraising company, through a joint partnership with CollectiveGood Canada, Inc., is recycling cell phones collected at the Canadian zoos and in turn raises funds and increased awareness for the damaging effects of cell phones on the environment and specifically on the habitat of African gorillas.
The habitat of the gorillas has been adversely affected by the production of cell phones since it requires a dull metallic ore known as “Coltan”, which is largely found in eastern areas of the Congo. The mining of this ore occurs in the middle of endangered gorilla and elephant habitat. The U.N. has reported that in the past five years, the eastern lowland gorilla population in the Congo has declined 90 percent. It is hoped that reducing the demand for Coltan will help save gorillas and their habitat.
http://www.life.ca/nl/111/gorillacell.html
A zoo vet is a breed apart
By Erik Siemers (Contact)
Sunday, September 3, 2006
Elvis is an ornery little Wolf's guenon, or African tree monkey. There's a reason he's agitated.
Michael Richard, head veterinarian at the Rio Grande Zoo, supervises zookeeper Valerie Chavez as she smears topical antifungal cream on a gray seal. Lady, 35, has wartlike growths from the tip of her nose to the back of her head. With oral and topical treatments, mixed with sunscreen, the growths are diminishing. "It's an interesting job," Richard says. "There's always something different going on. It's not boring." (Erin Fredrichs/Tribune)
"I immobilized his girlfriend," Michael Richard, head veterinarian at the Rio Grande Zoo, explained as the orange-tufted-eared primate reached at him through a cage door. "He's always trying to get me."
Every day presents new challenges for zoo veterinarians: From sedating Elvis' girlfriend, Junebug, last winter for a frozen tail; to nurturing a 6-day-old siamang whose mother hasn't taken to the infant primate; to treating a jacana with a low white blood cell count. That's a long-legged bird, by the way.
http://www.abqtrib.com/albq/bu_local/article/0,2565,ALBQ_19838_4967807,00.html
The Medici Giraffe
The New York Times
Published: September 4, 2006
BOOKS
Nonfiction
The Medici Giraffe
And Other Tales of Exotic Animals and Power
By Marina Belozerskaya
414 pages. $24.99. Little, Brown & Co.
Reviewed by William Grimes
In the 1920s a Hearst journalist made the ritual pilgrimage to San Simeon, William Randolph Hearst's lavish California fantasy ranch. He was unprepared. "The place is full of worried editors dodging kangaroos," he wrote in a report back to the home office.
San Simeon teemed with wildlife. The buffalo roamed, the gnu grazed and the lion roared. Of course. Hearst, the great press lord, was expressing his power in a form that would have been quite familiar to the Romans and the Egyptians, exhibiting exotic animals collected from the far ends of the earth to suggest his global reach. Fortunately, he bothered to feed his animals. Rudolf II, the Holy Roman Emperor, allowed hungry tigers to roam Prague Castle, where they pounced on servants and kept the courtiers on their toes.
Marina Belozerskaya proclaims a lofty theme in "The Medici Giraffe": the relationship between political power and exotic animals. What she actually delivers is an unconnected series of historical essays devoted to strange and wonderful animals, and the great men who lusted after them. The whole is less than the sum of its parts.
Perhaps most compelling, because least familiar, is the story of Ptolemy Philadelphos, ruler of Egypt in the late third century B.C.
Ptolemy transformed Alexandria into the richest, most cosmopolitan city in the ancient world, building its lighthouse and turning its museum and library into renowned centers of learning. All was made possible by his relentless acquisition of elephants.
Alexander the Great had recognized the potential of elephants when he first encountered them in battle against Darius of Persia. Like living tanks, they confounded the enemy and rolled over massed troops. Suddenly, the ruler with the most elephants enjoyed a tremendous tactical advantage.
As it happened, elephants came from India, and Antiochos of Syria, Ptolemy's archenemy, controlled the supply. To achieve parity, Ptolemy sent trading parties all over Africa in search of alternative sources.
In their quest, they forged commercial ties that enriched Egypt for years to come. They also secured the elephants and a menagerie of exotic animals that, Belozerskaya writes, "formed a living library of the natural world," and the archetype for modern zoos.
Later rulers acquired exotic animals for prestige. Pompey gathered hundreds for a mass slaughter in the Circus Maximus to restore his fading popularity with the Roman public. For four days, before crowds of 150,000 or more, man and beast fought to the death. The crowd roared with delight. And then something strange happened.
Late in the games, a group of elephants, realizing that they were cornered by hunters with spears, began to wail and moan. The sentiment of the crowd moved in favor of the elephants, regarded by the Romans as intelligent and virtuous. Miscalculating, Pompey ordered the elephants slain, bringing the curses of the crowd down on his head. The games failed.
Animals expressed power in a manner appropriate to their era. By the time Rudolf began assembling his menagerie, the spirit of scientific inquiry held sway. His animals were intended to be objects of study, from the cassowary, rumored to eat embers and fire, to the dodo and the purple-naped lory.
In spinning her yarns, Belozerskaya proceeds at a leisurely pace.
She turns down no opportunity to digress. Many pages can go by with nary a sparrow in sight, as she delves into political and diplomatic complexities or works up the detailed biography of a secondary character.
Zoos now have replaced the private menageries once assembled by potentates and big shots like Hearst. But animal diplomacy lives on.
In an afterword, Belozerskaya recalls the wheeling and dealing over the pandas at the National Zoo in Washington, a Cold War drama acted out in terms perfectly understandable to Ptolemy. China had the bears, and the United States wanted them. Power and pandas. It's the oldest story in the book.
http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/09/04/features/bookmar.php
Fisher-Price Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month at Zoos Around the U.S
Kids Can ‘Test Drive’ Power Wheels(R) Vehicles and Play with the Hottest Toys for Fall
East Aurora, NY--(HISPANIC PR WIRE)--September 6, 2006--Fisher-Price(R), one of the world’s leading brands of infant and preschool toys, is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by sponsoring events at Los Angeles Zoo, San Francisco Zoo, Brookfield Zoo and Bronx Zoo during the month of September. As the title sponsor for these events, Fisher-Price will bring its fun play space and Power Wheels(R) Driving Track for children 6 months to 5 years old to enjoy. The play space and Driving Track experiences are free with the cost of zoo admission.
The Fisher-Price festivities kick off with the Los Angeles Zoo’s Latino Heritage Celebration on Sept. 9 and 10. They continue at the San Francisco Zoo’s event, Latino Heritage Celebración, on Sept. 10 and finish up with Brookfield Zoo (“Fiesta para Todos”) and Bronx Zoo (“Hispanic Heritage Weekend”) events, both on Sept. 16 and 17. (See complete schedule below.)
http://www.hispanicprwire.com/news.php?l=in&id=6936&cha=1
Politics of the Zoo
The Death of Steve Irwin
By BINOY KAMPMARK
The only creatures [Irwin] couldn't dominate were parrots. A parrot once did its best to rip his nose off his face. Parrots are a lot smarter than crocodiles.
German Greer, Guardian, September 5, 2006
The camera is trained on Bob Irwin, bespectacled with sunshades. A live shot, streaming across the web and national television, broadcasts from Beerwah, Queensland. American tourists will know this town: home of Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo. 'He died doing what he liked doing', stammered Bob. 'Far better than being hit by a bus.' His son, Steve Irwin, was the 'crocodile hunter', a modern media phenomenon. And he was dead, killed by the lethal jab of a docile stingray off the resort down of Gladstone on Monday while filming a documentary.
His death triggered an immediate loss of perspective. News web sites collapsed under the strain of queries for confirmation. Australian commercial networks had no room for any other item. Irwin's death made breaking news on American channels with blistering speed.
http://www.counterpunch.org/kampmark09062006.html
Giant pandas at zoos in U.S., China give birth
Updated Thu. Sep. 7 2006 9:21 AM ET
Associated Press
BEIJING -- A giant panda in southwest China has given birth to a pair of twins, state media said, the latest additions in a baby boom for the endangered animals.
Ya Ya, who lives in the Chongqing Zoo, delivered the babies about an hour apart early Tuesday, China News Service said.
They were her first cubs, it said, and both mother and babies are healthy. The zoo has been closed for a week to give Ya Ya some peace, it said.
One has been taken to the Wolong Giant Panda Protection and Research Centre, also in Sichuan province, because Ya Ya cannot produce enough milk for both cubs, it said.
Ya Ya was mated with 11-year-old Ling Ling from Wolong in April. The pandas watched a mating video before breeding, China News Service said.
On Wednesday, zoo officials in Atlanta also announced a rare giant panda birth, one of only a few in the United States.
Lun Lun delivered her first cub just before 5 p.m., zoo spokeswoman Jennifer Waller said.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported on its website
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060907/panda_births_060907/20060907?hub=SciTech
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