First full-time development director coming to area zoo
8/12/2007

The Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation, the nonprofit organization that provides fundraising support for the Sequoia Park Zoo’s development, recently announced in a news release the appointment of Melinda Booth as its first full-time development director.
“With the new master plan for the zoo comes a need for a more structured and professional approach to fundraising,” said Jeff Lamoree, foundation president. “Melinda has a great track record of raising money for animal-related nonprofits and is already coming up with some great ideas. The board and I look forward to working with her to build the best zoo we possibly can.”
According to the release, among Booth’s responsibilities in this new position will be to provide support for the foundation’s Fund Development Committee, create stewardship opportunities and develop programs for special gifts, foundations, direct mail, special events, corporations, business and industry, bequests and deferred giving. On the administrative side, she is charged with training and support of volunteers, board and staff in fundraising techniques, and coordinating direct mail programs and media coverage of fundraising events and opportunities.
Booth’s last position was as development manager for The California Wolf Center in San Diego County, an education, research and conservation facility focusing on the North American gray wolf, the release stated. It added that the center promotes conservation of gray wolves and all wildlife through education, exhibition, participation in captive breeding programs and studies of captive-wild wolves.
Before joining the Wolf Center, Booth worked with Defenders of Wildlife and the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. She holds a Master of Science degree in environmental studies from the University of Montana and a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Davis, in conservation biology and management.
“I’m delighted to be joining the Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation at this pivotal stage in its development,” Booth stated in the release. “I’ve always enjoyed wildlife and conservation issues, and the zoo’s evolution towards more conservation-related activities and exhibits really appealed to me. It’s a great opportunity and I can’t wait to get started!”
Booth can be reached at the offices of the Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation, 3414 W St., Eureka, by phone at 707-442-5649 and by e-mail at melinda@sequoiaparkzoo.net.
The mission of the Sequoia Park Zoo, according to the release, is to inspire wonder, understanding and respect for the natural world by providing fun, rewarding, educational experiences that encourage meaningful connections between animals, humans and the environment.

http://www.eurekareporter.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ArticleID=27192



Local zoos caught in horse slaughter controversy
TACOMA, Wash. -- Two local zoos are caught in a nationwide controversy. The issue is slaughtering horses for zoo food. Woodland Park and Point Defiance zoos might be forced to look outside the United States for horse meat.
Jaya is a meat-eater. She's one of Point Defiance's two Sumatran tigers - and she eats mostly beef.
But horse meat treats are an important part of her diet. And for some other cats here horse meat is just about all they eat.
"It's a very lean choice of meat," says Point Defiance's Deputy Director John Houck, "and for those cats, we want to watch their weight and have that as an option, that's why we chose that."
But Point Defiance, Woodland Park and zoos across the country may have to go to Canada or other countries for their horse meat. That's because two of only three horse slaughterhouses in the U.S. -- both in Texas -- have shut down. The third, in DeKalb Illinois, is fighting closure in court.

http://www.komoradio.com/news/local/9161976.html



Death of rhino not Taronga Zoo's fault
Article from:
By Saffron Howden, Environment Reporter
August 15, 2007 12:00am
TARONGA Zoo staff have been cleared of any wrongdoing in the death of a pregnant rhinoceros, with the RSPCA strongly rejecting claims of cruelty and neglect among the animal's keepers.
An investigation lasting several weeks has completely exonerated staff and disproved claims - made in a front page story in The Sydney Morning Herald - that the animal's death was caused by the misdeeds of her keepers.
RSPCA welfare officers interviewed zoo staff and pored over autopsy reports before ruling there was no evidence to apportion blame to the handlers.
"There were no breaches of the legislation (protecting animals)," RSPCA chief inspector David O'Shannessy said.
"We won't be taking any action."

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,22246455-5006009,00.html



Houston zoo welcomes baby giraffe
(8/15/07 - KTRK/HOUSTON) - There's a brand new member of the Houston Zoo family.
A baby Masai giraffe was born at 3:30pm Sunday. She weighs 109 pounds, and stands 5'9" tall. The mother is Noel and the father is Kiva.
So far the baby giraffe hasn't been named. Houstonians are invited to guess which name the keepers will choose by visiting houstonzoo.org.
"While Masai giraffes are not threatened or endangered in their native habitat, there are only 70 of them in North American zoos," says Rick Barongi, Houston Zoo Director.
Giraffe breeding at the Houston Zoo follows guidelines established by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Population Management Plan (PMP) program.
Giraffes are the tallest living terrestrial animal. The average male is about 16 feet tall and can weigh 3,000 pounds, while an average female is over 14 feet tall. The average gestation or pregnancy for Masai giraffes is 14 months.

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=local&id=5572553



Zoo waits to see if mother elephant will accept newborn
Deborah Tetley, CanWest News Service
Published: Friday, August 10, 2007
CALGARY -- Like anxious parents, keepers at the Calgary Zoo are pacing the elephant nursery, nervously monitoring the bond between mother Maharani and her newborn calf.
They know the mother elephant's first delivery, three years ago, ended in tragedy, and they're hoping for a much different result this time around.
The 308-pound female baby is already staggering around on all fours and appears healthy - but it's still too early to celebrate, experts say.

http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=a31ef222-1b50-4ced-8926-1aa001816d25&k=22997



At the zoo: Looks don't matter with the lights out
By STUART WINER
In the perpetual gloom of the Biblical Zoo's Underworld Exhibit resides a colony of naked mole-rats. If the phrase "naked mole-rat" sounds unappealing then these rodents live up to their name.
Small and hairless, these roly-poly pug-faced creatures look like leftover dough. But despite their appearance, mole-rats are full of surprises.
Naked mole-rats are found in dry areas of savannah regions near the equator such as Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia. Serious scientific research about these rodents only began some 30 years ago and there is still much about mole-rats that remains a mystery. For instance, zoologists are not even sure how long the rats live. There are mole-rats that have been living in laboratories for over 20 years.

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1186557407157&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull



Watch in HD
Zoo Tycoon 2: Extinct Animals
E3 2007 Trailer
Platforms:
Posted August 10, 2007 @ 8:38 pm
Its amazing what computers can teach kids these days.

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/23420.html?r=1&type=wmv



Zoo's polar bear accepted into record book
Debby -- the beloved polar bear at the Assiniboine Park Zoo -- has been entered into the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest living polar bear in the wild or captivity.
Debby, who turns 41 in December, is the second-oldest individual of all seven species of bears in recorded history.
Likely born in December, 1966, and arriving in Winnipeg from Europe as an orphaned cub in the spring of 1967, Debby spent most of the intervening years with her huge mate Skipper, who died several years ago at age 34.
Most polar bears do not survive 20 years in the wild. The pair produced six surviving offspring, and thrilled millions of Zoo visitors. A great ambassador for her species, Debby remains in excellent health and greets visitors every day of the year.
The Zoological Society of Manitoba is presenting interpretive talks on Debby on the half hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 18. In recognition of her achievement, Zookeepers are planning to offer Debby her favourite treats -- smoked goldeye, veggie dogs, and a fish frozen inside a block of ice. Visitors are welcome to sign a large congratulatory card for our special bear.

http://winnipegsun.com/News/Winnipeg/2007/08/10/4408129.html



Liver disease likely killed Duluth zoo's polar bear
Duluth News Tribune
Published Friday, August 10, 2007
Bubba the polar bear likely died from complications related to chronic liver disease.
According to a news release issued this afternoon by the city, a preliminary necropsy found that Bubba “was anemic and jaundiced, had extensive acute hemorrhages under his skin, had a large amount of blood in his chest cavity and a large amount of fluid in his abdomen,” Lake Superior Zoo veterinarian Louise Beyea said. “In retrospect, the symptoms Bubba showed could be explained by underlying liver disease.”
The signs of liver disease were found at the University of Minnesota, where the body of the 19-year-old bear was taken after he died Wednesday morning.
Zoo officials said they have the camera that Bubba was pictured chewing on in July. The picture was published in today’s Duluth News Tribune.
“Bubba’s death could not have been caused by chewing on a camera dropped into the exhibit in July,” Beyea added.
University pathologists are still conducting tests on the bear’s liver tissue. It will likely be several weeks about the final report on the cause of Bubba’s death is completed.

http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/articles/rss.cfm?id=47898



Betunia, giraffe at Zoo Atlanta, dies suddenly
By MARK DAVIS
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 08/10/07
Betunia the giraffe, a towering presence at Zoo Atlanta for 18 years, has died.
Workers noticed that the 23-year-old female Masai giraffe was slightly bloated early Thursday afternoon and escorted her off display. They took her inside the cavernous building she shared with another giraffe, Abu, where she died not long after the zoo closed.

http://www.ajc.com/living/content/living/stories/2007/08/10/giraffe_0811.html



KC Zoo to get $10 million overhaul
By MATT CAMPBELL
The Kansas City Star
The entrance to the Kansas City Zoo will get a $10.75 million overhaul to make it more convenient for visitors and bring animals to the front door.
“This will change the entire complexion of the zoo,” Director Randy Wisthoff said today. “It will become one of the easiest zoos in the United States to get into instead of one of the most difficult.”
The project, being financed with private donations, will reverse a design from the last zoo makeover in the mid-90s that almost everyone now agrees was flawed. That resulted in meandering pathways between the parking lots and the zoo entrance that become annoying and frustrating on the way out after a tiring visit to the zoo.
The new design will allow visitors to drive right up to the entrance and drop people off and will add more than 100 parking spaces near the entrance.

http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/story/226727.html



KC Zoo plans a more visitor-friendly entrance
By MATT CAMPBELL
The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Zoo is spending $10.75 million to make its entrance more visitor-friendly and bring animals right up to the front door.
Reversing a design decision from the 1990s, the project will allow visitors to drive up to the entrance and drop people off, and will add more than 100 parking spaces close to the gate.
Gone will be the serpentine pathways from the parking lots that can be annoying on the way in and maddening on the way out after a tiring visit to the zoo. People have long complained about them.

http://www.kansascity.com/105/story/227640.html



Alaska Zoo postpones Maggie's move until spring
by Bianca Slota
Thursday, Aug. 9, 2007
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- The Alaska Zoo Board of Directors says financial concerns and weather will likely keep Maggie the elephant in Alaska until spring.
The board met last night to hear recommendations from zoo staff about potential new homes for the elephant. The list of homes apparently includes a mix of five zoos, wildlife parks and animal sanctuaries.
Zoo officials won't release the names or locations of potential new homes for Maggie, but says more work needs to be done before a move can happen.

http://www.ktuu.com/Global/story.asp?S=6913403



Giraffes welcome visitors to Niabi Zoo
BY ANDREA MILLS
COMMUNITY EDITOR
amills@svnmail.com
The Niabi Zoo in Coal Valley has added three new things this summer that stand out above the rest - Twiga, Kenya and Mimi - young giraffes who made their debut July 14 in their outdoor exhibit.
Although not from Africa (Twiga came from Florida, Mimi from Omaha, Neb., and Kenya from California), they bring with them the stately grace that will remind visitors of the African plains. They're making their new home as part of Passport to Africa, where visitors will see lions, zebras and ostrich. The curious won't have to worry about craning their necks because a platform has been built to provide visitors a giraffe's-eye view of the new residents.
One of the nice things about a trip to Niabi is it's a manageable size, especially for families with small children.

http://www.saukvalley.com/articles/2007/08/11/news/local/293413075788448.txt



You little monkey! Joy at Belfast zoo as Roxy gives birth
Saturday, August 11, 2007
By Victoria O'Hara
Rare baby monkey Ripple is set to cause a stir with visitors as the latest attraction at Belfast Zoo.
The lion-tailed macaque was born on July 16, weighing only 450g.
Mother macaque Roxy will nurse her new baby for one year.
The lion-tailed macaque ranks among the rarest and most threatened primates.
There are currently only 2,500 left in the wild.
The species is classified as endangered by the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources), due to destruction of their natural habitat.
Zoo manager, Mark Challis, was ecstatic with the new addition. "We are all really excited by our latest birth, it is great news that we are once again playing an active role in the conservation of this critically endangered species.
"The baby lion-tailed macaque will not only add to visitor's enjoyment but will also add to the conservation of this rare primate."
The lion-tailed macaque is characterised by a large grey mane and get their name from their tufted droopy tail which is similar to a lion's.
During the summer months the population in the zoo will expand even further with three pregnant giraffes, a pregnant Barbary lion and a Malayan tapir.

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/article2854554.ece



Zoo gets a paint job with help of juvenile court
By JENNY MICHAEL
Bismarck Tribune
Black paint splattered up her arms and across her tie-dyed tank top, a teenage girl learned a valuable lesson Friday at Dakota Zoo: It's easier to stay out of trouble than to do community service.
"I don't want to do community service again," she said. "This is more work than a job."
The girl was one of 15 paint-splattered juveniles, ages 14 to 17, participating in a community service project for teens involved in juvenile court and juvenile drug court.
"It was fun but hot," the girl said.
John Grinsteiner, a judicial referee, said eight of the workers Friday were youths from the South Central Judicial District's juvenile drug court, an intensive program for teens with addiction problems on the verge of being taken out of their homes and placed in juvenile facilities.

http://www.bismarcktribune.com/articles/2007/08/11/news/local/137595.txt



Two new baby rhinos at Dehiwala Zoo
by Sajitha Prematunge
After more than two years of exchange programme negotiations with the Nagoya Higashima Zoo of Japan, the Dehiwala Zoo is now the proud home to two new baby rhinos, Kosala (5 years) and Anula (8 years) the male and female rhinos, chris tened after the male and female baby elephants sent to the Nagoya Zoo.
The rhinoceroses, that arrived in the Dehiwala Zoo recently are Black rhinoceroses, one of the very rare and highly endangered rhinoceros species, found only in countries such as South Africa, Sumatra, Java and India. Their major outstanding characteristic is the horn, which is not a horn at all.
Made out of Keratin, that make up our hair and nails, the horn has no connection with their skulls. Shy animals by nature they can be seen grazing during dawn and dusk. Rhinoceroses have big bodies with thick folding skins. They are primarily solitary, except during the mating season and are also highly territorial.

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2007/08/12/new14.asp



The `bear' essentials of going to the zoo
By Alan Solomon, Chicago Tribune
Radisson QC Plaza
The award winning Radisson on John Deere Commons
All quality big-city zoos have lots of animals, paved pathways, strollers for rent, hot dogs to buy and stuffed critters to bring home. Many have little trains that, for a little extra, haul people around the grounds. Many have artists who will paint butterflies on little girls' faces.
We visited four Midwest favorites. Here's what we discovered.
At the Indianapolis Zoo, children and their keepers are encouraged to dip their hands, two fingers at a time, into a shallow pool and tickle the topsides of sharks -- yes, sharks, specifically, bonnet head sharks.
Any reports of eaten fingers?
"They actually have flat teeth, and they're very tiny," said onsite educator Will Bruner, who was talking about the sharks, not the kids. "If they wanted to bite, they really couldn't do anything."
What the 3-foot beasties evidently will do when patience is tested (as when abused by one undercautious tot) is skim madly on their tails across the top of the water like something very scary out of "Jurassic Park."

http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=349857


Zoo welcomes new wide-eyed wonder
By DAN FELDNER, Staff Writer
dfeldner@minotdailynews.com
Dan Feldner/MDN
Maddie the black and white ruffed lemur stares through the bars of her enclosure Wednesday at Roosevelt Park Zoo. Maddie was shipped from Tulsa, Okla., and had to undergo a 30-day quarantine before she could join the two male lemurs at the zoo.
The Roosevelt Park Zoo has yet another fresh face to greet guests this summer — Maddie, a female, 2-year-old black and white ruffed lemur.
Becky Zahn, the large carnivore and primate curator, said Maddie arrived in Minot on July 2 from Tulsa, Okla., and had to undergo a 30-day quarantine. The outdoor lemur exhibit consists of three enclosures linked by gated walkways, and Maddie was confined to an end-enclosure where she didn’t have contact with the two male lemurs.
“Every animal that’s new, even the new lion we got, every animal goes through a 30-day quarantine just to make sure they’re in good health, don’t carry diseases and things like that,” Zahn said.

http://www.minotdailynews.com/news/articles.asp?articleID=13513



Sapporo zoo gives preserved snow to polar bears during 'midsummer snow festival'
Polar bears at Sapporo Maruyama Zoo enjoy snow during its "midsummer snow festival" on Saturday.
SAPPORO -- Snow preserved since last winter was brought to a local zoo on Saturday for its "midsummer snow festival."
About 30 tons of snow that had been frozen and preserved in the Hokkaido city of Bibai was transported to the city-run Sapporo Maruyama Zoo.
A total of 25 blocks of snow each weighing 500 kilograms were given to two polar bears. The bears -- who dislike summer heat -- appeared to be enjoying the snow. Snow blocks were also placed in a pool for seals.
An air conditioner using snow and snowmen were placed on the premises of the zoo for visitors. Some 50 lanterns made of snow were lit up in the zoo Saturday evening. (Mainichi)

http://mdn.mainichi-msn.co.jp/national/news/20070811p2a00m0na023000c.html



Windy City Perl Mongers at Lincoln Park Zoo
Taken in Chicago, Illinois (See more photos here)
41°55' 22" N, 87°38' 02" W
Windy City Perl Mongers tour the camel exhibit at the Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago) as part of the Adopt An Animal program.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/47329375@N00/1090154093/



Briefly: A very fine zoo
A little short on big cats -- and shade -- but mini-gardens throughout add freshness, and overall the experience is excellent. No elephants; the aging pachyderms have been relocated to improved space in California, and handsome white rhinos have taken over the habitat.
The Giraffe Encounter is new, as is an Outback Adventure that puts visitors up close with kangaroos, if the animals are feeling sociable.
The Detroit Zoological Society took over from the city a year ago, and so far the system seems to be working.
Location: Woodward Avenue at 10 Mile Road in Royal Oak, just north of Detroit. Once in Detroit, exit Interstate Highway 94 at I-75, continue north to I-696, then go west two miles to Exit 16/Woodward Avenue. Follow the signs.
Price: Adults $11, kids 2-12 $7, seniors (62 and older) $9. Open all year.
Parking: $5.

http://www.centredaily.com/living/story/176962.html


Reptiles found in Saudi's luggage
Baby crocodiles were among the reptiles uncovered
A Saudi man's attempt to smuggle live reptiles out of Egypt in his hand luggage has been foiled by horrified security officers at Cairo airport.
Snakes, chameleons and baby crocodiles were found in the 22-year-old's bags as he tried to board a Saudi-bound flight.
Police had become suspicious when X-ray machines at the departure gate gave odd readings. Among the reptiles they found was a cobra, squirming to escape.
The animals were confiscated and turned over to Cairo Zoo.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6943295.stm



Zoo goes green with recycling rally
Joseph Spector
Staff writer
(August 12, 2007) — More than 100 cars rolled through the zoo’s parking lot to drop off a whole host of electronic devices for recycling — from cell phones, to televisions, to computer monitors.
The zoo held its Go Green! Recycling Rally, the second of three planned, to raise awareness about the environment and to offer an easy way to get rid of old items that are often difficult to dump, such as computers, microwaves, even sneakers.
Zoo officials said the goal of the recycling events is to tie the importance of recycling into the benefit it can have on animals. Properly disposing of materials harmful to the environment can protect wildlife and their natural habitats, said Ryan Loysen, the zoo’s conservation education coordinator.

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070812/NEWS01/70812008/1002/NEWS



Zoo will not renew land option
By MELISSA WALKER and JASON PULLIAM
REGISTER STAFF WRITERS
August 13, 2007
The Blank Park Zoo Foundation has backed off from a land purchase that would have been tied to the zoo's proposed expansion on Des Moines' south side.
Foundation members decided last week not to renew an option to buy 62 acres south of Southridge Mall for $1.3 million.
The land, plus $5 million, would have been given to the Polk County Conservation Board in exchange for 65 acres of Fort Des Moines Park, located east of the zoo.

http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070813/NEWS05/708130329/1001/SPORTS08



Budapest zoo's 3 rare Kea parrots killed by wandering python
The Associated Press
Published: August 17, 2007
BUDAPEST, Hungry: A python that apparently was smuggled into the Budapest Zoo has killed three rare Kea parrots, officials said Friday.
It was unclear whether a visitor released the tiger python into the Keas' cage or whether someone released the 2-meter-long (6-feet-6-inch) snake elsewhere in the zoo and it found the cage by itself, zoo spokesman Zoltan Hanga said.
Hanga said the zoo owned several pythons, but they had implanted microchips and all had been accounted for.
The Kea is a sharp-beaked parrot native to the high country of New Zealand's South Island. It is considered a vulnerable species — an estimated 1,000-5,000 survive in the wild and another 140 in zoos.

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/08/17/europe/EU-GEN-Hungary-Killed-Parrots.php



Detroit is for lovers: Frisky chimps join zoo
Santiago Esparza / The Detroit News
ROYAL OAK -- Two chimpanzees have moved to the Detroit Zoo from a zoo in Wisconsin because they have reached their mating age.
Nyani, a 16-year-old female, and Kiri, a 17-year-old male, have reached the age when chimps begin to mate, said Jim Hubing, director of the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wis. So Detroit Zoo staffers this spring brought the animals to the zoo, where they will join seven other chimps that are part of the Great Apes of the Harambee habitat.
In Wisconsin, there only are three other chimps, which cuts down on available mates, Hubing said.
The move was made as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Chimpanzee Survival Plan, which calls for chimps to be paired off and housed at zoos where they have the best chance of reproducing or interacting with other chimps, Hubing said.

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070817/UPDATE/708170422/1003



Elephantennial Recap and Photos
Posted at 12:04 am on August 10, 2007 by Jungle Jeanne
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo celebrated 100 years of caring for elephants on July 27, 2007 with "Elephantennial." Visitors enjoyed a day filled with elephant
activities ranging from elephant painting demonstrations to watching the elephants eat a ketchup-covered, fruit-filled cake. Kids had a chance to paint like the elephants and took home an elephant trading card commemorating the Zoo's 125th anniversary. Animal keepers answered questions about everyone's favorite pachyderms and Zoo Director Steve Taylor talked to guests about the Zoo's plans for its next big exhibit, African Elephant Crossing.
-recap by Amanda Majewski
The elephants enjoy a cake made of ice, filled with fruit and veggies and topped with ketchup and popcorn - an elephant delicacy!

http://www.clemetzoo.com/zblog/default.asp?Display=38



Oooh Baby! Flamingo Chick
Posted by maryschwalm on August 11th, 2007

http://maryschwalm.wordpress.com/2007/08/11/oooh-baby-flamingo-chick/



Juvenile community service project is to paint the zoo...
Aug 11 2007 12:33PM
Associated Press
Juvenile community service project is to paint the zoo
Bismarck, N.D. (AP) Some Bismarck teenagers say it's easier to stay out of trouble than to to do community service.
They had their work cut out for them, Painting fences and railings at the city zoo yesterday.
Fifteen of them, ages 14 to 17, did the painting as part of a community service project for teens involved in juvenile court.
Zoo director Terry Lincoln says the youngsters were a big help.
And supervisor John Grinsteiner says he hopes they learn that crimes such as vandalism involve a lot of clean-up work.
He says that when they visit the zoo later on in life, they can say they helped paint the fences.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 08-11-07 1226CDT

http://www.kxmc.com/News/151854.asp



Two new baby rhinos at Dehiwala Zoo
by Sajitha Prematunge
After more than two years of exchange programme negotiations with the Nagoya Higashima Zoo of Japan, the Dehiwala Zoo is now the proud home to two new baby rhinos, Kosala (5 years) and Anula (8 years) the male and female rhinos, chris tened after the male and female baby elephants sent to the Nagoya Zoo.

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2007/08/12/new14.asp



Hungry Bear
Posted at 9:58 pm August 12, 2007 by Suzanne Hall
After fasting for nine days since the birth, Bai Yun has begun to eat small quantities of bamboo. She first came out to eat about
3:30 p.m. today, and only for a few brief minutes. In the five hours that followed, she came out for bamboo feedings four additional times, for a combined total of about 16 minutes spent feeding. The keeper staff has fortified her sun room with 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) of fresh bamboo so that she can continue to fill her belly overnight.

http://www.sandiegozoo.org/wordpress/default/hungry-bear/



Zoo fills its recycling bins
Staff collects electronic items from more than 100 motorists
Joseph Spector
Staff writer
(August 13, 2007) — Sunday was a good day to be at the Seneca Park Zoo, and not just to see the animals.
More than 100 cars rolled through the zoo's parking lot to drop off a whole host of electronic devices for recycling — from cell phones to televisions to computer monitors.
The zoo held its Go Green! Recycling Rally, the second of three planned to raise awareness about the environment and to offer an easy way to get rid of old items that are often difficult to dump, such as computers, microwaves, even sneakers.
"I've been looking for a way to get rid of it," said John Domm, 26, who was dropping off computer equipment. "A lot of times you have to pay to have these things taken away."

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070813/NEWS01/708130325/1002/NEWS



Micke Grove Zoo celebrates 50th
By The Record
August 13, 2007 6:00 AM
LODI -- Micke Grove Zoo held its 50th anniversary party Sunday at the zoo and park near Lodi, where William Micke built the zoo in 1957. "This is all about Mr. and Mrs. Micke," San Joaquin County parks administrator Dave Beadles told a small crowd at the zoo, where an elaborately decorated cake and a statue unveiling took place to celebrate.
Zoo manager Ken Nieland said the zoo will only improve in its next 50 years: Officials are planning to expand the zoo, a move that could help regain accreditation that was lost last year.
That the zoo turned 50 this year was not on the mind of Debora Villalvazo, 9. At a pool that houses sea lions - one of the zoo's first exhibits - the Stockton girl leaned over the railing and barked. No response from the sea lions, she said. Still, she said the pool is her favorite place at the zoo.

http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070813/A_NEWS/708130324



Safari bags funds for zoo
By Joyce M. Johnson Special to the Beacon Journal
Published on Monday, Aug 13, 2007
The dog days of August were filled with wild cats, penguins and even an albino Burmese python named Mango at the second annual Summer Safari at the Akron Zoo on Thursday evening.
Proceeds from the event benefit the zoo's education and wildlife conservation efforts. ''This is a chance for people to see the zoo in different settings and help raise critical money for endangered species,'' organizer David Barnhardt said.
About 250 guests, including Dana Saporito and her sister, Samantha Saporito, enjoyed a gourmet tasting of heavy hors d'oeuvres and desserts prepared by area chefs.
''I like seeing the people and the animals interact together,'' Matt Sturges said. Other attendees included Tom and Karen Stevens, Jenna and Scott Lietke, Joanne and Jim Davey and Glenn Nevels.
Kurt Laubinger was festive for the occasion with a stuffed snake around his neck and a safari hat. His wife, Mary Lou Laubinger, also dressed the part. Patsy Fortney attended with son Brian Fortney. Guests Bob Stark and his wife, Dawn Stark, said they visit the zoo 10 to 12 times a year.
''This brings people closer to the things we enjoy every day,'' Chief Executive Pat Simmons said.
The evening also featured a silent auction and raffle. Raffle prizes included a five-day western Caribbean cruise for two or a chance to be a zookeeper for a day. Shawn Brehob came from the Columbus Zoo to help with the event.
''I love celebrating the Akron Zoo from its humble beginnings to where it is now,'' Brenda Hairston said.
The dog days of August were filled with wild cats, penguins and even an albino Burmese python named Mango at the second annual Summer Safari at the Akron Zoo on Thursday evening.
Proceeds from the event benefit the zoo's education and wildlife conservation efforts. ''This is a chance for people to see the zoo in different settings and help raise critical money for endangered species,'' organizer David Barnhardt said.
About 250 guests, including Dana Saporito and her sister, Samantha Saporito, enjoyed a gourmet tasting of heavy hors d'oeuvres and desserts prepared by area chefs.

http://www.ohio.com/lifestyle/9119861.html



Former zoo remains untouched, sale to town held up
HUDSON, N.H. (AP) — It's been several years since the town agreed to buy the former Benson's Wild Animal Farm, but the state-owned site remains untouched while its historic buildings crumble.
The town's plan to buy the 165-acre parcel for recreation and open space has been held up by a lawsuit against a contractor accused of dumping asbestos on the property, environmental cleanup and debate over how to restore the buildings.
The former zoo closed in 1987. The state paid $4 million for it but later agreed to sell it to the town. The main sticking point in the negotiations has been how to restore the buildings on the site, including a nearly 200-year-old barn.
Information from: The Telegraph, http://www.nashuatelegraph.com

http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070813/NEWS0201/70813030



Under the canopy of the Topeka Zoo's Tropical Rain Forest
Story by Dana Davis (Contact)
11:52 a.m. Monday, August 13, 2007
Bats and birds fly overhead. Reptiles move about. More than 100 animals and more than 150 species of plants complete the Topeka Zoo's Tropical Rain Forest.
People can stroll under a canopy of trees. Those trees are vital to making the ecosystem work.
The tree cover traps some of the moisture in and creates niches for some of the animals to live, like sloths and some of the birds.

http://www.49abcnews.com/news/2007/aug/13/under_canopy_topeka_zoos_tropical_rain_forest/



West Nile At The Zoo
AUG 13 2007 11:40 AM
The Assinboine Park Zoo has been keeping a close watch for the west nile virus this summer.
Zoo co-ordinator Dr. Gord Glover tells CJOB, there's been one confirmed case in zoo animals.vHe says a Snowy Owl did not survive:
(play audio)
Glover says they're getting better at recognizing signs of west nile virus every year. He says they now take preventative action by vaccinating some animals or even keeping those more susceptible, indoors.
CJOB's Lorne Edwards reporting.

http://www.cjob.com/news/index.aspx?src=loc&mc=local&rem=72205


Texas zoo elephant dies at age 49
ABILENE, Texas: A stressed-out elephant that had been treated with the anti-anxiety drug Xanax died Monday morning at age 49 in a Texas zoo, according to a media report.
Tanzy was believed to have been the second oldest African elephant in North America, the Abilene Reporter-News reported. An elephant's average lifespan is 33 years.
In 2005 after zookeepers at the Abilene zoo noticed that Tanzy was grumpy and subdued, they started mixing Xanax into her feed twice a day, along with some ibuprofen to ease her arthritis-related discomfort.
Zoo officials told the newspaper that the therapy was effective and seemed to improve Tanzy's quality of life.

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/08/13/america/NA-GEN-US-Elephant-Dies.php



Winning name for zoo's baby giraffe announced
10:54AM Tuesday August 14, 2007
Ntombi pictured just after she was born. Photo / Paul Estcourt
Auckland Zoo's three-week-old female giraffe has been named Ntombi.
The zoo held a public competition to name her and received close to 1000 entries from all over New Zealand.
"We wanted a name of cultural significance to symbolise her heritage.
"The name Ntombi stood out for a number of reasons, it is of Zulu origin, which is a native African language and it means 'girl' or 'lady' - something we are very pleased she is," said Auckland Zoo Pridelands team leader, Michael Batty.
Several people submitted the name but the winner of the naming competition was six-year-old Jade Lusty from Papakura, Auckland.
Jade loves giraffes and is very excited about going behind the scenes at the zoo to meet Ntombi, her prize for winning the competition, the zoo said.
Ntombi is the first female giraffe born at Auckland Zoo in 15 years.
She will stay with mum Kay in Auckland until she is about one. But she will then move to another zoo within the Australasian region to strengthen the genetic pool for breeding.
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- NZ HERALD STAFF

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10457638



RSPCA finds no wrongdoing in zoo deaths
Posted Tue Aug 14, 2007 9:44am AEST
The RSPCA will not be taking any action against two New South Wales zoos over the deaths of an African elephant and pregnant rhinoceros.
The Greens had asked the organisation to investigate the deaths at Sydney's Taronga Zoo and Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, in central western NSW, in June.
The zoos say both animals died from gut-related problems.
The chief inspector of the RSPCA, David O'Shannessy, says no evidence of cruelty was found in the zoo's veterinarian records and keeping standards.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/14/2004264.htm



Former Zoo President Takes Over As Head Of Tourism Calgary
Aug, 13 2007 - 12:40 PM
CALGARY/AM770CHQR - Tourism Calgary has a new boss -- the former head of the Calgary Zoo.
Although not a complete surprise, as it was leaked in a newspaper report Saturday, Alex Graham was officially announced Monday as the new president and CEO of Tourism Calgary.
Amid a room full of local business people, politicians, and a throng of cameras, Graham donned the official white hat and said he was looking forward to his new chapter.
Earlier this year, Graham had a rather abrupt and unexplained departure as the president and CEO of the Calgary Zoo after eight years at the helm, but Graham was reluctant to talk about that Monday.
He says he has no immediate plans for the organization, but instead will sit down with staff next month to discuss long-term goals.
Joe Fardell quit as head of Tourism Calgary earlier this year to pursue other opportunities.

http://www.770chqr.com/news/news_local.cfm?cat=7428218912&rem=72214&red=80121823aPBIny&wids=410&gi=1&gm=news_local.cfm



Zoo hires CEO's husband to run new Somerset conservation center
The Associated Press
PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Zoo has hired the National Aviary's former executive director to manage its 724-acre conservation center in Somerset County.
Dayton Baker, whose wife, Barbara, is the zoo's president and chief executive, runs Wildlife Land Management, a consulting firm, with which the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is negotiating a one-year deal.
The zoo bought a former ranch about 60 miles southeast of Pittsburgh for its International Conservation Center to breed African elephants. Other endangered animals, such as Grevy's zebras and African wild dogs, could also be moved there.
Zoo board chairman Gary Claus said the board had ensured that Baker's hiring was "aboveboard" and the 15-member executive committee voted unanimously to hire him. The zoo's chief operating officer, Frank Cartieri, said Baker was chosen from a pool of 35 applicants.
Baker will be supervised by Cartieri, as the zoo's nepotism policy bars supervision by someone related to the employee, spokeswoman Connie George said. "Barbara was not involved in any of this," George said.
Baker left the Pittsburgh-based National Aviary earlier this year after 15 years.

http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/news/state/pennsylvania/20070813_ap_zoohiresceoshusbandtorunnewsomersetconservationcenter.html



Given name evokes chocolate for zoo baby born a Bean
THE NEWS TRIBUNE
Published: August 14th, 2007 01:00 AM
POINT DEFIANCE ZOO & AQUARIUM
Tacoma’s new zoo baby, an anoa, was born July 4 and just christened Coco.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium’s baby anoa has a name.
The lowland anoa, born July 4 at the zoo, will be known as Coco Bean, the zoo said Friday in announcing the results of its naming contest.
Bean is the anoas’ family name – Coco’s mother is Baby Bean and her father is Pinto Bean.

http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/132424.html



Okapi Calf’s Big Adventure, Day One
Posted at 10:39 am August 15, 2007 by John Michel
On August 9, Safarani and her calf, Sukari, made their way out of the maternity yard where they had been since the youngster was born on July 10 (see previous blog, Okapi Calf To See a Bigger World!). Safarani was most anxious to get back out into the larger exhibit space; we realized after watching her for a little while after the move that it was because she loves to eat all the plantings around the exhibit, something she’s not had access to for a couple of months. Now we know who’s been mowing through those plantings!

http://www.sandiegozoo.org/wordpress/default/okapi-calfs-big-adventure-day-one/



Little hippo keeps zoo staff guessing
T.Lalith Singh
HYDERABAD: If staff and officials at the Nehru Zoological Park appear a tad flummoxed these days, they have every reason to be. For the Hippopotamus couple here, Parvathi (18) and Vinay (24), has been blessed with offspring. But the gender of the newborn is yet to be ascertained.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/15/stories/2007081559540200.htm



Children's zoo in foot-and-mouth scare as new exclusion zones set up
JOHN INNES
A THEME park zoo was last night at the centre of one of two new food-and-mouth disease control zones amid concern that measures in England to contain the outbreak have failed.
Tests are being carried out on a sick sheep at Chessington World of Adventures, near Epsom, Surrey. It is outside the 10km surveillance zone imposed in the area earlier this month.

http://news.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=1286892007



Hyena Exhibit gets face lift
Our Hyena came out on exhibit today to discover new grass, plants and a new structure made out of an old tree. The Zookeepers have been working behind the scenes for over two months on the structure and other features.

http://sacramentozoo.blogspot.com/2007/08/hyena-exhibit-gets-facelift.html



Smuggled crocodiles overwhelm Cairo zoo
By Agence France Presse (AFP)
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
CAIRO: A sudden influx of hundreds of baby crocodiles seized while being smuggled out of Cairo airport has left a zoo in the Egyptian capital struggling to deal with the tiny but rapidly growing reptiles. "We've never seen anything like this before," says Ragy Toma, who heads the government department in charge of dealing with seized contraband animals and was standing in front of the 265 infant crocodiles now housed at Giza Zoo.
They were brought here after customs officials on Sunday found them, along with snakes and chameleons, in the luggage of a young Saudi man who said they were destined for a Saudi "scientific institute."
The man was released, and the results of what the airport vet called "the largest smuggling attempt of Nile crocodiles in the whole of aviation history" were brought to stay in this large basin in a glass-fronted cage.

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=4&article_id=84537



Hialeah flamingos go to Oklahoma and beyond
The flamingos at the Hialeah Race Track are world famous. And though the track hasn't had a horse race since 2001, the 300 flamingos that once flew over the track still live inside its 1 1/8-mile racing oval. Now some of the offspring of the Hialeah birds have hatched at the Oklahoma City Zoo. And they're living at more than a dozen wildlife parks acrtoss the country. The first flock of birds came to Hialeah Park in the 1920s from the Caribbean but they soon flew back. Park officials gathered up a new flock in the 1930s and they stayed.

http://blogs.tampabay.com/breakingnews/2007/08/hialeah-flaming.html

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