A rooster that knows maths
(newsphoto)
Updated: 2007-08-09 17:44
Ms Li kisses her pet "Sonny", a 12-month-old rooster at her home in Shenyang, capital of Northeast China's Liaoning Province August 9, 2007. The little fowl can not only count and know how to add and subtract, but can crow to tell different Chinese characters as well after months of training by his master. [newsphoto]

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2007-08/09/content_6019783.htm


Dog-control critics attack microchips
5:00AM Saturday August 11, 2007
Microchipping of dogs is ineffective and may be putting people off registering their animals, say critics of the electronic control measure.
The claim is part of a new wave of criticism of Government dog-control measures after the mauling of 2-year-old Aotea Coxon last Sunday by a dog that escaped from a back yard in Christchurch.
National Party spokeswoman Sandra Goudie said the microchipping policy had failed and could be putting people off registering their dogs because of the extra cost.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10457125



Deer oh deer
5:15AM Saturday August 11, 2007
Indonesian deer have become a worsening feral pest on the outskirts of Sydney, chomping through suburban gardens and causing traffic accidents.
The number of this year's culls of rusa deer - descendants of seven specimens brought to Sydney in 1906 as zoo exhibits - has been increased from 20 to 30.
- Agencies

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/2/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10457113



Lamprey Harvest Turns Bloodsucker into Treat
by Ann Dornfeld
August 10, 2007 · Every summer, Native Americans in the Pacific Northwest travel hundreds of miles to gather a fish you'll probably never see in the fish market.
It's called the Pacific lamprey, and it's a traditional native food. But the lamprey is not a pretty fish. It's two feet long — skinny and slimy like an eel — and has a giant, round, bloodsucking mouth — with teeth.
If you've never heard of the lamprey, you're not alone. The tribes' fish and wildlife coordinator, Kelly Dirksen, says there are a few reasons the lamprey never gained mainstream appeal.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=12647958


Seniors invited on a wildlife adventure
Fri, Aug 10, 2007
By KRYSTIN MERRIWEATHER
Staff writer
Looking to go on a wildlife adventure?
Then prepare to head out on a Senior Day Trip to the Silver Bluff Audubon Center.
The trip is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 21 and the bus will depart from the H. Odell Weeks Activities Center at 8:30 a.m., returning at 1 p.m.
Anyone age 50 and up is welcome to attend, said Jessica Campbell, program coordinator for the City of Aiken PRT Department.
The deadline to register is Sunday. The cost is $15 per person, which includes lunch.
Campbell said the tour group will meet with one of the workers for an educational talk before touring the site.
"There will be brief walking," she said. "But definitely, for a senior group, we will have accommodations for anyone who needs it."
This wildlife sanctuary is ideal for those interested in birds, wildflowers, photography or a quiet walk. This habitat supports more than 200 species of birds, including the bald eagle and the endangered wood stork. Other forms of wildlife, such as deer, foxes, alligators, armadillos and more also abound.
Campbell encourages those attending to bring their cameras and binoculars.
Senior Day Trips are taken once a month. Upcoming trips are scheduled for Friday, Sept. 28 to Fort Gordon Dinner Theater and Tuesday, Oct. 4 to the National Heritage Corridor.
Registration for these events will open a month before the trip. For more information, call 642-7631.
Contact Krystin Merriweather at kmerriweather@aikenstandard.com

http://www.aikenstandard.com/news/story/308310246440196.php



"Male" panda gives birth to twins
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-08-09 00:46
CHENGDU -- A giant panda once believed to be male has given birth to twin cubs in southwest China's Sichuan Province, but is now fighting for her life.
Jinzhu, 11, delivered two female cubs at midnight on Monday at Wolong Nature Reserve for Giant Pandas in southwest China's Sichuan Province. The cubs, born one hour apart, weigh 190 grams and 70 grams.
But Jinzhu suffered serious haemorrhaging and is currently in a critical condition.
Jinzhu was classified as a male after her birth on August 12, 1996 owing to "inconspicuous secondary sex characteristic and behavior", scientists said.
"The penis of an adult panda is only about three centimeters long," said Li Desheng, a panda expert, as an excuse for the blunder.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2007-08/09/content_6018128.htm



Celebrity gator escapes from zoo
Posted Thu Aug 16, 2007 8:39am AEST
An alligator who acquired celebrity status in Los Angeles by eluding capture for months made headlines again overnight after escaping from his zoo enclosure.
A hunt for the alligator - known as Reggie - was launched after he was discovered missing from his pen at Los Angeles Zoo. He was placed in the pen last week following his capture in a lake in May.
A frantic search of the zoo found Reggie lurking near a loading dock. He was caught and placed in quarantine, officials say.
Officials say they believe the alligator broke out of his new home after scaling a side wall in the exhibit.
- AFP

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/16/2006422.htm



Zoo Tycoon 2 hits the DS in 2008
Posted Aug 16th 2007 1:10PM
by David Hinkle
Microsoft and THQ have announced that the hit series of Zoo managing games will receive its second installment on the DS. In Zoo Tycoon 2, players will be doing a lot more of the same, with some new features tossed in for good measure. In Zookeeper mode, players can now tend directly to animals in a 3D environment.
Also, the DS version of Zoo Tycoon 2 will have some stuff the PC version doesn't. Besides the already mentioned Zookeeper mode, there will be new animals and environments to enjoy. Players can share data wirelessly with other owners of the game, as well.
Zoo Tycoon currently has an early 2008 release date.

http://www.dsfanboy.com/2007/08/16/zoo-tycoon-2-hits-the-ds-in-2008/



THQ Announces Zoo Tycoon 2
THQ has announced today they will be publishing Zoo Tycoon 2 for the DS which is based on the Microsoft Game Studios version for the PC.
Developed by Altron, the game is said to have improved gameplay over the first and features as quoted by THQ:
- The game features three game modes including Zoo Designer Mode, Zoo Director Mode and all new Zookeeper Mode which gives players the ability to view and care for three-dimensional versions of animals.
- Zoo Tycoon 2 DS also features new animals and environments, as well as complete use of the touch screen and DS Stylus for all zoo activities, ranging from zoo construction to purchasing animals. Players can also exchange zoo data with friends via multicard play and compete to see who can build the best zoo.
Currently the game will be released sometime early in 2008.

http://www.nintendogal.com/index.php?/archives/1840-THQ-Announces-Zoo-Tycoon-2.html



Councillor's zoo conference trip sparks outrage
Despite the cash-strapped City of Toronto’s ban on discretionary travel, and its decision to cut back on pothole-filling and planting trees, a Toronto councillor is going ahead with a $5,000 trip to a zoo convention in Budapest next week.
Giorgio Mammoliti, a north Toronto councillor who sits on Mayor David Miller’s executive committee, will attend the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums 62nd annual conference from Aug. 26-31.

http://communities.canada.com/nationalpost/blogs/toronto/archive/2007/08/15/councillor-s-zoo-conference-trip-sparks-outrage.aspx



The moral to the Hamas story is "One cannot kill the animal in order to demonstrate how not to kill the animal."

If Hamas is trying to soften it's image and promote the understanding they are sincerely attempting a good government there are far better ways such as actually being in control.

In the article below the entries about Hamas is a group of children raising money for the local zoo. If children are to be disrespectful of wildlife in the zoo there needs to be adults patrolling the grounds to stop them and ask them to leave unless they modify their behavior.

It is conceivable in many countries that children live without adult supervision, as a result they don't know how to behave and having an outreach video by other children may seem important and a good message, but, at some point there needs to be orphanages and schools where children receive food, shelter, clothing and support in their studies to grow into responsible citizens. It is a hard lesson for Hamas to learn, but, then everything seem to be a hard lession for Hamas to learn. Their methods of violent domination has never been an acceptable one.


Hamas TV rapped for animal abuse
An actor dressed as a bee was showing mistreating animals
A US-based animal rights group says it will protest to a Hamas-run TV channel over a programme, showing animals being abused at a zoo in the Gaza Strip.
The group, Peta, criticised al-Aqsa TV for the children's show in which an actor was swinging cats around by their tails and throwing stones at lions.
The show's host said afterwards that children should not behave like this.
The show was criticised in June for featuring a character in a Mickey Mouse suit, denouncing Israel and the US.
The character was later shown being beaten to death by an actor who played an Israeli agent.
'Sickening'
The episode about the Gaza zoo featured in the al-Aqsa TV children's programme - Tomorrow's Pioneers - last week.
In it, an actor dressed as a bee was swinging cats around by their tails and also throwing stones at lions in their cages.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6948738.stm



Hamas Kids Show “Bee” Abuses Animals At Zoo
The Palestinians finally do something that even incense the BBC:
Hamas TV rapped for animal abuse
A US-based animal rights group says it will protest to a Hamas-run TV channel over a programme, showing animals being abused at a zoo in the Gaza Strip.
The group, Peta, criticised al-Aqsa TV for the children’s show in which an actor was swinging cats around by their tails and throwing stones at lions.
The show’s host said afterwards that children should not behave like this.
The episode about the Gaza zoo featured in the al-Aqsa TV children’s programme - Tomorrow’s Pioneers - last week.
In it, an actor dressed as a bee was swinging cats around by their tails and also throwing stones at lions in their cages.
The episode was reportedly aimed at teaching children not to abuse animals.
But it drew strong criticism from Peta (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) after it was posted on YouTube video-sharing website by Palestinian Media Watch group.
“It’s shocking and sickening,” Peta’s Martin Mersereau told Reuters news agency.
“Any lessons meant to be contained in this segment are almost certainly lost on most children, who are more likely to imitate people they see treating animals cruelly rather than understand this behaviour is wrong,” he said…
No, such abuse should be reserved for the damn Jews and other infidels.
Something that neither the BBC nor PETA seem to be bothered about.

http://sweetness-light.com/archive/hamas-kids-show-bee-abuses-animals-at-zoo



Children Sell 'Lion-ade' To Help Oregon Zoo
POSTED: 9:32 am PDT August 16, 2007
UPDATED: 10:06 am PDT August 16, 2007
A couple of Portland children took advantage of the hot weather to set up a lemonade stand to help the Oregon Zoo.
Jared and Karina Friel set up a “lion-ade” stand at Jamison Square to raise funds to help the Oregon Zoo bring back the lions.
For a dollar, customers received a cup of lemonade and a custom-made lion-ade sticker.

http://www.kptv.com/news/13907906/detail.html



Train to San Juan Capistrano Mission/Petting Zoo story
If you are interested in a day trip via train, just hop on board the Metrolink (if you are in LA or OC, the most affordable option over Amtrak) and make your way down to San Juan Capistrano stop. Check out the Metrolink website for schedules and there are 2 stops in the morning and 2 in the afternoon. The roundtrip ticket from Santa Ana, cost me $14 since my kids were free.

http://www.parentography.com/excursions/show/156


Calgary Zoo's gorillas have a tough year
Four fatal illnesses in past 12 months are unrelated, keepers say, but a watchdog alleges something 'is seriously wrong'
DAWN WALTON
August 16, 2007
CALGARY -- A 12-day-old western lowland gorilla too young even to be named died on Aug. 17, 2006, because she failed to thrive after becoming the subject of a tug-of-love between her mother, Zuri, and Tabitha, the highest ranking female in the troop at the Calgary Zoo.
Then, Tabitha, who gained a reputation at the zoo as a "supermom gorilla," died at the age of 26 after years of having seizures. On April 14, 2007, she just couldn't be revived from a devastating series of them.
Six weeks later, on May 28, the zoo's oldest female gorilla, 37-year-old Julia, died after a treatment for a nasty cough revealed an aggressive and deadly liver infection.
This week, zookeepers said they euthanized 22-year-old Donge on Aug. 10 after it became clear that no amount of surgery and medication could further prolong the animal's long-running battle with a chronic colon disease.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20070816.GORILLAS16/TPStory/National


Severe water crisis at Delhi Zoo
Staff Reporter
Faces this problem every time water shortage hits city
“Demand high due to rising temperatures”
“Dependent on tankers for water”
NEW DELHI: Home to several species of animals and birds brought from different corners of the globe, Delhi Zoo is facing a severe drinking water crisis for the past one week.
Spread over 214 acres and regarded among the finest in Asia, the zoo is now totally dependent on Government water tankers to provide drinking water to its inmates.
The current water crunch is not something new to the zoo that faces the problem every time water shortage hits the city. Said Zoo Director D.N. Singh: “There has been a shortfall in the amount of drinking water supplied to the zoo. Though we are dependent on underground water for our miscellaneous use including cleaning of enclosures and ensuring that the water moats are full, drinking water shortage has become a problem. Also, rising temperatures have ensured that the demand for clean, fresh drinking water remains high during the season.”

http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/16/stories/2007081654100400.htm



Revisit plan for smaller zoo expansion
By DIANE SHELTON
SPECIAL TO THE REGISTER
August 16, 2007
In a Register article earlier this week, Terry Rich, chief executive of the Blank Park Zoo, said zoo foundation members voted to not renew their option to buy the land they had planned to use in a land transfer with Polk County.
In return for that land, the zoo would have gotten the lion's share of the Fort Des Moines County Park. Although the land swap was heavily weighted in favor of the zoo, the zoo is backing out. The reason? Pure and simple: The zoo does not have the money.
Regardless, zoo officials still want to expand to the tune of $57 million. They desperately need a Plan B. The best they've come up with is to let the city of Des Moines take the lead. Just what does that mean? I think it's pretty clear that the zoo is looking for more financial backing from taxpayers in Des Moines.

http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070816/OPINION01/708160360/1035/OPINION



Homes and zoo at risk from pines
By HEATHER McCRACKEN - Auckland City Harbour News Friday, 17 August 2007
A stand of more than 250 ageing pine trees are in danger of toppling into Auckland Zoo or nearby homes.
Several pines were uprooted during storms last month, and three fallen trees have broken the zoo boundary fence during the past decade.
A report commissioned by Auckland City Council advises removing the entire stand and replanting the area.
It says walking tracks, the sewer network, a council parks depot and a Western Springs Stadium grandstand are also at risk.
Council arborist Bruce Edwards says dangerous trees and hanging limbs are removed as needed.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/sundaystartimes/auckland/4167029a22398.html



Pandas just don't want to be parents
August 16 2007 at 11:29AM
Bangkok - Veterinarians have tried pornography, diets and artificial insemination, but Thailand's famously celibate giant pandas have once again failed to produce a cub, a zoo official said on Thursday.
Lin Hui, the six-year-old female, received semen from her companion Chuang Chuang in April after the pair showed no interest whatsoever in reproducing the traditional way.
But an ultrasound carried out on Lin Hui at a zoo in the northern city of Chiang Mai on Thursday showed she was still not pregnant.
"We will have to try again next April, since pandas are ready for reproduction once a year only," said Prasertsak Buntragulpoontawee, panda project director at Chiang Mai zoo.

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=126&art_id=nw20070816101812614C773674



10 cool things to know about Gainesville's zoo
By ALISSON CLARK
With more than 75 species on 10 shady acres, Santa Fe Community College's teaching zoo is truly one of Gainesville's kid-friendly treasures. In addition to its low cost (free; donations accepted), one of the things we love about the zoo is its personal touch. When you visit, a tour guide leads you through the exhibits, talking about the animals and answering questions as you go, which all but ensures even the squirmiest toddler will come out more informed about animals. We've been to the zoo a dozen times, but every time we learn something new.

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20070816/SCENE/708150317/-1/entertainment


New arrivals at Belfast Zoo
Belfast Zoo is celebrating two new arrivals - baby giraffes born three days apart.
Sallagh and Cotton weighed in at a healthy 10kg each on July 23 and 26 and are now available for public viewing.
Zoo manager Mark Challis said today that they were delighted with the new arrivals.
"Our breeding herd of giraffe are undoubtedly one of the stars of the zoo and it is such an achievement that we have outstanding breeding success.
"Sallagh and Cotton are the latest healthy arrivals that indicate a high standard of animal care."
Previous giraffes born in Belfast have been sent to other zoos for further breeding.
The giraffes in Belfast are part of a successful European Breeding Programme and in the past 12 years the zoo has had 28 giraffe births.
Giraffes have a long pregnancy - between 14 and 16 months -and calves remain with their mothers for another 12-16 months before being weaned.
Alyn Cairns, curator responsible for giraffe care, said: "The keepers have been keeping a watchful eye on the expectant mothers and when the giraffes arrived within three days of each other things were extremely busy for them.
"It was a special week for the zoo."

http://u.tv/newsroom/indepth.asp?id=84246&pt=n


Koala cub dies in Chiang Mai zoo
Thailand's Zoological Park Organisation on Thursday blamed malnutrition for the death of a baby koala in Chiang Mai Zoo.
The six-month-old female - the first born to Australian mother Coco - died on July 28 from being underweight. It was only 240 grams compared to the average weight of 500g for that age, Sopon Damnui said.
Caretaker Sommitra Khanthawong said the young koala cub or "joey" came out of her mother's pouch on July 28 at about 6am and stayed out for more than an hour.
Coco did not try to put the young one back in the pouch, but instead licked it and circled around it for a while before going to sleep on a tree branch, he said.

http://nationmultimedia.com/2007/08/16/national/national_30045293.php



Zoo unveils roaring additions
By Tyrone Marshall
Rachel the new lioness at Blackpool Zoo
Blackpool Zoo this week took delivery of three new lionesses for the revamped lion enclosure.
Twins Jasmine and Gillian, who are eight, and Rachel six, can now enjoy the benefits of the new enclosure, which was officially unveiled on Wednesday.
It features new viewing huts and hot rocks for the lions to stay warm.

http://www.blackpoolcitizen.co.uk/news/headlines/display.var.1622579.0.zoo_unveils_roaring_additions.php



Elephants head for zoo farm
Noah's Ark Zoo Farm has announced plans to introduce elephants, lions, zebras and bears to its collection of animals.
In the next five years, the park in Wraxall also plans a new café, improved facilities for disabled visitors and a conservation building for teaching school children about local nature and global wildlife.
"The elephant enclosure will comprise seven acres of rich grassland, 7000 sq feet of heated housing plus an outdoor sandy area with a water pool," said owner Anthony Bush.
"We're looking to keep four elephants, three females and one male, who will hopefully breed and help the dwindling numbers of elephants in the wild."
The zebras will move in with Gerald the giraffe to create a mixed African-grassland exhibit
The attraction says it expects to employ about 75 full-time staff and welcome 300,000 visitors a year by 2012.
It made the announcement after North Somerset Council asked the park about its plans for expansion over the next five years.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bristol/content/articles/2007/08/16/noahs_ark_feature.shtml



Zoo in trouble
Updated: 09:43
Friday August 17, 2007
A men's magazine in hot water over its 'boob job' contest is now being investigated for posting shots of topless women on an unrestricted website.
The federal Government has reported 'Zoo Weekly' to the media authority for displaying raunchy photos of women entering its controversial competition to win a $10,000 breast enlargement.
The magazine launched a promotion this week urging men to 'win' their girlfriend a boob job by sending in shots of her cleavage.
The prize goes to the woman whom readers believe most 'deserves' an enlargement, with the website stating: 'We can help turn your lady's itty bitty titties into massive mounds of magnificence'.

http://www2.skynews.com.au/showbiz/article.aspx?id=184739



Capybara dies at Zoo; adult hippo is supposed attacker
Jill Nolin
Thursday August 16th, 2007
The lone Capybara at the Zoo Northwest Florida died last week after apparently being attacked by one of the adult hippos.
His death comes a month after his buddy Niles, a baby hippo, was killed by his father.
It is not known if the same hippo killed the Capybara on Friday, since no one witnessed the animal’s death, according to the zoo’s veterinarian Dr. Gus Mueller.
The adult hippo bit the Capybara, causing severe injuries to its rear end and stomach areas, Mueller said.

http://www.nwfdailynews.com/article/7598



Like your critters soft or slimy? Both come out to play Saturday
By MEGHAN PETERS
P-I REPORTER
Whether it's large, furry cats or little, slimy bugs, kids can't get enough of nature's critters.
SNOW LEOPARD DAY AT THE ZOO
WHEN: Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
WHERE: The Woodland Park Zoo,
601 N. 59th St.
ADMISSION: Free with zoo admission: $15 adults; $10 children; free for toddlers
SALAMANDERS, SLUGS AND BEETLES OF THE DEEP
WHEN: Saturday, 2-4 p.m.
WHERE: Seward Park, 5902 Lake Washington Blvd. S.
ADMISSION: $8 for ages 6 and older
This weekend, your leopard-loving little girl and slug-searching son can both enjoy their favorite creatures with the Woodland Park Zoo's Snow Leopard Day and Seattle Parks and Recreation's "Salamanders, Slugs and Beetles of the Deep" at Seward Park.
At the zoo event, face painting, crafts and Mongolian music will entertain kids, while parents can open their ears to talks from zookeepers about the endangered species. The "Zoomazium," a section of the zoo designed for children 8 and younger, will hold special programming for tykes to explore.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/ae/327900_fam17.html


Woodland Zoo's Herald-Standard Amphitheater to host Fayette County Music Festival

http://www.heraldstandard.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18714203&BRD=2280&PAG=461&dept_id=480247&rfi=6


Monkey picks locks, escapes from zoo twice in one month
By: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Issue date: 8/17/07
TUPELO, Miss. - Oliver apparently has learned to pick locks, making his second breakout from behind bars in less than a month.
On Wednesday, however, the white-faced capuchin monkey was back at the Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo, and this time his cage has been secured with triple chains and locks.
"There's one on top, one on the bottom and one in the middle," park manager Kirk Nemecheck said. "If he gets out again, someone is letting him out."
Oliver's cage was standing open Monday morning and the lock was lying on the ground. Oliver and another capuchin named Baby were still in the area, and workers easily recaptured Baby, but Oliver took off, Nemecheck said.
The 9-year-old primate was found Tuesday in a yard about four miles from the park.

http://media.www.bgnews.com/media/storage/paper883/news/2007/08/17/Nation/Monkey.Picks.Locks.Escapes.From.Zoo.Twice.In.One.Month-2931351.shtml


Zoo plans low-key day for Irwin anniversary
August 17, 2007 02:53pm
Article from: AAP
AUSTRALIA Zoo will open on the anniversary of Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin's death, but efforts will be made to keep it a low-key day.
September 4 marks one year since Irwin was fatally speared by a stingray barb while filming one of his famous nature documentaries at Batt Reef, in far north Queensland.
Wife Terri and children Bindi, 9, and Robert, 3, will be on a family camping trip for the anniversary.
Australia Zoo, the Sunshine Coast wildlife park established by Irwin and his father Bob, will open, however there will be no ceremonies or tributes.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22260909-29277,00.html

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