Zoos
Henkel North America sent 30 volunteers and $25,000 in materials to help the flood-ravaged zoo after the community won a contest
By BILL HANNA
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
STAR-TELEGRAM/RALPH LAUER
Henkel volunteers Pamela Scovill, left, and Sabina Schauer mount a new sign as they help spruce up the Frank Buck Zoo on Wednesday.
GAINESVILLE -- When Gainesville was hit with devastating floods June 18, Frank Buck Zoo also took a significant hit.
About 150 animals had to be evacuated, and much of the zoo was under 12 feet of water for about two days.
Floodwaters sent debris rushing across the grounds at the 13-acre zoo, washing away landscaping and causing some erosion.
"It was a trying time," zoo Director Susan Kleven said. "We had to evacuate five times in a month because it kept raining."
So when Gainesville was named the winner of the Henkel Helps contest sponsored by Henkel North America, which makes products including Dial soap and Right Guard deodorant, it was a godsend to Kleven.
http://www.star-telegram.com/state_news/story/248865.html
News Flash
Junior League invites you to RunWild! for fitness at zoo
By Ken Neuhauser
kneuhauser@courier-journal.com
The Courier-Journal
The Junior League of Louisville is stressing the importance of fitness and health with a family event this weekend at the Louisville Zoo.
RunWild! -- featuring a two-mile fun run/walk, a health and wellness expo and fitness and cooking demonstrations -- will be from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the zoo, 1100 Trevilian Way.
Registration will begin at 7 a.m.
The walk will start at 8:30.
Highlights include relay races, yoga, a hip-hop dance class, cardio kickboxing and food samples.
The registration fee is $25 per family of four or $15 per adult and $10 per child.
The fee includes full day admission to the zoo, a T-shirt and more.
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070927/FEATURES03/709270334/1010/FEATURES
Volunteer Profile: Go wild at Sacramento Zoo benefit
By Gloria Glyer -
Published 12:00 am PDT Thursday, September 27, 2007
Jeff Tackett says he loves "volunteering at the Sacramento Zoo because they have so many wonderful programs." Sacramento Bee/Erhardt Krause
What: Wild Affair, presented by the Sacramento Zoological Society.
When and where: 5 p.m. Oct. 6 on the grounds of the Sacramento Zoo in William Land Park; $150 for singles, $1,500 for a table for 10, $3,000 for a patron sponsor table; (916) 808-8815 or www.saczoo.com.
The program: Behind-the-scenes zoo tours during cocktails and hors d'oeuvres; 7:30 p.m. feast prepared by Patrick Mulvaney of Mulvaney's Building and Loan; wild auction with Channel 13's Dave Bender as the host; a salute to Unger Construction and the city of Sacramento.
http://www.sacbee.com/107/story/400619.html
St. Louis Zoo offers classes for all ages
The St. Louis Zoo's education department is offering a variety of classes and programs for all ages.
Students in grades two through eight can participate in the Keeper for a Day program. Kids will help care for small animals in the Children's Zoo. Openings are available December through March 23.
Families can explore nature together with a variety of day, evening and overnight programs.
Adult programs include a breakfast tour, zoology courses and guest lectures on wildlife conservation programs.
Science education programs are available for home school students and include live animals, biofacts, observation and investigation activities.
Scout troops can complete badge activities and teachers can bring their class ti a WildNight! Adventure at the Zoo.
Fees vary. Proceeds support the Zoo. For information and registration, visit www.stlzoo.org/education or call (314) 768-5408.
http://www.bnd.com/entertainment/story/138550.html
Eye surgery set for Columbus Zoo gorilla
POWELL (AP) — A nationally recognized pediatric eye disorder expert is being brought in to perform surgery on a 3-year-old gorilla to correct a lazy eye, The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium said.
Dr. Richard Hertle of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh will move some of the muscles to correct the movement of Doty’s eye during the surgery on Thursday, the zoo said.
The zoo decided to call on a specialist in human eye surgery since gorilla and human eyes are so similar, said Dr. Mike Barrie, one of the zoo’s veterinarians.
“The anatomy is almost identical and the process of the problem is the same as in people as in primates,” Barrie said.
Having a gorilla wear glasses or an eye patch — a common solution to lazy eye in humans — wouldn’t have worked, he said.
Information from: Tracy Townsend/WBNS-TV, http://www.10tv.com/
http://zanesvilletimesrecorder.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070927/UPDATES01/70927003/-1/rssupdates
Chengdu Zoo
We had the unique opportunity to receive a personal tour by a zoo veterinarian. A friend of my brother and sister-in-law's has been a vet at this zoo for two years and he is the only Western zoo vet in all of China. (This is also his last week there as he is planning to go into private practice where he can offer more of his services to farmer's in need of vetrinary care to keep their animals (and their subsistance) alive.
We learned all kinds of interesting facts, and laughed at the animals reactions to him as some of them recognized him.
Since we are going to the Panda Reserve on Friday, we'll save the panda photos for then.
http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/China/Chengdu/blog-205943.html
Jackson zoo to break ground on new education center
The Clarion-Ledger
Zoo staff, officials and donors will break ground on the Gertrude C. Ford Education Center at 10 a.m. today at the Jackson Zoological Park, 2918 W. Capitol St.
The approximately $1.5 million facility will feature classroom space and unique animal exhibit space.
The center is the final component of the four-acre Wilderness Mississippi area of the zoo, which opened in 2006 and displays more than 100 species of animals.
http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070927/NEWS/70927001
Legacy announces Zoo Vet: Endangered Animals
Posted in News on Thursday, September 27th, 2007
Zoo Vet: Endangered Animals, the latest in Real Life Games from Legacy Interactive, will arrive in October, first at retail and then in a downloadable version available at www.legacygames.com. Vivendi Games will distribute the title at retail in North America. The interactive exploration of veterinary medicine is the follow-up to 2005’s Zoo Vet. The virtual practice of veterinary medicine affords players the opportunity to perform surgery, administer medicine and carry out other treatment procedures using a variety of medical tools. Hints are available from the zoo staff so players of all levels are able to succeed. Would-be veterinarians can also investigate conservation issues, view video footage of endangered species in Africa, and access information about the education and skills required to pursue a career as a vet. The animal action is rounded out by a memory game, a trivia test, a word search and a jigsaw puzzle.
http://www.avault.com/?p=1124
Jackson Zoo breaks ground on new education center
The Clarion-Ledger
Barbara Gauntt /The Clarion-Ledger
Jackson Zoo Director Beth Poff (right) and Robert Parker Adams, architect of the Gertrude C. Ford Education Center, address a crowd gathered for the groundbreaking of the Education Center at the Zoo this morning.
Zoo staff, officials and donors gathered today to break ground on the Gertrude C. Ford Education Center at the Jackson Zoological Park, 2918 W. Capitol St.
The approximately $1.5 million facility will feature classroom space and unique animal exhibit space.
The center is the final component of the four-acre Wilderness Mississippi area of the zoo, which opened in 2006 and displays more than 100 species of animals.
http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070927/NEWS/70927020
Creative therapy offered at zoo
Relationship-rescue therapist Dr. Karen Gail Lewis and entertainer Barbara Baxter will help women remove the obstacles to their personal and professional development Saturday, Oct. 6, at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden beginning with a "meet-and-greet" visit with the elephants, a lively metaphor for those roadblocks.
This creative, self-discovery session is the newest brainchild of Lewis, a popular speaker, author and professor. With a 37-plus-year career, she practices in Kenwood and Washington, D.C. Baxter is an author, illustrator, entertainer and speaker who has met life's road bumps with grace and humor. She lives in Northern Kentucky.
Cost for the half-day workshop is $185. To register, contact Lewis at 542-0646 or Dr.KarenGailLewis.com.
http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070927/NEWS05/709270372/1106/RSS1115
Win Pull-Along Zoo Animals from Melissa & Doug
Melissa & Doug from Flair is an inspirational range of wooden toys that has been created by a husband and wife team who wanted the very best for their own children.
Taking all their parental experience they have come up with a fabulous range of products all of which carry a lifetime guarantee.
The no-nonsense packaging means you can see exactly what's inside - just good old-fashioned toys with heaps of play value.
Eighteen lucky readers have the chance of winning one of the best toys from the range.
Toddlers will love this colourful trio of animals that can be stacked and sorted in a variety of combinations. When put together it produces a zoo train over two feet in length, which will delight any toddler.
http://www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk/mostpopular.var.1718216.mostviewed.win_pullalong_zoo_animals_from_melissa_doug.php
Cirque du Soleil Street Performances downtown on Friday and at Virginia Zoo’s Horticulture Open House on Saturday
The traveling band of Saltimbanco street performers from the Cirque du Soleil traveling show will be performing Friday, September 28, in front of Waterside from Noon to 2 p.m. and in front of Nauticus from 3 to 5 pm., moving to the Virginia Zoo on Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m.
At the Virginia Zoo the troupe of street performers will be playing and clowning with Zoo guests and giving away promotional items during their visit. Come join in the fun of Cirque du Soleil, a truly unique and magical experience!
The Virginia Zoo’s Horticulture Open House will also take place on Saturday, September 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Guests will enjoy educational displays, walking tours, a plant sale, face painting, maze, scavenger hunt and more! All programs and activities are included in the regular Zoo admission price.
As an accredited Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) facility, the Virginia Zoo exhibits over 350 animals, beautifully manicured grounds and offers a fun-filled day for all. For more than a century, the Virginia Zoo has demonstrated a commitment to wildlife, conservation and education. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and located at 3500 Granby Street in Norfolk. Daily admission prices are $7.00 for adults, $6.00 for seniors (age 62 and over), and $5.00 for children ages 2-11. Visit www.virginiazoo.org or call (757) 441-2374 for more information.
http://www.norfolk.gov/News/Press/prdetails.asp?PressID=1031
Racine Zoo earns national accreditation
Wednesday, September 26, 2007 2:27 PM CDT
The Racine Zoo recently received accreditation from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.
To be accredited, the zoo underwent a thorough investigation of its standards of animal care, veterinary programs, conservation, education and safety.
“Being accredited by the AZA is notable since there are just over 200 AZA accredited Zoo’s in America due in part to their stringent guidelines,” said Jay Christie, President and CEO, Racine Zoo. “The Racine Zoo is a great community resource and for it to be recognized and accredited by the AZA is an honor the entire community should be proud of.”
Founded in 1924, the AZA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation.
The mission of the AZA Accreditation Commission is to establish, uphold, and raise the highest zoological and aquarium industry standards through self-evaluation, on-site inspection, and peer review.
AZA requires zoos and aquariums to successfully complete a rigorous accreditation process in order to be members of the association, and are required to resubmit to this process every five years.
“Only the very best zoos and aquariums can meet tough Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation standards,” said AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy. “The leadership and staff of the Racine Zoo are to be congratulated for the hard work and commitment that they put into the accreditation process.”
http://www.journaltimes.com/articles/2007/09/26/local_news/doc46fab316a47b7600226774.txt
Shanghai wildlife park has cheetahs to spare
By Lu Feiran 2007-9-28
THE Shanghai Wildlife Park in Nanhui District will open a cheetah center before the National Day holiday.
The center will be home for 20 cheetahs aged between one month and a year born in the park over the past two years.
The park has 60 cheetahs - the largest collection of any in the country. It managed to breed 31 cheetahs last year, a new record in Asia.
"Breeding cheetahs is very difficult and not much easier than breeding pandas," said Su Feilong, an official with the park.
"Despite the success we have had at our park, only 37 cheetahs live in all the other zoos in China."
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2007/200709/20070928/article_332874.htm
America's First Zoo has a new website :
http://www2.philadelphiazoo.org/
Zoo will take snakes found in rattler raid
WAYNE, Mich., 22 (UPI) -- A Kentucky zoo will soon be the new home of a bevy of poisonous snakes found this week in the basement of a Detroit-area home.
A total of 64 serpents, including dozens of rattlesnakes, were confiscated by Wayne police in the home of a man who had showed up at a hospital claiming to have bitten.
City ordinance prohibits possession of poisonous snakes, so officials found a new home for them at the Kentucky Reptile Zoo in Slade, according to the Detroit News.
The snakes’ erstwhile owner recovered from the bite.
© Copyright United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Quirks/2007/09/22/zoo_will_take_snakes_found_in_rattler_raid/4507/
Zoo gets special visitor from the north
by Staten Island Advance
Saturday September 22, 2007, 1:57 PM
The Staten Island Zoo in West Brighton got a special visitor from way up north - Atka, an Arctic gray wolf.
Well, he wasn't from as far north as you'd think. He was brought down from the Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem, N.Y., for a special educational event.
Hilton FloresAtka, an Arctic gray wolf, pays a visit to the Staten Island Zoo in West Brighton.
As he did laps around a crowd in the auditorium - at the end of a heavy chain grasped by a handler - spectators whipped out cell phones and cameras to capture shots of the large animal.
Despite Atka's size - as well as the fangs and big yellow eyes - he was docile and friendly, and even earned some laughs from the crowd when he tried to scavenge through a garbage can.
But one of the rules was: No petting.
He may appear friendly, but he's still a wolf, said Maggie Howell, the conservation center's managing director.
http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2007/09/zoo_gets_special_visitor_from.html
Sea Lion @ Bronx Zoo 2
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x31icu_sea-lion-bronx-zoo-2_animals
Roof zoo plan to put pizzazz into Harrods
Zoe Wood, retail correspondent
Sunday September 23, 2007
The Observer
Harrods owner Mohamed al-Fayed has a pet project to build a zoo on the roof of the world-famous London store.
What would be a retail first is the brainchild of Harrods creative director Bill Mitchell, who is retained by al-Fayed to come up with ideas to inject pizzazz into the 158-year-old department store.
Mitchell, an artist in his own right, is installed in a garret on the eighth floor of the Knightsbridge store. His commissions for Harrods include the statue dedicated to the memory of Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed, as well as the store's kitsch Egyptian Room.
http://money.guardian.co.uk/news_/story/0,,2174798,00.html
Chaffee Zoo Having Hard Time Keeping Stingrays Alive
09/22/2007 - Stingrays can be extremely docile creatures, even more so when viewed at petting zoos. Families and young children have a chance to interact first hand.
http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=local&id=5669554
Party guests go wild to benefit zoo animals
By Helen Ford Wallace
Parties, ETC.
IT'S A JUNGLE IN THERE • If all the wild animals at the Oklahoma City Zoo had peeked in the windows of Deep Fork Grill last weekend, they'd have seen people going wild in their honor.
Guest chefs for Deep Fork, Lela and Mark Sullivan, planned a "Going Wild at Deep Fork Grill” gourmet dinner for friends and for Sullivan's favorite organization: the zoo. A capacity crowd arrived to the beat of jungle drums and a drink called a Manatee Mojito, a great lime and mint drink. Toy zoo animals decorated the tables. An embossed gold giraffe was on the red napkins and guest towels.
Filet and salmon were main courses, and dessert was champagne and raspberry sorbet accompanied by chocolate chip cookies, a host's favorite.
http://newsok.com/article/3130514/1190496888
Woodland Park Zoo euthanizes giraffe that "brought joy"
By Brian Alexander
Seattle Times staff reporter
Sukari, a 25-year-old giraffe, came to Woodland Park Zoo in 1982.
An elderly female giraffe at Woodland Park Zoo has died, the zoo announced Thursday.
The 25-year-old giraffe, named Sukari, suffered from several age-related conditions and was euthanized, according to a zoo news release.
Sukari arrived here from a Dallas zoo in 1982 when she was less than a year old.
She had four offspring, which are all living at other zoos.
"As animals reach the end of their life expectancies, we try to prepare for their passing. But it is still sad losing a geriatric animal, especially one that has lived virtually her entire life with us," said Woodland Park Zoo General Curator Nancy Hawkes. "She was an iconic animal who brought joy and inspiration to our many visitors and school groups. ... She will be missed."
Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003894832_giraffe21m.html
Zoo Raising the Bar
WSLS NewsChannel 10
Sep 23, 2007
Mill Mountain Zoo is accredited and trucking forward.
In fact, things have been hopping on top of Mill Mountain ever since last Sunday when the Association of Zoos and Acquariums gave the zoo their stamp of approval.
"Only 10 percent of the zoos in the country have that honor," Dave Orndorff, the zoo's curator, said. "They actually gave us a standing ovation."
The viewing glass in front of the monkey cage is just one of the things the zoo did to make the mark.
http://www.wsls.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=WSLS%2FMGArticle%2FSLS_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1173352864202&path=!news!localnews
Visit the zoo for some gung-ho gardening
Kathy Van Mullekom Diggin' In
September 23, 2007
If animals at the Virginia Zoo could talk, they would tell you they live among some of the most colorful, tropical, wild and wonderful gardens in all of Hampton Roads.
Why? Because Marie Butler is a gung-ho gardener.
Marie, in charge of more than 400 plant varieties in nine theme gardens at the zoo, is an organic gardener who loves to try bold foliage and flowers.
She hand picks what the zoo grows and coordinates it to benefit wildlife living at the site and butterflies, bees and birds that visit the diverse gardens.
http://www.dailypress.com/features/dp-gl_diggin_0923sep23,0,5765995.column
National Zoo Euthanizes Cheetah
The Smithsonian's National Zoo staff euthanized an 8-year-old male cheetah named Ume Wednesday after a rapid decline in the animal's condition. Ume came to the National Zoo in 2004 from White Oak Conservation Center in Yulee, Fl., where he survived a lightning strike that killed his sibling and staff speculate may have contributed to his health issues.
Ume did well during his initial introduction to the National Zoo, but had a history of health issues which animal care staff carefully monitored. Animal care staff managed the cat's poor appetite since his arrival at the Zoo but noted a significant decline in his appetite and weight several months ago.
http://newsblaze.com/story/20070923142444tsop.nb/newsblaze/TOPSTORY/Top-Stories.html
Photo Week: Buttonwood Park Zoo
http://maryschwalm.wordpress.com/2007/09/24/photo-week-buttonwood-park-zoo/
East London zoo to receive a facelift
September 24, 2007, 07:30
The old East London zoo is to be given a multi-million rand facelift. This comes from a new master plan for the zoo which maps the route forward for the next 15 years. The plan, if it succeeds, will rate the zoo as one of the best in the world.
It's the only zoo in the Eastern Cape, and about 100 000 people visit it yearly to be entertained and to learn. The plan will cost the taxpayer R280 million and authorities say proper consultation and research has been done. East London Zoo Manager, Nico Roux, says "The development will be done in phases, so should funding become available, we will start with phase 1."
Buffalo City Municipality has blessed the plan and shown confidence in it by putting forward R1,3 million this financial year. It's expected to become one of the city's major tourist attractions. Director at the community service buffalo city, Wendy Maqekeza Galada, says "We will be attracting more people so there'll be more jobs created at all levels."
More than 200 animals are kept at the zoo. Educational tours and conservation studies are also carried out.
http://www.sabcnews.com/south_africa/general/0,2172,156330,00.html
My first AZA conference!
By Brenda Gonzalez, Membership Supervisor
Once a year, Zoo and Aquarium officials from all over the country converge on one city- for the National Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) Conference. The Sacramento Zoo had a pretty good showing- sending our two Lead Animal Keepers, the Education Director, the Marketing & Community Relations Director, the Marketing Manager, little ol' me, the Membership Supervisor and of course our Zoo Director (who also happens to be the current Chair of the AZA!).
http://sacramentozoo.blogspot.com/2007/09/my-first-aza-conference.html
Zoo reopens, few visitors
Published Date: September 24, 2007
By Nawara Fattahova, Staff Writer
KUWAIT: The Kuwait Zoo is a very entertaining place which is often visited by kids. During Ramadan, people visiting Kuwait Zoo has very much decreased. The zoo was closed for a couple of months because of the bird flu outbreak in Kuwait, but it was reopened last week after the danger of this disease disappeared. Many people wondered what happened with the zoo when they went to it and found it closed. Moreover, the hours of the zoo during Ramadan isn't clear to the public.
http://www.kuwaittimes.net/read_news.php?newsid=ODM5NjkyMTA3
Home is where the hawk is, finally
By MARK DAVIS
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 09/24/07
Maybe it got tired of chasing the rats, or flying solo. Perhaps it missed the crowds that applauded its aerial antics.
Or maybe, just maybe, it got homesick. After all, home is where the free meal is.
Alamo, a fugitive from Zoo Atlanta for a month, was recaptured Saturday.
Whatever the reason, Alamo, Zoo Atlanta's wayward hawk, is back in familiar haunts. Zoo employees returned the Harris' hawk to its old habitat Saturday.
"He's doing great," said Jennifer Waller, a spokeswoman for the zoo. "He even gained a little weight."
Alamo took it on the wing Aug. 22 during a performance at the zoo's outdoor amphitheater. It flew to the top of a nearby tree, scowled at everyone, then took off.
It didn't go far from its Grant Park digs. People reported seeing the Parabuteo unicinctus at a nearby BP, hanging out. Others said they saw the feathered fugitive hovering around the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary. One Grant Park resident took a photo of the fierce-eyed raptor as it sat in a tree in his backyard.
Then, on Saturday afternoon, the zoo got a call from a homeowner whose house is about a mile from the zoo. The caller reported a dark bird in the backyard. It had a white tail ... and a leather strap on its ankle.
A zoo employee who knows Alamo hustled to the house, baited trap in hand. When she arrived, she saw a big bird in the backyard, and knew.
"It was him," Waller said. "He went right in. And now he's back home."
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/living/stories/2007/09/23/hawk_0924.html
PETA asks Lim not to get more animals for Manila Zoo
By Jerome Aning
Inquirer
Last updated 08:22pm (Mla time) 09/24/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- The animal welfare group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has asked Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim not to push through with his plan to get more animals from Calauit Island in Palawan province for the city zoo.
PETA Asia-Pacific director Jason Baker said the city government should instead find ways to improve the welfare of animals or close down the Manila Zoo and set its residents free in wildlife reservations.
“Given the problems with the zoo’s aging infrastructure, it would be extremely cruel to subject even more animals to such miserable conditions,” Baker said in his September 21 letter to Lim, a copy of which was provided by PETA to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, parent company of INQUIRER.net.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/metro/view_article.php?article_id=90430
Monkeys mug tourist, take phone at zoo
(China Daily)
Updated: 2007-09-20 11:08
A visitor to Fuzhou Zoo had his phone stolen and his arm scratched after he took photos of a group of Assamese macaques.
Zheng Dong was taking snaps of the monkeys when one of them suddenly snatched his phone and started chewing it.
Zheng climbed over the railings and tried to get his phone but three of the macaques flew into a rage and scratched his arm.
With the help of zookeepers Zheng got his phone back, but it was damaged beyond repair. He is now claiming compensation from the zoo.
(Fuzhou Evening News)
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2007-09/20/content_6121450.htm
Owners of Petting Zoo Fear for Animals' Safety
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) — The owners of a small petting zoo are worried for their animals' safety after several acts of vandalism.
The Barnyard Friends petting zoo is home to peacocks, horses, donkeys, a camel and several other animals. The zoo, however, has been the victim of several acts of vandalism and suspicious animal deaths over the last couple of years, owners Rena and Dan Kirk said.
In 2005, Rena Kirk found a skunk dead in its case, and later that month found a dead goat. Within a week of that death, another goat was found dead.
"It started out as a couple of things happened that we just thought were flukes," Kirk said.
http://www.wsbt.com/news/indiana/9965161.html
Zoo coordinates year's second big clean up
http://www.nczoo.org/press/view.cfm?ID=263
Rain Dancin’
Posted at 10:03 am September 24, 2007 by Ellie Rosenbaum An unseasonably early and rare rainstorm had been predicted for San Diego last week, and we waited anxiously for it to arrive at the Gaint Panda Research Station. Pandas, especially youngsters, seem to come alive in the rain, romping and climbing with what appears to be great glee as if the rain was a special treat provided just for them. Throughout Friday morning, I encouraged guests to return to the area should the showers begin, and, the bears begin to play in it.
http://www.sandiegozoo.org/wordpress/default/rain-dancin/
Owners of Petting Zoo Fear for Animals' Safety
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) — The owners of a small petting zoo are worried for their animals' safety after several acts of vandalism.
The Barnyard Friends petting zoo is home to peacocks, horses, donkeys, a camel and several other animals. The zoo, however, has been the victim of several acts of vandalism and suspicious animal deaths over the last couple of years, owners Rena and Dan Kirk said.
In 2005, Rena Kirk found a skunk dead in its case, and later that month found a dead goat. Within a week of that death, another goat was found dead.
"It started out as a couple of things happened that we just thought were flukes," Kirk said.
http://www.wsbt.com/news/indiana/9965161.html
Fort Worth Zoo planning new reptile house
Dallas Business Journal
The Fort Worth Zoo on Monday unveiled plans to build an $18 million, 30,000-square-foot reptile and amphibian house.
The new herpetarium, which will be called the Museum of Living Art, or MOLA for short, will be home to 165 different species representing about 900 animals. The new facility will replace the zoo's existing 9,000-square-foot herpetarium, which was built in 1960, and has failing plumbing and sub-par holding facilities.
The MOLA will include quarantine rooms and hibernaculums, which are used for the breeding of rare, endangered and critically endangered animals.
http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/stories/2007/09/24/daily9.html
Living art museum to replace zoo's outdated herpetarium
By CHRIS VAUGHN
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
FORT WORTH -- The city's estimable art landscape already includes the likes of Cezanne, O'Keefe and Rothko.
Joining them in the next two years will be more ancient works of art, such as the Solomon Island leaf frog, the green tree python and West African dwarf crocodile.
Fort Worth Zoo and city officials unveiled plans for Fort Worth's newest museum Monday, a $15 million contemporary-looking facility that will be called the Museum of Living Art.
"We never do anything that is going to be boring," said Ramona Bass, co-chairwoman of the Fort Worth Zoological Association. "The whole collection is so unique and so special. We want it to be pleasing and exciting and educational."
The exhibit will replace the zoo's 47-year-old herpetarium, which houses the zoo's renowned collection of snakes, turtles, frogs and other cold-blooded animals.
http://www.star-telegram.com/news/story/246404.html
Butterflies add flights of fancy color to Memphis Zoo's critter collection
By Cindy Wolff (Contact)
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Mac McAllister tried his luck, his 6-year-old fist balled up save for his index finger pointed out, eagerly waiting for a butterfly to light.
It didn't matter which one. It could be a black one with yellow stripes, a white one or maybe that orange one flickering around a purple flower. Just any butterfly. Please! Just for a second.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2007/sep/25/gossamer-wings/
Say g'day to Racine Zoo's makeover plans
By BRENT KILLACKEY
Journal Times
Monday, September 24, 2007 10:37 PM CDT
RACINE — The Racine Zoo wants a new entrance area that’s easier to locate and delivers a bit of a wow effect as visitors step inside.
Under plans being brought forward for city approval, the main entrance would be relocated to a more prominent position at the corner of Main and Goold streets.
After entering between two new buildings — a gift shop and Discovery Center — visitors would emerge into a well-landscaped, Australian-themed exhibit that would allow them to meander past existing favorites like kangaroos and emus and some new animals such as wallaroos, wallabies and swans, according to zoo officials.
“The initial view will be spectacular,” said David Easley, chair of the Racine Zoological Gardens board of directors.
http://www.journaltimes.com/articles/2007/09/24/local_news/doc46f8831711acc621080731.txt
Exclusive: Dutch zoo can breed jellyfish
by Thijs Westerbeek*
25-09-2007
It has been hailed as a major breakthrough: Burgers' Ocean, the marine section of Burgers' Zoo in the Dutch city of Arnhem, has successfully bred jellyfish in captivity.
Jellyfish are vulnerable creatures with a very complicate life cycle. All of its stages have to be run through for an animal to reach maturity. Marine biologists across the globe have attempted it, but usually the breeding programme ends after a couple of months with a tank full of smelly jelly.
http://www.radionetherlands.nl/currentaffairs/070925jellyfish
Zoo trustees pick Hutchinson as interim chief
Don Hutchinson (Photo by Steve Ruark/Special to The Sun)
September 25, 2007
Trustees of the Maryland Zoological Society have selected former Baltimore County Executive Donald P. Hutchinson to serve as interim president and chief executive officer of the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, zoo officials said.
Responsibilities for Hutchinson, now president of Hutchinson Consulting, will include managing the zoo and evaluating its finances, as well as helping to find his permanent replacement.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/baltimore_city/bal-md.ci.zoo25sep25,0,2495274.story
Hutchinson appointed interim CEO of Maryland Zoo
Baltimore Business Journal - by Julekha Dash Staff
The board of the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore has tapped former SunTrust Bank President Don Hutchinson to serve as interim CEO of the financially strapped Druid Hill attraction.
Hutchinson will succeed Elizabeth "Billie" Grieb, who will step down as zoo president in December after five years at the helm.
Hutchinson will work to improve the 131-year-old attraction's aging infrastructure and improve its financial position through the 2009 legislative session while the board renews its search for a permanent replacement next year, officials said.
http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2007/09/24/daily11.html
Star Wars comes to the zoo
The Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park will get a taste of a galaxy far, far away from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, when members of three area Star Wars clubs will be entertaining zoo patrons.
Characters will be presented by the Binghamton FanForce Chapter, The 501st Legion’s Garrison Excelsior and The Rebel Legion’s Echo Base. The clubs will have a table as well; visitors can stop by for some giveaways for kids and to learn more.
http://www.pressconnects.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070925/NEWS01/70925007
Zoo boss triumphs in car park fight
Published on 25/09/2007
MULTI-MILLIONAIRE zoo boss David Gill is celebrating a major victory over his arch enemies at Barrow Borough Council.
A government inspector says he can keep a new car park that the council ordered him to rip up.
In his latest run-in with Barrow planners, Mr Gill had asphalted a large parking area outside his South Lakes Wild Animal Park in Dalton without planning permission.
The council’s planning committee said it was an eyesore and issued an enforcement notice for it to be removed in January.
Mr Gill ignored the demand and took his fight to an inspector appointed by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.
Now the inspector, John Braithwaite, has ruled the car park can stay.
http://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/viewarticle.aspx?id=546480
Have a Howling Good Time at Zoo's Wolf Awareness Day
You can learn all about wolves and the need to protect them during Cleveland Metroparks Zoo's annual Wolf Awareness Day, featuring special activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, October 13.
Visit the Wolf Lodge to see the Zoo's grey wolves and play "From Pup to Pack Leader," an interactive board game that will have you wagging your tail, howling and growling. Check out the Wolf Story Corner, get your face painted and make a pledge to help wolves and other wildlife.
The Zoo's Wolf Awareness Day kicks off National Wolf Awareness Week, which aims to educate people about this often misunderstood predator. Once abundant in the forests of North America and Europe, wolves now are threatened due to illegal hunting and habitat destruction.
http://www.clemetzoo.com/pressroom/index.asp?action=details&pressrelease_id=1268
Zoo gets spooked
25 September 2007
A SPOOK-TACULAR Halloween Festival will be held Bristol Zoo next month.
There will be ghastly ghouls and scary spooks aplenty and families will be able to try their hands at pumpkin carving, dress up in creepy costumes and join witches and wizards for fun, games and music. Prizes and freebies will be dished out to lucky visitors.
During the festival a Halloween Trail will be held. Families can pick up a spooky trail card when entering the zoo and follow the creepy trail visiting animals on the way.
http://www.thewestonmercury.co.uk/content/twm/whatson/story.aspx?brand=Westonmercury&category=whatsonMisc&tBrand=westonmercury&tCategory=zwhatson&itemid=WeED25%20Sep%202007%2018%3A36%3A08%3A390
Program gets kids moving at the zoo
09/25/2007 03:58 PM
ASHEBORO, N.C. -- What's the best way to get your little one moving? Parents at one Randolph County school are combining nurture with nature.
The North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro is a popular place for kids to take a walk on the wild side. But for one group, it's now become a place to simply take a walk.
“Early childhood obesity is on the rise in Randolph County especially,” said Amanda Ratliff with the Randolph County Public Library, which sponsors Franklinville Parents-as-Teachers.
http://news14.com/Default.aspx?ArID=587621
Zoo babies (Video)
Meet Taronga Zoo's Bubble and Janey and their surrogate mothers.
http://publish.vx.roo.com/thedaily/videoplayer/?channel=Telegraph+TV&clipid=1418_163435&bitrate=300&format=wmp
Pueblo Zoo accredited once again
The Pueblo Zoo once again has been accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
The zoo organization first earned the AZA accreditation in 1992 when it took over management of the Pueblo Zoo, and has earned it again every five years since.
Marti Osborn, the zoo's associate director and education curator, said the accreditation is like the Good Housekeeping stamp of approval; it means the zoo operates at a high level of professionalism.
The accreditation enables the zoo to get rare Species Survival Plan animals that are managed by committees in the zoo world, she said.
http://www.chieftain.com/life/1190788424/3
All the way from Florence, new Orangutan fits in nicely
by Renee Towan, Horticulturist
Today we installed a chainsaw carving across from the orangutan exhibit. I researched this type of artwork made throughout the west coast and found them to be quite expensive. However when I contacted Timothy Robins at http://www.mysticwoods.net/ he offered to donate his time to work on a carving of our male orang. Timothy grew up in Sacramento spending time at our Zoo when he was young and was honored to be able to display his work here.
The carving had quite a trip, traveling all the way from Florence, Oregon to Sacramento. Gardens are more than just plants, they need a little whimsy and "Leo" (affectionately nicknamed by the maintenance staff) is providing that here overlooking the orangs and zebras.
http://sacramentozoo.blogspot.com/2007/09/all-way-from-florence-new-orangutan.html
Cleveland Zoo secures $1M gift
By SHANNON MORTLAND
11:41 am, September 26, 2007
The Cleveland Zoological Society has received a $1 million gift for its new African Elephant Crossing exhibit.
The gift came from Lauren and Steve Spilman to name the Sydell L. Miller Elephant Care and Visitor Center in honor of Lauren’s mother. The gift brings the amount raised for the exhibit to $7.4 million.
“The zoo holds a special place in our hearts and we are excited to be able to give such a special gift to my mother,” said Lauren Spilman, who has served on the Zoological Society’s board of trustees for five years. “She loves elephants and this is the perfect way to honor her and assist the zoo and Zoo Society to take our zoo from good to great.”
African Elephant Crossing will be four times larger than the current elephant exhibit. The $25 million project is being financed equally by the Zoological Society and the Cleveland Metroparks and is slated to open in 2010.
Sydell Miller is the co-founder of Matrix Essentials Inc., a maker of hair and beauty products that now is owned by L’Oreal USA Inc.
http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20070926/FREE/70926017/1096&Profile=1096
2007-09-26 - Colchester, United Kingdom
Zoo keepers at Colchester Zoo have become extremely concerned about the health of one of its elephants. Keepers at the zoo are worried about the progress of Rosa the elephant, who has been under a pioneering drug treatment for several months now with no improvement. In May Rosa was examined under anaesthetic to assess her condition which was causing her obvious discomfort and compromising her welfare. The procedure confirmed scarring to her vagina which was affecting the nerves in the pelvic are...
http://www.elephant-news.com/index.php?id=2772
Werribee Open Range Zoo
http://www.zoo.org.au/vorz/
Hours: 9am - 5pm (last entry 3.30pm)
Directions: Car: Get out of Melbourne via the West Gate Freeway and head towards Geelong. About half an hour out you'll see signs for Werribee Open Range Zoo. Public transport: There's a shuttle that leaves from the Victorian Art Centre in the city.
http://www.travbuddy.com/Werribee-Open-Range-Zoo-v11095
Military families get free zoo admission Oct. 14
BY STEPHANIE HEINATZ 757-247-7821
4:24 PM EDT, September 27, 2007
NORFOLK - As part of Fleet Week 2007, military troops and their families will receive free admission to the Virginia Zoo on Granby Street in Norfolk Sunday, Oct. 14.
To get in, you'll need to show a military ID card validating active duty, retired, Defense Department civilian or reservist status.
The event, which will include other activities, runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Games, music, face painting, clowns, inflatable ride and military demonstrations will be available for the military kids. For more information, or for directions to the zoo, visit www.virginiazoo.org.
http://www.dailypress.com/news/local/norfolk/dp-now-freezoo.0927,0,7297701.story
Jackson Zoo Breaks Ground on New Facility
The Jackson Zoo celebrated the ground breaking of a new 1.5 million dollar facility Thursday. The Gertrude C. Ford Education Center will complete the new 'Wilderness Mississippi area of the zoo. The area is home to native Mississippi habitats and species, like alligators, cougars, and river otters. Smaller animals, like honeybees, spiders, and lizards will be on exhibit in the new Education Center. It will also include interactive displays for school groups and visitors.
"The lesson we want to teach is to basically get a conservation ethic with the kids at an early age, just to enjoy what's out there in the wild in Mississippi," said Jackson Zoo Executive Director Beth Poff. "Hopefully protect it as they grow up."
Construction on the 35 hundred square foot facility begins in November and should be complete in the spring of 2009.
http://www.wlbt.com/Global/story.asp?S=7139880&nav=2CSf
KC Zoo Welcomes Baby Chimp
POSTED: 2:47 pm CDT September 27, 2007
UPDATED: 2:57 pm CDT September 27, 2007
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A new primate, a female chimpanzee, was born at the Kansas City Zoo on Sept. 1.
The baby chimpanzee, as yet unnamed, was born to Kioja, a 13-year-old chimp.
Kioja's parents, Blackie and Jimmie, are members of the original chimpanzee troupe that has been at the zoo for almost 50 years.
http://www.kctv5.com/news/14220566/detail.html
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