Wild Asia project update: Creating natural corridors in oil palm plantations
The Wild Asia Natural Corridors Initiative (NCI) kicked off in July with the opening of a field station at the first of our NCI Project Sites, located at an oil palm estate in Negeri Sembilan (Malaysia), near the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
The field station is located close to a river, the Sg. Janging, which runs through the estate. The main focus of the implementation of the Natural Corridors Initiative here is to enhance river bank buffer zones with the effect of increasing wildlife habitats and reducing the sedimentation and erosion along the stream and river channels.
http://www.wildasia.net/main.cfm?parentID=2&page=article&articleID=361
Clutch of rare lizard eggs hatch
In the wild Utila iguanas live in mangrove forests
Nine critically-endangered lizards, native only to a small Caribbean island, have been born at London Zoo.
The Utila iguana eggs hatched at the Regent's Park site in July as part of a programme to save them from extinction.
Native to the island of Utila, the creatures measure up to 15cm (6in) and are the only type of spiny-tailed iguana to live in mangrove swamps.
The babies will be exported to zoos in Spain, Poland and California next month to continue the breeding programme.
Known as Swampers, because of their habitat, they survive on a diet of small insects and leafy greens.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/7000856.stm
TACOMA: Zoo wins conservation award for red wolf breeding program
Kris Sherman; The News Tribune
Published: September 20th, 2007 01:00 AM
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium’s part in bringing red wolves back from the brink of extinction and helping re-establish the species in the wild earned the facility a national conversation award, zoo officials announced Wednesday.
The Red Wolf Recovery Program received the North America Conservation Award during the Association of Zoos and Aquariums annual meeting in Philadelphia. Will Waddell, a 23-year Point Defiance employee who coordinates the program, accepted the award.
The zoo began its red wolf breeding project in 1973. Fourteen years later, in 1987, the zoo released four adult red wolf pairs into their natural habitat, a news release said.
There were fewer than two dozen red wolves in the wild 35 years ago. Today there are more than 250. The wolves once freely roamed the southeastern regions of the United States.
The program, which began with 14 captured wolves, now involves dozens of facilities nationwide. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is a partner.
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/160275.html
Lions to make comeback at Oregon Zoo
Posted by The Oregonian September 19, 2007 21:02PM
Categories: Breaking News
Lions are coming back to Oregon Zoo after more than a decade's absence.
But first, the zoo must make room for them as part of the African exhibit, "Predators of the Serengeti," which is scheduled to open in 2009.
The casualty will be the 22-year-old Alaska Tundra exhibit, which runs through Sunday. It is being renovated to become part of the Africa exhibit, on which the zoo is planning to break ground soon.
Zoo Director Tony Vecchio said bringing lions back has been a longtime goal.
"The one thing I've heard over and over since I came here nine years ago was that we needed to bring back lions," he said in a news release.
"We need to expand Africa to accommodate lions, and the most logical place to expand Africa is next door to Africa."
http://blog.oregonlive.com/breakingnews/2007/09/lions_to_make_comeback_at_oreg.html
Dodo, Jersey Zoo
http://www.dodo.blog.br/dodo-jersey-zoo/
Panda At The Memphis Zoo (Video)
http://kryan70.vox.com/library/post/panda-at-the-memphis-zoo.html?_c=feed-atom
Zoo slashing prices Saturday for lower Valley
By Leslie Williams-Dennis—The Brownsville Herald
September 19, 2007 - 11:59PM
The Gladys Porter Zoo will reduce the price of admission on Saturday for all residents living in the lower Rio Grande Valley.
The zoo’s “Lower Valley Appreciation Day” applies to residents of both Cameron county and Matamoros, Mexico and gives the community the opportunity to enter the zoo for about half price.
“It’s just the zoo’s way of saying thanks to the Valley,” said zoo spokesman Charlie Abrego. “Sometimes it might be a little bit expensive to bring the whole family with our normal prices, so this is a good break for the public.”
http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/zoo_80380___article.html/valley_lower.html
Lights, Camera, Wigs!!!
By Jaime Wilson, Sacramento Zoo Player
Most of the Sacramento Zoo employees wear many career hats. We are called upon to do tasks that may or may not be in our job description, but we willingly jump into projects that need to be done. We are a real team!
One of the odder jobs that we do around this time of year is Wild Affair. It is our big, gala fundraiser that treats our guest to behind-the-scenes tours, silent auction, gourmet dinner, live auction and an oh-so-quirky show. That’s were the fun begins.
http://sacramentozoo.blogspot.com/2007/09/lights-camera-wigs.html
Zoo Boulevard exit ramp closed tonight
BY STAN FINGER
The Wichita Eagle
The exit ramp linking northbound I-235 traffic to Zoo Boulevard will be closed tonight as maintenance crews continue patching projects along the bypass.
The ramp will be closed from about 6:30 p.m. today to 6 a.m. Friday, Kansas Department of Transportation spokesman Tom Hein said. The north- and southbound left lanes from Central to the Arkansas River Bridge near 21st Street will also be closed.
Crews are patching concrete along I-235, Hein said, and have been working their way south from Broadway.
http://www.kansas.com/news/updates/story/180103.html
NEW Zoo gets accreditation status by zoo group
The Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo is once again one of the best in the country, according to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
The NEW Zoo is just one of 216 zoos across the country to receive accreditation from the association – and of that group, only six are self-supportive, said zoo director Neil Anderson. The zoo first received accreditation in 1996.
“One of that six doesn’t receive any endowment funds,” he said, “and that’s us. Talk about endangered species.”
For zoos to keep the accreditation, they must go through the process every five years. Fewer than 10 percent of the approximate U.S. Department of Agriculture-licensed 2,600 animal exhibitors are accredited, Anderson said.
The association grants accreditation based on areas such as animal management and care, veterinary program, involvement in conservation and research, education programs and physical facilities.
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070920/GPG0101/70920057/1207/GPGnews
River Otter: A zoo day!
http://maryschwalm.wordpress.com/2007/09/20/river-otter/
Ranchi zoo to introduce animal adoption
Ranchi, Sept 20 - From October, you will be able adopt an animal in the Birsa Zoological Park here. The authorities are going to start an animal adoption programme to improve awareness about wildlife conservation.
The adoption programme will be open to individuals, companies and civil groups. The 'parent' will be given a special lesson on animal behaviour, and their names will be up on a board at the zoo.
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/110856.html
Association of Zoos & Aquariums accredits Pittsburgh Zoo
The Associated Press
The Association of Zoos & Aquariums has again accredited the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.
The accreditation means the Pittsburgh Zoo meets the association's standards for animal care, research, conservation efforts, finances and other aspects of zoo management.
Jim Maddy, president and chief executive of the AZA, says only the very best zoos can meet the association's tough standards.
In March, zoo officials had to submit a report on zoo management. And in August, a four-person inspection team visited the zoo for three days before the accreditation was issued Wednesday.
http://www.centredaily.com/news/state/story/212401.html
Buttonwood Park Zoo fundraiser Sunday to aid elephants worldwide
By Pamela Marean
Standard-Times correspondent
September 20, 2007 6:00 AM
Find out what it's like to have a curious elephant reach out to touch you with its powerful trunk. Get up close and personal with New Bedford's resident pachyderms, Emily and Ruth, and help the giant and gentle creatures of their kind around the globe at the same time.
Elephant appreciation and fundraising is the focus behind a whole host of exciting activities at Buttonwood Park Zoo on Sunday. Those who come will enjoy behind-the-scenes experiences with these unique endangered animals that are usually reserved only for zookeepers.
Zookeeper Shelley Avila, who coordinated the event, promised that the First Annual Elephant Tracks Fundraiser will open the gates to the elephant pen and let visitors see what's behind the walls.
Asian elephants Emily and Ruth each tower over Ms. Avila's head and weigh as much as light trucks. "I love them," she said. "Mentally they are like 5-year-olds. They are wonderful animals, very intelligent."
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070920/ENTERTAIN/709200302/-1/LIFE
Event will raise funds for multiple zoo projects
The Capital-Journal
Published Thursday, September 20, 2007
Supporters of the Topeka Zoo will gather for food, wine and music to raise money for the zoo Sept. 29.
The Zoobilee will feature about 10 restaurants and five bars and music by Son Venezuela and the KC Boulevard Band.
http://cjonline.com/stories/092007/loc_201131354.shtml
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
Hope, at last, for zoo modernisation programme
Staff Reporter
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There may be light, after all, at the end of the tunnel for the much-delayed modernisation programme at the Thiruvananthapuram zoo. On September 20 the Culture Secretary has called a meeting of zoo officials and those from the Public Works Department to discuss the completion of pending construction work associated with the modernisation programme.
The programme was initiated in 1998 and was expected to be over in five years. The idea was that the city zoo would become a pseudo-habitat paradise for various species of animals and birds. Today, however, close to 40 per cent of the work related to the modernisation programme remain to be completed. Enclosures that were to have been inaugurated in 2005-2006 remain as patches of land overgrown with weeds. The September 20 meeting is expected to take stock of this look for a way out.
http://www.hindu.com/2007/09/20/stories/2007092050720200.htm
Shanghai Zoo saves white rhinoceros
By Gu Jia 2007-9-21
THE Shanghai Zoo has saved a white rhinoceros which was dying from an inflammation, the Oriental Morning Post reported today.
Xiao He, a three-year-old newcomer to the zoo from South Africa, was found to have very low blood hematin a week ago.
"She looked listless and showed no interest in food since this month," said Chen Lihua, a department head with the zoo. "In the past, however, Xiao He was the most active young rhinoceros in the zoo."
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2007/200709/20070921/article_332056.htm
New best friends are waiting at the zoo
Looking for that perfect, four-legged friend to share your home and spend lots of quality time with?
If so, the Detroit Zoo is the place to be next weekend.
The zoo is teaming with the Michigan Humane Society and several local animal welfare organizations to sponsor Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 29-30. Organizers claim the event is the nation's largest off-site companion animal adoption program.
The adoption event will be held outdoors under tents in the Detroit Zoo's front parking lot beneath the water tower. There is no charge for admission or parking for adoption event guests; however, regular admission and parking fees apply for those visiting the Zoo.
http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070921/NEWS18/709210313/1035
Hey baby, lookin' sharp: North American porcupine born at Houston Zoo
05:27 PM CDT on Thursday, September 20, 2007
KHOU.com staff report
There is a new resident at the Houston Zoo.
The North American porcupine, which has yet to be named, was born last week.
The cute little critter, which weighed one pound and seven ounces at birth, is living in the Forest area of the McGovern Children’s Zoo.
Officials say he and his mother, Cody, father, Kendal, and sister, Spike are doing fine.
http://www.khou.com/news/local/stories/khou070920_jj_newporcupine.f28b4901.html
India Zoo Tries to Save Orphan Elephant
Friday September 21, 2007 11:16 AM
BHUBANESWAR, India (AP) - Veterinarians at a zoo in eastern India struggled Friday to save an orphaned baby elephant who was injured when a train killed his mother, officials said.
The four-month-old elephant was brought to the Nandankanan Zoo in the city of Bhubaneswar with light injuries, but his chances of surviving without his mother were estimated at 50 percent, said zoo director Ajit Patnaik.
``Baby elephants below the age of one year tend to have a very strong physical bond with their mothers. Therefore, the calf is feeling both mentally and physically weak after losing its mother. However, we are trying our level best to keep the baby alive,'' he said.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-6938480,00.html
No seal of approval yet for aquarium
By MARK DAVIS
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 09/16/07
Philadelphia — The Georgia Aquarium's hope that it would become a member this year of a national organization has sunk.
A commission representing the national Association of Zoos and Aquariums on Saturday tabled a decision on whether to accredit the Atlanta fish tank.
Its members asked aquarium officials to make a few changes in the aquarium's operations and return to the committee next year.
"We were probably six months too early" in applying to be an accredited member, said Jeff Swanagan, the aquarium's executive director. He and other aquarium officials are in Philadelphia to attend the annual AZA convention, which begins Monday.
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/atlanta/stories/2007/09/15/aquarium_0916.html
Furry, feathered, scaly friends accompany Hanna to Zoofari 2007 fundraiser
Comment on this story
By Bill Mayeroff, bmayeroff@qconline.com
COAL VALLEY -- Jack Hanna thinks that one day, Niabi Zoo could rival major zoos in the Chicago area.
"You're very fortunate to have a zoo like this in this area," said Mr. Hanna, a television personality who was keynote speaker at Saturday's Zoofari 2007 fundraiser.
Mr. Hanna, also director emeritus of the Columbus Zoo in Columbus, Ohio, did not come alone. Accompanying him were some furry, feathered and scaly friends, including a North American porcupine, a warthog, and an African gray parrot.
http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=354420
The Rocky Mountain Exotic Pet Society
Founded in late 2007, The Rocky Mountain Exotic Pet Society (RMEPS) is a group of individuals who are dedicated to keeping, breeding, and the general education of exotic pets that have flooded the pet trade market in the last five years. Invertebrates (mainly tarantulas, scorpions and centipedes) are the most popular exotic pets among the RMEPS members.
http://www.rmeps.org/
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo gets one millionth visit today
Posted by Donna J. Miller September 21, 2007 13:51PM
Categories: FYI
When Hope Minor walked through the gate of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo this morning with her Jane Addams High School students, a zoo employee congratulated her on being the zoo's one millionth visitor of the year.
As her students cheered, the 35-year-old teacher and mother of two was presented with a one-year family membership to the Cleveland Zoological Society and a bagful of prizes, spokesman Tom O'Konowitz said in a news release.
Zoo attendance is 64,300 people ahead of this time last year. September attendance was bolstered by the zoo's 125th anniversary event that drew about 12,000 visitors on Sept.
15. That's quadruple the average attendance for a Saturday in September, O'Konowitz said.
This summer, about 213,000 people visited the dinosaur exhibit and 255,000 visited an exhibit on sting rays and sharks that allowed them to touch the creatures.
For more information: clemetzoo.com or 216-661-6500.
http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2007/09/cleveland_metroparks_zoo_gets.html
The Zoo Race - Noahs Adventures 2
Description:
THE ZOO RACE – An animal zoo racing game for older kids ages 9-99.
- After laughing and teasing her friend Rueben about believing in the bible story of Noah's Ark, then Hannah the librarian has a dream about it. In her dream, her friends are re-shaped into animals and she herself changes into a racehorse and participates in the race "Games of Celebration" after the world flood. But, unknown to everyone, Noah’s sons have created a lot of obstacles on the racetrack for the creatures. These obstacles on the racetrack slow down the participants and include hurdles, glass mazes, piranha fish, fire geysers, exploding barrels and balloons,earthquakes,stampedes, trampolines, bomber planes, rockets, cannons and so much more! "Let's give them a real race, ha-ha!" said Japeth. "Yes and let’s have lots of fun watching them! Ha-Ha!" said Shem and Ham, so beware, because this race is so very different. Will you be able to find enough food to gain the energy needed to win? Can you survive amidst all the obstacles? Will you play each creatures specific strengths to the best of their abilities? Play the free shareware download and find out. Find the creature living in you. Play the game. NOW !
http://www.programfiles.com/default.asp?LinkID=50653
Healthy Checkup For Baby Panda At SD Zoo (Video)
The San Diego Zoo's newest baby panda will soon be getting her first look at the world around her. Zoo vets say the cub's eyes are starting to open.
The vets say she is growing very well -- and when they picked her up for her physical Thursday she was wearing a milk mustache.
That tells her keepers she is eating well and getting the nutrition she needs.
http://cbs5.com/pets/local_story_264175300.html
Toddler hit by train at Niabi Zoo
Comment on this story
By Jenny Lee, jlee@qconline.com
A toddler was hit by the train this afternoon at Niabi Zoo in Coal Valley, according to zoo director Tom Stalf.
A girl around 2 years old was standing on the train tracks when she was hit by the slow-moving train, Mr. Stalf said. She was not run over, he said.
Zoo officials called 911. The girl was taken to Trinity West in Rock Island, said Lt. William Kauzlarich of the Rock Island County Sheriff's Department. He said the girl's injuries were not life-threatening.
Mr. Stalf said he is conducting an investigation so this doesn't happen again.
Coal Valley police were also at the scene.
"This was a scary moment for everyone involved -- the visitors, the staff, the parents, the child," Mr. Stalf said.
The train didn't have a mechanical failure, Mr. Stalf said.
The train has been around since the early 1970s, Mr. Stalf said. He said this type of accident has never happened at the zoo before.
http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=355244
No seal of approval yet for aquarium
By MARK DAVIS
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 09/16/07
Philadelphia — The Georgia Aquarium's hope that it would become a member this year of a national organization has sunk.
A commission representing the national Association of Zoos and Aquariums on Saturday tabled a decision on whether to accredit the Atlanta fish tank.
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/atlanta/stories/2007/09/15/aquarium_0916.html
Zoo Makes the Mark
WSLS NewsChannel 10
Sep 16, 2007
The Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) today announced that Mill Mountain was granted accreditation by AZA's independent Accreditation Commission.
Zoo Director, Sean Greene, was very excited about the news.
"When people see the master plan and see the prairie dog exhibit, the overlook deck, the new Zoo Choo that's going to be coming in 2008, I think there's a lot of excitement on what's going to happen. We're not going to have to sit back and say, 'Well if the zoo gets accredited.' We're beyond that now, and it's very exciting."
The accredidation lasts five years.
Only about ten percent of the zoos in the United States are accredited.
http://www.wsls.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=WSLS%2FMGArticle%2FSLS_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1173352776037&path=!news!localnews
A bear to spare
Knox zoo trying to find 512-pound guest Bruno a new accredited home (Video)
By Amy McRary (Contact)
Monday, September 17, 2007
A big brown bear named Bruno now lives at the Knoxville Zoo but once appeared in TV commercials and later lived fenced in a remote menagerie.
How long the 512-pound bear will live at the zoo is uncertain.
Housing him wasn’t in the zoo’s plans; it took Bruno in after the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency confiscated him in June from a Cumberland County location.
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2007/sep/17/bear-spare/
Local zoos
Voice: Patricia Matthews, Bay City
I'm responding to the Tim Younkman ''Zoo'' article of Sept. 3.
Who doesn't like a zoo? As our children were growing up, we've made several day-trips to zoos. They love the interaction with all sorts of creatures big and small. The giggles and looks on their faces were well worth the price of admission.
More recently, my husband and I have had the opportunity to visit several major cities across the U.S. while attending his Marine Corps reunions. At each city, the most pleasant and fun destination was their local zoo.
It's our turn to share zoos now with our grandchildren, and we love it more than they do. Seeing something new and wonderful through their eyes sure fills the heart.
With all the negative responses toward a casino in Bay City, I think that local politicians, businesses and corporate sponsors would more willingly support a family attraction. My personal opinion is that any new business that creates jobs and revenue for this city is a good decision. Let's make it happen!
http://www.mlive.com/columns/bctimes/index.ssf?/base/news-1/11900421435230.xml&coll=4
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium retains national accreditation
The News Tribune
Published: September 17th, 2007 12:51 PM
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium has retained accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums for another five years.
The designations "puts Point Defiance among an elite set of North American zoos that meet rigorous standards of animal care, education and conservation," said zoo director Gary Geddes in a press release.
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/updates/story/158190.html
Wild Animal Park keepers bottle-feeding latest inhabitant
By: SHANNON WINGARD - For the North County Times
Rare Somali wild ass born last month rejected by its mother
SAN PASQUAL VALLEY -- Keepers at the Wild Animal Park east of Escondido said last week they're bottle-feeding a rare female Somali wild ass that has been rejected by its mother.
Park spokeswoman Christina Simmons said mothers don't reject their offspring often, either in captivity or in the wild.
"It's better if the mother takes care of the baby, of course, but if not we'll step in," she said.
Park officials said the animal, named Lowena, has been hand-raised in a nursery since it was born on Aug. 26.
http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/09/18/news/inland/3_01_589_18_07.txt
AZA grants accreditation to Topeka Zoo
The Capital-Journal
Published Tuesday, September 18, 2007
PHILADELPHIA — The Association of Zoos & Aquariums today announced that the Topeka Zoo has been accredited by its independent Accreditation Commission.
“Only the very best zoos and aquariums can meet tough Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation standards,” said Jim Maddy, AZA president and chief executive officer. “The leadership and staff of the Topeka Zoo are to be congratulated for the hard work and commitment that they put into the accreditation process.”
To be accredited, the zoo underwent a thorough investigation to ensure it has and will continue to meet ever-rising standards, which include animal care, veterinary programs, conservation, education and safety.
http://cjonline.com/stories/091807/bre_zoo.shtml
The End of Panda Diplomacy (Video)
September 18, 2007
With their cuddly appearance and perfectly coordinated black-white ensembles, it would be nearly impossible to find an ambassador that's as universally loved and admired than China's Giant Pandas.
http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/231591.aspx
1,300 years of global diplomacy ends for China's giant pandas
Jon Watts in Beijing
Friday September 14, 2007
The world's cuddliest diplomats are out of a job. China will no longer give giant pandas to foreign countries as a way of improving international relations, the domestic media has reported. Ending an ancient tradition, wildlife officials said the endangered animals would only be lent for breeding and biological research.
But questions are likely to be raised about the financial motives behind a decision that looks likely to boost the lucrative business of renting out the animals to zoos for as much as $1m (£490,000) a year.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/china/story/0,,2169057,00.html
‘Super typhoon’ heads for China’s financial
Zoos cage animals
...Two zoos in the city caged their animals to prevent any making escape bids along fallen trees. The zoos also cut off power supplies to prevent fires and boosted staffing.
Zhejiang’s inland areas also faced the threats of floods and landslides caused by torrential rain. By Tuesday evening, some rivers and reservoirs had risen to warning levels, Xinhua said.
Some 30,000 boats and ships had returned to harbor in Zhejiang, where beach resorts and sea farms were evacuated and ferry services suspended, state media said.
“Wipha will hit our province head on and the areas affected would be the most economically developed and densely populated,” the Zhejiang provincial government warned.
“Strong winds will come with heavy rainfall ... The relief work will be complicated and grave,” it said in a statement.
Zhejiang’s inland areas also faced the threats of floods and landslides caused by torrential rain, it said.
Wipha, a woman’s name in Thai, was upgraded from a tropical storm Monday.
2006 storm killed 400
Typhoons, large cyclones known as hurricanes in the West, regularly hit China, Taiwan, the Philippines and Japan in the summer season, gathering strength from the warm waters of the Pacific or the South China Sea before weakening over land….
http://www.flixya.com/post/godAar/22923/%E2%80%98Super_typhoon%E2%80%99_heads_for_China%E2%80%99s_financial
Sea Otter Awareness Week begins Sunday
Defenders of Wildlife will dive into Sea Otter Awareness Week on Sunday.
Defenders has partnered with sea otter researchers, marine institutions, museums, aquariums and zoos, and many others to celebrate sea otters and the integral role they play in the coastal marine ecosystem.
Aquariums and zoos throughout North America - and even a zoo in Antwerp, Belgium - will participate in up-close educational activities to celebrate the week.
http://thecalifornian.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070918/NEWS01/70918007/1002
This video says about itself: ‘The Iguana Station workers regularly fill up the feeding trays with sugar water - so that the humming birds may feed - here are a couple in action in Utila.’
http://dearkitty.blogsome.com/2007/09/19/rare-utila-iguanas-eggs-hatch-in-london/
Zoo granted coveted AZA accreditation
Thursday, September 20, 2007
By Linda Wilson Fuoco, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium has once again been granted accreditation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.
"Only the very best zoos and aquariums can meet tough AZA accreditation standards," said Jim Maddy, the association's president and chief executive officer. The Pittsburgh Zoo "meets or exceeds AZA's high standards" and "provides every visitor with a chance to connect to global wildlife conservation."
Zoos have to undergo the accreditation process every five years.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07263/819045-53.stm
IDA ACTION ALERTS
1. Nominate Your Local Zoo for IDA's Ten Worst Zoos for Elephants in 2007 List
2. City Offers Residents Prize Money in Dog Catching Contest
3. Help Animals Suffering Desperately in Puerto Rico Zoo
CAMPAIGN NEWS & UPDATES
1. IDA India Uncovers Deadly Dog Sterilization Scam
2. Florida Postpones Decision on Downlisting Manatees
3. Iceland Ends Commercial Whaling
IDA ACTION ALERTS
1. Nominate Your Local Zoo for IDA's 2007 Ten Worst Zoos for Elephants List!
Put the Spotlight on Your Local Zoo and Help Elephants, Too!
For the last few years, IDA has released its annual list of the Ten Worst Zoos for Elephants to draw attention to the appalling treatment of Earth's largest mammal in captivity and pressure zoos to provide the space and natural conditions elephants need or stop keeping elephants altogether.
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/09/19/18448575.php
Averting Extinction
Scientists are trying to save amphibians by bringing them into captivity.
By Alisa Opar
A decade ago, you might have spotted a Kihansi spray toad in its native Tanzania. But not today; the toads are believed to have gone extinct in the wild.
Now if you want to see one of the penny-sized, bright-yellow amphibians, your best bet is to visit the Bronx Zoo. The zoo’s population of toads is one of a growing number of radical measures to save amphibian species from being wiped off the face of the earth.
http://www.plentymag.com/features/2007/09/amphibian_ark.php
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