Zoos
Nina Katchadourian, Enrichment
Sara Meltzer Gallery
Chelsea
Sara Meltzer Gallery is pleased to present Enrichment, an exhibition of new works by Nina Katchadourian. Her second show at the gallery continues her longstanding exploration of the human relationship to the natural world. Consisting of two multi-channel video installations and a photographic work, Enrichment contemplates animal behavior as well as our behavior towards animals.
In the lingo of animal caretakers, "enrichment" refers to the process of providing a stimulating environment for zoo animals in order to demonstrate their typical behavior and enhance their well-being. This may include the replication of natural habitats through exhibition design, the introduction of scents and sounds from their natural environment, feeding that encourages natural foraging behavior and the introduction of objects, including "toys," that mentally challenge animals. The existence of the term is also a tacit acknowledgement of the psychological difficulties animals face in captivity.
http://www.artcal.net/event/view/1/6013
More lion kittens found
Associated Press - November 27, 2007 9:25 AM ET
RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) - Three more mountain lion kittens that were orphaned during the hunting season have been caught so they can get the care they need, and officials are looking for 1 more.
So far, 6 orphaned kittens have been captured.
The orphans will be raised at South Dakota State University until they can be placed with zoos.
The mountain lion season in South Dakota ended Friday when the quota of 15 females was reached.
State officials retrieve orphaned kittens if it's determined that they're not able to survive on their own.
Information from: Rapid City Journal, http://www.rapidcityjournal.com
Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
http://www.kmeg14.com/Global/story.asp?S=7413955&nav=menu609_2_4
Breeding elephants doesn't protect them
Zoos like those in Pittsburgh should help preserve the animals' native habitat instead
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
By Marianne Bessey
During this month's ground-breaking ceremony at the Pittsburgh zoo's proposed elephant breeding facility in Somerset Country, lots of lip service was paid to "conservation." It is without question that elephants, endangered in Asia and threatened in Africa, desperately need help. But will spending millions of dollars on breeding a handful of elephants actually help elephants -- or just the zoo's bottom line?
Marianne Bessey is a spokesperson for Friends of Philly Zoo Elephants (marianne. bessey@dechert.com).
The elephant exhibit at the Philadelphia Zoo is closing and the three remaining wild-caught African elephants -- Kallie, Bette and Petal -- are supposed to move to Somerset County in April. The zoo's Asian elephant, Dulary, was fortunate enough to leave Philadelphia in May for The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, where she enjoys the closest thing to an elephant's life possible in captivity.
Kallie, Bette and Petal could have a similar life at the Performing Animal Welfare Society sanctuary in California, but instead the Philadelphia Zoo has decided to ship them to the "International Conservation Center" breeding facility in Somerset County.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07304/829727-109.stm
Sympathy for the devil
Extra insurance for the Tasmanian devil announced as scientists fear for its future.
Kate McDonald 29/11/2007 11:34:05
Up to 100 Tasmanian devils will be captured and quarantined as part of an ongoing insurance population strategy designed to ensure the survival of the species.
Save the Tasmanian Devil program manager Dr Steven Smith said the first stage will begin in late January, following months of surveys in the state's west and north-west to identify animals with no evidence of Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumour disease.
The uninfected devils will be put in quarantine and then sent to zoos on the mainland.
At present, 48 Tasmanian devils have been sent to wildlife parks to establish an 'insurance' population, to ensure the species' survival should the disease continue to decimate the wild population.
http://www.biotechnews.com.au/index.php/id;426950786;fp;2;fpid;1
Pinnawela to Yerevan:
A cruel change
Sagarica Rajakarunanayake
The Constitution of India states it shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.
The national and political leaders of India have not failed to ensure that nature and all living creatures of the land are embraced by the Constitution of India and brought under its protection.
It is the Fundamental Duty of every citizen, and also of all state functionaries, to act with compassion for all living creatures under Article 51A(g) of the Indian Constitution.
In fact Maneka Gandhi, India’s formidable Animal Rights Activist has on several occasions successfully sought the intervention of the courts against State departments for meting out cruel and inhumane treatment to animals and contravening the provisions of the Constitution of India and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/11/29/fea01.asp
Brazilian Ocelot Born
El Conquistador garnered his name when at 2 days old he wandered from his mother’s side and squeezed through fencing into a hallway for keeper staff on the back side of the exhibit.
“And he did all this when he was unable to see,” McMahan laughed. “He was so young, his eyes were still closed. So, we named him El Conquistador because he is definitely an explorer and conqueror.”
The kitten’s birth is significant because his father Itirapua is one of the very few “founder stock” ocelots, whose genes are critical for survival of the species. Link -via Fark
http://www.neatorama.com/2007/11/30/brazilian-ocelot-born/
Lake Superior Zoo euthanizes lion
Patrick Garmoe Duluth News Tribune
Published Thursday, November 29, 2007
The Lake Superior Zoo lost its only lion this week after 19-year-old Nemo had to be euthanized.
Blood tests taken Monday showed liver and kidney failure, which is common in elderly cats, Lake Superior Zoo veterinarian Louise Beyea said.
Though easier to replace than Bubba the polar bear, who died in July, Nemo also was an especially popular attraction at the zoo, said Sam Maida, the Lake Superior Zoo Society’s executive director. The society helps run portions of the zoo.
http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/articles/index.cfm?id=55161&freebie_check&CFID=71014282&CFTOKEN=32087633&jsessionid=883059bd0cc0234a72c4
Zoo President to Challenge Report on Polar Bear Deaths
Updated: Nov 24, 2007 12:33 PM EST
(Buffalo, NY, November 24, 2007) - - The head of The Buffalo Zoo is reportedly ready to challenge a federal report on the deaths of three polar bears.
Zoo President Dr. Donna Fernandes tells The Buffalo News she does not believe the condition of the polar bear exhibit caused the deaths of three polar bears in a six-month period.
A recently-revealed Department of Agriculture report cites care and conditions among the factors.
Earlier this week, the animal rights group PETA called for the removal of the Zoo's accreditation.
http://www.wivb.com/Global/story.asp?S=7402904
Lahore Zoo gets three giraffes in pakistan
Sunday, 25 November 2007
"Today is the memorable day in the history of Lahore Zoo because the Lahore Zoo have giraffes after 13 years. Lahore Zoo have bought three giraffes two females and one male from South Africa of worth Rs 7.4 million.
The coming of giraffes has increased the interest of children as well as the tourists. Children are waiting for this gift and the administration of Lahore Zoo have full fill their long awaited wish. There are no giraffes in the other Zoo's of Pakistan except Lahore Zoo," said Zoo Maintenance Committee Chairman and Wild Life Director General Muhammad Asif.
In his speech in a colourful ceremony of giraffes at the Lahore Zoo arranged by International School Garden Town children, he talked of the benefits of such educational and animal friendly activities and told the children about the different features of giraffes, such as that their weigh ranging from 550 kilogrames to 1,800 kilogrammes and height from 15 feet to 18 feet. He also told them that they live between 26 and 30 years. Zoo Director, maintenance committee members and staff were also present.
http://www.uniquepakistan.com/news/general/lahore-zoo-gets-three-giraffes-in-pakistan-20071125.html
Tigers, other animals, to sleep through zoo's big tech upgrade
A North Carolina wildlife sanctuary is getting a half-million-dollar upgrade
Matt Hamblen Today’s Top Stories
November 26, 2007 (Computerworld) -- The 85 tigers and other big cats at the Carnivore Preservation Trust (CPT) in Pittsboro, N.C., may scarcely notice the hubbub, but a $500,000 communications and computing upgrade is under way to help tell their story to the world.
IBM and Cisco Systems Inc. are donating the technology to the wildlife sanctuary and began installing the new gear about three weeks ago. In the first phase of the project, servers and voice-over-IP phones have been installed to give the full-time staff of 10 an alternative to a patchwork of donated PCs, printers and an old phone system that relied on answering machines, said Pam Fulk, the CPT's executive director.
Web browsing and word processing functions have been so slow "that I can press a 'Next' key and have time to do my nails while I'm waiting for the page to come up," Fulk joked during an interview.
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9048519&intsrc=news_ts_head
Brno zoo polar bear gives birth to two cubs
By ČTK / Published 26 November 2007
Brno, Nov 24 (CTK) - Cora, a female polar bear in the Brno zoo, gave birth to two cubs Friday and Saturday, and she seems to be caring for both assiduously, the zoo spokesman Pavel Hrazdira told CTK.
All of Cora's previous offspring died as she failed to care for them. If such danger emerged now, the keepers say they would place the cubs in an incubator.
Vets are closely monitoring the young bears.
They say artificial raising of the cubs is not necessary for the time being. The older cub, born on Friday afternoon, does not suffer from hunger, otherwise it would be heard whimpering.
If the cubs are successfully raised, the visitors could see them in several months.
The breed of polar bears in captivity is extremely difficult, experts say.
http://www.praguemonitor.com/en/220/czech_national_news/15102/
New Giraffe Born in Zoo Prague
Nov 26, 2007 12:02 PM Filed under
In the ‘African house’ a new baby giraffe was born, which makes the total number of giraffes born in Prague Zoo: sixty!. The youngster is a girl, was born on 17th November, is very active and can be seen since this weekend together with the rest of her pack.
Zoo celebrated the respectable number by a baptism ceremony of a giraffe boy Faust. The name was given by Milan Steindler, the dean of the 1st medical faculty of Tomas Zima. Faust truly is a hellish name, in spite of the blond baby giraffe doesn’t really show a link to hell.
http://www.abcprague.com/2007/11/26/new-giraffe-born-in-zoo-prague
Octopus Zoo Release Date
Just got back from Ohio. and I am exhausted from all the driving.
I thought a lot about the album, of course. And took a break from listening to it and let the music work itself out in my head. Ends up I'm going to be putting a time signature change in "Anchor Light", there wll be a little 3/4 section in the middle. A break, even.. from the 4/4 of the whole album. With the time away, I had time to consider how much was left to do, not just with Vacant Sky Parlor, but also with school.
So... The release date has changed again.. and this should be the last change, considering how close I am to getting everything done. With the holiday and school.. I haven't had the time to get any vocals recorded, and I am still finishing the music for three of the songs.
So, forget the January 8 date and know the release date is February 12, 2008.
Here is the track list. Though the order may change, the songs themselves are all decided.
http://rockstar.livejournal.com/186667.html
Bear Bites Student at a Private Zoo
By Julia Bonelli
10:54, November 26th 2007
While taking part in a program for budding zookeepers, a student from the Frostburg State University has been bitten by a bear at a private zoo in Farmington, Pa., and also scratched the person that tried to help the student.
The victim of the Maryland college was taking part in a behind-the-scenes tour, on Saturday, as part of a program called "zookeeper for a day." The program addresses adults which are interested of the zoo life, as it gives participants in it the opportunity of getting access to an area of the bear's den that was created to allow zookeepers to feed the animals.
Sonny Herring, owner of the Woodland Zoo and More, has declared that the student that was bitten by the bear required eight stitches, while the second person only had minor injuries, adding that they both went home soon.
Herring showed his disapprovement regarding the overemphasis of the incident, since he said that there are frequent dog bites inside the zoo, but nobody talks so much about them, the only thing that brought this case in the public being only the fact that it was a bear.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission has already started an investigation, declaring that the incident was minor, concerning the injuries, but they will continue the inquiry.
http://www.enews20.com/news_Bear_Bites_Student_at_a_Private_Zoo_03965.html
Zoo to monitor wind in energy-feasibility test
The Toledo Zoo hopes to harvest the breeze.
In conjunction with the non-profit Green Energy Ohio, the zoo will monitor wind in three directions from atop the Lucas County EMS tower at South Detroit and Glendale avenues, near the zoo.
Data from this test should reveal whether wind power is worth the investment for the zoo, a news release said.
Green consciousness at the zoo has risen considerably since Executive Director Anne Baker arrived almost two years ago. Construction plans for zoo projects, such as the all-season Children's Zone, include a green component.
"The steps we take now to find renewable energy will be extremely beneficial in the long run," Ms. Baker said. "If wind power turns out to be a cost-effective way to generate energy for the zoo, then we feel that it is imperative to pursue it."
Bill Spratley, executive director of Green Energy Ohio, said that regardless of the outcome of these tests, "we hope this will further raise consciousness about wind power as a sustainable energy source."
http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071126/NEWS38/71126002
Toledo Zoo to perform study on wind power
News Herald reports
TOLEDO -- To help reduce its dependence on oil, the Toledo Zoo recently received approval from the Lucas County Commissioners to install wind-monitoring equipment on a Lucas County EMS tower near the zoo. In doing so, the zoo will determine the feasibility of using wind in its ongoing efforts to provide greener and more-cost-effective power to the zoo's facilities.
Working in conjunction with Green Energy Ohio, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting environmentally and economically sustainable energy policies and practices in Ohio, the zoo will monitor wind at three different elevations on the EMS tower located on South Detroit Avenue. Through these studies, the zoo officials will gain a clearer understanding of the wind patterns throughout the year. From that data, the zoo officials will be able to determine whether there would be a favorable return on an investment in wind turbines to power the zoo.
http://www.portclintonnewsherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071126/NEWS01/711260316/1002
Toledo Zoo joins call to protect world's polar bears
Endangered species listing urged
Anne Baker, the zoo's executive director, and other zoo and environmental officials called for federal action to safeguard polar bears and preserve the animals' natural habitat.
By TOM HENRY
BLADE STAFF WRITER
The Toledo Zoo yesterday joined a national movement to get the polar bear listed as an endangered species because of global warming.
At the Arctic Encounter exhibit, as the zoo's bouncy, year-old trio of polar bear cubs delighted visitors by feeding on fish and frolicking in icy water, Anne Baker said the campaign exists because "polar bears are in trouble."
"We want our government to be concerned about it and we want them to start taking action," Ms. Baker, the zoo's executive director, said.
Joining Ms. Baker at the podium were Randi Meyerson, the zoo's curator of mammals; Andrew Wetzler, deputy director of the Natural Resources Defense Council, and Devan Willemsen, air and energy program associate for the Ohio Environmental Council.
http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071130/NEWS38/711300359
Rare lizards bred in Taipei Zoo
11/26/2007 (CNA)
Taipei, Nov. 26 (CNA) The Taipei Zoo has succeeded in breeding its first two young lizards of a rare species, the Gila monster, after trying for three years, a zoo official said Monday.
The two young lizards -- one 45.64 grams in weight and 17 centimeters in length and the other 31.75 grams in weight and 19 centimeters in length -- have been put on display at the zoo's reptile hall, Chiu Ruo-chun, the keeper of the lizards said.
The Gila monster, originating from southwestern America, is one of two kinds of venomous lizards in the world. Taiwan brought in two pairs of the lizards three years ago and tried to stimulate them into producing young lizards in captivity by putting them in a cabinet with constant moisture and temperature adjustment, Chiu said.
http://www.taiwanheadlines.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=96140&CtNode=39
Berlin Zoo Preparing Birthday Feast for Knut
As the countdown continues towards Knut's first birthday on December 5, Berlin Zoo's management remains tight-lipped about its plans for a celebration. But his faithful keeper Thomas Dörflein knows what the polar bear celebrity will be getting to eat that day.
Knut can look forward to a birthday feast on December 5.
Polar bear star Knut turns one on December 5 (more...)and media speculation about Berlin Zoo's plans for a party is heating up. His keeper Thomas Dörflein has already been thinking about the menu though.
"He'll get what he likes most: grapes, fish, boiled potatoes," Dörflein told
Bild am Sonntag newspaper. As for musical accompaniment to the festivities, Knut enjoyed listening to Dörflein playing Elvis Presley songs on the guitar in his first few months but is unlikely to get a repeat performance.
http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/0,1518,519742,00.html
Panel recommends zoo tax
BY JESSICA BROWN JLBROWN@ENQUIRER.COM
A committee that reviews tax levies this morning recommended that the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden put a 5-year levy on the March ballot to raise a total of $36.3 million, or about $7.2 million annually.
That’s more than the $6.1 million the current levy raises a year. The zoo is seeking $38 million over the five-year period. The county commissioners will vote on the issue by Dec. 5.
“We run a tight ship,” said Thane Maynard, the zoo’s executive director. “But expenses go up."
He noted that the levy amount was actually rolled back in 2003, resulting in the zoo collecting less now than it did in 1998.
It is unclear how much more the March levy would cost the owner of a $100,000 home, but Maynard said the difference for that hypothetical homeowner between the recommended amount and the zoo’s request would be 52 cents.
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071126/NEWS01/311260039
Zoo News Conference Today On Polar Bears Death
Updated: Nov 26, 2007 10:37 AM EST
(Buffalo, NY, November 26, 2007) -- A press conference will be held today at the Buffalo Zoo to shed more light on the recent deaths of three Polar bears.
Zoo president Donna Fernandez will hold a news conference at 1 this afternoon.
Last week, Fernandez told News 4 she does not believe the bears died because of substandard conditions, but a federal inspection report indicated care and conditions contributed to the deaths.
http://www.wivb.com/Global/story.asp?S=7408472
Many Seattle zoo animals nearing end of life span
Published Monday, November 26th, 2007
The Associated Press
SEATTLE (AP) - A number of animals at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle are getting up in years.
A hippo named Gertrude is the oldest animal at 44. She gets glucosamine to help with her aging joints.
The zoo has a number of animals nearing the end of their life expectancy: a pair of 40-year-old orangutans named Towan and Chinta, a 39-year-old gorilla named Pete, a 32-year-old zebra named Amy, a 25-year-old penguin named Pez, and a 16-year-old lion named Jake.
---
Information from: The Seattle Times, http://www.seattletimes.com
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/tch/local/state/story/9480247p-9391450c.html
Nature Playing With Light & Color; SF Zoo
We went to the San Francisco Zoo for the first time yesterday. Quite the nice zoo; the animals all seem fairly content and the grounds were beautifully designed. The paths were all windy and it is quite easy to get pleasantly lost, only to find yourself in the midst of some random part of the world’s animals.
The zoo also hosts quite the population of wild birds. Lots of ducks and seagulls, of course. We also saw a couple of great blue herons wandering and flying about. Magestic birds!
http://www.friday.com/bbum/2007/11/26/nature-playing-with-light-sf-zoo/
Animals Up For Adoption At North Carolina Zoo
Posted by: Bekki Kanter, Producer 3 days ago (11/26/2007 3:48:33 PM)
Zoo leaders say the adoption is a unique gift idea for children this holiday, and proceeds benefit the animals living at the Zoo.
Asheboro, NC -- The North Carolina zoo has more than a dozen animals up for adoption this holiday.
One program, called "Ten Tons of Fun" benefits the Zoo's new Elephant and Rhino exhibit, opening in the spring. The 37-acre exhibit will house about a dozen of each animal.
The adoption costs $59.99. It includes two 12-inch plush animals, a button commemorating the opening, an adoption certificate and a photograph of the the Zoo elephant and rhinoceros being adopted.
A $500 adoption also includes an original painting, created by one of the animals.
Other animals up for adoption include the Red Wolf, Lion, Grizzly Bear, Chimpanzee, African Elephant, Giraffe, Polar Bear, River Otter, Chilean Flamingo, Green Tree Frog, Ball Python, Alligator Snapping Turtle and Puffin. Christmas Orders are mailed on December 7th.
Click herefor more information or to adopt an animal.
Source: WFMY News 2
Copyright: 2007 digtriad.com
http://www.digtriad.com/news/local_state/article.aspx?storyid=93743
Zoo shows off its pride and joy
One of the Oklahoma City Zoo's four lion cubs gets fed Tuesday. The four were born earlier this month through emergency Caesarian section. BY JOHN CLANTON, THE OKLAHOMAN
What's ahead for the cubs?
The new cubs at the Oklahoma City Zoo are weighed at 8 a.m. daily, and they're fed twice a day. Keepers will stop bottle feeding after four or five months.
In about six months, the cubs will be introduced to the pride, which is composed of their three parents, said Jonathan Reding, supervisor of the zoo's Cat Forest and Lion Overlook. In the zoo world, this is called a "howdy.” The cubs will be able to see and hear their parents but won't immediately be allowed into the same area.
The lions were bred as part of the national species survival plan, which dictates which animals reproduce and when. The idea is to keep the gene pool diverse.
As part of the plan, the cubs may leave Oklahoma City. In a year or so, zoo experts will analyze the African lion population in the U.S. and see which animals should move to new locations because of breeding, space needs or other factors, said the zoo's Brian Aucone. The cubs may stay or go.
"For the moment,” he said, "they'll be here for a while.”
By Carrie Coppernoll
Staff Writer
It all started with a toothache.
For months, the lion at the Oklahoma City Zoo ignored the two lionesses conservationists hoped he'd mate with, zoo spokeswoman Tara Henson said. Keepers discovered the mood killer: a 2-inch bone stuck in his teeth, like a piece of a popcorn kernel. A dentist treated the 400-pound cat one day in July, and the next day, as Henson said, "was a lovefest.”
Four months later, the zoo is home to four new lion cubs. If the two pregnancies weren't odd enough, both mothers needed emergency Caesarean sections because of complications.
The scenario, Henson said, is uncommon, to say the least.
http://newsok.com/article/3171673/1195624821
Zoo will sell land to house-builders for regeneration funds
BRIAN FERGUSON
BOSSES at Edinburgh Zoo are to press ahead with plans to sell off part of the site for housing to help fund a multi-million pound redevelopment of the attraction.
The zoo had expected to secure the go-ahead last month to allow up to 100 new homes to be built on the land.
But plans to plough cash raised from the land sale into a £72 million revamp of its historic site on Corstorphine Hill were thrown into chaos when the city's planning committee voted to retain it as green belt land - against the advice of the authority's own officials.
http://news.scotsman.com/edinburgh.cfm?id=1859022007
Sierra Safari Zoo relies on winter donations
GUY CLIFTON
RENO GAZETTE-JOURNAL
Posted: 11/26/2007
HOW TO HELP
Tax-deductible donations can be mailed to Sierra Safari Zoo at 10200 N. Virginia St., Reno, 89506; on the Web at www.sierrasafarizoo.org; or by phone at (775) 677-1104.
The gates have closed for the winter at Sierra Safari Zoo, but the work and the needs continue through the winter months.
“The thing is, we’re open April to November and our gate pretty much keeps us alive,” said zoo spokesman Dale McDaniel. “When we’re closed, we count on the generosity of the community. The most pressing need is just for donations to help us with our winter food and power bills.”
It costs at least $12,000 a month to feed and care for the zoo’s 200 animals, said general manager Lori Acordagoitia, and this year is challenging with the rising costs of everything from hay to grain to meat used to feed the animals.
http://news.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071126/NEWS18/71126026/1321/NEWS
Buffalo Zoo Defends Animal Care
Mark Leitner
BUFFALO (2007-11-26) Speaking to members of the press, with the Chair of the Zoo Board and top Zoo personnel at her side or in the audience, Doctor Fernandes accused the U-S-D-A and the animal rights group, PETA,
of ambushing her facility without knowledge of all the facts that
contributed to the death of the four polar bears and a hyena.
"You can image our shock when we were suddenly confronted with, and frankly ambushed by a radical group who's basic message is all zoos are always bad," Fernandes said.
Fernandes pointed to autopsies that concluded that all of the polar
bears died of natural causes; none, she said, died because they ate or swallowed garbage.
"The preliminary report is in-complete. It is factually incorrect, as were PETA's conclusions," Fernandes said.
The Zoo President told reporters that
to her knowledge, no "PETA" official has ever visited the Buffalo Zoo. No "PETA" official, Fernandes said, ever contacted her to discuss the polar bear deaths.
The Zoo has just one remaining polar bear among its collection.
http://publicbroadcasting.net/wned/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1188932§ionID=1
Buffalo Zoo Says USDA Report Misleading
Story Published: Nov 26, 2007 at 7:11 PM EST
Story Updated: Nov 26, 2007 at 7:11 PM EST
By Steve Barber
Anana the polar bear is alone in her exhibit. In the last 16 months Danny, Becky, Kelly, and another polar bear all died, the Buffalo Zoo officials claim, of natural causes not neglect or consumption of plastic in their exhibits. "The Bears did not consume garbage. No plastic was ever found in the intestines of these bears. None died of anything other than natural causes." said Zoo President Donna Fernandes.
Still a US Department of Agriculture report, one the zoo claims is misleading, says those bears may have consumed plastic, and that plastic was found in the stool of one of the polar bears. The allegations outrage the animal rights group PETA. "Are these types of incidents and lack of care that we typically see from an unaccredited roadside zoos? This is not a first rate facility." said Lisa Wathne of PETA.
The zoo is also under fire because a hyena also died after a piece of its exhibit fell on the animal. "On this one particular occasion an animal dug with-in a 24 hour so far underneath one of the boulders in the exhibit that the boulder fell on top of it." said Fernandes.
http://www.wkbw.com/news/local/11839866.html
Zoo guests get unique after-dark experience
By Heidi Atkin
Close-Up Correspondent
Article Last Updated: 11/08/2007 02:42:49 PM MST
Those willing to brave the dark got a unique experience this Halloween at Hogle Zoo.
"Night at the Living Zoo" has become a yearly Halloween tradition. At this year's event, guests were fed a spaghetti dinner, introduced to small animals they were allowed to touch and then were led in small groups on an after-dark tour.
"You may not like the animals, but somebody else may. It's a great way for kids to learn about conservation and existing in the same areas as animals and to have that respect while having a lot of fun," explained Holly Braithwaite, spokeswoman for the Hogle Zoo.
Caitlin Bullock, a zoo aide, explained that guests get an interactive experience with some of the most popular animals. Rather than view the Madagascar hissing cockroach through glass like on a normal visit, guests were invited by "Spiderella" to touch the creepy crawlies. Excited kids and some adults scrambled for the rare chance to interact with the animals.
http://www.sltrib.com/slc/ci_7406651
State auditor says zoo needs to improve financial practices
Associated Press - November 9, 2007 7:04 AM ET
ST. PAUL (AP) - Minnnesota Zoo officials say they're working to improve the zoo's financial practices, following a report by the legislative auditor.
The audit made 19 recommendations but found that zoo officials generally used adequate safeguards in their accounting practices.
Legislative Auditor James Nobles did find that the zoo in Apple Valley overpaid a food service vendor by nearly $30,000. He also says the zoo didn't sufficiently verify that vendors were paying the proper commissions and sometimes had the same employee handling receipts and deposits.
http://wkbt.com/Global/story.asp?S=7335207
2 meerkat kits draw curious crowds at San Jose zoo
4-WEEK-OLD BABIES STAYING CLOSE TO MOM
By Lisa Fernandez
Two meerkat babies are the newest buzz at San Jose's Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, where visitors are doing whatever they can to catch a glimpse of the nearly 4-week-old kits.
Born Oct. 13, the two meerkats (think Timon in the "Lion King" movies) are so young that no one's even gotten close enough to learn their sex, said zoo spokeswoman Vanessa Rogier. They'll be named only after a veterinarian checks them out.
She said the kits have been spending their days nursing from their mother, Kubaza, and snuggled up in a nest, especially since it's been so cold.
Zoo employees suspect a meerkat named Mdudu is "probably the dad," Rogier said, though no one is sure because there are three meerkat males at the zoo.
The African names are a nod to the meerkats' place of origin, and the kits' birth brings the meerkat population at the zoo to seven.
Meerkats are "very playful, very busy animals," Rogier said. "They're always on guard, looking out for danger, grooming, basking in the sun."
It's a good time to be a meerkat.
The television network Animal Planet has been following a group of African meerkats on its popular show "Meerkat Manor," which Rogier notes that viewers around the globe watch "like a soap opera."
When that meerkat matriarch, Flower, died in September during a bloody struggle with a cobra, news outlets including the New York Times and the Mercury News noted the public's grief, and the thousands of
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condolences on chatboards and dozens of video tributes to her.
http://www.mercurynews.com/valley/ci_7414023?nclick_check=1
A wild experience
City kids these days are more familiar with animated animals than live ones. Perhaps a trip to the Sunway Wildlife Interactive Zoo will change that.
By JOLEEN LUNJEW
When I asked my six-year-old son, Eugene, to draw me a chicken, he drew me a drumstick,” says Aaron Soo, CEO of Sunway Wildlife Interactive Zoo.
“It saddens me that my son doesn’t even know what a live chicken looks like,” he sighs.
The children of our city have come to that. Many are ignorant of wildlife, and most have never gone into a jungle. Bearing this in mind, Sunway Lagoon Theme Park’s latest attraction, the Sunway Wildlife Interactive Zoo, allows the public, especially the young kids, to touch, feel, feed and play with animals.
http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2007/11/10/lifetravel/19328699&sec=lifetravel
Aurora zoo reveals plan to get paws on new bears
Popular exhibit: Phillips Park budget seeks money to bring back its most requested attraction
November 10, 2007
By Dan Campana STAFF WRITER
AURORA -- It's been a few years since the city's last bear sighting.
Eight years, to be exact. That's when Judy, the Phillips Park Zoo bear, died of cancer. Since then, the question of a bear return to Aurora has been a constant.
"It's always been a hot topic," Zoo Coordinator Randy Johnson said.
That could change by decade's end if the city approves a budget request from the zoo to begin the planning for a new, larger bear exhibit at the historic park on the southeast side.
The zoo, which Johnson said draws an average of 200,000 visitors annually, has asked for $50,000 to begin the engineering and design process that could ultimately bring a pair of bears back to the city.
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/644002,2_1_AU10_ZOO_S1.article
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