"President Says He Objects On Philosophical Grounds"- Children's health is compromised - Bush Philosophy is more important. Ego. Pure Political Ego.

CHIPCentral - SCHIP Program Types 2005 (click here)


That is a whole lot of children facing drastic fates at the hand of one man.

NO MORE WAR FUNDING !



There are lives that hang in the balance and to veto a long standing bill that supplies the children of the United States of American with Health Insurance is a Human Rights Violation. To the Washington Post and Bush it's all politics. To the recipients of State Children's Health Insurance it's life and death.


But yet, Impeachment is off the table ? I don't think so ! I call on all state legislatures to enact an impeachment provision of the president while appealing this legislation to the Supreme Court. This is a human rights as well as a civil rights issue. There is gross negligence to the children of this country without this bill. This is an abomination to the conscience of the USA. I am appauled at the audacity of a single man with the power to kill children while taking away their health insurance. This is the USA? Where?


Every agency in the country validates the fact SCHIP is one of the most valuable aspects to care of American Children.


WHEN IS SOMEONE GOING TO STOP THIS MAN FROM KILLING PEOPLE ?



The National Academy of State Health Policy (click here)


Special Issues in Program Design (click here)

States have used the flexibility in SCHIP to build innovative programs that meet their policy objectives and work within their health care system and private insurance marketplaces. This section of the report presents survey information about the 25 states that have implemented program design elements that go beyond program type (Figure 8). It examines:

Premium assistance programs: programs under which SCHIP programs help families pay for private coverage for their children.


Enrollee buy-in programs: programs under which states allow some families that do not qualify for the SCHIP to enroll their children into the SCHIP program by paying for most or all of the cost of coverage.


Coverage expansions, including


A philosophical issue? The Republican Right Wing wants to end abortion and ALSO end the care of the unborn. Amazing. Now, you tell me that the 'Anti-Abortion' RANT of the Religious Right is about "The Culture of Life." Go ahead, I want to hear how the Religious Right, the Neocons, the self-righteous citizens that want public policy dictated on the basis of religious pretext can actually state they are ALL ABOUT life when in fact they are all about MONEY !



§ Prenatal/Unborn coverage: separate SCHIP programs that cover prenatal care for the unborn children of low-income mothers who do not qualify for Medicaid.

§ Adult coverage: programs that use SCHIP funding to cover low-income adults who do not qualify for Medicaid.

Health services initiatives: states may use SCHIP funding for certain administrative activities that protect the public health, protect the health of individuals, or improve or promote a state’s capacity to deliver public health services and/or strengthen resources needed to meet public health goals.


There is ONLY ONE REASON for any and I do mean any policymaker to oppose a program, any program that works in the best interest of the American people and that is if it fails it's mission. SCHIP is an astounding success and there no reason for this bill to have been vetoed. None.


Mathematica Policy Research (click here)


SCHIP takes a bit out of the dental access gap for low income children (click here)


Does every adult in the USA have to be explained what responsible leadership is? I get the feeling there are many, especially media personnel with a right slant that don't understand the meaning of Public Policy and Responsible Legislation. When a bill is introduced and has widespread success, it should never be vetoed. Never. It should be studied for 'what went right' and expanded on to CONTINUE to solve America's problems. That is the difference between 'leadership' and 'politics.' This is simply an outrage. Bush trades the lives and well being of American children for his political philosophy.


What?


It's time to put the Lame Duck out of his misery. Impeach Cheney and Bush. Don't wait another day.

Polar Bears losing habitat in the Arctic Ocean is directly related to human well being on Earth.

Morning Papers - continued...

Zoos

The Wildlife Can Be So Distracting Up Here!
Posted at 7:37 pm October 3, 2007 by Ronit Abramson
Ronit is the San Diego Zoo’s 2007 Arctic Ambassador. She and other teens from around the world are in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada, to partipate in Polar Bears International’s Polar Bear Leadership Camp.
Today’s weather stands in stark contrast to the rain from yesterday. The sun is high in the sky and horizon is lined with clouds, framing the clear blue sky elegantly. We took advantage of the beautiful weather to take two gorgeous trips out in the tundra buggies.
We left this morning to spend a couple of hours on the tundra. We saw a polar bear as well as several species of birds. We returned to the buggy to listen to a presentation by Michael Goodyear from the Northern Studies Research Center regarding the ringed seals, which is the primary prey of the polar bear. He described the natural habits of the seals and their reliance on the ice for birthing. Their “livelihood” is supporting the polar bear population and the Inuit community so their presence is crucial in the arctic biome.

http://www.sandiegozoo.org/wordpress/default/1460/



Animal Day debate: Should Manila Zoo be shut down?
By Allison Lopez, Tina Santos
Inquirer
Last updated 06:48am (Mla time) 10/04/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- As the world observes Animal Day on Thursday, a debate rages on whether the Manila Zoo should be shut down.
With more than 700 creatures crammed inside the facility, the country’s oldest and one of the region’s first, rights groups are calling for its closure and protesting the alleged mistreatment of the creatures penned inside.
The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said the zoo animals should be returned to the wild -- their natural habitat -- because most of them exhibited “zoochosis,” a condition where animals are driven “mad” by captivity.
As concern for the residents of the Manila Zoo mounts, animal lovers elsewhere celebrate this day with fund-raising and information campaigns and other special events.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=92417



Louisville Zoo - World's Largest Halloween Party
Location:Louisville Zoo
Start Date: Thursday, October 18, 2007
End Date: Sunday, October 21, 2007
Time: Varies - See Event Details
Event Details:
If scary is no fun for your little one, then don’t miss the sweetest party in town. Join the Louisville Zoo for an evening of not-too-scary Halloween fun for the whole family with costumed characters and fanciful storybook scenes all over the Zoo.
Plus there’s trick-or-treating for kids 11-and-under, the Halloween Express Train ride and more!
Time:
- Thursdays and Fridays - 5 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
- Saturdays and Sundays - 4 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
For Additional Information:
Call 459-2181 or visit:

http://www.louisvillezoo.org/events/halloween.htm



Zoo to celebrate 100-year anniversary this weekend
by Ashley Bailey, The Eureka Reporter, 10/3/2007
Morgan Millard brought her 10-month-old son, Michael, to the Sequoia Park Zoo on Wednesday, as her mother brought her many times while growing up in Humboldt County.
As with many other area residents, trips to the zoo became a tradition for Millard and her family.
This weekend will mark 100 years since the zoo opened its doors to the public in 1907.
“It’s unique that such a small community has such a quality zoo,” said Gretchen Ziegler, Sequoia Park Zoo manager.
The Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation will host events this weekend for the centennial celebration.
Melinda Booth, development director of the Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation, said proceeds from the celebration will benefit new improvements to the zoo.

http://www.eurekareporter.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ArticleID=29119



Binghamton Zoo to open a new coral reef exhibit
The Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park will formally open its newest attraction this week: a coral reef exhibit will open this Saturday.
Representatives of the Southern Tier Reef Society will be on hand to discuss the exhibit along with information about the conservation of this vanishing habitat, as well as offer tips on how to develop and maintain your own salt water aquarium in your home.
Coral reefs are made up of millions of tiny animals and many of the other animals living in and around these reefs look much more like plants or rocks. Found in tropical waters around the world, coral reefs are under serious threat by pollution, changing water levels, rising ocean temperatures and illegal harvesting. All of the residents of the zoo's tank were raised in captivity. There are dozens of species of coral and other invertebrates along with several species of fish that inhabit the coral reefs around the world in this active new exhibit.

http://www.pressconnects.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071004/LIFESTYLE/710040308/1004/LIFESTYLE



Special notice
EDITORIAL
THE PUEBLO CHIEFTAIN
THERE ARE two public institutions in Pueblo which rate special notice, the Pueblo Zoo and the City-County Library District.
The zoo once again has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The zoo operation first earned AZA accreditation in 1992.
Accreditation is granted by the AZA after a rigorous investigation of all aspects of a zoo’s operation, including everything from animal care and conservation efforts to financial stability and educational programs.
Accreditation enables the Pueblo Zoo to acquire animals, especially endangered species, that are on display and attempt to breed - species like the lesser slow loris, African black-footed penguins and Asian wild horses. The AZA support also gives the local zoo more credibility when it applies for grant money.

http://www.chieftain.com/editorial/1190960703/1



I’ve seen them in zoos in San Diego
http://rantsand.blogspot.com/2007/09/glo…
I got braced by a global warming alarmist on the street the other day, who wanted to know if I liked polar bears.
“Uh, not in my neighborhood.”
“Excuse me?”
“I said I don’t want polar bears in my neighborhood. They eat people.”
“Oh but I mean in the Arctic. Global warming is destroying their habitat and they’re in danger of extinction.”
“How is global warming going to threaten polar bears? I’ve seen them in zoos as far south as San Diego and they looked just fine to me.”
She on the other hand, looked upset. “Global warming is threatening all life on earth!” she said accusingly, as if it were somehow my fault…
“Listen, I’m a little busy right now but I’d be happy to speak to you at length another time - if you can answer me a few questions.”…
Hoo-ah!

http://tjic.com/?p=7285



Polar Bear on the Beach
Posted at 8:36 pm September 30, 2007 by Ronit Abramson
Ronit is the San Diego Zoo’s 2007 Arctic Ambassador. She and other teens from around the world are in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada, to partipate in Polar Bears International’s Polar Bear Leadership Camp. See her previous blog, My International Polar Bear Adventure Begins.
Hello, (finally!) from Churchill, Manitoba-
Today we flew as a group to Churchill. For some this was incredibly exciting as it was their first plane ride of the whole trip (namely the students from Manitoba), and for some it was their first plane ride in which they didn’t lose their luggage, miss a connection, or didn’t have to fly solo. So it was a good flight!

http://www.sandiegozoo.org/wordpress/default/polar-bear-on-the-beach/



My International Polar Bear Adventure Begins
Posted at 6:38 am September 29, 2007 by Ronit Abramson
Ronit is the San Diego Zoo’s 2007 Arctic Ambassador. She and other teens from around the world are in Churchill, Manitoba,
Canada, to partipate in Polar Bears International’s Polar Bear Leadership Camp.
Greetings from Canada! Everyone is finally here, and Polar Bear Leadership Camp has officially begun. The jitters about meeting everyone are long gone, and although conversations were halting and unsure at first, we now talk about everything from politics to sports at a mile a minute…or 1.609 kilometers a minute, now that we are in Canada. I have to admit that the biggest culture shock for me has been the switch to the metric system. I really appreciate the ease of measuring with metrics because we use it in science classes in the USA, but I am still somewhat unsure about measuring temperature in Celsius. For example, the temperature here in Winnipeg has been around 27 degrees, which I expected to be cold, forgetting that in Celsius, 27 degrees is hot! But I am adjusting; I am beginning to do all my measurements in metrics, now that I have been here for three days. The majority of the camp is in metrics so I am learning quickly and I hope to be completely “fluent” by the end of camp!

http://www.sandiegozoo.org/wordpress/default/an-international-polar-bear-adventure-begins/



Satch Krantz began his career at Riverbanks in 1973 and has served as its executive director since 1976, making him one of the longest serving zoo directors in the nation.
During his career, Krantz has served as president of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Krantz is one of only three American zoo directors that has served as president of both of these organizations. He is currently slated to once again serve as AZA president in 2008, making him the first zoo director to serve two presidential terms since WWII.
Krantz has been heavily involved in the community Riverbanks serves. He is a past president of the board of Palmetto Richland Children's Hospital and the Columbia Rotary Club. He has also served as president of the Clemson University Board of Visitors and the University of South Carolina University Associates and is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the River Alliance, the Children’s Hospital and the AZA.
In 1995 he received the Woodrow Wilson Award for Regional Cooperation from the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce and in 2002 he was given the International Ambassador of the Year Award by the Committee of 100. He received the Global Vision Award by the World Affairs Council in 2005.
Throughout his career, Krantz has traveled extensively, including thirteen safaris to six different African countries. In February 2002, he walked 120 miles across Tsavo National Park in Kenya, which was only the second time anyone had ever walked the Park's entire length.
Krantz is a native of Columbia, South Carolina and a graduate of Clemson University. He and his wife Becky are the proud parents of two grown sons.

http://www.riverbanks.org/mediacenter/includes/execbio_satch.htm



Award: Zoo praised for its iguana breeding program
The Indianapolis Zoo's efforts to raise and care for rare Jamaican iguanas has earned it an Edward H. Bean Award.
The zoo has used artificial incubation and other efforts to ensure the success of its captive breeding program, which so far has produced more than 20 iguanas.
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums presents the Bean Award annually, according to a news release, in recognition of efforts in long-term management and husbandry of various animal species in accredited zoos and aquariums.
The award was established in 1956, honoring Edward H. Bean, the first director of the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago.
-- Star report

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070930/LOCAL/709300365/1196



Preserve parks
Chicago has the Field Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Shedd Aquarium, the Art Institute, as well as two zoos plus myriad other institutions and museums. This begs the question: Why have a children's museum at all? Why not expose children to the real thing in the hope it will inspire them?
Mayor Richard M. Daley has considered a congestion tax similar to the one in London and the one New York City is considering. A children's museum in Grant Park will only add to congestion as children will need to be driven there in school buses or cars.
The mayor hasn't been paying too much attention because he seems unaware of the antiquated CTA and the unbridled growth in the Loop. Public transportation simply doesn't serve parts of the city.
Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd) is correct in trying to preserve green space; if there must be another museum, don't place it in Grant Park (perhaps there is space in the Cultural Center?). Our parks are the crown jewels of Chicago and need to be preserved.
Peter W. Broido
Chicago

http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/news_opinion_letters/2007/09/preserve-parks.html


Panda Politics
China Makes Endangered Animal More Difficult to Obtain
For decades China has given or loaned highly endangered pandas to foreign countries as goodwill gestures, but now the Chinese quietly have ended the tradition.
Even though the panda population is larger than what it was in the 1970s, the Chinese government is more protective than ever of its national treasure.
Now, zoos are paying a hefty price to borrow the cuddly creatures. The giant panda has become a cash cow for the Chinese government.
China now offers 10-year giant panda loans to zoos that meet certain standards and can contribute to panda research. Zoos in the United States have paid as much as $1 million annually for the adorable attractions.

http://www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=3671210



BRONX ZOO'S FIRST BABY PANDA BRED IN CAPTIVITY

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x33q8k_bronx-zoos-first-baby-panda-bred-in_fun



ADI: Zoo chimpanzee shooting raises questions.
Monday, 01 Oct 2007 13:46
On Saturday 29th September, two chimpanzees, Coco and Jonnie, escaped from their enclosure at Whipsnade Safari Park. Neither animal was believed by the zoo to be dangerous. There was a pursuit. Coco was recaptured. Jonnie was shot. A zoo spokesman stated: “No staff or members of the public were injured. But in the interests of public safety Jonnie was shot. That is normal practice if a chimp cannot be recaptured. But at no stage was the safety of our visitors at risk.”
It gives a chilling take on the war movie cliché “Anyone caught trying to escape will be shot.”
Tim Phillips, Campaigns Director Animal Defenders International: “Chimpanzees are our closest relatives in the animal kingdom, sharing over 98% of our DNA. Some scientists have even proposed that chimps be included in the same genus as us humans – that they be reclassified as Homo troglodytes.

http://www.politics.co.uk/press-releases/opinion-former-index/animal-welfare/adi-zoo-chimpanzee-shooting-raises-questions-$479172.htm



Clean Water Maze opens at Hands On
Monday, Oct 01, 2007 - 01:48 PM
By Special Contribution
Hands On! Museum will open a new feature exhibit, the Clean Water Maze, Saturday, Oct. 6.
Museum visitors will enter the maze, be transformed into a drop of water, and journey through different watershed habitats. At each decision point within the maze, they will spin a wheel to determine their next destination. Clean selections lead to new rooms featuring rivers, lakes, streams, wetlands, estuaries, bays, and oceans within the water cycle, while landing on pollutants will send them to an urban storm drain and an unhealthy ocean. But the journey doesn’t end there. These "water drops" can evaporate, condensate, precipitate and start again.

http://www.tricities.com/tristate/tri/news/education.apx.-content-articles-TRI-2007-10-01-0033.html



Must be something in the air as fourth baby Bongo arrives at zoo
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
By Linda McKee
Belfast Zoo's baby boom continues with the birth of four Eastern Bongos - an unusual striped antelope.
Three of the babies were born in August and September, but keepers arrived at the zoo yesterday to discover that a fourth infant had made its debut.
The babies were born to mothers Holly, Winnie, Willa and Fern after their nine-month pregnancies and all four were fathered by Embu, the resident male, who is on loan from Chester Zoo. The four new arrivals bring the zoo's bongo population to eleven.
The animals can be recognised by their striking reddish brown coats, white stripes and long, slightly spiral horns, which appear in both males and females. The animals can grow up to 250cm, with a shoulder height of 130cm.

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/article3019111.ece



Wildlife Safari hangs onto accreditation following evaluation
Wildlife Safari has retained its accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums after questions had been raised about whether the Winston park could maintain its status with the Maryland-based organization.
Dan Van Slyke, Wildlife Safari’s executive director, and other park officials met last week with the association’s 12-member accreditation commission during the group’s annual conference in Philadelphia. They answered questions and discussed improvements made at Wildlife Safari since an AZA evaluator visited the park a couple of months ago.
Van Slyke said he was pleased and relieved that Wildlife Safari retained its accreditation through the end of the current 5-year period, which expires in September 2010.
“That’s a big statement, coming from them,” Van Slyke said. “Losing our accreditation would have been a big setback.”

http://www.oregonnews.com/article/20071002/NEWS/71002007


Zoo's most recent penguin chicks are males
Posted by Pedro Ramirez III October 02, 2007 11:27AM
Categories: Breaking News, City News, Entertainment News
The Rosamond Gifford Zoo announced today that the two penguin chicks that hatched in August are males. The zoo staff has named the chicks Sergio and Cuzco.
Zoo officials say Sergio and Cuzco could help provide mates for several captive female penguins at other zoos across the country.
"The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is poised to make an extremely positive impact on the Humboldt penguin population," says Ted Fox, curator.
The two chicks hatched on August 7 and August 10. The chicks are expected to join the rest of the colony in the main exhibit in early November.

http://blog.syracuse.com/news/2007/10/zoos_most_recent_penguin_chick.html



The lucky devils: Safe haven for an island icon
They're vicious, ugly and smelly – and endangered by a mysterious disfiguring disease. But that hasn't deterred Australians from rushing to the aid of the Tasmanian devil, in an ambitious project that has been compared to Noah's Ark. Kathy Marks reports on a extraordinary evacuation
Published: 03 October 2007
Less cuddly than the koala, less quirky than the kangaroo, the Tasmanian devil is not everyone's cup of tea. But the rare carnivorous marsupials, known for their blood-curdling yowls and their insatiable appetite for wombat carrion, may not be around for much longer.
A mysterious facial tumour disease is devastating the devil population, found only in Tasmania, the island state off the Australian mainland. Numbers have halved in a decade, and the fierce black furry creatures face extinction in the wild within 10 to 20 years unless a cure is found. There may be as few as 20,000 left.
Scientists are trying to preserve the species by sending a "Noah's Ark" population of healthy animals to zoos and sanctuaries on the mainland. Institutions in Europe and the US are also expected to play a part in Project Ark, aimed at conserving the creatures and, if possible, releasing them back into the wild if and when the disease is eliminated.
A total of 48 devils have been relocated to zoos around Australia, and four devils have been born at a Queensland wildlife park participating in the project. The size of a grain of rice at birth, they were the first babies produced under the captive breeding programme.

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/australasia/article3021346.ece



Wildlife Safari accredited and stands among elite 25 zoos in the nation
By Warren Wells
Wildlife Safari is among the top 25 zoos in America as it retains its accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
The process of being accredited happens every five years and after the last go-around, the AZA found some potential problems at the park but they were all addressed and the Winston drive-through park passed with flying colors.
Wildlife Safari Executive Director Dan Van Slyke says, ''But what's really significant is, with this new accreditation being re-established, we're able to move forward now and get a lot of the excess baggage behind us and really move forward with the confidence that we have this entire association behind us.''
The new animal curator at the safari, Dan Brand, says they went through a detailed process.

http://www.kpic.com/news/local/10209786.html



UK Travel
Half term fun on the Isle of Wight
Oct 03, 2007
Want to pack your vacation with a lot of fun and robust activities of your choice? The best way to do this is to set out on a trip to one of UK's Islands. For an involved family holiday, no other place than UK has so much to offer for every taste and budget, especially during half term. Each one of UK's Islands are packed with walks and zoos, theme parks and manor houses to get the best of your holiday.
During this October half term between 22nd and 28th of October, Isle Wight can provide gardens, Historic homes, Halloween themed events like Harry-potter themed wizard, steam train rides, zoos and aviaries besides a range of family events like fancy dress.
Fans of history can visit the Needles Old Battery to explore some of the age-old defence techniques from this famous Victorian military base.
On October 25th, National Trust's Mottistone Manor Garden is to provide family outdoor explorations with garden trails and fun activities.
Between October 22nd and 27th, Appuldurcombe is to provide Halloween adventures at 18th-century baroque house boasting of owl centre, falconry, landscape gardens, and self-catering accommodation.
The historic theme park, Blackgang Chine, is to organize gruesome story telling and ghost walks on 25th and 26th of October. The other attractions at the park are hedge maze, hall of mirrors, roller coaster, and 100-meter boat slide. Visitors are surely to get a real good time here.

http://news.ebookers.com/news/half-term-fun-on-the-isle-of-wight/160/



Baby croc prompts zoo sex shock
A zoo in Lancashire was surprised to find a new addition to their reptile collection - a tiny baby yacare caiman.
The keepers at Blackpool Zoo had thought the two 10-year-old animals in the enclosure were both female - but nature proved them wrong.
It is notoriously difficult to identify the gender of the yacare caiman - a South American member of the crocodile family - a zoo spokeswoman said.
Staff at the zoo have not yet named the eight-inch youngster.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/lancashire/7017580.stm



Limassol zoo needs facelift, Ecozoo ideal solution for Cyprus
28/09/2007
COMMENT: By Patricia Radnor Kyriacou
Last week’s Opinion dealt with the archaic restrictions imposed on The Mall of Cyprus (and on other shopping outlets) with regard to opening hours. The situation has parallels with another outdated way of thinking that still prevails in Cyprus: the mindless habit of importing large exotic animals and incarcerating them in cages for the rest of their lives in Limassol Zoo, a loss-making, unlicensed entity that leaks away taxpayers’ money.
The Mall of Cyprus is a first for the island. The proposed Ecozoo for Limassol would be the first of its kind anywhere. Limassol zoo has been operating without a license, in breach of the EU Zoos Directive 22/1999 for the past four years. Former Agriculture Minister Timis Efthymiou acknowledged this. The Ministry agreed that the facilities could never comply with the Directive and must therefore, in accordance with the legislation, be closed down.
This breakthrough, achieved by a lobbying campaign conducted by the NGO Animal Responsibility Cyprus (ARC/Kivotos) was followed by the much publicised airlifting of the two long-suffering brown bears to a Hungarian sanctuary. This humane move was funded by the World Society for the Protection of Animals – a global charity that works with more than 800 member organisations, including ARC, in over 147 countries to raise the standards of animal welfare throughout the world. The bears went with the blessing of the mayor, the Ministry and the government Veterinary Services, and good publicity was generated for Limassol with Sky News covering the event and broadcasting it widely.

http://www.financialmirror.com/more_news.php?id=8410&nt=Politics



Sep 28, 2007
Riverside students visit the Bronx Zoo butterfly exhibit
Jackson Rubich and Nicholas Plants study types of butterflies at the Bronx Zoo.
The Riverside School second grade class recently visited the Bronx Zoo on a field trip to see the Butterfly Exhibit.
The field trip complemented the first science unit of the year in which the students studied the lifecycle of the Monarch Butterfly in class. The students, supervised by teachers and parent chaperones, were also able to have free time to see other areas of the zoo, have their brown-bagged lunch, and ride the Bug Carousel.
“The students all enjoyed themselves and the exhibit at the zoo was the perfect culmination for this science unit,” said Jennifer Prieto, a second grade teacher. “Many of the students also saw the reptiles, which we will be studying later in the year.”

The day was also a cost effective outing for the four sections of 80 students in the second grade; every Wednesday, admission to the Bronx Zoo is free.

http://www.acorn-online.com/news/publish/greenwich/23238.shtml



Two zoo cubs captured after brief escape
By ANTIGONE BARTON
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Friday, September 28, 2007
Black bear cubs Kiona and Tehya worked both hard and smart to earn their brief foray into freedom, but the world outside their exhibit at the Palm Beach Zoo was daunting.
The sisters were discovered on top of their exhibit around 8:30 Thursday morning, after they squeezed their hundred-pound bodies through a gap they created by painstakingly stretching the cable holding two sides of the enclosure together.

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/localnews/content/local_news/epaper/2007/09/28/s9b_cubs_0928.html



Video Profile of Bronx Zoo’s Green Restrooms
Posted on September 28th, 2007 in Green Building, New York City, The Bronx by Stephen
Earlier this summer, host Vanessa Rae and RiverWired’s Pulse profiled the Bronx Zoo’s new eco-friendly restrooms, which we’ve written about previously at gbNYC. The video does a great job of presenting the details behind the restrooms- which, according to Crain’s, feature eighteen composting toilets that cost $250,000 each- and describing exactly how the fixtures function, conserve energy, and interface with an adjacent graywater garden. As Ms. Rae points out, the U.S. quietly flushes 100 billion tons of solid waste and 32 billion gallons of water daily. Though not the sexiest of green building measures, efficient wastewater management is a powerful ally in the battle against environmental degradation.

http://www.greenbuildingsnyc.com/?p=315



It's All Happening at the Zoo
The Zoological Society of San Diego redefined its corporate culture with its new employee performance management system.
Appraisals are consistently completed on time.
Managers are more motivated and accountable.
The organization is focused and goal driven.
Retention and recruiting of skilled employees is improved.
Implementation won praise and recognition from the board of trustees.
Company Profile
The not-for-profit Zoological Society of San Diego operates the 100-acre San Diego Zoo, the 1,800-acre San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park and the department of Conservation and Research for Endangered Species (CRES). The Zoological Society, dedicated to the conservation of endangered species and their habitats, engages in conservation and research work around the globe.
The Society has existed for 90 years as a not-for-profit organization. However, in 2006 the Society will bring in approximately 100 million dollars in revenue for the first time. This level of revenue drove the society to re-evaluate its old practices and to create a new strategic plan that would modernize their way of doing business. One of the key elements of the new plan was a focus on employee accountability. To achieve accountability, the Society made use of Halogen eAppraisal, the latest employee performance management (EPM) technology, to establish consistent reviews containing individual goals that were aligned with those of the organization and to build a pay-for-performance culture.

http://www.halogensoftware.com/customers/case-studies/services-manufacturing/study_sandiegozoo.php



Zoo wins plaudits for education, conservation
By MARK DAVIS
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 09/28/07
A program with roots in China recently won accolades in Philadelphia for Zoo Atlanta. At the same time, the zoo's turtle expert was also recognized for his work.
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums, meeting earlier this month at its annual convention, gave the zoo's education team the 2007 Education Award. It was the first time the zoo won the award.
Also, Dwight Lawson, the zoo's senior vice president of collections, education and conservation, won the International Conservation Award for his work in Asian turtle conservation.
The zoo won the education prize for its role in creating the Academy for Conservation Training, a China-based program that teaches representatives of Chinese zoos the best ways to promote wildlife awareness and conservation in China, home of the giant panda.
Since its creation in 2006, the academy has graduated specialists from 27 Chinese zoos. The nation has 218 accredited zoos.

http://www.ajc.com/living/content/living/stories/2007/09/28/zoo_0928.html



Rare tiger cub on show at Fuengirola zoo
By: thinkSPAIN
Visitors to Fuengirola zoo can now view a female Sumatra tiger cub that was born three months ago. It and its mother are being exhibited in a compound designed to resemble the ruins of Angkor Temple in Cambodia.
According to a zoo spokesman, the birth was the result of one of 35 European captive reproduction schemes currently being undertaken at the centre, the aim of which is to safeguard species in extreme danger of extinction.
The Sumatra tiger is the smallest of the six surviving species of tiger still in existence and is included on the Nature Conservation Union's Red List of Endangered Species, classified as "critically threatened."
It is estimated that fewer than 400 Sumatra tigers exist in the wild and their future is being threatened by illegal poachers owing to the growing demand for their bones, which are used in traditional Asian medicine, while their natural habitat and hunting grounds are being lost to deforestation.

http://www.thinkspain.com/news-spain/13824



Zoo Vet:Endangered Animals Roars Into Retail For The Holiday
Authored by Surida on 2007-09-29 01:04:24 AM
This interactive exploration of veterinary medicine is the follow-up to 2005’s Zoo Vet, which earned the Parent’s Choice Seal of Approval, sold more than 250,000 copies and inspired the Washington Times to note: “Zoo Vet provides the perfect balance of learning, interaction in real-life situations and honing logic skills to make it one of the best animal-care simulations on the market.”
“We’re proud to announce that a portion of the proceeds from sales of Zoo Vet: Endangered Animals will benefit the African Wildlife Foundation, which supplied some incredible content, including more than 80 gorgeous photos for the Andrew’s Album feature of the game,” says Legacy Interactive CEO Ariella Lehrer. The leading international conservation organization focused solely on Africa, the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) has played a major role in ensuring the continued existence of some of Africa’s most rare and treasured species. “We are very happy to be associated with Zoo Vet: Endangered Animals and Legacy Interactive,” notes AWF CEO Patrick Bergin.

http://www.spawnpoint.com/feature/656/Zoo_Vet:Endangered_Animals_Roars_Into_Retail_For_The_Holiday



Animals at the zoo gain weight from eating processed foods
Posted: Sep 28th 2007 10:07PM
by Martha Edwards
Filed under: Health in the MediaHeavily processed foods have been blamed for the ever-expanding waistlines of the human population, as well as a number of health problems. But humans aren't the only ones affected by how our food is made. According to this article, animals at the zoo in Seoul, Korea, have become so overweight from their diet of processed foods that they are going on a strict diet.
I think this is very unfortunate -- it's one thing for humans to cause their own health problems by giving into their cravings, but it's another when harmless animals are being fed junk food when they're helpless to do anything about it -- especially because it probably boils down to the zookeepers being too frugal to purchase real foods for the animals.

http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/09/28/animals-at-the-zoo-gain-weight-from-eating-processed-foods/



Addax an important addition to zoo and to the species' existence
Published 9/28/2007
The birth of a critically endangered antelope calf at the zoo last Saturday has staff and visitors smiling.¬ The newborn, an addax, is native to the Sahara Desert in Africa.¬ The parents of the 17-pound male youngster are a 10-year-old male owned by Lee Richardson Zoo and a female on loan to us from the St. Louis Zoo.¬ The pairing was recommended by the Addax Species Survival Plan committee, which oversees breeding programs for this critically endangered species.¬ The parents both arrived at the zoo late last year, and judging by the nine-month gestation within the 10 months they have been together, hit it off right away.

http://www.gctelegram.com/News/140958



New Dubai Zoo project not scrapped, clarifies official
By Joy Sengupta
29 September 2007
DUBAI — The Dubai Municipality has categorically declared that the new Dubai Zoo project at DubaiLand has not been scrapped. Rashad Bukhash, Director of the General Projects Department at the Dubai Municipality, said the project, which boasts of the construction of the biggest zoo in the region with all facilities and different features, is very much in the pipeline.
Earlier, there have been reports that the project is being scrapped. The present zoo is situated in Jumeirah and houses around 1,200 animals, raising
concerns that it is overcrowded. It has also been under the scanner of prominent animal welfare groups like PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals).

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticleNew.asp?xfile=data/theuae/2007/September/theuae_September745.xml&section=theuae&col=

continued...

N.C. Zoo expanding elephant herd

Media Credit: Courtesy of Tom Gillespie
Zookeeper Jackie Buck gives a cool drink of water to Samantha, an African elephant who arrived at the N.C. Zoo on Sunday evening.

The N.C. Zoo in Asheboro welcomed the latest addition to its elephant herd on Sunday.Samantha, 19, arrived shortly after sunrise. She was trucked from the Valley Zoo in Edmonton, Canada, to participate in the N.C. Zoo's captive breeding program.Communications Director Rod Hackney said the N.C. Zoo is one of the few in the country that is actively expanding its elephant herd.Although the N.C. Zoo is expecting an additional three elephants during the next month, Hackney said that many zoos, such as the Bronx Zoo, are choosing to discontinue their elephant programs.He explained that the reductions are a result of updated regulations from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, intended to ensure the welfare of elephants.The N.C. Zoo reaction was to undergo an $8.5 million expansion of its rhinoceros and elephant enclosure. The upgrade will expand the area from 3.5 acres to 7 acres and will include a $2.5 million elephant barn, complete with heated floors, an in-roof sprinkler system for showering the animals and closed-circuit TV systems to monitor them remotely....

Morning Papers - continued...

Zoos

House Bonding Committee Tours DECC, Lake Superior Zoo
Lawmakers rounded out their tour of Northland projects at the Lake Superior Zoo. Last year, $400,000 with a $200,000 matching side was appropriated, to update the polar bear exhibit. But not, in light of Bubba the polar bear dying, and the dire need to get the zoo back to its national accreditation, the city is requesting the same money to be used to improve the entire zoo.
Before that stop, the group ate lunch at the DECC, and was briefed on the importance of the expansion there. The request for the 2008 bonding bill is over $40 million, which is up from last year's, due to construction inflation. They also heard about millions for the state's ports, at the Duluth Seaway Port Authority.

http://www.wdio.com/article/stories/S209994.shtml?cat=10349



Fresno's Chaffee Zoo Celebrating Successful Season
Despite the death of several stingrays
By Corin Hoggard
09/28/2007 - Attendance is up 28% this summer over last summer. They credit better weather, better marketing and the visiting stingray exhibit for the jump. But there's now a problem with that exhibit.

http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=local&id=5680947


Dutch zoo breeds own jellyfish
by MT Bureau - September 29, 2007 - 0 comments
Arnhem,
Netherlands -- Marine biologists at a Dutch zoo say they have succeeded in the difficult task of breeding jellyfish in captivity.
Max Janse, head of the marine area inside Burgers' Zoo, said adult jellyfish have a very short lifespan and are almost impossible to import.
Breeding jellyfish is also very difficult. The process developed at the zoo involves a series of breeding tanks for different stages of the life cycle. Janse said creating a real ocean environment is also crucial.
The jellyfish start out as small polyps, then change into red larvae and finally become small transparent jellyfish.
"When you keep jellyfish you have to keep 'reading' the animals," he told Radio Netherlands. "You also have to have a lot of patience and be willing to continually adapt your strategy."

http://www.themoneytimes.com/news/20070929/dutch_zoo_breeds_own_jellyfish-id-1010357.html



Fiberglass caterpillar joins other bugs in zoo garden
By LAURA STEVENS
lstevens@journalandcourier.com
Lafayette Columbian Park Zoo now proudly displays an 11-foot-long fiberglass caterpillar sculpture in the center of its Wal-Mart Butterfly Garden.
The caterpillar joins existing butterfly and ladybug sculptures, all donated by the Wal-Mart Supercenter on County Road 350 South.
"The caterpillar completes the trio," Claudine Laufman, zoo director, said of the new addition to the garden.
The long-awaited molding posed a challenge for donors. This is the second caterpillar created for the zoo.
The first caterpillar broke in half before its arrival.

http://www.jconline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070929/NEWS/709290327/-1/RSS



Zoo welcomes millionth visitor
By Staff reporter
MILESTONE: Mark was the millionth visitor this year
ONE family had a million reasons to celebrate when they visited Chester Zoo.
Dad Andrew Hawkins was overjoyed when son Mark, became the one millionth visitor to pass through the zoo gates this year.
Characters from this year's forthcoming zoo Frost Fair were on hand to welcome the family and present Mark, from Ormskirk, Lancashire, with a cuddly toy and animal adoption.
The milestone also caused celebrations for the zoo as the number of visitors reached the millionth visitor mark a month earlier than last year.

http://www.thisiswirral.co.uk/display.var.1722490.0.zoo_welcomes_millionth_visitor.php



Both pandas now on show at Madrid zoo
By: thinkSPAIN
The female of the pair of pandas loaned by the Chinese government to Madrid Zoo Aquarium is now ready to deal with the huge crowds expected this weekend to see the two bears together since their arrival two weeks ago.
Hua Zui Ba (Coloured Mouth) has taken a bit longer than Bing Xing (Ice Star) to adapt to her new environment, mainly because she is a bit younger, explain keepers at the zoo, who went on to say that "we've been gradually opening up the enclosure to the public during this week and she has reacted very well."
The two pandas will stay in Madrid for at least ten years and it is hoped that Hua Zui Ba, who is four years old and at peak fertility, will be persuaded to mate with Bing Xing (photo) and reproduce. The problem, however, is that female pandas are only in heat once every spring and the ovulation period, only during which is it possible for them to conceive, lasts barely two days.
There have been no pandas in Madrid since the death of Chu Lin in April 1996.

http://www.thinkspain.com/news-spain/13829



Hummingbirds join zoo's display
September 29, 2007
BY BILL LAITNER
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
Hummingbirds are back at the Detroit Zoo.
After a 6-year absence, the tiny birds again are streaking through the Butterfly House.
They can fly as fast as 50 m.p.h., and the zoo's five new ones made a speedy hit with visitors Thursday.
Colleen Schroeder, 33, of Royal Oak, with her children Weston, 3 1/2 , and Anna, 18 months, peered through a maze of foliage and flitting butterflies for the birds.
"Look up," said zoo gallery guide Sue Tower of Huntington Woods, a retired elementary school teacher.
So mother and kids craned their necks to spot the high-speed aerialists. The Schroeders are zoo regulars, and Weston already knows several types of butterflies, "but now he can learn about the hummingbirds," his mother said.
The Detroit Zoo's last hummingbird died in 2001. The newcomers, natives of Peru, arrived last month by way of Quebec.
They had lived in cages at an aviary that has closed, and they're loving their new freedom to fly, said Tom Schneider, curator of birds at the zoo. .
"We were concerned about their stamina, but they're doing really well," Schneider said.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070929/NEWS05/709290336



Ailing Elephant Left in Isolation at Edmonton Zoo - Write City Council visit site
Animals
Yesterday, the Valley Zoo sent Samantha to a US zoo on a minimum 5 year breeding loan. The move has left Lucy, a wild-caught Asian elephant alone at the Valley Zoo. This leaves Lucy to languish alone, contrary to accredited zoo standards and Albert

http://www.care2.com/news/member/525884267/495671




Free Pregolja-Lonely Elephant Imprisoned in Russian Zoo vi
Pregolja is a female Asian elephant who lives at the Kaliningrad Zoo in Russia. She was born in this zoo in 1970 and has lived there ever since. She has spent 37 years of her life inside the same small and barren enclosure surrounded by rusty steel and

http://www.care2.com/news/member/525884267/495161



From The Sunday Times
September 30, 2007
London Zoo in the good old days: historic archive goes online
THE photographic archive of London Zoo, one of the world’s most important such collections, is to be published for the first time, with the pictures offered for sale to fund conservation, writes Holly Watt.
From tomorrow, the Zoological Society of London will place photographs on its website. These will include elephants walking through docks in Camden, north London, and a tiger cub pictured in 1914 with a disgruntled-looking peccary, a pig-like animal from South America.
In another photograph, two zookeepers trim an elephant’s feet and, from 1920, there is a snapshot of a llama pulling a cart holding a family of three.
In one image, almost 140 years old, a seal is lying sleepily on the lap of a zookeeper, while another from the 1860s shows an orangutan sitting on a stool.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article2558257.ece



Needle in body for over six months, rhino dies in city zoo (Lots of Pop-Ups with this site)
Tenzing Lamsang
Posted online: Sunday , September 30, 2007 at 12:00:00
Updated: Sunday , September 30, 2007 at 12:36
New Delhi, September 29 Goyana, a seven-year-old female rhino at Delhi zoo, died on Saturday from heart infection eventually caused by a needle lodged in its body for over six months.
Zoo authorities blamed the death on a sedating attempt that went wrong when Goyana was at the San Diego zoo in the US, from which they obtained the animal through an exchange programme. It was brought to Delhi zoo this April.
Dr N Paneer Selvam, a vet at Delhi zoo, said the needle broke off from a drug-loaded dart San Diego zoo staff used on the rhino and lodged itself in a soft region of the neck. Vets there tried to remove it but failed.
Because of muscle movements, the needle made its way from the neck to the abdomen and caused infection in the anterior two of the rhino's four stomach bags, said Dr Selvam. He said that moving about in the stomach bags the needle pierced the heart and this led to pericarditis, or infection of the membrane surrounding the heart, from which the rhino died.

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Needle-in-body-for-over-six-months-rhino-dies-in-city-zoo/222695/



San Diego Zoo is clearing way for $44 million project that also will be home to lions and jaguars
Source & © Jeanette Steele
The result will be a bigger home for the zoo's three elephants, plus a relocation of six Asian elephants from the zoo-owned Wild Animal Park near Escondido. Together, the nine elephants will have a 2.5-acre space with see-through barns that will allow vi
2007-09-29 - San Diego, United States
The San Diego Zoo has started demolishing 7 acres of old exhibits there to make way for Elephant Odyssey, the blockbuster $44 million project that will house elephants, lions and jaguars. In total, 10 percent of the zoos display area is off limits while bulldozers take out 50-year-old exhibits that once held giraffes, zebras and antelope. Construction will start early next year and last 18 months.

http://www.elephant-news.com/index.php?id=2794



Zoo talk to discuss jaguars, expanding Sonora reserve
Kate Nolan
The Arizona Republic
Sept. 29, 2007 07:56 AM
NORTHEAST VALLEY - Only four or five jaguars have been seen in Arizona in this century, according to Arizona Game and Fish biologist Bill Van Pelt.
Arizona is on the periphery of the range of the endangered Sonoran jaguar, but Arizonans can play a role in its recovery, Van Pelt said.
One way is to learn about them and contribute to their support at an Oct. 7 Phoenix Zoo event.
The fundraiser will be held 5-7 p.m. at the zoo's Stone House Pavilion in Phoenix.
Jaguar experts will talk about the need to expand the Northern Jaguar Reserve in Sonora, Mexico.

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0928sr-jaguar0929ON.html



The Jedi returns to Binghamton zoo
9/30/2007 5:47 PM
By: Web Staff
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- It was the Return of the Jedi-- well sort of.
Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, R2-D2 and other characters from "Star Wars" joined the usual list of attractions at the zoo on Sunday. Fans from all across upstate New York came to Binghamton to help raise money for the zoo.
Though the "Star Wars" epic began in the '70s, the recently released movies have created a new generation of fans.

http://www.news10now.com/content/top_stories/default.asp?ArID=121594



Lion goes crazy at the Naples Zoo
Samba the the Male lion at the Naples Zoo responds to the growl of a Tiger in a neighboring cage.

http://www.livevideo.com/video/trigirl/50B5581EE6664BC2BD08CB1FE50129BC/lion-goes-crazy-at-the-naples-.aspx



National Zoo Scientists Working to Save One of the World's Microscopic Species
The Smithsonian's National Zoo recently acquired 12,000 new animals-microscopic Elkhorn coral larvae harvested by National Zoo scientists in Puerto Rico. As part of an international collaborative program to raise the threatened species, National Zoo scientists hope to one day return the animals, once they are grown, to their wild ocean habitat.
In August, Zoo Reproductive Scientist Dr. Mary Hagedorn and Invertebrates Keeper Mike Henley traveled to Puerto Rico with marine scientists involved with SECORE (SExual COral REproduction) to collect and artificially inseminate coral. Hagedorn is pioneering the cyropreservation (freezing, storing and thawing) of coral sperm and eggs. Working in collaboration with SECORE, she is trying to create a genome resource bank, which will help preserve the genetic diversity of coral.

http://newsblaze.com/story/20070930165714tsop.nb/newsblaze/TOPSTORY/Top-Stories.html



Melbourne in worldwide fight to save the tiger
Steve Butcher
October 1, 2007
IMAGINE this tiger being trapped, shot or poisoned, then skinned, boned, chopped, broiled or ground to dust, simply for profit.
The tiger is rapidly facing extinction because of human appetite for its body parts and the forests that support it.
Melbourne Zoo's five Sumatran tigers, including its three cubs — now almost a year old — are a family crucial to an international captive breeding program and efforts to save the subspecies in the wild.
The zoo supports Fauna and Flora International in conservation efforts in Sumatra to preserve habitat for tigers, of which about 400 survive. Indonesia's other tigers — the Balinese and Javan — have become extinct. All funds, including $1000 raised by zoo staff who rattled tins outside the MCG after AFL club Richmond joined the fight, support efforts in Sumatra, where illegal logging and poaching are causing constant pressure.

http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/fight-to-save-the-tiger/2007/09/30/1191090945543.html



Home-school children get zoo program
Starting Tuesday, Nashville Zoo will offer a new series of education programs designed for home-school children.
The programs are grouped into three age-appropriate programs and will be offered on the first Tuesday of each month (January 2008 will be offered on the second Tuesday).
These engaging programs encourage home-school students to learn about the importance of conservation by exploring the world of animals through animal presentations and artifacts.
* Animal Wrappers (for ages 4 to 8) features fur, feathers, skin, scales, exoskeletons and an overall introduction into animal classification.
* Surviving the Wild (for ages 9 to 13) explores diverse survival mechanisms in the animal kingdom. Kids will discover why turtles have shells, why bird beaks are so different, and more.
* Working With Wildlife (for ages 14 to 18) addresses animal-related careers and is designed specifically for middle school students. All programs are aligned with Tennessee State Standards.
The 45-minute programs cost $6 per student and include one chaperone with each group of students (one or more). Additional chaperones are $7 each.
Admission to Nashville Zoo is included with the program cost, putting the price in line with the zoo's education group rate policy.
For more information about the home school programs, please call the education department at (615) 833-1534 extension 142 or visit the zoo's Web site at www.nashvillezoo.org/homeschool.
Submitted by Jim Bartoo, public relations, Nashville Zoo.

http://www.theleafchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070930/COMMUNITY/709300321



Family zoo package, New York City
Experience fall in New York City with Buckingham Hotel's Central Park Zoo package.
The family package includes a two-night stay for four in a deluxe suite, four tickets (two adults, two children) to the Central Park Zoo, two collectible stuffed animals from the zoo gift shop, and a family pack of afternoon snacks to take on your zoo trip.
The package costs $379 per night based on a two-night minimum and is subject to availability.
Book online at www.

http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/203572



Rare gator Mardi to 'treat' zoo visitors through Halloween
By MARGIE KACOHA
Daily News Staff Writer
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Being an alligator, Mardi is not likely to perform any tricks, but the rare reptile will remain at the Palm Beach Zoo through Halloween, looking like a huge white-chocolate treat.
The 9-foot, 250-pound alligator, visiting the Palm Beaches since June, was due back at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans at the end of September. But renovations continue at his Big Easy home, extending his stay at the bayou digs constructed just for him in West Palm Beach.
"He's very popular," zoo spokeswoman Gail Eaton said. "People ask for him. He's a rock star. School kids are crazy about him."
According to Eaton, the number of zoo visitors is up this summer compared with last year. August figures showed an increase of 46 percent over the same period in 2006. As the end of September approaches, figures indicate a 67 percent increase in attendance compared with September 2006.

http://www.palmbeachdailynews.com/news/content/news/Mardi0930.html



Foreign experts want to help TT zoo
Sunday, September 30 2007
The Zoological Society of Trinidad and Tobago (ZSTT) was represented at the recently convened Association of American Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) annual conference by the President, Gupte Lutchmedial and First Vice President, Ben de la Rosa.
The conference which saw representatives from all the member zoos and aquariums of the AZA from across the USA and Canada ran from the 17th to the 21st of September 2007. Attendees also included affiliates from institutions such as the ZSTT and the Cheetah Conservation Fund of Kenya and many other zoos and aquariums around the world.
In addition to the wealth of information transfer on modern zoo and aquarium management attendees were afforded the unique opportunity of meeting with and networking with most of the leaders in modern research and development of wildlife conservation and husbandry.
The ZSTT representatives took advantage of the occasion to forge alliances with key proponents of modern zoo construction and management. This will be critical to ensuring that the upgrade of the Emperor Valley Zoo benefits from new strategies and innovations in the housing and care of its collection of animals at the facility.

http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,65103.html



Looking for Little Joe
Finding education, dedication at Franklin Park Zoo
By Sam Allis, Globe Columnist September 30, 2007
I'm looking through triple-pane glass at Little Joe. He was born in captivity, like virtually all zoo animals today, but I'm convinced he gets subliminal bursts of something more. Some vast somewhere he can't quite see. Call it a nostalgia for something that never was.
Joe sits inert, then lopes slowly across to another spot in the gorilla quarters. Chews on a piece of straw. Lies on his back and holds his ankles and stares up at the new roof and beyond. Locks eyes with you to take your measure and make you ponder, ever so briefly, the whole concept of zoos.
You know zoos are invaluable tools to educate us about the richness of life on earth. You see the delight of kids taking a gander at their first camel, which remains one of the damnedest looking things I've ever seen.
But despite the best efforts of excellent staff at the Franklin Park Zoo to provide a great environment for these guys, you can't miss the claustrophobia of it all for a great ape. Little Joe, remember, flew the coop because he wanted breathing room. He wanted more.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2007/09/30/looking_for_little_joe/



Oregon Zoo elephant Rose-Tu is pregnant
Posted by The Oregonian October 01, 2007 12:23PM
Rose-Tu is eating for two.
The Oregon Zoo announced today that its 13-year-old Asian elephant, Rose-Tu, is pregnant and should deliver a calf between Sept. 4 and 24, 2008.
Zookeepers figure she conceived between Dec. 4 and 6, 2006, when she was allowed to roam the elephant yard with Tusko, a 36-year-old bull the zoo acquired on a breeding loan in 2005.
"A baby," said Mike Keele, "signifies a major impact on the life of the herd. It's incredibly enriching."
Keele, the zoo's deputy director and a former elephant keeper, said visitors may not notice subtle changes in Rose-Tu as her pregnancy progresses. Mammary glands near her front legs have grown a little, but otherwise she looks about as she always does.
Rose-Tu was the last elephant born at the zoo. Since 1962, when Packy was born, the zoo has has added 27 calves to the dwindling population.
In the past few years, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums has encouraged its members, including the Oregon Zoo, to step up breeding programs to balance a captive population that is aging and declining.
If all goes well with Rose-Tu, Keele said, the zoo may try next spring to breed Tusko with Chendra, also 13.
--Katy Muldoon

http://blog.oregonlive.com/breakingnews/2007/10/oregon_zoo_elephant_rosetu_is.html


'Unseen' images found in London Zoo archive -
Monday 1st October 2007
Chris Cheesman
An historic album of London Zoo photographs, which has been digitally restored for online viewing, contains images 'never seen' before, a spokeswoman has revealed to Amateur Photographer.

http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/news/Unseen_images_found_in_London_Zoo_archive_news_146811.html



Zoo World Celebrating Customers With $1 Admission
Posted: 6:38 AM Oct 1, 2007
Last Updated: 7:47 PM Oct 1, 2007
Reporter: Elyse Molstad
Email Address: elyse.molstad@wjhg.com
Zoo World is lowering admission prices this weekend to say thanks to all its' supporters.
More than 7,500 people came out Saturday for this weekend's annual Zoobilee.
The event drops the zoo's admission price to only a $1, regular admission starts at $9.95.
This year visitors got to try their hand at the dunking booth and get photographed with some of the zoo's most exotic animals.
Zoo World is a non-profit educational facility. Zoobilee will continue Sunday from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m

http://www.wjhg.com/news/headlines/10141471.html



3rd polar bear arrives in Pittsburgh from Ohio zoo
The Associated Press
PITTSBURGH - Koda Rogers and Nuka McFeely have a new friend.
Marty, their fellow polar bear, has moved in.
Marty made the trip from the Toledo Zoo in Ohio on Thursday, joining the other two furry white males at the Pittsburgh Zoo.
But visitors will have to wait to see the latest addition to Pittsburgh's polar bear population.
Zoo officials say animals often become stressed when moved around. To reduce the tension, Marty will stay behind-the-scenes for about a month getting to know his new digs and caretakers.

http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/news/state/pennsylvania/20071001_ap_3rdpolarbeararrivesinpittsburghfromohiozoo.html



Zoo shows off amazing animal pics
Lots of amazing pictures of some really cute animals are being shown off by the bosses of London Zoo.
The London Zoological Society has put lots of photos online for the first time, and is hoping to raise money by selling copies of them.
Among the pics people can look at is one from 1914 when a tiny tiger cub and a baby bear met each other.
There are also some very strange images of zebras and llamas pulling people around in carriages.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7020000/newsid_7021500/7021565.stm



Chahinkapa Zoo prepares for winter
When winter is on its way in North Dakota, everyone can feel it and have winter coats, scarves and hats ready. When the snow and bitter cold temperatures arrive, everyone can throw coats on or take refuge in a warm place. The animals at Chahinkapa Zoo aren't much different.
The Chahinkapa Zoo will be open to the public until the end of October and only open by appointment after that. With only a month left, zoo staff is beginning to prepare animals for the onset of winter.
"We don't send our animals away," said Chahinkapa Zoo Director Kathy Diekman. "We keep them here, they're ours."As it gets cooler, there are several animals that won't be on exhibit, but others are native animals or from countries with colder climates and can handle the cold winter.

http://www.wahpetondailynews.com/articles/2007/10/01/news/news02.txt



Wildlife still fascinates zookeeper after 40 years
By Marc Ramirez
Seattle Times staff reporter
Not many people have had a Japanese macaque jump on their heads, but Wally English has.
One of about 60 zookeepers at Woodland Park Zoo, English is celebrating his 40th year on staff, which puts him at Woodland Park — and in the path of many a wild animal — longer than anyone.
Well, almost anyone — there's Gertie, a 43-year-old hippo. "She's the only one on the grounds with more seniority than me," says English, 65.
When he started at the zoo in 1967, you could have mistaken English for Peter Fonda in "Easy Rider," and though his hair these days is wispy and gray-blond, the soft-spoken Seattle native is as fascinated with wildlife as he was at 5 years old. For about a decade, he's assisted with the zoo's pond-turtle conservation effort and taken care of endangered birds.
He's seen his job change as zoos themselves have been transformed from circuslike menageries to conservation-minded environments.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003915568_zookeeper01.html



Zoo's lemurs more spunky than spooky
By TOM GALUSHA
SPECIAL TO THE CHIEFTAIN
The Romans feared lemures, the spirits of the dead. Lamenting plaintively, lemures wandered by night in search of light, glaring at the living with glowing eyes. French researchers on Madagascar noticed animals that reminded them of these ghosts with loud calls and eyes glowing red at night, so they called them "lemurs."
Actually, the German name, halb-affen, "half-apes," better describes these unique primates belonging to a group called prosimians, for they occupy a stage between ancient, tree-shrew-like insectivores from which true monkeys and apes sprang and supplanted the once worldwide lemurs.

http://www.chieftain.com/life/1191218682/3


continued...

New Hope for Exotic Parrots on Cook Islands

One of 27 Rimatara lorikeets reintroduced to Atiu.

Photo Phil Bender

Hunted to local extinction nearly 2 centuries ago, the Rimatara lorikeet has been re-established to Atiu, one of the Cook Islands with the aid of the islands’ royalty and funds raised at last year’s British Bird Watching Fair....

Rehabbed American plover will migrate to Columbus Zoo

(By John Terhune/Journal & Courier)

Carol Blacketer holds an American golden plover at her residence Wednesday in Lafayette. The plover was found injured in Benton County in May. Blacketer and volunteers at the Wildcat Wildlife Center nursed the bird back to health.

By BOB SCOTT

bscott@journalandcourier.com

An injured American golden plover, a migratory bird found last May in Benton County, is headed to an aviary at the Columbus (Ohio) Zoo.
"We're so excited," said Carol Blacketer of the Wildcat Wildlife Center near Delphi. "Jack Hanna and Columbus Zoo are members of the center.
"We have many of the same beliefs about animals that are unreleasable."
Hanna is the director emeritus at the Columbus Zoo and has gained fame from late-night television appearances with animals from the zoo.
The male plover was found on Nature Conservancy of Indiana property near Fowler. It couldn't fly because an injured left wing did not heal properly.
"This is a tough little bird," Blacketer said Wednesday at her Lafayette home.
A shorebird, the American golden plover also can be found in pastures and open ground. The bird has one of the longest migrations in nature -- 2,500 miles. It breeds on the arctic tundra of Alaska and in Canada and winters in the grasslands of South America.
"These birds only go through Indiana in the spring," Blacketer said.
Volunteer Katie Hrdy, a student at Ivy Tech Community College, helped take care of the bird, which consumed 10,000 meal worms and 1,000 crickets a month.
"People think we just put birds in a cage and feed them," she said. "We had this bird in a big aquarium with special grass so it was like a marshy area."
Last spring, the Wildcat Wildlife Center also donated a cedar waxwing to the Columbus Zoo.
Blacketer said the bird, which is on the threatened list, will be taken this morning from her Lafayette home to Indianapolis.
Jeremy Carpenter of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium will meet her to take the bird back to Ohio. He is the assistant curator of the North American area at the zoo.
"This is our only American golden plover," he said. "Our aviary has about 60 birds and roughly 30 different species. About 40 birds are rehab birds.
"We are giving them a second chance at life," Carpenter said.
He said the aviary is a popular site for visitors taking nature photos.
"They stay a long time," he said.