Friday, December 14, 2007
Conservancy benefits all New York residents
First published: Tuesday, December 11, 2007
In regards to ``Cathedral, Slater among recipients of grants'' by Brian Nearing, Nov. 30:
It is always great to see Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) money being used for projects that protect natural and historic resources, as we did with the announcement of $23.5 million in grants awarded to communities and organizations throughout the state.
The Nature Conservancy is thankful to the Legislature and governor for agreeing during this legislative session to increase the funding available for EPF programs that protect open space, clean water, working farmland, urban and wilderness parklands; provide effective municipal recycling programs, breast cancer research; and support zoos, botanical gardens, aquariums and other environmental education centers in every corner of New York.
We are hopeful that they will implement the agreed-upon increase to $300 million in the upcoming budget so these programs can continue and expand, benefiting all New Yorkers.
JESSICA OTTNEY
Director, State Government Relations
http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=646222&category=OPINION&newsdate=12/11/2007
Facing a healthy future, the latest in a new generation leads the giant panda revival
By SHÂN ROSS
WHEN a four-month old giant panda cub made its first public appearance at the maternity ward at Chongqing Zoo in southern China earlier this week, adoring visitors pushed forward eagerly to see the latest precious addition.
The healthy baby panda, who is helping one of the world's most endangered species make a comeback, had already escaped death after its mother Ya Ya rolled over in her sleep and flattened its twin when only two days old.
While the fate of the tiny baby panda was a massive setback for the zoo's breeding programme, it has not daunted the optimism of conservationists that the breed will survive.
Experts have recently described the panda breeding programme as entering a "golden age".
In 2006 a record 31 pandas were born in captivity in China, triple the number in 2000.
WWF, the animal conservation body, said a survey conducted in 2004 counted 1,600 giant pandas - 40 per cent more than were thought to exist in the 1980s.
http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/ViewArticle.aspx?articleid=3589432
GERMANY
VIDEO: Lion Cubs in Berlin Zoo
Two new boys in the lion kingdom make their debut in front of the cameras.
They're cute, and furry, and a little bit rough-and-tumble - so they're bound to be the latest attraction at Berlin Zoo.
These two cubs, both male, are the first to be born in the German zoo since their father was born nine years ago.
Already five weeks old before they first meet the cameras, the cubs are learning to live with their mother, and a sometimes aggressive aunt.
We are very lucky that the babies' mother and aunt are here together. They love each other very much and it would be dangerous to separate them. The only problem is -- and the babies will have to learn to live with it -- that the aunt gets a little aggressive from time to time. But that's a totally normal part of growing up, and so far, the cubs are doing fine - Detlef Liebschwager, zoo keeper says. Find out more in the NEWS FOOTAGE.
Published: December 09, 2007 16:
http://www.javno.com/en/lifestyle/clanak.php?id=105092
Willie Nelson Peace Research Institute
http://willienelsonpri.com/
Rare Colobus Monkey celebrates its 1st birthday at Oregon Zoo
Associated Press - December 9, 2007 3:15 PM ET
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The Oregon Zoo is celebrating the first birthday of its baby colobus monkey just a few days before Christmas.
Little Delu will have a party thrown by zookeepers. The birthday party and keeper chat will take place at 10:30 a.m. on December 21st.
Delu has crossed some major milestones recently, weaning herself from her mother's milk and loosing her pure-white baby coloring. She now looks a lot like her parents, with a black body and white shoulders, back and beard.
She is the fourth baby for 11-year-old Mali and her mate, 16-year-old Kiku, and the first female.
In fact, Delu's name means "only daughter" in Hausa, a prominent language in Western Africa.
http://www.ktvz.com/Global/story.asp?S=7472118
Horses back on show at Western Plains Zoo
Posted Mon Dec 10, 2007 3:00pm AEDT
Equine species at Dubbo's Western Plains Zoo, in central western New South Wales, have been allowed to return to exhibition after the horse flu outbreak.
Zebras, przewalski's horses and persian onagers have been kept in behind-the-scenes holding yards since September as a precaution.
A zebra foal which was born in October is now on exhibit for the first time.
The zoo is experiencing a baby boom, with a persian onager foal and giraffe calf also born last week.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/12/10/2114555.htm
Erie Zoo should keep special status
Published: December 10. 2007 6:00AM
A curious thing happened to the Erie Zoo as a committee led by Erie County Councilman Joe Giles debated a framework for spending $11 million in annual gaming revenues from Presque Isle Downs & Casino: The zoo was demoted.
In a meeting with the Erie Times-News Editorial Board, Giles disputed that word choice, arguing that he knew what the zoo's budget was and what the zoo needed.
But it's hard to dispute that the zoo, often named as the region's top regional asset, is no longer considered in a class by itself. Even in the original plan conceived by the Giles committee, the Erie Zoo was given special regional-asset treatment right along with Blasco Library and its branches. In the committee's final proposal, which County Council could vote on as early as Dec. 18, the zoo is listed with five other regional assets that will compete for a total of about $2 million each year.
http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071210/OPINION01/712100352
Baby flamingos offer hope at Detroit Zoo
Published: Dec. 9, 2007 at 1:11 PM
DETROIT, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- The recent birth of three flamingo chicks at the Detroit Zoo has offered hope to animal groups trying to bolster the big pink birds' population.
Zoo officials have gone to great lengths to help the exotic baby birds, which for now go by the drab monikers of 31, 32 and 33, adapt to their captive environment, The Detroit Free Press reported Sunday.
Eventually, the birds will join the zoo's dwindling Chilean flamingo flock.
The zoo first took in a group of wild Chilean flamingos in 1980, but that group's population has since dwindled from 43 to 27 birds. The new babies offer zoo officials hope the flock's numbers will begin to climb and other experts have predicted the birds will have other key uses.
"Captive flocks of flamingos are not only interesting for the public to see," Wetlands International flamingo expert Brooks Childress said in an e-mail, "they also provide opportunities for behavioral and other research."
http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Quirks/2007/12/09/baby_flamingos_offer_hope_at_detroit_zoo/9736/
Help the Virginia Zoo pick a name for its new lion cubs
By Debbie Messina
The Virginian-Pilot
© December 10, 2007
The Virginia Zoo received more than 600 entries in the naming contest for the pair of lion cubs born in August.
The zoo staff narrowed the list down to three finalists for both the male and female (pictured above). They are Granby, Taavi and Tonga for the boy and Aza, Lulu, and Neka for the girl.
Now the public will choose the winning names. A $1 donation per vote is requested. Official rules and forms can be found at www.virginiazoo.org and at the zoo membership office.
Votes must be submitted by Dec. 31. The cubs are expected to go on exhibit early in 2008.
http://hamptonroads.com/2007/12/help-virginia-zoo-pick-name-its-new-lion-cubs
HCM City zoo welcomes two white rhinos from South Africa
The Sai Gon Zoo and Botanical Garden received two white rhinoceros on Wednesday, one female and the other male, its director, Nguyen Thi Hien Luong, said.
They were bought from South Africa. The 3 1/2-year-old male animal weighs 1.2 tonnes and the 2 1/2-year-old female about 800 kg.
They are expected to be let into their enclosures by the end of this month.
The zoo also plans to breed the endangered animal.
http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn/showarticle.php?num=01KAL091207
Brookfield Zoo’s holiday celebration under way
http://www.chicagosuburbannews.com/marengo/homepage/x805326756
Programs for kids grow at Reid Park Zoo
what's on the menu
GABRIELLE FIMBRES
Tucson Citizen
A fishsicle might not be a preschooler's idea of a tasty snack.
But little ones recently learned about the eating habits of residents at Reid Park Zoo. And for an otter, a fishsicle - a fish encased in a chuck of ice - is a little slice of heaven.
What's on the Menu is one of the education programs for children at the zoo, 1100 S. Randolph Way.
The zoo is expanding its education program as construction nears completion on the $4 million, 10,000-square-foot education building, said Vivian VanPeenen, curator of education at the zoo.
"It's phenomenal,'' VanPeenen said of the building, financed through private and city funding. The building, scheduled to open early next year, replaces the old one that was 900-square-feet.
http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/daily/local/71120.php
Columbian Park Zoo Gets Two Bald Eagles
Updated: Dec 11, 2007 06:00 PM EST
Two bald eagles will call Columbian Park Zoo in Lafayette home. The eagles, one male, one female, were delivered to the zoo by the American Eagle Foundation's Eagle Mountain Sanctuary in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Both birds are considered non-releasable.
Zoo Director Claudine Laufman says both birds were injured several years ago, and can no longer survive in the wild. Laufman says both birds are adjusting nicely to their new home at Columbian Park.
"These particular birds have been housed together for several years at Dollywood which is located in Pigeon Force, Tennessee and we thought they would be a wonderful addition to our facility," said Laufman.
http://www.wlfi.com/Global/story.asp?S=7475830&nav=menu591_3
Commissioners set to approve zoo levy
Business Courier of Cincinnati
A five-year levy proposal that will raise $36.3 million for the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is headed for formal approval by the Hamilton County Commissioners.
Commissioner David Pepper said Monday that all three commissioners voiced their approval for the levy, which was given the go-ahead in late November by the Hamilton County tax levy review committee.
The $36.3 million is about $1.1 million more than the current levy, which generates more than $6 million annually for the Avondale-based zoo. A zoo spokesman said previously that higher expenses drove the need for an increase.
The commissioners will formally approve the proposed levy Dec. 19, Pepper said. It will appear on the March 2008 primary election ballot.
http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2007/12/10/daily11.html
Reindeer Romp, Historic Carousel Rides and Ice Skating Part of San Francisco Zoo Holiday Celebration
There is plenty of fun for kids of all ages at the San Francisco Zoo this holiday season from ballet and puppet shows at the historic carousel to Santa's reindeer and ice skating. In addition to the carousel and reindeer, the zoo's 3rd Annual Reindeer Romp will feature the zoo's first-ever holiday ice skating rink where children, families and couples can glide and twirl to holiday music and twinkling lights.
During the Reindeer Romp, held through New Year's Day, you can meet Santa's reindeer, design antlers to wear (free, while supplies last), enjoy holiday entertainment on December weekends, and even watch other zoo animals enjoy their holiday treats. Various special pricing packages are available that include zoo admission, carousel rides and ice skating.
http://www.carouselnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=257
continued...
First published: Tuesday, December 11, 2007
In regards to ``Cathedral, Slater among recipients of grants'' by Brian Nearing, Nov. 30:
It is always great to see Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) money being used for projects that protect natural and historic resources, as we did with the announcement of $23.5 million in grants awarded to communities and organizations throughout the state.
The Nature Conservancy is thankful to the Legislature and governor for agreeing during this legislative session to increase the funding available for EPF programs that protect open space, clean water, working farmland, urban and wilderness parklands; provide effective municipal recycling programs, breast cancer research; and support zoos, botanical gardens, aquariums and other environmental education centers in every corner of New York.
We are hopeful that they will implement the agreed-upon increase to $300 million in the upcoming budget so these programs can continue and expand, benefiting all New Yorkers.
JESSICA OTTNEY
Director, State Government Relations
http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=646222&category=OPINION&newsdate=12/11/2007
Facing a healthy future, the latest in a new generation leads the giant panda revival
By SHÂN ROSS
WHEN a four-month old giant panda cub made its first public appearance at the maternity ward at Chongqing Zoo in southern China earlier this week, adoring visitors pushed forward eagerly to see the latest precious addition.
The healthy baby panda, who is helping one of the world's most endangered species make a comeback, had already escaped death after its mother Ya Ya rolled over in her sleep and flattened its twin when only two days old.
While the fate of the tiny baby panda was a massive setback for the zoo's breeding programme, it has not daunted the optimism of conservationists that the breed will survive.
Experts have recently described the panda breeding programme as entering a "golden age".
In 2006 a record 31 pandas were born in captivity in China, triple the number in 2000.
WWF, the animal conservation body, said a survey conducted in 2004 counted 1,600 giant pandas - 40 per cent more than were thought to exist in the 1980s.
http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/ViewArticle.aspx?articleid=3589432
GERMANY
VIDEO: Lion Cubs in Berlin Zoo
Two new boys in the lion kingdom make their debut in front of the cameras.
They're cute, and furry, and a little bit rough-and-tumble - so they're bound to be the latest attraction at Berlin Zoo.
These two cubs, both male, are the first to be born in the German zoo since their father was born nine years ago.
Already five weeks old before they first meet the cameras, the cubs are learning to live with their mother, and a sometimes aggressive aunt.
We are very lucky that the babies' mother and aunt are here together. They love each other very much and it would be dangerous to separate them. The only problem is -- and the babies will have to learn to live with it -- that the aunt gets a little aggressive from time to time. But that's a totally normal part of growing up, and so far, the cubs are doing fine - Detlef Liebschwager, zoo keeper says. Find out more in the NEWS FOOTAGE.
Published: December 09, 2007 16:
http://www.javno.com/en/lifestyle/clanak.php?id=105092
Willie Nelson Peace Research Institute
http://willienelsonpri.com/
Rare Colobus Monkey celebrates its 1st birthday at Oregon Zoo
Associated Press - December 9, 2007 3:15 PM ET
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The Oregon Zoo is celebrating the first birthday of its baby colobus monkey just a few days before Christmas.
Little Delu will have a party thrown by zookeepers. The birthday party and keeper chat will take place at 10:30 a.m. on December 21st.
Delu has crossed some major milestones recently, weaning herself from her mother's milk and loosing her pure-white baby coloring. She now looks a lot like her parents, with a black body and white shoulders, back and beard.
She is the fourth baby for 11-year-old Mali and her mate, 16-year-old Kiku, and the first female.
In fact, Delu's name means "only daughter" in Hausa, a prominent language in Western Africa.
http://www.ktvz.com/Global/story.asp?S=7472118
Horses back on show at Western Plains Zoo
Posted Mon Dec 10, 2007 3:00pm AEDT
Equine species at Dubbo's Western Plains Zoo, in central western New South Wales, have been allowed to return to exhibition after the horse flu outbreak.
Zebras, przewalski's horses and persian onagers have been kept in behind-the-scenes holding yards since September as a precaution.
A zebra foal which was born in October is now on exhibit for the first time.
The zoo is experiencing a baby boom, with a persian onager foal and giraffe calf also born last week.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/12/10/2114555.htm
Erie Zoo should keep special status
Published: December 10. 2007 6:00AM
A curious thing happened to the Erie Zoo as a committee led by Erie County Councilman Joe Giles debated a framework for spending $11 million in annual gaming revenues from Presque Isle Downs & Casino: The zoo was demoted.
In a meeting with the Erie Times-News Editorial Board, Giles disputed that word choice, arguing that he knew what the zoo's budget was and what the zoo needed.
But it's hard to dispute that the zoo, often named as the region's top regional asset, is no longer considered in a class by itself. Even in the original plan conceived by the Giles committee, the Erie Zoo was given special regional-asset treatment right along with Blasco Library and its branches. In the committee's final proposal, which County Council could vote on as early as Dec. 18, the zoo is listed with five other regional assets that will compete for a total of about $2 million each year.
http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071210/OPINION01/712100352
Baby flamingos offer hope at Detroit Zoo
Published: Dec. 9, 2007 at 1:11 PM
DETROIT, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- The recent birth of three flamingo chicks at the Detroit Zoo has offered hope to animal groups trying to bolster the big pink birds' population.
Zoo officials have gone to great lengths to help the exotic baby birds, which for now go by the drab monikers of 31, 32 and 33, adapt to their captive environment, The Detroit Free Press reported Sunday.
Eventually, the birds will join the zoo's dwindling Chilean flamingo flock.
The zoo first took in a group of wild Chilean flamingos in 1980, but that group's population has since dwindled from 43 to 27 birds. The new babies offer zoo officials hope the flock's numbers will begin to climb and other experts have predicted the birds will have other key uses.
"Captive flocks of flamingos are not only interesting for the public to see," Wetlands International flamingo expert Brooks Childress said in an e-mail, "they also provide opportunities for behavioral and other research."
http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Quirks/2007/12/09/baby_flamingos_offer_hope_at_detroit_zoo/9736/
Help the Virginia Zoo pick a name for its new lion cubs
By Debbie Messina
The Virginian-Pilot
© December 10, 2007
The Virginia Zoo received more than 600 entries in the naming contest for the pair of lion cubs born in August.
The zoo staff narrowed the list down to three finalists for both the male and female (pictured above). They are Granby, Taavi and Tonga for the boy and Aza, Lulu, and Neka for the girl.
Now the public will choose the winning names. A $1 donation per vote is requested. Official rules and forms can be found at www.virginiazoo.org and at the zoo membership office.
Votes must be submitted by Dec. 31. The cubs are expected to go on exhibit early in 2008.
http://hamptonroads.com/2007/12/help-virginia-zoo-pick-name-its-new-lion-cubs
HCM City zoo welcomes two white rhinos from South Africa
The Sai Gon Zoo and Botanical Garden received two white rhinoceros on Wednesday, one female and the other male, its director, Nguyen Thi Hien Luong, said.
They were bought from South Africa. The 3 1/2-year-old male animal weighs 1.2 tonnes and the 2 1/2-year-old female about 800 kg.
They are expected to be let into their enclosures by the end of this month.
The zoo also plans to breed the endangered animal.
http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn/showarticle.php?num=01KAL091207
Brookfield Zoo’s holiday celebration under way
http://www.chicagosuburbannews.com/marengo/homepage/x805326756
Programs for kids grow at Reid Park Zoo
what's on the menu
GABRIELLE FIMBRES
Tucson Citizen
A fishsicle might not be a preschooler's idea of a tasty snack.
But little ones recently learned about the eating habits of residents at Reid Park Zoo. And for an otter, a fishsicle - a fish encased in a chuck of ice - is a little slice of heaven.
What's on the Menu is one of the education programs for children at the zoo, 1100 S. Randolph Way.
The zoo is expanding its education program as construction nears completion on the $4 million, 10,000-square-foot education building, said Vivian VanPeenen, curator of education at the zoo.
"It's phenomenal,'' VanPeenen said of the building, financed through private and city funding. The building, scheduled to open early next year, replaces the old one that was 900-square-feet.
http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/daily/local/71120.php
Columbian Park Zoo Gets Two Bald Eagles
Updated: Dec 11, 2007 06:00 PM EST
Two bald eagles will call Columbian Park Zoo in Lafayette home. The eagles, one male, one female, were delivered to the zoo by the American Eagle Foundation's Eagle Mountain Sanctuary in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Both birds are considered non-releasable.
Zoo Director Claudine Laufman says both birds were injured several years ago, and can no longer survive in the wild. Laufman says both birds are adjusting nicely to their new home at Columbian Park.
"These particular birds have been housed together for several years at Dollywood which is located in Pigeon Force, Tennessee and we thought they would be a wonderful addition to our facility," said Laufman.
http://www.wlfi.com/Global/story.asp?S=7475830&nav=menu591_3
Commissioners set to approve zoo levy
Business Courier of Cincinnati
A five-year levy proposal that will raise $36.3 million for the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is headed for formal approval by the Hamilton County Commissioners.
Commissioner David Pepper said Monday that all three commissioners voiced their approval for the levy, which was given the go-ahead in late November by the Hamilton County tax levy review committee.
The $36.3 million is about $1.1 million more than the current levy, which generates more than $6 million annually for the Avondale-based zoo. A zoo spokesman said previously that higher expenses drove the need for an increase.
The commissioners will formally approve the proposed levy Dec. 19, Pepper said. It will appear on the March 2008 primary election ballot.
http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2007/12/10/daily11.html
Reindeer Romp, Historic Carousel Rides and Ice Skating Part of San Francisco Zoo Holiday Celebration
There is plenty of fun for kids of all ages at the San Francisco Zoo this holiday season from ballet and puppet shows at the historic carousel to Santa's reindeer and ice skating. In addition to the carousel and reindeer, the zoo's 3rd Annual Reindeer Romp will feature the zoo's first-ever holiday ice skating rink where children, families and couples can glide and twirl to holiday music and twinkling lights.
During the Reindeer Romp, held through New Year's Day, you can meet Santa's reindeer, design antlers to wear (free, while supplies last), enjoy holiday entertainment on December weekends, and even watch other zoo animals enjoy their holiday treats. Various special pricing packages are available that include zoo admission, carousel rides and ice skating.
http://www.carouselnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=257
continued...
Rufus arrives as part of breeding program to save species
Rufus, a red wolf from a sanctuary near St. Louis that arrived Saturday at the NEW Zoo in Suamico, surveys his new home Tuesday. Zoo officials plan to bring in a female red wolf to start a captive breeding program. Jim Matthews/Press-Gazette
Hogle Zoo plans $3 million health center
Hogle Zoo plans to build a new $3 million animal health center with the help of a $1.5 million grant from the ALSAM Foundation.
The new facility, which will be named in honor of ALSAM Foundation founder L.S. "Sam" Skaggs, will include expanded diagnostic and treatment areas, updated surgical and quarantine elements and office space for the zoo's two full-time veterinarians and their staff.
"This is another big step in our Renew the Zoo Master Plan and our commitment to excellence," said Craig Dinsmore, Hogle Zoo's executive director.
"Our hope is that the ALSAM Foundation's leadership will spur other gifts from generous individuals and foundations to help transform Hogle Zoo for future generations of people and animals," said Beth Wolfer, Hogle Zoo's associate director of development.
The zoo plans to break ground on the new health center next September with construction expected to take about one year.
http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695235051,00.html
Terri Irwin and Bob on his fourth birthday at Australia Zoo
By Shannon, CBB Senior Contributor
Australia Zoo owner and wife of the late Crocodile Hunter, Terri Irwin, 43, holds son, Robert Clarence 'Bob', as he blows out the candles on a cake for his fourth birthday. The family, including older sister Bindi Sue, 9, celebrated at Australia Zoo on the 1st of this month.
http://www.celebrity-babies.com/2007/12/terri-irwin-and.html
Holiday Show Brightens Nights at National Zoo
Map It:
THE FINAL DAYS OF FALL might seem like a strange time to check out the mostly-outdoor offerings at the National Zoo — especially since daylight's in short supply. But the temperatures this week are mild, and the Smithsonian's home for animals has a show that thrives on darkness.
If you're in the vicinity of the zoo after sundown, check out Zoo Lights, which is live from 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays through Sundays until Dec. 30. The wildlife-focused illuminations feature a number of animals and nature scenes crafted with energy-efficient lights that use about 90 percent less juice than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Pepco, which is sponsoring the display, will have representatives on hand to show visitors how they can reduce their household energy use. That probably won't excite the kids, but young ones might enjoy the event's other activities, which include arts and crafts, ice sculpture demonstrations and opportunities to meet with zookeepers.
Admission is $6 for members of Friends of the National Zoo and $10 for nonmembers. Families of four can purchase a $20 ticket package.
http://www.readexpress.com/read_freeride/2007/12/to_do_national_zoos_holiday_lights.php
Zoo animals weather the storm
By Carrie Coppernoll
Staff Writer
Animals at the Oklahoma City Zoo are surviving the ice storm fine, a zoo spokeswoman said this morning.
All animals have access to shelter, zoo spokeswoman Tara Henson said. Heated barns are available for outdoor exhibits, and water features are heated.
"Animals are pretty smart," Henson said. "They're sometimes smarter than humans. They seek shelter, and we make sure they have avenues to their food and their shelter."
The animals that aren't accustomed to cold weather had been moved to winter quarters before the storm, she said. Some animals, such as the snow leopards, are enjoying the cold and ice.
The four lion cubs born the first week of November have been moved out of their pen in the Lion Overlook to the zoo hospital, Henson said. The cubs have been spending the night at the hospital anyway, but officials decided moving them during the storm would be safer for staff who otherwise would have to trek across zoo grounds.
Keepers are doling out extra food and keeping the exhibits clean, Henson said. Security guards are patrolling the zoo around the clock as usual.
The zoo had power as of Thursday morning, but backup generators are ready in case electricity is cut, she said.
"We haven't sustained any damage to facilities," she said. "We do have a lot of branches down."
Zoo groundskeepers are checking all the exhibit areas for fallen tree branches, she said. Downed trees or limbs could damage fencing or give animals an escape route out of their exhibits. She said that hasn't happened so far.
http://newsok.com/article/3179561/1197396448
Zoo to throw birthday party for polar bears Conrad, Tasul
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
PORTLAND - At 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 28, the Oregon Zoo will host a polar bear birthday party in honor of 22-year-old Yugyan and 23-year-olds Conrad and Tasul. The birthday bears will receive presents, snow treats and ice cakes made by the zoo's executive chef, Paul Warner.
Zoo visitors are invited to join the party and enjoy cupcakes from Haggen Food and Pharmacy.
"Polar bear birthday parties are fun for the bears and for our visitors," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "However, we plan these activities to bring attention to what's happening to polar bears in the wild."
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/argus/index.ssf?/base/news/1197401020176260.xml&coll=6
Baby gorilla born in Sydney zoo
Wed, 12 Dec 2007 09:05a.m.
A baby gorilla has been shown to the public for the first time at Sydney's Taronga Zoo yesterday.
The youngest gorilla in Australia caused much excitement amongst the crowd of spectators and photographers who came to see it being doted over by its mum and dad.
The baby boy had a healthy colour and strong grip which is a good sign for a species with a 30 - 40 percent infant mortality rate.
The mother, Frala, is 26-years-old and has given birth six times, but only four have survived.
The baby will feed on breast milk alone for around eight months.
http://www.tv3.co.nz/News/BabygorillaborninSydneyzoo/tabid/209/articleID/41429/cat/41/Default.aspx
Erie Zoo gets new polar bear
Published: December 11. 2007 12:40PM
The wait is over for a new polar bear at the Erie Zoo. Patches, a 20-year-old polar bear, arrived in Erie on Monday night from the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Neb.
Patches has recovered well from the move and is outside in her exhibit, said the Erie Zoo’s chief executive, Scott Mitchell.
The zoo hopes the 500-pound Patches and the 700-pound Mizar, the zoo’s other polar bear, will breed. Patches’ age might prevent that from happening, Mitchell said.
“It’s unlikely, but not impossible,” he said.
Mizar, 9, has been alone since his brother, Alcor, died hours after undergoing surgery to repair a broken leg in August 2006.
The public will have to wait to visit Patches. The zoo closed for the season and reopens March 1.
— Kara Rhodes
http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071211/NEWS02/71211016
Panda cub debuts at Chongqing zoo
http://www.china.org.cn/english/China/235340.htm
Beijing Zoo to Open Australian Animals Exhibition Hall from May 2008
Published : 7:11 A.M. EST, Dec 12, 2007
News from Beijing Zoo says that the construction of the new Australian Animals Exhibition Hall is now partially complete. The prediction is for the entire construction work to be finished and open to the public by May 2008.
Located to the west side of the Tiger Hill, the Australian Animals Exhibition Hall covers an area of about 1.8 acres, which is two percent of the land area of the zoo. From the next year, visitors to the Zoo will have a chance to see Australian rare birds, amphibians and the lovely Australian koalas.
The Australian Animals Exhibition Hall is Beijing Zoo's first hall set up for a specific habitat. Meanwhile, Beijing Zoo is also planning to build an American Animals Exhibition Hall and a Polar Animals Exhibition Hall following the Beijing 2008 Olympics. This will enable visitors to see animals in their natural habitat as well as having an opportunity to admire representations of the regional scenery.
http://travelchinaguide.com/news/show.asp?nid=860
Europe News
Twin polar bear cubs make an early Christmas present to Vienna zoo
The handout picture made available on 12 December 2007 by the Tiergarten Schoenbrunn shows 15-year old polar bear Olinka taking care of one of her recently born twin cubs in Vienna's Schoenbrunn zoo, Austria. Shoennbrunn has proved successful in breeding polar bears. Seven cubs were born at the zoo in the last ten years. EPA/MICHAELA HOFMANN/TIERGARTEN SCHEONBRUNN/
Dec 12, 2007, 15:02 GMT
Vienna - A White Christmas has come early to Vienna's Schoenbrunn zoo, in the form of two cubs born to polar bear Olinka.
Deputy zoo director Harald Schwammer, thrilled by the latest additions to Schoenbrunn's growing bear population, said Wednesday the baby bears were about the size of guinea pigs, judging from first grainy images snapped by the keepers.
Keepers had managed to sneak a first peek at Olinka's offspring, born three days ago, and Schwammer said: 'They are still completely helpless and blind, but look round and healthy. I am really happy, as polar bears are extremely endangered in the wild.'
http://news.monstersandcritics.com/europe/news/article_1380512.php/Twin_polar_bear_cubs_make_an_early_Christmas_present_to_Vienna_zoo
Local zoo hammered
CECILIA HUME
THE Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is in the process of compiling a report on the conditions in which animals are kept at the Tygerberg Zoo.
This follows complaints by a local resident who describes the conditions under which the animals are kept as atrocious.
Ms Helanne Malan contacted the SPCA shortly after she and her husband took a friend of the United States to the zoo. She also e-mailed a letter to the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism.
Malan said they wanted their friend to experience “Africa”, but they were shocked out of their minds.
In the letter, adressed directly to Mr Marthinus van Schalkwyk, Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Malan says the animals are kept under circumstances too painful to describe.
http://www.news24.com/Regional_Papers/Components/Category_Article_Text_Template/0,2430,407_2237375~A,00.html
Australia Zoo Conserves Bandwidth, Enjoys 100 Percent Network Uptime with OpenDNS
OpenDNS, the award-winning DNS service that makes the Internet safer, faster, smarter and more reliable, today announced Australia Zoo is using the service across the entire corporate network to improve the Internet experience for its more than 500 employees. Australia Zoo is the home of the late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, spans more 600 acres and houses more than 1,000 native and exotic animals. OpenDNS is the world's largest, fastest-growing DNS service.
Prior to making the switch to OpenDNS, Australia Zoo was reliant upon a single local server that referenced the root name servers directly, as well as limited "deep packet inspection" capabilities on its firewalls, all of which proved tedious to the network administrators. Zoo IT staffers sought a solution that would ease the job of managing DNS and also provide a way to filter Web content and save bandwidth. After testing OpenDNS on individual machines, the team decided to roll it out network-wide.
http://www.pr-usa.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=50240&Itemid=9
National Zoo Gets New Animals
POSTED: 1:56 pm EST December 12, 2007
UPDATED: 2:07 pm EST December 12, 2007
WASHINGTON -- New alpacas and Ossabaw Island hogs have been added to the Kids' Farm at Smithsonian's National Zoo.
The new arrivals are part of the zoo's effort to add more kid-friendly animals, officials said.
The three new alpacas, 15-month-old Cirrus, 2-year-old Ziggy and 8-month-old Orion, recently arrived from a local Virginia farm.
Zoo officials said that because alpacas have such a gentle disposition, visitors will be able to touch them through the fence at their exhibit.
Alpacas, known for their fleece, are common to the mountainous and extremely cold regions of South America, so zoo officials said they will be well-suited for mid-Atlantic winters. They grow up to weigh about 100 pounds.
The zoo's new hogs were born at Mount Vernon two months ago. Sisters Carolina and Savannah weigh about 25 pounds now, officials said, but will weigh about 100 pounds when they are fully grown.
http://www.nbc4.com/news/14832841/detail.html
Seventh state cougar cub off to zoo
Posted December 12, 2007
A 6-week-old cougar kitten that was captured southeast of Cle Elum and cared for by an East Wenatchee veterinarian waits to be shipped to the Denver Zoo. The 7-pound cub was flown to Denver on Sunday, where it joins a 3-month-old cub captured in South Dakota. In the past four years, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife has sent seven cougar kittens to zoos in the United States. (Rich Beausoleil photo)
WENATCHEE — A 6-week-old orphaned cougar kitten captured southeast of Cle Elum and nursed back to health by an East Wenatchee veterinarian last week is on her way to the Denver Zoo.
The kitten is the seventh orphaned baby cougar in the state to be sent to a zoo in the last four years, said Rich Beausoleil, bear and cougar specialist for the state Department of Fish and Wildlife.
In all but one of the cases, the mothers were believed to have been illegally killed by hunters, he said.
Beausoleil said motorists and residents first reported seeing the young cougar Dec. 4 wandering near the intersection of Highways 97 and 10, about seven miles from the edge of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
State wildlife officers chased down and caught the baby, and took her to a location in the Swauk Creek drainage where they thought her mother may have left her. But on Wednesday, the officers learned that a man had killed an adult cougar in the area where the baby was found, and Beausoleil said it was likely the kitten's mother.
http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071212/NEWS04/712120001/1001/rss1001
Rare tiger celebrates first birthday at Woodland Park Zoo
Story Published: Dec 12, 2007 at 3:28 PM PST
Story Updated: Dec 12, 2007 at 3:28 PM PST
By KOMO Staff
SEATTLE -- When her keepers placed a cinnamon smeared paper mache reindeer in her habitat Wednesday morning, Hadiah was a bit timid.
But after eyeing the new toy for a while and sniffing it a few times, the 1-year-old Sumatran tiger made a quick pounce and appeared to be having fun toppling the inanimate intruder.
"She was afraid of it at first, but she's dismembering it very happily now," zookeeper Dana Wooster said with a laugh. "She's a funny cat. She's very shy at first and afraid of new items, but she gets over it pretty quickly and has a lot of fun."
Wooster has been the tiger keeper at Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo for 15 years, and said Wednesday's birthday festivities were partly a celebration that Hadiah was still with the zoo.
http://www.komotv.com/news/local/12442206.html
Mystery Beast Kills Animals in S.C.
2 days ago
BOLIVIA, N.C. (AP) — An unknown predator mauled a pit bull and killed two puppies in Brunswick County, and residents fear it's the same animal that killed three dogs in September. No one has reported ever seeing the animal.
The county's animal control agency investigated the animal's tracks, droppings and other clues but couldn't determine what attacked the dogs. Locals call the unknown animal the Beast of Bolivia.
Some residents and experts said the predator may be a bear, a wayward panther or cougar, or even a wolf because 3-inch paw tracks were found at the scene.
Many suggest the predator came from the nearby Faircloth Zoo, which had a lion and a tiger before it closed more than a year ago. Animal control officials said the animals were sent elsewhere.
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iUVAndZ9e20fkolB1-YT82zFFCdwD8TG6FU00
Sedgwick County Zoo promotes two from within
Wichita Business Journal
Sedgwick County Zoo filled two spots on its management team Wednesday by promoting a pair of longtime workers.
Lynn Duncan will be the new membership manager, having formerly served in the capacity of development assistant. The Wichita State University graduate will continue her work on development projects and capital campaigns as well as managing all facets of the membership program.
Karen Bates will become the new public relations coordinator. The former education assistant will work closely with the special events manager to promote zoo attendance and participation.
Bates is a graduate of Kansas State University and previously worked in the zoo volunteer department.
http://www.bizjournals.com/wichita/stories/2007/12/10/daily20.html
Plzeň zoo gets rare Siamese crocodiles
By ČTK / Published 11 December 2007
Plzen, West Bohemia, Dec 10 (CTK) - The Plzen zoo has acquired three young Siamese crocodiles, a south-east Asian freshwater species, thereby becoming the only Czech zoo to keep this endangered reptile, the zoo director Jiri Travnicek told CTK Monday.
The zoo has gained the three-year-old crocodiles, two males and a female, from the Zurich zoo. They are one metre long now.
The keepers hope that the crocodiles might start breeding after they grow adult in five years.
"It would be optimal if we had two females and a male. One male should have three to ten females with him. Males have even more of them in the wild," said Travnicek.
Siamese crocodiles are on the brink of extinction in southeast Asia, their homeland, due to landscape changes and to poachers seeking their valuable skin.
The crocodile is listed among the toughest-protected animals in the Red Book of endangered wild species.
In the wild, Siamese crocodiles reach the length of up to 4 metres, but in captivity it is "only" 3 metres, experts from Plzen said.
http://www.praguemonitor.com/en/231/life_in_the_czech_republic/15826/
Zoo sacks boss in dispute over 'exploitation' of star polar bear
By ALLAN HALL
BERLIN Zoo has sacked its managing director in a dispute about the marketing of its most famous resident - Knut the polar bear.
Gerald Uhlich promoted the superstar status of Knut, who has been the subject of two million photos and numerous TV documentaries since he was raised by human hand after being rejected by his mother a year ago.
Mr Uhlich oversaw the most dramatic rise in the zoo's fortunes in history. When radical animal rights activists demanded that Knut be put down rather than be raised by man, the bear became an overnight draw and the zoo got rich.
But he fell out in recent weeks with the board, which is concerned with what it sees as the "exploitation" of the bear, whose image is on everything from key rings to carpets. It complained of a "cult of personality" surrounding Knut.
Nevertheless, Knut boosted the zoo coffers by £7 million this year.
Mr Uhlich said he had reached an "amicable" agreement with the zoo about leaving. But the real reason is apparently a dispute with his fellow director, Bernhard Blaszkiewitz.
Mr Uhlich wanted the zoo to make money, while Mr Blaszkiewitz - a zoologist - wanted it to concentrate on breeding programmes and protecting species.
http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/ViewArticle.aspx?articleid=3589789
Visitors Bureau offers zoo $575,000
By THOMAS B. LANGHORNE
Courier & Press staff writer 464-7432 or langhornet@courierpress.com
Thursday, December 13, 2007
It appears the Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden will get the remaining $575,000 it needs for its new entry complex from the Evansville Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Saying their need for the money is not as immediate as the zoo's, Convention & Visitors Bureau officials told the Vanderburgh County Council on Wednesday they are willing to transfer $575,000 to the zoo from a pool of money for tourism construction projects that comes from the county's 8 percent tax on hotel rooms.
http://www.courierpress.com/news/2007/dec/13/visitors-bureau-offers-zoo575000/
New born white-cheeked gibbon at Brookfield Zoo
http://www.chicagosuburbannews.com/westernsprings/homepage/x1908590102
Toyota to help zoo project
Staff report
Originally published 09:36 a.m., December 13, 2007
Updated 09:36 a.m., December 13, 2007
During a press conference next Wednesday afternoon, Toyota is expected to make a sizable donation to the AMAZONIA rain forest exhibit under construction at Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden.
The presentation, to the Friends of Mesker Park Zoo, will take place during a 4:30 p.m. press conference inside AMAZONIA.
Shaun Koyama, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana, will speak, along with R.J. Reynolds, vice president of administration at the plant, and Zoo director Dan McGinn.
A news release this morning from the zoo, alerting media to the press conference, said Toyota’s support reflects the company’s interest in conservation and preservation.
It’s the second straight day of good news for Evansville’s expanding zoo, coming on the heels of an Evansville Convention & Visitors Bureau announcement that it is willing to transfer $575,000 to the zoo to complete a new entry complex off Mesker Park Drive.
-- Rich Davis
http://www.courierpress.com/news/2007/dec/13/13web-zoo/
Baby wallaby being hand-raised by workers at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
http://www.wkyc.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=79788&provider=gnews
Zoo bird strike leads to eviction
By MICHAEL CUMMINGS - Waikato Times Friday, 14 December 2007
A peacock is being evicted from Hamilton Zoo after attacking a toddler.
Megan Daysh was visiting the zoo with her 20-month-old son, Jaycob, on Wednesday, when the bird struck.
"My little one went up to it and tried to get it and next thing it jumped on him and knocked him to the ground," Miss Daysh said.
"I picked him up and he had blood pouring out of his head."
Jaycob received a cut to his head and was taken to the doctor. Although there were a few tears immediately after his run-in with the peacock, Jaycob was all smiles when the Waikato Times visited later.
"It's not that major but it's still quite shocking really," Miss Daysh said. "It's certainly not the birds that you worry are going to attack you when you go to the zoo."
Hamilton City Council spokeswoman Naomi Reynolds said the zoo was looking to relocate the bird as a result of the incident.
"They've recognised that a farm would suit this particular peacock's needs better," Miss Reynolds said.
The zoo is hoping someone will take the bird in and "it's looking promising", she said.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/waikatotimes/4324036a6579.html
continued...
Hogle Zoo plans to build a new $3 million animal health center with the help of a $1.5 million grant from the ALSAM Foundation.
The new facility, which will be named in honor of ALSAM Foundation founder L.S. "Sam" Skaggs, will include expanded diagnostic and treatment areas, updated surgical and quarantine elements and office space for the zoo's two full-time veterinarians and their staff.
"This is another big step in our Renew the Zoo Master Plan and our commitment to excellence," said Craig Dinsmore, Hogle Zoo's executive director.
"Our hope is that the ALSAM Foundation's leadership will spur other gifts from generous individuals and foundations to help transform Hogle Zoo for future generations of people and animals," said Beth Wolfer, Hogle Zoo's associate director of development.
The zoo plans to break ground on the new health center next September with construction expected to take about one year.
http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695235051,00.html
Terri Irwin and Bob on his fourth birthday at Australia Zoo
By Shannon, CBB Senior Contributor
Australia Zoo owner and wife of the late Crocodile Hunter, Terri Irwin, 43, holds son, Robert Clarence 'Bob', as he blows out the candles on a cake for his fourth birthday. The family, including older sister Bindi Sue, 9, celebrated at Australia Zoo on the 1st of this month.
http://www.celebrity-babies.com/2007/12/terri-irwin-and.html
Holiday Show Brightens Nights at National Zoo
Map It:
THE FINAL DAYS OF FALL might seem like a strange time to check out the mostly-outdoor offerings at the National Zoo — especially since daylight's in short supply. But the temperatures this week are mild, and the Smithsonian's home for animals has a show that thrives on darkness.
If you're in the vicinity of the zoo after sundown, check out Zoo Lights, which is live from 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays through Sundays until Dec. 30. The wildlife-focused illuminations feature a number of animals and nature scenes crafted with energy-efficient lights that use about 90 percent less juice than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Pepco, which is sponsoring the display, will have representatives on hand to show visitors how they can reduce their household energy use. That probably won't excite the kids, but young ones might enjoy the event's other activities, which include arts and crafts, ice sculpture demonstrations and opportunities to meet with zookeepers.
Admission is $6 for members of Friends of the National Zoo and $10 for nonmembers. Families of four can purchase a $20 ticket package.
http://www.readexpress.com/read_freeride/2007/12/to_do_national_zoos_holiday_lights.php
Zoo animals weather the storm
By Carrie Coppernoll
Staff Writer
Animals at the Oklahoma City Zoo are surviving the ice storm fine, a zoo spokeswoman said this morning.
All animals have access to shelter, zoo spokeswoman Tara Henson said. Heated barns are available for outdoor exhibits, and water features are heated.
"Animals are pretty smart," Henson said. "They're sometimes smarter than humans. They seek shelter, and we make sure they have avenues to their food and their shelter."
The animals that aren't accustomed to cold weather had been moved to winter quarters before the storm, she said. Some animals, such as the snow leopards, are enjoying the cold and ice.
The four lion cubs born the first week of November have been moved out of their pen in the Lion Overlook to the zoo hospital, Henson said. The cubs have been spending the night at the hospital anyway, but officials decided moving them during the storm would be safer for staff who otherwise would have to trek across zoo grounds.
Keepers are doling out extra food and keeping the exhibits clean, Henson said. Security guards are patrolling the zoo around the clock as usual.
The zoo had power as of Thursday morning, but backup generators are ready in case electricity is cut, she said.
"We haven't sustained any damage to facilities," she said. "We do have a lot of branches down."
Zoo groundskeepers are checking all the exhibit areas for fallen tree branches, she said. Downed trees or limbs could damage fencing or give animals an escape route out of their exhibits. She said that hasn't happened so far.
http://newsok.com/article/3179561/1197396448
Zoo to throw birthday party for polar bears Conrad, Tasul
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
PORTLAND - At 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 28, the Oregon Zoo will host a polar bear birthday party in honor of 22-year-old Yugyan and 23-year-olds Conrad and Tasul. The birthday bears will receive presents, snow treats and ice cakes made by the zoo's executive chef, Paul Warner.
Zoo visitors are invited to join the party and enjoy cupcakes from Haggen Food and Pharmacy.
"Polar bear birthday parties are fun for the bears and for our visitors," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "However, we plan these activities to bring attention to what's happening to polar bears in the wild."
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/argus/index.ssf?/base/news/1197401020176260.xml&coll=6
Baby gorilla born in Sydney zoo
Wed, 12 Dec 2007 09:05a.m.
A baby gorilla has been shown to the public for the first time at Sydney's Taronga Zoo yesterday.
The youngest gorilla in Australia caused much excitement amongst the crowd of spectators and photographers who came to see it being doted over by its mum and dad.
The baby boy had a healthy colour and strong grip which is a good sign for a species with a 30 - 40 percent infant mortality rate.
The mother, Frala, is 26-years-old and has given birth six times, but only four have survived.
The baby will feed on breast milk alone for around eight months.
http://www.tv3.co.nz/News/BabygorillaborninSydneyzoo/tabid/209/articleID/41429/cat/41/Default.aspx
Erie Zoo gets new polar bear
Published: December 11. 2007 12:40PM
The wait is over for a new polar bear at the Erie Zoo. Patches, a 20-year-old polar bear, arrived in Erie on Monday night from the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Neb.
Patches has recovered well from the move and is outside in her exhibit, said the Erie Zoo’s chief executive, Scott Mitchell.
The zoo hopes the 500-pound Patches and the 700-pound Mizar, the zoo’s other polar bear, will breed. Patches’ age might prevent that from happening, Mitchell said.
“It’s unlikely, but not impossible,” he said.
Mizar, 9, has been alone since his brother, Alcor, died hours after undergoing surgery to repair a broken leg in August 2006.
The public will have to wait to visit Patches. The zoo closed for the season and reopens March 1.
— Kara Rhodes
http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071211/NEWS02/71211016
Panda cub debuts at Chongqing zoo
http://www.china.org.cn/english/China/235340.htm
Beijing Zoo to Open Australian Animals Exhibition Hall from May 2008
Published : 7:11 A.M. EST, Dec 12, 2007
News from Beijing Zoo says that the construction of the new Australian Animals Exhibition Hall is now partially complete. The prediction is for the entire construction work to be finished and open to the public by May 2008.
Located to the west side of the Tiger Hill, the Australian Animals Exhibition Hall covers an area of about 1.8 acres, which is two percent of the land area of the zoo. From the next year, visitors to the Zoo will have a chance to see Australian rare birds, amphibians and the lovely Australian koalas.
The Australian Animals Exhibition Hall is Beijing Zoo's first hall set up for a specific habitat. Meanwhile, Beijing Zoo is also planning to build an American Animals Exhibition Hall and a Polar Animals Exhibition Hall following the Beijing 2008 Olympics. This will enable visitors to see animals in their natural habitat as well as having an opportunity to admire representations of the regional scenery.
http://travelchinaguide.com/news/show.asp?nid=860
Europe News
Twin polar bear cubs make an early Christmas present to Vienna zoo
The handout picture made available on 12 December 2007 by the Tiergarten Schoenbrunn shows 15-year old polar bear Olinka taking care of one of her recently born twin cubs in Vienna's Schoenbrunn zoo, Austria. Shoennbrunn has proved successful in breeding polar bears. Seven cubs were born at the zoo in the last ten years. EPA/MICHAELA HOFMANN/TIERGARTEN SCHEONBRUNN/
Dec 12, 2007, 15:02 GMT
Vienna - A White Christmas has come early to Vienna's Schoenbrunn zoo, in the form of two cubs born to polar bear Olinka.
Deputy zoo director Harald Schwammer, thrilled by the latest additions to Schoenbrunn's growing bear population, said Wednesday the baby bears were about the size of guinea pigs, judging from first grainy images snapped by the keepers.
Keepers had managed to sneak a first peek at Olinka's offspring, born three days ago, and Schwammer said: 'They are still completely helpless and blind, but look round and healthy. I am really happy, as polar bears are extremely endangered in the wild.'
http://news.monstersandcritics.com/europe/news/article_1380512.php/Twin_polar_bear_cubs_make_an_early_Christmas_present_to_Vienna_zoo
Local zoo hammered
CECILIA HUME
THE Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is in the process of compiling a report on the conditions in which animals are kept at the Tygerberg Zoo.
This follows complaints by a local resident who describes the conditions under which the animals are kept as atrocious.
Ms Helanne Malan contacted the SPCA shortly after she and her husband took a friend of the United States to the zoo. She also e-mailed a letter to the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism.
Malan said they wanted their friend to experience “Africa”, but they were shocked out of their minds.
In the letter, adressed directly to Mr Marthinus van Schalkwyk, Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Malan says the animals are kept under circumstances too painful to describe.
http://www.news24.com/Regional_Papers/Components/Category_Article_Text_Template/0,2430,407_2237375~A,00.html
Australia Zoo Conserves Bandwidth, Enjoys 100 Percent Network Uptime with OpenDNS
OpenDNS, the award-winning DNS service that makes the Internet safer, faster, smarter and more reliable, today announced Australia Zoo is using the service across the entire corporate network to improve the Internet experience for its more than 500 employees. Australia Zoo is the home of the late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, spans more 600 acres and houses more than 1,000 native and exotic animals. OpenDNS is the world's largest, fastest-growing DNS service.
Prior to making the switch to OpenDNS, Australia Zoo was reliant upon a single local server that referenced the root name servers directly, as well as limited "deep packet inspection" capabilities on its firewalls, all of which proved tedious to the network administrators. Zoo IT staffers sought a solution that would ease the job of managing DNS and also provide a way to filter Web content and save bandwidth. After testing OpenDNS on individual machines, the team decided to roll it out network-wide.
http://www.pr-usa.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=50240&Itemid=9
National Zoo Gets New Animals
POSTED: 1:56 pm EST December 12, 2007
UPDATED: 2:07 pm EST December 12, 2007
WASHINGTON -- New alpacas and Ossabaw Island hogs have been added to the Kids' Farm at Smithsonian's National Zoo.
The new arrivals are part of the zoo's effort to add more kid-friendly animals, officials said.
The three new alpacas, 15-month-old Cirrus, 2-year-old Ziggy and 8-month-old Orion, recently arrived from a local Virginia farm.
Zoo officials said that because alpacas have such a gentle disposition, visitors will be able to touch them through the fence at their exhibit.
Alpacas, known for their fleece, are common to the mountainous and extremely cold regions of South America, so zoo officials said they will be well-suited for mid-Atlantic winters. They grow up to weigh about 100 pounds.
The zoo's new hogs were born at Mount Vernon two months ago. Sisters Carolina and Savannah weigh about 25 pounds now, officials said, but will weigh about 100 pounds when they are fully grown.
http://www.nbc4.com/news/14832841/detail.html
Seventh state cougar cub off to zoo
Posted December 12, 2007
A 6-week-old cougar kitten that was captured southeast of Cle Elum and cared for by an East Wenatchee veterinarian waits to be shipped to the Denver Zoo. The 7-pound cub was flown to Denver on Sunday, where it joins a 3-month-old cub captured in South Dakota. In the past four years, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife has sent seven cougar kittens to zoos in the United States. (Rich Beausoleil photo)
WENATCHEE — A 6-week-old orphaned cougar kitten captured southeast of Cle Elum and nursed back to health by an East Wenatchee veterinarian last week is on her way to the Denver Zoo.
The kitten is the seventh orphaned baby cougar in the state to be sent to a zoo in the last four years, said Rich Beausoleil, bear and cougar specialist for the state Department of Fish and Wildlife.
In all but one of the cases, the mothers were believed to have been illegally killed by hunters, he said.
Beausoleil said motorists and residents first reported seeing the young cougar Dec. 4 wandering near the intersection of Highways 97 and 10, about seven miles from the edge of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
State wildlife officers chased down and caught the baby, and took her to a location in the Swauk Creek drainage where they thought her mother may have left her. But on Wednesday, the officers learned that a man had killed an adult cougar in the area where the baby was found, and Beausoleil said it was likely the kitten's mother.
http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071212/NEWS04/712120001/1001/rss1001
Rare tiger celebrates first birthday at Woodland Park Zoo
Story Published: Dec 12, 2007 at 3:28 PM PST
Story Updated: Dec 12, 2007 at 3:28 PM PST
By KOMO Staff
SEATTLE -- When her keepers placed a cinnamon smeared paper mache reindeer in her habitat Wednesday morning, Hadiah was a bit timid.
But after eyeing the new toy for a while and sniffing it a few times, the 1-year-old Sumatran tiger made a quick pounce and appeared to be having fun toppling the inanimate intruder.
"She was afraid of it at first, but she's dismembering it very happily now," zookeeper Dana Wooster said with a laugh. "She's a funny cat. She's very shy at first and afraid of new items, but she gets over it pretty quickly and has a lot of fun."
Wooster has been the tiger keeper at Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo for 15 years, and said Wednesday's birthday festivities were partly a celebration that Hadiah was still with the zoo.
http://www.komotv.com/news/local/12442206.html
Mystery Beast Kills Animals in S.C.
2 days ago
BOLIVIA, N.C. (AP) — An unknown predator mauled a pit bull and killed two puppies in Brunswick County, and residents fear it's the same animal that killed three dogs in September. No one has reported ever seeing the animal.
The county's animal control agency investigated the animal's tracks, droppings and other clues but couldn't determine what attacked the dogs. Locals call the unknown animal the Beast of Bolivia.
Some residents and experts said the predator may be a bear, a wayward panther or cougar, or even a wolf because 3-inch paw tracks were found at the scene.
Many suggest the predator came from the nearby Faircloth Zoo, which had a lion and a tiger before it closed more than a year ago. Animal control officials said the animals were sent elsewhere.
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iUVAndZ9e20fkolB1-YT82zFFCdwD8TG6FU00
Sedgwick County Zoo promotes two from within
Wichita Business Journal
Sedgwick County Zoo filled two spots on its management team Wednesday by promoting a pair of longtime workers.
Lynn Duncan will be the new membership manager, having formerly served in the capacity of development assistant. The Wichita State University graduate will continue her work on development projects and capital campaigns as well as managing all facets of the membership program.
Karen Bates will become the new public relations coordinator. The former education assistant will work closely with the special events manager to promote zoo attendance and participation.
Bates is a graduate of Kansas State University and previously worked in the zoo volunteer department.
http://www.bizjournals.com/wichita/stories/2007/12/10/daily20.html
Plzeň zoo gets rare Siamese crocodiles
By ČTK / Published 11 December 2007
Plzen, West Bohemia, Dec 10 (CTK) - The Plzen zoo has acquired three young Siamese crocodiles, a south-east Asian freshwater species, thereby becoming the only Czech zoo to keep this endangered reptile, the zoo director Jiri Travnicek told CTK Monday.
The zoo has gained the three-year-old crocodiles, two males and a female, from the Zurich zoo. They are one metre long now.
The keepers hope that the crocodiles might start breeding after they grow adult in five years.
"It would be optimal if we had two females and a male. One male should have three to ten females with him. Males have even more of them in the wild," said Travnicek.
Siamese crocodiles are on the brink of extinction in southeast Asia, their homeland, due to landscape changes and to poachers seeking their valuable skin.
The crocodile is listed among the toughest-protected animals in the Red Book of endangered wild species.
In the wild, Siamese crocodiles reach the length of up to 4 metres, but in captivity it is "only" 3 metres, experts from Plzen said.
http://www.praguemonitor.com/en/231/life_in_the_czech_republic/15826/
Zoo sacks boss in dispute over 'exploitation' of star polar bear
By ALLAN HALL
BERLIN Zoo has sacked its managing director in a dispute about the marketing of its most famous resident - Knut the polar bear.
Gerald Uhlich promoted the superstar status of Knut, who has been the subject of two million photos and numerous TV documentaries since he was raised by human hand after being rejected by his mother a year ago.
Mr Uhlich oversaw the most dramatic rise in the zoo's fortunes in history. When radical animal rights activists demanded that Knut be put down rather than be raised by man, the bear became an overnight draw and the zoo got rich.
But he fell out in recent weeks with the board, which is concerned with what it sees as the "exploitation" of the bear, whose image is on everything from key rings to carpets. It complained of a "cult of personality" surrounding Knut.
Nevertheless, Knut boosted the zoo coffers by £7 million this year.
Mr Uhlich said he had reached an "amicable" agreement with the zoo about leaving. But the real reason is apparently a dispute with his fellow director, Bernhard Blaszkiewitz.
Mr Uhlich wanted the zoo to make money, while Mr Blaszkiewitz - a zoologist - wanted it to concentrate on breeding programmes and protecting species.
http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/ViewArticle.aspx?articleid=3589789
Visitors Bureau offers zoo $575,000
By THOMAS B. LANGHORNE
Courier & Press staff writer 464-7432 or langhornet@courierpress.com
Thursday, December 13, 2007
It appears the Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden will get the remaining $575,000 it needs for its new entry complex from the Evansville Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Saying their need for the money is not as immediate as the zoo's, Convention & Visitors Bureau officials told the Vanderburgh County Council on Wednesday they are willing to transfer $575,000 to the zoo from a pool of money for tourism construction projects that comes from the county's 8 percent tax on hotel rooms.
http://www.courierpress.com/news/2007/dec/13/visitors-bureau-offers-zoo575000/
New born white-cheeked gibbon at Brookfield Zoo
http://www.chicagosuburbannews.com/westernsprings/homepage/x1908590102
Toyota to help zoo project
Staff report
Originally published 09:36 a.m., December 13, 2007
Updated 09:36 a.m., December 13, 2007
During a press conference next Wednesday afternoon, Toyota is expected to make a sizable donation to the AMAZONIA rain forest exhibit under construction at Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden.
The presentation, to the Friends of Mesker Park Zoo, will take place during a 4:30 p.m. press conference inside AMAZONIA.
Shaun Koyama, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana, will speak, along with R.J. Reynolds, vice president of administration at the plant, and Zoo director Dan McGinn.
A news release this morning from the zoo, alerting media to the press conference, said Toyota’s support reflects the company’s interest in conservation and preservation.
It’s the second straight day of good news for Evansville’s expanding zoo, coming on the heels of an Evansville Convention & Visitors Bureau announcement that it is willing to transfer $575,000 to the zoo to complete a new entry complex off Mesker Park Drive.
-- Rich Davis
http://www.courierpress.com/news/2007/dec/13/13web-zoo/
Baby wallaby being hand-raised by workers at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
http://www.wkyc.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=79788&provider=gnews
Zoo bird strike leads to eviction
By MICHAEL CUMMINGS - Waikato Times Friday, 14 December 2007
A peacock is being evicted from Hamilton Zoo after attacking a toddler.
Megan Daysh was visiting the zoo with her 20-month-old son, Jaycob, on Wednesday, when the bird struck.
"My little one went up to it and tried to get it and next thing it jumped on him and knocked him to the ground," Miss Daysh said.
"I picked him up and he had blood pouring out of his head."
Jaycob received a cut to his head and was taken to the doctor. Although there were a few tears immediately after his run-in with the peacock, Jaycob was all smiles when the Waikato Times visited later.
"It's not that major but it's still quite shocking really," Miss Daysh said. "It's certainly not the birds that you worry are going to attack you when you go to the zoo."
Hamilton City Council spokeswoman Naomi Reynolds said the zoo was looking to relocate the bird as a result of the incident.
"They've recognised that a farm would suit this particular peacock's needs better," Miss Reynolds said.
The zoo is hoping someone will take the bird in and "it's looking promising", she said.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/waikatotimes/4324036a6579.html
continued...
Pseudacris nigrita nigrita - Taxonomic Serial No.: 207297 - click for sound track
Striped Southern Chorus Frog
Pseudacris nigrita nigrita
Southern Chorus Frog
Pseudacris nigrita
Range and Habitat: Found in the coastal region of North Carolina. Located in wet or moist meadows, ponds, or sinkholes.
Southern Chorus Frog Range
Squirrel Tree Frog - Hyla squirrella (click to listen)
This frog is difficult to identify because of numerous color and pattern variations. The color of a squirrel treefrog can change from green to brown, depending on temperature or activity. They may have a dark spot or bar between their eyes and light stripes down their sides. They can be found in almost any damp area that has good cover for hiding. Their call is similar to the chattering of an angry squirrel and can be heard from March to October.
Squirrel Tree Frog Range
Barking Tree Frog (click here)
Hyla gratiosa
Barking Tree Frog Range
Oak Toad (click here)
Bufo quercicus
Oak Toad Range
Pinewoods Treefrog (click here)
Hyla femoralis
Pine Wood Tree Frog Habitat
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