Saturday, April 26, 2008
Everyone needs to 'Get it Right.' Regime change in Washington, not business as usual ! Read my lips, NO NEW TAX CUTS !!
Obama wraps up day with hoops (click here)
By THE ASSOCIATED
By THE ASSOCIATED
KOKOMO, Ind. - For Barack Obama, figuring out how to cap a long campaign day in basketball-crazy Indiana was a no-brainer - you shoot some hoops.
After a noisy campaign rally, Obama donned sweat pants and a "USMC" shirt for a little action on the courts, with no ordinary companions. His 3-on-3 team included Alison Bales, a member of the WNBA's Indiana Fever.
Blake Hancock, a Marion high schooler was picked to take part in the game because he collected 150 voter registration forms, and he picked some high school friends and they joined Obama for about 15 minutes of half-court hoops....
After a noisy campaign rally, Obama donned sweat pants and a "USMC" shirt for a little action on the courts, with no ordinary companions. His 3-on-3 team included Alison Bales, a member of the WNBA's Indiana Fever.
Blake Hancock, a Marion high schooler was picked to take part in the game because he collected 150 voter registration forms, and he picked some high school friends and they joined Obama for about 15 minutes of half-court hoops....
The Propaganda of the Middle East still reigns in the American Press
The appearance of propriety and legitimacy of the USA military is the greatest threat to the world's people, including its own citizens.
Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, speaks during a news conference at the Pentagon on Friday.
What is normally coined as a crime in the USA, is simply the way of life in the Middle East !!!
When one considers the impoverishment the Shias face on a regular basis while fending off hostile regimes of power, from that of the USA and sanctioned militias of the Green Zone Iraqis to the unrepresented leaders of Hamas whom know their people will fight to the death; the importation of arms through Iran to the militias that hold their ground against such power structures; this is NOT an escalation of war in the Middle East but simply an IMPOSED way of life to sustain them against genocidal trends !!!
There is NO war in the Middle East that oppresses regimes of power that are a threat to the security of the USA. The American military has become a power structure in servatude to the Neocon Republican political machine and the American media continues to be its puppet !
Smuggling necessary facet of life for villages along Syrian border (click title here)
Heating oil, bread and vegetables among goods trekked over frontier
By Agence France Presse (AFP)
Rita Daou
Agence France Presse
AYHA: As night falls on remote villages in eastern Lebanon that border Syria, streets and alleyways bustle into life as a small army of pick-up trucks, mules and cars are readied for action. Loaded up with whisky, bread, metal and other goods, drivers head for the dirt roads that zig-zag through nearby hillsides and valleys to deliver loads to fellow smugglers across the border before returning with staples such as heating oil, laundry detergent and vegetables.
"We work from around 9 p.m. until dawn," said one smuggler, who spoke to AFP on the condition he would only be identified by his initials of M.Z. "We leave home in our pick-ups, cars and even mules loaded with alcohol and other products."...
continued...
Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, speaks during a news conference at the Pentagon on Friday.
What is normally coined as a crime in the USA, is simply the way of life in the Middle East !!!
When one considers the impoverishment the Shias face on a regular basis while fending off hostile regimes of power, from that of the USA and sanctioned militias of the Green Zone Iraqis to the unrepresented leaders of Hamas whom know their people will fight to the death; the importation of arms through Iran to the militias that hold their ground against such power structures; this is NOT an escalation of war in the Middle East but simply an IMPOSED way of life to sustain them against genocidal trends !!!
There is NO war in the Middle East that oppresses regimes of power that are a threat to the security of the USA. The American military has become a power structure in servatude to the Neocon Republican political machine and the American media continues to be its puppet !
Smuggling necessary facet of life for villages along Syrian border (click title here)
Heating oil, bread and vegetables among goods trekked over frontier
By Agence France Presse (AFP)
Rita Daou
Agence France Presse
AYHA: As night falls on remote villages in eastern Lebanon that border Syria, streets and alleyways bustle into life as a small army of pick-up trucks, mules and cars are readied for action. Loaded up with whisky, bread, metal and other goods, drivers head for the dirt roads that zig-zag through nearby hillsides and valleys to deliver loads to fellow smugglers across the border before returning with staples such as heating oil, laundry detergent and vegetables.
"We work from around 9 p.m. until dawn," said one smuggler, who spoke to AFP on the condition he would only be identified by his initials of M.Z. "We leave home in our pick-ups, cars and even mules loaded with alcohol and other products."...
continued...
Too much truth for everyone? Get rid of the lousy Republicans !
Turkish PM confirms mediation efforts for Syrian-Israeli peace
By The Associated Press
Turkey's prime minister says his country is mediating between Syria and Israel in an effort to secure peace.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Turkey will try to restart low-level negotiations between the sides with the aim of eventually getting the countries' leaders together. He was speaking in Ankara on Saturday on his return from a trip to Damascus, where he attended a Turkish-Syrian business meeting and held talks with President Bashar Assad.
"There was a request from Syria and Israel for this kind of an effort and Turkey will do its best in this regard," Erdogan said.
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"This effort will start among the lower level (officials) and if they are successful, God willing, they will end with a higher level meeting," the prime minister said.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/978058.html
Syrian ambassador to U.S. says CIA fabricated photos of alleged nuclear reactor
By Reuters
Syria's ambassador to the United States said Friday that the CIA fabricated pictures allegedly taken inside a secret Syrian nuclear reactor and predicted that in coming weeks the U.S. story about the site would implode from within.
"The photos presented to me yesterday were ludicrous, laughable," Ambassador Imad Moustapha told reporters at his Washington residence.
He refused to say what the building in the remote eastern desert of Syria was used for before Israeli jets bombed it in September 2007.
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Senior U.S. intelligence officials said Thursday they believe it was a secret nuclear reactor meant to produce plutonium, which can be used to make high-yield nuclear weapons. They alleged that North Korea aided in the design, construction and outfitting of the building.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/978052.html
Last update - 10:33 26/04/2008
IAEA slams Israel for bombing alleged nuclear reactor in Syria
By Yossi Melman, Haaretz Correspondent and The Associated Press
The United Nations nuclear monitoring agency on Friday slammed Israel for an Israel Air Forces strike last September on an alleged nuclear reactor in Syria.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said "the unilateral use of force by Israel as undermining the due process of verification that is at the heart of the nonproliferation regime," in a statement released Friday.
IAEA Chief Mohammed ElBaradei said that by deciding to unilaterally bomb the site on September 6, 2007, Israel destroyed evidence that could have supported or refuted the claims the site was in fact a nuclear facility.
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ElBaradei also criticized the U.S. on Friday for not giving his organization intelligence information sooner on what Washington says was a nuclear reactor in Syria being built secretly by North Korea.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/978043.html
Last update - 00:21 25/04/2008
News / Top U.S. official: Syria site threatened to spread nuke arms technology
By Haaretz Staff and Channel 10
Haaretz.com/Channel 10 news roundup for April 24, 2008.
In this edition:
A top member of the U.S. House of Representatives intelligence committee says the suspected nuclear site in Syria that Israel attacked last year threatened to spread nuclear weapons technology.
The Prime Minister's Office says Israel is genuinely interested in peace with Syria.
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The postponement of the Amos 3 communications satellite's launch causes presidential embarrassment.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/977828.html
continued...
Morning Papers - continued...
Zoos
Protecting species
It is hardly surprising that Iain Stephen of London Zoo believes zoos have an important part to play in stopping the extinction of amphibians (your report, 22 April).
What is perhaps more illuminating is our 2007 report that showed that 13 of the most prestigious and "progressive" UK zoos with charity status, including London and Edinburgh, were keeping only 11 threatened species of amphibian between them, with a collected population of less than 1,000 individuals. A case of all talk and no tadpoles perhaps?
CHRIS DRAPER
Born Free Foundation
Foundry Lane
Horsham, West Sussex
http://news.scotsman.com/opinion/Protecting-species.4019773.jp
Plans Wilt at National Arboretum
Proposed Funding Cut Exacerbates Deterioration
By Adrian Higgins
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, April 26, 2008; Page A01
It began last weekend and will continue for five more, Washington's other springtime blossom festival. At the U.S. National Arboretum in Northeast Washington, 130,000 people will show up to luxuriate in the rhododendrons, crab apples and early roses before Memorial Day.
The highlight is the peak flowering of 12,000 mature azaleas that paint a wooded hill named Mount Hamilton in pinks, reds and magentas. But the arboretum's prospects are far less rosy.
Next year's proposed budget for the federally funded institution has been cut by $2 million, targeted at the arboretum's public face. The amount is small in the scheme of things, but it would reduce funding by 60 percent for the arboretum's public programming and the care of its rich garden displays and pioneering plant collections.
This comes after almost a decade of funding erosion: The operating budget has shrunk 20 percent in five years. A master plan to fix crumbling infrastructure and forge a future has remained essentially unfunded for eight years. Even if next year's money is restored, the arboretum will continue to suffer from years of chronic underfunding and the absence of capital investment.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/25/AR2008042503693.html?referrer=emailarticle
Oregon Zoo offers lecture about bugs
April 22, 2008
A lecture about the importance of bugs in the environment, one in a monthly series of lectures at the Oregon Zoo, will be at 7 p.m. April 29 in the Banquet Center at the zoo, 10 minutes west of downtown Portland, just off Highway 26, at 4001 SW Canyon Rd. Tickets are $10, or $8 for zoo members. Parking is $1.
"What Good Are Bugs? The Case for Invertebrate Conservation," by Scott Black, an entomologist with the Xerces Society, is part of the Wildlife Conservation Lecture Series.
The motivation for the series is to build community knowledge in the areas of wildlife conservation, environmental problems and ecological systems. For information go to www.oregonzoo.org or call (503) 226-1561.
—Roy Gault
http://www.statesmanjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080422/OUTDOORS/804220340/1034/SPORTS
No more salmon for pesky sea lions
SUSAN GORDON
susan.gordon@thenewstribune.com
Published: April 26th, 2008 01:00 AM Updated: April 26th, 2008 06:09 AM
Salmon isn’t on the menu at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, but for the next couple of weeks Tacoma’s zoo will host a bunch of sea lions with expensive tastes.
The first of what could be many guests arrived Thursday night from the Columbia River below Bonneville Dam, where they and dozens of other male California sea lions have dined on returning runs of spring chinook salmon for the past several years.
The behavior has earned the hungry marine mammals a nuisance reputation among Washington and Oregon fish and wildlife managers, who blame them for eating more than 4 percent of the fish heading upriver.
On Thursday, wildlife officials removed six sea lions from the waters below the dam, about 40 miles east of Portland.
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/345000.html
Article published Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Toledo Zoo to expand children's area to year-round
By TOM HENRY
BLADE STAFF WRITER
Fencing went up yesterday in the heart of the Toledo Zoo for a $7.5 million project that could revolutionize the way visitors think of its long-standing Children's Zoo.
Nature's Neighborhood will be an indoor-outdoor facility that will be a greatly expanded version of the traditional petting zoo. It will offer far more for hands-on learning.
Children will be able to scale a climbing wall, go into a handicapped-accessible tree house, build a dam while splashing around in a manmade stream, play with guinea pigs, attend presentations in a 50-seat amphitheater, climb into make-believe beehives, learn about forests, make crafts in a workshop, listen to the squawking of birds, dress up as animals, do play acting, and find out how to care for dogs and cats in a model home.
If enough funds become available, a turtle pond and a raptor exhibit might be included.
http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080422/NEWS38/804220380/-1/NEWS
First baby camel born at Helsinki Zoo in 37 years
Seeing the baby camel at the Helsinki Zoo is a bewildering experience. Its eyes are beautiful, as if designed by Disney, but other than that it is all legs. The four-day-old camel foal is hairy, long-limbed, and clumsy.
When it squeaks, its mother, Selma, rises on her legs and walks over to the youngster. Staggering and occasionally falling, the foal seeks its way to its mother’s teats.
The father, 13-year-old Voodoo, looks at his family from behind a fence. “When the baby was born, the father stamped its feet. It was nervous”, explains the Helsinki Zoo veterinarian Eeva Rudbäck.
The family will be reunited in a couple of weeks’ time. The young has to learn to be quick to be able to flee in case its father loses his temper.
The foal is a minor miracle. The zoo staff only learned about the gestation when Selma went into labour.
http://www.hs.fi/english/article/First+baby+camel+born+at+Helsinki+Zoo+in+37+years/1135235792663
Fee hikes asked for zoo, rec center, parks
Alamogordo city commission
The Daily News
By Kandra Wells, News Editor
Article Launched: 04/22/2008 12:00:00 AM MDT
Increases in golf, zoo, youth and civic center fees, and a joint dispatch agreement with Otero County are among agenda items set for consideration Tuesday at the Alamogordo City Commission's regular meeting.
The session, open to the public, is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. at city hall, 1376 E. Ninth St.
A plan to raise fees by 3 to 5 percent for "leisure services" and zoo, civic center and golf course fees is up for approval by the commission to offset increased operational costs for water, gas, electricity and equipment, according to a report on the proposed resolution.
Assistant City Manager Matt McNeile reported the increases, recommended by the city's Community Services Advisory Board and the Parks and Recreation Board, would raise about $53,500 in additional revenue.
http://www.alamogordonews.com/news/ci_9007538
Cast your vote for Oregon Zoo's 'Mother of the Year'
This is a press release courtesy of the Oregon Zoo
The Oregon Zoo is celebrating Mother's Day by naming its 2008 Zoo Mother of the Year, and the public is invited to help choose the winner. This year's finalists are a Norway rat named Marge, an Oregon silverspot butterfly named Lyta and a colobus monkey named Mali. An online ballot featuring photos and short biographies of the zoo moms is posted on the zoo's Web site.
"These three moms are responsible for bringing 420 babies into the world," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "That's a first in the five years we've been voting at the Oregon Zoo."
The finalists were selected by zoo employees from an initial list of 10 zoo moms.
"Zoo employees enjoy the chance to choose the finalists," said Vecchio. "They've been known to campaign for their favorite mom, and this year was no different."
On-line votes will be accepted through Thursday, May 8, at 5 p.m. The zoo will announce its 2008 Mother of the Year on Friday, May 9.
http://www.katu.com/news/local/17996234.html
New zoo director to give talk
Buttonwood Park Zoo invites the public to meet the zoo's new director, Dr. William Langbauer, during a wine and cheese reception on Tuesday.
As the first presenter in the zoo's "Creatures Great and Small" spring lecture series, Dr. Langbauer will entertain with stories from Africa as he recounts his research among elephants — captive and wild, sober and drunken.
Dr. Langbauer is one of three researchers who discovered that elephants make sounds that humans can't hear (infrasound), which has made for some interesting research challenges.
The wine and cheese reception begins at 7, and the talk at 8. The reception and lecture are free of charge, but interested individuals are asked to RSVP at (508) 991-6178 ext. 31.
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080426/LIFE/804260357/-1/ENTERTAIN
Tip leads police to rare monkey stolen from N.B. zoo
Updated Fri. Apr. 25 2008 8:39 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
A tiny, black monkey named April, stolen earlier this week from Cherry Brook Zoo in Saint John, N.B., has been recovered safe and sound by police following an anonymous phone tip.
"Relieved doesn't describe (the feeling)," Lynda Collrin, director of zoo development, told CTV Newsnet Friday.
April, a rare callimico, a species also known as Goeldi's monkeys, is from the Amazon region of South America. April is part of a vital breeding program trying to keep the primate species from extinction.
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080425/rare_monkey_080425/20080425?hub=CTVNewsAt11
One man's wild world at Blackpool Zoo
Published Date: 28 April 2008
By Nick Hyde
DARREN Webster is the man who speaks to the animals. Or more appropriately, he is the man who knows what his array of wild and wonderful creatures want.
And he should know, for the 38-year-old has had more than 20 years of experience in zoos across the country.
But his great challenge lies beyond the confines of Gorilla Mountain at Blackpool Zoo, which attracts thousands of people year.
http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/One-man39s-wild-world-at.4022891.jp
Animals beat the heat by cold drinks in Lucknow zoo
By Kamna Mathur
Lucknow, Apr 26 (ANI): Fruit juices and cucumbers helped a chimpanzee to beat the summer heat in a Lucknow zoo.
The most striking incident happened when the chimpanzee drank fruit juice off its caretaker’s hands and did not leave the glass till the content was over.
Alarmed by the soaring mercury, the zoo authorities are serving the cold drinks to the animals.
Several measures have been taken to provide every possible comfort to the animals. The zoo has deployed a team of veterinarians and vitamins and electrolytes are being added to the food and drinking water to prevent dehydration, said an official.
“See, the temperatures are rising and it isn’t only humans who are feeling the heat. Even the animals are a troubled lot. So, not only the drink but other arrangements have also been made in our zoo to make the animals feel comfortable,” said Renu Singh, Lucknow zoo Director.
She added, sprinklers have been installed in all the enclosures and the animals have been put on a nutritious diet comprising seasonal fruits like watermelon and mangoes along with cucumbers. (ANI)
http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/entertainment/animals-beat-the-heat-by-cold-drinks-in-lucknow-zoo_10042226.html
Minot Zoo Opens
Many have been waiting all winter. Tomorrow the Roosevelt Zoo opens for the season.
Zoo staff is gearing up for the big day by cleaning up and tidying up around the cages.
While they are willing to let the cat out of the bag on one surprise animal from the far east, the staff at the zoo remains tight lipped about bigger secrets coming up this summer.
"We`re very lucky to have gotten them. We`re one of the first zoos in the more Northern Eastern side to have gotten the Japanese Sarose," says Barb Werner of the Roosevelt Zoo.
The zoo opens at 10:00 a.m. Price of admission is $3.00 for ages 4 to 12, everyone older is $6.00. Memberships will be available as well.
http://www.kfyrtv.com/News_Stories.asp?news=17952
Video
http://www.kfyrtv.com/News_video.asp?news=17952
'Disneyland' comes to Baghdad with multi-million pound entertainment park
The $1 million skateboard park will open in July. 200,000 skateboards will be shipped from the US and given away free to Iraqi children
Sonia Verma in Dubai
Llewellyn Werner admits he is facing obstacles most amusement park developers never have to deal with – insurgent attacks and looting.
When you are building an amusement park in downtown Baghdad, those risks come with the territory.
Mr Werner, chairman of C3, a Los Angeles-based holding company for private equity firms, is pouring millions of dollars into developing the Baghdad Zoo and Entertainment Experience, a massive American-style amusement park that will feature a skateboard park, rides, a concert theatre and a museum. It is being designed by the firm that developed Disneyland. “The people need this kind of positive influence. It’s going to have a huge psychological impact,” Mr Werner said.
The 50-acre (20 hectare) swath of land sits adjacent to the Green Zone and encompasses Baghdad’s existing zoo, which was looted, left without power and abandoned after the American-led invasion in 2003. Only 35 of 700 animals survived – some starved, some were stolen and some were killed by Iraqis fearing food shortages.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/iraq/article3802051.ece
Crowds flock to Baghdad zoo for Eid
Oct 13, 2007
BAGHDAD (AFP) — War-weary Baghdadis determined to forget daily violence and economic hardships on the Eid al-Fitr holiday flocked Saturday for a day of picnicking and recreation at the zoo, despite its dearth of animals.
With entrance free for Eid, long queues formed outside Al-Zawraa zoo in central Baghdad for much of the day as people waited to pass through gates strictly secured by police in a road patrolled by US and Iraqi troops.
Inside the sprawling park, a sea of relaxed-looking Iraqis strolled between the animal compound and the funfair, winding along pathways that skirted open fields, bold water fountains and flower gardens.
Children, some holding balloons, others toting toy guns, were dressed in spanking new clothes bought for Eid, while teenagers in pressed shirts and neat trousers milled about in groups outside the Al-Baghdadi Restaurant and Casino, a few noisily beating drums and tambourines as others danced and clapped.
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hQmTjlLcYUS8PMN8qWi4ebiL-qbw
Palestinian kids and the zoo
Fadi Abu Sa’ada – For over four years now – which is my child's age - I have not succeeded in taking him to the zoo. I want to begin teaching him about simple things, such as the animals.
The reason for the inability to do so is not simply that I am out of money. I do not I have permission to enter occupied Jerusalem to accompany him to the zoo, as it is the closest zoo to my town of Bethlehem, which is also occupied in the West Bank.
Last Thursday a group of friends decided to take their kids on an adventure, the destination was the zoo in occupied Jerusalem, I asked them to take my child with them, as I can not leave my work to join them. After a long discussion whether my child, Majd, will be able to cross the military checkpoint at the northern entrance of Bethlehem alone, without parents, without a birth certificate, my friends decided to take him and give it a try.
After nearly half an hour I received the first phone call. They succeeded crossing the checkpoint. I was deeply happy that my child finally will go to the zoo for the first time in his life. And not this only, but he was able to go on a journey that I was not able to take him on for the many reasons created by occupation.
http://english.pnn.ps/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2694&Itemid=28
Primate residence
Published Date: 26 April 2008
By Claire Black
Edinburgh Zoo's chimps are right at home in their new world-class compound
Ricky is stretched out in the sun. Head tipped back, one arm outstretched, hand lazily gripping the rope hanging beside him, he's enjoying a good scratch and the odd yawn. He looks as if he might have 40 winks. At 44, he's only recently moved into one of Edinburgh's newest and costliest homes. It's a proper des-res, built to a detailed specification, filled with custom-built fixtures and fittings and surrounded by a beautifully landscaped garden – including a moat. The price tag was a cool £5.6 million but if you ask Ricky, it's money well spent.
http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/features/Primate-residence.4007045.jp
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens Travel Reviews
Nov 17, 2007
The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is located within Griffith Park, a 4200 acre park in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles. The zoo may be one the most affordable attractions in Los Angeles...adults (13 & up) are $10, seniors are $7, children (2-12) are $5, and children under 2 are FREE. Zoo parking is FREE to boot!
The zoo grounds are decorated with lush floral specimens. The animal habitats are constantly being renovated to look more and more realistic to the animal's natural habitats. For instance, in 2000, Red Ape Rain Forest was opened to highlight the orangutan. In 2007, the Campo Gorilla Reserve was unveiled to house 6 western lowland gorillas. Currently being renovated is the Asian Elephant habitat. The zoo is also an integral part of the California Condor Recovery Program with over 100 condor hatchings at the zoo.
http://www.travbuddy.com/Los-Angeles-Zoo-and-Botanical-Gardens-v192774
Friday, April 25, 2008 - 2:45 PM CDT
Zoo unveils name for $2.8M restaurant
Wichita Business Journal - by Josh Heck
Sedgwick County Zoo'S new sit-down restaurant now has a name. A sign bearing the name Plaza Beastro was unveiled during a ceremony Friday, marking the restaurant's grand opening.
The name was chosen out of more than 3,0000 entries from a naming contest put on by local radio station B98 FM. Jinger Titus was credited with picking the winning name.
"I think it's great," she says of seeing her name selection adorn the restaurant. "It's a big honor."
Plaza Beastro replaces the old concession stand that was perched in the zoo's central plaza area and gives patrons a chance to take a break from the summer's heat inside the air-conditioned building. The restaurant has a seating capacity of 125 people.
"It's a much welcomed addition to our already first-class, world-class zoo," says Allan Allford, president of the Sedgwick County Zoological Society.
The restaurant's soft opening was in March. Zoo executive director Mark Reed says the $2.8 million facility is larger and more modern than the concession area that was once perched in the zoo's plaza. That structure was recently razed and the site converted into a man-made pond.
"The official opening of our new restaurant is a very exciting time for us," Reed says.
WDM Architects designed the building and Sauerwein Construction Co. was the general contractor.
http://www.bizjournals.com/wichita/stories/2008/04/21/daily53.html
Zoo Welcomes Rare Newborn Somali Wild Ass
Posted on: Friday, 25 April 2008, 15:00 CDT
The first Somali wild ass to be born at the St. Louis Zoo arrived earlier this month.
The animal, a wild horse, is very rare, with only 1,000 believed to be surviving in the wild, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported. They are threatened by political unrest and hunting in North Africa and must compete with domestic animals for grazing.
The St. Louis Zoo has seven wild asses with another 20 living in other zoos in North America. The new foal's dam Fataki and sire Abai are both in St. Louis.
The foal, a female, has a gray body, black stripes on the legs and a white belly. When she is full-grown, she will stand about 4 feet high and weigh 600 pounds.
Source: United Press International
http://www.redorbit.com/news/entertainment/1358717/zoo_welcomes_rare_newborn_somali_wild_ass/
Birds, bats and bugs to be featured at Air Zoo
Birds, bats and bugs—oh my! On Saturday, April 26, the Air Zoo will be offering its second annual “Birds, Bats and Bugs—the Natural Flyers” program that will include presentations, exhibits, crafts, live animal demonstrations and a chance to meet area mascots.
Beginning at 9 a.m. and continuing throughout the day, guests will be able to visit displays on birds, bats and insects, make crafts and rubbings and visit birds that will be available for adoption. Local mascots such as Old Country Buffet’s “O.C. Bee,” Red Robin’s “Red” and the K-Wings’ “Slappy” will also make an appearance.
http://www.airzoo.org/news/birds-bats-bugs-april-26/
Dublin Zoo names its newest elephant
Thursday, 24 April 2008
Dublin Zoo has officially named its new elephant calf Budi following a competition that attracted over 1,000 entries.
11-year-old Tallaght student Cian Cooke picked the Indonesian name, which means 'wise one', to reflect the elephant's Asian heritage.
Budi was born in February, just the second elephant born in Ireland.
http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/0424/elephant.html
Stolen monkey back to Canada zoo
www.chinaview.cn
2008-04-26 03:10:59
OTTAWA, April 25 (Xinhua) -- A little callimico monkey stolen earlier this week from a zoo in Canada's eastern New Brunswick province was safely back home Friday, police and zoo officials said.
Acting on a phone tip, police in the city of Saint John said they found the black monkey named April in a box on a street corner near a city gas station.
A male called from a pay phone telling police to find the monkey behind a building near a gas station. "We went to the area where we found a type of box with holes cut through the top of it and the noise inside indicated it was our missing monkey," policeSgt. Pat Bonner told Canadian Television.
The little animal turned out to be in good health after being checked by ecstatic zoo officials.
April was stolen Wednesday morning when someone jumped a fence, kicked in a door, and took her from the enclosure she shared with her mother, father and brother.
Police are now reviewing the tipster's call to determine if the voice provides any clues to the theft.
The rare primates, also known as a Goeldi's monkies, are from the Amazon region of South America and considered an endangered species in the wild. They are tiny creatures, at nine months, April weighs only about half a kilogram.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-04/26/content_8052454.htm
Zoo worker set to take leap of faith for frogs
AN Edinburgh Zoo worker is set to abseil from the Forth Bridge dressed as a frog as part of a fundraising drive.
Polly Phillpot, the zoo's senior education officer, will descend 165 feet to raise cash for the EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria) 2008 Year of the Frog Campaign.
The main goal of this year's campaign is to raise awareness of the serious plight facing frogs and amphibians.
The funds raised will help support Amphibian Ark, a programme co-ordinated by the World Conservation Union, and finance regional initiatives such as rescues, training workshops and cooperatively managed centres.
Ms Phillpot, who will be taking the plunge tomorrow, said: "Amphibians play an important role in ecosystems and are essential environmental indicators for climate change, therefore holding great importance in scientific research.
"It would be catastrophic and tragic to lose such a key group of animals.
"I hope my leap will be a hopping success to raise funds in support of the EAZA campaign."
http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/Zoo-worker-set-to-take.4024009.jp
London Zoo celebrates its 180th birthday
By Richard Gray, Science Correspondent
Last Updated: 1:01pm BST 26/04/2008
It is now one of the world's leading conservation organisations, helping to protect endangered wildlife with breeding programmes, carrying out vital research and educating the public. But when London Zoo opened its doors 180 years ago, experts were more interested in turning its exotic creatures into beasts of burden and farmyard animals.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/main.jhtml?xml=/earth/2008/04/26/eazoo126.xml
Exhibition held for zoo founder
Ms Badham received an MBE for her work in 2002
A special exhibition is on show at Twycross Zoo this weekend in memory of 93-year-old co-founder Molly Badham, who died last year.
Ms Badham helped build the largest collection of primates in the world at the zoo, located on the Leicestershire-Warwickshire border.
The display tells the story of how she set up the zoo with rival pet shop owner Nathalie Evans.
It also shows her work as a chimpanzee trainer on television adverts.
Exotic animals
A marquee has been set up to house the exhibition and a book of condolence will also be available for visitors to sign.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/leicestershire/7368534.stm
Bird Fest 2008 at the National Zoo
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/BirdFest/activities.cfm
Hoaxer gets callers to overwhelm Dublin Zoo for weeks
April 25th, 2008
Text messages from a “G Raffe” has caused a lot of stress at the Dublin Zoo
A hoaxer has been sending text messages to mess with the Dublin Zoo in Ireland. The texts told the recipients to call the Dublin Zoo for an “urgent message,” and about 100,000 people did call in the past two weeks. The texts are a hoax, sent out by a witty “joker” signing his (or her) name “G Raffe, C Lion, Rory Lyons, and Anna Conda,” all quite “clever” adaptations of the names of animals. The zoo’s phone system has been choked with “13 calls a minute” and the zoo’s marketing manager admitted that they had lost their “sense of humor” about the calls. The real question this raises is who would call a zoo for an “urgent message” sent by a mystery texter? Apparently 100,000 people from Ireland will.
http://www.itstrulyrandom.com/2008/04/25/hoaxer-gets-callers-to-overwhelm-dublin-zoo-for-weeks/
Its cool at Nandankanan Zoo in Orissa
April 25th, 2008 - 7:44 pm ICT by admin -
Nandankanan Zoological Park (Orissa), April 25 (ANI): Authorities at the famous Nandakanan Zoological Park in Orissa are taking various measures to prevent inmates from suffering from scorching heat that has set in advance this summer.
Desert coolers have been installed outside the enclosures of felines, bears and other caged inmates, sprinklers are being used to give showers to all animals and aviaries are covered with palm reeds and leaves to shield the birds from heat.
Sufficient water supply, along with other facilities and proper management has made a big difference comparing to the earlier years.
Animals are given bath twice or thrice in a day. The enclosures are sprinkled to maintain cool.
http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/entertainment/its-cool-at-nandankanan-zoo-in-orissa_10041996.html
Petting Zoo Update
Published by Creation Museum
April 24th, 2008 in Museum Updates
Today at the Creation Museum was momentous! The first 3 members of the new petting zoo just arrived today – three miniature donkeys.
Numerous staff were there to welcome the latest additions to the CM family. The Petting Zoo will be open to visitors and guests on May 23rd. Mark your calendars and make sure when you visit this summer to take in the new zoo.
http://blogs.answersingenesis.org/museum/2008/04/24/petting-zoo-update/
AWOL Marine charged in petting zoo fire
SHARIF DURHAMS
sdurhams@charlotteobserver.com
A tip to investigators has led to the arrest of a Marine charged in a 2006 Salisbury-area petting-zoo fire that killed more than 40 animals.
Jerry Lane Harwood, 18, of Rockwell, was arrested Saturday and charged with 41 counts of animal cruelty and with burning a public or government building. Harwood had his first court appearance Monday.
He's being held in the Rowan County Detention Center under a $250,000 secured bond.
Goats, sheep, rabbits and other animals were killed in the fire at the T.M. Stanback Petting Barn in Dan Nicholas Park, southeast of Salisbury.
Rowan County Sheriff's Office investigators and State Bureau of Investigation arson experts said they didn't home in on Harwood as a suspect until they received a tip this month.
Investigators say they discovered Harwood joined the Marines shortly after the petting zoo fire. He's now listed as AWOL, Rowan investigators said.
Investigators said that in searching Harwood's apartment after Saturday's arrest, they found evidence connecting him to recent car break-ins and two business break-ins in the Rockwell area.
Sheriff's deputies said they also found three marijuana plants in the apartment, drug paraphernalia and burglary tools. No charges have been filed.
Harwood has another court appearance scheduled April 30.
Sheriff's deputies said they're still investigating.
Anyone with information can contact Detective Sam Henline or Sgt. Chad Moose of the Rowan County Sheriff's Office at 704-216-8668 or call Rowan Crime Stoppers at 866-639-5245.
http://www.charlotte.com/local/story/592586.html
continued...
Protecting species
It is hardly surprising that Iain Stephen of London Zoo believes zoos have an important part to play in stopping the extinction of amphibians (your report, 22 April).
What is perhaps more illuminating is our 2007 report that showed that 13 of the most prestigious and "progressive" UK zoos with charity status, including London and Edinburgh, were keeping only 11 threatened species of amphibian between them, with a collected population of less than 1,000 individuals. A case of all talk and no tadpoles perhaps?
CHRIS DRAPER
Born Free Foundation
Foundry Lane
Horsham, West Sussex
http://news.scotsman.com/opinion/Protecting-species.4019773.jp
Plans Wilt at National Arboretum
Proposed Funding Cut Exacerbates Deterioration
By Adrian Higgins
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, April 26, 2008; Page A01
It began last weekend and will continue for five more, Washington's other springtime blossom festival. At the U.S. National Arboretum in Northeast Washington, 130,000 people will show up to luxuriate in the rhododendrons, crab apples and early roses before Memorial Day.
The highlight is the peak flowering of 12,000 mature azaleas that paint a wooded hill named Mount Hamilton in pinks, reds and magentas. But the arboretum's prospects are far less rosy.
Next year's proposed budget for the federally funded institution has been cut by $2 million, targeted at the arboretum's public face. The amount is small in the scheme of things, but it would reduce funding by 60 percent for the arboretum's public programming and the care of its rich garden displays and pioneering plant collections.
This comes after almost a decade of funding erosion: The operating budget has shrunk 20 percent in five years. A master plan to fix crumbling infrastructure and forge a future has remained essentially unfunded for eight years. Even if next year's money is restored, the arboretum will continue to suffer from years of chronic underfunding and the absence of capital investment.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/25/AR2008042503693.html?referrer=emailarticle
Oregon Zoo offers lecture about bugs
April 22, 2008
A lecture about the importance of bugs in the environment, one in a monthly series of lectures at the Oregon Zoo, will be at 7 p.m. April 29 in the Banquet Center at the zoo, 10 minutes west of downtown Portland, just off Highway 26, at 4001 SW Canyon Rd. Tickets are $10, or $8 for zoo members. Parking is $1.
"What Good Are Bugs? The Case for Invertebrate Conservation," by Scott Black, an entomologist with the Xerces Society, is part of the Wildlife Conservation Lecture Series.
The motivation for the series is to build community knowledge in the areas of wildlife conservation, environmental problems and ecological systems. For information go to www.oregonzoo.org or call (503) 226-1561.
—Roy Gault
http://www.statesmanjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080422/OUTDOORS/804220340/1034/SPORTS
No more salmon for pesky sea lions
SUSAN GORDON
susan.gordon@thenewstribune.com
Published: April 26th, 2008 01:00 AM Updated: April 26th, 2008 06:09 AM
Salmon isn’t on the menu at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, but for the next couple of weeks Tacoma’s zoo will host a bunch of sea lions with expensive tastes.
The first of what could be many guests arrived Thursday night from the Columbia River below Bonneville Dam, where they and dozens of other male California sea lions have dined on returning runs of spring chinook salmon for the past several years.
The behavior has earned the hungry marine mammals a nuisance reputation among Washington and Oregon fish and wildlife managers, who blame them for eating more than 4 percent of the fish heading upriver.
On Thursday, wildlife officials removed six sea lions from the waters below the dam, about 40 miles east of Portland.
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/345000.html
Article published Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Toledo Zoo to expand children's area to year-round
By TOM HENRY
BLADE STAFF WRITER
Fencing went up yesterday in the heart of the Toledo Zoo for a $7.5 million project that could revolutionize the way visitors think of its long-standing Children's Zoo.
Nature's Neighborhood will be an indoor-outdoor facility that will be a greatly expanded version of the traditional petting zoo. It will offer far more for hands-on learning.
Children will be able to scale a climbing wall, go into a handicapped-accessible tree house, build a dam while splashing around in a manmade stream, play with guinea pigs, attend presentations in a 50-seat amphitheater, climb into make-believe beehives, learn about forests, make crafts in a workshop, listen to the squawking of birds, dress up as animals, do play acting, and find out how to care for dogs and cats in a model home.
If enough funds become available, a turtle pond and a raptor exhibit might be included.
http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080422/NEWS38/804220380/-1/NEWS
First baby camel born at Helsinki Zoo in 37 years
Seeing the baby camel at the Helsinki Zoo is a bewildering experience. Its eyes are beautiful, as if designed by Disney, but other than that it is all legs. The four-day-old camel foal is hairy, long-limbed, and clumsy.
When it squeaks, its mother, Selma, rises on her legs and walks over to the youngster. Staggering and occasionally falling, the foal seeks its way to its mother’s teats.
The father, 13-year-old Voodoo, looks at his family from behind a fence. “When the baby was born, the father stamped its feet. It was nervous”, explains the Helsinki Zoo veterinarian Eeva Rudbäck.
The family will be reunited in a couple of weeks’ time. The young has to learn to be quick to be able to flee in case its father loses his temper.
The foal is a minor miracle. The zoo staff only learned about the gestation when Selma went into labour.
http://www.hs.fi/english/article/First+baby+camel+born+at+Helsinki+Zoo+in+37+years/1135235792663
Fee hikes asked for zoo, rec center, parks
Alamogordo city commission
The Daily News
By Kandra Wells, News Editor
Article Launched: 04/22/2008 12:00:00 AM MDT
Increases in golf, zoo, youth and civic center fees, and a joint dispatch agreement with Otero County are among agenda items set for consideration Tuesday at the Alamogordo City Commission's regular meeting.
The session, open to the public, is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. at city hall, 1376 E. Ninth St.
A plan to raise fees by 3 to 5 percent for "leisure services" and zoo, civic center and golf course fees is up for approval by the commission to offset increased operational costs for water, gas, electricity and equipment, according to a report on the proposed resolution.
Assistant City Manager Matt McNeile reported the increases, recommended by the city's Community Services Advisory Board and the Parks and Recreation Board, would raise about $53,500 in additional revenue.
http://www.alamogordonews.com/news/ci_9007538
Cast your vote for Oregon Zoo's 'Mother of the Year'
This is a press release courtesy of the Oregon Zoo
The Oregon Zoo is celebrating Mother's Day by naming its 2008 Zoo Mother of the Year, and the public is invited to help choose the winner. This year's finalists are a Norway rat named Marge, an Oregon silverspot butterfly named Lyta and a colobus monkey named Mali. An online ballot featuring photos and short biographies of the zoo moms is posted on the zoo's Web site.
"These three moms are responsible for bringing 420 babies into the world," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "That's a first in the five years we've been voting at the Oregon Zoo."
The finalists were selected by zoo employees from an initial list of 10 zoo moms.
"Zoo employees enjoy the chance to choose the finalists," said Vecchio. "They've been known to campaign for their favorite mom, and this year was no different."
On-line votes will be accepted through Thursday, May 8, at 5 p.m. The zoo will announce its 2008 Mother of the Year on Friday, May 9.
http://www.katu.com/news/local/17996234.html
New zoo director to give talk
Buttonwood Park Zoo invites the public to meet the zoo's new director, Dr. William Langbauer, during a wine and cheese reception on Tuesday.
As the first presenter in the zoo's "Creatures Great and Small" spring lecture series, Dr. Langbauer will entertain with stories from Africa as he recounts his research among elephants — captive and wild, sober and drunken.
Dr. Langbauer is one of three researchers who discovered that elephants make sounds that humans can't hear (infrasound), which has made for some interesting research challenges.
The wine and cheese reception begins at 7, and the talk at 8. The reception and lecture are free of charge, but interested individuals are asked to RSVP at (508) 991-6178 ext. 31.
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080426/LIFE/804260357/-1/ENTERTAIN
Tip leads police to rare monkey stolen from N.B. zoo
Updated Fri. Apr. 25 2008 8:39 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
A tiny, black monkey named April, stolen earlier this week from Cherry Brook Zoo in Saint John, N.B., has been recovered safe and sound by police following an anonymous phone tip.
"Relieved doesn't describe (the feeling)," Lynda Collrin, director of zoo development, told CTV Newsnet Friday.
April, a rare callimico, a species also known as Goeldi's monkeys, is from the Amazon region of South America. April is part of a vital breeding program trying to keep the primate species from extinction.
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080425/rare_monkey_080425/20080425?hub=CTVNewsAt11
One man's wild world at Blackpool Zoo
Published Date: 28 April 2008
By Nick Hyde
DARREN Webster is the man who speaks to the animals. Or more appropriately, he is the man who knows what his array of wild and wonderful creatures want.
And he should know, for the 38-year-old has had more than 20 years of experience in zoos across the country.
But his great challenge lies beyond the confines of Gorilla Mountain at Blackpool Zoo, which attracts thousands of people year.
http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/One-man39s-wild-world-at.4022891.jp
Animals beat the heat by cold drinks in Lucknow zoo
By Kamna Mathur
Lucknow, Apr 26 (ANI): Fruit juices and cucumbers helped a chimpanzee to beat the summer heat in a Lucknow zoo.
The most striking incident happened when the chimpanzee drank fruit juice off its caretaker’s hands and did not leave the glass till the content was over.
Alarmed by the soaring mercury, the zoo authorities are serving the cold drinks to the animals.
Several measures have been taken to provide every possible comfort to the animals. The zoo has deployed a team of veterinarians and vitamins and electrolytes are being added to the food and drinking water to prevent dehydration, said an official.
“See, the temperatures are rising and it isn’t only humans who are feeling the heat. Even the animals are a troubled lot. So, not only the drink but other arrangements have also been made in our zoo to make the animals feel comfortable,” said Renu Singh, Lucknow zoo Director.
She added, sprinklers have been installed in all the enclosures and the animals have been put on a nutritious diet comprising seasonal fruits like watermelon and mangoes along with cucumbers. (ANI)
http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/entertainment/animals-beat-the-heat-by-cold-drinks-in-lucknow-zoo_10042226.html
Minot Zoo Opens
Many have been waiting all winter. Tomorrow the Roosevelt Zoo opens for the season.
Zoo staff is gearing up for the big day by cleaning up and tidying up around the cages.
While they are willing to let the cat out of the bag on one surprise animal from the far east, the staff at the zoo remains tight lipped about bigger secrets coming up this summer.
"We`re very lucky to have gotten them. We`re one of the first zoos in the more Northern Eastern side to have gotten the Japanese Sarose," says Barb Werner of the Roosevelt Zoo.
The zoo opens at 10:00 a.m. Price of admission is $3.00 for ages 4 to 12, everyone older is $6.00. Memberships will be available as well.
http://www.kfyrtv.com/News_Stories.asp?news=17952
Video
http://www.kfyrtv.com/News_video.asp?news=17952
'Disneyland' comes to Baghdad with multi-million pound entertainment park
The $1 million skateboard park will open in July. 200,000 skateboards will be shipped from the US and given away free to Iraqi children
Sonia Verma in Dubai
Llewellyn Werner admits he is facing obstacles most amusement park developers never have to deal with – insurgent attacks and looting.
When you are building an amusement park in downtown Baghdad, those risks come with the territory.
Mr Werner, chairman of C3, a Los Angeles-based holding company for private equity firms, is pouring millions of dollars into developing the Baghdad Zoo and Entertainment Experience, a massive American-style amusement park that will feature a skateboard park, rides, a concert theatre and a museum. It is being designed by the firm that developed Disneyland. “The people need this kind of positive influence. It’s going to have a huge psychological impact,” Mr Werner said.
The 50-acre (20 hectare) swath of land sits adjacent to the Green Zone and encompasses Baghdad’s existing zoo, which was looted, left without power and abandoned after the American-led invasion in 2003. Only 35 of 700 animals survived – some starved, some were stolen and some were killed by Iraqis fearing food shortages.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/iraq/article3802051.ece
Crowds flock to Baghdad zoo for Eid
Oct 13, 2007
BAGHDAD (AFP) — War-weary Baghdadis determined to forget daily violence and economic hardships on the Eid al-Fitr holiday flocked Saturday for a day of picnicking and recreation at the zoo, despite its dearth of animals.
With entrance free for Eid, long queues formed outside Al-Zawraa zoo in central Baghdad for much of the day as people waited to pass through gates strictly secured by police in a road patrolled by US and Iraqi troops.
Inside the sprawling park, a sea of relaxed-looking Iraqis strolled between the animal compound and the funfair, winding along pathways that skirted open fields, bold water fountains and flower gardens.
Children, some holding balloons, others toting toy guns, were dressed in spanking new clothes bought for Eid, while teenagers in pressed shirts and neat trousers milled about in groups outside the Al-Baghdadi Restaurant and Casino, a few noisily beating drums and tambourines as others danced and clapped.
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hQmTjlLcYUS8PMN8qWi4ebiL-qbw
Palestinian kids and the zoo
Fadi Abu Sa’ada – For over four years now – which is my child's age - I have not succeeded in taking him to the zoo. I want to begin teaching him about simple things, such as the animals.
The reason for the inability to do so is not simply that I am out of money. I do not I have permission to enter occupied Jerusalem to accompany him to the zoo, as it is the closest zoo to my town of Bethlehem, which is also occupied in the West Bank.
Last Thursday a group of friends decided to take their kids on an adventure, the destination was the zoo in occupied Jerusalem, I asked them to take my child with them, as I can not leave my work to join them. After a long discussion whether my child, Majd, will be able to cross the military checkpoint at the northern entrance of Bethlehem alone, without parents, without a birth certificate, my friends decided to take him and give it a try.
After nearly half an hour I received the first phone call. They succeeded crossing the checkpoint. I was deeply happy that my child finally will go to the zoo for the first time in his life. And not this only, but he was able to go on a journey that I was not able to take him on for the many reasons created by occupation.
http://english.pnn.ps/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2694&Itemid=28
Primate residence
Published Date: 26 April 2008
By Claire Black
Edinburgh Zoo's chimps are right at home in their new world-class compound
Ricky is stretched out in the sun. Head tipped back, one arm outstretched, hand lazily gripping the rope hanging beside him, he's enjoying a good scratch and the odd yawn. He looks as if he might have 40 winks. At 44, he's only recently moved into one of Edinburgh's newest and costliest homes. It's a proper des-res, built to a detailed specification, filled with custom-built fixtures and fittings and surrounded by a beautifully landscaped garden – including a moat. The price tag was a cool £5.6 million but if you ask Ricky, it's money well spent.
http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/features/Primate-residence.4007045.jp
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens Travel Reviews
Nov 17, 2007
The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is located within Griffith Park, a 4200 acre park in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles. The zoo may be one the most affordable attractions in Los Angeles...adults (13 & up) are $10, seniors are $7, children (2-12) are $5, and children under 2 are FREE. Zoo parking is FREE to boot!
The zoo grounds are decorated with lush floral specimens. The animal habitats are constantly being renovated to look more and more realistic to the animal's natural habitats. For instance, in 2000, Red Ape Rain Forest was opened to highlight the orangutan. In 2007, the Campo Gorilla Reserve was unveiled to house 6 western lowland gorillas. Currently being renovated is the Asian Elephant habitat. The zoo is also an integral part of the California Condor Recovery Program with over 100 condor hatchings at the zoo.
http://www.travbuddy.com/Los-Angeles-Zoo-and-Botanical-Gardens-v192774
Friday, April 25, 2008 - 2:45 PM CDT
Zoo unveils name for $2.8M restaurant
Wichita Business Journal - by Josh Heck
Sedgwick County Zoo'S new sit-down restaurant now has a name. A sign bearing the name Plaza Beastro was unveiled during a ceremony Friday, marking the restaurant's grand opening.
The name was chosen out of more than 3,0000 entries from a naming contest put on by local radio station B98 FM. Jinger Titus was credited with picking the winning name.
"I think it's great," she says of seeing her name selection adorn the restaurant. "It's a big honor."
Plaza Beastro replaces the old concession stand that was perched in the zoo's central plaza area and gives patrons a chance to take a break from the summer's heat inside the air-conditioned building. The restaurant has a seating capacity of 125 people.
"It's a much welcomed addition to our already first-class, world-class zoo," says Allan Allford, president of the Sedgwick County Zoological Society.
The restaurant's soft opening was in March. Zoo executive director Mark Reed says the $2.8 million facility is larger and more modern than the concession area that was once perched in the zoo's plaza. That structure was recently razed and the site converted into a man-made pond.
"The official opening of our new restaurant is a very exciting time for us," Reed says.
WDM Architects designed the building and Sauerwein Construction Co. was the general contractor.
http://www.bizjournals.com/wichita/stories/2008/04/21/daily53.html
Zoo Welcomes Rare Newborn Somali Wild Ass
Posted on: Friday, 25 April 2008, 15:00 CDT
The first Somali wild ass to be born at the St. Louis Zoo arrived earlier this month.
The animal, a wild horse, is very rare, with only 1,000 believed to be surviving in the wild, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported. They are threatened by political unrest and hunting in North Africa and must compete with domestic animals for grazing.
The St. Louis Zoo has seven wild asses with another 20 living in other zoos in North America. The new foal's dam Fataki and sire Abai are both in St. Louis.
The foal, a female, has a gray body, black stripes on the legs and a white belly. When she is full-grown, she will stand about 4 feet high and weigh 600 pounds.
Source: United Press International
http://www.redorbit.com/news/entertainment/1358717/zoo_welcomes_rare_newborn_somali_wild_ass/
Birds, bats and bugs to be featured at Air Zoo
Birds, bats and bugs—oh my! On Saturday, April 26, the Air Zoo will be offering its second annual “Birds, Bats and Bugs—the Natural Flyers” program that will include presentations, exhibits, crafts, live animal demonstrations and a chance to meet area mascots.
Beginning at 9 a.m. and continuing throughout the day, guests will be able to visit displays on birds, bats and insects, make crafts and rubbings and visit birds that will be available for adoption. Local mascots such as Old Country Buffet’s “O.C. Bee,” Red Robin’s “Red” and the K-Wings’ “Slappy” will also make an appearance.
http://www.airzoo.org/news/birds-bats-bugs-april-26/
Dublin Zoo names its newest elephant
Thursday, 24 April 2008
Dublin Zoo has officially named its new elephant calf Budi following a competition that attracted over 1,000 entries.
11-year-old Tallaght student Cian Cooke picked the Indonesian name, which means 'wise one', to reflect the elephant's Asian heritage.
Budi was born in February, just the second elephant born in Ireland.
http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/0424/elephant.html
Stolen monkey back to Canada zoo
www.chinaview.cn
2008-04-26 03:10:59
OTTAWA, April 25 (Xinhua) -- A little callimico monkey stolen earlier this week from a zoo in Canada's eastern New Brunswick province was safely back home Friday, police and zoo officials said.
Acting on a phone tip, police in the city of Saint John said they found the black monkey named April in a box on a street corner near a city gas station.
A male called from a pay phone telling police to find the monkey behind a building near a gas station. "We went to the area where we found a type of box with holes cut through the top of it and the noise inside indicated it was our missing monkey," policeSgt. Pat Bonner told Canadian Television.
The little animal turned out to be in good health after being checked by ecstatic zoo officials.
April was stolen Wednesday morning when someone jumped a fence, kicked in a door, and took her from the enclosure she shared with her mother, father and brother.
Police are now reviewing the tipster's call to determine if the voice provides any clues to the theft.
The rare primates, also known as a Goeldi's monkies, are from the Amazon region of South America and considered an endangered species in the wild. They are tiny creatures, at nine months, April weighs only about half a kilogram.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-04/26/content_8052454.htm
Zoo worker set to take leap of faith for frogs
AN Edinburgh Zoo worker is set to abseil from the Forth Bridge dressed as a frog as part of a fundraising drive.
Polly Phillpot, the zoo's senior education officer, will descend 165 feet to raise cash for the EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria) 2008 Year of the Frog Campaign.
The main goal of this year's campaign is to raise awareness of the serious plight facing frogs and amphibians.
The funds raised will help support Amphibian Ark, a programme co-ordinated by the World Conservation Union, and finance regional initiatives such as rescues, training workshops and cooperatively managed centres.
Ms Phillpot, who will be taking the plunge tomorrow, said: "Amphibians play an important role in ecosystems and are essential environmental indicators for climate change, therefore holding great importance in scientific research.
"It would be catastrophic and tragic to lose such a key group of animals.
"I hope my leap will be a hopping success to raise funds in support of the EAZA campaign."
http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/Zoo-worker-set-to-take.4024009.jp
London Zoo celebrates its 180th birthday
By Richard Gray, Science Correspondent
Last Updated: 1:01pm BST 26/04/2008
It is now one of the world's leading conservation organisations, helping to protect endangered wildlife with breeding programmes, carrying out vital research and educating the public. But when London Zoo opened its doors 180 years ago, experts were more interested in turning its exotic creatures into beasts of burden and farmyard animals.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/main.jhtml?xml=/earth/2008/04/26/eazoo126.xml
Exhibition held for zoo founder
Ms Badham received an MBE for her work in 2002
A special exhibition is on show at Twycross Zoo this weekend in memory of 93-year-old co-founder Molly Badham, who died last year.
Ms Badham helped build the largest collection of primates in the world at the zoo, located on the Leicestershire-Warwickshire border.
The display tells the story of how she set up the zoo with rival pet shop owner Nathalie Evans.
It also shows her work as a chimpanzee trainer on television adverts.
Exotic animals
A marquee has been set up to house the exhibition and a book of condolence will also be available for visitors to sign.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/leicestershire/7368534.stm
Bird Fest 2008 at the National Zoo
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/BirdFest/activities.cfm
Hoaxer gets callers to overwhelm Dublin Zoo for weeks
April 25th, 2008
Text messages from a “G Raffe” has caused a lot of stress at the Dublin Zoo
A hoaxer has been sending text messages to mess with the Dublin Zoo in Ireland. The texts told the recipients to call the Dublin Zoo for an “urgent message,” and about 100,000 people did call in the past two weeks. The texts are a hoax, sent out by a witty “joker” signing his (or her) name “G Raffe, C Lion, Rory Lyons, and Anna Conda,” all quite “clever” adaptations of the names of animals. The zoo’s phone system has been choked with “13 calls a minute” and the zoo’s marketing manager admitted that they had lost their “sense of humor” about the calls. The real question this raises is who would call a zoo for an “urgent message” sent by a mystery texter? Apparently 100,000 people from Ireland will.
http://www.itstrulyrandom.com/2008/04/25/hoaxer-gets-callers-to-overwhelm-dublin-zoo-for-weeks/
Its cool at Nandankanan Zoo in Orissa
April 25th, 2008 - 7:44 pm ICT by admin -
Nandankanan Zoological Park (Orissa), April 25 (ANI): Authorities at the famous Nandakanan Zoological Park in Orissa are taking various measures to prevent inmates from suffering from scorching heat that has set in advance this summer.
Desert coolers have been installed outside the enclosures of felines, bears and other caged inmates, sprinklers are being used to give showers to all animals and aviaries are covered with palm reeds and leaves to shield the birds from heat.
Sufficient water supply, along with other facilities and proper management has made a big difference comparing to the earlier years.
Animals are given bath twice or thrice in a day. The enclosures are sprinkled to maintain cool.
http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/entertainment/its-cool-at-nandankanan-zoo-in-orissa_10041996.html
Petting Zoo Update
Published by Creation Museum
April 24th, 2008 in Museum Updates
Today at the Creation Museum was momentous! The first 3 members of the new petting zoo just arrived today – three miniature donkeys.
Numerous staff were there to welcome the latest additions to the CM family. The Petting Zoo will be open to visitors and guests on May 23rd. Mark your calendars and make sure when you visit this summer to take in the new zoo.
http://blogs.answersingenesis.org/museum/2008/04/24/petting-zoo-update/
AWOL Marine charged in petting zoo fire
SHARIF DURHAMS
sdurhams@charlotteobserver.com
A tip to investigators has led to the arrest of a Marine charged in a 2006 Salisbury-area petting-zoo fire that killed more than 40 animals.
Jerry Lane Harwood, 18, of Rockwell, was arrested Saturday and charged with 41 counts of animal cruelty and with burning a public or government building. Harwood had his first court appearance Monday.
He's being held in the Rowan County Detention Center under a $250,000 secured bond.
Goats, sheep, rabbits and other animals were killed in the fire at the T.M. Stanback Petting Barn in Dan Nicholas Park, southeast of Salisbury.
Rowan County Sheriff's Office investigators and State Bureau of Investigation arson experts said they didn't home in on Harwood as a suspect until they received a tip this month.
Investigators say they discovered Harwood joined the Marines shortly after the petting zoo fire. He's now listed as AWOL, Rowan investigators said.
Investigators said that in searching Harwood's apartment after Saturday's arrest, they found evidence connecting him to recent car break-ins and two business break-ins in the Rockwell area.
Sheriff's deputies said they also found three marijuana plants in the apartment, drug paraphernalia and burglary tools. No charges have been filed.
Harwood has another court appearance scheduled April 30.
Sheriff's deputies said they're still investigating.
Anyone with information can contact Detective Sam Henline or Sgt. Chad Moose of the Rowan County Sheriff's Office at 704-216-8668 or call Rowan Crime Stoppers at 866-639-5245.
http://www.charlotte.com/local/story/592586.html
continued...
Morning Paper - continued
All the pictures anyone could want about Flocke (click here)
Donor Give $201,000 to Zoo for Giraffe Feeding Station
The world's tallest animals will soon be eating from North Carolina Zoo visitors' hands thanks to a gift this week to the Zoo Society from loyal donors who asked to remain unnamed.
The $201,000 gift will build a feeding station where visitors will offer healthy treats to giraffes from a raised deck near the Zoo's Forest Edge overlook.
Giraffes, 14-feet-tall on average, will raise their heads over a safety railing to take food held out for them by visitors.
"This generous gift will not only create a fun experience, it will enable one of nature's most fascinating creatures to literally eat out of the hands of visitors of all ages," said Russ Williams, N.C. Zoo Society Executive Director. "These personal encounters will serve as physical reminders that each of us ultimately holds the future of the natural world in our hands."
http://www.thepilot.com/stories/20080423/news/local/20080423giraffe.html
The 6th Annual Bug Zoo at the Sawtooth Botanical Garden
By Sawtooth Botanical Garden
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
The Sawtooth Botanical Gardens Bug Zoo is a fun, hands on celebration of our many legged friends and provides a chance for children and adults to learn about local and exotic insects. This year’s Bug Zoo kicks off on April 27th with the Annual Bug Zoo Festival from 1 – 5 pm. Come and join in the fun with games, crafts, snacks, a butterfly house, and the Bug Zoo exhibit featuring 35 native and exotic insects from around the world. Admission for children is $5 for members and $7 for non-members, and free for adults accompanied by a child.
http://www.sunvalleyonline.com/news/article.asp?ID_Article=5013
Zoo given credit to pay bills, avoid layoffs -- for now
Abell co-signs loan of $1.2 million
By Doug Donovan Sun reporter
April 24, 2008
With help from the Abell Foundation, the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore has received a $1.2 million bank credit it needs to get through the next two months without firing employees and stiffing vendors, officials said.
Zoo officials do not expect to spend the entire line of credit from PNC Bank because revenues have improved since the March birth of an elephant -- whose name will be unveiled at his public debut Saturday. And officials are optimistic that a baby camel's visit in May will continue to boost attendance.
"[The credit] will allow us to meet our cash flow needs during this time when our expenses are getting ahead of our revenues," said Nancy S. Noppenberger, the zoo's chief financial officer.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.zoo24apr24,0,3162969.story
Austin zoo started with pigs
Sanctuary now home to several species of rescued exotic animals
By Katy Justice
Media Credit: Nancy Rosenthal
3-year-old Miles Rosenberg watches a tortoise, his favorite zoo animal, eat at the Austin zoo on Tuesday. Miles' mother, Monica, said they have been to the zoo at least five times.
Children from Winn Elementary pet goats in the zoo's petting coral.
Monica Rosenberg and her 3-year-old son Miles have visited zoos in Costa Rica and across the United States, but they keep coming back to the Austin Zoo.
"He loves it. We have been here five or six times," Rosenberg said. "He is almost four, so it is the perfect situation, just the right size."
The Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary, located about 15 miles west of campus, is an Austin-based nonprofit organization that receives funds strictly from admission fees and private donations. The zoo rescues animals from individuals who illegally own exotic animals as pets as well as municipal zoos that want to replace older animals with younger counterparts that have more energy.
Rosenberg said Miles' favorite animals in the zoo are the tortoises, which are enclosed by fencing that allows visitors to approach the animals.
http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2008/04/24/TopStories/Austin.Zoo.Started.With.Pigs-3346750.shtml
Rare monkey stolen from zoo in eastern Canada
www.chinaview.cn
2008-04-24 06:45:07
OTTAWA, April 23 (Xinhua) -- A rare callimico monkey was stolen from a zoo Wednesday in the city of Saint John in Canada's eastern New Brunswick province, reports reaching here said.
Police said someone jumped a fence at the Cherry Brook Zoo, kicked in a door at the monkey house and made off with a young callimico monkey named April. The monkey is 12-inches tall and weighs less than a pound.
Zoo Director Len Collrin said it appears the thieves knew well of their target as they walked by a Golden Lion tamarind and went into the third enclosure, let the monkeys out and actually locked two back in.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-04/24/content_8038094.htm
Buffalo Zoo goes before cameras
Business First of Buffalo - by David Bertola Business First
A nationally syndicated TV nature show Monday filmed a piece for an upcoming episode at the Buffalo Zoo and the producer said there are plans to return to the area.
The AquaKids program is hosted by Molly McKinney, a 22-year old senior communication major at Fredonia State College. She has worked on the show since she was 13. Back then, she became a licensed diver. She has since swam with Caribbean reef sharks, whale sharks and other wild aquatic animals.
The segment she filmed while holding a baby alligator, she said, has been her most nerve-wracking experience.
"Baby gators tend to shriek, and the mother's instinct is to come to the baby when they hear it," McKinney said.
http://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/stories/2008/04/21/daily10.html
Zoo wants elephant moved out
22 Apr 2008, 0425 hrs IST
PUNE: The Rajiv Gandhi zoological park at Katraj on Monday moved an application before judicial magistrate first class SJ Ansari urging her to direct the forest department, Pune, to take custody of an elephant on the grounds that the park is unable to maintain the animal due to paucity of funds.
The forest department had impounded 'Poornima' after it was found begging on June 7, 2007 and prosecuted the mahout, Dineshkumar Satyanarayan Tiwari, after he failed to produce evidence that he owned the animal.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Pune/Zoo_wants_elephant_moved_out/articleshow/2969744.cms
Health Concerns Over Zoo's Oldest Giraffe
Richard Sher
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
There are concerns about the health and well-being of Gretchen, the oldest of five giraffes living at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore.
Gretchen is 22 and having serious problem with arthritis.
"Some days she hurts so bad, she doesn't want to come outside," giraffe area supervisor Tammy Chaney tells Richard Sher. "Gretchen's a very gentle, sweet animal. We give her all the care we can and then just watch to see how she does."
"Gretchen's got a list of medications including glucosamine, which a lot of people take for aching joints," zoo veterinarian Allison Wack said.
The average life expectancy for a giraffe is the mid-20s. Until that time comes, all those who love and care for Gretchen are dedicated to keeping her as comfortable and happy as possible.
http://wjz.com/local/giraffe.gretchen.zoo.2.706037.html
Columbian Park Zoo reopens for season with Conservation Action Day
By BOB SCOTT
bscott@journalandcourier.com
April 24, 2008
Columbian Park Zoo opens Saturday with a special theme -- Conservation Action Day.
Conservation-minded organizations will be available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to answer questions and give tips about protecting the environment.
Zoo visitors are invited to bring new or gently used household items, including baby toys, basketballs, towels, raisins and peanut butter.
"Through this event, we hope that our visitors will become inspired to make a difference in their own households with their consumer choices and the reuse of many regular household items," said zoo director Claudine Laufman.
Another example of recycling at the zoo is the butterfly exhibit being constructed. Lawn & Shrub Inc. is donating labor and materials, including the frame from a former greenhouse.
http://www.jconline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080424/NEWS/804240313
Zoo gets ready for lion’s share
- Authorities pin hope on Asiatic jungle cat pair for population increase
JAYESH THAKER
White tigers relax in Nandan Kanan (AP)
Jamshedpur, April 22: Step away bulls and bears, when it comes to zoos, jungle cats are the preferred choice.
The Tata Steel Zoological Society (TSZS) will soon be home to robust Asiatic lions. Sources said housing lions has now become a necessity for zoo authorities as they are only left with one pair of the breed — an aged lioness (13) and a young male (4), who was procured from a rescue centre in Bengal.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080423/jsp/jharkhand/story_9175699.jsp
Safari Park Plan Raises Concerns About Possible Conflict With Zoo
Tribune photo by MICHAEL SPOONEYBARGER
Lex Salisbury, co-owner of Safari Wild, talks about the 12 patas monkeys that escaped from their island habitat in Lakeland.
By BAIRD HELGESON
The Tampa Tribune
Published: April 24, 2008
TAMPA - Lex Salisbury's little-known side business gained nationwide attention this week as he spent the last few days chasing a dozen patas monkeys that escaped from his exotic animal park in Polk County.
Salisbury is mostly known for his job as president and CEO of the nonprofit Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, a position that pays more than $271,000 a year, according to the zoo's most recent tax filings.
But about a year ago he and St. Petersburg veterinarian Stephen Wehrmann bought about 260 acres of land north of Lakeland to create Safari Wild. The for-profit venture will feature safari tours on which visitors will see roughly 400 exotic and endangered animals, including animals from the zoo that needed a break from life on display.
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/apr/24/na-safari-park-plan-raises-concerns-about-possible/
Minnesota Zoo babies come in twos
The zoo announced the birth of its newest arrival, a baby takin, on the same day it introduced its new week-old baby Bactrian camel.
By PAUL WALSH, Star Tribune
Last update: April 23, 2008 - 11:33 PM
The Chinese rank the takin -- a relative of the musk ox and mountain goat -- as a national treasure. And now there's one more of 'em.
Wednesday, the Minnesota Zoo announced the arrival of a baby takin. The birth occurred at 10:30 a.m., though it's still too early to determine the baby's gender.
http://www.startribune.com/local/south/18041049.html
Increasing number of leopards gives Sakkarbaug Zoo officials a tough time
Rajkot, April 24 Sakkarbuag Zoo in Junagadh is one of the country’s oldest and is the leading breeding centre for the Asiatic Lion. But the population of leopards here is on the rise and, in fact, has even outnumbered these lions.
Increasing man-animal conflict in last couple of years has been landing the big cats into cages in such a large number that it is now becoming difficult for the zoo authorities to handle the situation. At present, nearly 30 leopards are inmates of the Sakkarbaug (SKB) Zoo, while the number of Asiatic lions stands at 21.
http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Increasing-number-of-leopards-gives-Sakkarbaug-Zoo-officials-a-tough-time/301368/
Marwell Zoo, Conservation Fun
An African-themed Hotel Complements a Hampshire Zoological Park
Ja Woolf
Apr 24, 2008
It’s always best when animals, reptiles and birds can survive and thrive in the wild. But if their natural habitats are endangered, then captive breeding is often the best option.
Marwell Zoo, in England’s Hampshire, combines its role as a family attraction with the even more important task of breeding endangered animals. Occupying over a hundred acres in Colden Common, near Winchester, the zoo cares for about two hundred different species, ranging from tropical frogs to kookaburras, or big cats to red pandas. It's open from 10 a.m. daily, and costs £14.50 for adults, £10.50 for kids.
Vital Conservation Work
Income from the zoo’s visitors helps fund its worldwide conservation schemes, such as work with wild rhinos in Zimbabwe. Details of its captive breeding programmes, and information about the animals and their natural habitats are explained on helpful signs throughout the park. There are always trained volunteers to hand, too, to answer visitors’ questions and encourage them to get more involved with the zoo's work.
http://england-travel.suite101.com/article.cfm/marwell_zoo_conservation_fun
Drawing Animals in London Zoo
16 Jul 2008
Inspired by the Tennant Room's J.F. Lewis RA exhibition, Jeanette Barnes leads this practical workshop in drawing animals.
Supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund.
London Zoo; 10.30am–12.30pm OR 2.30–4.30pm; £12/£6* (includes zoo entry)
For information or to book:
Telephone 020 7300 5839
Fax booking form to 020 7300 8013
Post booking form to:
Events and Lectures, Royal Academy of Arts
Burlington House, Piccadilly
London W1J 0BD
http://www.royalacademy.org.uk/events/workshops/drawing-animals-in-london-zoo,479,EV.html
Panda breeding a challenge for zoo, Yang Yang
By LEON STAFFORD
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 04/23/08
The time was right, and they were both sending signals that love was in the air.
But when Zoo Atlanta's giant panda Yang Yang approached the object of his affection late Sunday, fellow panda Lun Lun rebuffed his attempts.
Actually, she wasn't quite that nice about it, and made it clear that while cuddly-looking, she is indeed a bear.
"She wasn't even letting him get near her," said Dr. Rebecca Snyder, the zoo's curator of carnivores. "She was very aggressive."
Such was the challenge zoo officials faced over the weekend and early this week in getting the pair to mate naturally while Lun Lun was ovulating. In the end, the zoo went with a no-so natural process, artificially inseminating Lun Lun twice with Yang Yang's semen.
http://www.ajc.com/living/content/living/stories/2008/04/23/pandas_0424.html
Fish outswim extinction at Moody Gardens
By Rhiannon Meyers
The Daily News
Published April 26, 2008
GALVESTON — A species of African fish thought to be extinct in the wild is alive and breeding at Moody Gardens.
The two-stripe white-lip cichlids have been wiped out from their African home in Lake Victoria, the world’s second largest freshwater lake, and now exist only in captivity at Moody Gardens.
Last week, baby cichlids emerged from their eggs at the aquarium. Their hatching creates a whole new generation of harpagochromis, or two-stripe white-lip cichlids, at the island aquarium.
Cichlid hatchings are vital to the aquarium where most of the cichlid population has exceeded breeding age, said animal husbandry manager Greg Whittaker. Many are now dying from old age, he said.
The 20 baby cichlids, or fry, have been placed in their own tank alongside their parents. All are tucked away from public view in small aquarium tanks in the basement of the Rainforest Pyramid.
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=2fa1b50f8cc5f3c8&-session=TheDailyNews:42F946750a67000B7BWxP188E049
Zoo seeks plan ideas
Posted By FIONA ISAACSON
Posted 3 days ago
The Riverview Park and Zoo wants public input for its long-term plan.
Curator Jack Sisson said the plan is reviewed about every five years, but the last survey was conducted in the mid-1990s.
"We felt it was time to put a survey out there and just get a better feeling for what the public thinks of our current operations and where they think we should be going in the future," Sisson said.
The online survey includes questions about conservation programs for species-at-risk and what could be done with the Peterborough Utilities Commission (PUC) lands on the east side of the Otonabee River.
The zoo could be involved in species-at-risk conservation locally or globally, Sisson said.
An advisory committee will make recommendations to the PUC, which funds the zoo, he said.
About seven per cent of water revenue pays for the zoo and park's operations, he said.
Under a provincial bylaw a maximum of nine per cent can be used for zoo operations, he said.
The survey is available for the next month at www.peterboroughutilities.ca/park_and_zoo/survey.htm
Notices about the survey are also included with PUC bills, Sisson said.
fisaacson@peterboroughexaminer.com
http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=997603
Edinburgh Zoo To Open World's Largest Chimpanzee Enclosure
23 April 2008 - 10:05am — edg
Edinburgh Zoo will be opening the largest chimpanzee enclosure in the world on Friday 2 May. The £5.65m Budongo Trail is the first part of a major £77.8m master plan at Edinburgh Zoo to create enclosures that simulate the animals' natural environment.
The building has three living ‘pods' of varying humidity, light and temperature as well as the world's largest climbing frame for apes. Closely linked to a research programme in the Budongo Forest in Uganda, the Budongo Trail has been designed to give visitors the integrated story of the chimpanzees' natural habitat and behaviour to science and conservation through interactive exhibits and close-up views of the chimpanzees.
http://www.edinburghguide.com/visitingedinburgh/story/1562
Berenstain bears at LA Zoo
Wednesday, 04.23.2008, 12:02am (GMT-7)
LOS ANGELES: The Los Angeles Zoo will host the Berenstain Bears, stars of television and children's books on Saturday and Sunday, May 17 & 18 from 10 am to 4 pm. The author and illustrator Mike Berenstain will draw for you these animated characters and make sure you get your favorite book signed.
Toyota is hosting the Berenestain Bears at the LA Zoo as part of its Nature Zoo Tour 2008 to celebrate wildlife and encourage its preservation. Partnered with PBS' award-winning Nature series, for which it is a corporate sponsor, Toyota will fund public events at US zoos across the country this spring to support endangered species and increase awareness of their need for protection.
The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is located in Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways. This event is free with the Zoo admission. The Zoo is open from 10 am to 5 pm daily.
http://indiapost.com/article/travel/2633/
Zoo teaches 10,500 visitors about the planet
BY BECCY TANNER
The Wichita Eagle
Mike Hutmacher/The Wichita Eagle
Crowds stroll thr grounds during Earth Day activities at the Sedgwick County Zoo.
Consider what Earth Day at the Sedgwick County Zoo is like: At least 10,500 area students and visitors poured into the zoo's entrance Tuesday -- a crowd of humans, there to see the animals.
"I like the animals -- the lions, tigers, pigs and horses," said Madison Hall, 4, who came with her mother, Wendi Hall, on Tuesday morning to the free-admission day.
Sponsored by Boeing Wichita, the day is all about teaching Wichita-area schoolchildren how to become "Good Earth Citizens" by reusing, reducing and recycling, said Chrissie Nixon, community investor for Boeing.
The zoo celebration was one of several events in Wichita for the 38th anniversary of Earth Day, a day traditionally set aside to learn about the planet and what we can do to take better care of it.
http://www.kansas.com/news/local/story/381417.html
Franciscana Dolphins Tracking Day #53
The four dolphins are inside the bay. Early this morning it appeared that all four were in the same general area of the bay, but it is unclear if this continued as they moved farther into the bay.
http://czsdolphins.blogspot.com/
National Zoo of Nicaragua
I recently spent an enjoyable day at the National Zoo of Nicaragua, the Parqueo Zoologica Nicaragua.
There is a very impressive butterfly enclosure there. I don't know a lot about butterflies, but I like the names they've been given. Hairstreaks and brushfoots, monarchs and glasswings. The longer I walked among their serene beauty, the more I wanted to learn about them.
Some butterflies actually migrate. Monarch butterflies are capable of making transatlantic crossing. The Glasswing butterfly has see-through wings.
I also learnt that butterflies display lekking behaviour. I know, I had to look that one up myself. Lekking is where a group of males, usually the same ones, get together, usually in the same place, to show off for the purpose of attracting a beautiful mate. Kind of like your local trendy coffee shops. Man imitating nature. I might leave the classical lek and exploding lek behaviour for another post. I'm still trying to stop laughing from this one.
http://mybootsnme.blogspot.com/2008/04/national-zoo-of-nicaragua.html
San Diego Zoo Podcast
http://www.sandiegozoo.org/podcast/chat/zoochat_080417_kmurphy.mp3
24/04/2008
Moscow News
№16 2008
In Brief - Moscow Zoo Puts Butterflies on Display
Moscow Zoo Puts Butterflies on Display
MOSCOW (MN, RIA Novosti) - The Moscow Zoo offers its visitors the chance to see how chrysalises transform into butterflies, the zoo's press service has announced.
"We receive a shipment of butterfly chrysalises every month,"the press service told RIA Novosti. "Then we place them in a special stand. The butterflies, which appear later, fly around and appeal to lot's of our guests. It does not last long. These insects live for just two to three weeks."
The butterfly exhibition is open until 5 p.m. every day except for Mondays and Tuesdays.
http://mnweekly.ru/local/20080424/55325956.html
Polar bears 'at risk' in Canada
By Lee Carter
BBC News, Toronto
Polar bears in Canada are at risk from climate change but not threatened with extinction, a panel of experts has advised the Canadian government.
The government should develop a plan to protect the country's estimated 15,000 polar bears, the panel said.
The plight of the polar bear has long concerned environmentalists.
The animals face loss of habitat on two fronts, the panel said - hunting, and melting ice in the Arctic, which is widely blamed on climate change.
While recognising both problems, the panel found that Canada's polar bear population was not declining enough to place it in the most serious category as an endangered species.
Instead, it has been classified as a species of special concern.
'At risk'
"Based on the best available information at hand, there was insufficient reason to think that the polar bear was at imminent risk of extinction," said Jeff Hutchings, the panel's chairman.
"That's not to say that it's not in trouble. A special concern species is a species at risk in Canada and requires legislative action."
Canada's environment minister, John Baird, is obliged to accept the government-commissioned report's findings and address threats to the animal's survival, including climate change.
But a management plan for Canada's polar bears will not be required until 2014 - by which time some scientists believe the summer sea ice in the Arctic may have completely disappeared.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7368484.stm
continued...
St. Petersburg Polar Bear teaches fishing technique - In captivity behaviors survive
Polar bear Uslada teaches her two four month old cubs Petr and Krasin how to fish in their enclosure during their first appearance at the St Petersburg Zoo, Russia. Uslada can be seen catching a carp as the other her two cubs follow her with her catch.
6 more pics of the polar bear Uslada teaching her two cubs how to fish at the St Petersburg Zoo after the jump.
Polar Bears are marine mammals. In this photo it is easy to see why. The physical composition of a polar bear lends itself to a sleek appearance whereby in the Arctic waters they swim as if a dolphin. The paws of the Polar Bear have the same physical skeletal structure of that of dolphins and whales.
It is fascinating to realize while so many aspects of nature is acclaimed to be instinctual, they are actually techniques passed down from generation to generation.
While cubs easily mimic their parents, that is a clear indication that a break in the bonding of species generations, no different than that of human parents would lead to a severe disruption in the ability of a species to survive.
A greater question is that while zoos act as a place where species survive, what are the adverse effects to 'survival' of a species after decades of extinction in the wild?
While the female Polar Bear in this series of pictures is obviously teaching a technique for feeding to her cubs, would she be able to survive in the wild and do the very same thing? The answer most assuredly would be no and she would succumb to elements and challenges to 'find the fish' long before she would ever store enough body fat (Polar Bears have adipose tissue and not blubber) to sustain attempts at survival.
Female Polar Bears teaching cubs in zoos to 'capture and eat fish' is just one degree away from a circus act.
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