Zoos
Budapest Zoo And Botanical Garden
"The Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden is not only a place where you can see animals from Hungary and from far away, but also a place for education and entertainment. The garden has been a protected area since 1986.
The Zoo is home to numerous strictly protected plant and animal species. Beside this, the protection of the biodiversity of the Carpathian basin is fundamental to its mission. Several hundred mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and water creatures live here.
Some of the buildings of the Zoo and botanical garden which can still be seen today were designed by the famous Transylvanian architect, Károly Kós, and by Dezső Zrumeczky between 1909 and 1912. The main entrance decorated with elephants, the Elephant House, the Small and the Big Cliff, the Palm House, the Monkey House, the Pheasant House, the Deer House, the Rodent House, the Bird House, and the Bambi House were all built at this time.
The building of the Aquarium uses the most advanced technology; the volume of water totals 150,000 litres. More than 150 species of the world's various seas can be seen here.
The palaeontological waxworks is situated under the Palm House, next to the Aquarium. The exhibition shows the extraordinary reptiles and dinosaurs of the Palaeozoic era, as well as the giant animals of the ice age, through dioramas and models.
There is wheelchair access throughout the Zoo and Botanical Garden. Cashiers stop selling tickets one hour, and the animal houses close half an hour before closing time. From March until October the Zoo remains open for an extra half an hour at weekends and on holidays."
Address: 1146 Budapest, District XIV, Állatkerti krt. 6-12.
Phone: 1/273-4901
Source: hungarystartshere.com
Photo by: Rigó Tibor
20.05.2008
http://xpatloop.com/news/budapest_zoo_and_botanical_garden
Wayne Co. may delay zoo vote
Officials eye fall ballot for proposed 0.1-mill tax
Jennifer Chambers / The Detroit News
PONTIAC -- Leaders in Oakland and Macomb counties have created regional authorities to promote an August millage request for the Detroit Zoo, but Wayne County officials say they want the proposal to go before voters in the fall.
Last week, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners approved creation of the Oakland County Zoological Authority, whose members are expected to place the question of a zoo tax on the Aug. 5 primary ballot. Macomb County commissioners formed an authority last month and recently began appointing authority members.
Commissioner Bernard Parker said the Wayne County Commission plans to discuss the creation of a zoo authority, but it does not have another meeting scheduled until June, well after the May 27 deadline to file language for the August ballot.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080520/METRO01/805200326/1409/METRO
Crocs arrive in time for zoo opening
20 May 2008
The miniature crocodiles were destined to become handbags, shoes and trinkets - but they are now happily swimming around Norfolk's newest zoo.
Nineteen spectacled caimans from South America are settling into their new home at the Amazona tourist attraction at Cromer as it gears up to opening next month.
But they owe their lives to officials at Heathrow airport who halted a consignment of 250 youngsters heading to the Asian leather trade because of some irregularities, and found them homes in zoos around the country.
They are now 2ft long, and will grow up to 2m, said Jim Irwin-Davies, director of the new zoo, which is specialising in South American animals on the edge-of-town site set among woodland and lakes.
The trade was legal, and the caimans would have been turned into fancy fashion goods. But there was something wrong with the paperwork or crating - so through contacts at the airport quarantine 20 of them headed to Norfolk where they have been living at Cromer's sister zoo at Thrigby near Yarmouth.
http://www.northnorfolknews.co.uk/content/northnorfolknews/news/story.aspx?brand=NNNOnline&category=news&tBrand=NNNonline&tCategory=news&itemid=NOED20%20May%202008%2006%3A42%3A51%3A980
Viewers get up close and personal at zoo
By Staff reporter
CHESTER Zoo's visitors were given access all areas to the award-winning tourist attraction thanks to the Five television series Zoo Days.
From the comfort of their armchairs, viewers got up close and personal with some of the zoo's 7,000 animals and got to know the dedicated keepers and vets.
Now people are going to be given the chance to see a little more of the zoo for real.
Special VIP experiences and tours are being offered, taking people behind the scenes, meeting the keepers and vets, visiting animal houses and areas previously unseen by general visitors and finding out about real life at the 110-acre zoo.
http://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/wirralnews/display.var.2282917.0.viewers_get_up_close_and_personal_at_zoo.php
Animal group calls for changes at Calgary zoo after elephant injures keeper
14 hours ago
CALGARY — An animal advocacy group is calling for changes to how elephants are handled at the Calgary Zoo after a keeper was injured by an animal over the weekend.
Lisa Wathne with People For the Ethical Treatment of Animals is calling on the zoo to use protective barriers that separate the keepers from the animals at all times.
Calling the practice "protected contact," Wathne says in a letter to the zoo's president that keeping the animals separate protects elephants by preventing keepers from using corporal punishment.
"Protected contact eliminates the beatings, bullhooks and chains that are routinely used on elephants when they are handled using the free-contact system," Wathne says in the letter.
Brent Vanhooft was taken to hospital on Sunday afternoon after a 2,000-kilogram Asian elephant named Swarna bumped him into a wall, causing lacerations and bruising to his face.
http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5gAC_NCTDp1DhvvW6O1O5_1i1hRnQ
Happy Birthday to Twycross Zoo
May 20 2008 By SiâN Powell
JOE the gorilla is aping around for visitors to celebrate 45 years of Twycross Zoo.
The "gentle giant" was one of the first animals at the zoo, near Nuneaton, when it was created by Molly Badham and Nathalie Evans in 1963.
He was hand-reared by the groundbreaking duo and since then Joe has witnessed a transformation of the site - which now attracts 500,000 visitors a year.
The zoo now houses the world's most comprehensive collection of primate species and is a member of a number of world zoological associations.
Zoo spokeswoman Kim Riley said Joe had proved a big hit with visitors over the years.
http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/north-warwickshire-news/2008/05/20/happy-birthday-to-twycross-zoo-92746-20935983/
Cats on Tour through Egypt: Cairo Zoo
I thought we head of to the Giza Zoo, what do you think about that?
Oh Mommy, that sounds greeeaaat! Do they have other kitties there?
Well, I guess they are all a bit bigger than we are!
The Cairo Zoo at Giza is considered as one of the most beautiful zoos in the world. Also it is one of the most ensely inhabited by the various animal and plant species. The Giza Zoo is located near the west bank of the Nile. It is not far from down town Cairo. The Zoo is under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture in Egypt.
On 1st March 1891 the Zoo at Giza was opened for the public. It is distinguished for its rare imported plants, walks that are paved with colored pebbles set in beautiful mosaic pictures, and its streams, lakes, bridges, and hilly habitats for the various animals. These hilly areas are planted with cactus trees. Egypt's moderate climate is helping to preserve the lives of animals from different regions without the use of air-conditioning for cooling or warming.
http://chica-pumuckl.blogspot.com/2008/05/cats-on-tour-through-egypt-cairo-zoo.html
Frogs, Hogs & Dogs at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Posted by Donna J. Miller
May 20, 2008 07:15AM
The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo's first Frogs, Hogs & Dogs event begins Thursday, featuring endangered frogs, red river hogs and New Guinea singing dogs.
Activities offered through Monday: Meet the frog, hog and dog keepers; learn how to make origami leaping frogs; meet Vern, the zoo's frog mascot, who will pass out free Frogs, Hogs & Dogs stickers.
Visit clemetzoo.com or call 216-661-6500.
http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2008/05/frogs_hogs_dogs_at_the_clevela.html
Zoo Brew
The Oregonian
May 20, 2008 12:57PM
The Oregon Zoo Foundation hosts the second annual Zoo Brew.featuring Northwest craft brews,
food from the Oregon Zoo's executive chef, Paul Warner, and live music featuring Sam Bamboo and Pat O'Neal's Dixieland Jazz Band.
5 -10 p.m.Friday, May 30, Oregon Zoo, 4001 S.W. Canyon Rd; $25 advance, $30 at the door includes commemorative glass and 10 tasting tickets.
503-226-1561.
Proceeds from the event help "bring back the roar" of lions, which left the zoo in 1997, and
support other ongoing conservation efforts.
http://blog.oregonlive.com/thebeerhere/2008/05/zoo_brew_may_30th_likely_to_se.html
Potawatami Zoo Gets Help From Kindergartners
The Potawatomi Zoo receives a big financial boost from some of it's smallest patrons.
The zoo received a check for nearly $1,200 from the kindergartners at Wilson Primary.
The students picked the zoo for their 'Kids Care Project' after learning the zoo needed money to help improve animal habitats.
Wilson Primary Principal Mary Jo Costello says, "We thought, 'what a great project for our kids even if we only donate a few hundred dollars.' But it was something to get them to care about their community and get them involved to make a change."
Zoo officials say the money will be used for all the animals.
Two other schools along with Wilson primary have raised over $2,000 for the zoo.
http://www.fox28.com/News/index.php?ID=37637
Orangutan escapes pen at US zoo
Zoo officials say the animal was easily sedated and captured
A 29-year-old male orangutan named Bruno escaped from his enclosure at Los Angeles Zoo on Saturday evening after making a hole in the wire fencing.
About 3,000 visitors were shepherded towards the front exits while Bruno roamed free for about 20 minutes.
Zoo staff said Bruno never managed to enter the public areas and was quickly sedated by his keepers.
"He was calm and responded well to the staff," promotions co-ordinator Gina Dart said. "He was never aggressive."
Once out of his enclosure, instead of trying to flee, Bruno hid in an area behind his pen, where one of his keepers spotted him, the Los Angeles Times reported.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7407050.stm
Henry Doorly Zoo has Plans for Rosenblatt Land
Posted: May 18, 2008 09:39 PM EDT
Updated: May 19, 2008 11:40 AM EDT
OMAHA (KPTM) - Plans for Omaha's downtown baseball stadium could change the face of the city's largest tourist attraction. The Henry Doorly Zoo says it wants to use the land at Rosenblatt Stadium to build several new exhibits.
In all it would be a 100 million dollar project. One of the biggest parts of the plan would be an arctic center that would house polar bears, walruses, and large crabs. But not only would the plan add exhibits, it would keep the parking lots here at Rosenblatt, something zoo leaders were worried about losing.
Dr. Lee Simmons describes the plan as an ambitious "wish list" for the zoo. And there's still a lot of work to do, says Dr. Simmons.
http://www.kptm.com/Global/story.asp?S=8344137
Fejervary Zoo may lose some animals
Davenport, IOWA-- A Davenport alderman says his task force will recommend removing the exotic animals from Fejervary Zoo.
Third Ward alderman Bill Boom says his committee will tell the city council Wednesday that Fejervary Zoo needs to change.
He says it should be paired with the Putnam Museum and become more of an educational experience for Davenport.
Boom says it's too expensive to keep all the animals but the committee would like to maintain the petting zoo.
"I'm excited that they want to keep the zoo going. I'm excited that they want to have things for children to do and I think it's really wonderful. I think we can work together as a team and really make it a special place for everyone," zoo visitor Deb Gustafon said.
Boom says that the zoo's current budget of $150,000 would stay the same.
http://www.wqad.com/Global/story.asp?S=8344495
'Flying' penguins and pandas for Adelaide Zoo
Posted Mon May 19, 2008 6:32pm AEST
Updated Mon May 19, 2008 6:33pm AEST
Wang Wang is one of two giant pandas which will be brought to Adelaide from China soon. (Adelaide Zoo)
The Adelaide Zoo will begin a major upgrade in September after confirmation of $19 million of State Government funding.
Premier Mike Rann announced the funding while at the Washington National Zoo in the US today.
The head of the Zoo, Chris West, says the money will be used to build a new entrance and a fence, which will also incorporate an underwater fairy penguin enclosure.
"People will be able to walk to the zoo and they'll see fairy penguins flying underwater," he said.
Mr West says the money will also be used to help prepare for the arrival of two giant pandas from China.
"Some of the figures from the American zoos are 70 per cent increase in visitation when pandas arrive," he said.
The pandas are expected to arrive late next year.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/19/2249420.htm
Smithsonian to unveil new National Zoo master plan
May 19, 2008 - 6:08am
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Smithsonian Institution is expected later this week to release its favored plan for improvements at the National Zoo.
The master plan at the zoo was last updated in 1984. The new version calls for an aerial tram across the zoo, new visitor centers and expanded exhibits.
A public plaza would be built at what is now the site of the Great Ape House, and the zoo would get nearly 600 additional parking spaces. Older exhibits would be revamped. and educational and administrative facilities would be expanded.
The tram would stop at the zoo's four entry gates.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Smithsonian Institution is expected later this week to release its favored plan for improvements at the National Zoo.
The master plan at the zoo was last updated in 1984. The new version calls for an aerial tram across the zoo, new visitor centers and expanded exhibits.
A public plaza would be built at what is now the site of the Great Ape House, and the zoo would get nearly 600 additional parking spaces. Older exhibits would be revamped. and educational and administrative facilities would be expanded.
The tram would stop at the zoo's four entry gates.
http://www.wtop.com/?nid=25&sid=1406289
Cockatoo dies at Columbian Park Zoo
Updated: May 19, 2008 11:11 AM EDT
LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - A Moluccan cocatoo died at the Columbian Park Zoo in Lafayette during the weekend of May 17. Zoo Director Claudine Laufman said the death was unexpected.
The cockatoo, named Maui, was recovering from recent surgery to repair a broken bone in her wing. Laufman said a necropsy, or animal autopsy, has been conducted to learn more about the bird's medical condition. Test results could take several weeks to complete.
Maui was 19 years old and had been an Animal Ambassador for the Zoo. Laufman said Maui was used in hundreds of educational programs for nearly 20 years. Laufman said she was one of the Zoo's most popular animals and had an extensive vocabulary.
Maui was hatched on February 9, 1989, and arrived at the Columbian Park Zoo in April of that year. The Moluccan cockatoo is indigenous to an island chain in Indonesia known as the Moluccas. The species is protected due to declining population caused by habitat loss and extensive trapping during the 1980s.
Laufman said Moluccan cockatoos can live to be more than 70. She said the Columbian Park Zoo plans to acquire another Moluccan cocatoo for use in outreach programs in the near future.
http://www.wlfi.com/Global/story.asp?S=8345972&nav=menu591_3
Injured zookeeper may have gotten too close to elephant calf
Canwest News Service
Published: 2 hours ago
CALGARY - A zookeeper injured by a female elephant may have gotten too close to a nine-month-old calf, Calgary Zoo staff said Monday.
Brent Van Hooft, a keeper at the zoo for 30 years, suffered cuts, bruises and other injuries to his face and chest after Swarna, a 34-year-old female Asian elephant, knocked him down on Sunday.
Staff said Swarna has developed a strong attachment to nine-month-old Malti. Van Hooft, 48, was in the enclosure with Swarna, nine-month-old Malti and Malti's mother, Maharani, when Swarna pushed him from behind while he was cleaning the floor.
http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=9953b1ee-48ba-48d5-bfbc-8c3ccb3f2c66
Zoo stages mating game for elephants
Staff members believe the two females and one male need more time to get acquainted.
By ASHLEY BELAND, The Times-Union
It's a story that those familiar with the game of love can relate to: Moki and Chana are at odds with each other over a guy, but he can't seem to choose between the two of them.
This particular love triangle is between three African elephants at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, whose relationships will hopefully yield offspring to help sustain their species.
In October 2006, the Jacksonville Zoo exchanged two female African elephants with Lee Richardson Zoo in Kansas to bring in new females to mate with a bull African elephant, Ali.
"They had two females that could reproduce and the Jacksonville Zoo had two that could not reproduce," said Gina Stiles, marketing and membership manager at the Jacksonville Zoo. "They didn't have the facilities to house any more elephants, so we traded."
http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/041408/met_268160506.shtml
John Ball Zoo Opens New Exhibit All About Frogs
GRAND RAPIDS — Frogs are in trouble. So are toads, salamanders and newts.
To raise awareness of this crisis, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums has highlighted 2008 as the "Year of the Frog" and zoos and aquariums around the country have partnered in efforts to get the word out about the plight of amphibians.
John Ball Zoo, along with several other zoos, have helped to save the toad from total extinction and even received an AZA Conservation Award for their role in the project .
In addition to participating in conservation efforts, John Ball Zoo will open a brand new frog exhibit.
http://fox17.trb.com/news/041408-wxmi-frogs,0,7476405.story
Buffalo Zoo Elephants Move to Ohio
Mark Leitner
The Zoo's three Asian elephants have been moved to a zoo in Columbus, Ohio.
BUFFALO (2008-04-14) Buki, Surapa, and Jothi are enjoying a holiday of sorts in Columbus, Ohio.
The Buffalo Zoo's three female Asian elephants have been transported to the Columbus Zoo, their temporary home,
while their historic house here undergoes a million dollar renovation.
Two of the elephants, Surapa and Jothi, were moved by truck Sunday night. Buki, who weighs about 8,000 pounds, was moved to Columbus on Monday.
Zoo President Dr. Donna Fernandes says it appears they're already becoming acclimated to their new surroundings.
http://publicbroadcasting.net/wned/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1260157§ionID=1
Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem to be expanded
By ETGAR LEFKOVITS
The Jerusalem Municipality has approved plans to expand the city's popular Biblical Zoo, the city said Monday.
The proposal, which was unanimously backed by the city and is now pending state approval, will see the area of the zoo increase from 250 dunams today to nearly 390 dunams.
"The expansion plan will make the Jerusalem Zoo one of the most beautiful cornerstones in Jerusalem," said Yehoshua Pollack, the head of the city's planning and construction committee.
The city's zoo has become the country's top tourist attraction with an entry fee, with nearly 700,000 visitors a year, the city said.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1208179712532&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Zoo farm goes green
14 April 2008
A ZOO farm in Wraxall is hoping to generate its own electricity by installing three wind turbines.
Owners of Noah's Ark Zoo Farm, Anthony and Christina Bush, have applied for planning permission to put up a 15KW turbine on their 310 acres.
The 50ft structure will provide a third of the attraction's electricity and staff are hoping it will the first of three.
The turbine, with 4.5m blades, will share a field with the resident llamas at the back of the zoo.
http://www.thewestonmercury.co.uk/content/twm/news/story.aspx?brand=Westonmercury&category=newsNorthSomerset&tBrand=westonmercury&tCategory=znews&itemid=WeED14%20Apr%202008%2017%3A37%3A18%3A977
Zoo should keep quiet on possible pregnancies
There are several of us that feel that until the zoo knows for sure about any of the animals possibly expecting that it should be kept quiet.
There are too many people, especially children, who get very upset when things go wrong.
By waiting, the zoo could then be thought of with excitement instead of being thought of in a negative way.
Also The Pantagraph is to blame for the premature pop-up on its Web site to click and see the pups. That was not good.
Teri Holmes
Normal
http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/04/14/opinion/letters/131096.txt
African wild dogs debut at L.A. Zoo
5:16 PM, April 14, 2008
The L.A. Zoo last week introduced two endangered African wild dogs, the zoo's first in more than 40 years.
The pair of black, yellow, and white canines are brother and sister, and just over a year old. They most recently lived at New York's Bronx Zoo.
In their native sub-Saharan Africa, the dogs are predators that roam up to 30 miles a day hunting for food.
But they have declined in population recently because of human incursions into their habitat and from diseases such as rabies and canine distemper. Only about 5,000 exist worldwide; about 150 live in captivity in the United States.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/2008/04/needs-editafric.html
ON THE ROAD IN BELIZE: They Call It 'The Best Little Zoo in the World' and It May Be All That
By David M. Kinchen
Huntingtonnews.net Editor
Belize, Central America (HNN) -- I'm not a big fan of zoos, the traditional kind, at least, but I'll make an exception for The Belize Zoo.
Begun in 1983 as what the zoo's web site (http://www.belizezoo.org/index.html) calls a "last ditch effort to provide a home for a collection of wild animals which had been used in making documentary films about tropic forests," the zoo has built a reputation as a tourist attraction and educational site in the savannas of Belize.
From those humble beginnings, the 29-acre Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center -- its full name -- is the best single place in this New Jersey-sized Central American country to learn about the wide variety of wildlife native to Belize.
It's an easy trip from Belize City, near Mile 30 on the Western Highway, the road to the capital city of Belmopan and San Ignacio and -- eventually the Guatemalan border. My main interest in this visit was to see a jaguar and I managed to get a close look at a traditional cat with the distinctive rosettes and a less common black or melanistic jaguar. I didn't get close enough to the latter, but a close examination will reveal rosettes in black jaguars. They're just difficult to see.
http://www.huntingtonnews.net/columns/080415-kinchen-belizezoo.html
Triplets of rare Siberian tigers born in Yalta zoo
The triplets of rare Siberian tigers were born in “Skazka” zoo, situated in Yalta city in southern Ukraine. It is the first private zoo in the CIS.
Zoo director Oleg Zubkov disclosed this to an UNIAN correspondent.
According to his information, the triplets were born to the family of tigress Yana and tiger Ular.
“This is not the first incident of tigers borning in the Yalta zoo, but it is a great event for us, because Siberian tigers are really very rare animals. The triplets are a very good present for us”, O. Zubkov noted.
Tiger cubs are in a good condition, they were not taken away from their mother. They have not been named as yet.
UNIAN’s reference. “Skazka” zoo war created in 1995. There are more than 700 animals and birds at present.
The Siberian tiger is the biggest cat in the world, and is recorded in the International Red Book. The protection of the Siberian tiger in the East of Russia is one of the main tasks of the Wild Nature World Fund (WWF).
permanent URL of article:
http://unian.net/eng/news/news-246590.html
Orissa zoo takes measures to beat the heat
Tuesday, 15 April , 2008, 22:34
Last Updated: Tuesday, 15 April , 2008, 22:55
Bhubaneswar: Orissa's Nandankanan Zoo has taken several measures like providing cold water and even a special summer menu to its captive animals to protect them from the heat wave that has gripped parts of the state.
“We have constructed 46 new water tanks and the water is being changed every day. Water will be sprinkled from time to time in select enclosures, including those of tigers, to keep the animals cool,” A K Patnaik, Director of the Zoo, told IANS.
Cold water would also be provided to animals like tigers, leopards, squirrel monkeys, and birds like cassowary and emu, he said.
“Besides, we will provide special foods like watermelon, green mango,sugarcane and papaya. These will be added to the diet of select animals and birds during peak summer,” Patnaik said.
For more news, analysis click here>> For more Science and Medicine news click here >>
Apart from that, all animals are also being given anti-stress medicines to prevent dehydration and other stress due to the heat.
“We have also done straw thatching over the existing roof of enclosures of the birds, mammal primates, lion, tigers, zebra and the reticulated python. We have opened a control room in the zoo hospital and formed a squad that monitors the health of the animals from time to time,” Patnaik said.
Nandankanan, which literally means 'garden of gods', was established in 1960 on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar and is home to 11 white tigers.
Steps have also been taken for people visiting the zoo. It has witnessed a steady increase in the number of visitors, touching an all time high of 1.7 million last year.
Many cities and towns, including capital Bhubaneswar, have already recorded temperatures of over 40 degree Celsius in the past four days, and weather officials say the mercury will only go up further.
http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?id=14650079
IRWIN'S DAD RECEIVES ZOO PAY-OFF
Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)
2008-04-15 15:59:37 -
The father of late TV host
Steve Irwin has severed ties with his son's Australian zoo following a row with the Crocodile Hunter's widow TERRI. Bob Irwin will receive a package worth more than A$1 million ($942,520/£471,260) and an annual pension of A$100,000 ($94,000/£47,000) from the Australia Zoo wildlife park. The conservationist, 68, set up the park 38 years ago but handed over control to his son in 1991.
Terri vowed to continue her husband's work when he was killed by a stingray in 2006 - but Irwin admitted he did not agree on "certain aspects" of how the zoo was run. He says, "Most times I went into Australia Zoo, I would have a difference of opinion with somebody or I may have an idea and it would not be listened to.
"I felt it was just better for everybody concerned if I left." Steve Irwin was killed by a stingray in 2006 while filming a documentary.
http://www.pr-inside.com/irwin-s-dad-receives-zoo-pay-off-r538080.htm
Lone gray wolf remains at Zoo
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
PORTLAND - The gray wolf pack at Oregon Zoo is down to one. Zoo veterinarians euthanized the nearly 13-year-old Ceann on March 21 following surgery to remove a tumor from her shoulder. The loss leaves the exhibit with a lone male, Marcus.
The wolves were born in April 1995 at Wolf Park in Battle Ground, Ind., and arrived at the Oregon Zoo in June 1995.
According to Oregon Zoo veterinarian Mitch Finnegan, Marcus is getting older and has some significant medical issues that affect his mobility.
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/argus/index.ssf?/base/news/1208285455162690.xml&coll=6
Edinburgh Zoo: Chimps with everything
Why have Edinburgh Zoo's primates been given a new £6m home, with an indoor climbing frame and climate control? Rob Sharp asks if the world's gone bananas
Wednesday, 16 April 2008
AP
They also have their own type of 'substrate', or material such as wood chippings, spread across the floor
Approaching this lustrous, hi-tech building, you might first notice its jaunty angles, exotic veneered wood and towering glass walls. Glinting in the sunlight, it looks like an upmarket holiday resort, or a boutique hotel. Behind the perfectly finished surface of the glazing that extends above you like a skyscraper, the interior is filled with plush green creepers, a forest's worth of vegetation.
Look closer still and you might well see something furry and brown dart past. These are not motorbikers on a day trip to see Zaha Hadid's latest monolith. They are, in fact, the inhabitants of the world's largest chimpanzee enclosure. Costing £6m, and boasting the world's biggest climbing frame for apes, Edinburgh Zoo's Budongo Trail will open on 1 May. Its backers hope it will become the centrepiece of a new £80m redevelopment of what is already one of the city's principal tourist attractions.
http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/edinburgh-zoo-chimps-with-everything-809468.html
Zoo made kosher for Passover 'Prohibition to eat hametz applies to animals as well as humans.'
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/Page/VideoPlayer&cid=1194419829128&videoId=1208179713653
New baby bearcat with UC ties at Zoo
BY JIM KNIPPENBERG
There’s a new bearcat in town, and it's not at the University of Cincinnati.
A still unnamed 3-month old female bearcat, or binturong, has moved into the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, taking the place of the beloved Alice, a star attraction and frequent guest at UC sporting events. Alice died in 2003 after 18 years of zoo residency and national appearances with David Letterman, Johnny Carson, Prince Charles and Newt Gingrich.
Zoo executive director Thane Maynard and UC president Nancy Zimpher made the joint announcement at a Wednesday morning press conference, both of them stressing that the new resident will serve to strengthen the more than 100-year-old relationship between the two institutions, which already share staffs and some resources.
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080416/ENT/304160020
Zoo releases endangered turtles in sea
April 17, 2008 - 4:14PM
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Australia Zoo staff have released four young endangered turtles into the Pacific Ocean after their nest was trampled by beachgoers.
Staff from the zoo, owned by Terri Irwin, widow of the late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, rescued 63 baby loggerhead turtles last Saturday from Wurtulla, on the Sunshine Coast.
Their nest had been severely compacted by people walking on the beach who were apparently unaware the nest was there, zoo staff member Kate Winter said.
Forty of the turtles were released on Saturday night, while a further 19 were taken to the Australian Wildlife Hospital.
The remaining four were taken out to sea, where they were released Wednesday into the Eastern Australian Current (EAC), where it is hoped they will reach maturity.
"The EAC is where the hatchling turtles would normally take four to five days to swim to," Ms Winter said.
The endangered loggerhead turtle nests at beaches all along Sunshine Coast.
"Just one in 1,000 loggerhead hatchlings survive to maturity at 30 years of age, so getting the remaining four out as soon as we could was just so important as every hatchling counts," Ms Winter said.
http://news.theage.com.au/national/zoo-releases-endangered-turtles-in-sea-20080417-26qw.html
Primatologist Jane Goodall: there's still hope for our planet
Copley News Service
A native of England, Jane Goodall has been studying chimpanzees in East Africa for nearly 50 years. Her work as a scientist, though sometimes controversial, has had a profound impact on primatology. The Jane Goodall Institute for Wildlife Research, Education and Conservation is a leader in the effort to protect endangered chimpanzees and their habitats. She was recently interviewed by the Union-Tribune editorial board.
Q: You've spent decades studying primates. What have you learned that has some application for humans?
A: The first thing, which I think has very real implications for how we look out on the world and evaluate ourselves in relation to the natural world, is that for a long time there was a huge lot of arrogance among Western scientists and to some extent Western religion in believing that there was a very sharp line dividing us from the rest of the animal kingdom, and that there was a difference of kind rather than degree. And the chimpanzees make it so clear because the DNA of humans and chimps differs by only just over 1 percent.
http://halife.com/news/opinion0505.html
May 18, 2008, 15:50
Rare frogs are not about to 'croak'
Kiev Zoo has joined the campaign “2008 – Year of the Frog” led by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). The zoo will see its collection enlarged with rare species. It also plans to carry out research on the preservation of frogs and to hold a number of events to raise public awareness of the amphibian extinction crisis and to prevent some species from dying out.
The rarest species in the zoo is the yellow mantilla which populates the cool forests of Madagascar, which is now under threat of extinction as its number has been shrinking constantly.
This year the zoo has managed to get the mantilla to spawn. The zoo workers are now taking care of about 100 tadpoles, which they hope will mature into adult frogs and help lead towards a revival of the species.
http://www.russiatoday.ru/features/news/24904
How to keep your kids safe at petting zoo
By Dr. Elizabeth Smoots
Herald Columnist
If you want to scratch the chin of a goat or tickle the ear of a rabbit, a petting zoo can't be beat. It's the reason millions of families flock to the attractions at animal parks and fairs each year. After all, where else do city kids have a hands-on opportunity to get to know live animals up close and personal?
But the popular activity occasionally leads to unfortunate outbreaks of human disease. Why? Well, under certain circumstances, even cute and healthy-looking critters -- whether feathered, furry, four-legged, or otherwise -- can unwittingly pass germs to their human friends. That means it's up to us, the grown-ups, to keep the experience safe and fun.
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20080520/LIVING/601177000
Police still checking reports of petting zoo mistreatment
LAKEWOOD — While authorities continued to investigate the operation of a petting zoo in the Industrial Park, officials said Monday original reports of mistreatment of animals were overstating conditions.
About 20 live animals were discovered in the yard of the Oorah organization at 1805 Swarthmore Ave. Friday night by Jeff Golub, chairman of the Industrial Commission.
Golub said he heard animal sounds while he was looking at a car for sale at the building. He called police on Saturday.
The building is the headquarters of Oorah and is in the Industrial Park.
Detective Lt. Joseph Isnardi said Monday the investigation into the supposedly illegal petting zoo is continuing.
"Charges are pending, and all parties agreed the animals needed medical treatment and food," Isnardi said.
Authorities found two ponies, one steer, four goats, one lamb, four wild turkeys, three rabbits, five live ducks and one dead duck at the facility, Isnardi said.
http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080520/NEWS02/805200388
continued...
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Maribeth Ponders her Upcoming Opportunity with PBI
Last week, I was lucky enough to meet two very inspirational people: Robert Buchanan, president of Polar Bears International, and his wife, Carolyn Buchanan, the foundation's director of development. After spending only two minutes with them, we were already joking together, and bonding over our common Italian/ Irish ancestry. Oh yes; the Buchanan's are my kind of people!
However, our time spent together wasn't all fun and games. Mr. Buchanan got down to business. He presented an informational, moving, but alarming power point on polar bears, and how they are rapidly being pushed to extinction because of global climate change.
I will never forget something he said, "This [global warming] is not a left- wing or right- wing issue; this is an issue that effects all of humanity. Who cares if Man caused global warming or not? It's up to Man to stop it."
http://www.clemetzoo.com/zblog/default.asp?Display=126
Plant Protection the Focus at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Special activities and plant sale planned for May
Join Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in celebrating the importance of plants to people and the planet. Talk with experts, tour the Zoo and even get your hands dirty -- all on Plant Conservation Day at the Zoo. The green scene takes place Sunday, May 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The day begins with an invitation to participate in an invasive plant pull. Invasive plant species threaten native biodiversity and should be removed when possible. Volunteers can help in this effort from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Brookside Reservation. Participants will receive free admission to the Zoo. Those interested should pre-register by calling (216) 635-2526.
For something less physical, a guided ZooTram tour of some of the Zoo's specialty gardens takes place at 11:30 a.m. Don Krock, the Zoo's Manager of Horticulture, will lead the tour and point out conservation features of some of the Zoo's 24 gardens.
The day continues with talks by local plant experts. All talks takes place in the Zoo Administration Building and are free with regular Zoo admission.
http://www.clemetzoo.com/pressroom/index.asp?action=details&pressrelease_id=1305
Vets Determine Why Tiger Rejected Newborn Cub At Pittsburgh Zoo (Video)
POSTED: 8:34 am EDT May 15, 2008
UPDATED: 9:20 am EDT May 15, 2008
PITTSBURGH -- Veterinarians at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium think they know why a tiger may have rejected her newborn cub.
A shortage of milk may be to blame.
'Toma' gave birth Sunday. Zookeepers said the tiger stopped caring for the cub that night.
Veterinarians gave Toma a complete examination on Wednesday.
Dr. Barbara Baker said, “What we're doing right now is we’ll put her back in her enclosure and we are going to hit her with a drug and inject her with a drug that will hopefully, that will initiate the nursing behavior, the maternal behavior we want to see."
For now, the cub will stay in the zoo's hospital where he will be fed by zoo staff every three hours.
http://www.wpxi.com/news/16271687/detail.html
Pittsburgh zoo staff to raise shunned Amur tiger cub
The Associated Press
PITTSBURGH - The staff at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium will take over mothering duties of an Amur tiger cub who has been shunned by his mother.
The cub was born Sunday, but his mother, Toma, has refused to nurse him.
Zoo officials gave the mother a drug to stimulate milk production, thinking that might jump-start her maternal instincts. But that hasn't happened.
Instead, the cub will be bottle-fed and the zoo will try to find a companion for the animal until he can be weaned.
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums says it helps to put a dog or another abandoned cub with a cub that is being raised by hand.
http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/news/state/pennsylvania/20080516_ap_pittsburghzoostafftoraiseshunnedamurtigercub.html
Zoo tax mulled
By CHARLES CRUMM
Journal Register News Service
Oakland County commissioners have taken the first step towards creating an authority to operate and fund the Detroit Zoo.
Advertisement
In a special meeting Wednesday, commissioners voted to establish an authority, clearing the way for a campaign for a one-tenth mill property tax question to appear on the Aug. 5 ballot.
Commissioners voted 18-5, with some no votes wanting to have a property tax question appear on the November ballot and others simply in opposition to a tax to support the zoo.
"I'm voting no because it creates a taxing authority," said Commissioner Robert Gosselin, R-Troy. "I think the zoo is worth it but not from a taxing standpoint. I would hope you find another way to fund it."
http://www.dailytribune.com/stories/051508/loc_localn08.shtml
Calls to stop zoo's panda plans
Politicians north and south of the border have called on Edinburgh Zoo to reconsider its plans for a giant panda breeding programme.
Scottish Green MSP Robin Harper has tabled a motion at Holyrood expressing concerns at plans by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS).
It has been proposed that a breeding pair should be loaned from China.
The RZSS said work in zoos was integral to preserving the species and helped conservationists in China.
Animal campaigners claim no captive-bred panda has ever been released into the wild and conservation groups say the best way to ensure their future is to protect their natural habitat.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/7403323.stm
New York Researcher Wins The Indianapolis Prize
By Devon Scott and AP reports
5/14/2008
A world-renowned field biologist is getting a local honor - The Indianapolis Prize from the Zoo.
Dr. George Schaller is known for saving endangered animals across the planet and helping start a number of wildlife refuges.
Indianapolis Zoo CEO Mike Crowther says Schaller has done amazing things for the environment.
Schaller gets $100,000. He says he plans to use it as seed money to encourage students to get into field biology and to start several new wildlife sanctuaries.
Schaller is based in New York City where he is Vice President for Science and Exploration at the Wildlife Conservation Society.
Schaller has trekked 1,000 miles across a rugged reserve in Tibet to study the endangered Tibetan antelope, or chiru, and is also working to save Marco Polo sheep and snow leopards.
Schaller has inspired many field biologists and has helped establish more than 15 wildlife reserves throughout the world.
http://www.wibc.com/News/Story.aspx?ID=91177
What is The Indianapolis Prize?
Star report
Posted: May 13, 2008
Background: The Indianapolis Prize is the world’s largest cash award given to an individual animal conservationist who has made significant achievements in advancing the sustainability of a species or group. It was established in 2004 by the Indianapolis Zoo.
Amount: $100,000, funded by Eli Lilly and Co. in 2006 and 2008.
Frequency: Award given every two years.
2006 winner: George Archibald, co-founder of the International Crane Foundation, credited with contributing significantly to the preservation of the world’s 15 surviving species of cranes, including the whooping crane in North America.
2008 field: Twenty-nine animal conservationists were nominated.
Award presentation: Indianapolis Prize Gala, presented by AES Corp., parent company of Indianapolis Power and Light, will be Sept. 27 at the Marriott Downtown.
2010 Prize: Nominations will open June 1 and close Nov. 30. Six finalists will be announced in August 2009.
On the Web: www.indianapolisprize.org.
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080513/NEWS/80513057
Zoo's escaped ape attacks keeper
How the orang-utan escaped its enclosure is a mystery
A Blackpool Zoo keeper was taken to hospital for treatment after being bitten by an orang-utan.
The woman suffered injuries to her arm and foot when she was attacked by the female orang-utan in the staff access corridor to the Ape House.
An investigation into the incident is under way, but it is not yet known how the animal got into the corridor.
Zoo bosses described it as an isolated incident and said no members of the public were put in danger.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/lancashire/7403216.stm
Orangutans escape enclosures at two different zoos
Associated Press - May 18, 2008 12:03 PM ET
TAMPA (AP) - Two orangutans are safely back in their cages after escaping from enclosures at two different zoos across the country.
At Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida, part of a new exhibit is closed after a 10-year-old female orangutan escaped yesterday by climbing the exhibit's windows. Caretakers had to coax it into a back area using apples, carrots and vanilla ice cream for about an hour.
Meanwhile, 3,000 visitors at the Los Angeles Zoo were forced to head for the exit yesterday when a 29-year-old orangutan named Bruno punched a hole through mesh that surrounds his habitat. Authorities say he was free for about 20 minutes until a handler saw him in a holding area behind the cage. Keepers quickly approached the orangutan and sedated him.
http://www.newswest9.com/Global/story.asp?S=8342864&nav=menu505_2
Your News: Celebrate Endangered Species Day at Naples Zoo
Submitted by Tim Tetzlaff
Thursday, May 15, 2008
NAPLES — On Friday, May 16, 2008 Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens and the Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge are celebrating the country’s third annual Endangered Species Day.
Designated as a national celebration of America’s commitment to protecting and recovering our nation’s endangered species, the goal of Endangered Species Day is simple—to educate Americans about the importance of protecting our rare, threatened, and endangered plant and animal species – and, most importantly, what they can do to help.
http://marconews.com/news/2008/may/15/your-news-celebrate-endangered-species-day-naples-/
May 15, 2008, 6:38PM
Get the bear facts at the Houston Zoo
Black bears are on the rebound in Louisiana and have been spotted in East Texas.
Campers and others who want to be bear-aware should check out the Houston Zoo's Bear Awareness Day Saturday.
Zookeepers will offer tips on how to keep your campsite bear-proof and how to share the outdoors with the animals.
Representatives from Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Big Thicket National Preserve will answer questions about the role bears play in nature and the importance of biological diversity.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/pets/5783941.html
Dallas Zoo's surviving elephant back on display
05:52 PM CDT on Wednesday, May 14, 2008
By DAVID SCHECHTER / WFAA-TV
Video
David Schechter reports
May 14, 2008
DALLAS -- The Dallas Zoo has reopened its elephant exhibit two days after Keke the elephant died. Despite concern about an intestinal ailment, an exam shows the elephant died from heart failure.
It took 35 animal experts to perform the autopsy for the 8,000 pound animal. The result? KeKe's heart was not effectively pumping blood.
Jenny, the Zoo's surviving elephant, was back on display today. Officials say she's upset-- but responding well-- and ready to greet the public.
http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/dws/wfaa/latestnews/stories/wfaa080514_jh_elephants.fe53d97e.html
Family of tiger victim files claim against S.F.
Henry K. Lee, Chronicle Staff Writer
Friday, May 16, 2008
(05-15) 15:26 PDT San Francisco - -- The parents of a 17-year-old San Jose boy who was fatally mauled by a tiger at the San Francisco Zoo filed a claim against the city Thursday in the latest legal salvo over the Christmas Day attack.
The claim, a precursor to a lawsuit, accuses the city of being negligent and failing to properly enclose a 243-pound Siberian tiger named Tatiana. The escaped tiger killed Carlos Sousa on Dec. 25 and mauled two San Jose brothers before it was shot and killed by San Francisco police.
"The tiger's enclosure was insufficient to protect patrons and the tiger," says the claim filed by Walnut Creek attorney Michael Cardoza on behalf of the boy's parents, Carlos and Marilza Sousa.
The city "knew that the tiger's enclosure was insufficient and thereby knowingly exposed zoo patrons to extremely dangerous, wild animals," it said.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/05/16/BA9G10N58H.DTL
Detroit Zoological Society Announces Gift From The Chrysler Foundation
May 15, 2008, 9:48 pm
Filed under: In The News
Detroit Zoo Names Main Train Station, Unveils Newly Refurbished Trains
ROYAL OAK, Mich., May 8, 2008 – The Detroit Zoological Society today announced a $250,000 grant from The Chrysler Foundation to help refurbish the Detroit Zoo’s historic Tauber Family Railroad. In recognition of the gift, the Society named the main train station the Chrysler Main Station.
“The Chrysler Foundation’s generous gift helps us to preserve a symbol of the Zoo’s rich heritage and enables millions of future Zoo visitors to enjoy the railroad for many years to come,” said Detroit Zoological Society Executive Director Ron Kagan. The railroad has served over 40 million Zoo guests who have ridden the rails since the train was introduced in 1931.
“Chrysler is very proud to play a continuing role for more than half a century in supporting one of the Detroit Zoo’s favorite attractions,” said Brian Glowiak, Vice President, The Chrysler Foundation. “This historic commitment began with our original donation of three trains nearly 60 years ago, followed by recurring donations to upgrade and maintain their operations. We are pleased that future generations will continue to experience this timeless treasure.”
http://dzoovoleric.wordpress.com/2008/05/15/detroit-zoological-society-announces-gift-from-the-chrysler-foundation/
And the Winner is...Zahara
Name Chosen for Detroit Zoo’s Zebra Foal
ROYAL OAK, Mich., March 3, 2008 – The people have spoken and the Detroit Zoo’s zebra foal has a name.
With 994 votes cast in the Zoo’s online poll, Zahara won by a landslide with 439 votes. Bella was a distant second with 250 votes, followed by Chloe with 139 votes and Holly with 109 votes. Noel was the favorite of only 57 voters.
Zahara is an Arabic word meaning “flower.”
The Zoo received over 2,000 name suggestions and narrowed the field to five. The finalists were posted on the Zoo’s Web site where the public had until midnight February 29 to vote for the winning name.
The Grevy’s zebra foal was born December 26 and is the daughter of 15-year-old Elvira and 6-year-old ZZ. She currently is kept indoors at the zebra habitat most days due to cold weather, but can be seen outdoors near her mother on milder days.
http://www.detroitzoo.org/Newsflashes/2008_Press_Releases/And_the_Winner_is...Zahara/
$8m zoo fund shortfall
MICHAEL OWEN, POLITICAL REPORTER
May 20, 2008 11:15pm
ADELAIDE Zoo has a funding shortfall of up to $8 million for its major refurbishment, despite a $19 million pledge from the State Government.
Premier Mike Rann, who is on the U.S. leg of a 15-day trade mission, said today the Government would provide $19 million for the zoo's biggest facelift in its 125-year history.
As reported by The Advertiser in March, an upgraded entrance, a giant panda forest and a new perimeter fence will be part of the major refurbishment.
http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,23726400-5006301,00.html
PETA asks Dallas Zoo to close elephant exhibit
07:14 PM CDT on Friday, May 16, 2008
By KIMBERLY DURNAN / The Dallas Morning News
kdurnan@dallasnews.com
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals gathered at the Dallas Zoo on Friday to ask zoo officials to close its elephant exhibit and send the zoo's only elephant, Jenny, to a sanctuary in Tennessee or California.
PETA members protest Dallas Zoo elephant exhibit (DMN - Video/editing: Richard Michael Pruitt)
PETA officials say that elephants need to be with other elephants and need room to roam.
Margaret Morin spoke for the group of 10 protestors.
"We are here to educate the public on Jenny's plight," Ms. Morin said. "She has served her time and now deserves to live the rest of her life at a sanctuary. The zoo is not a humane environment to an elephant."
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/051708dnmetelephant.107b8c007.html
Zoo opens stingray exhibit, public interaction restricted
Deaths at Calgary Zoo prompt change in exhibit policy
May 16, 2008 01:57 PM
Due to the unexplained deaths of 39 stingrays at a Calgary Zoo, a Toronto Zoo stingray exhibit is going ahead with one major change: the public will no longer be able to touch the sea creatures.
The exhibit, which opened to the public Friday, May 16 was being billed as Stingray Bay - A Touching Experience with visitors granted the opportunity to interact with rays in a large pool for an admission fee of $3. For the time being , visitors will not be able to touch or feed them and admission has been reduced to $1.
"In light of recent events at the Calgary Zoo's Singray Exhibit, the Toronto Zoo will, in the short-term, limit access to the stingrays and only provide controlled feedings," the zoo said in a press release.
http://www.insidetoronto.com/News/Scarborough/article/48246
San Diego Zoo targets global warming
5:03 PM, May 16, 2008
The San Diego Zoo, known for its pioneering work in preservation of endangered species, is throwing its resources and reputation behind the fight against global-warming.
As part of the National Endangered Species Day on Friday, the zoo declared that greenhouse gases are a major threat to wildlife -- not just polar bears, but other large carnivores, birds, reptiles and even coral reefs. "All ecosystems on the planet are being altered by climate change but perhaps none quite as dramatically as coral reefs," said Stuart Sandin from the Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation with Scripps Institution of Oceanography, one of the speakers at the all-day seminar.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/2008/05/the-san-diego-1.html
Butterfly Pavilion Opens Saturday
POSTED: 11:07 am CDT May 16, 2008
UPDATED: 11:27 am CDT May 16, 2008
OMAHA, Neb. -- A new butterfly and insect pavilion at the Henry Doorly Zoo open on Saturday after a year of construction.
At 9:30 a.m. Saturday, the $10.5 million project opens to the public.
Hundreds of species of butterflies and moths fly free inside the pavilion. Visitors get a close look at flying insects from around the world. Butterfly farms in Peru, Panama and Costa Rica, among others, will sell the cocoons needed to fill the pavilion. The cost for an average chrysalis is between $1 and $20 depending on species.
Copyright 2008 by KETV.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
http://www.ketv.com/entertainment/16294878/detail.html
Prague zoo sets out to save Indian gharial
2 days ago
PRAGUE (AFP) — Prague zoo has launched a programme aimed at saving the gharial, an Indian fish-eating crocodile, from extinction with a million-dollar pavilion where keepers hope the creatures will reproduce.
There are only 150-200 of the species, the Gavialis gangeticus also known as the gavial, living in the wild along India's rivers today. Another 20 or so are in captivity in India, Japan, Singapore, Sri Lanka and the United States, according to figures from the Prague zoo.
"All of the conservation plans launched in the world have failed up until now. The gharial is one of the most threatened species on the planet," said Petr Veselsky, in charge of reptiles at the zoo.
The new gharial pavilion -- the first such programme in Europe -- houses three males and four females from a park in Madras in southern India.
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gnIm2sYkrAYzgnTAhdjS2xNOEtHA
Look, but don't touch
Calgary Herald
Published: Saturday, May 17, 2008
Re: "Zoo loses another cownose ray," May 14.
I was dumbfounded to hear that the Calgary Zoo's cownose ray exhibit was designed to allow the public to touch these gentle creatures. Has the zoo lost its marbles? For years, I have taught scuba divers to avoid direct contact with sea life for their protection and for the protection of the marine life. Look, yes, touch, no! I have also taught scores of divers first aid response to hazardous marine life injuries. Having been encouraged to touch, will the young child recognize the difference between a gentle cownose ray and a stingray he or she comes across in shallow waters? I doubt it. I have seen the result of the slash and tear of a stingray's spin and tail.
Encouraging children to touch sea life has enormous negative potential consequences. Why the zoo would encourage such behaviour is beyond me. I can only assume there are no scuba divers on the Calgary Zoo staff. If there are, it might be a good time to review those notes on why we don't touch the sea life.
http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/letters/story.html?id=c9b4b348-6fd1-4e05-841f-59b501b99d68
2 Pittsburgh Zoo Elephants Expected To Give Birth Soon
POSTED: 3:57 pm EDT May 16, 2008
UPDATED: 7:12 pm EDT May 16, 2008
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium is beginning to resemble a maternity ward. Days after the birth of a baby tiger, the zoo is just weeks away from the arrival of not one but two baby elephants.
This is the first time that two of the zoo's elephants will deliver within a month of each other.
The first one could come as early as May 28. After 22 months gestation, it has been a long wait, zoo officials said.
http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/news/16299963/detail.html
San Diego Zoo, Prison Merge
Quote:
SAN DIEGO—Plagued by a lack of funding and growing staff shortages, the San Diego Zoo and Ironwood State Prison were combined earlier this week, bringing local inmates and wildlife together for the first time under the same roof.
The new state-of-the-art facility—which will house 12 separate cell blocks, a reptile house, two weight rooms, and a primate sanctuary—is expected to save the state of California up to $5 million in operation costs over the next year.
"It is with great pride that I announce the opening of the San Diego Maximum Security Zoological & Convict Reserve," director David Hennessey said at an opening ceremony Tuesday. "From southern white rhinos to repeat offenders serving 20 years for drug trafficking—you'll find them all here at our amazing new facility."
Construction on the resource-sharing project concluded last Wednesday, after which felons and fauna were carefully transferred to their new joint living space. According to Hennessey, the 40-acre facility features one of the largest collections of migratory birds, hoofed mammals, and hardened inmates in all of North America.
http://www.alldeaf.com/jokes-funny-stories/52441-san-diego-zoo-prison-merge.html
Zoo launches $10M campaign; Gifts to fund improvements before tax vote
Crain’s Detroit Business
May 17, 2008, 8:43 pm
This is a very good article to see how the zoo gets its funding, why the need it, and some of the things they will do if the mileage passes.
Zoo launches $10M campaign; Gifts to fund improvements before tax vote
By Sherri Begin
Plans at the zoo
What: The Detroit Zoological Society last month officially launched a $10 million campaign to fund capital improvements at the zoo.
Projects planned: An animal carousel, an upgrade to the Tauber Family Railroad, a corporate pavilion, new signs and enhancements to the Ford Education Center and the Belle Isle Nature Zoo.
Saving for the future: About $3 million of the campaign total will bolster the zoo’s $8 million endowment.
http://dzoovoleric.wordpress.com/2008/05/17/zoo-launches-10m-campaign-gifts-to-fund-improvements-before-tax-vote-crains-detroit-business/
Heritage Park Zoo celebrates 20th anniversary
By Doug Cook, The Daily Courier
Saturday, May 17, 2008
PRESCOTT - The Heritage Park Zoo has blossomed since its humble beginnings in May 1988, transforming itself from a tiny complex that cared for just a few animals into a full-fledged wildlife refuge.
On Saturday, the non-profit Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary, as it's now dubbed, celebrated its 20th anniversary, offering free admission and hot dogs, as well as animal shows and docent tours, to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
About 700 people attended the event, which went off without a hitch under warm, sunny skies and a light breeze.
http://www.dcourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&subsectionID=1&articleID=55461
Acquiring 'Blatt site opens new zoo worlds
BY C. DAVID KOTOK
COPYRIGHT 2008 OMAHA WORLD-HERALD
Baseball players, fans and umps would give way to polar bears, seals and walruses as part of a planned $100 million expansion of the Henry Doorly Zoo.
$100 million expansion
• Rosenblatt: Razed for 950 parking spaces
• Madagascar: Walk among bushy-tail lemurs
• Arctic Center: See polar bears, seals and otters
• Elephants: New home for up to a dozen more
• Pandas: Not yet, but still on the wish list
The Omaha Zoo Foundation board has signed off on an agreement with the city to obtain the Rosenblatt Stadium property for the nearly $12 million the city still owes on past stadium improvements. The foundation plans to raze the stadium to replace parking that will be lost to a major new exhibit and to add even more spaces.
Dr. Lee Simmons, the zoo's executive director, said the Rosenblatt property will give the zoo the elbow room to build a blockbuster new attraction. The Arctic Center, featuring animals typical of Alaska, is planned west of the zoo's Desert Dome in what is now the parking area along 10th Street.
The Arctic Center would become a visitor's first stop after entering the zoo and provide another enclosed attraction accessible during the cold months, Simmons told The World-Herald.
http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10337683
For economy, zoo gets lion's share of credit
BY KAREN SLOAN
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER
When it comes to Omaha's economy, the Henry Doorly Zoo is no bear cub.
It's a full-grown grizzly.
A new study of Nebraska's top tourist attraction found that its overall economic impact on Omaha in 2007 was $86.34 million.
That figure takes into account several ways that the zoo strengthens the city's overall economy.
It factors in money spent at the zoo, spending by zoo visitors at businesses, wages of zoo employees and other workers, zoo construction projects and the retention of Omahans who would otherwise travel elsewhere for entertainment.
"Any major attraction like this has a multiplier effect, and people throughout the economy feel the impact," said Eric Thompson, director of the Bureau of Business Research at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
The Omaha Zoological Foundation hired Thompson to study the zoo's impact on Omaha and Nebraska, and he analyzed attendance and spending data from the past 10 years.
Zoo spending translates into tax revenue for the city and state.
http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10337682
continued...
Last week, I was lucky enough to meet two very inspirational people: Robert Buchanan, president of Polar Bears International, and his wife, Carolyn Buchanan, the foundation's director of development. After spending only two minutes with them, we were already joking together, and bonding over our common Italian/ Irish ancestry. Oh yes; the Buchanan's are my kind of people!
However, our time spent together wasn't all fun and games. Mr. Buchanan got down to business. He presented an informational, moving, but alarming power point on polar bears, and how they are rapidly being pushed to extinction because of global climate change.
I will never forget something he said, "This [global warming] is not a left- wing or right- wing issue; this is an issue that effects all of humanity. Who cares if Man caused global warming or not? It's up to Man to stop it."
http://www.clemetzoo.com/zblog/default.asp?Display=126
Plant Protection the Focus at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Special activities and plant sale planned for May
Join Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in celebrating the importance of plants to people and the planet. Talk with experts, tour the Zoo and even get your hands dirty -- all on Plant Conservation Day at the Zoo. The green scene takes place Sunday, May 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The day begins with an invitation to participate in an invasive plant pull. Invasive plant species threaten native biodiversity and should be removed when possible. Volunteers can help in this effort from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Brookside Reservation. Participants will receive free admission to the Zoo. Those interested should pre-register by calling (216) 635-2526.
For something less physical, a guided ZooTram tour of some of the Zoo's specialty gardens takes place at 11:30 a.m. Don Krock, the Zoo's Manager of Horticulture, will lead the tour and point out conservation features of some of the Zoo's 24 gardens.
The day continues with talks by local plant experts. All talks takes place in the Zoo Administration Building and are free with regular Zoo admission.
http://www.clemetzoo.com/pressroom/index.asp?action=details&pressrelease_id=1305
Vets Determine Why Tiger Rejected Newborn Cub At Pittsburgh Zoo (Video)
POSTED: 8:34 am EDT May 15, 2008
UPDATED: 9:20 am EDT May 15, 2008
PITTSBURGH -- Veterinarians at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium think they know why a tiger may have rejected her newborn cub.
A shortage of milk may be to blame.
'Toma' gave birth Sunday. Zookeepers said the tiger stopped caring for the cub that night.
Veterinarians gave Toma a complete examination on Wednesday.
Dr. Barbara Baker said, “What we're doing right now is we’ll put her back in her enclosure and we are going to hit her with a drug and inject her with a drug that will hopefully, that will initiate the nursing behavior, the maternal behavior we want to see."
For now, the cub will stay in the zoo's hospital where he will be fed by zoo staff every three hours.
http://www.wpxi.com/news/16271687/detail.html
Pittsburgh zoo staff to raise shunned Amur tiger cub
The Associated Press
PITTSBURGH - The staff at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium will take over mothering duties of an Amur tiger cub who has been shunned by his mother.
The cub was born Sunday, but his mother, Toma, has refused to nurse him.
Zoo officials gave the mother a drug to stimulate milk production, thinking that might jump-start her maternal instincts. But that hasn't happened.
Instead, the cub will be bottle-fed and the zoo will try to find a companion for the animal until he can be weaned.
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums says it helps to put a dog or another abandoned cub with a cub that is being raised by hand.
http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/news/state/pennsylvania/20080516_ap_pittsburghzoostafftoraiseshunnedamurtigercub.html
Zoo tax mulled
By CHARLES CRUMM
Journal Register News Service
Oakland County commissioners have taken the first step towards creating an authority to operate and fund the Detroit Zoo.
Advertisement
In a special meeting Wednesday, commissioners voted to establish an authority, clearing the way for a campaign for a one-tenth mill property tax question to appear on the Aug. 5 ballot.
Commissioners voted 18-5, with some no votes wanting to have a property tax question appear on the November ballot and others simply in opposition to a tax to support the zoo.
"I'm voting no because it creates a taxing authority," said Commissioner Robert Gosselin, R-Troy. "I think the zoo is worth it but not from a taxing standpoint. I would hope you find another way to fund it."
http://www.dailytribune.com/stories/051508/loc_localn08.shtml
Calls to stop zoo's panda plans
Politicians north and south of the border have called on Edinburgh Zoo to reconsider its plans for a giant panda breeding programme.
Scottish Green MSP Robin Harper has tabled a motion at Holyrood expressing concerns at plans by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS).
It has been proposed that a breeding pair should be loaned from China.
The RZSS said work in zoos was integral to preserving the species and helped conservationists in China.
Animal campaigners claim no captive-bred panda has ever been released into the wild and conservation groups say the best way to ensure their future is to protect their natural habitat.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/7403323.stm
New York Researcher Wins The Indianapolis Prize
By Devon Scott and AP reports
5/14/2008
A world-renowned field biologist is getting a local honor - The Indianapolis Prize from the Zoo.
Dr. George Schaller is known for saving endangered animals across the planet and helping start a number of wildlife refuges.
Indianapolis Zoo CEO Mike Crowther says Schaller has done amazing things for the environment.
Schaller gets $100,000. He says he plans to use it as seed money to encourage students to get into field biology and to start several new wildlife sanctuaries.
Schaller is based in New York City where he is Vice President for Science and Exploration at the Wildlife Conservation Society.
Schaller has trekked 1,000 miles across a rugged reserve in Tibet to study the endangered Tibetan antelope, or chiru, and is also working to save Marco Polo sheep and snow leopards.
Schaller has inspired many field biologists and has helped establish more than 15 wildlife reserves throughout the world.
http://www.wibc.com/News/Story.aspx?ID=91177
What is The Indianapolis Prize?
Star report
Posted: May 13, 2008
Background: The Indianapolis Prize is the world’s largest cash award given to an individual animal conservationist who has made significant achievements in advancing the sustainability of a species or group. It was established in 2004 by the Indianapolis Zoo.
Amount: $100,000, funded by Eli Lilly and Co. in 2006 and 2008.
Frequency: Award given every two years.
2006 winner: George Archibald, co-founder of the International Crane Foundation, credited with contributing significantly to the preservation of the world’s 15 surviving species of cranes, including the whooping crane in North America.
2008 field: Twenty-nine animal conservationists were nominated.
Award presentation: Indianapolis Prize Gala, presented by AES Corp., parent company of Indianapolis Power and Light, will be Sept. 27 at the Marriott Downtown.
2010 Prize: Nominations will open June 1 and close Nov. 30. Six finalists will be announced in August 2009.
On the Web: www.indianapolisprize.org.
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080513/NEWS/80513057
Zoo's escaped ape attacks keeper
How the orang-utan escaped its enclosure is a mystery
A Blackpool Zoo keeper was taken to hospital for treatment after being bitten by an orang-utan.
The woman suffered injuries to her arm and foot when she was attacked by the female orang-utan in the staff access corridor to the Ape House.
An investigation into the incident is under way, but it is not yet known how the animal got into the corridor.
Zoo bosses described it as an isolated incident and said no members of the public were put in danger.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/lancashire/7403216.stm
Orangutans escape enclosures at two different zoos
Associated Press - May 18, 2008 12:03 PM ET
TAMPA (AP) - Two orangutans are safely back in their cages after escaping from enclosures at two different zoos across the country.
At Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida, part of a new exhibit is closed after a 10-year-old female orangutan escaped yesterday by climbing the exhibit's windows. Caretakers had to coax it into a back area using apples, carrots and vanilla ice cream for about an hour.
Meanwhile, 3,000 visitors at the Los Angeles Zoo were forced to head for the exit yesterday when a 29-year-old orangutan named Bruno punched a hole through mesh that surrounds his habitat. Authorities say he was free for about 20 minutes until a handler saw him in a holding area behind the cage. Keepers quickly approached the orangutan and sedated him.
http://www.newswest9.com/Global/story.asp?S=8342864&nav=menu505_2
Your News: Celebrate Endangered Species Day at Naples Zoo
Submitted by Tim Tetzlaff
Thursday, May 15, 2008
NAPLES — On Friday, May 16, 2008 Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens and the Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge are celebrating the country’s third annual Endangered Species Day.
Designated as a national celebration of America’s commitment to protecting and recovering our nation’s endangered species, the goal of Endangered Species Day is simple—to educate Americans about the importance of protecting our rare, threatened, and endangered plant and animal species – and, most importantly, what they can do to help.
http://marconews.com/news/2008/may/15/your-news-celebrate-endangered-species-day-naples-/
May 15, 2008, 6:38PM
Get the bear facts at the Houston Zoo
Black bears are on the rebound in Louisiana and have been spotted in East Texas.
Campers and others who want to be bear-aware should check out the Houston Zoo's Bear Awareness Day Saturday.
Zookeepers will offer tips on how to keep your campsite bear-proof and how to share the outdoors with the animals.
Representatives from Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Big Thicket National Preserve will answer questions about the role bears play in nature and the importance of biological diversity.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/pets/5783941.html
Dallas Zoo's surviving elephant back on display
05:52 PM CDT on Wednesday, May 14, 2008
By DAVID SCHECHTER / WFAA-TV
Video
David Schechter reports
May 14, 2008
DALLAS -- The Dallas Zoo has reopened its elephant exhibit two days after Keke the elephant died. Despite concern about an intestinal ailment, an exam shows the elephant died from heart failure.
It took 35 animal experts to perform the autopsy for the 8,000 pound animal. The result? KeKe's heart was not effectively pumping blood.
Jenny, the Zoo's surviving elephant, was back on display today. Officials say she's upset-- but responding well-- and ready to greet the public.
http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/dws/wfaa/latestnews/stories/wfaa080514_jh_elephants.fe53d97e.html
Family of tiger victim files claim against S.F.
Henry K. Lee, Chronicle Staff Writer
Friday, May 16, 2008
(05-15) 15:26 PDT San Francisco - -- The parents of a 17-year-old San Jose boy who was fatally mauled by a tiger at the San Francisco Zoo filed a claim against the city Thursday in the latest legal salvo over the Christmas Day attack.
The claim, a precursor to a lawsuit, accuses the city of being negligent and failing to properly enclose a 243-pound Siberian tiger named Tatiana. The escaped tiger killed Carlos Sousa on Dec. 25 and mauled two San Jose brothers before it was shot and killed by San Francisco police.
"The tiger's enclosure was insufficient to protect patrons and the tiger," says the claim filed by Walnut Creek attorney Michael Cardoza on behalf of the boy's parents, Carlos and Marilza Sousa.
The city "knew that the tiger's enclosure was insufficient and thereby knowingly exposed zoo patrons to extremely dangerous, wild animals," it said.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/05/16/BA9G10N58H.DTL
Detroit Zoological Society Announces Gift From The Chrysler Foundation
May 15, 2008, 9:48 pm
Filed under: In The News
Detroit Zoo Names Main Train Station, Unveils Newly Refurbished Trains
ROYAL OAK, Mich., May 8, 2008 – The Detroit Zoological Society today announced a $250,000 grant from The Chrysler Foundation to help refurbish the Detroit Zoo’s historic Tauber Family Railroad. In recognition of the gift, the Society named the main train station the Chrysler Main Station.
“The Chrysler Foundation’s generous gift helps us to preserve a symbol of the Zoo’s rich heritage and enables millions of future Zoo visitors to enjoy the railroad for many years to come,” said Detroit Zoological Society Executive Director Ron Kagan. The railroad has served over 40 million Zoo guests who have ridden the rails since the train was introduced in 1931.
“Chrysler is very proud to play a continuing role for more than half a century in supporting one of the Detroit Zoo’s favorite attractions,” said Brian Glowiak, Vice President, The Chrysler Foundation. “This historic commitment began with our original donation of three trains nearly 60 years ago, followed by recurring donations to upgrade and maintain their operations. We are pleased that future generations will continue to experience this timeless treasure.”
http://dzoovoleric.wordpress.com/2008/05/15/detroit-zoological-society-announces-gift-from-the-chrysler-foundation/
And the Winner is...Zahara
Name Chosen for Detroit Zoo’s Zebra Foal
ROYAL OAK, Mich., March 3, 2008 – The people have spoken and the Detroit Zoo’s zebra foal has a name.
With 994 votes cast in the Zoo’s online poll, Zahara won by a landslide with 439 votes. Bella was a distant second with 250 votes, followed by Chloe with 139 votes and Holly with 109 votes. Noel was the favorite of only 57 voters.
Zahara is an Arabic word meaning “flower.”
The Zoo received over 2,000 name suggestions and narrowed the field to five. The finalists were posted on the Zoo’s Web site where the public had until midnight February 29 to vote for the winning name.
The Grevy’s zebra foal was born December 26 and is the daughter of 15-year-old Elvira and 6-year-old ZZ. She currently is kept indoors at the zebra habitat most days due to cold weather, but can be seen outdoors near her mother on milder days.
http://www.detroitzoo.org/Newsflashes/2008_Press_Releases/And_the_Winner_is...Zahara/
$8m zoo fund shortfall
MICHAEL OWEN, POLITICAL REPORTER
May 20, 2008 11:15pm
ADELAIDE Zoo has a funding shortfall of up to $8 million for its major refurbishment, despite a $19 million pledge from the State Government.
Premier Mike Rann, who is on the U.S. leg of a 15-day trade mission, said today the Government would provide $19 million for the zoo's biggest facelift in its 125-year history.
As reported by The Advertiser in March, an upgraded entrance, a giant panda forest and a new perimeter fence will be part of the major refurbishment.
http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,23726400-5006301,00.html
PETA asks Dallas Zoo to close elephant exhibit
07:14 PM CDT on Friday, May 16, 2008
By KIMBERLY DURNAN / The Dallas Morning News
kdurnan@dallasnews.com
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals gathered at the Dallas Zoo on Friday to ask zoo officials to close its elephant exhibit and send the zoo's only elephant, Jenny, to a sanctuary in Tennessee or California.
PETA members protest Dallas Zoo elephant exhibit (DMN - Video/editing: Richard Michael Pruitt)
PETA officials say that elephants need to be with other elephants and need room to roam.
Margaret Morin spoke for the group of 10 protestors.
"We are here to educate the public on Jenny's plight," Ms. Morin said. "She has served her time and now deserves to live the rest of her life at a sanctuary. The zoo is not a humane environment to an elephant."
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/051708dnmetelephant.107b8c007.html
Zoo opens stingray exhibit, public interaction restricted
Deaths at Calgary Zoo prompt change in exhibit policy
May 16, 2008 01:57 PM
Due to the unexplained deaths of 39 stingrays at a Calgary Zoo, a Toronto Zoo stingray exhibit is going ahead with one major change: the public will no longer be able to touch the sea creatures.
The exhibit, which opened to the public Friday, May 16 was being billed as Stingray Bay - A Touching Experience with visitors granted the opportunity to interact with rays in a large pool for an admission fee of $3. For the time being , visitors will not be able to touch or feed them and admission has been reduced to $1.
"In light of recent events at the Calgary Zoo's Singray Exhibit, the Toronto Zoo will, in the short-term, limit access to the stingrays and only provide controlled feedings," the zoo said in a press release.
http://www.insidetoronto.com/News/Scarborough/article/48246
San Diego Zoo targets global warming
5:03 PM, May 16, 2008
The San Diego Zoo, known for its pioneering work in preservation of endangered species, is throwing its resources and reputation behind the fight against global-warming.
As part of the National Endangered Species Day on Friday, the zoo declared that greenhouse gases are a major threat to wildlife -- not just polar bears, but other large carnivores, birds, reptiles and even coral reefs. "All ecosystems on the planet are being altered by climate change but perhaps none quite as dramatically as coral reefs," said Stuart Sandin from the Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation with Scripps Institution of Oceanography, one of the speakers at the all-day seminar.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/2008/05/the-san-diego-1.html
Butterfly Pavilion Opens Saturday
POSTED: 11:07 am CDT May 16, 2008
UPDATED: 11:27 am CDT May 16, 2008
OMAHA, Neb. -- A new butterfly and insect pavilion at the Henry Doorly Zoo open on Saturday after a year of construction.
At 9:30 a.m. Saturday, the $10.5 million project opens to the public.
Hundreds of species of butterflies and moths fly free inside the pavilion. Visitors get a close look at flying insects from around the world. Butterfly farms in Peru, Panama and Costa Rica, among others, will sell the cocoons needed to fill the pavilion. The cost for an average chrysalis is between $1 and $20 depending on species.
Copyright 2008 by KETV.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
http://www.ketv.com/entertainment/16294878/detail.html
Prague zoo sets out to save Indian gharial
2 days ago
PRAGUE (AFP) — Prague zoo has launched a programme aimed at saving the gharial, an Indian fish-eating crocodile, from extinction with a million-dollar pavilion where keepers hope the creatures will reproduce.
There are only 150-200 of the species, the Gavialis gangeticus also known as the gavial, living in the wild along India's rivers today. Another 20 or so are in captivity in India, Japan, Singapore, Sri Lanka and the United States, according to figures from the Prague zoo.
"All of the conservation plans launched in the world have failed up until now. The gharial is one of the most threatened species on the planet," said Petr Veselsky, in charge of reptiles at the zoo.
The new gharial pavilion -- the first such programme in Europe -- houses three males and four females from a park in Madras in southern India.
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gnIm2sYkrAYzgnTAhdjS2xNOEtHA
Look, but don't touch
Calgary Herald
Published: Saturday, May 17, 2008
Re: "Zoo loses another cownose ray," May 14.
I was dumbfounded to hear that the Calgary Zoo's cownose ray exhibit was designed to allow the public to touch these gentle creatures. Has the zoo lost its marbles? For years, I have taught scuba divers to avoid direct contact with sea life for their protection and for the protection of the marine life. Look, yes, touch, no! I have also taught scores of divers first aid response to hazardous marine life injuries. Having been encouraged to touch, will the young child recognize the difference between a gentle cownose ray and a stingray he or she comes across in shallow waters? I doubt it. I have seen the result of the slash and tear of a stingray's spin and tail.
Encouraging children to touch sea life has enormous negative potential consequences. Why the zoo would encourage such behaviour is beyond me. I can only assume there are no scuba divers on the Calgary Zoo staff. If there are, it might be a good time to review those notes on why we don't touch the sea life.
http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/letters/story.html?id=c9b4b348-6fd1-4e05-841f-59b501b99d68
2 Pittsburgh Zoo Elephants Expected To Give Birth Soon
POSTED: 3:57 pm EDT May 16, 2008
UPDATED: 7:12 pm EDT May 16, 2008
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium is beginning to resemble a maternity ward. Days after the birth of a baby tiger, the zoo is just weeks away from the arrival of not one but two baby elephants.
This is the first time that two of the zoo's elephants will deliver within a month of each other.
The first one could come as early as May 28. After 22 months gestation, it has been a long wait, zoo officials said.
http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/news/16299963/detail.html
San Diego Zoo, Prison Merge
Quote:
SAN DIEGO—Plagued by a lack of funding and growing staff shortages, the San Diego Zoo and Ironwood State Prison were combined earlier this week, bringing local inmates and wildlife together for the first time under the same roof.
The new state-of-the-art facility—which will house 12 separate cell blocks, a reptile house, two weight rooms, and a primate sanctuary—is expected to save the state of California up to $5 million in operation costs over the next year.
"It is with great pride that I announce the opening of the San Diego Maximum Security Zoological & Convict Reserve," director David Hennessey said at an opening ceremony Tuesday. "From southern white rhinos to repeat offenders serving 20 years for drug trafficking—you'll find them all here at our amazing new facility."
Construction on the resource-sharing project concluded last Wednesday, after which felons and fauna were carefully transferred to their new joint living space. According to Hennessey, the 40-acre facility features one of the largest collections of migratory birds, hoofed mammals, and hardened inmates in all of North America.
http://www.alldeaf.com/jokes-funny-stories/52441-san-diego-zoo-prison-merge.html
Zoo launches $10M campaign; Gifts to fund improvements before tax vote
Crain’s Detroit Business
May 17, 2008, 8:43 pm
This is a very good article to see how the zoo gets its funding, why the need it, and some of the things they will do if the mileage passes.
Zoo launches $10M campaign; Gifts to fund improvements before tax vote
By Sherri Begin
Plans at the zoo
What: The Detroit Zoological Society last month officially launched a $10 million campaign to fund capital improvements at the zoo.
Projects planned: An animal carousel, an upgrade to the Tauber Family Railroad, a corporate pavilion, new signs and enhancements to the Ford Education Center and the Belle Isle Nature Zoo.
Saving for the future: About $3 million of the campaign total will bolster the zoo’s $8 million endowment.
http://dzoovoleric.wordpress.com/2008/05/17/zoo-launches-10m-campaign-gifts-to-fund-improvements-before-tax-vote-crains-detroit-business/
Heritage Park Zoo celebrates 20th anniversary
By Doug Cook, The Daily Courier
Saturday, May 17, 2008
PRESCOTT - The Heritage Park Zoo has blossomed since its humble beginnings in May 1988, transforming itself from a tiny complex that cared for just a few animals into a full-fledged wildlife refuge.
On Saturday, the non-profit Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary, as it's now dubbed, celebrated its 20th anniversary, offering free admission and hot dogs, as well as animal shows and docent tours, to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
About 700 people attended the event, which went off without a hitch under warm, sunny skies and a light breeze.
http://www.dcourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&subsectionID=1&articleID=55461
Acquiring 'Blatt site opens new zoo worlds
BY C. DAVID KOTOK
COPYRIGHT 2008 OMAHA WORLD-HERALD
Baseball players, fans and umps would give way to polar bears, seals and walruses as part of a planned $100 million expansion of the Henry Doorly Zoo.
$100 million expansion
• Rosenblatt: Razed for 950 parking spaces
• Madagascar: Walk among bushy-tail lemurs
• Arctic Center: See polar bears, seals and otters
• Elephants: New home for up to a dozen more
• Pandas: Not yet, but still on the wish list
The Omaha Zoo Foundation board has signed off on an agreement with the city to obtain the Rosenblatt Stadium property for the nearly $12 million the city still owes on past stadium improvements. The foundation plans to raze the stadium to replace parking that will be lost to a major new exhibit and to add even more spaces.
Dr. Lee Simmons, the zoo's executive director, said the Rosenblatt property will give the zoo the elbow room to build a blockbuster new attraction. The Arctic Center, featuring animals typical of Alaska, is planned west of the zoo's Desert Dome in what is now the parking area along 10th Street.
The Arctic Center would become a visitor's first stop after entering the zoo and provide another enclosed attraction accessible during the cold months, Simmons told The World-Herald.
http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10337683
For economy, zoo gets lion's share of credit
BY KAREN SLOAN
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER
When it comes to Omaha's economy, the Henry Doorly Zoo is no bear cub.
It's a full-grown grizzly.
A new study of Nebraska's top tourist attraction found that its overall economic impact on Omaha in 2007 was $86.34 million.
That figure takes into account several ways that the zoo strengthens the city's overall economy.
It factors in money spent at the zoo, spending by zoo visitors at businesses, wages of zoo employees and other workers, zoo construction projects and the retention of Omahans who would otherwise travel elsewhere for entertainment.
"Any major attraction like this has a multiplier effect, and people throughout the economy feel the impact," said Eric Thompson, director of the Bureau of Business Research at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
The Omaha Zoological Foundation hired Thompson to study the zoo's impact on Omaha and Nebraska, and he analyzed attendance and spending data from the past 10 years.
Zoo spending translates into tax revenue for the city and state.
http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10337682
continued...
How do scientists tell the public that the lower troposphere is drying out and unable to support hurricanes?
I'll put together a 'Saturday Night' about this topic. It is important. The 'Katrina' Season wasn't the worst of all hurricanes in the future, but, it was the last 'traditional' season. Every hurricane season since the "Katrina" Season has been atypical and I'll discuss that.
Storm warning
They then used two versions of the model, one assuming climate warming of 2.8ºC by 2100, and one without warming, to estimate whether hurricane activity will continue to increase in the region as a result of human-induced climate change.
References
Knutson, T. R. et al. Nature Geosci. doi:10.1038/ngeo202 (2008).
Increasing frequency of storms in past 25 years may not continue, although average severity may grow.
Olive Heffernan
Olive Heffernan
Hurricanes may become rarer in the Atlantic throughout the 21st century if the world continues to warm, suggests a new study.
The research is the latest to address the question of how — and whether — global warming will affect the intensity and frequency of hurricanes.
Globally, the number of major hurricanes has shot up by 75% since 1970. And although rising ocean temperatures are generally accepted as the key culprit — hurricanes can only form where sea surface temperatures exceed 26ºC — the link to global warming has remained a contentious issue.
In the new study, published today in Nature Geoscience 1, Thomas Knutson of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and colleagues used a regional climate model of the Atlantic basin to simulate the observed increase in hurricane activity between 1980 and 2006, on the basis of observed sea-surface temperatures and atmospheric conditions.
“The study does not support the notion that rising greenhouse gases are causing an increase in tropical storm frequency,” says Knutson.
The research is the latest to address the question of how — and whether — global warming will affect the intensity and frequency of hurricanes.
Globally, the number of major hurricanes has shot up by 75% since 1970. And although rising ocean temperatures are generally accepted as the key culprit — hurricanes can only form where sea surface temperatures exceed 26ºC — the link to global warming has remained a contentious issue.
In the new study, published today in Nature Geoscience 1, Thomas Knutson of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and colleagues used a regional climate model of the Atlantic basin to simulate the observed increase in hurricane activity between 1980 and 2006, on the basis of observed sea-surface temperatures and atmospheric conditions.
“The study does not support the notion that rising greenhouse gases are causing an increase in tropical storm frequency,” says Knutson.
Storm warning
They then used two versions of the model, one assuming climate warming of 2.8ºC by 2100, and one without warming, to estimate whether hurricane activity will continue to increase in the region as a result of human-induced climate change.
Overall, the number of hurricanes will decrease, with weaker storms feeling the greatest impacts. Knutson and his team predict a 27% drop in tropical storms, 18% fewer hurricanes and 8% fewer 'major hurricanes'.
So, despite the fact that hurricane activity has increased dramatically in the Atlantic over the past 25 years, this trend will not continue until the end of the century under warmer conditions. “We can’t simply extrapolate the trend from the past 25 years into the future,” says co-author Issac Held, also at NOAA.
The study focused primarily on changes in the number of hurricanes, but also projected a shift towards more intense storms and heavier rainfall events. This largely concurs with recent work by Kerry Emanuel, a hurricane expert at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge. Using a different type of model, Emanuel projected that global warming will result in fewer hurricanes globally, but that they will become more intense in some locations.
The study focused primarily on changes in the number of hurricanes, but also projected a shift towards more intense storms and heavier rainfall events. This largely concurs with recent work by Kerry Emanuel, a hurricane expert at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge. Using a different type of model, Emanuel projected that global warming will result in fewer hurricanes globally, but that they will become more intense in some locations.
Size matters
Kevin Trenberth, a climatologist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado, who was not involved in the study, agrees to an extent with the findings. “The results suggest fewer tropical storms in the Atlantic, and this seems reasonable given everything else we know”.
But he cautions that the authors may have underestimated increases in hurricanes and really severe storms, owing to the fact that their model was fairly low-resolution and could not account for changes in some of the largest of these events.
“In this business it is not the numbers that matter, it is also the intensity, duration and size,” he says.
Kevin Trenberth, a climatologist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado, who was not involved in the study, agrees to an extent with the findings. “The results suggest fewer tropical storms in the Atlantic, and this seems reasonable given everything else we know”.
But he cautions that the authors may have underestimated increases in hurricanes and really severe storms, owing to the fact that their model was fairly low-resolution and could not account for changes in some of the largest of these events.
“In this business it is not the numbers that matter, it is also the intensity, duration and size,” he says.
References
Knutson, T. R. et al. Nature Geosci. doi:10.1038/ngeo202 (2008).
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Global warming effects pervasive: study
Team analysed data back to 1970; changes 'significant' (click at title to entry, thank you)
Margaret Munro, with files from Mike De Souza, The Ottawa Citizen
Published: Thursday, May 15, 2008
A vast array of physical and biological systems -- from polar bears in the Arctic to tiny krill in the Southern Ocean -- are showing the effects of the world's rising temperature, say scientists who analysed more than 30,000 sets of data stretching back to 1970.
Shrinking glaciers, melting permafrost, earlier spring river runoff, and warmer water bodies point to pervasive physical changes, they say.
And earlier spring blossoms, bird migrations and altered distribution -- salmon showing up in the Arctic, the mountain pine beetle expanding into vast tracks of Western Canada's forests -- point to the many biological impacts....
May 17, 2008
1200
Antarctica Surface Winds (click here for animation)
The surface winds have increased in velocity due to the turbulence caused by the heat transfer at higher latitudes. The winds are primarily offshore over WAIS and onshore over East Antarctica where there are two smaller heat transfer systems arriving.
May 17, 2008
0600
Antarctica Vortex/Jet Stream
In animation (click here) there is noted a huge arrival of a heat transfer over the top Blue Ice on May 15, 2008 and lingering still. It reached across WAIS to the edges of Vostok. From the images below the location of the heat transfer matches the loss in frigid temperature over WAIS and the Blue Ice. Gone. The frigid air building is now completely gone.
Conditions at Clean Air, Antarctica in May, 2008
Conditions at Clean Air, Antarctica the past week
March 20, 3008
1311 gmt
Antarctica
The frigid cold over Antarctica had expanded quickly and temperatures at the coldest areas dropped dramatically, but, in a couple of days that seems to be beginning to reverse.
Clean Air, Antarctica
May 15, 2008 at:11:04 AM GMT
Lat/Lon: 89.9° S 0.0° W
Temperature :: -76 °F / -60 °C
Visibility :: 3.6 miles / 5.7 kilometers
Conditions :: Snow
Clean Air, Antarctica
May 17, 2008 at 6:18 PM GMT
Lat/Lon: 89.9° S 0.0° W
Temperature :: -58 °F / -50 °C
Conditions :: Overcast
Windchill :: -87 °F / -66 °C
Wind :: 9 mph / 15 km/h / 4.1 m/s from the NNE
Pressure :: 28.62 in / 969 hPa (Steady)
Visibility :: 1.0 miles / 1.6 kilometers
UV :: 0 out of 16
Clouds :: Overcast 1500 ft / 457 m
(Above Ground Level)
Elevation :: 9285 ft / 2830 m
Flight Rule :: LIFR (NZSP)
Wind Speed :: 9 mph / 15 km/h / 4.1 m/s
Wind Dir :: 30° (NNE)
Ceiling :: 1500 ft / 457 m
Vostok, Antarctica
May 15, 2008
5:02 PM VOST
Lat/Lon: 78.4° S 106.9° E
Temperature :: -100 °F / -74 °C
Conditions :: Clear
Humidity :: 26%
Dew Point :: -107 °F / -77 °C
Wind :: 9 mph / 15 km/h from the WSW
Wind Gust :: -
Pressure :: in / hPa (Rising)
Visibility ;; 12.0 miles / 20.0 kilometers
Elevation :: 11220 ft / 3420 m
Flight Rule :: VFR ()
Wind Speed :: 9 mph / 15 km/h /
Wind Dir :: 240° (WSW)
Ceiling :: 100000 ft / 100000 m
Vostok, Antarctica
May 17, 2008
8:40 PM VOST
Lat/Lon: 78.4° S 106.9° E
Temperature :: -95 °F / -71 °C
Conditions :: Clear
Humidity :: 30%
Dew Point :: -102 °F / -74 °C
Wind :: 12 mph / 18 km/h from the SSW
Wind Gust :: -
Pressure :: in / hPa (Falling)
Visibility :: 12.0 miles / 20.0 kilometers
Elevation :: 11220 ft / 3420 m
Flight Rule:
VFR ()
Wind Speed :: 12 mph / 18 km/h /
Wind Dir :: 200° (SSW)
Ceiling :: 100000 ft / 100000 m
Margaret Munro, with files from Mike De Souza, The Ottawa Citizen
Published: Thursday, May 15, 2008
A vast array of physical and biological systems -- from polar bears in the Arctic to tiny krill in the Southern Ocean -- are showing the effects of the world's rising temperature, say scientists who analysed more than 30,000 sets of data stretching back to 1970.
Shrinking glaciers, melting permafrost, earlier spring river runoff, and warmer water bodies point to pervasive physical changes, they say.
And earlier spring blossoms, bird migrations and altered distribution -- salmon showing up in the Arctic, the mountain pine beetle expanding into vast tracks of Western Canada's forests -- point to the many biological impacts....
May 17, 2008
1200
Antarctica Surface Winds (click here for animation)
The surface winds have increased in velocity due to the turbulence caused by the heat transfer at higher latitudes. The winds are primarily offshore over WAIS and onshore over East Antarctica where there are two smaller heat transfer systems arriving.
May 17, 2008
0600
Antarctica Vortex/Jet Stream
In animation (click here) there is noted a huge arrival of a heat transfer over the top Blue Ice on May 15, 2008 and lingering still. It reached across WAIS to the edges of Vostok. From the images below the location of the heat transfer matches the loss in frigid temperature over WAIS and the Blue Ice. Gone. The frigid air building is now completely gone.
Conditions at Clean Air, Antarctica in May, 2008
Conditions at Clean Air, Antarctica the past week
March 20, 3008
1311 gmt
Antarctica
The frigid cold over Antarctica had expanded quickly and temperatures at the coldest areas dropped dramatically, but, in a couple of days that seems to be beginning to reverse.
May 12, 2208
1324 gmt
Antarctica
May 17, 2008
1323 gmt
Antarctica - the frigid cold is beginning to shrink after its expansion
May 17, 2008
1200
Clean Air, Antarctica
May 15, 2008 at:11:04 AM GMT
Lat/Lon: 89.9° S 0.0° W
Temperature :: -76 °F / -60 °C
Visibility :: 3.6 miles / 5.7 kilometers
Conditions :: Snow
Clean Air, Antarctica
May 17, 2008 at 6:18 PM GMT
Lat/Lon: 89.9° S 0.0° W
Temperature :: -58 °F / -50 °C
Conditions :: Overcast
Windchill :: -87 °F / -66 °C
Wind :: 9 mph / 15 km/h / 4.1 m/s from the NNE
Pressure :: 28.62 in / 969 hPa (Steady)
Visibility :: 1.0 miles / 1.6 kilometers
UV :: 0 out of 16
Clouds :: Overcast 1500 ft / 457 m
(Above Ground Level)
Elevation :: 9285 ft / 2830 m
Flight Rule :: LIFR (NZSP)
Wind Speed :: 9 mph / 15 km/h / 4.1 m/s
Wind Dir :: 30° (NNE)
Ceiling :: 1500 ft / 457 m
Vostok, Antarctica
May 15, 2008
5:02 PM VOST
Lat/Lon: 78.4° S 106.9° E
Temperature :: -100 °F / -74 °C
Conditions :: Clear
Humidity :: 26%
Dew Point :: -107 °F / -77 °C
Wind :: 9 mph / 15 km/h from the WSW
Wind Gust :: -
Pressure :: in / hPa (Rising)
Visibility ;; 12.0 miles / 20.0 kilometers
Elevation :: 11220 ft / 3420 m
Flight Rule :: VFR ()
Wind Speed :: 9 mph / 15 km/h /
Wind Dir :: 240° (WSW)
Ceiling :: 100000 ft / 100000 m
Vostok, Antarctica
May 17, 2008
8:40 PM VOST
Lat/Lon: 78.4° S 106.9° E
Temperature :: -95 °F / -71 °C
Conditions :: Clear
Humidity :: 30%
Dew Point :: -102 °F / -74 °C
Wind :: 12 mph / 18 km/h from the SSW
Wind Gust :: -
Pressure :: in / hPa (Falling)
Visibility :: 12.0 miles / 20.0 kilometers
Elevation :: 11220 ft / 3420 m
Flight Rule:
VFR ()
Wind Speed :: 12 mph / 18 km/h /
Wind Dir :: 200° (SSW)
Ceiling :: 100000 ft / 100000 m
Thursday, May 15, 2008
...the struggle to save ANWR...
How many times and in how many ways have I advocated for the safe keeping of our precious park lands and reserves? If I could only count.
How many times have Republican legislators coveted the 'wealth' they saw instead of Polar Bears, ice fields and permafrost?
We now have a vital link to the preservation of ANWR without the threat of 'wealth management' overriding the outcome of our national parks and reserves.
In this 2003 file photo provided by Subhankar Banerjee, a polar bear walks in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. (SUBHANKAR BANERJEE, Associated Press / September 12, 2003)
How many times have Republican legislators coveted the 'wealth' they saw instead of Polar Bears, ice fields and permafrost?
We now have a vital link to the preservation of ANWR without the threat of 'wealth management' overriding the outcome of our national parks and reserves.
In this 2003 file photo provided by Subhankar Banerjee, a polar bear walks in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. (SUBHANKAR BANERJEE, Associated Press / September 12, 2003)
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
"Polar" Bears are North Pole, not South Pole. Penguins are South Pole. They need to stay apart.
Now endangered, polar bears are an even bigger draw in Churchill, Canada (click here)
Some expect tourists to flock to the tiny town in Manitoba province to see the threatened bears while they can.
By Mary Forgione and Hugo Martín, Los Angeles Times Staff Writers May 15, 2008
The Bush administration's decision today to list polar bears as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act likely means more tourists will flock to a tiny Canadian town on Hudson Bay where bears are the star attraction every fall....
Some expect tourists to flock to the tiny town in Manitoba province to see the threatened bears while they can.
By Mary Forgione and Hugo Martín, Los Angeles Times Staff Writers May 15, 2008
The Bush administration's decision today to list polar bears as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act likely means more tourists will flock to a tiny Canadian town on Hudson Bay where bears are the star attraction every fall....
01 November 1999
Churchil Canada
Polar bears in Churchill in Manitoba, Canada have to be tranquillised then airlifted north in order to access their natural habitat as the sea ice is returning later and later after the summer months.
Churchil Canada
Polar bears in Churchill in Manitoba, Canada have to be tranquillised then airlifted north in order to access their natural habitat as the sea ice is returning later and later after the summer months.
...Many scientists say human-induced global warming is directly responsible for the melting sea ice and have called for limits on greenhouse gas emissions to stem the loss.
But Kempthorne said that science is not yet able to link specific activities such as carbon dioxide emissions from a coal-fired power plant to impacts on individual polar bears....
But Kempthorne said that science is not yet able to link specific activities such as carbon dioxide emissions from a coal-fired power plant to impacts on individual polar bears....
George W. Bush: "I think playing golf during a war just sends the wrong signal"
Not Golfing, but, Fishing is okay !
Three engines, count them. Where is all the oil reserves going? Maine?
It must be one of those "What is psychologically good for the nation" moments.
Anchor of Bush's fishing boat gets stuck (click here)
KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine (AP) — President Bush's presidency is stuck in low gear. On Sunday, his fishing boat was stuck on stop.
Fellow Republicans may not be rushing to rescue his legislative agenda, but the Secret Service bailed Bush out of a jam when his boat anchor got wedged in rocks along the Atlantic Coast.
Relaxing before his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the president went fishing with his father, former President George H.W. Bush, and daughter, Barbara.
They dropped the anchor to fish less than 100 feet from shore at Biddleford, Maine, but when they decided to leave, they couldn't, according to an Associated Press photographer who took pictures of the incident.
A fishing guide along on the trip tried unsuccessfully to pull up the heavy anchor.
Soon after, a member of the president's security detail called divers aboard a Secret Service boat that had been following behind.
The anchor was untied, and the elder Bush backed his boat, a blue-and-white craft named Fidelity III, out of the way. After a diver dove down into the chilly water, the president, nonchalantly, resumed fishing.
But he had time to cast his line just a few times. Within minutes, the diver surfaced with the anchor in hand.
Residents and vacationers renting houses along the coast gathered to watch the anchor retrieval mission.
Bush waved his hat at the crowd as his dad began steering the boat back toward the Bush family estate at Walker's Point where Putin was to arrive a few hours later.
As he waited on a driveway for the Russian leader to arrive, Bush was asked about his fishing experience.
"Lousy," he said.
But his bad day of fishing didn't stop the president from going back out on the water for a second spin in Fidelity III. About a half hour after Putin arrived, the elder Bush piled his son and the Russian president into his speedboat and took them for a fast ocean ride.
Three engines, count them. Where is all the oil reserves going? Maine?
It must be one of those "What is psychologically good for the nation" moments.
Anchor of Bush's fishing boat gets stuck (click here)
KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine (AP) — President Bush's presidency is stuck in low gear. On Sunday, his fishing boat was stuck on stop.
Fellow Republicans may not be rushing to rescue his legislative agenda, but the Secret Service bailed Bush out of a jam when his boat anchor got wedged in rocks along the Atlantic Coast.
Relaxing before his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the president went fishing with his father, former President George H.W. Bush, and daughter, Barbara.
They dropped the anchor to fish less than 100 feet from shore at Biddleford, Maine, but when they decided to leave, they couldn't, according to an Associated Press photographer who took pictures of the incident.
A fishing guide along on the trip tried unsuccessfully to pull up the heavy anchor.
Soon after, a member of the president's security detail called divers aboard a Secret Service boat that had been following behind.
The anchor was untied, and the elder Bush backed his boat, a blue-and-white craft named Fidelity III, out of the way. After a diver dove down into the chilly water, the president, nonchalantly, resumed fishing.
But he had time to cast his line just a few times. Within minutes, the diver surfaced with the anchor in hand.
Residents and vacationers renting houses along the coast gathered to watch the anchor retrieval mission.
Bush waved his hat at the crowd as his dad began steering the boat back toward the Bush family estate at Walker's Point where Putin was to arrive a few hours later.
As he waited on a driveway for the Russian leader to arrive, Bush was asked about his fishing experience.
"Lousy," he said.
But his bad day of fishing didn't stop the president from going back out on the water for a second spin in Fidelity III. About a half hour after Putin arrived, the elder Bush piled his son and the Russian president into his speedboat and took them for a fast ocean ride.
Florida wildfires damage 160 homes
A firefighter works on hotspots in a wooded area of Grant, Fla. on Tuesday as wildfires continue to burn in Brevard County, in east Central Florida.
There are twelve wildfires throughout the USA (click here). Seven are in Florida.
Rain and snow across Arizona
May 12, 2008
Salt Lake City, Utah
Photographer states :: A little thunderstorm this morning with thunder and pea sized hail.
May 13, 2008
Rawlins, Wyoming
Photographer states :: Snow, snow, and more snow.... looking toward town
May 13, 2008
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Photographer states :: A small herd of elk graze in fresh snow in Rocky Mountain National Park.
May 13, 2008
Flagstaff, Arizona
Photographer states :: Side streets, Flagstaff AZ
May 13, 2008
Flagstaff, Arizona
Photographer states :: I had just set up the Barbecue Grill and table then it snowed last night. About 2 inches as of 0600 this morning. It was all gone by this afternoon at 1700.
Cape Breton gets 10 cm of snow in rare May storm
May 11, 2008
Thunder Bay, Canada
Photographer states :: Winter Wonderland in May, Highway 11/17, heading westward. No more snow!
Police called in salt trucks after thick, wet snowfall made driving difficult for motorists in the Martimes on Sunday, May 11, 2008.
May 11, 2008
Thunder Bay, Canada
Photographer states :: Winter Blizzard - Highway 102 West of Thunder Bay - 8:30 am .... and it would get worse!
Cape May County declares emergency as rain, wind pound coast
May 12, 2008
Rohoboth Beach, Delaware
Photographer states :: The Atlantic Ocean just off the Boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach DE during a N.E. storm with winds in excess of 50 mph.
May 12, 2008
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Photographer states :: Massive Beach Erosion in Atlantic City
May 12, 2008
Port Republic, New Jersey
Photographer states :: Flooding In Galloway from the Nor'easter
8:45 p.m. Update - High winds and heavy rain lashed New Jersey on Monday, chasing residents from their homes in coastal sections of Cape May County, flooding roadways, leaving nearly 50,000 people without electricity, and fanning the flames of a fatal fire in Newark.
Winds were gusting over 50 mph in many parts of the state, knocking down trees that left tens of thousands of people without electricity.
By 3 p.m. Atlantic City Electric was reporting that about 41,000 customers were without power, including 30,000 in Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland counties.
An accident this afternoon on the causeway that connects Long Beach Island to the mainland has stopped traffic from coming onto the island, police said.
Cape May County declared a state of emergency at 2 p.m. Monday as the strong northeast storm hammered the resort peninsula with sustained winds of 40 to 45 miles per hour with gusts hitting 70 miles per hour.
Havoc across the Triad
May 9, 2008
Advance, North Carolina
May 9, 2008
Advance, North Carolina
May 9, 2008
Advance, North Carolina
May 9, 2008
Advance, North Carolina
Photographer states :: After the tornado - pictures taken after the Advance, Nc tornado
Monday, May 12, 2008
With in days after a Cyclone Nargis hit Myanmar, Yangon; there is a major earthquake in China. Hm.
Magnitude 7.9 - EASTERN SICHUAN, CHINA (click here)
2008 May 12 06:28:00 UTC
Monday, May 12, 2008 at 02:28:00 PM at epicenter
The earthquake broke underground pipes, causing water and mud to flow across the streets in the city of Chengdu
China earthquake: 'Tens of thousands' dead (click here)
By Richard Spencer in Chengdu and Malcolm Moore
Last Updated: 9:38PM BST 12/05/2008
Tens of thousands of people are feared dead after the biggest earthquake in three decades struck China.
The official death toll has been put at more than 8,500, but rescue workers and the Chinese army have not yet reached the worst affected areas.
The 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Sichuan province this afternoon. The epicentre was 50 miles north of Chengdu, a city of 11 million people, but tremors were felt more than 1,000 miles away in Bangkok and Hanoi.
At least six primary and middle schools were destroyed in the disaster, and 900 pupils were buried under rubble when the three-storey Jiangyan Middle School in Dujiangyan collapsed....
2008 May 12 06:28:00 UTC
Monday, May 12, 2008 at 02:28:00 PM at epicenter
The earthquake broke underground pipes, causing water and mud to flow across the streets in the city of Chengdu
China earthquake: 'Tens of thousands' dead (click here)
By Richard Spencer in Chengdu and Malcolm Moore
Last Updated: 9:38PM BST 12/05/2008
Tens of thousands of people are feared dead after the biggest earthquake in three decades struck China.
The official death toll has been put at more than 8,500, but rescue workers and the Chinese army have not yet reached the worst affected areas.
The 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Sichuan province this afternoon. The epicentre was 50 miles north of Chengdu, a city of 11 million people, but tremors were felt more than 1,000 miles away in Bangkok and Hanoi.
At least six primary and middle schools were destroyed in the disaster, and 900 pupils were buried under rubble when the three-storey Jiangyan Middle School in Dujiangyan collapsed....
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