The Jordan Times
7 Iraqi Sunni groups offer truce
Nationwide violence kills 35
An Iraqi father on Monday fans over the face of his sick daughter as his wife prepares medicine inside their ‘house’ located in an abandoned government building of the regime of ousted Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. During the past two months, more than 85,000 Iraqis had been displaced because of violence, according to a UN report (AFP photo by Sabah Arar)
BAGHDAD (AP) — Seven Sunni Arab rebel groups — said to be motivated in part by fear of undue Iranian influence in the country — offered the government a conditional truce Monday, two top lawmakers, Kurd and a Shiite, told the Associated Press. At least 35 people were killed in violence nationwide.
Despite the fresh opening from the militant organisations — which do not include Al Qaeda in Iraq or other groups — a key Iraqi commander said Baghdad's forces would not be ready to keep the peace in Anbar province — the insurgent heartland — for at least a year.
Brig Gen. Jaleel Khalf's said his one-year estimate was what he termed “optimistic under the best of circumstances.” And it closely aligns with recent forecasts from the US military.
“I don't think by this winter we'll be quite ready to turn over completely” to Iraqi forces, Army Col. Sean MacFarland said recently. He commands the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armoured Division that oversees Ramadi, the capital of Anbar and the lynchpin of the insurgency.
http://www.jordantimes.com/tue/news/news2.htm
Iran says will not benefit from talks with US
TEHRAN (Reuters) — Iran's supreme leader said on Tuesday the country would not benefit from talks with the United States, playing down the significance of a prominent element in proposals to defuse a nuclear standoff.
Washington, which broke ties with Tehran in 1980, said it would join the European Union's direct talks with Iran if Tehran first agreed to suspend uranium enrichment. The offer came in a package of incentives backed by six world powers.
The White House said it did not view supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's comment as Iran's final word on its offer, viewed as a major policy shift in Washington and by some analysts, particularly in the West, as a possible deal clincher
http://www.jordantimes.com/wed/news/news3.htm
US gives sober assessment of Iraqi security crackdown
Saddam to go on trial in August for Kurdish alleged genocide
A woman on Tuesday embraces her son, who was released from the Abu Ghraib prison in Baghdad (Reuters photo by Namir Noor-Eldeen)
BAGHDAD (AP) — The US military issued a sober assessment Tuesday of the Baghdad security crackdown, saying violence had decreased slightly but not to “the degree we would like to see” in the two weeks since 75,000 American-backed Iraqi soldiers flooded the capital.
An influential Sunni Arab cleric endorsed the Shiite Prime Minister Nuri Maliki's reconciliation plan, saying he saw a “glimmer of hope” and calling on the government to implement it quickly.
The US military announced the deaths of a Marine and three soldiers, and police reported 18 more Iraqis fell victim to sectarian and insurgent violence, including five people whose bodies were found dumped in the capital.
http://www.jordantimes.com/wed/news/news2.htm
6 killed in attack on Somali warlords’ posts
MOGADISHU (AP) — Days after cleric took charge of Somalia's Islamic fighters, a clan leader said the fighters broke a ceasefire to seize a clan-held checkpoint outside the capital in an hourlong battle Tuesday that killed six people.
It was the first military movement since the fighters signed an agreement last week to stop all military action and recognise the country's powerless, UN-backed interim government. The fighters control Mogadishu and most of the rest of southern Somalia, while the interim government holds only the southern town of Baidoa, 250 kilometres northwest of Mogadishu.
The checkpoint connecting the capital, Mogadishu, to the Lower Shabelle region was manned by members of the Habar Gidir clan, who charged motorists a fee to pass. Three of the victims were civilians and the others were clan members, said clan leader Abdi Kaibdid.
http://www.jordantimes.com/wed/news/news5.htm
THE ANNOUNCED TROOP REDUCTIONS IS A FALSEHOOD. 'LOOKING FOR' A DRAWDOWN IS NOT THE SAME AS REDEPLOYING TROOPS HOME ! It provides no reason for the Iraqis to take over the security of their nation. It only prolongs it. Bush refuses to 'take responsibility' for making the tough decisions. He leaves all the tough decisions to General Casey whom knows once the troops start to deploy it has to be reasonably fast to insure all their safety out of a Civil War Zone. The chances of redeployment out of Iraq are slim to none when 'the safety' of the troops are considered. General Casey simply needs the 'go ahead' to bring out troops home while telling Baghdad they have to improve their security forces on their own. General Casey is 'assigned' the 'task' of assessing the Iraqi forces 'based on' the standards he measures has security and not that of Iraq's real time status. The Iraqi 'forces' do not have to meet USA standards. It's not that kind of thing. They should be measured according to other allies in the region and the needs of an unoccupied Arab nation. There are currently 75,000 Iraqi force. There are 130,000 USA military. Does Iraq need all those personnel? No. A good amount of the USA military's efforts is to protect it's own well being in Iraq. Bush needs to give the order to redeploy out. Other Republican presidents have done it, namely Gerald Ford, in recent history.
US confirms looking at Iraq troop drawdown
WASHINGTON (AFP) — The United States confirmed Monday that it was considering a plan to sharply reduce US forces in Iraq by the end of 2007, but said it was just one option among many and was not "engraved in stone." The White House confirmed that US General George Casey, commander of US forces in Iraq, had drawn up a drawdown plan but stressed that implementation would depend on whether Iraq's fledgling security forces can take up any slack.
US President George W. Bush, who met with the general on Friday, said that "one of the things that General Casey assured me of that whatever recommendation he makes, it'll be aimed towards achieving victory." "In terms of our troop presence there, that decision will be made by General Casey, as well as the sovereign government of Iraq, based upon conditions on the ground," the president told reporters.
http://www.jordantimes.com/wed/news/news6.htm
Egyptian women flock to hear female preachers
By Yara Bayoumy
Reuters
CAIRO — Women of all ages pour into a fluorescent-lit mosque hall hours before Sherine Gouda Al Sahhar is due to deliver her weekly sermon, seeking a seat near the front so they can catch a glimpse of the preacher.
The 200 women can barely squeeze into the hall, so Sahhar's helpers remove the screens separating the men's hall from the women's to accommodate the gathering.
As she starts, a hush falls over the crowd. Sahhar begins preaching about the need to perform good deeds to please God, not to boast to colleagues, friends or family.
She is one of a growing number of Muslim women preachers in the Egyptian capital who deliver regular sermons in mosque halls, preaching about Islam, interpreting Koranic verses and advising people how to live as virtuous Muslims.
http://www.jordantimes.com/wed/news/news7.htm
Jordanian youth join int’l interfaith conference
By Mohammad Ghazal
AMMAN — Emphasising the role of the youth in promoting interfaith dialogue and tolerance, religious leaders at a recent conference in Beirut said young people are key players in the global fight against terrorism.
The remarks were made during an event focused on the role of inter-religious dialogue in combating violence and advancing shared security, which brought together religious leaders, representatives from youth-concerned institutions and young people from the Ecumenical Studies Centre from Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Sudan, Egypt and Japan earlier this month.
http://www.jordantimes.com/wed/homenews/homenews10.htm
The end of democratisation — time to reconsider
Hasan Abu Nimah
Talk about reforming and democratising the Greater Middle East seems to be fading without any trace of accomplishment.
The United States believed at some point in its “war on terror” that terror is linked with dictatorships and therefore democracy should be part of the cure. While justifying the need for democratisation, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice once said that the United States had ended up serving neither democratisation nor security when, for 60 years, Washington ignored the former in favour of the latter. It was time, she said that democratisation should be placed at the top of the priority list.
Regardless of the fact that democracy cannot stop terrorism, as this issue was well argued in a study published in Foreign Affairs (September/October 2005) by Gregory Cause, reactions to the call for democratisation and reform in the targeted region varied widely. Reform should not be imposed from outside, said some. That logic failed to address a basic question: Why delay reform until confronted by outside pressure? Others said no reform should precede the resolution of the chronic political problems in our region, beginning with the Arab-Israeli conflict. That logic also failed to recognise that stagnant politics contributes to perpetuating conflicts and instability.
http://www.jordantimes.com/wed/opinion/opinion2.htm
Michael Moore Today
Former Admin. Official Needs Only Three Words To Explain Manipulation of Intel: ‘The Vice President’
The Democratic Policy Committee held a hearing this afternoon to examine the manipulation of pre-war Iraq intelligence. Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC), who previously disavowed his vote for the war, attended the hearing and asked the panelists why a small number of individuals in the administration “had more influence…than the professionals.” Lawrence Wilkerson, former chief of staff to Secretary of State Colin Powell, said he only needed three words. Watch it.
http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/26/wilkerson-vp/
Cheney's visit brings out protesters
By Robert Pore / Grand Island Independent
GRAND ISLAND, NE -- About two dozen people protested Vice President Dick Cheney's visit to Grand Island today.
The protesters were gathered across the street from the Midtown Holiday Inn on South Locust Street. Cheney was attending a fundraiser for state Sen. Adrian Smith, who is the Republican candidate for the 3rd Congressional District.
Cheney's entourage was ushered into the Holiday Inn, away from the view of the protesters. For Margaret Williams of Grand Island, however, it was important that she be there to voice her opposition to the policies of the Bush/Cheney administration.
Williams, who was by herself, carried a sign that read, "For the people, by the people. Not for the wealthy, by the wealthy."
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/latestnews/index.php?id=7359
Protestors get their messages known
http://www.michaelmoore.com/_media/impeach_cheney_62606.mov
Join the June 27th National Day of Action to Stand Up with Lt. Ehren Watada TODAY!
“I refuse to be silent any longer. I refuse to be party to an illegal and immoral war against people who did nothing to deserve our aggression. My oath of office is to protect and defend America’s laws and its people. By refusing unlawful orders for an illegal war, I fulfill that oath today.”
- U.S. Army First Lt. Ehren Watada
http://thankyoult.live.radicaldesigns.org//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=43&Itemid=1
Bush ignores laws he inks, vexing Congress
By Lauria Kellman / Associated Press
WASHINGTON - Sen. John McCain thought he had a deal when President Bush, faced with a veto-proof margin in Congress, agreed to sign a bill banning the torture of detainees. Not quite. While Bush signed the new law, he also quietly approved another document: a signing statement reserving his right to ignore the law. McCain was furious, and so were other lawmakers.
The Senate Judiciary Committee is opening hearings this week into what has become the White House's favorite tool for overriding Congress in the name of wartime national security.
"It's a challenge to the plain language of the Constitution," the committee's chairman, Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa, said in an interview with The Associated Press. "I'm interested to hear from the administration just what research they've done to lead them to the conclusion that they can cherry-pick."
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/latestnews/index.php?id=7361
Karl Rove speaks at Mike Whalen fundraiser in Waterloo
By Jeff Wilford and RC Balaban / WCF Courier
WATERLOO, IA -- While Karl Rove was enroute to talk at a campaign fundraiser for Republican congressional candidate Mike Whalen at the members-only Sunnyside Country Club Monday, roughly three dozen protesters stood along Ansborough Avenue with signs showing what they thought of President Bush's deputy chief of staff.
"Rove fiddles while working families burn."
"Health care is a right, not a privilege."
"Karl Rove, congratulations on not getting indicted!" Signed, "Concerned Iowans."
Rove's response: "What protesters?"
"He said you've never seen protesters until you've seen the ones that were outside my house," said Hugh Field, a Waterloo lawyer who attended the invitation-only fundraiser. "So he wasn't very impressed."
Whalen said between 70 and 75 people attended the $250-a-plate luncheon. The event was closed to the public and the press.
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/the06fix/index.php?id=117
Wars force Army equipment costs to triple
By Lolita C. Baldor / Associated Press
WASHINGTON - The annual cost of replacing, repairing and upgrading Army equipment in Iraq and Afghanistan is expected to more than triple next year to more than $17 billion, according to Army documents obtained by the Associated Press.
From 2002 to 2006, the Army spent an average of $4 billion a year in annual equipment costs. But as the war takes a harder toll on the military, that number is projected to balloon to more than $12 billion for the federal budget year that starts next Oct. 1, the documents show.
The $17 billion also includes an additional $5 billion in equipment expenses that the Army requested in previous years but has not yet been provided.
The latest costs include the transfer of more than 1,200 2 1/2-ton trucks, nearly 1,100 Humvees and $8.8 million in other equipment from the U.S. Army to the Iraqi security forces.
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/latestnews/index.php?id=7362
GM to shed quarter of workforce this year
By Bernard Simon in Toronto / Financial Times
General Motors will on Monday disclose details of one of most dramatic corporate downsizings in US history, exceeding a key target of its turnround plan and accelerating the demise of the privileged American car worker.
Rick Wagoner, chief executive, is expected to announce that about 30,000 workers – more than a quarter of GM's blue-collar US workforce – have taken up its offer of early retirement and severance packages.
Almost all will leave by the end of the year, achieving in a few months what the company had set out to accomplish over more than two years.
A total of 50,000 workers or more is set to leave the industry over the next few months.
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/latestnews/index.php?id=7357
Iraq conflict leaves at least 130,000 displaced
By Hiba Moussa and Michael Georgy / Reuters
BAGHDAD - Iraq's sectarian violence of the past four months has pushed the number of displaced people to above 130,000, parliament heard on Monday as members urged ministers to give more aid and security to contain the crisis.
"There should be more field visits to understand their plight," Sunni Arab parliamentarian Dhafir al-Ani told the assembly. "The government should take direct steps and provide security for displaced families, including at their camps."
Iraq's Ministry of Displaced and Migration now puts the number of internal refugees at 130,386, or 21,731 families, its spokesman Sattar Nowruz said.
The number of registered displaced has climbed by as much as 30,000 in the last month, according to ministry statistics.
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/latestnews/index.php?id=7358
Documentary slams GM for ending electric car production
By Justin Hyde / Detroit Free Press
Just as General Motors Corp. has begun to talk about turning a corner after months of bad news from losses and job cuts, a documentary rolling out this week accuses GM of putting its EV1 electric vehicle in an early grave.
"Who Killed the Electric Car?" examines California's fling with mandating electric cars in the 1990s and its decision to drop the mandate in the face of strenuous opposition from the auto industry. "Who Killed the Electric Car?" contends carmakers, government officials and others worked together to keep a viable alternative to gas-powered vehicles off the road.
Like "Roger and Me," which illustrates the negative impact of GM's decision to downsize in Flint, Mich., "Who Killed the Electric Car?" could create a public relations headache for GM. Many automakers have long dismissed electric vehicles as a dead end, but the documentary could resonate with moviegoers, who now spend $3 for every gallon of gasoline they use to drive to the theater.
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/latestnews/index.php?id=7365
Get the Facts !
http://www.sonyclassics.com/whokilledtheelectriccar/electric.html
Watch the Trailer !
http://www.sonyclassics.com/whokilledtheelectriccar/
Find a Theater !
http://movies.aol.com/movie/who-killed-the-electric-car/24980/main
Apple - Trailers - Who Killed The Electric Car? - Trailer
Who Killed The Electric Car? It was among the fastest, most efficient production cars ever built. ... Official Movie site · QuickTime 7 Required ...
http://www.apple.com/trailers/sony/whokilledtheelectriccar/trailer/
Apple - Trailers - Who Killed The Electric Car?
Who Killed The Electric Car? Who Killed The Electric Car? Copyright © 2006 Sony Pictures Classics ... Official Movie site · QuickTime 7 Required ...
http://www.apple.com/trailers/sony/whokilledtheelectriccar/
YouTube - Who Killed the Electric Car trailer
WHO KILLED THE ELECTRIC CAR? chronicles the life and mysterious death of the GM EV1, ... "The Outdoorsmen: Blood, Sweat, & Beers" Movie Trailer ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSBykAngDpY
The New Zealand Herald
Fresh violence in East Timor as rivals square off =
3.45pm Wednesday June 28, 2006
By David Fox
DILI - Fears of renewed violence in East Timor rose today after several houses and small shops in the capital were torched by protesters allied to or against ousted Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri.
Alkatiri quit on Monday following weeks of public protest and while President Xanana Gusmao mulls the ruling Fretilin party's suggestions for a replacement, thousands of party supporters gathered outside the capital, preparing to march on Dili.
Hopes for an end to more than two months of violence fizzled out as news of the gathering by Fretilin party supporters spread. They were expected in the capital today.
But hundreds of anti-Alkatiri protesters were still camped outside the main government building and scores scattered in groups in parks and open areas around the sleepy seaside capital.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&ObjectID=10388789
East Timor president to announce interim government
Wednesday June 28, 2006
East Timor's president Xanana Gusmao is expected to announce a transitional government to replace the administration of Mari Alkatiri, who resigned as prime minister earlier this week.
The president began meeting with his advisory Council of State yesterday, trying to balance the rights of the ruling Fretilin Party, which was elected with an overwhelming majority, against his belief that the current Fretilin leadership is illegitimate.
The last leadership ballot was illegal because it was not a secret ballot.
Nevertheless his close supporter, former foreign minister Jose Ramos Horta, says a compromise can be found.
"The president is trying to navigate through this political complexity and find consensus to form a government in the next few days," he said.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10388780
Flooding cripples US capital, closes attractions
7.20am Wednesday June 28, 2006
By Randall Mikkelsen
WASHINGTON - Torrential rain soaked the US capital, toppled a century-old elm tree at the White House, closed the home of the Declaration of Independence and kept tax collectors from work on Monday.
With as much as 18cm of rain falling since Sunday in an East Coast deluge, flooded basements or power outages forced the Internal Revenue Service, Commerce Department, Justice Department and the National Archives to close.
"The nation's attic" - the Smithsonian Institution - was also hit. Two Smithsonian-run museums and the National Zoo were closed.
The federal government told its 280,000 area workers they could take leave if they were unable to get to work. The Justice Department's main building, where hoses pumped out a flooded basement, would stay closed all week, authorities said.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10388676
Australian stocks: All eyes on US rates
Wednesday June 28, 2006
The Australian share market fell 1 per cent on Wednesday, as top stocks followed Wall Street down on investor wariness over how high the US Federal Reserve might raise interest rates to tame inflation.
The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index .AXJO shed 52.4 points to hit 4,946.8 at the close. Top miner BHP Billiton Ltd./plc was the biggest drag on the index, falling 2.7 per cent, after copper prices slumped 4 per cent.
"Interest rates remain the main preoccupation," said John Sevior, head of Australian equities for Perpetual Investments.
The Fed is widely expected to lift its key funds rate by 25 basis points to 5.25 per cent on Thursday, but investors are keen to know whether it is likely to raise rates further, fearing that an aggressive tack will curb economic growth.
An overnight fall in gold prices hammered gold miners, with Lihir Gold down 4.6 per cent and Newcrest Mining down 2.2 per cent.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=3&ObjectID=10388828
Currency: Trade deficit knocks dollar down
6.00pm Wednesday June 28, 2006
Another ugly and worse-than-expected monthly trade deficit sent the New Zealand dollar spinning lower on all fronts today.
Instead of the expected $23 million surplus forecast by economists for May, a record deficit for that month at $104 million was posted. This was despite exports being at a record.
The kiwi dropped to US60.08 from its US60.60c opening, which was similar to yesterday's close.
There was similar damage against other currencies with the euro falling to a four-year low of 0.4780 from 0.4815 yesterday. Against the aussie, the kiwi fell to A82.04c and against sterling it dropped to a three-year low of 0.3295 from 0.3328.
The trade-weighted index was also at a three-year low of 60.87 compared to 61.43 yesterday.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=3&ObjectID=10388799
Trade deficit hits all-time high
1.00pm Wednesday June 28, 2006
New Zealand's trade deficit for May was an all-time high for the month at $104 million, even as exports hit the highest figure for any month, data published today by Statistics New Zealand (SNZ) showed.
Imports and exports both showed large increases in May, up 24.3 per cent and 24 per cent respectively, compared to May 2005.
Imports were valued at $3.75 billion, with most of the $735 million increase on May 2005 coming from petroleum, diesel and crude and aircraft, SNZ said.
Aircraft were also a large contributor to exports which reached an all-time monthly high of $3.65b.
The figures, which took the annual trade deficit for the year to May to $6.91b, were well outside the expectations of many economists.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=3&ObjectID=10388761
Forecaster cuts Australia barley crop on dry weather
3.40pm Wednesday June 28, 2006
SYDNEY - Private group Australian Crop Forecasters said it has reduced its forecast for barley production for this season by 18 per cent to 8.2 million tonnes due to dry weather.
Rainfall had been generally disappointing despite good falls in June in some areas, it said.
This compares with a recent forecast by the government's Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics for a barley crop of 8.485 million tonnes, compared with 9.869 million tonnes in 2005/06.
Australian Crop Forecasters said pre-season rainfall from January to March had been fairly high, but national rainfall in May was well below the long-term average, leaving most of the cropping belt dry.
Dry weather had stressed crops in Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales, the group said.
"Due to extremely low sub-soil moisture, New South Wales needs constant rainfall to prevent the crops from drying out," it said.
South Australia was the only area likely to produce an average barley crop, but it also urgently needed rain, it said.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=3&ObjectID=10388787
Trampers rescued after losing path in snow
1.00pm Wednesday June 28, 2006
Three trampers had to be airlifted from the Tararua Ranges after waist-deep snow concealed their path.
Senior sergeant Murray Johnston, of Masterton, said the Lower Hutt trampers - two men and a woman, all aged 18 - were making their way from Cattle Ridge Hutt to Cow Creek Hutt.
Mr Johnston said they lost touch with the track, which was buried under a metre of snow on the second day of a three-day tramp.
"Basically it's not only a marginally maintained track, but was also under a metre of snow. They made it halfway through to Cow Creek, got off the track and couldn't get back on it," he said.
At 4.20pm on Monday they phoned one of the tramper's mothers.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10388768
Israeli tanks roll into southern Gaza
UPDATED 12.00pm Wednesday June 28, 2006
By Nidal al-Mughrabi
GAZA - Israeli forces pushed into the Gaza Strip today after threatening a major offensive to try to bring home a soldier captured by Palestinian militants, the army said.
Tanks and armoured vehicles entered the territory near the southern town of Rafah less than a year after Israel pulled thousands of soldiers and settlers from the territory following 38 years of occupation.
An army spokeswoman confirmed the troops had moved into Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing.
Meanwhile, aircraft struck at three bridges on key roads in what the army said was an attempt to stop militants moving the captive. A helicopter strike on a power plant plunged much of Gaza into darkness.
Israel threatened to launch an offensive into Gaza following the abduction of Corporal Gilad Shalit in a cross-border raid on Monday by three Palestinian factions, including the armed wing of the governing Hamas Islamist group.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=601&objectid=10388762
Hamas reaches deal with Abbas, but keeps hard line
9.30am Wednesday June 28, 2006
GAZA - Hamas reached a political agreement with moderate Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas today under the pressure of an international embargo to push it to recognise Israel and soften its line.
But the governing Islamist group -- whose charter calls for the destruction of the Jewish state -- rejected any suggestion that the deal could imply it now accepts Israel's existence.
The European Union, main donor to the Palestinians, praised the agreement as a good first step while Washington said it wanted to see more details. Both emphasised Hamas still had to make clear it recognised Israel and also renounced violence.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&ObjectID=10388743
Space shuttle crew arrives in Florida for launch
5.20pm Wednesday June 28, 2006
CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida - The seven astronauts scheduled to fly aboard the space shuttle Discovery arrived at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida this morning to prepare for Saturday's planned liftoff.
The flight, which is bound for the International Space Station, will be the shuttle's second since the Columbia accident killed seven astronauts more than three years ago. The launch is scheduled for 3.49 pm EDT (7.49am Sunday NZT).
"It's really great to finally be here in Florida for the launch," said Discovery's flight engineer Lisa Nowak, one of three rookie astronauts on the crew, which flew to Florida from Houston.
About the only hurdle in the way of launch could be the weather. Central Florida has been socked by seasonal rain and thunderstorms for the past several days.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&ObjectID=10388788
Scandal-plagued Taiwan president survives vote
Wednesday June 28, 2006
TAIPEI - Scandal-plagued Taiwan President Chen Shui Bian survived a parliamentary vote aimed at unseating him yesterday as thousands of supporters and critics protested outside.
As expected the main Opposition Nationalist Party and the splinter People First Party lacked the necessary two-thirds majority to authorise a referendum on whether to kick Chen out of office.
A total of 119 deputies voted to refer Chen's fate to the electorate, while 14 cast null ballots, meaning that the motion fell short of the 148 votes needed to pass, parliamentary speaker Wang Jin Pyng said.
Barbed-wire barricades were set up outside Parliament before the vote, but no clashes were reported between thousands of Chen supporters and Opposition protesters. Up to 5000 policemen were mobilised to maintain order.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10388640
Tamil Tiger apology for Gandhi assassination
11.20am Wednesday June 28, 2006
By Justin Huggler
In an unexpected move, Sri Lanka's Tamil Tiger rebels today apologised for the assassination of the former Indian Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi, in 1991.
It was the first time the Tigers have directly admitted responsibility for the death of Gandhi, who was killed by a suicide bomber.
"I would say it is a great tragedy, a monumental historical tragedy for which we deeply regret," the Tigers' chief negotiator, Anton Balasingham, said in an interview with India's NDTV.
"We call upon the government of India and people of India to be magnanimous to put the past behind." The apology comes at a time when Sri Lanka is on the brink of a return to civil war between government forces and the Tamil Tigers.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&ObjectID=10388749
Two British marines killed in Afghanistan
10.20am Wednesday June 28, 2006
By Kim Sengupta and Tom Coghlan
KABUL - Two British special forces personnel have been killed after an attack on a night-time patrol in southern Afghanistan.
The deaths came after a rocket-propelled grenade attack on the patrol in the Sangin Valley part of Helmand province. The killings were the first to claim the lives of Special Forces personnel since 2003, when Corporal Ian Plank died in Iraq.
They occurred in one of the most violent areas of Afghanistan, where Western forces are engaged in a vicious war of attrition with a resurgent Taleban.
The deaths came during a sustained and intense firefight in which British troops had to call up artillery, Apache helicopter gunships and Harrier warplanes in support.
The lethal attack took place just 24 hours after the Defence Secretary had said the use of the vehicles in combat zones will be reviewed after repeated claims that they did not provide enough protection.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&ObjectID=10388747
Guantanamo inmates hid pills, nooses
1.20pm Wednesday June 28, 2006
By Jane Sutton
GUANTANAMO BAY - Guantanamo detainees were found with pills stuffed into the waistbands of their pants and in one case, inside a prosthetic leg, weeks before three prisoners hanged themselves, a doctor at the camp hospital said today.
Guards found nooses in other prisoners' cells after the three deaths, said Rear Admiral Harry Harris, who oversees the detention operation. He said the stashed pills and nooses indicated other prisoners planned to take part in co-ordinated suicides, something some have acknowledged.
"They continue to look for ways to make their point or fight their fight," Harris said.
US military officials have implemented new measures aimed at preventing suicides since the prisoners killed themselves, an event that intensified pressure on Washington to close the controversial prison at a remote US naval base in Cuba.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&ObjectID=10388774
continued …
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Summer Fun at the Zoo
Caption : Photo by CHRIS HOLMES/Lansing State Journal)
Checking out the rhino: Kaitlyn Kaschinske (left) of Mason and Elizabeth Schulert of Grand Ledge, both 8, lean forward Monday to get a closer look at the black rhino at Potter Park Zoo. They were taking part in the Zookambi summer program for kids, which runs Mondays through Thursdays until Aug. 14.
Homer and the Elephant.
Homer's' Family and Homer and the Elephant.
Homer's greatest fear; will the Elephant and Bart have the same goals in life? To roam without end until their hearts are content?
Will Bart become an Elephant Sultan? Does that mean Bart actually has goals or just a fantasy? Tune in next week and find out whether Bart has cleaned up after the elephant.
Morning Papers - concluidng
Zoos
Orphan Lion Being Raised By Humans At Zoo
Cub's Mother Died During Delivery
POSTED: 9:13 am PDT June 23, 2006
UPDATED: 9:18 am PDT June 23, 2006
EBERSWALDE, Germany -- A lion cub is being raised by humans at a German zoo because her mother died during her Caesarian delivery.
The little lioness is called "Kismet," which means "fate."
Sadly, Kismet's mother accidentally smothered her firstborn cub.
At only 5 weeks of age, Kismet is already a charmer, delighting visitors of all ages at the zoo.
The cub is being fed a specially mixed formula milk, but she is also getting small pieces of beef.
http://www.nbc4.tv/news/9416897/detail.html
Animal feed rules tightened
Jun. 26, 2006. 03:03 PM
CANADIAN PRESS
OTTAWA — Canada is moving to expand its ban on cattle tissue in animal feed to include all feed, pet food and fertilizers.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says the new ban goes much further than the 1997 rules that kept cows from eating feed made using cattle parts.
Canada has had five cases of cattle infected with mad cow disease, or BSE, including two this year.
Those cows were found to have been born after the 1997 feed ban came into effect, but were infected by contaminated feed.
The agency says the newest rules will greatly reduce the risk of accidental contamination.
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1151319012102&call_pageid=968332188492&col=968793972154&t=TS_Home
Zoo Launches Campaign To Save Elephants
Written By 9 News
Created:6/20/2006 11:57:15 AM
Last Updated:6/22/2006 8:21:59 AM
The National Zoo has launched a new campaign to help save the endangered Asian elephant.
The campaign has several elements, a new home for elephants at the Zoo's DC campus, conservation and science, an education outreach program, and a new research facility in Front Royal, Virginia.
The Zoo hopes the work will ensure a future for Asian elephants both in zoos and in the wild.
Construction on the new elephant house, called Elephant Trails, will begin next spring.
The $60 million project is being paid for with federal funds and private donations.
http://wusatv9.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=50264
More on the Zoo's Elephants
Yesterday we broached the idea of getting rid of the zoo's elephants, freeing them of their tight digs in Woodley Park and sending them someplace where they could romp around as nature intended. Today, we have two updates. It seems that things might not be as bad as we thought.
Not too long after our initial post, a spokesperson for the National Zoo sent us an email detailing the steps the zoo was taking to ensure that the elephants were as happy and healthy as possible. They wrote:
...“roaming” and space are not the ultimate guarantees of elephant health and well-being. Elephants are very complex social animals—their needs are not as simple as acreage. The National Zoo’s new elephant plans are focused on elephant life as a multi-generational herd, and will provide this herd with varied habitats and options for socializing. In addition, knowledge from 50 years of studying elephants is included in the plans for a new habitat (i.e., all indoor space—of which there will be nearly five times more—has all soft flooring, mostly sand and dirt, but some rubberized spaces, too.)
And right on cue, today the Post describes the new $60 million elephant habitat that will be completed sometime next year. States the article:
Under the current design concept, the zoo's elephants would have at least four acres of outdoor and indoor space, including a central area in the Elephant House where the animals could socialize 24 hours a day instead of being kept in separate enclosures at night. The herd, which now lives on less than an acre, would grow from three elephants to between eight and 10 adults and their offspring.
Though an improvement, some animal rights activists still claim that this is far short of the 40 to 1,000 acres some elephant sanctuaries provide, an argument we're still partial to. While we'd like to see the elephants roaming freely in larger habitats, it's good to see that the National Zoo is taking action.
http://www.dcist.com/archives/2006/06/21/more_on_the_zoo_1.php
Animal Rights Activists Blast LA Zoo Over Elephant Death
POSTED: 1:07 pm PDT June 20, 2006
UPDATED: 1:35 pm PDT June 20, 2006
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LOS ANGELES -- Animal rights activists on Tuesday blasted the Los Angeles Zoo's treatment of an elephant who died earlier this month and said they want federal officials to investigate the pachyderm's death.
Gita, the 48-year-old elephant who died June 10, stood constantly on her arthritic feet, even though most elephants lie down and sleep about four hours a night, according to Kristie Phelps with In Defense of Animals.
According to zoo officials, Gita was first spotted in a "downed position" at 5 a.m. the day of her death. But IDA activists said they believe zoo personnel may have spotted Gita's condition sometime before midnight the previous night -- leaving her suffering without care for at least five hours.
"We hope this information is not true," Bill Dyer of IDA said at a news conference outside the zoo.
http://www.nbc4.tv/news/9399985/detail.html
Asian Elephants To Get New Habitat At National Zoo
POSTED: 4:24 pm EDT June 20, 2006
UPDATED: 7:26 pm EDT June 20, 2006
WASHINGTON -- The National Zoo kicked off a $60 million campaign to save the Asian elephant from extinction.
Only about 30,000 Asian elephants remain in the entire world, but the National Zoo's three Asian elephants are getting an impressive new habitat. The habitat will include four acres outdoors and a new indoor elephant house that's five times the size of the current elephant house.
The Elephant Trails Campaign includes an education program for the millions who visit the zoo, as well as outreach to conservation groups around the world. And a new research facility in Front Royal, Va., will allow the zoo to expand its elephant-breeding program.
Construction on the project is set to begin next spring. Hippopotamuses and giraffes will be temporarily relocated.
http://www.nbc4.com/news/9400102/detail.html
L.A. Zoo Investigating Gita the Elephant's Death
Animal rights activists call for a federal probe.
By Lynn Doan, Times Staff Writer
June 21, 2006
The director of the Los Angeles Zoo told the Zoo Commission on Tuesday that he was conducting a full investigation into Gita the elephant's recent death, which animal rights activists call premature and blame on mistreatment.
Members of the group In Defense of Animals protested outside the commission meeting and demanded that federal officials launch an independent investigation.
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-elephants21jun21,1,6056144.story?coll=la-headlines-pe-california&ctrack=1&cset=true
News : Catoctin Zoo Puts Tiger Cubs on Display
Posted by sabraham on 2006/6/20 17:16:00 (184 reads)
THURMONT, MD- The Catoctin Wildlife Preserve in Thurmont is now putting three Bengal tiger cubs on public display.
The white tiger cubs were born at the zoo a little over three weeks ago. A male cub, Sabul, and a female cub, Sanjuli, are healthy, weighing about 7 to ten pounds.
The runt of the litter, Suvali, a female cub, weighs about four pounds.
Animal care workers said she's improving daily. Zoo officials announced today that Suvali will be staying at the zoo permanently, providing a great teaching tool.
“To have the healthy tigers born is a bonus in itself. To be able to have the species continue on, so we can teach the children. Habitat loss will maybe be more in the forefronts of their minds and how fragile all the animals are,” said
This fall, two of the cubs will be sent to an Arizona zoo, where the mother tiger is on loan from. The father, 11-year-old Kashmir, will stay at the Catoctin Zoo.
Reported by Adam Hudson
http://www.nbc25.com/main/modules/news/article.php?storyid=2741
Rare monkeys stolen from zoo
LONDON, June 20 (UPI) -- Five endangered monkeys have been stolen from a British zoo.
Two silvery marmosets, Captain Jack and Jazz, and their 6-week-old baby, Larkin, were taken Sunday along with a pair of Geoffrey marmosets -- Calli and Cartman -- from a glass-fronted enclosure at the Drusilla's Zoo near Alfriston, East Sussex, the London Telegraph reported.
The marmosets are worth up to $5,500 each on the black market, the newspaper said.
The zoo fears for the well-being of Jazz as she needs medication twice a day for a jaw infection. Without her, it is unlikely that her baby will survive.
http://www.dailyindia.com/show/36061.php/Rare-monkeys-stolen-from-zoo
Auckland Zoo otter on the run
Jun 21, 2006
One of Auckland Zoo's otters is on the run and may be enjoying the hospitality on the North Shore
Three otters escaped from a newly repaired nest box last Tuesday and while two were back in their enclosure by the next day, a female named Jin has still not been found.
To the surprise of zoo staff she was spotted in Devonport on Tuesday, which means she has somehow made her way from Western Springs to the waterfront and across the Waitemata Harbour.
"Jin has obviously been carried from the Meola Creek area on the outgoing tide. While otters are good swimmers, we're absolutely stunned at the distance she has travelled," says Auckland Zoo curator, Maria Finnigan.
Zoo staff immediately went to Devonport where she had been seen. Measures were put in place to try and recapture the otter, but they proved unsuccessful.
http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/411423/759326
Auckland Zoo staff worried about escapee otter
21 June 2006
Auckland Zoo staff are becoming increasingly worried about an escaped otter, Jin, who has been missing for more than a week.
Jin was last spotted early yesterday evening in Devonport, on the North Shore about 10km from the zoo, but has eluded zoo staff trying to catch her.
Auckland Zoo curator Maria Finnigan said the four-year-old Asiatic short-clawed otter escaped along with two other otters last Tuesday afternoon, after a nesting box was not properly fixed to the wall of their enclosure.
The other otters were found in the zoo grounds shortly after their bid for freedom.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3707505a10,00.html
Mayor Tours Improved Great Plains Zoo
From rotting fences to deteriorating exhibits, two years ago a tour of the Great Plains Zoo revealed a lot of needed improvements.
But the zoo's new president says the 45-year-old facility is looking much better.
Tuesday she gave Mayor Dave Munson and KELOLAND NEWS a tour.
Zoo president Elizabeth Whealy says, "There are a lot of things we can be really proud of."
Seven months into leading the Great Plains Zoo, Elizabeth Whealy says she's paying attention to the details.
She says, "In terms of painting up, cleaning up, adding signage, we're currently producing about 50 signs for exhibits that don't have any signage to tell you what the animals are."
This summer, fencing at exhibits in the oldest part of the zoo will be replaced.
Whealy says, "It's split apart, it's really a safety issue."
The waterfowl pond is looking cleaner, after staff pumped out 30 tons of sludge.
http://www.keloland.com/News/NewsDetail5440.cfm?Id=0,48886
Zoo board approves $225,000 for levy try
Officials hope donors will help fund effort
It could cost the Toledo Zoo nearly a quarter-million dollars to campaign for a 1-mill, 10-year capital improvement levy proposed for the November ballot.
A similar measure was defeated in May.
The zoo board approved spending $225,000 on the campaign yesterday. But zoo officials hope donors will pick up at least part of the tab, said Anne Baker, the zoo's executive director.
"What we don't bring in [in donations] will come out of the board's operating budget,'' she said.
The issue would bring the zoo a projected $8.6 million year. It will pay for pay for repairs to the aquarium's antiquated equipment, bigger elephant and hippo enclosures, a new "children's zone," and pay off $13 million in debt.
If passed, the capital levy would cost the owner of $100,000 home $36 per year.
The zoo budgeted $188,000 of its own funds - not taxpayer money - during the last levy campaign, and took in about $54,000 in donations. Some $13,000 in campaign funding remains, and will go toward the new initiative. Voters approved an 0.85-mill operating levy in May but defeated the capital improvement levy.
In other business, the board elected Toledo resident Marna Ramnath president, replacing Steven Staelin, whose term as president is ending. Other officers are, Gary Smith, vice president, Zac Isaac, treasurer, and Cindy Redmann, secretary.
Three members joined the board. They are Toledo City Councilman Michael Ashford, Baldemar Velasquez, president of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee, and veterinarian Dr. William DeHoff.
Mr. Ashford and Mr. Velasquez were appointed to the zoo board by the Lucas County commissioners.
http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060620/NEWS38/606200383/-1/NEWS
IMPALA BORN AT TOLEDO ZOO
A male impala was born Sunday at the Toledo Zoo, but the public won’t see him for at least a month. The impala is the second offspring of a 4-year-old named Libby. He’ll be put on exhibit when he has developed enough to live in the mixed-species Africa area. Everybody’s doing well so far,’ and the baby is bonding with its mother, said Andi Norman, a zoo spokesman. The zoo has two male and four female impalas, plus the baby.
http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060622/NEWS38/60622005
Mike Pound: Two by Two Zoo offers quite the view
The Joplin Globe
By Mike Pound
Globe columnist
Did you know that alligators hiss when they're ticked off?
And when I say "hiss," I don't mean alligators hiss with a cute little cat sort of hiss. I mean alligators hiss with a fire-breathing dragon kind of hiss.
It's the sort of thing you probably don't want to hear when you're walking through the Florida Everglades.
But if you're standing on the other side of two fences at Clint Markham's private zoo, the hiss of an alligator is not quite as intimidating. I mean, you're glad there are two fences between you and the alligator, but really the hiss is more impressive than it is intimidating. (OK, I'll admit it: When the alligator first jumped off his rock and hissed at me, it scared the O'Reilly out of me.)
Also impressive is the purr of a nearly full-grown lion while Clint scratches its back. So is the growl a female cougar makes when she notices Clint petting the male cougar who shares her cage. The female cougar was jealous, Clint said.
http://www.joplinglobe.com/columns/local_story_172004314?keyword=topstory
Zoo to welcome special visitor
20-millionth guest expected to walk through gate this morning
By BERTRAM RANTIN
News Columnist
The folks at Riverbanks Zoo believe there are 20 million reasons to make a trip to see the animals.
And zoo officials are anticipating the 20-millionth visitor will walk through the gates today.
“Twenty million is a number that’s almost beyond comprehension. Just imagine how many positive experiences that adds up to,” Riverbanks executive director Satch Krantz said.
Zoo officials plan to award the park’s 20-millionth guest unlimited visits to the zoo for one year. Guest services anticipate the arrival could come as early as midmorning.
“When Riverbanks opened 32 years ago, we couldn’t imagine reaching such a milestone,” Krantz said.
Krantz is one of two zoo employees who have been at Riverbanks since it opened.
http://www.centredaily.com/mld/centredaily/news/nation/14865117.htm
5 endangered marmosets stolen from zoo
Associated Press
London Five endangered monkeys were stolen from a zoo over the weekend, the latest in a recent string of thefts involving small primates across England, police said Monday.
A family of silvery marmosets - male, female and 2-month-old baby - and a pair of Geoffrey marmosets were taken late Saturday from nesting boxes at Drusillas Park Zoo in East Sussex.
Thieves also tried to break into a third enclosure holding small monkeys, zoo officials said.
Zoos in Devon and Suffolk have also had small monkeys pilfered in recent weeks.
"This is not a casual crime," said John Haywood, coordinator of the National Theft Register for Exotic Animals. "This is extremely well-organized and is no doubt part of a series. These are specialist crimes."
Haywood, who estimated more than 50 small monkeys have been stolen in England and Scotland the past few years, said police believe the marmosets were taken for use in the international illegal pet trade.
http://www.wilmingtonstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060620/NEWS/606200332/-1/State
Oregon Zoo's ZooTeens Rally To Raise Funds For Permanent Insectarium
Portland, Oregon - There's a big, bizarre and beautiful world of arthropods waiting to be discovered, and if Jamie Klein, a ZooTeen at the Oregon Zoo has her way, the zoo will build a new insectarium to showcase specimens from all over the globe.
http://www.medfordnews.com/articles/index.cfm?artOID=331332&cp=10997
Think your office is a zoo? Companies go pet-friendly
Jun 21, 2006 — By Ellen Wulfhorst
NEW YORK (Reuters) - On a typical day at Tellme Networks Inc., Jackson snores, Penny spends time learning Chinese and the bosses and workers are delighted.
Penny, a Labrador Retriever, and Jackson, a bulldog, are part of an effort at many U.S. companies to allow pets in the workplace. One survey shows nearly one in five U.S. companies allow pets at work.
Millions of Americans believe pets on the job lower absenteeism and encourage workers to get along, according to the survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=2102275
Franklin Park Zoo enjoys baby boom
By Denise Lavoie, Associated Press Writer June 21, 2006
BOSTON --A two-week old zebra, a giraffe named Autumn and three tiny kangaroos are part of a baby boom at Franklin Park zoo, where Australian walkingsticks, blue poison dart frogs and three different kinds of bats have also been welcomed into the world during the past year.
Zookeepers are hoping the new arrivals will draw more visitors to the zoo, which has struggled financially in recent years.
Founded in 1913, the 72-acre zoo is located in Boston's Franklin Park, in the city's Dorchester neighborhood.
The zoo's location smack in the middle of an inner-city neighborhood gives residents a view of zebras, ostriches and even wildebeest from their front porches. But its location also probably kept some visitors away.
"There remains a stigma of the neighborhood, which is unfounded, but people have their fears," said John Linehan, the zoo's president and chief executive.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2006/06/21/franklin_park_zoo_enjoys_baby_boom/
More Animals and Security at Potter Park Zoo
Natalie Johnson
Nearly a week after three Potter Park Zoo animals are killed, the zoo is getting ready for replacements.
Last Thursday night, two dogs slipped into the zoo and mauled four Patagonian Cavies. Three of them died.
The two dogs have been captured.
Potter Park Zoo is importing five Cavies from the Toronto Zoo in Canada.
The zoo director doesn't exactly know how the dogs got in, but he says the zoo is taking extra precautions so it will not happen again.
The large South American rodent that survived the dog attack is expected to live, bringing the Potter Park Zoo Cavy count up to six once the others arrive.
http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/3204731.html
Summer program shows kids exactly who's who at the zoo
By Jen Marckini
Lansing State Journal
Four-year-old Grace Dilday put on her Pooh Bear ears looking for animals in Lansing's Potter Park zoo this week.
Grace didn't catch Piglets, Roos or Tiggers, but she did get the chance to pet her first animal - a rabbit.
"She's so soft," said Grace, petting the white rabbit.
http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060622/NEWS01/606220366/1001/news
Animals of Russia's arctic heading to MN Zoo
The Minnesota Zoo presented plans Thursday for its new exhibit featuring the animals that live on Russia's Arctic coast, including the Russian grizzly bear.
The $23 million exhibit is called "Russia's Grizzly Coast" and it will be the zoo's most expensive addition since 1996. The new exhibit will also include wild boars, Amur leopards, sea otters, and a woolly mammoth dig.
Minnesota Zoo Director Lee Ehmke said the 3.5-acre exhibit will open in 2008 and will be near the zoo's Central Plaza, at the opening of the facility's outdoor area.
Kris Vehrs, deputy director of the Maryland-based American Zoo and Aquarium Association, said the exhibit will be unique among American zoos for featuring this particular Russian ecosystem.
Ehmke said the exhibit will enhance the Minnesota Zoo's standing among other U.S. zoos because it's committing staff and money to help with conservation on Russia's eastern coast.
"More and more, zoos are measured by their real-world conservation activities," Ehmke said. "It is becoming one of the critical roles of zoos."
http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=127694
Bay and beyond
Clear your head. Gape at the view. Get some exercise. Change your scenery. Meet some creatures. You're in the Bay Area, after all.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Aquarium of the Bay Sea life indigenous to San Francisco Bay is the focus at this venue that features two clear-tunnel exhibitions through which visitors can walk and be surrounded by fish. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. $7.50-$33.95. Pier 39, Embarcadero at Beach St. (888) 732-3483. www.aquariumofthebay.com.
California Academy of Sciences "Snake Alley." Anaconda, African rock python, ball python, pine snake, California king snake, ground boas, emerald tree boas, more. "Hotspot: California on the Edge." Meet live frogs, salamanders and insects. "Discovery Tide Pool." Visitors can handle a few of the animals that live along our coast, including turban snails, hermit crabs and mussels. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. 875 Howard St. (415) 321-8000. www.calacademy.org.
Coyote Point Museum Native animals, reptiles and birds in wildlife habitats; games, displays and films in Environmental Hall. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun. 1651 Coyote Point Dr., San Mateo. (650) 342-7755. www.coyoteptmuseum.org.
Happy Hollow Park and Zoo Baby Zoo offers creative play areas, rides and puppet shows. Animal-contact area houses domestic and exotic animals. 1300 Senter Rd., San Jose. (408) 277-3000.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/06/22/NSGNVJEQRR1.DTL&type=travelbayarea
Zoo Tales: Four Species of Raptors On Display at N.C. Zoo
BY TOM GILLESPIE: SPECIAL TO THE PILOT
They're called birds of prey, or raptors, and their grace and beauty is legendary.
They generally include hawks, falcons, owls, kites, eagles, ospreys, condors and some vultures.
They're high on the food chain and have few predators -- except the one that could cause their most rapid decline -- man.
Birds of prey range in size from the huge, 30-pound Andean condor to the tiny, one-ounce Bornean falconet. Their weight is surprisingly light, though, due to their hollow bones and much of their body mass being feathers. A golden eagle, which can stand as tall as 40 inches, weighs only about 13 pounds.
Primarily, they feed on the flesh of other animals, grasping and killing their prey with their talons. It is a myth that the larger raptors, such as eagles, can grasp and carry off small children and larger domestic animals. A golden eagle, for example, weighs about 12-15 pounds. It can lift and fly away with only about one-third its own weight.
http://www.thepilot.com/features/062306Zoo.html
State reduces Mill Mountain Zoo funding
Mill Mountain Zoo did not receive quite as much money as it hoped in the latest state budget. The zoo requested $200,000 but found out this week it's being allotted $40,000 in the two-year budget, less than it received in recent years.
Zoo Director Sean Greene says, "Well it wasn't what we expected, hoping for a little bit more, then again, when you get $40,000, you can't be sad about that. It's better than nothing."
In past years, the zoo has received more than $80,000 in the state budget. Greene says the zoo is paying down debt from the winter when the zoo is staffed, but visitors don't come out.
The zoo does have a new cougar, Nina, new paint, and some other improvements. Greene says that's helped bring more people out.
http://www.wdbj7.com/Global/story.asp?S=5068186&nav=S6aK
Harriet, the world's oldest tortoise, dies aged 176
SYDNEY: A 176-year-old giant tortoise believed to have been studied by famed English naturalist Charles Darwin, has died in Australia after a short illness.
The extremely elderly tortoise, Harriet, was hatched on the Galapagos Islands in 1830 but lived out her final years at Australia Zoo in southeast Queensland where she was the star attraction.
Senior veterinarian John Hangar said the 150-kilogram (330-pound) reptile died on Thursday night after a short illness.
"She had been sick yesterday with, in effect, heart failure," Hangar told ABC radio.
"She had a fairly acute heart attack and thankfully passed away quietly overnight."
Hangar said Harriet, who had made it into the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's oldest living animal, had been credited with helping Darwin pioneer his theory of evolution.
"It's thought she may have been taken off there (Galapagos) by Charles Darwin," he said.
"She's spent a period of time in Britain and found herself at the Botanic Gardens in Brisbane from about 1850 or 1860 onwards and eventually she found her way up to Australia Zoo."
Harriet was originally named Harry, as she was mistakenly identified as male, an error which was not rectified for more than a century.
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1037268
Dogs Break into Local Zoo Again
June 23, 2006 06:42 AM EDT
Two killer dogs got inside Potter Park Zoo again Wednesday night. This comes less than a week after the same two dogs killed three zoo animals. A black steel gate separates animal from man, and a fence is supposed to protect animals from what's outside the zoo.
Gerry Brady, Director of Potter Park Zoo: "Our highest priority is to make sure our animal collection is safe from outside intruders."
http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=5069334&nav=0RbQ
Dogs killed after getting in zoo again
2 canines accused of attacking cavies caught in sheep pen
By Christine Rook
Lansing State Journal
Two dogs believed to have killed three Potter Park Zoo cavies last week were euthanized Thursday after they were found at the zoo inside an exhibit of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.
The dogs, which were caught Monday, had been returned to their owner late Tuesday only to escape from their fenced backyard by 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. Officials discovered the dogs in the zoo shortly after midnight Thursday.
"These dogs are pros," said Jamie McAloon Lampman, director of Ingham County Animal Control.
http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060623/NEWS01/606230326/1001/news
Brevard Zoo is all butterflies about its summer activities
By JANET BEGLEY
correspondent
June 23, 2006
MELBOURNE — Visit the Brevard Zoo and you'll see the same animals doing the same things. Right?
Wrong.
If you plan your visit to the zoo this summer, it can be an even more rewarding experience for you and your family with the special activities that are taking flight.
The Brevard Zoo is the only animal attraction in Brevard County, according to marketing director Andrea Hill.
"We offer a variety of animals not often found in other zoos," said Hill. "But if you ask our guests, it is the experience. Our zoo is filled with boardwalks that wind around in a circle and we have lush vegetation throughout the park. This creates an intimate experience between our guests and the animals."
Kathi Schillo, president/CEO of the Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of ComMerce, said that the Brevard Zoo is a shining star among the leisure/recreation attractions in Brevard County.
"They have a creative approach to continuously bring outstanding events and activities to our citizens," said Schillo. "Their nature-based environment offers tremendous educational opportunities for the entire family."
http://www.tcpalm.com/tcp/local_news/article/0,2545,TCP_16736_4791626,00.html
Delhi Zoo restructuring on cards
New Delhi - The Central Zoo Authority has proposed restructuring the Delhi zoological park in a move that may see the involvement of corporates, Environment Secretary Prodipto Ghosh said here Tuesday.
An autonomous body, the Central Zoo Authority has over the last few years derecognised 90 zoos in the country for shortcomings on various counts, mostly due to lack of resources.
The Central Zoo Authority is looking at various measures to raise resources including setting up of a national zoo research centre and improve visitor facilitation. It has proposed an action plan for Delhi zoo, which if successful will be later extended to other states,’ Ghosh said during a media briefing.
The draft action plan for restructuring the Delhi zoo is awaiting approval by the ministry of environment and forest.
http://indiaenews.com/2006-06/12880-delhi-zoo-restructuring-cards.htm
Traffic Is A Zoo At The Zoo.
posted June 23rd, 2006
There is free admission to the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Zoo today, but the real zoo is on the road leading to the gates.
It seems as though everyone in the city is taking advantage of the sunshine and visiting the tigers, monkeys, and goats, as traffic on Attridge Drive is bumper to bumper.
One bus driver waited 45 long minutes just to get to the entrance.
The free admission lasts until 9 tonight, with free charter buses running from city hall to the zoo until 6.
Tyran Ault Reports.
http://www.ckom.com/index.php?p=localnews&action=view_story&id=3732
Zoo invites visitors to 'adopt' animals
Thursday, June 22, 2006
By KELLEY YOUMANThisWeek Staff Writer
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is inviting visitors to take a piece of the zoo home with them at its annual adoption event this Saturday.
On Saturday June 24, the zoo will celebrate Adoption Appreciation Day.
For a minimum donation of $35, people can "adopt" an animal and help contribute to the zoo's $650,000 annual food bill.
The adopter helps support an animal of their choice, without having to clean up after it or care for it, as animals remain at the zoo.
Adoption coordinator Pat Patzer sent out more than 2,100 invitations to families around central Ohio who have adopted an animal within the last year.
Many people have been adopting animals through the zoo for 20-some years, she said. On average, Patzer said she processes 50 adoptions per week.
"People tend to get hooked," she said. "We definitely have a strong backing ... But we always need more people to participate because as we grow, the food bill is going to grow as well."
Adopters receive a certificate, photo and fact sheet about their adopted animal, and more than one person or family can adopt a single animal, Patzer said.
For more than 30 years, the zoo has run the ADOPT program, which stands for "animals depend on people, too."
Households that have adopted in the last year received six tickets for free admission on June 24, and an invitation to adopt another animal.
Visitors can adopt an animal at the entrance and will immediately receive the six free tickets, good for admission on June 24 only, Patzer said.
For more information call (614) 645-3407 or log onto www.columbuszoo.org.
http://www.thisweeknews.com/?edition=common&story=thisweeknews/062206/Powell/News/062206-News-176564.html
continued …
Orphan Lion Being Raised By Humans At Zoo
Cub's Mother Died During Delivery
POSTED: 9:13 am PDT June 23, 2006
UPDATED: 9:18 am PDT June 23, 2006
EBERSWALDE, Germany -- A lion cub is being raised by humans at a German zoo because her mother died during her Caesarian delivery.
The little lioness is called "Kismet," which means "fate."
Sadly, Kismet's mother accidentally smothered her firstborn cub.
At only 5 weeks of age, Kismet is already a charmer, delighting visitors of all ages at the zoo.
The cub is being fed a specially mixed formula milk, but she is also getting small pieces of beef.
http://www.nbc4.tv/news/9416897/detail.html
Animal feed rules tightened
Jun. 26, 2006. 03:03 PM
CANADIAN PRESS
OTTAWA — Canada is moving to expand its ban on cattle tissue in animal feed to include all feed, pet food and fertilizers.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says the new ban goes much further than the 1997 rules that kept cows from eating feed made using cattle parts.
Canada has had five cases of cattle infected with mad cow disease, or BSE, including two this year.
Those cows were found to have been born after the 1997 feed ban came into effect, but were infected by contaminated feed.
The agency says the newest rules will greatly reduce the risk of accidental contamination.
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1151319012102&call_pageid=968332188492&col=968793972154&t=TS_Home
Zoo Launches Campaign To Save Elephants
Written By 9 News
Created:6/20/2006 11:57:15 AM
Last Updated:6/22/2006 8:21:59 AM
The National Zoo has launched a new campaign to help save the endangered Asian elephant.
The campaign has several elements, a new home for elephants at the Zoo's DC campus, conservation and science, an education outreach program, and a new research facility in Front Royal, Virginia.
The Zoo hopes the work will ensure a future for Asian elephants both in zoos and in the wild.
Construction on the new elephant house, called Elephant Trails, will begin next spring.
The $60 million project is being paid for with federal funds and private donations.
http://wusatv9.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=50264
More on the Zoo's Elephants
Yesterday we broached the idea of getting rid of the zoo's elephants, freeing them of their tight digs in Woodley Park and sending them someplace where they could romp around as nature intended. Today, we have two updates. It seems that things might not be as bad as we thought.
Not too long after our initial post, a spokesperson for the National Zoo sent us an email detailing the steps the zoo was taking to ensure that the elephants were as happy and healthy as possible. They wrote:
...“roaming” and space are not the ultimate guarantees of elephant health and well-being. Elephants are very complex social animals—their needs are not as simple as acreage. The National Zoo’s new elephant plans are focused on elephant life as a multi-generational herd, and will provide this herd with varied habitats and options for socializing. In addition, knowledge from 50 years of studying elephants is included in the plans for a new habitat (i.e., all indoor space—of which there will be nearly five times more—has all soft flooring, mostly sand and dirt, but some rubberized spaces, too.)
And right on cue, today the Post describes the new $60 million elephant habitat that will be completed sometime next year. States the article:
Under the current design concept, the zoo's elephants would have at least four acres of outdoor and indoor space, including a central area in the Elephant House where the animals could socialize 24 hours a day instead of being kept in separate enclosures at night. The herd, which now lives on less than an acre, would grow from three elephants to between eight and 10 adults and their offspring.
Though an improvement, some animal rights activists still claim that this is far short of the 40 to 1,000 acres some elephant sanctuaries provide, an argument we're still partial to. While we'd like to see the elephants roaming freely in larger habitats, it's good to see that the National Zoo is taking action.
http://www.dcist.com/archives/2006/06/21/more_on_the_zoo_1.php
Animal Rights Activists Blast LA Zoo Over Elephant Death
POSTED: 1:07 pm PDT June 20, 2006
UPDATED: 1:35 pm PDT June 20, 2006
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LOS ANGELES -- Animal rights activists on Tuesday blasted the Los Angeles Zoo's treatment of an elephant who died earlier this month and said they want federal officials to investigate the pachyderm's death.
Gita, the 48-year-old elephant who died June 10, stood constantly on her arthritic feet, even though most elephants lie down and sleep about four hours a night, according to Kristie Phelps with In Defense of Animals.
According to zoo officials, Gita was first spotted in a "downed position" at 5 a.m. the day of her death. But IDA activists said they believe zoo personnel may have spotted Gita's condition sometime before midnight the previous night -- leaving her suffering without care for at least five hours.
"We hope this information is not true," Bill Dyer of IDA said at a news conference outside the zoo.
http://www.nbc4.tv/news/9399985/detail.html
Asian Elephants To Get New Habitat At National Zoo
POSTED: 4:24 pm EDT June 20, 2006
UPDATED: 7:26 pm EDT June 20, 2006
WASHINGTON -- The National Zoo kicked off a $60 million campaign to save the Asian elephant from extinction.
Only about 30,000 Asian elephants remain in the entire world, but the National Zoo's three Asian elephants are getting an impressive new habitat. The habitat will include four acres outdoors and a new indoor elephant house that's five times the size of the current elephant house.
The Elephant Trails Campaign includes an education program for the millions who visit the zoo, as well as outreach to conservation groups around the world. And a new research facility in Front Royal, Va., will allow the zoo to expand its elephant-breeding program.
Construction on the project is set to begin next spring. Hippopotamuses and giraffes will be temporarily relocated.
http://www.nbc4.com/news/9400102/detail.html
L.A. Zoo Investigating Gita the Elephant's Death
Animal rights activists call for a federal probe.
By Lynn Doan, Times Staff Writer
June 21, 2006
The director of the Los Angeles Zoo told the Zoo Commission on Tuesday that he was conducting a full investigation into Gita the elephant's recent death, which animal rights activists call premature and blame on mistreatment.
Members of the group In Defense of Animals protested outside the commission meeting and demanded that federal officials launch an independent investigation.
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-elephants21jun21,1,6056144.story?coll=la-headlines-pe-california&ctrack=1&cset=true
News : Catoctin Zoo Puts Tiger Cubs on Display
Posted by sabraham on 2006/6/20 17:16:00 (184 reads)
THURMONT, MD- The Catoctin Wildlife Preserve in Thurmont is now putting three Bengal tiger cubs on public display.
The white tiger cubs were born at the zoo a little over three weeks ago. A male cub, Sabul, and a female cub, Sanjuli, are healthy, weighing about 7 to ten pounds.
The runt of the litter, Suvali, a female cub, weighs about four pounds.
Animal care workers said she's improving daily. Zoo officials announced today that Suvali will be staying at the zoo permanently, providing a great teaching tool.
“To have the healthy tigers born is a bonus in itself. To be able to have the species continue on, so we can teach the children. Habitat loss will maybe be more in the forefronts of their minds and how fragile all the animals are,” said
This fall, two of the cubs will be sent to an Arizona zoo, where the mother tiger is on loan from. The father, 11-year-old Kashmir, will stay at the Catoctin Zoo.
Reported by Adam Hudson
http://www.nbc25.com/main/modules/news/article.php?storyid=2741
Rare monkeys stolen from zoo
LONDON, June 20 (UPI) -- Five endangered monkeys have been stolen from a British zoo.
Two silvery marmosets, Captain Jack and Jazz, and their 6-week-old baby, Larkin, were taken Sunday along with a pair of Geoffrey marmosets -- Calli and Cartman -- from a glass-fronted enclosure at the Drusilla's Zoo near Alfriston, East Sussex, the London Telegraph reported.
The marmosets are worth up to $5,500 each on the black market, the newspaper said.
The zoo fears for the well-being of Jazz as she needs medication twice a day for a jaw infection. Without her, it is unlikely that her baby will survive.
http://www.dailyindia.com/show/36061.php/Rare-monkeys-stolen-from-zoo
Auckland Zoo otter on the run
Jun 21, 2006
One of Auckland Zoo's otters is on the run and may be enjoying the hospitality on the North Shore
Three otters escaped from a newly repaired nest box last Tuesday and while two were back in their enclosure by the next day, a female named Jin has still not been found.
To the surprise of zoo staff she was spotted in Devonport on Tuesday, which means she has somehow made her way from Western Springs to the waterfront and across the Waitemata Harbour.
"Jin has obviously been carried from the Meola Creek area on the outgoing tide. While otters are good swimmers, we're absolutely stunned at the distance she has travelled," says Auckland Zoo curator, Maria Finnigan.
Zoo staff immediately went to Devonport where she had been seen. Measures were put in place to try and recapture the otter, but they proved unsuccessful.
http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/411423/759326
Auckland Zoo staff worried about escapee otter
21 June 2006
Auckland Zoo staff are becoming increasingly worried about an escaped otter, Jin, who has been missing for more than a week.
Jin was last spotted early yesterday evening in Devonport, on the North Shore about 10km from the zoo, but has eluded zoo staff trying to catch her.
Auckland Zoo curator Maria Finnigan said the four-year-old Asiatic short-clawed otter escaped along with two other otters last Tuesday afternoon, after a nesting box was not properly fixed to the wall of their enclosure.
The other otters were found in the zoo grounds shortly after their bid for freedom.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3707505a10,00.html
Mayor Tours Improved Great Plains Zoo
From rotting fences to deteriorating exhibits, two years ago a tour of the Great Plains Zoo revealed a lot of needed improvements.
But the zoo's new president says the 45-year-old facility is looking much better.
Tuesday she gave Mayor Dave Munson and KELOLAND NEWS a tour.
Zoo president Elizabeth Whealy says, "There are a lot of things we can be really proud of."
Seven months into leading the Great Plains Zoo, Elizabeth Whealy says she's paying attention to the details.
She says, "In terms of painting up, cleaning up, adding signage, we're currently producing about 50 signs for exhibits that don't have any signage to tell you what the animals are."
This summer, fencing at exhibits in the oldest part of the zoo will be replaced.
Whealy says, "It's split apart, it's really a safety issue."
The waterfowl pond is looking cleaner, after staff pumped out 30 tons of sludge.
http://www.keloland.com/News/NewsDetail5440.cfm?Id=0,48886
Zoo board approves $225,000 for levy try
Officials hope donors will help fund effort
It could cost the Toledo Zoo nearly a quarter-million dollars to campaign for a 1-mill, 10-year capital improvement levy proposed for the November ballot.
A similar measure was defeated in May.
The zoo board approved spending $225,000 on the campaign yesterday. But zoo officials hope donors will pick up at least part of the tab, said Anne Baker, the zoo's executive director.
"What we don't bring in [in donations] will come out of the board's operating budget,'' she said.
The issue would bring the zoo a projected $8.6 million year. It will pay for pay for repairs to the aquarium's antiquated equipment, bigger elephant and hippo enclosures, a new "children's zone," and pay off $13 million in debt.
If passed, the capital levy would cost the owner of $100,000 home $36 per year.
The zoo budgeted $188,000 of its own funds - not taxpayer money - during the last levy campaign, and took in about $54,000 in donations. Some $13,000 in campaign funding remains, and will go toward the new initiative. Voters approved an 0.85-mill operating levy in May but defeated the capital improvement levy.
In other business, the board elected Toledo resident Marna Ramnath president, replacing Steven Staelin, whose term as president is ending. Other officers are, Gary Smith, vice president, Zac Isaac, treasurer, and Cindy Redmann, secretary.
Three members joined the board. They are Toledo City Councilman Michael Ashford, Baldemar Velasquez, president of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee, and veterinarian Dr. William DeHoff.
Mr. Ashford and Mr. Velasquez were appointed to the zoo board by the Lucas County commissioners.
http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060620/NEWS38/606200383/-1/NEWS
IMPALA BORN AT TOLEDO ZOO
A male impala was born Sunday at the Toledo Zoo, but the public won’t see him for at least a month. The impala is the second offspring of a 4-year-old named Libby. He’ll be put on exhibit when he has developed enough to live in the mixed-species Africa area. Everybody’s doing well so far,’ and the baby is bonding with its mother, said Andi Norman, a zoo spokesman. The zoo has two male and four female impalas, plus the baby.
http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060622/NEWS38/60622005
Mike Pound: Two by Two Zoo offers quite the view
The Joplin Globe
By Mike Pound
Globe columnist
Did you know that alligators hiss when they're ticked off?
And when I say "hiss," I don't mean alligators hiss with a cute little cat sort of hiss. I mean alligators hiss with a fire-breathing dragon kind of hiss.
It's the sort of thing you probably don't want to hear when you're walking through the Florida Everglades.
But if you're standing on the other side of two fences at Clint Markham's private zoo, the hiss of an alligator is not quite as intimidating. I mean, you're glad there are two fences between you and the alligator, but really the hiss is more impressive than it is intimidating. (OK, I'll admit it: When the alligator first jumped off his rock and hissed at me, it scared the O'Reilly out of me.)
Also impressive is the purr of a nearly full-grown lion while Clint scratches its back. So is the growl a female cougar makes when she notices Clint petting the male cougar who shares her cage. The female cougar was jealous, Clint said.
http://www.joplinglobe.com/columns/local_story_172004314?keyword=topstory
Zoo to welcome special visitor
20-millionth guest expected to walk through gate this morning
By BERTRAM RANTIN
News Columnist
The folks at Riverbanks Zoo believe there are 20 million reasons to make a trip to see the animals.
And zoo officials are anticipating the 20-millionth visitor will walk through the gates today.
“Twenty million is a number that’s almost beyond comprehension. Just imagine how many positive experiences that adds up to,” Riverbanks executive director Satch Krantz said.
Zoo officials plan to award the park’s 20-millionth guest unlimited visits to the zoo for one year. Guest services anticipate the arrival could come as early as midmorning.
“When Riverbanks opened 32 years ago, we couldn’t imagine reaching such a milestone,” Krantz said.
Krantz is one of two zoo employees who have been at Riverbanks since it opened.
http://www.centredaily.com/mld/centredaily/news/nation/14865117.htm
5 endangered marmosets stolen from zoo
Associated Press
London Five endangered monkeys were stolen from a zoo over the weekend, the latest in a recent string of thefts involving small primates across England, police said Monday.
A family of silvery marmosets - male, female and 2-month-old baby - and a pair of Geoffrey marmosets were taken late Saturday from nesting boxes at Drusillas Park Zoo in East Sussex.
Thieves also tried to break into a third enclosure holding small monkeys, zoo officials said.
Zoos in Devon and Suffolk have also had small monkeys pilfered in recent weeks.
"This is not a casual crime," said John Haywood, coordinator of the National Theft Register for Exotic Animals. "This is extremely well-organized and is no doubt part of a series. These are specialist crimes."
Haywood, who estimated more than 50 small monkeys have been stolen in England and Scotland the past few years, said police believe the marmosets were taken for use in the international illegal pet trade.
http://www.wilmingtonstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060620/NEWS/606200332/-1/State
Oregon Zoo's ZooTeens Rally To Raise Funds For Permanent Insectarium
Portland, Oregon - There's a big, bizarre and beautiful world of arthropods waiting to be discovered, and if Jamie Klein, a ZooTeen at the Oregon Zoo has her way, the zoo will build a new insectarium to showcase specimens from all over the globe.
http://www.medfordnews.com/articles/index.cfm?artOID=331332&cp=10997
Think your office is a zoo? Companies go pet-friendly
Jun 21, 2006 — By Ellen Wulfhorst
NEW YORK (Reuters) - On a typical day at Tellme Networks Inc., Jackson snores, Penny spends time learning Chinese and the bosses and workers are delighted.
Penny, a Labrador Retriever, and Jackson, a bulldog, are part of an effort at many U.S. companies to allow pets in the workplace. One survey shows nearly one in five U.S. companies allow pets at work.
Millions of Americans believe pets on the job lower absenteeism and encourage workers to get along, according to the survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=2102275
Franklin Park Zoo enjoys baby boom
By Denise Lavoie, Associated Press Writer June 21, 2006
BOSTON --A two-week old zebra, a giraffe named Autumn and three tiny kangaroos are part of a baby boom at Franklin Park zoo, where Australian walkingsticks, blue poison dart frogs and three different kinds of bats have also been welcomed into the world during the past year.
Zookeepers are hoping the new arrivals will draw more visitors to the zoo, which has struggled financially in recent years.
Founded in 1913, the 72-acre zoo is located in Boston's Franklin Park, in the city's Dorchester neighborhood.
The zoo's location smack in the middle of an inner-city neighborhood gives residents a view of zebras, ostriches and even wildebeest from their front porches. But its location also probably kept some visitors away.
"There remains a stigma of the neighborhood, which is unfounded, but people have their fears," said John Linehan, the zoo's president and chief executive.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2006/06/21/franklin_park_zoo_enjoys_baby_boom/
More Animals and Security at Potter Park Zoo
Natalie Johnson
Nearly a week after three Potter Park Zoo animals are killed, the zoo is getting ready for replacements.
Last Thursday night, two dogs slipped into the zoo and mauled four Patagonian Cavies. Three of them died.
The two dogs have been captured.
Potter Park Zoo is importing five Cavies from the Toronto Zoo in Canada.
The zoo director doesn't exactly know how the dogs got in, but he says the zoo is taking extra precautions so it will not happen again.
The large South American rodent that survived the dog attack is expected to live, bringing the Potter Park Zoo Cavy count up to six once the others arrive.
http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/3204731.html
Summer program shows kids exactly who's who at the zoo
By Jen Marckini
Lansing State Journal
Four-year-old Grace Dilday put on her Pooh Bear ears looking for animals in Lansing's Potter Park zoo this week.
Grace didn't catch Piglets, Roos or Tiggers, but she did get the chance to pet her first animal - a rabbit.
"She's so soft," said Grace, petting the white rabbit.
http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060622/NEWS01/606220366/1001/news
Animals of Russia's arctic heading to MN Zoo
The Minnesota Zoo presented plans Thursday for its new exhibit featuring the animals that live on Russia's Arctic coast, including the Russian grizzly bear.
The $23 million exhibit is called "Russia's Grizzly Coast" and it will be the zoo's most expensive addition since 1996. The new exhibit will also include wild boars, Amur leopards, sea otters, and a woolly mammoth dig.
Minnesota Zoo Director Lee Ehmke said the 3.5-acre exhibit will open in 2008 and will be near the zoo's Central Plaza, at the opening of the facility's outdoor area.
Kris Vehrs, deputy director of the Maryland-based American Zoo and Aquarium Association, said the exhibit will be unique among American zoos for featuring this particular Russian ecosystem.
Ehmke said the exhibit will enhance the Minnesota Zoo's standing among other U.S. zoos because it's committing staff and money to help with conservation on Russia's eastern coast.
"More and more, zoos are measured by their real-world conservation activities," Ehmke said. "It is becoming one of the critical roles of zoos."
http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=127694
Bay and beyond
Clear your head. Gape at the view. Get some exercise. Change your scenery. Meet some creatures. You're in the Bay Area, after all.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Aquarium of the Bay Sea life indigenous to San Francisco Bay is the focus at this venue that features two clear-tunnel exhibitions through which visitors can walk and be surrounded by fish. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. $7.50-$33.95. Pier 39, Embarcadero at Beach St. (888) 732-3483. www.aquariumofthebay.com.
California Academy of Sciences "Snake Alley." Anaconda, African rock python, ball python, pine snake, California king snake, ground boas, emerald tree boas, more. "Hotspot: California on the Edge." Meet live frogs, salamanders and insects. "Discovery Tide Pool." Visitors can handle a few of the animals that live along our coast, including turban snails, hermit crabs and mussels. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. 875 Howard St. (415) 321-8000. www.calacademy.org.
Coyote Point Museum Native animals, reptiles and birds in wildlife habitats; games, displays and films in Environmental Hall. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun. 1651 Coyote Point Dr., San Mateo. (650) 342-7755. www.coyoteptmuseum.org.
Happy Hollow Park and Zoo Baby Zoo offers creative play areas, rides and puppet shows. Animal-contact area houses domestic and exotic animals. 1300 Senter Rd., San Jose. (408) 277-3000.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/06/22/NSGNVJEQRR1.DTL&type=travelbayarea
Zoo Tales: Four Species of Raptors On Display at N.C. Zoo
BY TOM GILLESPIE: SPECIAL TO THE PILOT
They're called birds of prey, or raptors, and their grace and beauty is legendary.
They generally include hawks, falcons, owls, kites, eagles, ospreys, condors and some vultures.
They're high on the food chain and have few predators -- except the one that could cause their most rapid decline -- man.
Birds of prey range in size from the huge, 30-pound Andean condor to the tiny, one-ounce Bornean falconet. Their weight is surprisingly light, though, due to their hollow bones and much of their body mass being feathers. A golden eagle, which can stand as tall as 40 inches, weighs only about 13 pounds.
Primarily, they feed on the flesh of other animals, grasping and killing their prey with their talons. It is a myth that the larger raptors, such as eagles, can grasp and carry off small children and larger domestic animals. A golden eagle, for example, weighs about 12-15 pounds. It can lift and fly away with only about one-third its own weight.
http://www.thepilot.com/features/062306Zoo.html
State reduces Mill Mountain Zoo funding
Mill Mountain Zoo did not receive quite as much money as it hoped in the latest state budget. The zoo requested $200,000 but found out this week it's being allotted $40,000 in the two-year budget, less than it received in recent years.
Zoo Director Sean Greene says, "Well it wasn't what we expected, hoping for a little bit more, then again, when you get $40,000, you can't be sad about that. It's better than nothing."
In past years, the zoo has received more than $80,000 in the state budget. Greene says the zoo is paying down debt from the winter when the zoo is staffed, but visitors don't come out.
The zoo does have a new cougar, Nina, new paint, and some other improvements. Greene says that's helped bring more people out.
http://www.wdbj7.com/Global/story.asp?S=5068186&nav=S6aK
Harriet, the world's oldest tortoise, dies aged 176
SYDNEY: A 176-year-old giant tortoise believed to have been studied by famed English naturalist Charles Darwin, has died in Australia after a short illness.
The extremely elderly tortoise, Harriet, was hatched on the Galapagos Islands in 1830 but lived out her final years at Australia Zoo in southeast Queensland where she was the star attraction.
Senior veterinarian John Hangar said the 150-kilogram (330-pound) reptile died on Thursday night after a short illness.
"She had been sick yesterday with, in effect, heart failure," Hangar told ABC radio.
"She had a fairly acute heart attack and thankfully passed away quietly overnight."
Hangar said Harriet, who had made it into the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's oldest living animal, had been credited with helping Darwin pioneer his theory of evolution.
"It's thought she may have been taken off there (Galapagos) by Charles Darwin," he said.
"She's spent a period of time in Britain and found herself at the Botanic Gardens in Brisbane from about 1850 or 1860 onwards and eventually she found her way up to Australia Zoo."
Harriet was originally named Harry, as she was mistakenly identified as male, an error which was not rectified for more than a century.
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1037268
Dogs Break into Local Zoo Again
June 23, 2006 06:42 AM EDT
Two killer dogs got inside Potter Park Zoo again Wednesday night. This comes less than a week after the same two dogs killed three zoo animals. A black steel gate separates animal from man, and a fence is supposed to protect animals from what's outside the zoo.
Gerry Brady, Director of Potter Park Zoo: "Our highest priority is to make sure our animal collection is safe from outside intruders."
http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=5069334&nav=0RbQ
Dogs killed after getting in zoo again
2 canines accused of attacking cavies caught in sheep pen
By Christine Rook
Lansing State Journal
Two dogs believed to have killed three Potter Park Zoo cavies last week were euthanized Thursday after they were found at the zoo inside an exhibit of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.
The dogs, which were caught Monday, had been returned to their owner late Tuesday only to escape from their fenced backyard by 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. Officials discovered the dogs in the zoo shortly after midnight Thursday.
"These dogs are pros," said Jamie McAloon Lampman, director of Ingham County Animal Control.
http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060623/NEWS01/606230326/1001/news
Brevard Zoo is all butterflies about its summer activities
By JANET BEGLEY
correspondent
June 23, 2006
MELBOURNE — Visit the Brevard Zoo and you'll see the same animals doing the same things. Right?
Wrong.
If you plan your visit to the zoo this summer, it can be an even more rewarding experience for you and your family with the special activities that are taking flight.
The Brevard Zoo is the only animal attraction in Brevard County, according to marketing director Andrea Hill.
"We offer a variety of animals not often found in other zoos," said Hill. "But if you ask our guests, it is the experience. Our zoo is filled with boardwalks that wind around in a circle and we have lush vegetation throughout the park. This creates an intimate experience between our guests and the animals."
Kathi Schillo, president/CEO of the Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of ComMerce, said that the Brevard Zoo is a shining star among the leisure/recreation attractions in Brevard County.
"They have a creative approach to continuously bring outstanding events and activities to our citizens," said Schillo. "Their nature-based environment offers tremendous educational opportunities for the entire family."
http://www.tcpalm.com/tcp/local_news/article/0,2545,TCP_16736_4791626,00.html
Delhi Zoo restructuring on cards
New Delhi - The Central Zoo Authority has proposed restructuring the Delhi zoological park in a move that may see the involvement of corporates, Environment Secretary Prodipto Ghosh said here Tuesday.
An autonomous body, the Central Zoo Authority has over the last few years derecognised 90 zoos in the country for shortcomings on various counts, mostly due to lack of resources.
The Central Zoo Authority is looking at various measures to raise resources including setting up of a national zoo research centre and improve visitor facilitation. It has proposed an action plan for Delhi zoo, which if successful will be later extended to other states,’ Ghosh said during a media briefing.
The draft action plan for restructuring the Delhi zoo is awaiting approval by the ministry of environment and forest.
http://indiaenews.com/2006-06/12880-delhi-zoo-restructuring-cards.htm
Traffic Is A Zoo At The Zoo.
posted June 23rd, 2006
There is free admission to the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Zoo today, but the real zoo is on the road leading to the gates.
It seems as though everyone in the city is taking advantage of the sunshine and visiting the tigers, monkeys, and goats, as traffic on Attridge Drive is bumper to bumper.
One bus driver waited 45 long minutes just to get to the entrance.
The free admission lasts until 9 tonight, with free charter buses running from city hall to the zoo until 6.
Tyran Ault Reports.
http://www.ckom.com/index.php?p=localnews&action=view_story&id=3732
Zoo invites visitors to 'adopt' animals
Thursday, June 22, 2006
By KELLEY YOUMANThisWeek Staff Writer
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is inviting visitors to take a piece of the zoo home with them at its annual adoption event this Saturday.
On Saturday June 24, the zoo will celebrate Adoption Appreciation Day.
For a minimum donation of $35, people can "adopt" an animal and help contribute to the zoo's $650,000 annual food bill.
The adopter helps support an animal of their choice, without having to clean up after it or care for it, as animals remain at the zoo.
Adoption coordinator Pat Patzer sent out more than 2,100 invitations to families around central Ohio who have adopted an animal within the last year.
Many people have been adopting animals through the zoo for 20-some years, she said. On average, Patzer said she processes 50 adoptions per week.
"People tend to get hooked," she said. "We definitely have a strong backing ... But we always need more people to participate because as we grow, the food bill is going to grow as well."
Adopters receive a certificate, photo and fact sheet about their adopted animal, and more than one person or family can adopt a single animal, Patzer said.
For more than 30 years, the zoo has run the ADOPT program, which stands for "animals depend on people, too."
Households that have adopted in the last year received six tickets for free admission on June 24, and an invitation to adopt another animal.
Visitors can adopt an animal at the entrance and will immediately receive the six free tickets, good for admission on June 24 only, Patzer said.
For more information call (614) 645-3407 or log onto www.columbuszoo.org.
http://www.thisweeknews.com/?edition=common&story=thisweeknews/062206/Powell/News/062206-News-176564.html
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A Different Kind of Audit
One good thing about high energy prices: It makes energy-efficiency a much easier sell. The reason is simple: higher prices mean a shorter payback period on upgrades. So, as a homeowner, where do you start? Better insulation? Triple-glazed low-E windows? A solar water heater? According to this article in the Christian Science Montitor, "Experts recommend a targeted approach to big-ticket items in order to derive the most bang for the buck. The game plan: Diagnose the biggest inefficiencies, then invest where necessary to collect big rewards." To figure out what your house needs, start with an energy audit. Call your utility or find a contractor to analyze your home energy needs. If you can't afford a professional audit, you can it yourself. For help, see the Lawrence Berkeley Lab's online energy audit here.
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