Saturday, October 31, 2009

Zoo News Digest 26th - 31st October 2009 (Zoo News 627)

Zoo News Digest 26th - 31st October 2009 (Zoo News 627)
http://zoonewsdigest.com/

http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.com/

Peter Dickinson
peterd482001@yahoo.co.uk


Dear Colleagues,

It is interesting to note that the only newspaper which (so far) has mentioned that the so called 'Lion Man', Craig Busch is not getting a UK welcome is Stuff NZ. Although there are details out there of planned visits to shopping centres and the like I am pleased to say that the visit is hardly generating a lot of press interest. One venue he could go for I suppose is the The Great British Circus which, thinking about it, would be just his style.

I see that Noah's Ark Farm Park have been suspended by BIAZA whilst complaints are being investigated. They are however only too happy to cooperate and I hope that matters are clarified soon. I have never cared for planted spies within zoos or other organisations as they arrive already indoctrinated. Such ideas will often cloud perceptions and often prevent the truth from being clearly seen. The opposite can apply of course. I have had several emails from people going to work in the Tiger Temple in Thailand with open hearts (and wallets) and genuine concern only to be both shocked and horrified when faced with the truth.

The story about Australia Zoo pressurising Sunshine Coast restaurants into removing native animal meat from their menus struck me as highly amusing. I thought actually it was a joke but after several reads decided it was serious. So here we have Australia Zoo who has just sent Kangaroos to Taman Safari Indonesia, a collection which almost exclusively feeds Australian Kangaroo meat to their large collection of carnivores. Carnivores which, I might add are kept chained all over the place for visitor photographic opportunities. I am not suggesting that the Australia Zoo Kangaroos will end up as tiger treats but it would not surprise if any progeny became a photo prop.

Lots of interesting links. Please post in comments below if you feel so inclined.


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On with links:


Lion Man takes a mauling in Britain
British zoos have been warned off hosting "Lion Man" Craig Busch during his trip to the UK – designed to thank fans and generate funds for his legal battles over ownership of Zion wildlife park.
Busch arrived in England early this week, hoping to entertain fans at a series of leading British zoos.
But those plans were scuttled after the intervention of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums – the governing body of zoos and animal parks in the UK.
Biaza director Miranda Stevenson said, while her organisation hadn't banned Busch, it had made it clear to members that the Kiwi's view of conservation differed from what it stood for.
"They (zoo management) changed their mind after they had investigated more deeply into the messages that he was putting out," Stevenson told Sunday News from London.
"The truth of the matter is that we have no say over who our members invite.
"But the one thing that we will point out to them is to check whether the people they are having are promoting the same values as those of the association [Biaza]. And that is the only advice
http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv/3019504/Lion-Man-takes-a-mauling-in-Britain


Irwin attitudes sway restaurant tastes
Australia Zoo is accused of pressuring Sunshine Coast restaurants into removing native animal meat from their menus.
In recent weeks Caloundra's Rydges Oasis resort removed kangaroo and crocodile meals from its menu after it was suggested that Australia Zoo management opposed the consumption of native animal meat.
General manager of the resort Jo Acott said the decision was made with the zoo's attitude in mind, but said other factors had come into play.
"The issue was brought to our attention, however, that the zoo does not condone restaurants serving up the meat of native animals," Ms Ascott said.
An Australia Zoo spokeswoman said zoo management and staff staunchly opposed wildlife consumption and trade and urged people to refuse
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/irwin-attitudes-sway-restaurant-tastes-20091029-hlk6.html


Noah's Ark suspended by zoo welfare group
A Wraxall zoo farm at the centre of allegations it is breeding tigers and camels to be used in circuses has been temporarily stripped of its membership of the country's leading zoo welfare association.
The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (Biaza) has temporarily suspended Noah's Ark's membership while an investigation into the claims is carried out.
Noah's Ark can stay open to the public because its licence is controlled by North Somerset County Council.
The decision follows an investigation by the Captive Animals Protection Society (Caps) at the farm.
An undercover female investigator, who secured work at the zoo farm as a volunteer for two months during the summer, worked alongside staff where she claimed to have discovered that the zoo was breeding animals to be used in the Great British Circus owned by Martin Lacey.
The investigator also claimed the zoo was in breach of animal disposal regulations following the death of female Bengal tiger Tira earlier this year.
Caps claims that Tira, who died 10 days after the birth of three cubs, had her head and paws cut off, her skin removed and her body buried in the zoo grounds.
Caps, a registered charity, has reported its findings to various authorities, including North Somerset Council, and called for Noah's Ark owners Christina and Anthony Bush to have their zoo licence revoked.
Biaza has strict guidelines for its members to adhere to and, if a breach is found, zoos can be stripped
http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/news/Noah-s-Ark-suspended-zoo-welfare-group/article-1470936-detail/article.html


Plan hatched to save world's rarest duck from extinction
NATURALISTS have been handed a second chance to save the world’s rarest duck from extinction.
And they have called on the help of North East expert Owen Joiner who is preparing to jet out to Madagascar to help pull the birds back from the brink.
Owen, 33, is head birdkeeper at Washington Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and has been involved in running breeding programmes for endangered species at the site on the banks of the River Wear.
For the last 30 years, it was thought that the Madagascar Pochard duck was already extinct. But then biologists discovered around 20 of the birds on a small, remote lake.
The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Peregrine Fund and the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust
http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2009/10/30/plan-hatched-to-save-world-s-rarest-duck-from-extinction-61634-25048692/


Zoo tries to get rhinos in the mood
Pittsburgh Zoo visitors could see some hot and very heavy action in the rhino yard in coming days as black rhinoceroses meet and mate for the first time.
The coupling, if it occurs, will involve Azzizi, a 10-year-old female born at the Cleveland Zoo, and 14-year-old Jomo, who was born at the San Diego Zoo and came to Pittsburgh when he was a year old.
Barbara Baker, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium president and chief operating officer, held a news conference outside the rhino yard today to alert zoo visitors that they could be witness to some rough but "entertaining" animal sex.
"When in the mood," Dr. Baker said, "rhinos are very aggressive toward one another. They will roar, chase
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09303/1009575-100.stm


Polar bear plus grizzly equals?
Scientists can now answer the question, following the first study of a polar bear/grizzly bear hybrid.
Only one hybrid bear has ever been seen in the wild, so the study evaluated two hybrid bears kept in captivity, which are among 17 such bears known to exist.
While each hybrid has inherited characteristics from either parent, some traits, such as partially hollow hair, appear to be a blend of the two.
"Hybrids between polar and brown bears in the wild are very rare. Only one confirmed case is known," says Dr Ute Magiera, the conservation coordinator of Osnabruck Zoo in Germany.
That hybrid bear was shot in April 2006 by an American big game hunter on Banks Island, Northwest Territories, Canada.
However, a small number of hybrid bears do exist in zoos in the Czech Republic, Israel, Russia, Spain, Poland and Germany as a result of grizzly bears, a subspecies of brown bear, and polar bears being held in the same enclosures.
At Osnabruck Zoo, for example, both species were kept together since 1980, producing
http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8321000/8321102.stm


Pass the bamboo: Cleveland Zoo puts 2 gorillas on biscuit-free diet with more greens
A new diet initiative in Ohio includes bamboo fronds and ficus branches.
It's a Cleveland Zoo effort to give two Western lowland gorillas a healthier menu free of processed biscuits.
The gorillas were diagnosed with heart disease, and the zoo says a diet favoring greenery provides more fiber and less sugar.
The diet includes dandelion greens, endive and romaine lettuce, the leaves and bark of ficus branches, and bamboo fronds.
The greens are scattered about the gorillas' enclosure, which
http://www.fox59.com/news/sns-ap-oh--dietinggorillas,0,2948164.story


Rescued pangolins transferred to Cuc Phuong National Park Rescue Centre
On the 22nd of October two confiscated Sunda Pangolins (Manis javanica) were transferred to the Carnivore and Pangolin Conservation Program (CPCP) of the Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre, Cuc Phuong National Park, Ninh Binh. These animals had been confiscated by the Forest Protection Department of Ha Nam from a bus on highway 1A at Thanh Liem district, Ha Nam Province.
“The pangolins are currently in the CPCP’s quarantine area where they will be carefully monitored for the next 30 days before being moved to longer term enclosures. While one of the pangolins is
http://envietnam.org/E_News/E_338/Rescued_Pangolins_transferred_to_CP_National_Park_rescue_centre.html

What is an animal worth?
Lord Bates to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the number of animals kept in a zoo or safari park is a material consideration by the Valuation Office Agency when rating a zoo hereditament for the 2010 business rates revaluation; whether the type of animals kept is a material consideration; and whether there is a tariff for different types of animal. HL6075
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200809/minutes/091029/ldordpap.htm

Toronto Zoo defies city directive to cut budget
After being instructed to chop their budget by 5 per cent by Toronto's city manager, directors of the Toronto Zoo dug in their heelsThursday and voted instead to increase it by 3.2 per cent.
Saying their job is to be advocates for the zoo, they openly defied the directive to all city agencies, issued only last week by city manager Joe Pennachetti, to slash their budgets by 5 per cent.
Councillor Paul Ainslie – a member of the city's budget committee – moved to hold the zoo budget at last year's level – meaning a city grant of $11,677,000.
Other directors took that a step further, voting to add $373,000.
"We have a moral obligation to those animals locked in their cages to give them the best care possible," said Councillor Glenn de Baeremaeker in supporting the plan.
Ainslie said that in past cost-cutting campaigns in the city, agencies that offered up spending cuts took a heavy hit while those who refused
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/718373--toronto-zoo-defies-city-directive-to-cut-budget?bn=1


AGO asked to accomplish Medan zoo
Medan regional representatives asked the Attorney General Office (Kejagung) to immediately clear Medan zoo issue which have been officially confiscated by Kejagung regarding the trade-off case that considered inflicting state financial loss of 36 billion rupiahs.
"We ask that the Attorney General's office to immediately resolve this problem correctly, transparent, fair and not be prolonged," said the deputy chairman of Medan House Speaker Ikrimah Hamidy to Waspada Online Thursday (Oct. 29). He said the problem was effecting Pemko Medan, although the KBM is no longer be the asset of Pemko Medan, but it could returned to them if the third party was found guilty by Kejagung.
According to Ikrimah this case has a great effect to the land, there
http://www.waspada.co.id/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=62679:ago-asked-to-accomplish-medan-zoo&catid=30:english-news&Itemid=94


Why zoo keeper stalled
IN HIS seven years with a 'licence to kill', Singapore Zoo head keeper K. Selvan never had to shoot an animal.
The 49-year-old, who is among the 16 trained shooters at the zoo, thought he would have to, on Nov 13 last year, after being alerted to the incident at the white tiger enclosure. Mr Selvan went to the zoo's armoury to take out a double-barrel shotgun with 20 rounds. But he never had to use the weapon.
The zoo veteran of 22 years took the stand at the coroner's court to explain the role of the shooters at the inquiry into the fatal mauling of cleaner Nordin Montong, 32, that day.
Mr Selvan said the victim and three tigers were blocked from his view when he arrived at the scene.
Even if he could see the cats, he would not have been able to fire as there were keepers in the vicinity. 'The animals also cannot be too near the victim,' he said, because of the
http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_448223.html


Fighting among corals a concern for aquarium
Fighting among corals has been a concern for Napier's National Aquarium as it arranges a new exhibit.
"A coral can kill its neighbour by stinging it or preventing it from feeding," aquarium manager Rob Yarrall said yesterday.
"It's not a fight you'd sit and watch, but you can see them gently extending their stingers.
"Every time a coral puts its feelers out to filter the water for food, its neighbour could sting it. It retracts its feelers – but then it's not eating and it can starve to death."
Mr Yarrall is confident the aquarium has solved the problem in its new display, which opens next Wednesday, by separating the species that are likely to fight one another.
The collection, valued at $10,000, includes some rare species and was given to the aquarium by Invercargill collector Clif Carson.
The colourful corals – creams, yellows, blues and greens are among the hundred different pieces – are being arranged in a three-metre-long tank fitted with a mixture of real and artificial rocks to create a terraced reef.
Another problem in organising the display is that different
http://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/3008238/Fighting-among-corals-a-concern-for-aquarium


Las Vegas Zoo Getting Some Help
The Las Vegas Zoo is getting some much-needed financial help for a renovation. The San Diego Zoo has donated $15,000 to start the remodeling process for one animal habitat.
The money will either help the Barbary Ape or the Desert Tortoise.
Zoo officials say while the donation is a great start, it will cost nearly $50,000 to finish the project. The zoo says they will need private funds to finish the new habitat and keep the zoo alive.
"Space is limited here, but they kind of seem like
http://www.lasvegasnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=11403965


Details of zoo cleaner's death
MINUTES before cleaner Nordin Montong was mauled to death by two white tigers, he told colleagues at the zoo that they would not see him again.
Carrying a broom and a pail, the 32-year-old Malaysian then leapt into the tiger enclosure.
Details of his tragic death were revealed in the coroner's inquiry on Thursday.
Two videos filmed by zoo visitors were also shown.
State Coroner Victor Yeo had heard earlier from senior investigation officer of the police Yusry Muhamad
http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_448061.html


AA Gill shot baboon 'to see what it would be like to kill someone'
Animal welfare groups voiced outrage today after the restaurant critic AA Gill said he shot a baboon on safari "to get a sense of what it might be like to kill someone".
In a Sunday Times column, Gill recounted in detail how he shot the creature from 250 yards while hunting in "a truck full of guns and other blokes" in Tanzania. He said he felt the urge to be "a recreational primate killer" before shooting the animal through the lung.
"This is morally completely indefensible," said Steve Taylor, a spokesman for the League Against Cruel Sports. "If he wants to know what it like to shoot a human, he should take aim at his own leg. When man interacts with animals he owes a duty of care. If you are killing to eat, that is a different matter. This is killing for fun".
Gill wrote: "I took him just below the armpit. He slumped and slid sideways. I'm told they can be tricky to shoot: they run up trees, hang on for grim life. They die hard, baboons. But not this one. A soft-nosed .357 blew his lungs out."
Claire Bass, wildlife manager at
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/oct/26/aa-gill-shot-baboon

I also shot a baboon. Different take though.

Collier agrees to renegotiate lease to reduce Naples Zoo’s costs
In the name of fairness, Collier County commissioners have agreed to renegotiate a lease with the Naples Zoo.The commission voted 3-2 to reduce the rent because it’s so expensive.Commissioners Frank Halas and Jim Coletta opposed the change, citing concerns about losing more money when county government already is facing a tight budget.“I sure as heck don’t want to keep shoveling money out the door,” Halas said.The nonprofit zoo off Goodlette-Frank
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2009/oct/27/collier-agrees-renegotiate-lease-reduce-naples-zoo/



NC Zoo To Kick-Off $2 Million Project Polar Bear Campaign
The NC Zoological Society will announce the kick-off of its $2 million "Project: Polar Bears" fund-raising campaign.The campaign is for private support of a $4.7 million expansion of the polar bear exhibit and holding facilities at the
http://www.digtriad.com/news/local/article.aspx?storyid=132289&catid=57


Should we support anti-zoo campaign?
I AM at a crossroads between supporting and opposing Peta’s anti-zoo campaign and more so of Malaysian celebrity Amber Chia’s stamp of approval to do a charity bit for its promotional campaign: ”Amber stripes down for Peta’s anti-zoo campaign” (Sunday Star, Oct 25).We have heard of save-the-animal-skin campaign, anti-poachers campaign and all those rallies against cruelty to animal but an anti-zoo campaign? It seems to strike a different chord altogether.Zoo has been an integral part and an attraction of every city of the world. It is a quick form of knowing and learning the various types of animals and its species of a location. It has been a family getaway and a place that is the closest one can get to a forest, or the wilds, or even the ocean. It is nature’s fauna in captivity, where we learn that the last letter of the alphabet “Z” is for Zoo, when we are toddlers.In some countries like Singapore where the forest is scarce, not to mention its small size, the zoo is big in size and the animals have bigger space and more freedom. As such, it is a runaway success as a tourist attraction.But in some and many other countries, zoos are small and, worse still, they look like animal prisons. All this is because they are lacking in funds and, because of its poor conditions, visitors are few.And now Peta, which stands for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, has launched a campaign urging
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/10/28/focus/4985408&sec=focus


Topeka Zoo has been here before
The Topeka Zoo is in familiar territory.Regulatory problems, public outcry and a city-initiated review. That was the case in 2002. That was true in 2005. And that is happening now after city manager Norton Bonaparte on Thursday called for an independent look at the zoo.But what the two previous reviews mean for the zoo's current situation depends on who is asked. Some say the reviews had little effect on zoo operations and want further action similar to the departure Thursday of the zoo's veterinarian."A review panel is good, but we've been there before," said City Councilman John Alcala, who pushed for the 2005 process. "I think there needs to be a reorganization of personnel."Others say misdirected blame at zoo leadership is taking away from the real problem."I think they ought to look at funding instead of trying to get (zoo director) Mike Coker fired," said Frank Chaffin, a member of
http://cjonline.com/news/local/2009-10-24/topeka_zoo_has_been_here_before


Chahinkapa Zoo receives $1 million
Alfred "Bud" Boehning loved peacocks. One day, many years ago, as former Wahpeton Parks Superintendent Wendell Langendorfer drove past Boehing's farm by Geneseo, he stopped to behold a stunning sight — Boehning's roof was covered in peafowl."Wendell said the zoo needed some more peafowl so he pulled into Mr. Boehning's driveway and asked if he would sell some of them," said Kathy Diekman, Chahinkapa Zoo director.Boehing died in January 2008. As a bachelor he left part of his estate to a niece and great-niece, and some friends. The rest he bequeathed to Chahinkapa Zoo — all $1,094
http://www.wahpetondailynews.com/articles/2009/10/26/news/doc4ae5b75789bc5859967794.txt

Kanpur zoo to propose leopard rescue centre
With a view to rehabilitate the leopards who have been forced to leave their habitat due to the fast depleting forest cover in the state, the Kanpur zoo authorities will soon send a proposal to the Central Zoo Authority CZA) for establishing a rescue centre at Kanpur zoo, which will be one of its kind in the state. It is to be noted here that due to increased human interference, shortage of feed, climate change, delayed monsoons and lack of drinking water, the forests are no longer the comfortable and safer zones for the wild animals. As a result, leopards, tigers, hyena and other wild animals have left forests in the past and surveys say the trend is still continuing. Thus, there are many more
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kanpur/Kanpur-zoo-to-propose-leopard-rescue-centre/articleshow/5165638.cms


Tiger, leopard parts prices in China markets have doubled
A day after India and China signed a Memorandum of Understanding on environment and climate change, including management of forests, a new investigation has revealed that skins and other body parts of Indian wild tigers and leopards are being sold openly in China and at much higher prices than before. The investigation carried out by an international NGO, Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), states that the prices of tiger and leopard parts in Chinese markets have doubled since 2005: tiger skins are selling for 11,660-21,860 dollars, leopard skins for 1,020-2,770 dollars. During the investigation,
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/tiger-leopard-parts-prices-in-china-markets-have-doubled/533265/



Vietnamese urge Koreans not to travel for bear bile
Some Koreans have a seemingly endless appetite for products that promise to boost their health or sexual prowess, prompting them to eat food items that would seem unconventional by Western standards. One such product is bear bile, known in Asia for its medicinal properties. To get it, a significant number of Koreans are traveling to bear bile farms in Vietnam, where they can buy bile extracted from moon bears raised in cages. The problem is that many of these Korean travelers are unaware that such activities are illegal in Vietnam.These days, the sale and transport of bear bile has grown to such an extent that one Vietnamese lawmaker is currently taking
http://envietnam.org/library/Articles%20for%20news%20media%20section/Vietnamese_urge_Koreans_not_to_travel_for_bear_bile.html



Rare puaiohi released into Alaka‘i Swamp
Huge human steps are traveling a long distance to preserve from extinction a small, native Kaua‘i bird.A dozen more captive-raised puaiohi (Myadestes palmeri), also known as the small Kaua‘i thrush or Palmer’s thrush, were released into the Alaka‘i Wilderness Area last week. The endemic and endangered species is known to live only in the Alaka‘i Swamp area of Kaua‘i above elevations of 3,500 feet.Adult birds are seven inches in length, dark brown on top, gray on the bottom, with pinkish legs. They have short tails and slender and dark bills, feed on fruit and insects, and prefer the dense understory of gulches. Their sound is like water gurgling.Last week’s release marked the 10th year of a multi-agency effort designed to reverse the trend
http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2009/10/24/news/kauai_news/doc4ae2b4ffd794d467684861.txt

Fresno zoo leaps to rescue imperiled frog
After raging forest fires burned thousands of mountain acres this summer in Southern California, the search was on for tiny tadpole survivors.Because the population of mountain yellow-legged frogs already is depleted in California, scientists worried that their numbers would shrink even further when silt and mud flowed into lakes and streams in the Station Fire burn area of the San Gabriel Mountains east of Los Angeles.So 106 tadpoles were plucked out of a fire-ravaged stream and sent to their new temporary home: Fresno Chaffee Zoo. The
http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/1686623.html


Las Vegas Zoo Getting Some Help
The Las Vegas Zoo is getting some much-needed financial help for a renovation. The San Diego Zoo has donated $15,000 to start the remodeling process for one animal habitat.
The money will either help the Barbary Ape or the Desert Tortoise.
Zoo officials say while the donation is a great start, it will cost nearly $50,000 to finish the project. The zoo says they will need private funds to finish the new habitat and keep the zoo alive.
"Space is limited here, but they kind of seem like
http://www.lasvegasnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=11403965


Badgers doing better than expected in Norfolk
The badger, the nocturnal, elusive, animal believed to number a mere 200 in Ontario, is thriving much better in Norfolk County than previously thought, a team of researchers from Trent University found this summer.
For four months, the burrows where the animals live were carefully watched by the team. Infrared night cameras were set up to record the badgers' comings and goings.
Hair samples were picked up and studied in a lab while a live badger, a mature female, was captured. A radio-tracking device was put in its abdomen and it was released and followed.
Norfolk County is believed to be the area where most of the province's remaining badgers live. The reason for this, the team now believes, has less to do with its sandy soil, which the animal can easily burrow into, and more to do with the area's farming landscape.
"Badgers and agriculture probably have a lot more in common than we realized," said Joshua Sayers, a biologist with the university who spent the summer
http://www.simcoereformer.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2150095



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ZOO BIOLOGY


The Zoo Biology Group is concerned with all disciplines involved inthe running of a Zoological Garden. Captive breeding, husbandry,cage design and construction, diets, enrichment, man management,record keeping, etc etc

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/zoo-biology


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1st Conservation Medicine Symposium - Chile

On November 30th and December 1st, we are organizing The first Conservation Medicine Simposium in Chile. This concept is a very new concept for Chile, but it is completely necesary since in Chile we have and extremely high endemism!


We also have 3 zoos, which are very good, but need to use some conservation medicine in their exhibits. For example, are zoos are plagued (sorry if it sounds harsh!) with cats! They go in and out of the other animals enclosures! I believe I don't have to mention how many diseases could be transmitted between cats and the rest of the animals!! We have very important guest speakers like: Andrew Cunningham, Alonso Aguirre and Marcela Uhart.


If you want to read more about it, and are interested in coming please go to: http://mdc.unab.cl/


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Willie Smits' Google Earth video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JhcRKlGuCA


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ORCA
Organization for Reinforcement Contingencies with Animals


The second annual Art and Science of Animal Training conference is in February






or email Katie Tucker at obie1204@gmail.com

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Journal of Threatened Taxa
OCTOBER 2009 Vol. 1 No. 10 Pages 497-540



Contents Pp. 497-540
PDF (172Kb)

Pollination and seedling ecology of Decalepis hamiltonii Wight & Arn. (Periplocaceae), a commercially important, endemic and endangered species
--A.J. Solomon Raju & K. Venkata Ramana, Pp.497-506
Abstract HTML PDF (1270Kb)

Diversity, distribution and assemblage structure of fishes in streams of southern Western Ghats, India
--J.A. Johnson & M. Arunachalam, Pp.507-513
Abstract HTML PDF (1126Kb)

Fish diversity studies of two rivers of the northeastern Godavari basin, India
--Nilesh K. Heda, Pp.514-518
Abstract HTML PDF (892Kb)

A preliminary report on the development of young Indian Eagle Owl Bubo bengalensis (Franklin, 1831) in and around Puducherry, southern India
--M. Eric Ramanujam & T. Murugavel, Pp.519-524
Abstract HTML PDF (946Kb)

Taxonomic errors and inaccuracies in Sri Lanka’s Red List, 2007: a cautionary note
--Mohomed M. Bahir & Dinesh E. Gabadage, Pp.525-529
Abstract HTML PDF (174Kb)

Cassipourea ceylanica (Gardn.) Alston (1925) (Rhizophoraceae) in Karnataka
--Divakar K. Mesta, Harsha V. Hegde, Vinayak Upadhya, G.R. Rao, Ganesh R. Hegde & S.D. Kholkute, Pp.530-532
Abstract HTML PDF (296Kb)

Revalidating the taxonomic position of the Indian Ischnocolus spp. (Araneae: Theraphosidae)
--Manju Siliwal, Pp.533-534
Abstract HTML PDF (235Kb)

The epidemiology of gastrointestinal parasitism and body condition in free-ranging herbivores
--Somesh Singh, A.B. Shrivastav & R.K. Sharma, Pp.535-537
Abstract HTML PDF (167Kb)

Management of trypanosomiasis in a tigress Panthera tigiris: a case report
--Atul Gupta, Kajal Jadav, Jasbir Singh Chouhan & Parag Nigam, Pp.538-540
Abstract HTML PDF (141Kb)

http://www.threatenedtaxa.org/



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Hello ZooLex Friend, We have worked for your enjoyment!



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NEW EXHIBIT PRESENTATION

The Sun Bear Exhibit at Perth Zoo combines good husbandry with a rewarding visitor experience and information about in-situ conservation. It won the 2008 ARAZPA Exhibit Award recognising excellence in the area of animal display and exhibit design by an ARAZPA institution:http://www.zoolex.org/zoolexcgi/view.py?id=1113



~°v°~



SMILING BEARS

This is the title of an excellent and very enjoyable book on bear husbandry and rehabilitation. Else Poulsen shares her personal experiences from working with various bears in zoos. These help to better understand bears, their daily needs, social competences and intellectual abilities. Caretakers and designers can draw their conclusions how to improve bear husbandry:http://www.dmpibooks.com/book/smiling-bears



~°v°~



ILLUSTRATED BEAR ENRICHMENT MANUAL

Four Paws recently published a manual for visitors to their bear sanctuaries that illustrates various methods of bear enrichment. Thanks to the pictures and drawings by Stefan Knöpfer, bear keeper at the bear sanctuary in Arbesbach, the manual can be used for informing visitors and bear keepers alike.



ENRICHMENT AT BEAR SANCTUARY ARBESBACH. (2009) Objects for enriching bears. A manual presented at Bear Sanctuary Arbesbach, an animal welfare project by Four Paws Austria. Download here:http://www.zoolex.org/research.html



~°v°~



WORKSHOP ZOO DESIGN

A ZooLex workshop will be held at Zoo Salzburg in Austria from March 25 to 26, 2010. Here is the workshop program:http://www.zoolex.org/workshop/program/program.html#zoodesignInformation and registration:http://www.zoolex.org/workshop.html#salzburg



~°v°~



We keep working on ZooLex ...The ZooLex Zoo Design Organization is a non-profit organization registered in Austria (ZVR-Zahl 933849053). ZooLex runs a professional zoo design website and distributes this newsletter. More information and contact: http://www.zoolex.org/about.html



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Here is the quarterly newsletter of the Rhino Resource Center, no. 17, dated 1 November 2009. Edited by Kees Rookmaaker.



You can find the full version in PDF format on our website – click here.



The need for the RRC is explained in a recent editorial in International Zoo News, which you can view here. Look for ways to help our cause.



RHINO RESOURCE CENTER

http://www.rhinoresourcecenter.com/


NEWSLETTER #17

NOVEMBER 2009

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Announcing the ASZK Des Spittall Scholarship for Keeper Research

Named in honour of the late Des Spittall, a life member of ASZK, the ASZK committee has launched the Des Spittall Scholarship for keeper research. This is open to people who have been a financial member of ASZK for 12 months or more. This is an annual scholarship up to the value of $2,000.


Applications deadline extended until 15 November 2009

http://www.aszk.org.au/ for more details


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Dear Colleagues,

We are please to announce 2 new workshops for 2010:

Environmental Enrichment Workshop with David Sheperdson and other speakers in collaboration with the Odense Zoo in Denmark.

April 22nd - 25th 2010

Advanced Animal Learning Seminar with Tim Sullivan and other speakers in collaboration with the Chester Zoo in the UK.

June 4th - 7th 2010

More information will be available soon on http://www.animalconcepts.eu/

Please email me if you are interested in the program(s).

Kind regards,

Sabrina


AnimalConcepts
The Netherlands
mailto:Netherlandsanimalconcepts@me.com / sbrando@animalconcepts.eu

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Are you a single man?
Between 34 + 45 Looking to meet someone new?
I am single white female in the UK, age 35
I work in the industry, am a animal lover not a bunny hugger!


I'm wild, bubbly and curvaceous and please attatch recent photo! All mails will be replied to email mirabilisme@googlemail.com

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http://ctt-news.org/9GD-26BF-14110QE2E2/cr.aspx

Dear All,

I have been asked to circulate information on the below two events which will take place at ZSL on Tuesday 24 November to mark Nepal Nature Conservation Year in collaboration with the Government of Nepal:


The Nepal Conservation in Crisis seminar (10.30am–3.00pm) will address key conservation issues affecting Nepal’s diverse and highly threatened ecosystems. A range of speakers will share their experiences and achievements in natural resources conservation and the seminar will be chaired by the Minister of Forests and Soil Conservation and Director of National Parks Nepal. Seminar places are free but must be booked in advance. Please see here for full information and please email jane.loveless@zsl.org if you would like to participate.


A separate evening event, Fragile Nepal (6.30–11.00pm), will raise funds for the vital conservation work needed to safeguard this remarkable region and its fragile ecosystems. Full information can be found here and the evening includes a drinks reception, buffet dinner, presentations, Nepali entertainment, and a silent auction. Please email pippa.king@zsl.org to book your place.


I hope that these will be of interest; please contact Jane directly if you would like to participate in the Nepal Conservation in Crisis seminar or Pippa if you wish to book for the exclusive Fragile Nepal evening event.


Thanks and best wishes,

Joy :-)

Joy Hayward Scientific Meetings Co-ordinator,
ZSL,
London
NW1 4RY,
UK.
Tel: +44 (0)20 7449 6227.
Fax: +44 (0)20 7449 6411.
E-mail: joy.hayward@zsl.org.
Web: http://ctt-news.org/9GD-26BF-110QE2-1AIN9-1/c.aspx


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Howletts and Port Lympne Student Enrichment and Welfare Course in collaboration with AnimalConcepts.
27th – 29th January 2010




Instructors: Sabrina Brando and Mark Kingston Jones



Howletts and Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks are pleased to announce a course on Enrichment and Welfare to be run by Sabrina Brando and Mark Kingston Jones.


Sabrina runs AnimalConcepts, an international consultancy company specialising in enrichment, behaviour and animal welfare. Sabrina has 17 years experience in the field and collaborates with many facilities, universities and research institutes.


Mark has been involved in the animal welfare field since 2004 and now works at Howletts and Port Lympne as the Enrichment and Research Officer for both parks organising workshops, talks and working with keepers to design and implement enrichment ideas. He has been involved in two ‘The Shape of Enrichment’ workshops, in the UK and Indonesia, and has presented 9 talks on topics relating to animal welfare at conferences, both nationally and internationally.



This course is designed specifically for college and university students (past or present) who do not currently work within a zoo setting but are looking to do so as a career. Over three days students will gain a background in animal welfare and working with different species, as well as providing practical skills in designing, building and testing enrichment within the settings of both Howletts and Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks, in Kent. Our aim is to provide valuable experience and the addition of useful skills to a would-be keeper’s CV. Please note you must be 18 or over to attend this course.


Lecture topics include: An overview of welfare and enrichment, animal husbandry and learning, choice and control, enclosure design and breaking into the zoo world. Additionally there will be talks and practicals with keepers involving working with carnivores, primates, ungulates, elephant management, getting involved in in-situ conservation, rope splicing and fire hose weaving.


The workshop registration fee of £150 includes:
All workshop materials
Practical sessions
Lunches during the 3 days, as well as drinks and snacks during the scheduled tea breaks.


Information on discounted accommodation is available on request and the number of available places is limited, so please book early.



For further information and to request a booking form please contact:
Kim Guillot at Howletts and Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks
Email: intern@totallywild.net


Final deadline for registration is: 31.12.09

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For Zoo Jobs and Related Vacancies please visit: http://zoowork.blogspot.com/

For notification of Zoo related Meetings, Conferences, Courses and Symposia go to: http://zoosymposia.blogspot.com/

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ZooNews Digest is an independent publication, not allied or attached to any zoological collection. Many thanks.


Kind Regards,

Wishing you a wonderful week,

Peter Dickinson


Zoo News Digest Blog
http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.com/

ZooNews Digest Webpage
http://www.zoonewsdigest.com/

Zoo Vacancies Blog
http://zoowork.blogspot.com/

Hub Pages
http://u.nu/2kx

Follow me on Twitter at:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/PeterZoo





















Thursday, October 29, 2009

I Once Shot a Baboon

I once shot a baboon

I suppose it must have been some thirty years ago now. A very large mature Hamadryas Baboon escaped from his cage due to a 'keeper omission'. He was a magnificent beast, a beautiful bouncy cape and long sharp canines some four inches long. 'Johnny' (that was his name) was not renowned for his friendly personality and outside the realm of the familiar he was irritated and dangerous. There were visitors in the zoo and the situation could in an instant easily develop into a tragedy. Darting in such instances is not a realistic option so I shot and killed him. I did it because I had to. I hated doing it and in spite of the passage of time I remember it as if it were yesterday. At the time I had mentally explored the possible alternatives available without there being risk to someones life and limb. There were none but even now I visit the situation in my head and wonder if I could have done something else. Other than using this story in teaching situations I have not talked about it because it still disturbs me. I liked 'Johnny', I respected him and through the wire he was a friend.


The first and last book I ever read by Ernest Hemingway had a graphic description of shooting a baboon. Whereas I do not recollect the exact words he used I can still see the picture he painted in my head (and I read this 35 years ago). Hemingway must then have been a great writer but I am no fan of the glorification of gore and doubt very much if I would have liked the guy.



Photo by: http://www.flickr.com/photos/davelau/

Now AA Gill. I like reading him. Everything I have ever read I have enjoyed. I am a fan. I love his restaurant reviews even if they are for places I could never afford to eat at. I often disagree with what he has to say but the way he says it leaves me both interested and amused. I even enjoy the way the critics attack him.


Sadly I was appalled by his recent and totally unnecessary shooting of a baboon.

AA Gill reviews The Luxe 109 Commercial Street, E1 I shot a baboon in Africa, last Wednesday, just after lunch. Shot it dead. Those of you of a nervous disposition should look away now. This article contains graphic scenes and may upset the sensitive. But it doesn’t contain flash photography, so while it may make you froth at the mouth, it won’t make you bite through your tongue, jerk about on the floor and wet yourself. I was in Africa wearing a Robert Redford Out of Africa hat. The sort of hat that just makes you ache to kill stuff. I have a theory about hats: they really do maketh the man. Temperament and inclination to actions and professions inhabit a hat. Guardsmen are obvious examples, as are policemen, clowns and builders. Put on a yellow hard hat and you are possessed. Magically your buttocks crawl out of your jeans and you have an incontestable desire to say: “Two shoogs and an ’obnob, love.”
We could do a lot of liberal social engineering by rearranging titfers. If riot police had to wear mortarboards, there would be much less gratuitous truncheoning. Prison warders should wear chefs’ hats, bishops should have big Ascot hats, lads in hoodies should be made to wear those food-safety hygiene hairnets after dark. If the Jews and the Arabs wore each other’s yarmulkes and tea towels, it probably wouldn’t lead to peace in the Middle East, but it would be bloody funny. So I’m in Africa, in a hat, with dark intentions and a truck full of guns and other blokes in hats. Josh the hunter said: “Why don’t we shoot a baboon?” All nonchalant, looking out of the window at the amazing Tanzanian acacia scrub that drifts into the Serengeti plain. What about a baboon? And here’s the thing. If you tool around the beautiful and unruly bits of Africa long enough in the company of gangs of men in purposeful hats, sooner or later you’re going to do baboon. You think you’re not, you think you’re the exception, you’re going to just say no to baboon, but pretty soon it’s the monkey on your back. I should have worn my Stella McCartney hat. So, I said, why not? Just a little one. I can handle it; I’ll be a recreational primate killer. Now, baboons aren’t stupid. Well, no stupider than Piers Morgan. They know that bipedal hominids in hats, hanging around in trucks with guns, are up to no good. They see you, they sod off, in great gambolling gan.........


You can read on by clicking here:


http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/food_and_drink/eating_out/a_a_gill/article6882183.ece

It is yet another of those sad reflections on. Kill to see what it feels like. Maybe he will feel sorry about it later.

I have killed many animals in my life. I have done it because I had to or because it needed to be done. I have never enjoyed a single kill and certainly never killed to see what it felt like. I will still read AA Gill only now it will be with a bitter taste in my mouth.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

We Went To The Zoo Today - Golden Age of Zoo Postcards

The Golden Age Of Zoo Postcards
Anyone with an interest in the cultural heritage of the United Kingdom during the first half of the twentieth century will inevitably find themselves drawn towards picture postcards.

They were enormously popular, and millions were manufactured, depicting just about anything and everything in the lives of our parents, grandparents and great-grandparents.

But there is a catch: although deciphering the handwritten messages on the backs of used cards can be enjoyable in its own right, the photographs on the fronts very often tell us almost nothing they are silent snapshots of the past.

In those days, just as it is now, a day at the zoo was a break from routine, an enjoyable diversion. However, the passage of time has gradually revealed some fascinating and marked differences between then and now.

These postcards show a politically incorrect world where giving a lighted cigarette to a chimpanzee was not considered out of the ordinary, where enticing a bear to climb a pole to earn a tid-bit or riding on just about any animal that would tolerate it, was the norm, all part of the fun. We Went To The Zoo Today... takes a close look at this world.

The postcards featured would almost certainly be impossible to duplicate as a collection of originals and, even if that were not true, it would take years of searching and many hundreds of pounds, to gather a comparable set.....

TO ORDER PLEASE CLICK
HERE


Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Madagascar Fauna Group Receives PAAZAB Conservation Award

Linking Ex-situ to In-situ Conservation to Conserve Madagascar’s Biodiversity


Madagascar Fauna Group Receives PAAZAB Conservation Award


The African Association of Zoos and Aquaria (PAAZAB) formally awarded the Madagascar Fauna Group (MFG) with its 2008 Conservation Award at this year’s World Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s (WAZA) closing ceremony. David Morgan, PAAZAB Executive Director, presented the award to Dr. Eric Miller, MFG Chair, saying that PAAZAB’s recognition of the MFG’s 20-year history of mentoring and supporting an African zoo was long overdue.


The MFG is a consortium of international zoos and one botanical garden that combine annual dues to support the education, conservation, research and capacity building mission of Parc Ivoloina a 300 hectare former forestry station that includes the nation’s second zoo. Together with MFG’s experienced conservation professionals, the dedicated Malagasy staff has assimilated the member zoos’ expertise to evolve into what all modern zoos aspire to be – their community’s centralized resource for conservation information and inspiration. Through education programs that help rural primary school children stay in school, workshops that introduce and train villagers to use alternative techniques from the traditional but environmentally destructive practice of slash and burn farming and by assisting Malagasy universities train future wildlife and natural resource managers, the MFG has developed an inter-disciplinary program that contributes to meeting the region’s conservation challenges. Like other progressive zoo-based organizations, the MFG also works outside Parc Ivoloina’s immediate borders to conserve precious habitat for endangered plants and animals. The MFG has served as the Madagascar National Parks’ conservation research partner in Betampona Natural Reserve since 1990. One of Madagascar’s few remaining lowland rain forests, Betampona is home to 11 lemur species including endangered indri, diadema sifaka and black and white ruffed lemurs. MFG researchers have discovered Betampona’s amphibian diversity is significantly great than previously believed; more than 110 frogs have been identified to date.


In accepting the award, Dr. Miller said "the MFG is only as good as its member institutions which is why we are exceptionally pleased to be presented the award at WAZA’s annual meeting. This honor symbolizes and acknowledges that by collaborating and coordinating their efforts, the world’s zoos can indeed marshal their visitors’ capacity and together become the world’s greatest force for conservation action".


MFG International Headquarters
Eric Miller, DVM, Chair
Ingrid Porton, MS, Vice Chair
Saint Louis Zoo
One Government Drive
St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
remiller@stlzoo.org or porton@stlzoo.org

Madagascar Office
An Bollen, PhD., Program Manager
Madagascar Fauna Group
BP 442 Tamatave (501)
Madagascar



Ivoloina Staff



Betampona Agents An Karen

MFG Member Institutions 2008/2009

Managing Members
Chicago Zoological Society – Brookfield Zoo
Duke Lemur Center
Houston Zoo
Lemur Conservation Foundation
Missouri Botanical Garden
Naples Zoo
Philadelphia Zoo
San Antonio Zoological Gardens and Aquarium
San Diego Zoo
Saint Louis Zoo
Wildlife Conservation Society
Zoo Zurich
Zoological Society of London

Sponsoring Members
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Isle of Wight Zoo
Utah’s Hogle Zoo

Contributing Members
Allwetterzoo Munster
Antwerp Zoo
Biodome de Montreal
Cleveland Zoo AAZK
Dickerson Park Zoo
Dudley Zoological Gardens
Living Rainforest
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Northern Lights Chapter AAZK , Duluth
Rocky Mountain AAZK (Denver Zoo Chapter)
San Francisco Zoo AAZK Chapter
Seneca Park Zoo
Ueno Zoological Gardens
Wild4Ever Conservation Foundation

Friends of the MFG 2008/2009
Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park
Erie Zoo
Lee Richardson Zoo
Indianapolis Zoological Society, Inc.
Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
Milwaukee County Zoological Gardens
National Capital AAZK Chapter
Sacramento Zoo
San Francisco Zoological Gardens
Saint Louis Zoo Primate Keepers
Shepreth Wildlife Park
Tulsa Zoo Chapter AAZK

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Zoo News Digest 21st - 25th October 2009 (Zoo News 626)

Zoo News Digest 21st - 25th October 2009 (Zoo News 626)
http://zoonewsdigest.com/

http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.com/

Peter Dickinson
peterd482001@yahoo.co.uk


Dear Colleagues,

It is the run up to Halloween that seems to have most of the zoo world twitching at the moment and so, sorry, I will not be including any references to Halloween stories unless they are unique. It really is a case of stories running around in circles. Very good of course, it brings the visitors in.

The 'rare' white lions in the West Midlands Safari Park are also generating a lot of press interest with their cute photos. Rare? yes of course they are. The trouble with that word is that it usually rides tandem with 'endangered' or 'threatened' and those words marry up with conservation. Rare as the white lion cubs are they are of not threatened or endangered and of no conservation value or significance. They are simply a money making tool...an attraction to bring in more visitors. The West Midlands Safari Park appears to have a particular attachment to white animals. Within Asian zoos the whites and albinos are looked upon as 'lucky' but I don't quite know how they fit in within the UK Safari Park scene.

I came across a Thailand Pet Show the other day. Quite by accident. I did note that they had a White Skunk on display. I do recollect only seeing one of those before. What I had never seen were the Angora Ferrets. Probably as common as can be in the ferret world. I used to work ferrets whilst ratting. I used a mini polecat strain. The Angoras would never hack it. Other unusual animals on display were Viscacha, Brushtail Possum, Prairie Dog, Virginia Opossum, Cus Cus and Bamboo Rat (which included another albino). There were other animals and birds as well. All extremely well kept I thought, at least as temporary displays.

I thought the story about bringing a Tiger into Malta to be an interesting one. Easier than bringing in a domestic or so it would seem.

Lots of interesting links this week.

I was of course delighted to learn that the BIAZA UK zoo members would not be hosting Craig Busch on his tour. I have found it especially disturbing to read some of the comments about me on the Craig Busch site. These people are so blinkered that they have actually become indoctrinated. They can not and will not read another point of view. Whatever their hero or his spokeswoman says is the believed truth. They will not or cannot read another point of view. They are happy enough to comment but reading these it is quite obvious they have never read the article they are commenting on. So venomous are their rantings that I have not visited their site in days and will not do so again. Emails from them have gone unread straight into the trash can. So.

Why Don't I Keep My Mouth Shut?

I don't keep my mouth shut because I don't have to. I am not tied down by the protocols and regulations that membership of the various ZAZA's impose on their members.
I am pro zoo....pro good zoo. I can say exactly what I think without fear of dismissal or rebuke. I work for myself. I do get the rebuke of course. I get the threats and veiled threats and to be honest I worry a little at times. On the whole though I don't keep my mouth shut because I am saying what many other good zoo people are thinking. They can't say it, at least not openly.

If for example I was an associate member of BIAZA then I would be restricted by the following:

"I condemn indiscriminate generalised attacks on responsible zoological collections and while a Professional Associate I undertake to raise any adverse criticism I may have of BIAZA, or of its Member zoos, or of private collections associated with BIAZA, in a private and confidential manner with BIAZA"

More of less the same would apply for SEAZA, EAZA, WAZA and every other type of ZAZA.

I understand the reasoning but I do not want that restriction placed upon me.
My hands would be tied. I could not condemn Dartmoor for hosting Craig Busch or Noah's Farm for its association with the Great British Circus. I know that the ZAZA's will be on the ball and beavering away behind the scenes. They are good people, zoo professionals but it cannot be a bad thing if I am there as a bit of a reminder.

So, I am not going to keep my mouth shut. I will say it as I see it.

I do and am being criticised for some of the things I say. It hurts sometimes but I accept it. I am fair game. What hurts most however is the blinkered belief of some people. It hurts but it spurs me on. The need to educate people and destroy the myths and root out the zoo criminals.

This blog has readers from: Afghanistan, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cote D’Ivoire, Coatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Eire, England, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao, Latvia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Montserrat, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Northern Ireland, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United States, Uruguay, Vietnam, Wales.


The ZooNews Digest continues to be read more often by more staff in more zoos than any other publication.

Please consider advertising on this blog as I need the money but understand.... I am of stubborn principle and will not advertise products or services that I disagree with no matter how much you pay me.

Please feel free to use the comment section at the end of this Zoo News Digest.

Is your meeting/conference/symposium listed here?http://zoosymposia.blogspot.com/
If not why not? ZooNews Digest is read by more zoo people than any other similar publication. I will advertise up till the event.

Visit my webpages at:
http://hubpages.com/profile/Peter+Dickinson

My Latest Hubs are:

Bandung Zoo

Why not try writing on HubPages?

Write about what you know about or are interested in. You can post on line. Free to join and yet you can earn money continually. A passive income. Not much to begin with but it mounts up. It pays me enough to buy a cup of coffee every day...well nearly every day.


Imagine if you were to write one hub a week. That is 52 hubs per year. Each earning you a slowly increasing amount of money each week. In ten years you woulf have 520 hubs earning more. It is working towards a nice little extra source of regular income for your retirement.


Read how with my "Quick Guide to Hub Construction." http://ewerl.com/Ua92gJ I truly believe it will be worth your while.

Please visit the Zoo Professionals Book Store for more if you are looking for books for yourself or as gifts.

On with links:



The first two links are not new (just three months old) but are related to Naestved Zoo which Craig Busch will be visiting. These have been translated by Google Translate.

Police seize animals from Næstved Zoo

Calls for boycott of Næstved Zoo

Plus a Danish TV link http://go.tv2.dk/video.php/id-25955512.html?ss

Big cats lose claws
Big cats featured on The Lion Man hit TV show are suffering after having their paws 'mutilated' so they could perform with their handlers, says the wildlife park troubleshooter now overseeing the animals’ welfare. Some 29 of the 37 lions and tigers at Zion Wildlife Gardens have been declawed - a practice condemned as 'barbaric' by consultant Tim Husband, hired after the fatal mauling of Zion ranger Dalu Mncube in May."One only needs to watch these animals trying to eat to see how they struggle to grip their meat without having the use of claws to hold it. To my mind it's absolutely barbaric,'' Husband told Sunday News."There is only one reason a perfectly sound, healthy animal would have its paws mutilated in this way. And it is so they can 'perform' with their handlers.''Declawing wasn't like a human having their finger nails removed, he said. It was like the first joints of all your fingers being cut off."Often what happens is the bones grow differently, the animal goes lame, throws its hip out. Every one that has been declawed here will eventually down the track have problems with their hips and backs,'' Husband said.Sunday News has obtained the findings of a Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry investigation into declawing at Zion. The 12-page report considered the possibility of charges being laid over the declawing. But the fact most of the controversial operations, from 2000-2008, were supervised by MAF vets was "problematic to any prosecution".Declawing took place before "Lion Man" Craig Busch's mother Patricia took over the running of Zion from him last year.The MAF report revealed that from 2003-2005 - during which The Lion Man series began screening - "there was a strong commercial focus to improve the income of the zoo in order to upgrade enclosures and animal containment conditions"."This was being achieved through filming for television, advertising of the zoo and public participation and interaction with the animals, and through various related promotions of the Zion Zoo and its lions and tigers," the report said."Front pad declawing was deemed necessary by Zion's principal veterinarian at the time in order to facilitate close interaction with both handlers and veterinarians, and the need for a commercial income stream to be generated by Zion.""Key drivers" given by the vet - whose name was withheld - behind his declawing of the big cats included "the animals were being used commercially to permit the financial survival of the zoo", and "close contact with handlers and film crews was required and personal safety was an issue".The vet considered the practice as being in the animals' "best interests" as it meant they wouldn't have to undergo an alternative of repeated sedation. Declawing was the "lesser of two evils".Craig Busch was unavailable for comment, but his spokeswoman said in a statement that he had acted "with the best interests of his cats uppermost in his mind".It said he had the first tigers he brought into New Zealand, in 2000, declawed after having "sought and followed advice from experts in America". Two of the big cats had already been declawed before being given to him.Busch's statement said: "The cats have never shown any negative effects ... In fact one declawed lion at another zoo lived to the age of 22 and never showed any ill effects from declawing."Busch had "always acted on the advice from experts in the field". Declawing had been carried out in the presence of MAF vets.Reasons for the practice were: "To prevent cats from injuring each other", "To create a safer environment for human interaction with the cats" and "reducing damage to their natural surroundings, for example trees". But Husband - Zion's current operator and co-owner of Australian-based zoo consultancy company Zooworks - described declawing operations as "mutilations". "To be honest, it just ruins your animal," Husband said. "Thankfully, this declawing has been stopped and will never raise its ugly head again at Zion Wildlife Gardens."The practice was also condemned by veteran American lion and tiger handler Karl Mitchell.Speaking from his Big Cat Encounters ranch in Pahrump, 76km from Las Vegas, Nevada, Mitchell said: "The claws on the cats are like finger tips."If you watch them when they are eating, they hold their food with their claws, like you would hold a hamburger or a chicken bone. So to not have them is like giving an apple to someone
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/2998555/Big-cats-lose-claws


MISS THAILAND 2009 FINALISTS DO THEIR BIT TO CONSERVE SEA TURTLES
The 18 Miss Thailand 2009 finalists had a fun time from 19-21 October, engaging in a variety of good works and enjoyable activities in the Pattaya area, including releasing 30 sea turtles, and paying homage to the founder of the Royal Thai Navy. On Tuesday, October 20, Mr. Tanti Paripontpochanapisuit, Vice President of the Old Vajiravudh Students Association (under Royal Patronage) had the pleasure of escorting the 18 lady finalists to the ceremonious release of 30 sea turtles into the sea at the Sea Turtle Conservation Centre, Sattahip Royal Thai Naval Base. The purpose of this activity was to conserve the sea turtles that have almost become extinct, despite their lineage stretching back to prehistoric times. The release is also seen as a mutually beneficial, eco-friendly act, both
http://www.pattayadailynews.com/shownews.php?IDNEWS=0000010772


Circus Horror: Ice-Skating Bear Kills Worker
An ice-skating bear has turned on its trainers, killing one and wounding another.A Russian circus troupe were rehearsing for a performance in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, when the incident happened.Workers had to drag the bear away during the attack, according to the director of the arena, Kurmangazy Isanayev.The exits were closed off as staff waited for the emergency services.Police shot the bear dead at
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Ice-Skating-Bear-From-Russian-Circus-Troupe-Kills-Its-Trainer-During-Rehearsal-In-Kyrgyzstan/Article/200910415411582?lpos=World_News_News_Your_Way_Region_3&lid=NewsYourWay_ARTICLE_15411582_Ice-Skating_Bear_From_Russian_Circus_Troupe_Kills_Its_Trainer_During_Rehearsal_In_Kyrgyzstan

Outside review of zoo wanted
City manager Norton Bonaparte on Thursday called for "an independent top-down review" of the Topeka Zoo after federal inspections in the past two months highlighted questionable care that led to numerous animal deaths in recent years.City spokesman David Bevens also said veterinarian Shirley Llizo is no longer employed at the zoo.The review would include federal regulators, zoo accreditors and university veterinarians, Bonaparte said."The zoo's primary goal is the well-being of the animals," he said. "There are obviously past situations at the zoo that are not acceptable, and we must do everything we can to ensure that such incidents don't happen again and
http://cjonline.com/news/local/2009-10-22/outside_review_of_zoo_wanted


Reports: Zoo record-keeping, care lax
A damning federal inspection report obtained Wednesday faults the Topeka Zoo for lax veterinary care and inadequate recordkeeping related to the deaths of multiple animals in the past two years.Included are findings that two animals died after being infested by maggots.The U.S. Department of Agriculture report from late September is the latest in a series of problems at the zoo.The report comes on the heels of a separate review by Kansas State University veterinarians of previously disclosed animal deaths. The K-State report, also released Wednesday, confirmed 108-degree water in a hippopotamus pool in October 2006 was too hot and a "significant factor" in the animal's death.Zoo director Mike Coker said his facility has implemented new policies for checking the water temperature of the pool. Of the most recent inspection report, he said new animal care record-keeping policies should alleviate
http://cjonline.com/news/local/2009-10-21/reports_zoo_record_keeping_care_lax


Hippo that escaped last month killed in Mexico
A 2,200-pound hippopotamus that escaped from a private zoo has been shot to death after more than a month on the run in the countryside of southeastern Mexico.An official with Mexico's animal protection agency said Thursday the hippo was shot at least twice the previous day near a river outside the town of Alamo in Veracruz state. Witnesses told reporters that police fired the shots while trying to capture it.Enrique Lobato, the animal protection official, says
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iiyUIPvbJvMoNvMv0ZWECAvR7JUQD9BGGJ880


Complaint filed against handler of elephants now at San Diego Zoo
The U.S. Agriculture Department has filed a complaint against the Texas elephant handler who once owned Tina and Jewel, two Asian elephants now living at the San Diego Zoo. Wilbur Davenport of Livingston, Texas, is accused of violating the federal Animal Welfare Act by failing to provide adequate veterinary care, handling the elephants in a way that was unsafe to them and the public, providing substandard animal facilities and care and trying to block federal agents from accessing the elephants. According to a USDA complaint signed in September, Davenport didn't give the elephants adequate heat or enough nutritious food. In August, federal officials confiscated Tina and Jewel
http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/oct/22/bn22elephant-complaint-filed/


‘Jungle Jack’ in Malaysia to film TV show
Renowned animal expert Jack Hanna, or more popularly known as “Jungle Jack”, is in Malaysia for a television shoot.The 62-year-old American will film orang utans, sun bears, proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants in the wilds of Borneo for his entertainment and educational television show Jack Hanna’s Into http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/10/22/nation/4954181&sec=nation


Polar bear unveiled at new home
The UK's only polar bear has been given a public unveiling at her new home in the Highlands.Mercedes was relocated from Edinburgh Zoo to the Highland Wildlife Park, near Kingussie, on Monday. Her new enclosure extends over four acres of land regarded as more typical of the natural habitat of polar bears. A public appeal helped to raise £75,000 needed to fund her transfer and the Army assisted in building the bear's home and a nearby visitors' car park. David Windmill, chief executive of the zoo and park's owner, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, said watching Mercedes leave Edinburgh had been
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/highlands_and_islands/8318276.stm


When Conservation meets Innovation
In 2008, the San Diego Zoo & Wild Animal Park-one of the nation’s leading zoos and a global leader in saving endangered species-came to a realization: despite more than 4.5 million annual visitors and $200 million in annual revenues, the organization itself was on an unsustainable path.Founded in 1916 with the three-part mission of recreation, education, and conservation, the zoo was still on target to show an operating profit of $13 million despite the market panic that pushed many companies and nonprofits into the red. But as Chief Financial Officer Paula Brock told the executive committee, the long-standing model of funding conservation research and educational initiatives from entertainment revenues (tickets, food, and merchandise) and donations couldn’t be maintained¬-attendance simply wouldn’t rise as fast as the costs of maintaining a 2,000-person enterprise.The zoo had to innovate. And it has, by identifying new ways to connect with visitors and finding lucrative revenue sources such as long-term business consulting
http://www.bidiversity.com/2009/10/when-conservation-meets-innovation/


Primate fossil 'not an ancestor'
The exceptionally well-preserved fossil primate known as "Ida" is not a missing link as some have claimed, according to an analysis in the journal Nature.The research is the first independent assessment of the claims made in a scientific paper and a television documentary earlier this year. Dr Erik Seiffert says that Ida belonged to a group more closely linked to lemurs than to monkeys, apes or us. His team's conclusions come from an analysis of another fossil primate. The newly described animal - known as Afradapis longicristatus - lived some 37 million years ago in northern Egypt, during the Eocene epoch. And
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8318643.stm

Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation - Latest news - Good News
http://awwp.alwabra.com/index.php


Director: Kyiv zoo to acquire new animals in 2010
Kyiv zoo in 2010 will widen its animal collection with animals given by German colleagues, the director general of Kyiv Zoo, Svitlana Berzina, told the press on Saturday before celebration of the 100th anniversary of the zoo.She said that she recently visited Germany."I visited Berlin and Munich zoos. We signed some agreements. Thus, Kyiv zoo would largely expand its collection next year, and will join to the international program on breeding of Przevalsky's horse," she said.She also said that Kyiv zoo has resumed the keeping of the international book for Himalayan black bears.Commenting the situation with the exclusion of Kyiv zoo from the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) in 2007, Berzina expressed hope that according
http://www.kyivpost.com/city/50919


Lion Man seeks $230k in damages
Animal welfare, big cat handling, staff training, business deals and allegations of false and malicious claims to authorities pepper the documents.The depth of the breakdown in relations between Lionman Craig Busch and his mother Patricia over Whangarei's world-famous Zion Wildlife Gardens has been revealed in High Court action between the pair.Mr Busch, famous around the world as the Lionman, from the popular TV programme of the same name, has filed a civil statement of claim in the High Court at Whangarei.The statement of claim, given to the Northern Advocate, includes a series of allegations against Patricia Busch and the other defendants in the proceedings - Zion Wildlife Gardens Ltd; Country Developments Ltd; Wildlife Pictures Ltd; Primal Productions Ltd and Kaukapakapa business advisor and company director Michael Bailey.In their statement of defence the defendants have denied the serious allegations made in Mr Busch's statement of claim.Mr Busch is seeking damages and asking the court to:* Cancel 2006 and 2007 legal agreements* Cancel Mrs Busch's shareholding in Country Developments and Zion Wildlife Gardens* Restore Craig Busch as sole shareholder* Cancel Mrs Busch as his proxy and attorneyThe full extent of damages being sought will be filed six weeks before the matter goes to trial. A court date is yet to be set. Mr Busch seeks $200,000 in general damages and $30,000 in exemplary damages and costs.He claims that the third Lionman series was screened without his permission and wants profits from the shows to be used to pay Zion's debts and the rest given to him. The defendants deny the series was screened without his permission.Legal reasons prevent the Advocate from detailing many of the claims and counterclaims made. Animal welfare, big cat handling, staff training, business deals and allegations of false and malicious claims to authorities pepper the documents. Mr Busch also claims that he has difficulty understanding legal agreements due to a reading difficulty, and that he suffered from emotional, financial and physical stress.
http://www.northernadvocate.co.nz/local/news/lion-man-seeks-230k-in-damages/3905600/


Some animals are more equal than others, cat clubs claim
Is it easier to import a Bengal tiger cub than a harmless Persian kitten? This was the question raised by the Malta Cat Society and The Malta Cat Club, both of which have unsheathed their claws after the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) ruled that transactions related to the recent importation of a Bengal tiger to Malta were “all regular”, and that the specimen “was accompanied
http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/2009/10/21/t2.html


Reports find zoo chasing its tail
A damning federal inspection report obtained Wednesday faults the Topeka Zoo for lax veterinary care and inadequate record keeping related to the deaths of multiple animals in the past two years.Included are findings that two animals died after being infested by maggots.The U.S. Department of Agriculture report from late September is the latest in a series of problems at the zoo.The report comes on the heels of a separate review by Kansas State University veterinarians of previously disclosed animal deaths. The K-State report, also released Wednesday, confirmed 108-degree water in a hippopotamus pool in October 2006 was too hot and a "significant factor" in the animal's death.Zoo director Mike Coker said his facility has implemented new policies for checking the water temperature of the pool. Of the most recent inspection report, he said new animal care record-keeping policies should alleviate the confusion raised by the USDA's findings."It's important to have as complete a picture as possible," he said in an interview Wednesday. "We're just reminding our folks to be more detailed, document everything."In August, the USDA issued a report citing multiple noncompliance issues related to animal deaths. Among those findings were that a black leopard died after he was administered a medication later found to be fatal over long periods, and a hippo suffered a fatal seizure hours after she was discovered in 108-degree water.The additional issues raised in the September USDA report and the K-State review has City Councilman John Alcala questioning the zoo's competence."There are serious issues happening out there, and they need to be addressed," he said. "Th
http://cjonline.com/news/local/2009-10-21/reports_find_zoo_chasing_its_tail


Edmonton threatened with lawsuit over Lucy the elephant
Animal rights groups issued an ultimatum to the city Tuesday, threatening legal action if councillors don’t address the plight of Lucy the elephant in 30 days.
http://communities.canada.com/edmontonjournal/blogs/soundoff/archive/2009/10/20/392148.aspx

Twycross Zoo keeper wins award
ZOO keeper Jason Mann scooped an award at Twycross Zoo last week for helping a visitor with learning difficulties.The zoo gives out a monthly CUTE award for the member of staff who “creates a unique Twycross experience” and he received the gong for bringing out each animal so a 14-year-old wheelchair user could get close enough to see them. Jason himself has learning difficulties and has worked at the zoo in Atherstone for two years after joining
http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/2009/10/21/twycross-zoo-keeper-wins-award-92746-24982815/


Her job's a keeper
Bethany Wlaz has the best seat in the house for a gripping soap opera filled with lust, envy and intrigue.Every day, the Annapolis resident walks up a long tunnel to take in the action of "The Young and the Flightless."It's her nickname for the interesting goings-on among the 43 African penguins on Rock Island at The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, which according to officials is the largest colony of that type of penguin in North America."There's a lot of drama down here," quipped Wlaz, 26, clad in green T-shirt, gloves, khaki pants and big black rubber boots.The soap opera cast is made up of characters like Wheezy, Beaker, Honkers, Oreo, Pudge and Shorty - and the "performers" vie for attention among themselves and from Wlaz and the two other full-time keepers who care County resident works with zoo's penguins
http://www.hometownglenburnie.com/news/Community/2009/10/21-01/Her+job&%2339%3Bs+a+keeper%0A.html


Boost for black rhino population
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has given away 14 more black rhino as part of a bold project to expand the living space of the critically endangered species.The rhinos - worth roughly R500 000 each - were released into a new game reserve in the north of the province on permanent loan earlier this week.The exact location of the reserve has not been disclosed because of the recent spike in rhino
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?from=rss_Environment&set_id=1&click_id=14&art_id=nw20091021183016108C811754

It’s all going on in the Highlands!
Whereas Edinburgh Zoo has been rather quiet of late, the Highland Wildlife Park has seen a recent flurry of activity! He’s what has been going on up here!As we mentioned just a few weeks back, the seasonal deer rut is now in full swing. The red deer at the Highland Wildlife Park have certainly been demonstrating some interesting behaviours as a result of this. ‘Snap’, the 11 year old dominant male has been doing lots of roaring, as well as chasing away the younger males. However, 10 year old ‘Thor’ who in the past has been a contender for ‘Snap’, has not been putting up much of a fight this year. This is most probably a result of damaging the brow tines (the antler
http://rzss.wordpress.com/2009/10/21/it%E2%80%99s-all-going-on-in-the-highlands/


Red Wolf Woods to inspire conservation in visitors
Exhibit will showcase restoration efforts of the nearly extinct animalIn spring 2010 six red wolves will call the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium (PDZA) home again. If it were 1970, that would be almost half of the nation’s entire population of the animal. Back then, there were only 14 known red wolves in the country. Today, because of concerted conservation efforts amongst zoos and private partners, the number of red wolves has grown to nearly 300, with more than a quarter of those wolves in PDZA-operated facilities in Pierce County.In order to continue the conservation and restoration of the once near-extinct animal, the zoo is beefing up its breeding programs, as well as creating a new educational zoo exhibit showcasing the red wolves’ brush with extinction and restoration to this point.On Oct. 12 PDZA broke
http://www.tacomaweekly.com/article/3661



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ZOO BIOLOGY


The Zoo Biology Group is concerned with all disciplines involved inthe running of a Zoological Garden. Captive breeding, husbandry,cage design and construction, diets, enrichment, man management,record keeping, etc etc

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/zoo-biology



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A sad reflection on our society. As if these birds did no have enough problems with long line fishing. Read about this image and see more at:
http://chrisjordan.com/current_set2.php?id=11




It is shocking but please take a long hard look at the other photos from the link.


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Animals Asia calls for release of 24 bears held illegally on Vietnam bile farm

Animals Asia Foundation and other international and local NGOs are calling on the Vietnamese Government to confiscate 24 endangered moon bears (or Asiatic black bears) involved in a recent police raid on a bear farm in the popular tourist area of Ha Long Bay.


Tuan Bendixsen, Animals Asia's Vietnam Director, said the raid on a bear farm at Dai Yen just outside Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province on 2 October and the detention of seven people involved in the illegal operation had initially been encouraging as it implied the authorities might finally be taking the issue of illegal bear bile farming seriously.


But it's now almost three weeks since the arrests and still no one has been charged and nothing has been done to confiscate these bears. If the Vietnamese Government is serious about ending bear bile farming in this country, it must act immediately to ensure these 24 bears are confiscated and transferred to us so our vets and expert bear managers can begin to repair the damage inflicted by the ruthless farmers, who are openly flouting the law, Mr Bendixsen said.

The 2 October operation by Vietnam's Environmental Police and the local Ha Long Police caught employees of the Dai Yen farm extracting and selling bear bile red-handed to Korean tourists. Five workers and two South Koreans, who had been visiting the farm on an organised tour, were taken into custody for questioning.


Bile extraction equipment and more than 200 vials containing freshly extracted bear bile were confiscated in the raid. Of the 81 bears on the farm, the 24 in question had no proof of origin and no microchips as required by law.


The police raid came shortly after local journalists infiltrated and exposed the farm, but Animals Asia founder and CEO Jill Robinson said the fact that this and other farms in the area were keeping unregistered bears and illegally extracting and selling bile had been known to the authorities for a long time.

For two years now, Animals Asia has been asking the government to act on its promise to confiscate 80 bears (including the 24 illegal bears at Dai Yen) from farms in Ha Long Bay and transfer them to our sanctuary, but so far we have received just one bear, Ms Robinson said. We have gone ahead with major construction work at our bear sanctuary based on the government's promise.

In fact, the police raid comes near the end of our global letter-writing campaign to convince the Vietnamese Government to rescue and relocate to the foundation's sanctuary the 79 bears still being held illegally on farms at Ha Long Bay and previously promised to Animals Asia. Ms Robinson said


Thousands of people around the globe have already sent in letters and these will be delivered to the Prime Minister's Office in early November. The time has come for the Vietnamese authorities to listen to the international community and their country's own people, because this terrible trade is harming Vietnam's image around the world, Ms Robinson said.


It was Animals Asia investigators which, back in early 2007, first alerted the authorities to the illegal activities at farms in the Ha Long Bay area. Undercover film footage and photos that proved bile was still being extracted from bears and sold to tourists was passed over to the government. This prompted an earlier raid on farms in the area, with 80 bears being identified as illegal (not microchipped, which meant they had probably been poached from the wild.)
So far, just one bear has been handed over to Animals Asia's sanctuary because of bureaucratic red tape and lack of political will. In April 2008, Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister in direct contravention of Vietnamese law decided not to confiscate the remaining 79 bears.


Animals Asia and other non-governmental organisations including the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), Education for Nature, Vietnam(ENV) have formed the Vietnam NGO Bear Task force, which continues to lobby the government to overturn the prime Minister's decision.


Bear farms in the Ha Long area are making enormous profits from the illegal extraction and sale of bile, which is used in traditional medicine for a range of ailments. According to the police report of the bust, each month the farm receives 30 to 40 tour groups coming through and it is selling bear bile at US$6 per 1ml. That translates to big profits, so ultimately it is greed we are dealing with here, Mr Bendixsen said.


He said bear bile farming had been illegal in Vietnam since 1992, but around 4,000 bears remained trapped on farms. He said it was well known that bile extraction continued and that bears were still being poached from the wild. Sadly a lack of resources has meant that in reality, enforcement of the laws has been virtually non-existent.


In November 2005, Animals Asia signed an agreement with the Vietnamese government to rescue 200 bears and care for them at our Vietnam Moon BearRescue Centre in Tam Dao National Park. To date, our sanctuary has taken in 30 bears confiscated by the government and currently has the capacity to receive 100 more bears rescued from bear farms.
Bile extraction is extremely painful for the bears. In Vietnam, they are drugged usually with ketamine restrained with ropes and have their abdomens repeatedly jabbed with four-inch needles until the gall bladder is found. The bile is then extracted with a pump.
* *
For more information, please contact Animals Asia

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ANNOUNCEMENT

Wildlife Middle East News

Vol 4 Issue 2 Sept 2009

PDFs can be downloaded from:

http://www.wmenews.com/

Request for articles for future issues:

We are looking for contributions of articles from colleagues within the Middle East region for the next issue.

Please contact the editors with any ideas that you may have.mailto:have.info@wmenews.com

Vol 4 Issue 2 Contents

1. Editorial

2. Kuwait turtle conservation project: towards knowledge and protection

3. Clinical fluorosis in captive gerenuk and bongo antelope

4. Nature Iraq hosted field ornithology and botany course with birdlife international and the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh in Iraqi Kurdistan.

5. Rat control in sensitive wildlife environments

6.a. Encephalomycarditis outbreak in a zoological collection in the UAE
b. Red foxes in the Middle East; a call for samples

7. Opportunistic wildlife trade in Yemen

8. Reviews - Arthropod Fauna of the UAE Volume 2

9.a. News - Fatal Pollution an update
b. Persecution of Rüppell’s fox in central Saudi Arabia

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FALCO 34 AVAILABLE

The latest issue No.34 of The Newsletter of the Middle East Falcon Research Group (MEFRG) - "FALCO" is published and available for downloading at:http://www.mefrg.org/falco.asp

and at the wmenews website (in supporting information section)http://www.wmenews.com/

as well as all previous numbers of this Newsletter.


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ZOOS' PRINT MAGAZINE

Volume XXIV, Number 11
November 2009
ISSN 0971-6378 (Print edition); 0973-2543 (Online edition); RNI 11:2
Date of publication 21 October 2009


Cover - including contents, publication information and other cover material
PDF ( 338Kb )


Complete Magazine, Pp. 1-28
PDF ( 869Kb )


Ganges Dolphin declared National Aquatic Animal by Government of India: A Great Step Forward
-- Randall R. Reeves, Pp. 1-2
PDF ( 49Kb )


Annual Reports of Heads of CBSG and WAZA
Pp. 3-5
PDF ( 71Kb )


Report of CBSG South Asia Aug 08-Sep 09 included in CBSG Briefing Material
Pp. 6-8
PDF ( 109Kb )


Annual Report of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums
-- Gordon Reid, Pp. 8-12
PDF ( 116Kb )


Wildlife Week in India ... 55 years old
Pp. 13-15
PDF ( 158Kb )


Other education Reports
P. 16
PDF ( 80Kb )


COUNTDOWN 2010 — Save Biodiversity Programmes in Chennai and Madurai, Tamil Nadu
P. 17
PDF ( 133Kb )


Education at Lahore Zoo Pakistan
P. 18
PDF ( 70Kb )


Management of mating injuries in two Asiatic Lions (Panthera Leo)
-- I. Nath, S.K.Panda, P.K.Roy, A.K.Mishra and A.K.Pattanaik, P. 19
PDF ( 125Kb )


Scavenging by Common Mongoose in Gulab Bagh Zoo and Sajjangarh WL Sanctuary
-- Satish Kumar Sharma, P. 20
PDF ( 15Kb )


A note on helminth parasites of common myna (Acridotheres tristis) in Namakkal, Tamil Nadu
-- G. Ponnudurai, T.J. Harikrishnan, A. Arulmozhi and N. Rani, P. 20
PDF ( 103Kb )


Can the whistling hunters be successfully reintroduced into Indian jungles?
-- K.L.N Murthy, Pp. 21-22
PDF ( 65Kb )


Gharial Rescue from Kandhesi Minor at Bharthana Town of Etawah District, UP
-- Rajeev Chauhan, P. 23
PDF ( 148Kb )


Zoo Lex - The lynx exhibit at Lange Erlen Animal Park in Switzerland
Pp. 24-26
PDF ( 359Kb )


Membership in Amphibian Ark
P. 27
PDF ( 86Kb )


Invasive Alien Insects : Threat to Agriculture, Horticulture, and Forest Ecosystems, 23 & 24, December 2009
P. 28
PDF ( 45Kb )

http://www.zoosprint.org/showMagazine.asp

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6.00pm, 10 November 2009 -

SOUTH ASIA VULTURES: CATASTROPHIC DECLINES AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT -

ZSL Wildlife Conservation series.

http://ctt-news.org/9GD-2AT2-14110QE2E2/cr.aspx

We hope you will be able to attend the above event in the Wildlife Conservation series at 6.00pm on Tuesday, 10 November 2009. Doors will be open from 5.00pm on the evening and seats will be on a first-come, first-served basis; please arrive early to ensure you get a good seat.

The evening has been organised by Nick Lindsay, Senior Curator – Zoo Projects, ZSL in collaboration with the RSPB.

SOUTH ASIA VULTURES: CATASTROPHIC DECLINES AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Around the world vultures are under pressure for a variety of reasons but in South Asia over the past 15 years a catastrophic decline of three species has been identified. The challenge now faced by conservationists and the governments of India, Nepal and Pakistan is to reverse the trend and save these species from the brink of extinction.

The decline, its causes and the impact on the environment will be examined, and actions now under way to ensure the long-term survival of the three species of vulture will be discussed. Details of how a veterinary drug used in cattle led to the loss of millions of vultures, how local communities have coped with the loss of vultures in their environment and the effect on human health, the search to find safe replacement drugs and how breeding centres can re-establish populations of these Critically Endangered vultures in the wild are given. Is this a one-off problem or is other wildlife facing similar threats?

Speakers: Jemima Parry-Jones - International Centre for Birds of Prey

Rhys Green - RSPB

Richard Cuthbert - RSPB

Nick Lindsay - ZSL

http://ctt-news.org/9GD-2AT2-14110QE2E2/cr.aspx for more details

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Announcing the ASZK Des Spittall Scholarship for Keeper Research

Named in honour of the late Des Spittall, a life member of ASZK, the ASZK committee has launched the Des Spittall Scholarship for keeper research. This is open to people who have been a financial member of ASZK for 12 months or more. This is an annual scholarship up to the value of $2,000.

Applications deadline extended until 15 November 2009

http://www.aszk.org.au/ for more details


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Dear Colleagues,

We are please to announce 2 new workshops for 2010:

Environmental Enrichment Workshop with David Sheperdson and other speakers in collaboration with the Odense Zoo in Denmark.

April 22nd - 25th 2010

Advanced Animal Learning Seminar with Tim Sullivan and other speakers in collaboration with the Chester Zoo in the UK.

June 4th - 7th 2010

More information will be available soon on http://www.animalconcepts.eu/


Please email me if you are interested in the program(s).

Kind regards,
Sabrina

AnimalConcepts
The Netherlands


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Are you a single man?

Between 34 + 45 Looking to meet someone new?

I am single white female in the UK, age 35

I work in the industry, am a animal lover not a bunny hugger!

I'm wild, bubbly and curvaceous and please attatch recent photo! All mails will be replied to email mirabilisme@googlemail.com

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http://ctt-news.org/9GD-26BF-14110QE2E2/cr.aspx



Dear All,


I have been asked to circulate information on the below two events which will take place at ZSL on Tuesday 24 November to mark Nepal Nature Conservation Year in collaboration with the Government of Nepal:


The Nepal Conservation in Crisis seminar (10.30am–3.00pm) will address key conservation issues affecting Nepal’s diverse and highly threatened ecosystems. A range of speakers will share their experiences and achievements in natural resources conservation and the seminar will be chaired by the Minister of Forests and Soil Conservation and Director of National Parks Nepal. Seminar places are free but must be booked in advance. Please see here for full information and please email jane.loveless@zsl.org if you would like to participate.


A separate evening event, Fragile Nepal (6.30–11.00pm), will raise funds for the vital conservation work needed to safeguard this remarkable region and its fragile ecosystems. Full information can be found here and the evening includes a drinks reception, buffet dinner, presentations, Nepali entertainment, and a silent auction. Please email pippa.king@zsl.org to book your place.


I hope that these will be of interest; please contact Jane directly if you would like to participate in the Nepal Conservation in Crisis seminar or Pippa if you wish to book for the exclusive Fragile Nepal evening event.


Thanks and best wishes,

Joy :-)

Joy Hayward Scientific Meetings Co-ordinator,
ZSL,
London
NW1 4RY,
UK.
Tel: +44 (0)20 7449 6227.
Fax: +44 (0)20 7449 6411.
E-mail: joy.hayward@zsl.org.
Web: http://ctt-news.org/9GD-26BF-110QE2-1AIN9-1/c.aspx


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The Monkey Sanctuary Trust

I am writing to let you know the latest news from The Monkey Sanctuary Trust. This year we have carried out a major review of how the Trust is functioning and what we are able to achieve. The Monkey Sanctuary has come a long way since it was founded in 1964 and, after much research and consultation, we have concluded that our present title does not sufficiently represent the charity's work.We are, therefore, pleased to announce that Wild Futures is the new name for The Monkey Sanctuary Trust; a change which reflects our charity's growing influence in the world of conservation, education, habitat protection and primate welfare.

The change in our name does not mean a move away from the work we have championed for decades, and our rescue centre, The Monkey Sanctuary, will still exist as a flagship project of Wild Futures and will continue to be a primary focus of our primate welfare and rehabilitation work. Our campaign to end the primate pet trade will carry on, as will our environmental education and support for overseas projects. By becoming Wild Futures we aim to raise our profile in national and international circles, thus increasing revenue and creating opportunities to direct funding to where it is most needed in the key areas of our work.

In a practical sense, little will change in how the charity is run and with regards to how we work together. Our ethos and outlook remain the same, and any necessary changes will be made with transparency and with as little disruption as possible. Our new website http://www.wildfutures.org/ will officially be going live on the 12th October 2009.

We are making it intermittently available for viewing before this date, in order to gather comments and make last moment changes. The Wild Futures Facebook site is already up and running - do join us there! We will be launching from the Sanctuary on November the first, with an open day for our local supporters.

We hope that this marks the beginning of a new era for the Trust and that our ability to help primates and habitats develops and grows as we dream it might. One of the areas that we have always believed is key to our helping primates, is valuing and working in partnership with other like minded people and organisations.

Regards,Brooke Aldrich

Wild Futures / Monkey Sanctuary Trust


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Howletts and Port Lympne Student Enrichment and Welfare Course in collaboration with AnimalConcepts.
27th – 29th January 2010




Instructors: Sabrina Brando and Mark Kingston Jones



Howletts and Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks are pleased to announce a course on Enrichment and Welfare to be run by Sabrina Brando and Mark Kingston Jones.


Sabrina runs AnimalConcepts, an international consultancy company specialising in enrichment, behaviour and animal welfare. Sabrina has 17 years experience in the field and collaborates with many facilities, universities and research institutes.


Mark has been involved in the animal welfare field since 2004 and now works at Howletts and Port Lympne as the Enrichment and Research Officer for both parks organising workshops, talks and working with keepers to design and implement enrichment ideas. He has been involved in two ‘The Shape of Enrichment’ workshops, in the UK and Indonesia, and has presented 9 talks on topics relating to animal welfare at conferences, both nationally and internationally.



This course is designed specifically for college and university students (past or present) who do not currently work within a zoo setting but are looking to do so as a career. Over three days students will gain a background in animal welfare and working with different species, as well as providing practical skills in designing, building and testing enrichment within the settings of both Howletts and Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks, in Kent. Our aim is to provide valuable experience and the addition of useful skills to a would-be keeper’s CV. Please note you must be 18 or over to attend this course.


Lecture topics include: An overview of welfare and enrichment, animal husbandry and learning, choice and control, enclosure design and breaking into the zoo world. Additionally there will be talks and practicals with keepers involving working with carnivores, primates, ungulates, elephant management, getting involved in in-situ conservation, rope splicing and fire hose weaving.


The workshop registration fee of £150 includes:
All workshop materials
Practical sessions
Lunches during the 3 days, as well as drinks and snacks during the scheduled tea breaks.


Information on discounted accommodation is available on request and the number of available places is limited, so please book early.



For further information and to request a booking form please contact:
Kim Guillot at Howletts and Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks
Email: intern@totallywild.net


Final deadline for registration is: 31.12.09

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Wishing you a wonderful week,

Peter Dickinson


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