Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Zoo News Digest 27th - 30th December 2009 (Zoo News 638)

Zoo News Digest 27th - 30th December 2009 (Zoo News 638)

http://zoonewsdigest.com/

http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.com/

Peter Dickinson
peterd482001@yahoo.co.uk


Dear Colleagues,

Well part of the festive season is out of the way...just a little bit more to go and life will be back to normal. Or at least I hope so. I hope to continue on as before and am grateful to the six people who have subscribed to the Digest this week (For Subscription details see HERE). Necessity really. I believe Zoo News Digest works for you, I don't like taking charity, I would rather give it but I do put the hours in every day to make your life that bit easier.

Meanwhile my non attachment and independence from any particular zoo or organisation will allow me to continue with critical comment without the risk of losing my job. The only problem there is the almost daily abusive emails. These in the main from Craig Busch or Tiger Temple fans but a smattering of others too. They can be most unkind and threatening at times. C'est la vie. I have a thicker skin at the end of this year than I did at the start.

Do you know I was actually twice offered quite a generous cash payments to NOT mention a certain 'zoos' in Zoo News Digest when the press was unfavourable? I refused.




Please post in comments below if you feel so inclined.


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On with links:

'Chicken' frog saved from pot


PAIGNTON Zoo has joined a global conservation project with the arrival of a rare species.

It is now home to a giant frog which has two misfortunes — it is both tasty and large enough to be a meal.

The mountain chicken, or giant ditch frog, is one of the largest frogs in the world weighing in at more than 2lbs.

A zoo spokesman said: "The mountain chicken might be one of the most-confusing animals in the world. It is not a bird and it doesn't live in the mountains but

http://www.thisissouthdevon.co.uk/news/Chicken-frog-saved-pot/article-1654505-detail/article.html







WWF Scotland release hit-list of 2010’s doomed species

SCOTS conservation experts have pin-pointed the planet’s most at-risk species in 2010.

Butterflies, tigers and tuna are among the 10 most threatened species according to a new WWF Scotland report released today.

They believe climate change, poaching and deforestation in 2010 will leave some animals at “a greater risk than ever.”

And they added that Scotland’s pledge to cut emissions by 42 per-cent by 2020 was a vital part of global efforts.

Director of WWF Scotland, Dr Richard Dixon, said: “We have a window of opportunity in which to step up and pull back some of the world’s most splendid animals from the brink of extinction.

“We urge everyone who wants to live in a world with tigers, polar bears, and pandas to make it their New Year’s resolution to help save these amazing and threatened species before it’s too late.

The fact that the majority of the species listed this year are being directly or indirectly impacted upon by climate change underlines the urgent need for world leaders to hammer out a legally-

http://deadlinescotland.wordpress.com/2009/12/29/2403/









Turtles can act like chameleons to deceive predators and prey alike

In a new research, scientists have determined that turtles can act like chameleons, by matching the colour of their skin and shells to the colour of their habitat's substrate, which helps them to deceive predators and prey alike.

According to a report in Natural History Magazine, the research was carried out by John W Rowe, of Alma College in Michigan, US, and his three colleagues.

They collected gravid female midland painted turtles and red-eared sliders from the wild, brought them to the lab, and injected them with oxytocin, a hormone that induces egg laying.

They assigned the hatchlings to two control groups, which they kept for 160 days on either a white or a black substrate, and to two "reversal" groups, which they kept for 80 days on white or

http://www.dnaindia.com/scitech/report_turtles-can-act-like-chameleons-to-deceive-predators-and-prey-alike_1323596









Clouded Leopard Conservation in Assam, India

As we near the end of 2009, we have been receiving progress reports from several of our grant recipients. One is from Karabi Deka and Jimmy Borah whose project, “Status, distribution, and ecology of small cats in Assam, India with a focus on the clouded leopard as a flagship species,” received funding from the CLP. This is the first project we have supported outside of our usual area of emphasis in Southeast Asia. We received a number of requests for India-based projects this year. In fact, we had an all-time high number of proposals submitted in 2009. Although we wish we weren’t so limited in our ability to provide support, it’s exciting to see how the number of clouded leopard and small cat field efforts has boomed over the last few years. With such dedication to uncovering the ecology of these cats and bringing much needed awareness to local communities we are confident that

http://cloudedleopardblog.blogspot.com/2009/12/clouded-leopard-conservation-in-assam.html









Seoul Zoo to Go Eco-Friendly

Seoul Zoo is going to be revamped as an eco-friendly ecological park by 2020.

"We will make Seoul Zoo an international tourist destination by renovating it as a park of the future where a zoo and theme park will be combined together in eco-friendly way," Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon said.

The renovation proposal was made by a consortium of five companies from Korea, the United States and Singapore.

The plan divides the zoo into a free public park and a paid theme park called "The Living World."

The theme park will consist of four zones where visitors can experience different ecosystems while enjoying various attractions on a 3.

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2009/12/177_58086.html









Blackpool Zoo's double celebration

CHAMPAGNE corks are popping all round Blackpool Zoo as staff celebrate two fantastic firsts.

It has been officially confirmed the first ever Western Lowland gorilla to be born at the zoo will arrive in Summer 2010, just as the attraction marks the 10 year anniversary of Gorilla Mountain.

Expectant first-time mother Miliki, who turned 16 on Christmas Day, has been at Blackpool for six years and successfully mated with the latest addition to the group, Bukavu.

Exciting

And it's also De Brazza monkey magic for Mia, who was seven months old on Christmas Day, as she is successfully reintroduced to her group after being hand-reared by keepers at the zoo.

Mia's mother died when she was 12 days old and her care was taken over by staff.

Jude Rothwell, marketing and PR co-ordinator

http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Blackpool-Zoo39s-double-celebration.5939220.jp









Zoo’s growth continues

While most of us will be glad to see 2009 in the rear view window, it has been a year of great success at the Oklahoma City Zoo. Attendance was excellent and, in fact, the Oklahoma Zoological Society edged tantalizingly close to the 20,000-member families mark. The society also drew record crowds for the annual "Ostrich egg breakfast” and a new event, "Zoobrew.”

These events and other fun-filled "ZooFriends” activities enabled the nonprofit organization to donate nearly $1.2 million to the zoo. This was a 42 percent increase over the previous year and is an obvious tribute to the leadership of Dana McCrory, the society’s executive director. Her enthusiasm also might explain why almost 80 percent of ZooFriends members renewed their memberships this year.

Dwight Scott, the zoo’s executive director, also continues to excel. Working with more than 130 dedicated employees, Scott hosted the Association of Zoos and Aquariums midyear meeting. More than 350 zoo professionals attended this

http://newsok.com/zoos-growth-continues/article/3427867?custom_click=rss











NC Zoo looks to expand popular polar bear exhibit

Officials at the North Carolina Zoo are hoping a multimillion-dollar expansion of one of its exhibits will lead to expansion in the number of inhabitants in the exhibit.

The News & Record of Greensboro reports that officials want to create a polar bear breeding program at the zoo, a move that could mean additional revenue.

The $4.7 million expansion to the polar bear exhibit will accommodate some of the critical elements female bears crave in raising cubs: space and privacy.

http://www.newsobserver.com/356/story/258024.html









Private zoo operator loses ID Supreme Court fight

An Idaho man whose now-defunct private zoo in Nampa was a magnet both for school kids and disputes has failed to fight off a 2006 conviction for misdemeanor possession of exotic animals.

TheIdaho Supreme Court ruled last week there was no evidence that Jerry Korn signed contracts in 2005 to transfer his exotic animals from his Nampa site to a new location in Payette County before Payette County passed a law forbidding exotic animals on June 1, 2005.

Korn contended the Payette County ordinance illegally impaired his contracts, but Justice Joel Horton wrote Korn failed to prove he'd finalized the contracts

http://www.idahostatesman.com/westtreasure/story/1022978.html









White tiger victim 'played dead' in cage

A German zookeeper who was bitten on the neck by a white tiger says she played dead to avoid being killed.

Nearly two weeks ago, Karim the male tiger attacked Linda Gruhn, 30, while she was cleaning its cage.

Ms Gruhn had her neck broken in the attack and was airlifted to hospital.

"It all happened so fast," she told German newspaper Bild.

"He suddenly appeared behind me and grabbed me.

"I thought any minute it's over ... instinctively, I played dead."

But the animal — which had slipped th

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/988557/white-tiger-victim-tells-of-attack









Poacher killed in shootout

A rhino poacher was killed and two others injured in a fierce exchange of gunfire between a group of poachers and game rangers on Christmas day, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW) said on Monday.

“Two suspected rhino poachers were wounded and one killed in an exchange of gunfire with field rangers in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park on the evening of December 25,” EKZNW said.

Field rangers in the iMfolozi section of the park heard shots in the western part of the Makhamisa section of iMfolozi at about 19:40 and responded immediately.

“Using torches the field rangers

http://www.news24.com/Content/SouthAfrica/News/1059/65b99f018ccf428bb73196c6211b6412/28-12-2009-04-10/Poacher_killed_in_shootout









Poachers still continue to hunt Sumatran tigers

Poachers still continue to hunt the remaining Sumatran tigers (Panthera tigris) in the Bengkulu forest, conservationist Radius Nursidi of the Profauna nature conservation organization said.

"Based on its survey in March, Profauna found at least 12 tiger traps in the Seblat Elephant Conservation Center (PKG) in North Bengkulu," Radius said here on Tuesday.

He said that Profauna conducted the survey only in one area, namely around the PKG forest park where it found at least 12 tiger traps." he said.Poachers also hunt elephants in the Seblat forest park, he said.

Due to the illegal hunting of elephants and tigers in the Seblat PKG forest park in Putri Hijau subdistrict, North Bengkulu, the population of the

http://www.antara.co.id/en/news/1262126823/poachers-still-continue-to-hunt-sumatran-tigers









Zoo employee testifies that he never saw animals mistreated at Arlington business

A Fort Worth Zoo employee who bought and sold animals for himself at U.S. Global Exotics testified Tuesday that he never saw animals being mistreated at the north Arlington business.

Mike Doss, who was not representing the zoo, disputed the testimony of witnesses for Arlington that the business improperly housed animals and denied them food, water and veterinarian care.

The owners of U.S. Global, an Internet-based exotic-animal wholesaler, are trying to regain custody of more than 26,000 animals seized by the city Dec. 15 during an animal cruelty investigation. Tuesday was the fifth day of the custody hearing before Municipal Judge Michael Smith.

"I was impressed," Doss said of what he saw during regular visits to the business since 2006 to buy animals or sell those he had raised at home.

"They obviously invested a lot of money in their caging systems and how they took care of their animals."

Doss, who cares for coldblooded land animals at the zoo, said there are several plausible reasons why some of the snakes, lizards and turtles seized from

http://www.star-telegram.com/local/story/1858995.html









Como Zoo polar bears will no longer bum you out (maybe)

Remember the days of visiting the Como Zoo and coming across the polar bear exhibit? Maybe your brain blocked the painful memory from your mind. Yes, the zoo is free (sweet!) but you still felt like a terrible person enjoying your day when those enormous polar bears looked like they were plotting their own suicides.

We don't blame them. Even we felt their pain when we'd come by years later to see the polar bear doing the exact same swimming routine in what looked like an over-sized kiddie pool for giants. You could put your hand on one spot on the glass and the polar bear would give you a "high-five" every time. You'd even see kids get a little bummed out by the sight of it. Or how about the other one that walked along one of the concrete barriers, swinging its head so oddly you wondered if the poor animal was stable.

Not anymore folks! Twin brothers Buzz and Neil are getting brand new digs at Como Zoo that should be open in about

http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2009/12/como_zoo_polar.php









Center for Behavioral Neuroscience at GSU partners with Zoo Atlanta

Georgia State University’s Center for Behavioral Neuroscience (CBN) recently partnered with Zoo Atlanta to go forth with cognitive research, especially with the zoo’s great apes. The partnership has already proved to be a symbiotic relationship; not only has the CBN gained valuable research, but the Center also assisted in the birth of the giant panda cub, Mei Lan.

Though the beginnings of this collaboration were as early as late 2003, the Center has worked with the zoo to develop the Orangutan Learning Tree, which officially opened in April 2007. Other projects include gorilla cognition and tool-use and the Zoo Atlanta’s giant panda breeding program.

The biggest project, the Orangutan Learning Tree, is an exhibit at Zoo Atlanta where orangutans have access to a large touch-screen computer where they can perform certain cognitive tasks while the visitors outside observe. The visitors also have a computer screen in the

http://www.examiner.com/x-27647-Atlanta-Science-Examiner~y2009m12d29-Center-for-Behavioral-Neuroscience-at-GSU-partners-with-Zoo-Atlanta









Detroit Zoo's lions, visitors to get closer

The Detroit Zoo wants visitors to get a closer look at its big cats and has announced plans to raise $1 million to make over the lion habitat.

Plans call for filling in a dry moat barrier that gives visitors an unobstructed view of the animals and replacing it with a glass wall, which will nearly double the space for the lions and afford visitors a closer look, zoo spokeswoman Patricia Mills Janeway said.

"Warming rocks near the glass will provide the lions with a toasty perch from which to view visitors. Trees, plantings and rocks in the visitor area will mirror those in the lions' habitat, making the experience seem that much more immersive," Janeway

http://detnews.com/article/20091230/METRO02/912300378/Detroit-Zoo-s-lions--visitors-to-get-closer









More rare animals seized

CAMBODIAN authorities made five major seizures of protected wildlife in the third quarter of this year, according to newly released data from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ Wildlife Enforcement Network.

ASEAN recorded just two major arrests by Cambodian law enforcement for the first six months of 2009, but three large-scale seizures came in August, followed by two more in September.

Following the August 18 seizure in Battambang province of two Asiatic black bears, which are recuperating under the care of the local branch of Wildlife Alliance, Cambodian authorities confiscated 163 kilograms of live Bengal monitors in a bust in Kampong Cham province on August 26.

Just two days later, a veritable menagerie of rare creatures was seized in Phnom Penh, including 15 monocled cobras, 67 elongated tortoises and 15 giant Asian pond turtles. September saw busts in Kandal and Svay Rieng provinces that included 15 live Sunda pangolins, three live water monitors and 25 dead purple swamphens.

Chheang Dany, deputy director of the wildlife protection office at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, said it was difficult to quantify the value of the confiscated wildlife, as demand for particular species is hard to measure. Difficult economic circumstances and

http://www.phnompenhpost.com/index.php/2009122930507/National-news/more-rare-animals-seized.html






What's better than one keyboard-playing otter? Two keyboard-playing otters, of course!

In June, we were shocked and awed by the staggering sight of an otter playing a keyboard. Little Dua, an Asian small-clawed otter, was a resident of California's own Monterey Bay Aquarium, and his caretakers decided that he needed more excitement in his life. The solution: Supply him with his own Yamaha keyboard and enough snacks to convince him that playing it was worth his while.

Dua's not exactly Elton John -- heck, he can't even play Chopsticks -- but we gave him an A for effort, and watching him tickle the ivories became one of our favorite pastimes. (Don't tell our boss.) Imagine our delight, then, when we heard from aquarium staffer Karen Jeffries about a new keyboard-playing-otter video -- this time featuring two otters playing a duet!

These two, like Dua before them, are Asian small-clawed otters -- no coincidence, since the species is known for its manual dexterity. (In the wild, the little guys -- and we do mean little, since the species is the smallest of all the world's otters -- use their

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/2009/12/whats-better-than-one-keyboardplaying-otter-two-keyboardplaying-otters-of-course.html









Bristol Zoo praised in annual inspection

Bristol Zoo has passed its annual inspection with flying colours.

Staff at the zoo are celebrating after official inspectors gave them a near-faultless zoo licence, and said they had "nothing but praise" for the Clifton attraction.

Every zoo in the country has to have an official licensing inspection by its local authority, to ensure that animal welfare and care is of the highest standard.

Part of the inspection involves an audit, which looks at animal diet plans, veterinary care, zoo policies and procedures, conservation and research programmes, health and safety, security, education and staff training.

Afterwards recommendations are made for

http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/homepage/Bristol-Zoo-praised-annual-inspection/article-1654412-detail/article.html









Owners of protected animals have six months to register

Owners of endangered species will be required to apply for permits from the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) starting today.

The requirement — even for endangered species as pets — is the result of the International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008 coming into force.

Perhilitan legislation and enfor­cement director Saharudin Anan said all owners of such species have six months beginning today to obtain the necessary permits.

“They have six months’ grace to register before enforcement begins,” he said when contacted yesterday.

Besides pet owners, pet shop owners and any other individuals who could be in possession of such species of animals will also have to obtain the necessary permits.

Common household pets which are on the endangered species list include tortoises such as the star and radiated tortoises. Other exotic pets such as imported snakes and reptiles are

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/12/28/nation/5374474&sec=nation









Six-month amnesty open to abuse

A non-governmental organisation has expressed concern that the six-month grace period for all owners of endangered species including pets to apply for permits will be abused by animal traffickers.

The Traffic South East Asia said that traders may reuse the permit to import and sell more of the same animals during the grace period.

Its acting director Chris R. Shepherd said: “This is called laundering.”

It was reported that owners of endangered animals were required to apply for permits in the next six months beginning yesterday as the result of the International Trade of Endangered Species Act coming into force.

Shepherd said the grace period could provide an opportunity for criminals to smuggle wildlife, register for it and be forgiven for the next six months.

“As most criminals know where the loopholes are and how to exploit them, there is a serious risk of the amnesty

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/12/29/nation/5377611&sec=nation









Homesick zoo tigress on hunger strike after being shifted

It's been eight days since Radha, a 17-year-old tigress in the city's zoo has eaten anything. She is being administered glucose intravenously. Zoo authorities, who have not been able to make her eat say it's a case of mental trauma due to relocation to a new home.

The relocation from one zoo to another seems to have traumatized tigress, who is also suffering from old age. She stopped taking food since she was shifted from Aji Zoo to the newly built Pradyuman Park Zoo about eight days ago. In order to prevent her condition from deterioration, the

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/Homesick-zoo-tigress-on-hunger-strike-after-being-shifted/articleshow/5385302.cms




Zoo penguins help Antarctic birds


Penguins at a Leicestershire zoo are helping scientists with a new project to track the movements of their cousins in Antarctica.

The macaroni species at Twycross Zoo is trialling new tags that record light levels and time to work out where they are for up to three years.

If trials are successful the tags could be used on penguins at the south pole.

Scientists say the wild birds' movements are poorly understood, as they can travel thousands of miles.

Tags 'caused sores'

The British Antarctic Survey developed the 1.5g data logger built into a soft leg ring, after

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/leicestershire/8434390.stm









Bannerghata zoo has work to do

If your visit to Bannerghatta Biological Park turns out worthwhile, it’s because of its decent, tourist-friendly infrastructure. However, when it comes to wildlife care, the Park is yet to plug certain loopholes.

A visit to a zoo always sounds like a fun-filled activity for kids and adults alike. Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) located on the outskirts of Bangalore in Anekal district is no exception. Easy accessibility, parking spots, surprisingly well-organised ticket counters, and numerous food kiosks make the outing a delightful experience.



A near-perfect picture? Not quite.



What started off as a picnic spot in 1971 is now a notified ‘large zoo' spread over 320 hectares housing over 1,500 animals. All zoos in India come under the purview of the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), New Delhi, and a state-level body, which in Karnataka is the Zoo Authority of Karnataka (ZAK), Mysore. The CZA is a statutory body constituted under the Wildlife (Protection) Act to monitor the ‘standards and norms for housing, upkeep, healthcare, and overall management of the animals in Indian zoos.'

Like many other zoos in the country, BBP has also submitted a master plan-2010-2019 stressing particularly better animal housing facilities on a par with the norms prescribed by the CZA. The plan points out that nearly 50 percent of the outdated enclosures at BBP need to be upgraded and around 15-20 of them replaced.



With animals being acquired haphazardly over the years, some enclosures such as those of Himalayan black bears and lion-tailed macaques are considerably smaller than what the CZA norms prescribe, admits BBP Executive Director Milo Tago. "BBP's development was arbitrary and unscientific. The CZA came into existence in 1992. Only then did standardization come into place," he adds.



Tago stresses that dismantling the existing structures would take time and considerable expenditure. "That is why we have submitted a 20-year master plan. Until new enclosures come up, I cannot move the existing animals out of their place," he adds. "Right now even my office is not according to the CZA-specified norms. If I demolish this, where will I sit?"



Do tourists' interests come first?



While the plan awaits the CZA's approval, it is surprising to note that the park has well-developed infrastructure for tourists. Paved walkways, sheltered seating areas, and even a playground for children are spread over the park. Does that

http://bangalore.citizenmatters.in/articles/view/1662-bannerghatta-zoo-wildlife-care









Mistletoe fires underwater passions at aquarium

Mistletoe has tricked less than amorous leafy sea dragons (Phycodurus eques), right, at the Sea Life Centre in Weymouth, Dorset, into a mating frenzy. The close relatives of sea horses look similar to the traditional Christmas greenery, and in an effort to breed them for the first time in Europe, staff put some mistletoe in their tank. Fiona Smith, display supervisor at the centre, said: “The males have suddenly started

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/science/article6969060.ece








From The Blog -

Black Bears Disappearance Blamed on China
http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.com/2009/12/black-bears-disappearance-blamed-on.html  

Tsushima Leopard Cat Spotted on Shimojima Island
http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.com/2009/12/tsushima-leopard-cat-sighted-on.html

Ursa Freedom Project
http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.com/2009/12/ursa-freedom-project.html

Snow Leopards - A New Population Estimation Technique
http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.com/2009/12/snow-leopards-new-population-estimate.html

Is Lotto The Last Nail in the Vultures Coffin
http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.com/2009/12/is-lotto-last-nail-in-vultures-coffin.html

Art and Science of Animal Training
http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.com/2009/12/art-and-science-of-animal-traning.html

Eating Bear Is Not A Good Idea
http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.com/2009/12/eating-bear-is-not-good-idea.html

Can Gibbon Tackle Climate Change
http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.com/2009/12/warming-world-can-gibbon-tackle-climate.html

Learn About Elephant Language
http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.com/2009/12/learn-about-elephant-language.html

Volunteer With World Vets in Mexico
http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.com/2009/12/volunteer-with-world-vets-in-mexico.html

2010 Is the Year of the Tiger - but How Many Are Left?
http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.com/2009/12/2010-is-year-of-tiger-but-how-many-are.html

Humpback Whales Save Seal
http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.com/2009/12/humpback-whales-save-seal.html

Asias Trade in Wildlife
http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.com/2009/12/asias-trade-in-wildlife.html

Kabul Zoo A Haven of Calm
http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.com/2009/12/kabul-zoo-haven-of-calm.html

Ending Illegal Bear Farming and Trade
http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.com/2009/12/ending-illegal-bear-farming-and-trade.html

A Fishy Theft
http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.com/2009/12/fishy-theft.html

Zoos Must Review
http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.com/2009/12/zoos-must-review.html

A Gigantic Treat - Elephant Close Encounter
http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.com/2009/12/gigantic-treat-elephant-close-encounter.html

Trainer Dies in Killer Whale Pool
http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.com/2009/12/trainer-dies-in-killer-whale-pool.html

Russia Hosting 2010 Tiger Summit
http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.com/2009/12/trainer-dies-in-killer-whale-pool.html

Plus there is more on the Blog...added to daily. Just the zoo interest stuff


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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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Okay this is NOT zoo related but with the festive season coming up it is worth clicking on the link to make a choice or really original gifts. Most of these you will not find anywhere else! Even if you are not feeling festive you will find gifts with a difference for any occassion.





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The Trunk Test - Wonderful - Please Watch


Watch CBS News Videos Online




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A bit of fun - Zoo Vet Endangered Animals













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JOURNAL of THREATENED TAXA

Contents


Pp.581-632

PDF (191Kb)



Effect of food quality and availability on rainforest rodents of Sri Lanka

--Pamoda B. Ratnaweera & Mayuri R. Wijesinghe, Pp.581-588

Abstract HTML PDF (265Kb)



Non-volant small mammals of the Western Ghats of Coorg District, southern India

--Sanjay Molur & Mewa Singh, Pp.589-608

Abstract HTML PDF (1042Kb)



Biological aspects of sea snakes caught incidentally by commercial trawlers off Goa, west coast of India

--Vinay P. Padate, Lalita V. Baragi & Chandrashekher U. Rivonker, Pp.609-616

Abstract HTML PDF (490Kb)



Plant parasitic nematodes associated with Indian Pennywort Centella asiatica (L.) Urban in Manipur

--N. Romabati Devi, Pp.617-618

Abstract HTML PDF (116Kb)



Description of a new species of the genus Indiopius Fischer (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from India

--Ahmad Samiuddin, Zubair Ahmad & Mohammad Shamim, Pp.619-620

Abstract HTML PDF (552Kb)



Description of male Orthochirus krishnai (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from India, with comments on its taxonomic status

--Amod M. Zambre & D.B. Bastawade, Pp.621-623

Abstract HTML PDF (213Kb)



Rediscovery of Vosmer’s Writhing Skink Lygosoma vosmaerii (Gray, 1839) (Reptilia: Scincidae) with a note on its taxonomy

--M. Seetharamaraju, R. Sreekar, C. Srinivasulu, Bhargavi Srinivasulu, Harpreet Kaur & P. Venkateshwarlu, Pp.624-626

Abstract HTML PDF (250Kb)



Some observations on vultures in Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh

--Aniruddha Majumder, Santanu Basu, K. Sankar & Qamar Quresh, Pp.627-628

Abstract HTML PDF (112Kb)



Avifaunal diversity in the University Campus of Kurukshetra, Haryana Pp.197-252

--Sanjeev K. Gupta, Parmesh Kumar & Manoj Kumar Malik, Pp.629-632

Abstract HTML PDF (167Kb)

Visit the site HERE 


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Interesting Wolf Video
http://www.tanja-askani.de/

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ZooLex

http://www.zoolex.org/  in December 2009




~°v°~ ~°v°~ ~°v°~ ~°v°~ ~°v°~



Hello ZooLex Friend,

We have worked for your enjoyment!



~°v°~



NEW EXHIBIT PRESENTATION



The Hamill Family Play Zoo at Brookfield Zoo in Chigago, Illinois, offers children opportunities for nature play and experiences of caring for nature. This is an interesting example of how zoos can provide authentic nature experiences and encourage empathy for animals. Thorough evaluation was completed before design and construction and after opening to ensure that these goals are met.



http://www.zoolex.org/zoolexcgi/view.py?id=726



~°v°~



ANNUAL REVIEW 2009



ZooLex Gallery:

---------------

We wish to thank all those who have taken their time to compile and submit information for exhibit presentations, particularly Suzan Megens, a trainee at Apenheul Primate Park in the Netherlands, Richard van Sluis and Maite Eikelenboom, students at van Hall Larenstein University in the Netherlands, and Lauren Axtmann, our ZooLex intern in July 2009.



They all used the ZooLex template for preparing exhibit presentations:

http://www.zoolex.org/service.html



With your support we have been able to publish 214 presentations (including translations) of 128 exhibits from 74 zoos in 17 countries in the ZooLex Gallery so far.



Articles in ZooLex:

-------------------

In addition to Gallery presentations, ZooLex publishes articles and links online in its Research section: http://www.zoolex.org/research.html

We wish to thank Sven Seiffert, Team Leader of Horticulture at London Zoo, for setting up and managing a Wiki on plant use in zoos and Four Paws for making their manual on "Enrichment at Bear Sanctuary Arbesbach" available on ZooLex.



We welcome references to articles on zoo design. Please contact zoolex@zoolex.org  for announcing or publishing such articles on ZooLex.



Promotion for ZooLex:

---------------------



ZooLex was represented by our manager Monika Fiby at the AZA Conference in Portland and at the ICZ Conference in Seattle.



Jon Coe and Monika Fiby are both landscape architects, zoo consultants, and editors for ZooLex. In November they moderated workshops at Frankfurt Zoo in Germany about masterplanning and exhibit design.



ZOOS' PRINT is a magazine published by the Zoo Outreach Organization Z.O.O. (http://www.zooreach.org/). The monthly issues of the magazine regularly include ZooLex exhibit presentations.



ZooLex Editors and Correspondents:



In 2009, we could gain three new editors:

* David McGuire, Vice President, Architecture and Planning,

Saint Louis Zoo, Missouri, United States of America

* Enquan Zhang, Director of Conservation Education Centre,

Beijing Zoo, Beijing, China

* Lee Ehmke, Director and CEO, Minnesota Zoo

Apple Valley, Minnesota, United States of America



The quality of ZooLex publications is ensured by our editorial board

whose members edit and comment on all newsletters, Gallery presentations

and papers prior to publication and dissemination. We wish to thank all

our editors for this valuable support.

http://www.zoolex.org/editors.html



In 2006, translations were provided by Monika Lange, Barbara Brem, Andrei Kotkin, Ivan Lozano, Eduardo Diaz Garcia, Enquan Zhang, Lauren Axtmann and Monika Fiby. We appreciate this help.



With the support of our ZooLex correspondents we are distributing the monthly ZooLex Newsletter in English, Chinese, Spanish, Russian, French and German to about 8000 people, mostly working in zoos.



Cooperation with WAZA:

----------------------

A link to the ZooLex Gallery is available on the website of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums at www.waza.org. 46 out of 74 zoos presenting their exhibits in the ZooLex Gallery are WAZA members. Longevity and accessibility of the ZooLex Gallery is guaranteed by an archive at the WAZA office.



Firms

-----

Companies and organizations listed in ZooLex Firms offer special services and products to zoos and similar institutions. Moreover, these companies make an indispensable financial contribution to support the continuing work of the ZooLex Zoo Design Organization:

http://www.zoolex.org/zoolexcgi/firm.py



~°v°~



OUTLOOK FOR 2010



Design Workshop:

----------------

A workshop on zoo design will be held at Zoo Salzburg in Austria from March 25 to 26, 2010.

Workshop program:

http://www.zoolex.org/workshop/program/program.html#zoodesign

Information and registration:

http://www.zoolex.org/workshop.html#salzburg



When you are interested in hosting a ZooLex workshop please contact us:

zoolex@zoolex.org

Information: http://www.zoolex.org/workshop.html



~°v°~



Season Greetings to all our supporters and readers and our best wishes for 2009!



~°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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ZSL Science and Conservation Events 2009-2010


http://ctt-news.org/9GD-2Z5R-14110QE2E2/cr.aspx

                           


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Singapore Zoo Safari Run 2010
6th February 2010
Singapore Zoo and Night Safari
http://www.safarizoorun.com.sg/


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Association of Zoos & Aquariums 2010 Mid Year Meeting
http://www.aza.org/midyearmeeting/

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2010 Animal Behavior Management Alliance (ABMA) Annual Conferences

Join us in Pittsburgh, PA for our 10th Anniversary “Defining a Decade: Animal Management – Past, Present, and Future” to be held April 25-30, 2010. Conference programming includes: Dr. Vint Virga, a Veterinary Behaviorist as keynote speaker, formal presentations, numerous workshops and seminars, a poster session, and site visits to animal facilities.


Registration is OPEN!! Go to http://www.theabma.org/ and find the conference 2010 page to click on the registration link.



All conference details can be found at www.theabma.org. The conference will be held at the Hilton Pittsburgh located in downtown Pittsburgh. Mention that you are with the ABMA and receive a special room rate of $119/night. Reservations must be made by March 23, 2010 at 412-391-4600. Contact Nicole Begley at nicole.begley@aviary.org or 412-323-7235 ext 216 with questions.

First Call for Papers

Presentations by attendees are always a highlight of the Animal Behavior Management Alliance Conferences. We are now seeking submissions for the paper and poster sessions. This year’s theme is:

“Defining a Decade: Animal Management - Past Present and Future”

If you have a behavior management accomplishment, case study, project, or similar dialogue you’d like to share with the delegates, especially one that resonates with the theme of the conference, it is time to put together an abstract and submit it!

Regular Submission deadline: January 15, 2010

All authors notified by: February 28, 2010

Submissions must be mailed electronically via e-mail to: einsalaco@denverzoo.org Faxed copies and snail mail will no longer be accepted. Abstract submission guidelines can be found on the submission form at www.theabma.org.



Please keep in mind that not all abstracts will necessarily be accepted for presentation. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Conference Content Advisory Committee Chair, Emily Insalaco, at einsalaco@denverzoo.org



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BVZS Spring meeting 2010. Theme "Preventative Medicine"

Venue Torquay and Paignton Zoo. Dates will be April 23rd to April 25th. More information will be posted soon. The Conference Hotel will be the Barcelo Imperial Hotel (Hotel Torquay, Barceló Torquay Imperial Hotel, Southern England)

Accommodation rates are £80.00 per room including breakfast regardless of occupancy.

Rooms can be booked via the hotel website as above website using the “BVG” code in the promotion code on the left hand side of the webpage. Alternatively rooms can be booked via central reservations on 08701 688833 quoting “British Veterinary Group”

60 rooms have been placed on an allocation for delegates Any unconfirmed rooms shall been released 21 days prior to the event, subject to availability.

Further details about the Hotel can be found here



For latest details including a call for papers click HERE

Registration form can be downloaded here

The English Riviera website does offer an online accommodation booking facility for those delegates who wish to book an alternative standard of accommodation. http://www.englishriviera.co.uk/site/accommodation/online-booking


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Join Zoo News Digest Facebook Page
http://www.facebook.com/pages/ZooNews-Digest/41410063216?ref=nf


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Dear Friends and Colleagues,

We have a lot of new events planned for 2009 and 2010, some in collaboration with Chester Zoo, Odense Zoo, Reaseheath College and Howletts and Port Lympne.

Please check on http://www.animalconcepts.eu/AnimalConcepts/Events/Events.html
for the latest information and programs.

There will also be information on upcoming conferences and workshops in the animal field, like the PASA workshop in Kenya later this month.
Please let us know if we are missing one, or if you are organising an event so we can add it to the calendar. Thank you.

Please contact us if you have any further questions.

Kind regards,

Sabrina

AnimalConcepts
http://www.animalconcepts.eu/
+31633008373



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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/

************************************************************************


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

Blog: http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.com/
http://www.zoonewsdigest.com/
http://zoowork.blogspot.com/
HubPages: http://u.nu/2kx
Facebook: http://moourl.com/h3eru
Twitter: http://twitter.com/PeterZoo
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/people/peterdickinson/

UK: ++ 44 (0)753 474 3377
Thailand: ++ 66 (0)861 382 450

Skype: peter.dickinson48

Mailing address:
Suite 201,
Gateway House,
78 Northgate Street,
Chester,
CH1 2HR
United Kingdom

"These are the best days of my life"

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