Monday, August 31, 2009

Zoo News Digest 28th - 31st August 2009 (Zoo News 616)

Zoo News Digest 28th - 31st August 2009 (Zoo News 616)

http://zoonewsdigest.com/


http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.com/

Peter Dickinson
peterd482001@yahoo.co.uk



Dear Colleagues,


I have to apologise. I get a lot of email. Hundreds of bits of correspondence every week. What I do not get round to dealing with immediately I tend to 'drag and drop' into a designated folder and get round to it later. Today I discovered that a huge quantity of what has been sent to me in the past 12 months has, by some mystical method, dropped into a folder that I never use. It holds past correspondence of a personal nature. This 'missing' mail has included dozens of bits and pieces sent for inclusion in the the digest. So...sorry that is why you have never seen them. Once again I apologise. I will check the other folder daily from now on.


Okay, hands up. Who among you has not had four animals die in your zoo during the past three years? Animals die. People die. The one thing that we are all certain about is that we are all going to die. Sadly animals cannot tell us when they are sick or where or when it hurts. We do our best to know by learning all we can about our animals, their ways, their characteristics but sometimes it is not enough. It is part of their natural biology, the 'law of the jungle' to hide disability and pain. We know too it is not in their interests to stress them out for intrusive examination as that very stress may cause the very problems we were concerned about. What am I talking about? I am talking about Topeka Zoo and the stress that staff are being put under by having their professionalism, caring and dedication questioned.
Now 63 animals in one year is a bit different. Depending on the size of the zoo of course, the species involved etc...now that might need investigating.


Docents disappearing. How very sad. A new name. For why? Reading between the lines I see another problem here which someone seems unable to deal with. Talk about using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.


I am delighted to read of the success of the Condor release programme in Colombia. Birds increased from 15 to 150. That really is a success story. The Andean Condor has a special place in my heart. I was the EEP for the species for a number of years, compiled the studbook and did most of the groundwork on the Management Guidelines (not sure where that is up to). Data collection was as interesting as it was frustrating and any breeding within Europe, noteworthy.

The problem with the European Captive Population was not so much the breeding but breeding from captive bred birds. It just did not happen. Just about every single captive bred bird in Europe was Hand Reared and Hand Reared birds, it would seem, never successfully bred and certainly never reared their own chicks. In fact to my knowledge, since 1900 or so up till a few years ago when I stopped with the studbook only once ever had a hand reared pair successfully bred. I know of only one other instance since and if there are more you can probably count them on one hand. The two cases I know of, the chicks did not survive. I could foresee a very gloomy future for the Andean Condor population in Europe. As the older wild caught birds (some were very old) died out there would be no viable younger birds to replace them. The prospect of obtaining further birds from the wild was unrealistic and to contribute to any release programme in the wild with hand reared birds was simply out of the question. Hand reared birds did not breed in captivity successfully so to release them into a wild population would be detrimental to dangerous. I am, as I said, delighted with the success in Colombia. I hope Europe catches up soon.


I share the grief of those in Auckland over the tragic loss of their elephant. It must be very sad. I have been in a similar position a time or two. Why oh why can the anti's just keep their damn noses out? They always like to kick people whilst they are down. They seem to take positive pleasure out of it. The anti-zoo brigade I have decided do not like animals, they certainly know nothing about them and they don't like people either.


'Save the Lions'....sorry. I appreciate and understand the thoughts and emotions but let us be realistic about this. These 14 lions in a Romanion Zoo would be far better euthanased than brought to the Yorkshire Wildlife Park. As a commercial exercise yes, it will be a whizz, and is sure to bring in thousands of visitors to see the 'saved' animals and make a lot of money. But they are being saved for what? They should never be bred. They are of zero value to any conservation programme. All they are going to do is take up space that could be productively used for a something else. True enough there is an opportunity to educate but on its own that is not enough and certainly not a reason to bring these animals to the UK. Euthanasia is not cruel, unkind or painful. It is a realistic consideration and something applied to thousands of homeless cats and dogs in the UK each year. It make me very angry when I see newspapers using emotional rubbish using words like SHOT (their capitals) and 'execution'. What absolute crap. The kindest option....really....really is to put the animals peacefully to sleep where they are. Not that my thoughts on the matter make a remotest bit of difference but I think that The Yorkshire Wildlife Park should step back from this deal and think for a moment. Is this conservation? Is it?

Whilst we are venturing into the world of sop and sentiment please read the link 'Centre helps traumatised big cats'. This is the Abu Dhabi Wildlife Centre. Yet another 'do as I say, not as I do' collection which only exists to pander to its eccentric and uniformed management.

Despite the efforts of the centre to educate the public about keeping wild animals as pets, the practice continues.
Some people think that they can keep these animals as pets but later they realise how difficult it is, Barcellos said.

Then take a look on YouTube. Why is she playing with big cats? How does that figure?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLN9iQitwOM

The centre promotes the conservation and....

So why keep White Lions? Where does that fit in anywhere?

Meanwhile, two Siberian Tigers have been donated to the centre for a breeding programme.

Oh..oh...good. And exactly which breeding programme are we referring too? Please tell more. Just where are any resulting progeny to be sent too?

Cheetahs, white tigers and Bengal tigers are the other prominent endangered species at the centre.

White Tigers?! Endangered? Ohmygosh. I despair. The Abu Dhabi Wildlife Centre is a collection built up on a lack of knowledge and really has no need to exist...at least in its present state. Radical change is needed.

Yes I am being controversial and no doubt many will disagree with me but just as many will. I say as I see it. In the meantime I will continue to upset everyone in the zoo world but...I remain pro zoo and I give a damn. You can add your comments at the end of this post if you feel so inclined.

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 must apologise for the Zoo Jobs blog being off line due to some sort of glitch. In the meantime all new posts will be placed in the Zoo News Digest blog. You can check on already advertised posts by going directly to Zoo Jobs as they are still viewable.


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On with the links:


Desperate Situation in Madagascar

http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.com/2009/08/desperate-situation-in-madagascar.html


Zoo docents fading from landscape
Jack Gelfond laid a hand across the two little metal elephants on the pocket of his safari shirt."It hurts me," he said. We were standing outside the Lincoln Park Zoo. He looked like he might cry. "This really hurts me."Almost every Tuesday for 14 years, since he retired as a nationally celebrated salesman, Gelfond, a robust 78, has put on his safari shirt and headed to his docent's job.Tuesday after Tuesday, with a vaudevillian verve, he has told visitors the length of a giraffe's tongue (18 inches) and the size of a polar bear's baby (the palm of his hand). Nothing makes him happier than persuading a scared kid to pet a snake.Then one August day, he and the 200 or so other docents learned news that felt to many like a shot in the heart: The 38-year-old docent program would vanish on Oct. 31. After a winter hiatus, the zoo would return with a volunteer program. But the new jobs would be narrower, more boring and less free-spirited (Gelfond's view) or (in the zoo's view) more specialized, professionalized and helpful to visitors.The new volunteers, for example, won't get to roam around during their free hour chatting with zoo guests. Fewer will get to handle animals. More will stand at information carts.They won't even be called docents. They'll be -- Gelfond shuddered -- "ambassadors." And they'll have to apply for the new jobs."I have to be re-interviewed," he said. "After 14 years. Fill out a form. Like a new employee."The Lincoln Park Zoo is one of only three free major zoos in the country. It sits in the heart of Chicago's wealthiest neighborhood yet throbs with people from every cranny of the city. The docents in their safari shirts, many of them elderly, are as much a part of the landscape as the zebras. Gelfond is far from the only one who is stunned and distressed."We understand that institutions have to change, make calculated upgrades," said Kathy Jordan, 68, who on Friday was drafting a letter to management on behalf of a couple dozen docents. "But we don't think the senior staff is understanding the emotional effect of this on us."For 13 years, through the deaths of her parents, through her cancer and her husband's illness, one thing has been a constant comfort: her Tuesdays as a docent."The docent corps has been like family," she said.The zoo is trying to keep up with the times. As one zoo document puts it, "the antiquated volunteer utilization model ... does not enhance the zoo's strategic initiatives and often
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-schmich_30_bdaug30,0,4390070.column


Scientists work to repopulate Colombia's skies with condors
Andean condors were once hunted to near extinction. Now teams feed and track the giant carrion-eaters, brought from U.S. zoos, and have increased their numbers tenfold. Tourism also benefits.Reporting from Sogamoso, Colombia - In ancient times, they were revered as messengers of the gods. Later, they proudly soared on the Colombian coat of arms. But at this moment, two young condors just wanted their dinner.And so it was that peasant "condor keepers" this month placed a cow fetus on a desolate rain-swept cliff here in the Colombian Andes, the weekly ration for Iraka and Ogonta, two females released this year in a repopulation program sponsored by the San Diego Zoo.Donated by a local slaughterhouse, the carcasses are the ideal diet for the monumental birds -- "good-quality rotting food," as the zoo's Alan Lieberman described it.The Andean condors are the latest of 70 birds released in Colombia since 1989 after being hatched and raised in 20 U.S. zoos, most often at the San Diego Zoo. The reintroduction program has helped push Colombia's condor population to about 150 birds, said Orlando Feliciano, a Bogota-based veterinarian who has worked with the San Diego Zoo on the project since its inception. In the mid-1980s, condors in Colombia numbered no more than 15, he said.For centuries condors were killed by people who either thought, mistakenly, that the carrion birds attacked their livestock or that their feathers or bones had magical or medicinal power."They were virtually extinct, as they are today in Venezuela," Feliciano said.The condors have an impressive survival rate here: About 70% are thought to live through the yearlong reintroduction into the wild before being forced to "make a living on their own," Lieberman said. That success reflects in part the environmental consciousness of towns such as this one, not to mention the residents' realization that the birds can be a tourist boon. Located about 110 miles northeast of Bogota, the capital, Sogamoso is on the edge of the 100,000-acre Siscunsi Regional Nature Park that the state of Boyaca established expressly for the condors.When Iraka wandered to a town 30 miles from here this month and perched, disoriented, looking for food, locals knew to call authorities here to capture the bird and take it back to the Siscunsi park.Eleven local farmers, including Victor Rios, have been named "condor keepers." Outfitted with uniforms, binoculars and hand-held antennas that detect signals emitted from radio transmitters attached to the condors' wings, he monitors the birds' movements as best he can. "They are such majestic animals you can't help but be fascinated," said Rios, who also is paid a small monthly stipend. The condors imported to Colombia were all hatched by pairs of Andean condors in zoos in San Diego, Los Angeles, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Denver and elsewhere.Once the birds are 3 to 4 years old, they are turned over to the San Diego Zoo, which outfits them with radio transmitters to track them and then ships them to Colombia, where biologists in five Andean regions called "repopulation nuclei" take over. The apparent success of the costly program, which parallels a program for the California condor, bespeaks the financial and personnel commitment of the U.S. zoos, particularly San Diego's, that underwrite most of the costs.The raising, transportation and outfitting of each condor with an implanted radio costs "thousands of dollars" per bird, said Michael Mace, San Diego Zoo's curator of birds."We do it because we can, as stewards of the planet, and mindful of our responsibility to take care of the ecosystem and the wildlife within it," said Lieberman, who directs the San Diego Zoo's field programs and who has long conducted field research in Colombia.The two condors released in February brought to 11 the total set free in Boyaca state since 2004. (Two have died, one killed by a hunter, another electrocuted on a high-voltage power line.) The state environment office, Corpoboyaca, and a local nongovernmental organization known as Fundetropico educate local schoolchildren and peasants that, contrary to common belief, condors do not kill livestock or pose a threat to humans, but eat only carrion.Over the centuries, such misconceptions caused a relentless hunting down of the animals that once ranged across South America. The education programs tout the condors' role in cleaning up the environment and their cultural significance. "Condors are the emblem of Colombia, a symbol for all South America," Feliciano said."We teach the mythic value of the condor, how pre-Columbians saw them as a medium of the gods," said Olga Lucia Nunez, a biologist with Fundetropico here, adding that the birds that silently glide for hours with 10-foot wingspans inspire awe. "Condors stand for peace and respect. They are messengers from the sun."Locals who just a few years ago had never seen a condor now relish their sightings and say the establishment of the park has been a boon to the economy. This isolated part of Colombia now sees up to 200 condor-seeking tourists a month.Standing up for condors can pay dividends, said local store
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-colombia-condors30-2009aug30,0,2229454.story



Humanists accuse West Country zoo of pushing creationist agenda
Noah's Ark farm denies allegations, saying it promotes debate between science and religion over evolutionA secular group was today demanding that tourism groups stop promoting what it calls a "creationist" zoo, that questions the traditional view of evolution.The Noah's Ark zoo farm, in Wraxall, near Bristol, was accused by the British Humanist Association (BHA) of misleading tens of thousands of annual visitors and "threatening public understanding".The zoo, however, rejected the BHA's claims that it is not open about its interest in creationism, the belief that all life was created by God, and said that it wanted to promote a debate about Darwinism and 6000 BC creationism (also known as young Earth creationism), both of which it said on its website were "flawed" and "extreme in their own rights".The BHA has written to the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums , North Somerset council, Visit Britain and the tourism group South West England, asking them to remove Noah's Ark from their material.The BHA said the zoo farm, run by husband and wife Anthony and Christina Bush, seeks to discredit scientific facts such as radio carbon dating, the fossil record and the speed
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/aug/27/humanists-creationism-noahs-ark-zoo



Product Description
Three astounding women scientists have in recent years penetrated the jungles of Africa and Borneo to observe, nurture, and defend humanity’s closest cousins. Jane Goodall has worked with the chimpanzees of Gombe for nearly 50 years; Diane Fossey died in 1985 defending the mountain gorillas of Rwanda; and Biruté Galdikas lives in intimate proximity to the orangutans of Borneo. All three began their work as protégées of the great Anglo-African archeologist Louis Leakey, and each spent years in the field, allowing the apes to become their familiars—and ultimately waging battles to save them from extinction in the wild.

Their combined accomplishments have been mind-blowing, as Goodall, Fossey, and Galdikas forever changed how we think of our closest evolutionary relatives, of ourselves, and of how to conduct good science. From the personal to the primate, Sy Montgomery explores the science, wisdom, and living experience of three of the greatest scientists of the twentieth century.



Glacier National Park grizzly deaths
Two grizzlies at Montana's Glacier National Park were killed by park officials last week — one, unfortunately, unintentionally.Glacier National Park issued a press release today clarifying that the death of a male grizzly bear cub on Aug. 17 was attributed to a tranquilizer dart injection it received at the time its 17-year-old mother was being "humanely dispatched" (National Park-speak for "killed") for becoming too habituated to humans. A second cub, a female, was captured and will be transferred to the Bronx Zoo. Shown below is park officials transferring the cub to a larger trap.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/outposts/2009/08/glacier-national-park-grizzly-deaths.html



Avian malaria takes toll on zoo penguins
A penguin problem as popped up at Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo. Two of them have died over the past few weeks while several others are sick, and it appears a type of malaria is to blame.Ever since the new exhibit at the zoo opened in May with 20 Humboldt penguins, it's been a hit. The little animals that stand about a foot and a half tall love to entertain, and families who pass by can't get enough."They just move a lot, so they have a lot of action," said Courtney Shamek of Bonney Lake. "A lot of the other exhibits, the animals are kinda stationary. Here, they like to move. It's more exciting."But two penguins have died this month -- the latest death just a few days ago by a suspected case of avian malaria, which might have also contributed to the first penguin's death."We're all pretty emotionally drained, including our vet staff and our penguin keepers in particular," said animal curator Mark Myers. "(It's) an amazing amount of time to monitor each bird in the colony."Zoo officials say the penguins are very susceptible to diseases or viruses that are spread by mosquitoes, such as avian
http://www.komonews.com/news/55925547.html


Girl gorillas go ape for French pinup hunk
You don't want to monkey around on a blind date, especially if your friends are also taking an interest in the same dark, handsome stranger.So when three female gorillas at London Zoo heard that they would soon be visited by a brooding French hunk -- well, they went a bit bananas.The latest development in Anglo-French relations sees Yeboah, a 20-stone 12-year-old, leave his current home at La Boissiere Du Dore Zoo, Pays de la Loire, northwest France and head for the British capital by the end of the year.There he will be greeted by gorilla trio Zaire, Effie and Mjukuu, who were given posters of their prospective boyfriend for the first time Thursday.One female gorilla shrieked in delight, while another wedged the poster
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/08/28/uk.london.zoo.gorilla/



Zoo's Huge Loss
Mourners will be able to farewell Auckland Zoo’s elephant Kashin when she is laid to rest in the grounds. New Zealand Centre for Conservation manager Craig Pritchard confirmed yesterday that Kashin, who died on Monday evening, would be buried at the zoo, her home of 36 years.The zoo was closed yesterday as a mark of respect for Kashin and to give staff a chance to mourn.“Obviously she’s captured the hearts of all the staff as well as all of Auckland and all New Zealanders,” says Mr Pritchard.The decision to euthanase 40-year-old Kashin was made on Monday after her health deteriorated badly over the weekend.Kashin had suffered from chronic arthritis and foot abscesses for years and had recently developed skin infections over her body that were not healing.Mr Pritchard says while staff were grieving, they had also been prepared for the inevitable after
http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/auckland-city-harbour-news/2787570/Zoo-s-huge-loss



Product Description
A comprehensive book intended for anyone maintaining bats in captivity. It comprises 44 papers by 22 contributing authors. Bats in Captivity is the only book of its kind, detailing the care of captive bats worldwide. This volume, Biological and Medical Aspects, includes a drug formulary, information on public health, anatomy and physiology, controlling reproduction, parasitology, and veterinary medicine and surgery, plus many other related subjects.



Red tape means new elephant years away
Any replacement for Auckland Zoo favourite Kashin will come from established Asian elephant breeding programmes under way in Europe.But a new addition to the zoo's elephant colony - which since Kashin's death on Monday stands at one - is likely to be at least two years away.Zoo director Jonathan Wilcken yesterday said regulations did not allow for the importing of new elephants, and the zoo would have to wait for Biosecurity New Zealand to approve new quarantine standards.He said a female would be the ideal partner for Burma in the
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10593191



Activists oppose Auckland zoo's elephant plan
Animals rights activists are opposing plans to increase elephant numbers at the Auckland Zoo following Kashin's death. The 40-year-old Asian elephant was put down last Monday because of her deteriorating health. She was suffering from arthritis, foot abscesses and skin infections.Auckland Zoo director Jonathan Wilcken said the zoo hoped to replace Kashin in the next six to 12 months and had long-term plans to extend the elephant area."We want to establish a much larger breeding herd of elephants that replicates a natural social structure for elephants," he said.The zoo would work with the European Elephant Breeding Programme to secure suitable breeding elephants.However, Saving Animals From Exploitation (SAFE) campaign director Hans Kriek strongly opposed the plan.He quoted recent research which showed most elephants died considerably earlier in zoos than they would in the wild."Kashin is a perfect example. Her problems – arthritis and feet problems – are very common in captive elephants," he said."That's one of the main reasons they have to be euthanased – they just don't cope."If the zoo was acting in remaining elephant Burma's best interests, they would relocate her to an open range zoo where she could have the company of her own kind.The zoo could the use the space opened up by the http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/2815794/Activists-oppose-Auckland-zoos-elephant-plan


Experts Form Global Alliance for Amphibian Survival
A new coalition of organizations, the Amphibian Survival Alliance, is being established in an attempt to conserve the world's vanishing frogs, toads and salamanders. Threats to these species are numerous - a deadly fungus, habitat loss, pollution, pesticides and climate change. The alliance came together at the first Amphibian Mini Summit at the Zoological Society of London last week. The group includes amphibian specialists working in the wild as well as those in zoos, aquariums and botanical gardens."If we want to stop the amphibian extinction crisis, we have to protect the areas where amphibians are threatened by habitat destruction," says Claude Gascon, co-chair of the IUCN Amphibian Specialist Group. "One of the reasons amphibians are in such dire straits is because many species are only found in single sites and are therefore much more susceptible to habitat loss."Blue poison dart frog found in southern Suri
http://www.ecofactory.com/news/experts-form-global-alliance-amphibian-survival-082709





Brazilian zoo investigated over dying animals
Sixty-three animals, including a lion, two giraffes and two hippos, have mysteriously died at zoo in Goiania in last year aloneBrazilian authorities are investigating a series of mysterious deaths at a zoo in the city of Goiania after 63 animals died this year alone.The latest casualty was Kim, a former circus giraffe, whose limp corpse was winched from its enclosure on Tuesday. The cause of death is unknown.Another giraffe, 17-year-old Tico, died in June. Both animals were seized from a circus troupe last year after allegations of mistreatment.Goiania's zoo, which houses about 600 animals, closed its gates on 21 July after the deaths of 47 animals, including a lion, a jaguar, two hippos, an ant-eater and a caiman.But the death toll has continued to rise and reports in the Brazilian media now suggest environmental police are examining the possibility of poisoning. Following Kim's death, the local public prosecutor called for a full investigation
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/aug/27/brazil-zoo-dead-animals


Mammal database identifies species destined for trouble
What would happen to polar bears if people built towns in the deep Arctic? Or to tiger populations, if India's grasslands turned to desert?A new database that allows users to explore the factors that predispose different mammalian species to extinction – from human encroachment to slow reproductive rate – could be useful in planning conservation schemes, its developers say. Anyone can access the online system, YouTHERIA, which allows users to manipulate parameters including habitat ecology, litter size and diet, and test their own hypotheses.It relies on a vast database of all known and recently extinct mammals, called PanTHERIA, which lists details of the species' ecology, behaviour, diet, geographical range and habitat, based on more than two decades of published research. The database also records the extent to which each of the 5000-odd species
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn17678-mammal-database-identifies-species-destined-for-trouble.html


Rare monkeys stolen from Kolkata Zoo rescued
Seven of the eight rare monkeys stolen from Kolkata Zoo three weeks ago have been tracked down by the Chhattisgarh police in Durg and are being brought back to the city over the weekend. One of the eight has died.Raju Das, who is holding additional charge of Kolkata Zoological Gardens, told The Hindu on Saturday that a team of officials from the zoo accompanied by police officers has left for Durg and would bring back the animals by Monday after examining them. “We will quarantine the animals for some time after which they will be back on display,” he said.Kolkata Zoo was the only zoological garden in the country, other than Mysore Zoo, to have this exotic species of monkeys who are just about the size of a big country rat. The sensational theft had stirred up a storm which caught in its gust the then Director of the zoo, Subir Chowdhury, who was suspended within 24 hours of the incident even as investigations were launched to probe any administrative lapses.The Police Superintendent of Durg, Deepanshu
http://www.hindu.com/2009/08/30/stories/2009083056130100.htm


'Cyber-traffic' endangering primates in Cameroon
Advertisements on the Internet to woo buyers into taking "playful primates" from Cameroon into their homes have become one of the primary means of further threatening already endangered species.Such sales would be illegal, since dealing in primates is forbidden in the central African country. In the past three years, however, the Internet has led to a flourishing trade in endangered species, according to an environmental activist in the front line.Ofir Drori directs a small non-governmental organisation, the Last Great Ape Organization (Laga-Cameroon), which works in conjunction with the Cameroonian ministry of forestry and wildlife to try to stem the lucrative trade in beasts both dead and alive."Kiki is ready for a new family. He has gentle and charming manners. Kiki is handsome and playful," reads an advertisement on the Internet to sell a chimpanzee from Cameroon.The ad says that the chimpanzee comes with "veterinary health documents, a "permit" from CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of
http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Cyber+traffic+endangering+primates+Cameroon/1924363/story.html



Editorial Reviews
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Simian Virology is the first text to comprehensively cover all currently known simian viruses. Chapters provide an overview of nonhuman primate models of medically important viral diseases as well as natural infections of nonhuman primates with human and animal viruses. The text covers a variety of topics including primate models of medically important viral diseases such as AIDS, hypotheses on the origins of epidemic forms of HIV, and viral diseases caused by non-simian viruses in both wild and captive primates.

From the Back Cover
Simian Virology is the first text to comprehensively cover all currently known simian viruses. Chapters also provide an overview of nonhuman primate models of medically important viral diseases as well as natural infections of nonhuman primates with human and animal viruses. Beginning with introductory chapters on primate taxonomy, virology basics, and general properties of retroviruses and herpes viruses, Simian Virology proceeds to discuss all known simian viruses, from history and classification, to treatment and prevention. The text also covers a variety of topics including primate models of medically important viral diseases such as AIDS, hypotheses on the origins of epidemic forms of HIV, and viral diseases caused by non-simian viruses in both wild and captive primates.
Simian Virology is a thoroughly researched text written by two of the leading experts in this field. This book will be a valuable reference tool for research virologists, conservationists, primate and zoo veterinarians, and can also be used as an information source for undergraduate and graduate students interested in nonhuman primates.

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First text to comprehensively cover all currently known simian viruses
Provides an overview of nonhuman primate models of medically important viral diseases as well as natural infections of nonhuman primates with human and animal viruses
Introductory chapters cover primate taxonomy, virology basics, and general properties of retroviruses and herpesviruses
Details the history, classification and structure, pathogenesis and infection, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of simian viruses
Valuable tool for research virologists, conservationists, primate and zoo veterinarians, and students


Topeka Zoo makes changes after USDA inspection
The Topeka Zoo is feeling a hard hit after a report was released from the USDA. The report raised concerns about four animals dying at the zoo in the past three years. Mike Coker, the zoo director, said the zoo is taking the inspection seriously."We're concerned we take it very seriously. We're going to be working with USDA. We are setting up a meeting to sit down with them and look through this," he said.The USDA says a black leopard was given medication for hip dysplasia and died in 2006. The medication was proven detrimental over a long period of time but the information about the meds came out in 2008.The report says a hippo died in October 2006 and it implied the water the hippos were in was too warm.It also stated a 17 day old lion cub died after a fall in June of 2007. Coker told us about the incident."That's when Mom put it up on the shelf in the nursery and Mom was taking care of everything and it was observed kind of tumbling
http://www.ktka.com/news/2009/aug/29/topeka_zoo_makes_changed_after_usda_inspection/
Centre helps traumatised big cats
The past still haunts two tigers at Abu Dhabi Wildlife Centre (ADWC). They are afraid of entering their small feeding area in the corner of their spacious enclosure. "It seems they fear being caught in a cramped cage again, from where they were rescued. So & they go without food for two or three days, being reluctant to enter the feeding area," Rone'l Barcellos, the manager of the centre told Gulf News. The centre is located near Al Watbha, on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi city. Barcellos is struggling to encourage the tigers to get rid of their "phobia". The centre is planning to increase the space at the tigers' present enclosure. About 75 per cent of the animals at the centre were rescued from illegal captivity, but the comfort of air conditioned rooms and timely food may not be enough for them. Sometimes the centre has to struggle to help the animals get rid of their "shocking experiences in the past" as in the case of the two tigers. Zulu, a six-year-old African lion reached the centre when he was a five-month-old cub. Along with Bolt, a five-month-old cheetah, and other creatures, Zulu belongs to a list of animals rescued from captivity.Despite the efforts of the centre to educate the public about keeping wild animals as pets, the practice continues. Some people think that they can keep these animals as pets but later they realise how difficult it is, Barcellos said. "It is also dangerous," she said. After a while either
http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/09/08/29/10344273.html



Save the lions
Caged in a cramped and rusty Romanian hell-hole these starving big cats face death...unless we help LEANING her emaciated body against the small rusty cage, starving lioness Anetta paws at the bars forlornly as the days count down to her pride's execution. For Anetta and 13 other kings and queens of the jungle - some too weak to stand or even roar - are to be SHOT unless something is done to save them. The squalid, ramshackle Romanian zoo that has been their home all their lives has been condemned as unfit for animals by the European Union. And its director has no money to build proper enclosures to
http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/news/477986/Lions-face-death-at-Romanian-zoo.html

The Creationist zoo: how humanists are turning into thought police
The British Humanist Association has asked the tourist board to stop promoting the Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm in Somerset because the zoo “misleads the public by not being open about its Creationist agenda in its promotional activities and by advancing misunderstandings of the natural world”. The secular Stasi, in other words, is at it again.Look: I’m not a creationist. And, as I’ve argued elsewhere, I certainly don’t think creationism should be taught in schools (though I don’t think mentioning it should be considered a criminal offence). But shouldn’t these atheists learn to chill out a bit? The clue is in the name - it’s the “Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm”, not a Richard Dawkins centre of excellence. It doesn’t even promote creationism per se. The Telegraph reports the zoo’s owners, Anthony and Christina Bush, saying:”We are slightly different from popular Creationism and hold a view that the natural world around us is the product of both God and evolution.”Although technically Creationists
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/willheaven/100007783/the-creationist-zoo-how-humanists-are-turning-into-thought-police/


Product Description
Chimpanzee Behavior encapsulates the fascinating behaviour of wild chimps and discusses the differences observed in different populations across the species, and across the many levels of their social behaviour. It tells the story of why sex competition in a forest chimpanzee population made the females of the group highly social and gave the males a high level of within-group solidarity, making them very xenophobic towards outsiders. Christophe Boesch brings back to the table the debate over ecological pressures and social organization, and the influence they have over issues such as the evolution of warfare, co-operation, altruism and the position of females. Writing for undergraduate and graduate students, he presents insightful views to give readers the background information to understand the struggle for survival of our closest living relative, the chimpanzee, and through this find some keys to the ever-so-intriguing question of what makes us human.




The blackbuck stops here: zoo caught misleading public
TARONGA Western Plains Zoo has been suspended from selling animals after it misled the public about the sale of endangered antelope to a member of the Shooters' Party lobbying for the right to hunt them.Documents obtained under Freedom of Information show the zoo made none of the contractual safeguards it claimed to have implemented to protect the 16 blackbuck antelope from being hunted on Bob McComb's proposed game reserve. Instead, the sale contract stipulated the zoo accepted no responsibility for the animals after they left Dubbo.Internal correspondence shows the animals were sold to Mr McComb for less than half their value and had been bred for the sale after the zoo's population dropped to a historic low. While the zoo maintains that a senior veterinarian inspected Mr McComb's property before the sale, there is no mention of the assessment in the zoo's correspondence and no record of a report being prepared.The minister responsible for the zoo, Carmel Tebbutt, has demanded a report into the zoo's trade of animals after the Herald revealed the antelope sale to Mr McComb. She said it would include ''what further animal welfare protections should be put in place … In the meantime, the zoo has suspended such transactions with private operators."A zoo spokeswoman said: ''The zoo is at its heart dedicated to animal welfare. There is no history of mistreatment of animals that have been transferred from its care … [but] it was incorrectly stated that transaction records included a reference indicating the animals were to be used for breeding purposes only.''The documents also show that Tony English, who was called on to resign from the zoo's ethics committee after the Herald reported the sale
http://www.smh.com.au/environment/the-blackbuck-stops-here-zoo-caught-misleading-public-20090830-f3yy.html

Call for temporary ban on zoo animal sales

A TEMPORARY ban on Taronga Western Plains Zoo selling animals should be made permanent, the NSW opposition says, amid concerns animals are being sold for the wrong reasons.State Environment Minister Carmel Tebbutt has demanded a report into the Dubbo zoo's trade of animals after claims it misled the public about the sale of endangered antelope. The antelope were sold to a member of The Shooters' Party lobbying for the right to hunt them. Documents obtained by the NSW Greens under Freedom of Information (FOI) show the zoo made none of the contractual safeguards it claimed to have implemented to protect the 16 blackbuck antelope from being hunted on Bob McComb's proposed game reserve. Instead, the sale contract stipulated the zoo accepted no responsibility for the animals after they left Dubbo. Opposition environment spokeswoman Catherine Cusack said Ms Tebbutt's temporary ban on the sale of animals should be permanent, saying she could not see an instance where the resale of zoo animals could be justified. "I can't think of any good reason for a zoo to be selling animals," she said. "I can think of many, many good reasons why they http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,26006401-12377,00.html

Endangered crocodiles get a lake to call their own
Local residents had to be persuaded not to hunt and kill the reintroduced reptilesMembers of the world's most threatened crocodile species have been re-introduced into the wild in a scheme that many supporters had feared "could never be done".Fewer than 100 fully grown Philippine crocodiles survive in the wild and the species, Crocodylus mindorensis, is on the brink of extinction. But now conservationists have released 50 juvenile Philippine crocodiles which were raised in captivity into a lake on Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines.Crocodiles have been bred in captivity by the Philippines government since 1987 but no one had dared release any of the creatures until now. Many conservationists said the project would not work because so many of the locals feared and hated the animals that any released crocodiles would be hunted down and slaughtered. It finally went ahead after researchers spent a decade working with local people to convince them to allow the crocodiles to live in peace.The larger and more deadly saltwater crocodile is also found in the Philippines and its presence has contributed to many people's hatred of the reptiles and their eagerness to kill them. Calling someone a crocodile in the local language is regarded as a gross insult.Jan van der Ploeg, of Leiden University in the Netherlands, who helped lead the programme, said: "We had to make sure the threats to the species were addressed and that local people were supportive. People still killed them out of fear, for food or for fun. They would kill them to make sure they wouldn't eat livestock or children."That we were able to bring these animals out of the farm into the wild for the first time is a great step. For a long time it was thought you couldn't reintroduce them because of the rural population of people. Now we have done it."Merlijn van Weerd of the Mabuwaya Foundation, who led the project, said: "Many conservationists had already given it up. So apart from establishing a viable wild population of Philippine crocodiles the reintroduction also shows there is hope for Philippine biodiversity at large."The crocodile, which is only found in the Philippines, is much rarer than the giant panda, the orang-utan or the black rhino, he said. The species used to be common throughout the archipelago but is now restricted to a handful of small islands.Demand for crocodile-skin handbags and shoes during the 1960s and 1970s was a prime factor in the species being driven almost to extinction. Other threats include the use of dynamite by fishermen to kill or stun fish, which often simultaneously kills or maims the crocodiles. But loss of habitat is the single biggest threat, driven by destruction of the rainforests to make way for rice paddies.The young crocodiles that were released into the wild at Lake Dicatian were about 4ft (1.2m) long and when fully grown should reach 10ft. Despite their fearsome armoury of flesh-tearing teeth, the animals only attack people when provoked. Fish, shrimps, snails, rats, and snakes are their main prey but adults will take chickens and dogs if given the opportunity.Lake Dicatian is part of the Northern Sierra Madre National Park which is the crocodile's most important sanctuary. It was chosen for the release in part because no humans live immediately beside it. However, a campsite and observation tower have been built close to the lake in the hope of attracting eco-tourists to the area.Ten of the released crocodiles were fitted
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/endangered-crocodiles-get-a-lake-to-call-their-own-1779636.html


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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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Wildlife Alliance


Wildlife Alliance's presentation at the AZA Annual Conference in Portland is on the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of previously-captive leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis) in the Phnom Tamao Protected Forest in Cambodia.


Nick Marx has a poster there, related to his publication on the same topic in the IUCN Cat News for the Cat Specialist Group.


Info on the AZA conference at http://www.aza.org/annualconference/


Info on the tour is as follows:

Wildlife Alliance is doing a tour in September featuring Cambodia Wildlife Rescue Specialist Nick Marx. We would be delighted to have some of our social networking friends in attendance!


Straight from the front lines of Asia's wildlife crisis, Nick will discuss the illegal wildlife trade in Southeast Asia and share with us stories about his animal rescue and rehabilitation work in Cambodia. From Asian elephants and Asiatic black bears, to tigers and rare primates, Nick has seen (and rescued) it all.


His pictures and personal stories will showcase his team's tireless efforts to rescue and care for animals victimized by poachers and wildlife traffickers.


Come learn how Wildlife Alliance is providing direct protection to wildlife and forests!


Events are planned for

Portland, Oregon (Sept. 15): Presentation and house party http://wa.convio.net/site/Calendar?view=Detail&id=100181


San Francisco, California (Sept. 17): Presentation and house party http://wa.convio.net/site/Calendar?view=Detail&id=100161


Denver, Colorado (Sept. 23): International Tiger Day Gala hosted by Landry's Downtown Aquarium - contact us for details


New York, NY (Sept. 25): Asian Elephant Art & Conservation Project cocktail party http://wa.convio.net/site/Calendar/661228035?view=Detail&id=100141

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ZooLex

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


~°v°~ ~°v°~ ~°v°~ ~°v°~ ~°v°~


Hello ZooLex Friend,We have worked for your enjoyment!

~°v°~

NEW EXHIBIT PRESENTATION

The lynx exhibit at Lange Erlen Animal Park in Switzerland is a recreation of the habitat in which the animals would naturally be found: http://www.zoolex.org/zoolexcgi/view.py?id=1111


The German original text is here:

http://www.zoolex.org/zoolexcgi/view.py?id=1112

~°v°~

SPANISH TRANSLATION

Thanks to Eduardo Diaz Garcia we are able to present the Spanish translation of a previously published presentation of a lynx exhibit at Pistoia Zoo. El Bosque del Lince: http://www.zoolex.org/zoolexcgi/view.py?id=1038

~°v°~

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


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Experts Launch Operation ‘Shining Example'



Zambian President Turns to Munda Wanda Trust and Born Free Foundation to Resolve Primate Problems


In an unprecedented and much to be welcomed move, the President of Zambia, His Excellency Rupiah Banda, has turned to the Munda Wanga Trust and Born Free Foundation to humanely resolve problems involving primates in and around the grounds of State House.

It is estimated that there are approximately 200 primates involved and the President wanted some of them removed, relocated and released humanely back into the wild so turned to the Munda Wanga Trust and Born Free Foundation’s Lunga Luswishi Wildlife Project to ensure this was done professionally.

The Munda Wanga Trust, which has been working closely with the Born
Free Foundation for over five years, and has considerable experience
rehabilitating and reintroducing vervet monkeys and yellow baboons into
the wild, immediately responded to this Presidential request.
“Clearly, the grounds of State House were becoming overcrowded and some
primates were escaping and becoming a nuisance to the Lusaka Golf Course, nearby hotel and local residential properties and embassies in the area. Naturally, we agreed to assist and the operation is underway” said Bill Thomas OBE, Director of the Trust.

So far, 61 primates have been humanely captured and translocated to Munda Wanga where they are being accommodated, medically assessed and cared for. The plan is to release as many as possible into the wild as part of integrated social groups. The primates are prepared for their rehabilitation in a number of ways including predator avoidance training and exposure to naturally occurring fruits and seeds so that they stand the best possible chance of a successful transition to their natural habitat.

“It is obviously incredibly heartening that the President himself has personally taken this humane course of action and that he has turned to the Munda Wanga Trust and Born Free to carry out Operation ‘Shining Example’. It is a significant vote of confidence in our abilities” said Virginia McKenna OBE, founder of the Born Free Foundation.
“However, it has naturally placed a considerable strain on our resources both human and financial and I urge all those who care about the welfare and the future prospects of these animals, to contact us and support us in whatever way they can.”

The Trust estimates that it will cost approximately US$50,000 to see the translocation through to a successful conclusion. They further estimate that it will be necessary to remove approximately 200 primates from the grounds of State House in order to bring the problem under control.

For further details and to support Operation ‘Shining Example‘ please
contact Fred Hengeveld on +260 (0)97 7410302 or email mundawanga@iconnect.zm
http://mundawanga.com/


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Snow Leopard Cubs at The Welsh Mountain Zoo

Photo By Nick Jackson

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An Elephant in the Room: The Science and Well-Being of Elephants in Captivity

Dear Colleagues,


A new book entitled An Elephant in the Room: The Science and Well-Being of Elephants in Captivity, is available for purchase on line through the kind generosity of Carol Buckley. Orders may be placed at The Elephant Sanctuary'swebsite at http://www.elephants.com/


Details concerning ordering and shipping (including international orders) may be found on the web site's gift shop page.


The book sells for $29.95



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Enrichment and Training Workshop
5th December 2009
Reaseheath College,
UK
For further information:
Richard Champion on richardc@reaseheath.ac.uk
Sabrina Brando on sbrando@animalconcepts.eu



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ZOO ADVERTS OF NOTE:


Toronto Zoo: Polar Bear Campaign



http://adsoftheworld.com/media/print/toronto_zoo_polar_bear_campaign


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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

Desperate Situation in Madagascar


Zurich Zoo
Zürichbergstrasse 221
CH-8044 Zurich, Switzerland
Telephone: +41 44 254 25 00
Facsimile:+41 44 254 25 10
E-mail: zoo@zoo.ch
Web: www.zoo.ch

Press release

Masoala – The Eye of the Forest massively threatened by illegal lumbering

Zurich, August 28, 2009 - Zurich Zoo is terribly concerned about current developments at Masoala National Park in the North East of Madagascar. According to a report published by its most important partners in Madagascar in the sectors ecology and finances, approx. 4,000 persons are currently lingering illegally in the National Park and felling precious rosewoods or poaching protected animals unhindered. The leaders of these groups of illegal woodcutters do not even shy away from threatening the local population and the staff of the National Park with weapons. Various international nature conservation organizations, the representatives of embassies of several countries, the World Bank, and the KfW Development Bank are working
together intensively in order to assist the interim government of Madagascar in coming to terms with this crisis. Global Witness and the Environment Investigative Agency are currently investigating the circumstances in the individual national parks. The UNESCO has also been alerted.
Every day, new horrific news about the extent of the illegal felling of trees and the hunting of lemurs in Masoala National Park as well as other national parks and protected forests in Madagascar reach Zurich Zoo.
Following the overthrowing of the government in March of this year and the corresponding distress to Madagascar’s civil society, the transitional government lost control of the natural resources in the national parks and reservations. The unarmed rangers of the National Park authorities are threatened, intimidated, and attacked and forced to watch, dismayed, as the
nature reserves are plundered.
According to the report of the union of international partners in the field of ecology (Cercle de Concertation des Partenaires Techniques et Financiers du Secteur Environnement, CCPTF) published on August 6, 2009, it must be assumed that towards 4,000 persons are illegally camping in Masoala National Park and felling precious rosewoods there unhindered. Every day, hundreds of trees are felled and illegally removed by overland or sea route. The leaders
of these wood felling troupes do not hesitate to threaten with arms, the local population attempting to protect the forests. The woodcutters also hunt and uninhibitedly shoot down lemurs in order to procure meat for food or to be sold to restaurants as delicacies.
Madagascar and Masoala are on the point of losing their unique natural heritage in only very short time and of returning to times of impoverished forests, erosion, and poverty. The rosewood barons and their allies are the only ones to profit from the current raiding of the treasures of the rainforest. Forests thus plundered always lead to an impoverishment of the local population as a consequence of erosion, the rivers filling with mud and the corals of the sea being covered with sediment.


In a cry for help to the public published in a Madagascan daily paper, citizens as well as the Association of Tourism Entrepreneurs of Maroantsetra–Masoala, the GOTMM, have pleaded for aid to prevent the potential of sustainable tourism being sacrificed to a short-lived rosewood inebriation: „Au nom des habitants de Maroantsetra, riverains du Parc national de Masoala et Makira, qui croient aux potentialités infinies, aux atouts immenses que constitue
un Partimoine naturel aussi exeptionnel et qui veulent jouer la carte tourisme nature pour le développement économique de la région. Aidez-nous!“*


Zurich Zoo is greatly concerned about the current developments and the threat of destruction of sustainable tourism and the improved protection of Masoala National Park that have been demanded since 2003. In particular in these difficult times, Masoala National Park and the park authorities of Madagascar National Park require every possible form of international support. Zurich Zoo is in close contact with its local partners, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Masoala National Park, and the Swiss Ambassador to Madagascar.


WCS cooperates closely with other international nature conservation organizations such as the WWF and Conservation International. The World Bank, the KfW Development Bank, the United Nations Programm for Developpement (UNDP), and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) are all endeavoring to support the Madagascan interim government in
dealing with the current crisis in the country’s national parks and reservations. The UNESCO has been alerted as to the situation in Masoala National Park that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007.


Currently, upon request of the Madagascan National Park authorities, the Global Witness and Environment Investigative Agency (EIA), two internationally active and politically independent NPOs, are investigating the situations in the individual national parks. The corresponding report with suggestions of measures to be taken is expected to be published in the next few
days. It remains to be hoped that the culprits be held responsible for their actions as soon as possible.


Zurich Zoo attaches great importance to providing continued support and assistance to Masoala National Park and the population in the surrounding areas. In particular during such difficult times, it is important to ensure that projects underway may continue to progress. The plundering of the national parks will inevitably lead to an impoverishment of the local population. The park’s natural resources are the future capital of the Madagascan society.


*) In the name of the inhabitants of Maroantsetra, Masoala and Makira National Parks who believe in the infinite potential and value of this extraordinary natural heritage, we wish to foster the development of sustainable tourism in order to ensure the economic development of this region. Help us!


For further information, please contact:
Dr. Alex Rübel, Director Zurich Zoo
Dr. Martin Bauert, Curator Nature Conservation Projects and Botany
Tel. no. 044 254 25 00, medien@zoo.ch http://www.zoo.ch
Text and photos can be downloaded from the following site: http://www.zoo.ch/medien

Sunday, August 30, 2009

SENIOR KEEPER - BIRD DEPARTMENT

SENIOR KEEPER - BIRD DEPARTMENT

Chester Zoo is one of the leading zoological collections in Europe with an international reputation for achieving its mission in conservation breeding programmes, research and education.

We currently have a vacancy for a Senior Bird Keeper, to join a large and busy section. This is not a post for a trainee.

The successful candidate will be largely based in our incubation and hand-rearing unit dealing with eggs from Waterfowl, Cranes, Galliformes, Softbills, and other species. They will also be required to assist with keeping on other sections within the bird teams, working with a wide range of bird species.

The successful candidate must have a proven track record in the management and breeding of captive birds in a zoological or conservation setting. They must have previous experience of incubation and hand rearing. They will be qualified to HND/BSc level in a zoological related science, or have equivalent practical zoo experience in an established public collection. They will have a desire to develop the Society’s bird conservation activities in the UK and abroad.

Salary is £16,791.84 increasing to £18,657.60 after satisfactory completion of the probationary period.

For an application form please ring the recruitment line on 01244 389477 or email recruitment@chesterzoo.org.

Closing date for applications is 28th September 2009.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Senior Keeper - Bristol Zoo

Senior Keeper - Bristol Zoo

Salary £15,745 per annum.

Bristol Zoo Gardens are currently looking for an experienced bird keeper to work as part of our Avicultural team at the zoo.

This position requires some supervisory responsibilities and will report to the Curator of Birds.

The successful applicant will be an experienced bird keeper and will have at least five years experience working with a variety of exotic birds with some of this time in a senior position.

The successful applicant will be educated to at least GCSE level, including English and a biological science and hold the City & Guilds Certificate in Zoo Animal Management (or equivalent). You will also have the ability and experience of staff supervision, and having a general knowledge of the conservation and educational roles of zoos is also desirable.

Applicants will be required to work on average 80 hours per fortnight as part of the departmental rota. Subsidised accommodation is available if required.

Closing date for applications is 4.00 pm on Thursday, 10th September 2009.

Details on how to apply a copy of the job description and person specification can be found on our web site www.bristolzoo.org.uk

International Vulture Awareness Day



Just 1 week to go! Okay, the number of collections taking part has increased but still the number of participants is shockingly low. It would not take me twenty minutes to compile a list of zoos which should be taking part.

No-one is trying to take money off you! All that is wanted is one day to be spent telling people of the plight of vultures in the wild.

If you have vultures/condors then you really must be taking part. If you haven't, you can still be involved.

Click on this link now. http://www.ivad09.org/ It won't take five minutes for you to sign up.

Vulture Biology and Management is so very important today and is likely to become increasingly so over the next few years. Unless we are too late already.

Read up the links below to catch up on the state of play.

Getting to the bare bones of vulture culture
http://www.wymondhamandattleboroughmercury.co.uk/content/wam24/news/story.aspx?brand=WAMOnline&category=news&tBrand=WAMonline&tCategory=news&itemid=NOED27%20Aug%202009%2011%3A09%3A00%3A800

Kenya: The Vulture is a Vanishing Bird
http://allafrica.com/stories/200908241286.html


Photo By: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tambako/

A Restaurant for Vultures. Literally
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1916445,00.html?iid=tsmodule

Namibia: More Vultures Illegally Poisoned
http://allafrica.com/stories/200908200475.html

Namibia: Thousands Raised for Naukluft Vulture Conservation
http://allafrica.com/stories/200908180726.html


Photo By: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tambako/


Indian vulture births are hailed
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8187533.stm

A venue of birds or a kettle of vultures becoming extinct
http://www.examiner.com/x-19632-Salt-Lake-City-Headlines-Examiner~y2009m8d17-A-venue-of-birds-or-a-kettle-of-vultures-becoming-extinct

Decreasing Vulture Population Linked to EU Regulations on Carcass Removal
http://ecoworldly.com/2009/08/17/decreasing-vulture-population-linked-to-eu-regulations-on-carcass-removal/

Vulture population takes a dive as starvation sets in
http://www.thinkspain.com/news-spain/16951/vulture-population-takes-a-dive-as-starvation-sets-in



Photo By: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tambako/


Where there's life, there's hope for conservation
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/aug/07/vulture-conservation

Tourists are causing rare Eurasian Griffon Vultures to perish
http://www.croatiantimes.com/news/General_News/2009-08-04/5223/_Tourists_are_causing_rare_Eurasian_Griffon_Vultures_to_perish_


Photo By: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tambako/


Study sounds global vulture alert
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4601508.stm

Drug swap urged to save vultures
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4663800.stm

Vet drug 'killing Asian vultures'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/3437583.stm


Photo By: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bullfrogphoto/

Humanists accuse West Country zoo of pushing creationist agenda

I carried a note on this story in the last Zoo News Digest Blog but thought I would draw peoples attention to the story once again. Why? Because of the commented correspondence the story has generated. There is reams of it and it will give you an interesting hour or so's read. Feel free to place your own comments here.
I just wonder how many people actually read the signage in the zoo. We have enough problems to get visitors to read signs in a conventional zoo. Perhaps the secret is to be controversial. Whereas I will never be a creationist the BHA has dropped down a few notches in my opinion.

Go on...hit the link at the bottom and read through the comments.





Humanists accuse West Country zoo of pushing creationist agenda
Noah's Ark farm denies allegations, saying it promotes debate between science and religion over evolution

A secular group was today demanding that tourism groups stop promoting what it calls a "creationist" zoo, that questions the traditional view of evolution.
The Noah's Ark zoo farm, in Wraxall, near Bristol, was accused by the British Humanist Association (BHA) of misleading tens of thousands of annual visitors and "threatening public understanding".

The zoo, however, rejected the BHA's claims that it is not open about its interest in creationism, the belief that all life was created by God, and said that it wanted to promote a debate about Darwinism and 6000 BC creationism (also known as young Earth creationism), both of which it said on its website were "flawed" and "extreme in their own rights".

The BHA has written to the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums , North Somerset council, Visit Britain and the tourism group South West England, asking them to remove Noah's Ark from their material.

The BHA said the zoo farm, run by husband and wife Anthony and Christina Bush, seeks to discredit scientific facts such as radio carbon dating, the fossil record and the speed of light. The BHA said signs at the zoo also describe how the "three great people groups" could be descended from the three sons of Noah.
The zoo's owners said they were "slightly different" from pure creationists because the zoo explains life as being created by "both God and evolution", and there is a long detailed section on this on the zoo's website entitled "Creation Research".

BHA director of education and public affairs, Andrew Copson, said: "We believe Noah's Ark farm zoo misleads the public by not being open about its creationist agenda in its promotional activities and by advancing misunderstandings of the natural world.

"We have therefore asked the South West England and Visit Britain tourist boards to stop promoting the zoo.

"As they are public bodies, we believe it is inappropriate that they should support establishments that seek to urge religious or ideological beliefs upon people in these ways."

Noah's Ark research assistant Jon Woodward said: "To say that we are not upfront with our beliefs is unfounded. The name Noah's Ark is the first indicator.

"We also have much material on our website, which is not disguised or hidden, as well as being on our leaflet. Our education policy is purely based around the national curriculum. At no point is religion taught in the classroom, unless requested, as that would go against the national curriculum.

"We are offering our visitors the chance to look at the evolution/creation debate. As it is a free country, that is within our right. Contrary to a small minority of people's claims, we do not teach false science. This is clearly shown within the zoo with one exhibition talking about Darwin and another offering another point of view."

A North Somerset council spokesman, Steve Makin, said: "The licensing of zoos does consider education in so far as a zoo must promote an understanding of, and concern and respect for, biodiversity, animals and the natural world. The zoo licensing system therefore does not comment on or is involved in personal beliefs."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/aug/27/humanists-creationism-noahs-ark-zoo

Friday, August 28, 2009

YouTHERIA and PanTHERIA

YouTHERIA is an interactive web portal containing data on the life history, ecology. taxonomy and geography of mammals. The web portal allows contributors (You) to upload and download data on all mammalian species (THERIA).We are constantly adding data and invite you to join this enterprise allowing us to expand our dataset coverage, adding georeferenced locations and work towards a greater understanding of mammalian biodiversity.

http://www.utheria.org/


Just published online - Jones et al. 2009. PanTHERIA; A species-level database of life-history, ecology and geography of extant and recently extinct mammals. Ecology 90; 2648

SENIOR KEEPER - BIRD DEPARTMENT

SENIOR KEEPER - BIRD DEPARTMENT

Chester Zoo is one of the leading zoological collections in Europe with an international reputation for achieving its mission in conservation breeding programmes, research and education.

We currently have a vacancy for a Senior Bird Keeper, to join a large and busy section. This is not a post for a trainee.

The successful candidate will be largely based in our incubation and hand-rearing unit dealing with eggs from Waterfowl, Cranes, Galliformes, Softbills, and other species. They will also be required to assist with keeping on other sections within the bird teams, working with a wide range of bird species.

The successful candidate must have a proven track record in the management and breeding of captive birds in a zoological or conservation setting. They must have previous experience of incubation and hand rearing. They will be qualified to HND/BSc level in a zoological related science, or have equivalent practical zoo experience in an established public collection. They will have a desire to develop the Society’s bird conservation activities in the UK and abroad.

Salary is £16,791.84 increasing to £18,657.60 after satisfactory completion of the probationary period.

For an application form please ring the recruitment line on 01244 389477 or email recruitment@chesterzoo.org


Closing date for applications is 28th September 2009.

Wellington Zoo - Fixed Term Keeper

Wellington Zoo - Fixed Term Keeper

Do you want to join a Zoo whose dream is to be the best little Zoo in the world?

Are you passionate about Herbivores?

Wellington Zoo is a treasure, housing significant populations of animals and plants and also employing a team of people who are passionate about conservation, education, research and recreation. The Zoo conserves precious species and raises awareness in the sustainability of ecosystems while promoting a keen interest and appreciation for wildlife. Some 180,000 people visit the Zoo each year.
Under the management of the Wellington Zoo Trust, the Zoo is heading in new and exciting directions. Our dream is to be the best Little Zoo in the World.

Due to a permanent member of staff taking maternity leave we are looking for a fixed term Keeper to work 40 hours per week from approximately 23 October 2009 until early November 2010.
The role will involve providing daily care to our animal Collection, predominantly our herbivore collection.

The successful applicant will have:
A National Certificate in Captive Wild Animals or equivalent qualification.

Experience in captive animal keeping and excellence in daily husbandry.

Knowledge and experience in behavioural and environmental enrichment techniques.

The ability to work with limited supervision, solve problems and work well in a team environment.

A passion for communicating with visitors and sharing our stories.

The ability to work on a roster that includes weekends and public holidays.

Good written and verbal communication skills.

To apply please email your covering letter, CV and completed application form to zooapplications@wellingtonzoo.com
or post it to Fixed Term Keeper Vacancy, c/- Wellington Zoo Trust, 200 Daniell Street, Newtown, Wellington 6021.

Please download an application form and job description here.

Applications must be received by 5pm Wednesday 9 September 2009.

For more information please e-mail: zooapplications@wellingtonzoo.com

Keeper: African Apes Section - Twycross Zoo

Keeper: African Apes Section - Twycross Zoo
£301 to £332 pw

We have a vacancy for an experienced keeper to join our African Apes Section, mostly working with chimpanzees but also assisting with gorillas and bonobos.

Applicants must have experience as a professional keeper working with at least one of the great ape species. The ideal candidate will also have some experience of occupational enrichment.

The pay rates are £301.79 pw (£15,693 pa) for a Grade 2 Keeper, £316.21 pw (£16,443 pa) for a Grade 1 Keeper and £332.69 pw (£17,300 pa) for a Senior Keeper. Grade is determined by the job holder’s level of competence, expertise and knowledge, not length of service.

We offer a choice of weekly or monthly pay, uniform, 31 days holiday, 5% employer’s pension contribution and the possibility of on-site accommodation.

Twycross Zoo is in Leicestershire, a registered charity and home to over a thousand animals of 250 different species. We have exciting plans for developing the Zoo further, continuing our work in conservation of endangered species and providing the very best environment that we can.

If you are interested, please send your CV with a covering letter to recruitment@twycrosszoo.org or post it to Human Resources, Twycross Zoo, Atherstone CV9 3PX. Closing date: as soon as we can appoint the right person.

Zoo News Digest 24th - 27th August 2009 (Zoo News 615)

Zoo News Digest 24th - 27th August 2009 (Zoo News 615)

http://zoonewsdigest.com/


http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.com/

Peter Dickinson
peterd482001@yahoo.co.uk



Dear Colleagues,

The Loch Ness Monster spotted by Google Earth. Wonderful. I like it. Curious to see how such a beast could be explained by a creationist. Creationism in zoos today seems to be stirring up controversy on both sides of the Atlantic. Personally I have always favoured the Darwinist side of the argument and became even more convinced after reading 'Coral'. Brilliant book and fun to read.

The Elephants recently arriving in Parc Paradiso are apparantly captive bred and from Taman Safari. I greatly suspected that may be the case but was curious because I did not see any news item mentioning this. Usually such a move would generate publicity at both ends. I then thought there must be some sort of animal exchange taking place and I then I would probably have had something to say. Last time I commented on an exchange of this nature (Thailand) I was taken to task. At the end of the day it turned out I was right. You only have to check on the apalling record of Chiang Mai Night Safari.

A couple of weeks ago I covered the story about the Tiger Temple being granted permission to operate as a zoo. I still believe this is a terrible idea and remain surprised that there was not more of a fuss made in the local press. Maybe it has got something to do with the fact that they already have Lions, a Bear, a Leopard as well as 36 Tigers! So much for all this holier than thou rubbish about saving a few orphaned animals. There really does seem to be fear to criticise because there are monks involved. It struck me that there may be similar reason why the horrible Sri Racha Tiger Zoo gets away with what it does. At some point in the distant past they had a Royal visit. Lots of photographs were taken and these hang all over place lending credence to what is going on there.

The title of the first link is attention grabbing...but it is meant to be of course. I am looking forward to learning about Mercedes settling into her new home and I hope that she gets a companion too. Breeding is probably out of the question, but then, who knows?

A marmoset in the living room? I have been trying to put myself into a non zoo families way of thinking. You look up and there is a tiny monkey on the curtain rail. I just don't know. Mind you it could have been a Yak behind the sofa! (see links)

The story about the Cebu City Zoo I find a bit confusing. I have been to Cebu City twice and the first time was to specifically visit the zoo. I was assured by several and backed up by newspaper links that the place had closed and the remaining animals moved elsewhere. I went to the 'elsewhere' which turned out to be a glorified Childrens Playground with cages based around the 'Evil Philippine Dog Cage' design. One of the worst zoos I have visited ever. I was assured it was better than where they were before.

Hogle Zoo won't release the elephant birth video. Good luck to them. It is their right not too. It really does seem to me that the animal rights people are trying to find something to complain about. Miserable bunch of know nothings.

I am delighted to see more and more collections are becoming involved with International Vulture Awareness Day and that some of the press are now picking up on it. I think it is very sad that some very prominent collections are conspicious by there absence. Perhaps it is because they think it is going to cost them something. It is now getting nearly 3000 hits on Google which is a lot more than a couple of weeks ago. Check out http://www.ivad09.org/ It won't take two minutes of your time to get involved.

On a non zoo issue. If you just want to relax for a few minutes. Read this story aloud to yourself and then read it to your kids... Lavendar Lane Well we all have to relax sometimes.

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 must apologise for the Zoo Jobs blog being off line due to some sort of glitch. In the meantime all new posts will be placed in the blog. You can check on already advertised posts by going directly to Zoo Jobs.


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

My Latest Hub:

The Tiger Temple in Kanchanaburi Thailand

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.


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 the links:

Fears for UK's polar bear cubs
IN HER article on The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland plan to move polar bear Mercedes from Edinburgh Zoo to the Highland Wildlife Park (News, 16 August), Hilary Duncanson stated that Mercedes had produced two cubs.I think this is an error and Mercedes actually gave birth to several more cubs. Many readers will remember the media frenzy which surrounded Minty, the cute cub which was hired out to promote a certain brand of confectionery. When Minty outgrew the cute and cuddly image, the Zoo shipped him off to an antiquated enclosure in Antwerp Zoo where I filmed him exhibiting the stereotypical behaviour displayed by most captive polar bears. Minty died not long after. I believe other cubs were sent from Edinburgh to other foreign zoos including Japanese bear parks.Edinburgh Zoo is to be congratulated for providing Mercedes with good retirement quarters at the Highland Wildlife Park. I hope she will be the last polar bear in Britain to be used to produce
http://news.scotsman.com/opinion/Fears-for-UK39s-polar-bear.5579672.jp


Sri Lankan elephant at National Zoo celebrated during Asian Elephant Day
That I am not in favor of zoos or captive breeding is no secret. I have talked about that here and on "Focus Earth with Bob Woodruff." (Age of Extinction: August 22, 2009)So when a reader directs my attention to an article in the Washington Post about the celebration of Asian Elephant Day, I trek to a newsstand and pay the premium out-of-state price for the paper. I am immediately saddend by the photograph---albeit skillfully and brilliantly composed by Post photographer Ricky Carioti--of a 7-year-old elephant named Kandula, who was born at the zoo. (Not the photo shown above and no link on the Post site, so far.) Kandula's situation is the kind that I find particularly distressing. He was born in captivity; he will die in captivity, never knowing the life his DNA promised. The Washington Post article by staff writer Michael S. Rosenwald cheerfully describes the glee of children visiting the zoo and the pride of the Sri Lankan dignitaries in attendance and explains the well-documented importance of elephants to the Sri Lankan culture. Kandula is the son of an orphaned elephant given to the National Zoo in 1976. A nice sanctuary http://www.examiner.com/x-5936-Animal-Advocacy-Examiner~y2009m8d23-Sri-Lankan-elephant-at-National-Zoo-celebrated-during-Asian-Elephant-Day



Zoo comparison - Cleveland vs. Columbus
Clearly, living in Columbus can spoil even the most ardent animal-lover for other zoos. Our zoo is ranked the best in the nation, and it is constantly expanding and improving on its offerings. We should recognize, however, that there are many other fine zoos to visit should we find ourselves outside the Columbus region, including several great zoos right here in Ohio. The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is most assuredly one of those.As the name implies, the Cleveland Zoo is part of the Cleveland Metroparks system. Much like our own beloved Metro Parks, this system offers a wide variety of hiking, education, and other offerings in natural settings. The association between the Cleveland Metro Parks and the zoo has benefits for both the zoo and the other parks, and it has
http://www.examiner.com/x-18162-Columbus-Outdoor-Recreation-Examiner~y2009m8d23-Zoo-comparison--Cleveland-vs-Columbus


Canadian helps found Afghan wildlife preserve
Guns and hand grenades have nearly wiped out many large animals and fish in Afghanistan. But Canadian wildlife biologist Chris Shank has helped found the country's first national park, providing safe haven to those creatures left behind after so many have become collateral damage in a country decimated by decades of war. Band-e-Amir holds rare attributes for a national park: exotic animals here have been frequently shot, marine life gets blown up by fishermen who carry explosives instead of fishing gear, and the path into the park bypasses landmines. In the midst sits a jewel of a region with rugged peaks and clear blue lakes in the Hindu Kush mountains of the central Bamiyan province. It was inaugurated last April near the site where 1,500-year-old Buddha statues were reduced to rubble by the Taliban in 2001. Its creation is a small victory, 30 years in the making, for the Alberta-based researcher who first saw its potential in the mid 1970s while working with a team of researchers from the United Nations. Since 2006, after signing with the U.S. Wildlife Conservation Society to oversee environmental projects in Afghanistan, he's been spending at least four months a year there championing ventures like Band-e-Amir. "It's a symbolic hurdle," Shank admits. "This
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090824/wildlife_preserve_090824/20090824?hub=Canada


FDLE probe into ex-zoo boss will 'die on the vine,' his attorney says
An attorney for Lex Salisbury said today that the former president of Lowry Park Zoo won't be charged with any crimes after a city audit revealed he took supplies and animals to help start his private exotic-animal park.The Florida Department of Law Enforcement hasn't even interviewed Salisbury, attorney Robert McKee said today."That's not going anywhere," McKee said of the investigation. "It will die on the vine."A FDLE spokeswoman said Friday the agency continues to investigate Salisbury's actions.McKee made the comment today after he released a statement from Salisbury about a financial settlement with his former employer."I believe that the final resolution of this dispute supports the absence of any wrongdoing on my part," Salisbury said in the statement.City auditors were determined to "get Lex" rather
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/aug/24/241435/fdle-probe-ex-zoo-boss-will-die-vine-his-attorney-/news-breaking/



Cebu Provincial Capitol asserts ownership of lot occupied by zoo
The Cebu Provincial Government has reasserted its ownership of the property currently occupied by the Cebu City Zoo and warned the Cebu City Government against signing a Memorandum of Agreement intended for further zoo development.In a letter addressed to Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña, Provincial Legal Officer Marino Martinquilla said the Province of Cebu is the rightful owner of the 70,000 square meter lot occupied by the Cebu City Zoo and the City of Cebu “has no right or authority to enter into a memorandum of agreementwith Robert Yupangco or any other person involving the same.”The property is adjacent to the Boy Scouts of the Philippines Cebu Council campsite at Capitol Hills, Cebu City. The Boy Scouts lot, marked 1298, was donated by the Province of Cebu, through a Deed of Donation in 1963, but the portion that is
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/217423/cebu-provincial-capitol-asserts-ownership-lot-occupied-zoo


Brno zoo wants to save pond tortoise population
The zoological garden in Brno, south Moravia, wants to attempt at renewing the population of the European pond tortoise (Emys orbicularis), the only original tortoise species living in the wild in the Czech Republic, the daily Lidove noviny (LN) reported Monday.The pond tortoise was widely spread on Czech territory until the end of the 18th century, but now the species is on the verge of extinction and it is almost impossible to observe it in the wild, LN writes.It adds that in the past the pond tortoise was also quite commonly served as a dish."Unlike the beasts of prey whose return to our mountains is not enthusiastically welcomed by everyone, no one should mind the harmless tortoises," Brno zoo director Martin Hovorka told LN, explaining why the zoo has chosen this endangered species.The Brno zoo is not breeding the pond tortoise itself, but it plans to get the suitable animals from the Viennese zoological garden and then multiply them for a later
http://praguemonitor.com/2009/08/25/ln-brno-zoo-wants-save-pond-tortoise-population



PRANK AT BRISTOL ZOO
http://derrenbrownart.com/blog/2009/08/fun-bristol-zoo/



Cincinnati Zoo Cheetah Prepared to Set Speed Record
The Cincinnati Zoo’s eight-year-old female cheetah Sarah is preparing to set the world record for all land mammals on Wednesday, September 9 at the Zoo’s Regional Cheetah Breeding Facility in Clermont County. The 100 meter run was originally scheduled to run at the Kentucky Speedway, but the Zoo’s Cat Ambassador trainers decided to go for the “home field advantage” and move the run to Sarah’s training facility. “Sarah is very comfortable at the Mast Farm,” said Cathryn Hilker, Founder of the Cincinnati Zoo’s Cat Ambassador Program. “When Sarah’s not running in the Cheetah Encounter at the Zoo during the summer, she runs at the Farm and does extremely well there. We are very grateful to the Kentucky Speedway for giving us the opportunity to run at their track, but
http://www.local12.com/news/local/story/Cincinnati-Zoo-Cheetah-Prepared-to-Set-Speed/cBrn2u686ESlDBk_ae8yNw.cspx


Bamboo-Loving Giant Pandas Can Warp a Zoo Nutritionist's Worldview
From the moment he wakes up in the morning until the moment he falls asleep at night, Mike Maslanka has one thing on his mind: bamboo. Bamboo, bamboo, bamboo bamboobamboobamboobam. This is what happens when you are responsible for making sure the three most famous animals in Washington -- Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and Tai Shan, the National Zoo's giant pandas -- don't starve. As the zoo's senior animal nutritionist, Mike is responsible for feeding all 2,000 animals at the zoo, but, let's face it, the pandas are the stars. Since bamboo is pretty much all a panda eats -- about 60 pounds of the stuff each day, every day -- bamboo has become Mike's obsession. And so yesterday morning Mike, a wiry 37-year-old, met a crew from the zoo's Bamboo Procurement Team in a bamboo grove in Montgomery County. Three days a week, sometimes more, they cut bamboo. Letters stuck on the front of the crew's truck said it all: "The bamboo never stops." Last year, for reasons that weren't entirely clear at first, the stands of bamboo the zoo maintains at its Front Royal, Va., conservation center stopped growing. Desperate, the zoo did something it had never done before: put out a call for help. Hundreds of people responded, including the contractor building the Intercounty Connector. Several large stands were found along the route, including this one near Layhill Road. Lots of people may hate the ICC, but it's putting bamboo on the table. Armed with loppers and wearing hard hats, Mike and his crew, Bernard Graham and
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/25/AR2009082503047.html


Crows eradication programme at Safari delayed
The eradication programme of crows from the Safari Park has been delayed further, as city district government has not appoint air gun shooter so far, it was learnt. Sources in the park administration said that the city district government has failed to resolve the much-awaited issue of the crows who have made life hell for the animals in Safari Park and Karachi Zoological Garden for the past several years. However, now this issue has become more serious as various precious animals are being planned to be brought here, but surprisingly, the authorities concerned did not take any final decision to resolve the issue by appointing air gun shooter in Zoo and Safari Park. They said that flock of crows always keep hovering at Safari Park, causing survival threats to the animals placed in the open cages such as Deer, Zebra, Bucks, Ostriches, Camels and other animals.According to the eyewitnesses, these crows always sit on the backs of the animals, injuring them badly by biting the flesh, causing infectious wounds and holes on their backs. The animals remained helpless in moving them
http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/Regional/Karachi/27-Aug-2009/Crows-eradication-programme-at-Safari-delayed


Escaped monkey moves in to house
A STUNNED family told yesterday of how they discovered a MONKEY in their living room.Gemma Peck, 18, was having her breakfast when boyfriend Colin Hinder spotted something move on top of the curtain rail.He thought it was a pigeon - then looked closer and found it was a tiny marmoset.The monkey - named Kite - had escaped with pal Ponty from Woburn Safari Park, Bucks, two miles away.It is believed that the intrepid pair scaled the 8ft park wall, crossed a busy A
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/2609279/Escaped-monkey-moves-into-house.html


'Creationist' zoo causes dismay
Tourism boards have been urged to stop promoting a North Somerset zoo which presents creationist ideas.The British Humanist Association (BHA) says Noah's Ark Zoo Farm undermines the teaching of science. Signs at the zoo in Wraxhall describe how the "three great people groups" could be descended from the three sons of Bible ark builder Noah. A spokeswoman for the zoo said they viewed the natural world as a product of both God and evolution. Another sign at the zoo says animals hunt and kill food because "man rebelled against
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/bristol/somerset/8223433.stm


Zoo animals rounded up after High Park escape
Police patrolling Toronto's High Park early Wednesday morning came across some escapees from a local pen: llamas, a wallaby and a yak.The animals had escaped from the small zoo located inside the park after someone cut the chains and broke the locks on the enclosures housing the yak and the wallaby. A large hole was cut in the fence to the area housing the llamas. Both the north and the south gates to the zoo were open and unlocked. Police and zoo workers were able to round up all the animals — four
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2009/08/26/animal-escape.html



Cop investigated for feeding gorillas Pop-Tarts
A Minnesota police officer is under investigation after he allegedly snuck into a zoo to feed gorillas Pop-Tarts after hours.Surveillance video reportedly captured two zoo security guards sneaking in several people including the off-duty officer.Zoo officials say its not clear if the gorillas actually ate
http://www.kmtr.com/entertainment/weirdnews/story/Cop-investigated-for-feeding-gorillas-Pop-Tarts/95tgeEylSEaEvEvpQV6KCA.cspx


Al Ain Wildlife Park launches all night zoo during Ramadan
For the first time in its 40-year history, Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort has launched an all night zoo and has invited people to observe the nocturnal behaviour of animals.The park will open its gates from 9pm to 2am during Ramadan, giving an opportunity to the public to watch a demonstration where penguins are fed. There will be other demonstrations at the Arabian and African mixed exhibits, said an official
http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/Environment/10343781.html


Giant Pandas on Verge of Extinction
Giant Pandas in China are on the verge of extinction, the conservation group World Wildlife Fund said today. The problem: increasingly fragmented habitat due to human economic development, Reuters reports. "If the panda cannot mate with those from other habitats, it may face extinction within two to three generations," said Fan Zhiyong, Beijing-based species program director for WWF. "We have to act now." Panda's need lots of room and mature trees to survive. They breed just once
http://www.livescience.com/animals/etc/090817-giant-pandas-verge-extinction.html


Showcase: Forgotten Elephants
Once the revered symbol of Thai culture, the backbone of industry and the protector of the country’s sovereignty during war, elephants now wander the streets of Bangkok, reduced to providing rides for tourists and helping their owners beg for their next meal.With their drivers — mahouts, they are called — the elephants dodge Bangkok’s chaotic traffic and the feeble attempts of the government and the police to push them out of the city.Many elephants were put out of work when logging became illegal in the 1980s, making it difficult for their owners to feed them. Wild ones have been hunted and driven from their natural habitat. It is estimated that there are now 2,500 domesticated and 1,500 wild elephants in Thailand, down from around 50,000 in 1950.Some of their owners bring them to Bangkok so they can afford to feed and care for the elephants, who are treated like family. Other owners are more mercenary, keeping the beasts in squalid conditions and renting them to the highest bidder for tourist rides.Pollution, traffic and noise make Bangkok inhospitable to elephants. Their presence is a source of controversy. Preservation and environmental organizations try
http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/26/showcase-41/


Aquarium Director Honored As Coastal Hero
The executive director of the Monterey Bay Aquarium is getting a special honor.Julie Packard is being named one of nine 2009 California Coastal Heroes by Sunset magazine and the California Coastal Commission.Packard and the other honorees will be profiled in the September issue of Sunset magazine and will receive their awards at the California Coastal Commission's 25th anniversary celebration in San Francisco on Sept. 17.The aquarium will celebrate its 25th anniversary Julie Packard Lauded For Work At Monterey Bay Aquarium
http://www.ksbw.com/news/20553495/detail.html


Zoo Won't Release Elephant Birth Video
Animal rights activists have urged a Salt Lake City zoo to release a video of an elephant giving birth, suggesting it shows cruel treatment.The video shows the elephant, Christy, chained by her front legs with two trainers standing nearby at the Hogle Zoo, the Salt Lake Tribune reports.Suzanne Roy, program director for In Defense of Animals, called chaining the elephant "cruel" and "barbaric.""If they think it's an acceptable practice, they should release the video and let people judge for themselves," Roy said.Holly Braithwaite, a zoo spokeswoman, said the video would be misconstrued on its own without a veterinarian explaining what was going on."The birth footage is internal video used for scientific review purposes," she said. "It's not something we chose to publicly release."The board of directors of the Hogle Zoo viewed the video Monday.Zoos have different policies on releasing
http://www.postchronicle.com/news/breakingnews/article_212253486.shtml?ref=rss


Zoo in bad condition
I CONCUR with S.M. Mohd Idris’ view which appeared in The Star on Aug 25 that Zoo Negara should place more emphasis on the welfare of its animals. For years, complaints from disappointed visitors and outraged animal lovers have been met with the official response that once Zoo Negara receives funds, it would be able to upgrade its facilities and improve the living conditions of the animals.Years have passed but the animals are still living in a squalor. Very little effort has been made to truly educate visitors on the animals’ natural history or on animal welfare and wildlife conservation issues.I am of the opinion that improving the quality of life of zoo animals need not be a costly exercise. The management of Zoo Negara could take basic steps such as the following:> All washable substrates should be cleaned and disinfected regularly and rotting food and animal waste must be removed from non-washable substrates as quickly as possible for health, safety and aesthetic purposes.> There should be proper drainage systems in the animal enclosures, and there should not be standing water
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/8/27/focus/4594250&sec=focus


£100,000 expansion plans for village's zoo
A SMALL zoo is continuing with plans for expansion.Shaldon Wildlife Trust wants to extend its animal enclosure area and make the site more wheelchair-friendly.The plan is part of a wider vision to make the trust accessible to everyone.An application to build new animal houses, enclosures and pedestrian pathways will go before Teignbridge Council's planning committee on Tuesday.The proposal, which has been recommended for approval, is to extend the animal enclosure area and build new animal housing and pathways.The pathways will link the top of the existing zoo area to a new ramp and access point next to the entrance building for the zoo on Ness Drive, near the tunnel to Ness beach.Boardwalk pathways around the animal enclosure areas will have passing places every 10 metres and seating areas.The buildings in the enclosures http://www.thisissouthdevon.co.uk/news/163-100-000-expansion-plans-village-s-zoo/article-1282287-detail/article.html



Zoo keepers nurse rare cormorant to health
A RARE chick has come out of quarantine after being nursed into the world by zoo keepers trying to save the endangered species.The bank cormorant at Living Coasts, the coastal zoo in Torquay, is the first of its kind to be hatched in the UK.Ten eggs were collected from nests on Robben Island, off the South African coast near Cape Town, better known as the former prison home of Nelson Mandela, as part of a conservation programme to establish a new species in a zoo environment.The bank cormorant is an endangered
http://www.thisiswesternmorningnews.co.uk/environment/Zoo-keepers-nurse-rare-cormorant-chick-health/article-1281760-detail/article.html

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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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Leviathan



The story of a man's obsession with whales, which takes him on a personal, historical and biographical journey -- from his childhood to his fascination with Moby-Dick and his excursions whale-watching. All his life, Philip Hoare has been obsessed by whales, from the gigantic skeletons in London's Natural History Museum to adult encounters with the wild animals themselves. Whales have a mythical quality -- they seem to elide with dark fantasies of sea-serpents and antediluvian monsters that swim in our collective unconscious. In 'Leviathan', Philip Hoare seeks to locate and identify this obsession. What impelled Melville to write 'Moby-Dick'? After his book in 1851, no one saw whales in quite the same way again. This book is an investigation into what we know little about -- dark, shadowy creatures who swim below the depths, only to surface in a spray of spume. More than the story of the whale, it is also the story of our own obsessions.



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JOURNAL of THREATENED TAXA




AUGUST 2009 Vol. 1 No. 8 Pages 401-444
Date of Publication 26 August 2009 (online and print)





Contents Pp. 401-444
PDF (225Kb)

Composition, abundance and ecology of phytoplankton communities of Loktak Lake, Manipur, India
--B.K. Sharma, Pp.401-410
Abstract HTML PDF (209Kb)

Microcrustacea (Crustacea: Branchiopoda) of Deepor Beel, Assam, India: richness, abundance and ecology
--B.K. Sharma & Sumita Sharma, Pp.411-418
Abstract HTML PDF (243Kb)

First report of Colletotrichum spp. causing diseases on Capsicum spp. In Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia
--Ha Kwan Yun, Abdul Hamid Ahmad, Sepiah Muid & Jaya Seelan Sathiya Seelan, Pp.419-424
Abstract HTML PDF (749Kb)

Redescription of siluroid Catfish Pterocryptis barakensis Vishwanath & Nebeshwar (Siluriformes: Siluridae)
--W. Vishwanath & K. Nebeshwar, Pp.425-428
Abstract HTML PDF (557Kb)

Nesting behaviour of the Baya Weaver bird, Ploceus philippinus (Ploceidae) and the life-cycle of the Plains Cupid butterfly, Chilades pandava (Lycaenidae) with the red-listed Cycas sphaerica and C. beddomei (Cycadaceae)
--A.J. Solomon Raju, Pp.429-433
Abstract HTML PDF (401Kb)

Two new Asteridiella species from Tamil Nadu, India
--V.B. Hosagoudar, K. Ravikumar & G.R. Archana, Pp.434-436
Abstract HTML PDF (430Kb)

Additions to fungi of India
--V.B. Hosagoudar & G.R. Archana, Pp.437-438
Abstract HTML PDF (247Kb)

First record of Eubroncus from India (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Mymaridae), with description of a new species
--Mohammad Hayat & F.R. Khan, Pp.439-440
Abstract HTML PDF (191Kb)

An insight into the ethnozoology of Panch Pargana area of Jharkand, India
--Bandana Kumari & Sudhanshu Kumar, Pp.441-443
Abstract HTML PDF (251Kb)

A note on occurrence of Ehrlichia infection in a Langur (Semnopithecus sp.) from Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
--B.S. Baviskar, P.J. Gawande, A.K. Jayraw, D.K. Maske & S.S. Raut, P.444
Abstract HTML PDF (123Kb)




http://www.threatenedtaxa.org/


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The old ones are always the best ones. This has been sent to me several times over the past two weeks so I thought I should incude for those who have never heard the story.





A well-planned retirement





Outside the Bristol Zoo, in England, there is a parking lot for 150 cars and 8 coaches, or buses.





It was manned by a very pleasant attendant with a ticket machine charging cars 1 pound (about $1.40) and coaches 5 (about $7).





This parking attendant worked there solid for all of 25 years. Then, one day, he just didn't turn up for work.





"Oh well", said Bristol Zoo Management - "we'd better phone up the City Council and get them to send a new parking attendant..."





"Err ... no", said the Council, "that parking lot is your responsibility."





"Err ... no", said Bristol Zoo Management, "the attendant was employed by the City Council, wasn't he?"





"Err ... NO!" insisted the Council.





Sitting in his villa somewhere on the coast of Spain, is a bloke who had been taking the parking lot fees, estimated at 400 pounds (about $560) per day at Bristol Zoo for the last 25 years. Assuming 7 days a week, this amounts to just over 3.6 million pounds ($7 million).





And no one even knows his name.





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Peter Dickinson

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