Zoo News Digest 15th - 18th February 2011 (Zoo News 726)
Spheniscus demersus
Photo by Jonas Livet
Dear Colleagues,
I appear to have picked up a throat and chest infection which is interfering with my full enjoyment of life. Funny how these little things can set you back a peg or two. So much to do and so little quality time in which to do it.
'The very worst kind of conservation' Makes a very interesting read. I am not going to comment. Read it and be amazed.
The attack by stray dogs in the Nehru Zoological Park makes sad reading. I would have shot the animals concerned and not shooed them away. They will be back. Stray, and domesticated dogs, can cause untold damage in a zoo if not kept in check.
I am delighted to see there are plans afoot to rid Hoan Kiem Lake of Red-eared Terrapins. They are taking over the world and need to be culled where they don't belong. I have seen them in a stream in Northumberland, a beck in Yorkshire and in the Snowdonia Mountains. The boating lake in Rhyl used to have hundreds. Although not presently breeding in the UK (though they may be somewhere), a long hot summer would quickly change that.
Well done Monterey Bay Aquarium the sooner shark finning is stopped the more chance there is that some species may survive. At the present rate of cruel exploitation some will disappear within five years, I reckon.
I accidentally came across a YouTube video by some half baked hillbilly attacking Carole Baskin in the most derogatory manner. Looking further there were lots of videos by the same guy, even websites by other people in the same vein. I don't know Carole Baskin but I do know we share some similar views on the inbreeding of big cats, commercial exploitation and more. If she has a past and has seen the light then fair enough. We should not forget that Gerald Durrell was an animal dealer turned conservationist, Sir Peter Scott was a duck hunter (wildfowler) turned conservationist and George Adamson was a hunter turned conservationist. People do see the light. People do change. I have never corresponded with Carole Baskin to my recollection but I have heard of the outfit that this 'gentleman' runs. Whilst in no way supporting PAWS I think their report 'GW's Exotic Animal Trade' is well worth a read. See in the links below. There are some truly horrible people out there.
Though undoubtedly unsuitable it was interesting to read about the worlds smallest aquarium preceded by the Asia's biggest. But is it?
I appear to have picked up a throat and chest infection which is interfering with my full enjoyment of life. Funny how these little things can set you back a peg or two. So much to do and so little quality time in which to do it.
'The very worst kind of conservation' Makes a very interesting read. I am not going to comment. Read it and be amazed.
The attack by stray dogs in the Nehru Zoological Park makes sad reading. I would have shot the animals concerned and not shooed them away. They will be back. Stray, and domesticated dogs, can cause untold damage in a zoo if not kept in check.
I am delighted to see there are plans afoot to rid Hoan Kiem Lake of Red-eared Terrapins. They are taking over the world and need to be culled where they don't belong. I have seen them in a stream in Northumberland, a beck in Yorkshire and in the Snowdonia Mountains. The boating lake in Rhyl used to have hundreds. Although not presently breeding in the UK (though they may be somewhere), a long hot summer would quickly change that.
Well done Monterey Bay Aquarium the sooner shark finning is stopped the more chance there is that some species may survive. At the present rate of cruel exploitation some will disappear within five years, I reckon.
I accidentally came across a YouTube video by some half baked hillbilly attacking Carole Baskin in the most derogatory manner. Looking further there were lots of videos by the same guy, even websites by other people in the same vein. I don't know Carole Baskin but I do know we share some similar views on the inbreeding of big cats, commercial exploitation and more. If she has a past and has seen the light then fair enough. We should not forget that Gerald Durrell was an animal dealer turned conservationist, Sir Peter Scott was a duck hunter (wildfowler) turned conservationist and George Adamson was a hunter turned conservationist. People do see the light. People do change. I have never corresponded with Carole Baskin to my recollection but I have heard of the outfit that this 'gentleman' runs. Whilst in no way supporting PAWS I think their report 'GW's Exotic Animal Trade' is well worth a read. See in the links below. There are some truly horrible people out there.
Though undoubtedly unsuitable it was interesting to read about the worlds smallest aquarium preceded by the Asia's biggest. But is it?
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Some Articles You May Have Missed
2011 American Association of Zoo Keepers Conference
Wildlife Alliance February 2011 Newsletter
Zooquaria - 73 - Spring 2011
Tenders invited for Johannesburg zoo acrylics
Lion Guardians - Annual Report 2010
Starving cassowaries fight to survive
Toronto Zoo to decide what to do with its elephants
This blog has readers from 151+ countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cote D’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Eire, England, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, French Guiana, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lapland, Lao, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Montenegro, Montserrat, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Northern Ireland, Northern Mariana Islands, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Reunion, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United States, Uruguay, US Virgin Islands, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Wales, Yemen, Zambia.
Some Articles You May Have Missed
2011 American Association of Zoo Keepers Conference
Wildlife Alliance February 2011 Newsletter
Zooquaria - 73 - Spring 2011
Tenders invited for Johannesburg zoo acrylics
Lion Guardians - Annual Report 2010
Starving cassowaries fight to survive
Toronto Zoo to decide what to do with its elephants
This blog has readers from 151+ countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cote D’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Eire, England, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, French Guiana, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lapland, Lao, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Montenegro, Montserrat, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Northern Ireland, Northern Mariana Islands, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Reunion, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United States, Uruguay, US Virgin Islands, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Wales, Yemen, Zambia.
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Pandas due at Ueno Zoo on Monday
A pair of giant pandas leased from China will arrive at Ueno Zoo on Monday, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government said Wednesday.
The giant pandas will be the first at the zoo since panda Ling-Ling died in April 2008. Under the deal between the metropolitan government and the Chinese side, Tokyo will be able to lease the popular animals for 10 years.
The male panda, named Bili, and the female panda, named Xiannu, are both 5 years old. The metropolitan government will pay around ¥90 million each year to China in lease charges that go to fund wild animal protection.
The endangered giant panda is considered a national treasure in China and the international conservation group WWF estimates that there
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110218a5.html
Stray dogs eat 2 deer in city zoo
In a shocking incident, two deer were eaten up by stray dogs at the Nehru Zoological Park. Sources said that the incident occurred on the night of February 14 but came to light only on Thursday even as zoo authorities tried to hush up the matter.
The two dogs, appeared to have entered the zoo either through the service gate or from the area near the zoo director's quarters, ate two deer and another deer, in the vicinity which witnessed the attack collapsed and died.
Sources said that it was just another security lapse. Two years ago, a 16-feet boundary wall with barbed wires was constructed around the zoo. This is the first incident after the wall was constructed. They said that even during day time, the security is not adequate and in the night, all the animal keepers are off duty. Just a handful of security guards are left to man the 360-acre area. On February 15 morning, animal keepers, who were moving around the area, found half eaten bodies of the two deer and the other dead deer. The dogs
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Stray-dogs-eat-2-deer-in-city-zoo/articleshow/7518268.cms
Asia's Biggest Aquarium Opened
http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v5/newsworld.php?id=564496
Siberia: bringing the world the tiniest aquarium
Just two teaspoons of water – that’s all that the world’s smallest aquarium can hold. It was created by a micro-miniature extraordinaire Anatoly Konenko, who hails from the Siberian city of Omsk. A glass cube measuring 30 by 24 by 14 mm, complete with sand, multi-coloured stones and seaweed can contain 10 ml of water and play home to tiny fish. But that’s not all – the mini-aquarium is equipped with a water purification filter. It took the skillful master about two weeks to fashion it.
Anatoly Konenko has been fiddling around with micro-miniatures for 30 years – he was the first such craftsman in Siberia. He worked out how to write on rice grains, poppy seeds even human hair, and created the necessary micro-instruments to do this. He
http://english.ruvr.ru/2011/02/17/44838418.html
Zoo snake enclosure yet to see light of the day
A special enclosure that Chattbir Zoo had planned to ensure safety of snakes is yet to see light of the day. Last year, 36 sand boas were released in forest area by zoo authorities without displaying them to visitors due to the absence of a safe enclosure.
According to sources, a proposal of building the proposed enclosure was initiated by the zoo authorities in 2008. Work was started on it, but it remains incomplete till date. At present the zoo has one python, which has to be shifted to a hospital during winters, when it gets too cold. The special enclosure was supposed to keep
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Zoo-snake-enclosure-yet-to-see-light-of-the-day/articleshow/7498273.cms
Toronto Zoo to decide what to do with its elephants
A newly released survey of Toronto Zoo visitors has found that even without elephants, 85 per cent of respondents would still attend.
The survey of 800 visitors last summer comes as the zoo grapples with declining attendance and what to do with its three remaining elephants.
Prompted by a cluster of elephant deaths, the zoo’s board recently hired a consultant to explore the animals’ role.
The question of whether to keep them or send them elsewhere will likely be decided soon with a staff report presenting “options’’ due in the next few months, zoo CEO John Tracogna said after Monday’s board meeting.
“It is an important decision. We want to get it right,’’ Tracogna said.
Critics pushing for the animals to be sent to a sanctuary argue elephants experience high mortality rates in Toronto because it’s too cold and they lack adequate space to roam.
Others wanting them to remain say the elephants are important
http://www.thestar.com/news/article/938855--toronto-zoo-to-decide-what-to-do-with-its-elephants
Its a Boy (Great photos of new elephant birth)
http://www.elephantstay.com/Elephant-nursery-2011.html
Elephant trainer's death not zoo's fault
A Tennessee wildlife agency report says the Jan. 14 death of an elephant trainer at the Knoxville Zoo was likely due to an unprovoked but "intentional" blow by the animal.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency incident report said there is no reason to believe any zoo procedures contributed to the death of the trainer, 33-year-old Stephanie Elaine James.
James died from internal injuries suffered when the 26-year-old female elephant, Edie, pushed her into the bars of a barn stall during feeding.
WBIR-TV reported Tuesday that zoo director Jim Vlna said in a statement that only the elephant "knew her intent and whatever that was, it will not change
http://www.wrcbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=14036461
Monterey Bay Aquarium sponsors bill on shark fin ban
Tens of millions of sharks are killed each year for their fins, but a new bill introduced in the California legislature and sponsored by the Monterey Bay Aquarium, aims to reduce the market demand that drives the practice.
The bill, introduced by assemblymen Paul Fong, D-Cupertino, and Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, would ban the sale, possession, or distribution of shark fins. California is one of the largest non-Asian markets for sharks fins, which are used primarily in a gourmet Chinese soup. San Diego and Los Angeles are two of the leading U.S. points of entry for shark fins, said the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
The practice of shark finning, in which fishermen slice off the animals' fins and throw the bleeding sharks back into the water, is already banned in U.S. waters. But supporters of the new California bill argue that while demand for shark fins remains high, the incentive to continue the practice persists.
"Finning sharks is an environmentally destructive practice
http://www.montereyherald.com/local/ci_17391433?nclick_check=1
Shark Fin Soup
Chris Selley: The elephant in the zoo
Among less famous people, Councillor Shelley Carroll and Bob Barker — yeah, that’s right, Bob Barker — want the Toronto Zoo to send its elephants to a more suitable setting in a more suitable climate. Just about anywhere south of 401 and Meadowvale Road would seem to fit the bill, but a sanctuary in California is Ms. Carroll’s preferred destination. I’m inclined to agree with her.
Just about everyone seems to think the zoo’s pachyderm habitat is too small, in addition to being … you know, in Canada. Price estimates for bringing it up to snuff stand at around $40-million, at a time when the zoo struggles to find a quarter of that to house and care for two giant pandas slated to arrive from China. And while I’ll eat just about any beast you’d care to roast and put in front of me, the idea of putting exotic animals on display in inherently stressful circumstances for human beings to gawk at leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
It also strikes me as far less entertaining, and educational, than other animal-themed activities. Parents I know speak of the zoo as a cheap, low-maintenance day out that holds their kids’ attention. But when it comes to the marquee attractions, what are they really seeing? Often as not, lions sleeping, polar bears sleeping and elephants not doing much of anything except being elephants.
Wild Kingdom it isn’t.
Surely children and adults alike would be more entertained and educated by high-definition video of the same creatures let loose in a more natural habitat — wallowing in mud, spraying water out of their trunks, tending
http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/02/15/chris-selley-elephants-have-no-place-at-toronto-zoo/
Minnesota Zoo dolphin dies at age 44
The Minnesota Zoo is mourning the loss of April, an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin.
The zoo reports that the 44-year-old dolphin died Tuesday after suffering physical ailments for the past few months. A necropsy, or animal autopsy, will determine the cause of death.
April was the mother of 22-year-old Allie, another dolphin at the Apple Valley zoo, and grandmother of Taijah (TAY'-shah), born last summer. She had been at the zoo since January 2008 on
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-mn-zoo-dolphindeath,0,2177843.story
Brazil zoo sends beached penguins to California
Nearly two dozen penguins swept to the warm shores of Brazil last year have been sent to California to be resettled in a cooler clime and become part of an exhibit on climate change, a zoo director said Tuesday.
Giselda Candiotto, president of the rehabilitation zoo in Niteroi, a city across Guanabara Bay from Rio de Janeiro, said the 21 penguins will live in an appropriately acclimatized space created for them at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
"They're doing well, really well," she said. "They're going to the First World, with all the best amenities."
The Magellanic penguins arrived in Los Angeles on Saturday night and will be
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/15/AR2011021503999.html
Sichuan Forest Biodiversity Project
To enhance networks of protected areas in China and engage local people in their sustainable management
In 1998 the devastating floods along the Yangtze River led to the introduction of the National Forest Protection Programme. This moratorium outlined changes to logging practice and land management policy within the upper Yangtze basin. Consequently these changes presented conservationists with a unique opportunity to encourage protection for the important broadleaf forest habitat and its endemic animals and plants within southern Sichuan Province. The conservation significance of this forest is highlighted by its inclusion within the Mountains of South-west China Biodiversity Hotspot (Conservation International) and the Chinese Subtropical Forest Endemic Bird Area (Birdlife International). However, prior to 1998 this ecosystem was largely ignored, with the majority of
http://www.waza.org/en/site/conservation/waza-conservation-projects/overview/sichuan-forest-biodiversity-project
Toronto Zoo hopes to lure donors with blockbuster exhibit
The new Toronto Zoo board meets for the first time Monday as plans to host two giant pandas next year are behind schedule.
Zoo officials said last fall that they wanted to have a private-sector partner or sponsor in place by now to pay for a panda exhibit.
But the zoo hasn't begun a search for a partner yet, because it doesn't have a deal on sharing the bears with zoos in Calgary and Granby, Quebec.
The Toronto Zoo needs the blockbuster exhibit to lure donors and
http://www.globaltoronto.com/Toronto+hopes+lure+donors+with+blockbuster+exhibit/4278782/story.html
Hong Kong rare whales plan riles activists
Beluga whales are majestic, sociable creatures that live in small pods mostly in the icy waters around the Arctic circle.
They chat loudly with each other in elaborate clicks, clangs and whistles, have a big seemingly friendly smile and are, for a whale, relatively small -- meaning they can be easily kept in a large tank.
And that's exactly what's planned for up to a dozen of the rare mammals at a new attraction at an aquarium in Hong Kong.
"We want to use these iconic animals to deliver a message of conservation and education to our guests," Tom Mehrmann, chief executive of Ocean Park, told AFP.
"And we want to make sure that the pod is large enough for proper social dynamics to take place."
But outraged conservationists say the park's plans have highlighted the issue of aquariums "robbing the world's oceans" of already threatened species just to have a gimmick to sell to the paying public.
Ocean Park says it will try to source already captive belugas from other aquariums around the world but, if they can't find a pod that way, they admit they
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20110214/wl_asia_afp/lifestyleentertainmentconservationhongkong
The very worst kind of conservation
A charity called Songbird Survival (SS) has launched an appeal for £88,000 that will ‘examine the impact of corvid removal on farmland songbird productivity.' In other words, they apparently want to kill as many corvids as possible in the hope that this will boost songbird numbers.
SS claim that a healthy increase in corvid numbers in the last 40 years may be responsible for the drop in farmland songbird numbers. No matter that these corvids are native species that were heavily prosecuted by gamekeepers until WWII. Once that prosecution eased, their numbers started to grow again, and so the stats show that they have increased in number in the last 40 years. Native
http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/songbird-survival.html#cr
Coco the elephant dies at Columbus Zoo
An Asian elephant that had been a resident of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium for 37 years died this afternoon, but it likely will be weeks before zoo officials know why.
Coco, the patriarch of the zoo's elephant herd, died about 3 p.m. He was found by staff members, lying down and unable to get up, early this morning, said Patty Peters, vice president of community relations.
"They worked nonstop for almost eight hours in an attempt to save him," Peters
http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2011/02/16/Coco-the-elephant-dies-at-Columbus-Zoo.html?sid=101
Orangutans Get Married on Valentine's Day
A "cougar" of an orangutan married her mate on Valentine's Day in a ceremony held in a Thailand zoo.
Discovery News reported that Nancy, a 20-year-old orangutan, married 12-year-old Suriya in a ceremony held by Songkhla Zoo to celebrate the holiday.
While Nancy has a son born a few years ago from her mating with another male, she and Suriya are doing well and have been together for three months.
The Thai news site MCOT said the happy occasion was named the "Happy Valentine's Day Orang-Utan Honeymoon." The ceremony was traditional and included a "Kan Mark" procession during which the groom offers dowry to the bride.
Local authorities signed as witnesses.
Rabbits made up the wedding party at another Thai location, Chiang Mai Night Safari
http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpps/news/offbeat/orangutans-get-married-on-valentines-day-dpgoh-20110216-fc_11899742
Promiscuous apes make more sperm
Chimpanzees produce 200 times more sperm than gorillas, the world's largest primates, and 14 times more than orangutans, scientists based in Japan reveal.
Promiscuous ape species have bigger testicles, and the latest discovery finally provides evidence that they also produce more sperm.
Scientists previously proposed that chimps have large testicles because several males mate with a single female, and so have to produce more sperm in order to compete.
For their research, published in the American Journal of Primatology, scientists studied chimpanzees, orangutans and gorillas from zoos in Japan and Indonesia.
Analysing samples of testicular tissues at a microscopic level, researchers found remarkable variation between the apes.
They found that the sperm-producing tissue lining gorillas' testes was much thinner than that of orangutans and chimpanzees.
Chimpanzees were found to produce 14 times more sperm than orangutans and even more than
http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_9386000/9386608.stm
Poachers’ terror dies in Orang
- Old age claims Kaankata the rhino which survived bullets
Kaankata had survived many an attempt on its life by poachers as it strolled the grasslands of the smallest national park in the state, but the “most ferocious rhino” of Orang breathed its last this morning because of old age, producing conflicting emotions of relief and gloom among forest staff.
“Kaankata was a terror for the poachers as well the forest staff. It charged at people at first sight since it was hit by a bullet fired by poachers and lost one of its ears a few years back,” Orang divisional forest official (DFO) Sushil Daila told The Telegraph today.
That’s how it earned its name — Kaankata (one with a cut ear).
The carcass of the 35-year-old male rhino, found at a spot between Singveti camp and Satsimalu camp this morning, had its horn intact, without any external injury. “Our staff had sighted Kaankata last evening but did not approach it
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110217/jsp/northeast/story_13591722.jsp
Newly Discovered Geckos in Thailand (Good Photos)
http://www.bangkokpost.com/multimedia/photo/221968/Newly-Discovered-Geckos
Galapagos Tortoise Sebastian may well have been alive and well when Darwin was developing his theory of Natural Selection
Who are Sebastian and Carolina, why do they have T shirts, and why are they on sale here at the Houston Zoo?
1.Who are Sebastian and Carolina?
Sebastian and Carolina are wild giant tortoises who live on the Island of Santa Cruz in the heart of the Galapagos Archipelago. Under the auspices of the Galapagos Tortoise Programme, Sebastian and Carolina are participants in a study of tortoise migration, along with another 44 tortoises spread over three different islands: Santa Cruz, Isabela, and Española. The study is coordinated by the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology in Germany, in strong collaboration with the Galapagos National Park Service and the Charles Darwin Foundation.
http://houstonzooblogs.org/wildconservation/2011/02/galapagos-tortoise-sebastian-may-well-have-been-alive-and-well-when-darwin-was-developing-his-theory-of-natural-selection/
Denver Zoo Supports Gorilla Heart Health
Elephant's actions 'not an attack' on zoo worker
Intentional, yes. Evil, no.
That's the point Tennessee wildlife officials say they wanted to get across in their final report on the elephant's actions that killed handler Stephanie Elaine James at the Knoxville Zoo last month.
"It was intentional, but it was not an attack," said Walter Cook, state wildlife coordinator for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. "That was the only word that could be used in the report - 'intentional' - because nobody could identify any stimulus for the elephant to do that. It wasn't accidental, because the elephant meant to do it. But at the same time, the word doesn't indicate malice or mean the elephant was being aggressive in any way."
Investigators can't be certain whether the elephant acted out
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/feb/16/elephants-actions-not-an-attack-on-zoo-worker/
Bolivian circus lions flown to U.S. sanctuary
Twenty-five Bolivian circus lions rescued from poor conditions arrived in the United States on Wednesday, bound for a Colorado wildlife refuge.
Dubbed "Operation Lion Ark," the 14 males and 11 female cats arrived at Denver International Airport on a jet chartered by Animal Defenders International (ADI), a British-American venture that advocates circus animal rights.
"This has been a dream for so long, to empty a whole country of its circus animals," ADI president Jan Creamer told a crowd of about 100 who assembled at a United Airlines hangar to watch the event.
Former game show host Bob Barker, a longtime animal-rights activist who funded the relocation, was on hand to welcome the cats alongside actress Jorja Fox of TV's CSI franchise.
Workers unloaded the animals in individual crates amid applause from animal-rights advocates in attendance.
Veterinarian Mel Richardson, who accompanied the animals on the 11-hour flight from Bolivia, pronounced them in relatively good health ahead of their move to The Animal Sanctuary
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/17/us-bolivia-lions-idUSTRE71G0W520110217?feedType=RSS&feedName=domesticNews
Pacific White-sided Dolphin Rescued
Crocodile collector opens first UK centre
HIS unusual hobby has seen him dubbed the “British Crocodile Dundee”.
But Shaun Foggett, 31, is deadly serious about reptiles and has just opened the UK’s first crocodile and alligator zoo in Witney.
The father-of-three sold his family home to fund the new Crocodiles of the World centre in Crawley Mill, which will house more than 30 of the reptiles.
Mr Foggett turned his life-long love of crocodiles into a dedicated breeding programme aimed at helping some of the world’s most endangered animals.
He said: “I’m delighted it’s up and running. I’ve wanted
http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/yourtown/witney/8857450.Crocodile_collector_opens_first_UK_centre/
NYS Zoo at Thompson Park Names New Executive Director
The New York State Zoo at Thompson Park has named a new Executive Director.
John Wright, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, has accepted the position and is anticipated to start Monday, March 7, 2011.
Mr. Wright will join the New York State Zoo from his previous position as General Curator, at the Hattiesburgh Zoo in Mississippi.
Previous employment held by Mr. Wright includes:
•Disney Animal Kingdom, Orlando, FL
•Birmingham Zoo, Baltimore, MD
•Kansas City Zoo, Kansas City, MO
Mr. Wright has served in related organizations, Associated Member of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (1997-present), Member of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (1993-present), National Audubon Society (2006-present). He also has numerous publications on zoo and conservation topics.
Mr. Wright will be moving to the community with his wife and young daughter.
Replacing Dr. John Scott Foster as Executive Director of the New York State Zoo
http://www.myabc50.com/news/local/story/NYS-Zoo-at-Thompson-Park-Names-New-Executive/XPb_UNSaQ0yp2Y17-JTE4g.cspx
Rare deer born at West Midland Safari Park
Mum Philipa proudly shows off her newborn daughter Philipinna at West Midland Safari Park.
Staff at the attraction, near Bewdley in Worcestershire, were delighted when the rare Philippine Spotted Deer came into the world ten days ago.
The breed is critically endangered in its native south-east Asia, with only around 300 believed to be left in the wild.
The decline in numbers has been put down to the destruction of its natural habitat due to logging and the conversion of its jungle habitat into agricultural land.
Now zoos across Europe are taking part in a breeding programme for the Philippines authorities.
The park’s head warden, Bob
http://www.birminghammail.net/news/worcestershire-news/2011/02/17/rare-deer-born-at-west-midland-safari-park-97319-28185129/
SF Zoo closes early due to weather
The San Francisco Zoo closed at 1 p.m. on Thursday, three hours earlier than normal, because of the storms that have drenched the Bay Area.
Officials say the closure helped keepers to make sure the animals stayed safe and dry. There has been flooding at the zoo and tree limbs have
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local/san_francisco&id=7965431
Baby panda can stay in Thai zoo for two more years, China says
Chinese authorities have granted permission to a zoo in northern Thailand to keep a locally born panda for another two years, media reports said Friday.
Lin Ping, who was born in the Chiang Mai Zoo on in May 2009, was originally scheduled to return to China on her second birthday.
The Thai government has been lobbying Beijing to extend Lin Ping's stay in the kingdom, where the baby panda has become a national celebrity.
Lin Ping even stars in a 24-hour reality television show dedicated to her every movement - or lack thereof, as she does sleep a lot - and is the subject of a live webcam and website.
Prasertsak Buntrakulpuntawi, head of Chiang Mai Zoo's panda research project, told The Nation newspaper that he had received 'unofficial news' from Chinese authorities that the paperwork for the agreement to lend the 20-month-old panda to Thailand for two more years had been completed.
No date has yet been set to officially seal the panda extension pact.
Lin Ping was born via artificial insemination to Lin Hui, a female panda that China gave to the zoo several years ago.
China also provided the zoo with male panda Chuang Chuang, but he failed to perform sexually despite the innovative efforts
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/asiapacific/news/article_1620203.php/Baby-panda-can-stay-in-Thai-zoo-for-two-more-years-China-says
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie provide major boost for Chester Zoo-supported African project
A CONSERVATION centre supported by Chester Zoo has received a major boost after Hollywood mega-stars Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie pledged $2million to help it further its work.
Brangelina, as the couple are known, made the donation to the N/a’an ku se Sanctuary in Namibia - the birthplace of their daughter Shiloh - after spending Christmas at the wildlife lodge.
The sanctuary is run by Rudie and Marlice van Vuuren.
“We have known Rudie and Marlice for many years and continue to be impressed by their hard work and dedication to the people and conservation of the land and wildlife of Namibia,” said Angelina Jolie.
“The new section of the project will be under N/a’an ku se and in Shiloh’s name. We want her to be very involved and grow up with an understanding of her country of birth.”
Chester Zoo has co-funded the sanctuary’s Carnivore Research Project since 2009.
The programme works with local farmers and land owners to reduce cheetah and human conflict and protect the cheetah population in the wild.
Cheetahs in Namibia that stray out of conservation zones and on to farmland are often killed by farmers who fear they are a threat to their livestock and have become one of the world’s most threatened species.
But thanks to the international collaboration involving the N/a’an ku se sanctuary, Wildtrack, Africat and Chester Zoo,
http://iccheshireonline.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_headline=brad-pitt-and-angelina-jolie-provide-major-boost-for-chester-zoo-supported-african-project%26method=full%26objectid=28189118%26siteid=50020-name_page.html
Phoenix Zoo Orang-Hutan: "People of the Forest" View from Climbing Structure
Hoan Kiem to be cleansed of Exotic turtles in March
“The temperature will increase in March. At that time, red-year turtles will go to the shore to expose themselves to the sun. That will be a favorable time to eliminate this dangerous species,” said the department’s director Le Xuan Rao.
An international workshop on turtles will be held in Hanoi this week, Rao said. Vietnamese and international experts will discuss measures to kill the exotic turtles and to protect the old turtle in the Hoan Kiem Lake.
Earlier, the Hanoi Department of Science and Technology proposed two methods to eliminate the red-ear turtles while making sure that the ancient turtle is left unharmed.
The first method is using plastic or steel cages to catch the turtles. The second way is to place floating rafts on the lake. Red-ear turtles will crawl onto the rafts to expose themselves to the sun, and then caught in the nets below.
Rao said that both methods will be first tested
Experts and the public are currently very worried about the health of the ancient turtle. On February 12, Professor Ha Dinh Duc, who has researched the ancient turtle for over 20 years, said that the legendary turtle had recently risen to the surface many times, with many new injuries that
http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/environment/4796/hoan-kiem-to-be-cleansed-of-exotic-turtles-in-march.html
Underwater wedding ceremony
GW's Exotic Animal Trade
http://www.peta.org/features/gw-exotic-animal-trade.aspx
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PLEASE JOIN US to HELP SAVE ORANGUTANS and their rainforest homes by hosting an event!
Mother's Day is the perfect day to celebrate and pay tribute to orangutan mothers. The M.O.M.– Missing Orangutan Mothers awareness event is our way of doing precisely that!
Even if Mother's Day is not celebrated on this date in your part of the world, you can still join with us on Sunday, May 8th, 2011 by participating in this very special awareness campaign. M.O.M. is the perfect way to bring attention to the plight of these beautiful red apes and encourage people to want to help protect them and their rainforest homes.
We are hoping to encourage as many zoos, animal facilities, groups and individuals around the world to hold M.O.M. events. They can be as elaborate or as simple as you like. It's up to you!
Visit http://redapes.org/mom and http://orangaware.org/ for more information, downloads, display materials and event ideas.
If you'd like to participate in this special Mother's Day event, please let us know. We'll add you to the list of participating facilites and we will do our best to help you in every way.
Together, we can save the orangutans!!
Holly Draluck
M.O.M. Event Coordinator
Orangutan Outreach
Email: holly@redapes.org
http://redapes.org/mom
http://orangaware.org/
Please pass this on to your special events coordinator, volunteer co-ordinator, volunteer/docent organization officers or members, teen volunteers, interns, zookeepers, orangutan lovers - whomever you think would be the most interested in participating in this very special international Mother's Day awareness event.
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Al Ain Zoo PDF ebook
http://www.orthougm.com/al_ain_zoo.html
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Hello all,
I apologize for cross-posting and re-posting. I am resending a message about the proposed NWPTAG workshop and conference tentatively scheduled for November of 2011. For those of you who have already filled out the survey, thanks! If you have specific questions, feel free to email me off list. I know many people are asking about firm dates and we will have that finalized as soon as we get a better feel for attendance based on the survey.
The New World Primate TAG and the Palm Beach Zoo are considering hosting a NWP workshop and conference to take place in November 2011. This event would include two days of a combined callitrichid and cebid behavioral husbandry and management workshop and two days of research and conservation conference activities. Attendees can take part in the workshop or conference separately or participate in both. This combined event will be in lieu of the traditional NWPTAG Callitrichid Behavioral Husbandry and Management Workshop. The workshop section of this combined event will be geared towards new keepers and trainers and will address topics such as training and enrichment, mixed species exhibits, nutrition, capture and restraint, and natural history. Roundtable discussions for more advanced topics will be organized as evening events. Participants will be able to register for either the callitrichid or cebid sessions and attendance will be limited.
The conference section will focus on a variety of topics pertaining to both captive populations and conservation of New World Primates in the wild. It will include presentations, a poster session, a keynote lecture and reception, and a half day at the Palm Beach Zoo.
The NWPTAG meeting will be held on the 5th day with both open and closed sessions at no additional registration cost.
The proposed registration fees are as follows:
Workshop section only-$75
Conference section only-$125
Both workshop and conference-$180
In an effort to gauge attendance, please complete the following survey only if you plan on attending.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CB93GXZ
Thank you for your time and we hope to see you in November!
Stephanie Dampier, MS
Curator of Research and Animal Welfare
Pygmy Marmoset Population Manager and Studbook Keeper
Pygmy Goose Population Manager and Studbook Keeper
Palm Beach Zoo
P:561-833-7130, ext. 253
F:561-833-7135
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CLIMATE CHANGE IN AFRICA: MORE THAN MELTING ICEBERGS AND DROWNING POLAR BEARS
6.00pm, 8 March 2011
Global warming has increasingly become a topic of concern for the scientific community and society as a whole, conjuring up images of glacial melting and polar bears sitting on small icebergs. Yet scientific projections unequivocally indicate that Africa will be hardest hit by the impacts of climate change, bringing greater incidence of disease, reduced crop production, and increased occurrence of extreme weather. Other effects of climate change in Africa include rising sea levels, greater water stress and famine, loss of species and increased conflicts and wars. This meeting will review the different environmental, ecological, societal and economical challenges posed by climate change in Africa and explore the strategies in place to mitigate and adapt to the expected impacts.
TO LEARN MORE PLEASE CLICK
HERE
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Pandas due at Ueno Zoo on Monday
A pair of giant pandas leased from China will arrive at Ueno Zoo on Monday, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government said Wednesday.
The giant pandas will be the first at the zoo since panda Ling-Ling died in April 2008. Under the deal between the metropolitan government and the Chinese side, Tokyo will be able to lease the popular animals for 10 years.
The male panda, named Bili, and the female panda, named Xiannu, are both 5 years old. The metropolitan government will pay around ¥90 million each year to China in lease charges that go to fund wild animal protection.
The endangered giant panda is considered a national treasure in China and the international conservation group WWF estimates that there
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110218a5.html
Stray dogs eat 2 deer in city zoo
In a shocking incident, two deer were eaten up by stray dogs at the Nehru Zoological Park. Sources said that the incident occurred on the night of February 14 but came to light only on Thursday even as zoo authorities tried to hush up the matter.
The two dogs, appeared to have entered the zoo either through the service gate or from the area near the zoo director's quarters, ate two deer and another deer, in the vicinity which witnessed the attack collapsed and died.
Sources said that it was just another security lapse. Two years ago, a 16-feet boundary wall with barbed wires was constructed around the zoo. This is the first incident after the wall was constructed. They said that even during day time, the security is not adequate and in the night, all the animal keepers are off duty. Just a handful of security guards are left to man the 360-acre area. On February 15 morning, animal keepers, who were moving around the area, found half eaten bodies of the two deer and the other dead deer. The dogs
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Stray-dogs-eat-2-deer-in-city-zoo/articleshow/7518268.cms
Asia's Biggest Aquarium Opened
http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v5/newsworld.php?id=564496
Siberia: bringing the world the tiniest aquarium
Just two teaspoons of water – that’s all that the world’s smallest aquarium can hold. It was created by a micro-miniature extraordinaire Anatoly Konenko, who hails from the Siberian city of Omsk. A glass cube measuring 30 by 24 by 14 mm, complete with sand, multi-coloured stones and seaweed can contain 10 ml of water and play home to tiny fish. But that’s not all – the mini-aquarium is equipped with a water purification filter. It took the skillful master about two weeks to fashion it.
Anatoly Konenko has been fiddling around with micro-miniatures for 30 years – he was the first such craftsman in Siberia. He worked out how to write on rice grains, poppy seeds even human hair, and created the necessary micro-instruments to do this. He
http://english.ruvr.ru/2011/02/17/44838418.html
Zoo snake enclosure yet to see light of the day
A special enclosure that Chattbir Zoo had planned to ensure safety of snakes is yet to see light of the day. Last year, 36 sand boas were released in forest area by zoo authorities without displaying them to visitors due to the absence of a safe enclosure.
According to sources, a proposal of building the proposed enclosure was initiated by the zoo authorities in 2008. Work was started on it, but it remains incomplete till date. At present the zoo has one python, which has to be shifted to a hospital during winters, when it gets too cold. The special enclosure was supposed to keep
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Zoo-snake-enclosure-yet-to-see-light-of-the-day/articleshow/7498273.cms
Toronto Zoo to decide what to do with its elephants
A newly released survey of Toronto Zoo visitors has found that even without elephants, 85 per cent of respondents would still attend.
The survey of 800 visitors last summer comes as the zoo grapples with declining attendance and what to do with its three remaining elephants.
Prompted by a cluster of elephant deaths, the zoo’s board recently hired a consultant to explore the animals’ role.
The question of whether to keep them or send them elsewhere will likely be decided soon with a staff report presenting “options’’ due in the next few months, zoo CEO John Tracogna said after Monday’s board meeting.
“It is an important decision. We want to get it right,’’ Tracogna said.
Critics pushing for the animals to be sent to a sanctuary argue elephants experience high mortality rates in Toronto because it’s too cold and they lack adequate space to roam.
Others wanting them to remain say the elephants are important
http://www.thestar.com/news/article/938855--toronto-zoo-to-decide-what-to-do-with-its-elephants
Its a Boy (Great photos of new elephant birth)
http://www.elephantstay.com/Elephant-nursery-2011.html
Elephant trainer's death not zoo's fault
A Tennessee wildlife agency report says the Jan. 14 death of an elephant trainer at the Knoxville Zoo was likely due to an unprovoked but "intentional" blow by the animal.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency incident report said there is no reason to believe any zoo procedures contributed to the death of the trainer, 33-year-old Stephanie Elaine James.
James died from internal injuries suffered when the 26-year-old female elephant, Edie, pushed her into the bars of a barn stall during feeding.
WBIR-TV reported Tuesday that zoo director Jim Vlna said in a statement that only the elephant "knew her intent and whatever that was, it will not change
http://www.wrcbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=14036461
Monterey Bay Aquarium sponsors bill on shark fin ban
Tens of millions of sharks are killed each year for their fins, but a new bill introduced in the California legislature and sponsored by the Monterey Bay Aquarium, aims to reduce the market demand that drives the practice.
The bill, introduced by assemblymen Paul Fong, D-Cupertino, and Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, would ban the sale, possession, or distribution of shark fins. California is one of the largest non-Asian markets for sharks fins, which are used primarily in a gourmet Chinese soup. San Diego and Los Angeles are two of the leading U.S. points of entry for shark fins, said the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
The practice of shark finning, in which fishermen slice off the animals' fins and throw the bleeding sharks back into the water, is already banned in U.S. waters. But supporters of the new California bill argue that while demand for shark fins remains high, the incentive to continue the practice persists.
"Finning sharks is an environmentally destructive practice
http://www.montereyherald.com/local/ci_17391433?nclick_check=1
Shark Fin Soup
Chris Selley: The elephant in the zoo
Among less famous people, Councillor Shelley Carroll and Bob Barker — yeah, that’s right, Bob Barker — want the Toronto Zoo to send its elephants to a more suitable setting in a more suitable climate. Just about anywhere south of 401 and Meadowvale Road would seem to fit the bill, but a sanctuary in California is Ms. Carroll’s preferred destination. I’m inclined to agree with her.
Just about everyone seems to think the zoo’s pachyderm habitat is too small, in addition to being … you know, in Canada. Price estimates for bringing it up to snuff stand at around $40-million, at a time when the zoo struggles to find a quarter of that to house and care for two giant pandas slated to arrive from China. And while I’ll eat just about any beast you’d care to roast and put in front of me, the idea of putting exotic animals on display in inherently stressful circumstances for human beings to gawk at leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
It also strikes me as far less entertaining, and educational, than other animal-themed activities. Parents I know speak of the zoo as a cheap, low-maintenance day out that holds their kids’ attention. But when it comes to the marquee attractions, what are they really seeing? Often as not, lions sleeping, polar bears sleeping and elephants not doing much of anything except being elephants.
Wild Kingdom it isn’t.
Surely children and adults alike would be more entertained and educated by high-definition video of the same creatures let loose in a more natural habitat — wallowing in mud, spraying water out of their trunks, tending
http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/02/15/chris-selley-elephants-have-no-place-at-toronto-zoo/
Minnesota Zoo dolphin dies at age 44
The Minnesota Zoo is mourning the loss of April, an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin.
The zoo reports that the 44-year-old dolphin died Tuesday after suffering physical ailments for the past few months. A necropsy, or animal autopsy, will determine the cause of death.
April was the mother of 22-year-old Allie, another dolphin at the Apple Valley zoo, and grandmother of Taijah (TAY'-shah), born last summer. She had been at the zoo since January 2008 on
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-mn-zoo-dolphindeath,0,2177843.story
Brazil zoo sends beached penguins to California
Nearly two dozen penguins swept to the warm shores of Brazil last year have been sent to California to be resettled in a cooler clime and become part of an exhibit on climate change, a zoo director said Tuesday.
Giselda Candiotto, president of the rehabilitation zoo in Niteroi, a city across Guanabara Bay from Rio de Janeiro, said the 21 penguins will live in an appropriately acclimatized space created for them at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
"They're doing well, really well," she said. "They're going to the First World, with all the best amenities."
The Magellanic penguins arrived in Los Angeles on Saturday night and will be
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/15/AR2011021503999.html
Sichuan Forest Biodiversity Project
To enhance networks of protected areas in China and engage local people in their sustainable management
In 1998 the devastating floods along the Yangtze River led to the introduction of the National Forest Protection Programme. This moratorium outlined changes to logging practice and land management policy within the upper Yangtze basin. Consequently these changes presented conservationists with a unique opportunity to encourage protection for the important broadleaf forest habitat and its endemic animals and plants within southern Sichuan Province. The conservation significance of this forest is highlighted by its inclusion within the Mountains of South-west China Biodiversity Hotspot (Conservation International) and the Chinese Subtropical Forest Endemic Bird Area (Birdlife International). However, prior to 1998 this ecosystem was largely ignored, with the majority of
http://www.waza.org/en/site/conservation/waza-conservation-projects/overview/sichuan-forest-biodiversity-project
Toronto Zoo hopes to lure donors with blockbuster exhibit
The new Toronto Zoo board meets for the first time Monday as plans to host two giant pandas next year are behind schedule.
Zoo officials said last fall that they wanted to have a private-sector partner or sponsor in place by now to pay for a panda exhibit.
But the zoo hasn't begun a search for a partner yet, because it doesn't have a deal on sharing the bears with zoos in Calgary and Granby, Quebec.
The Toronto Zoo needs the blockbuster exhibit to lure donors and
http://www.globaltoronto.com/Toronto+hopes+lure+donors+with+blockbuster+exhibit/4278782/story.html
Hong Kong rare whales plan riles activists
Beluga whales are majestic, sociable creatures that live in small pods mostly in the icy waters around the Arctic circle.
They chat loudly with each other in elaborate clicks, clangs and whistles, have a big seemingly friendly smile and are, for a whale, relatively small -- meaning they can be easily kept in a large tank.
And that's exactly what's planned for up to a dozen of the rare mammals at a new attraction at an aquarium in Hong Kong.
"We want to use these iconic animals to deliver a message of conservation and education to our guests," Tom Mehrmann, chief executive of Ocean Park, told AFP.
"And we want to make sure that the pod is large enough for proper social dynamics to take place."
But outraged conservationists say the park's plans have highlighted the issue of aquariums "robbing the world's oceans" of already threatened species just to have a gimmick to sell to the paying public.
Ocean Park says it will try to source already captive belugas from other aquariums around the world but, if they can't find a pod that way, they admit they
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20110214/wl_asia_afp/lifestyleentertainmentconservationhongkong
The very worst kind of conservation
A charity called Songbird Survival (SS) has launched an appeal for £88,000 that will ‘examine the impact of corvid removal on farmland songbird productivity.' In other words, they apparently want to kill as many corvids as possible in the hope that this will boost songbird numbers.
SS claim that a healthy increase in corvid numbers in the last 40 years may be responsible for the drop in farmland songbird numbers. No matter that these corvids are native species that were heavily prosecuted by gamekeepers until WWII. Once that prosecution eased, their numbers started to grow again, and so the stats show that they have increased in number in the last 40 years. Native
http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/songbird-survival.html#cr
Coco the elephant dies at Columbus Zoo
An Asian elephant that had been a resident of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium for 37 years died this afternoon, but it likely will be weeks before zoo officials know why.
Coco, the patriarch of the zoo's elephant herd, died about 3 p.m. He was found by staff members, lying down and unable to get up, early this morning, said Patty Peters, vice president of community relations.
"They worked nonstop for almost eight hours in an attempt to save him," Peters
http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2011/02/16/Coco-the-elephant-dies-at-Columbus-Zoo.html?sid=101
Orangutans Get Married on Valentine's Day
A "cougar" of an orangutan married her mate on Valentine's Day in a ceremony held in a Thailand zoo.
Discovery News reported that Nancy, a 20-year-old orangutan, married 12-year-old Suriya in a ceremony held by Songkhla Zoo to celebrate the holiday.
While Nancy has a son born a few years ago from her mating with another male, she and Suriya are doing well and have been together for three months.
The Thai news site MCOT said the happy occasion was named the "Happy Valentine's Day Orang-Utan Honeymoon." The ceremony was traditional and included a "Kan Mark" procession during which the groom offers dowry to the bride.
Local authorities signed as witnesses.
Rabbits made up the wedding party at another Thai location, Chiang Mai Night Safari
http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpps/news/offbeat/orangutans-get-married-on-valentines-day-dpgoh-20110216-fc_11899742
Promiscuous apes make more sperm
Chimpanzees produce 200 times more sperm than gorillas, the world's largest primates, and 14 times more than orangutans, scientists based in Japan reveal.
Promiscuous ape species have bigger testicles, and the latest discovery finally provides evidence that they also produce more sperm.
Scientists previously proposed that chimps have large testicles because several males mate with a single female, and so have to produce more sperm in order to compete.
For their research, published in the American Journal of Primatology, scientists studied chimpanzees, orangutans and gorillas from zoos in Japan and Indonesia.
Analysing samples of testicular tissues at a microscopic level, researchers found remarkable variation between the apes.
They found that the sperm-producing tissue lining gorillas' testes was much thinner than that of orangutans and chimpanzees.
Chimpanzees were found to produce 14 times more sperm than orangutans and even more than
http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_9386000/9386608.stm
Poachers’ terror dies in Orang
- Old age claims Kaankata the rhino which survived bullets
Kaankata had survived many an attempt on its life by poachers as it strolled the grasslands of the smallest national park in the state, but the “most ferocious rhino” of Orang breathed its last this morning because of old age, producing conflicting emotions of relief and gloom among forest staff.
“Kaankata was a terror for the poachers as well the forest staff. It charged at people at first sight since it was hit by a bullet fired by poachers and lost one of its ears a few years back,” Orang divisional forest official (DFO) Sushil Daila told The Telegraph today.
That’s how it earned its name — Kaankata (one with a cut ear).
The carcass of the 35-year-old male rhino, found at a spot between Singveti camp and Satsimalu camp this morning, had its horn intact, without any external injury. “Our staff had sighted Kaankata last evening but did not approach it
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110217/jsp/northeast/story_13591722.jsp
Newly Discovered Geckos in Thailand (Good Photos)
http://www.bangkokpost.com/multimedia/photo/221968/Newly-Discovered-Geckos
Galapagos Tortoise Sebastian may well have been alive and well when Darwin was developing his theory of Natural Selection
Who are Sebastian and Carolina, why do they have T shirts, and why are they on sale here at the Houston Zoo?
1.Who are Sebastian and Carolina?
Sebastian and Carolina are wild giant tortoises who live on the Island of Santa Cruz in the heart of the Galapagos Archipelago. Under the auspices of the Galapagos Tortoise Programme, Sebastian and Carolina are participants in a study of tortoise migration, along with another 44 tortoises spread over three different islands: Santa Cruz, Isabela, and Española. The study is coordinated by the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology in Germany, in strong collaboration with the Galapagos National Park Service and the Charles Darwin Foundation.
http://houstonzooblogs.org/wildconservation/2011/02/galapagos-tortoise-sebastian-may-well-have-been-alive-and-well-when-darwin-was-developing-his-theory-of-natural-selection/
Denver Zoo Supports Gorilla Heart Health
Elephant's actions 'not an attack' on zoo worker
Intentional, yes. Evil, no.
That's the point Tennessee wildlife officials say they wanted to get across in their final report on the elephant's actions that killed handler Stephanie Elaine James at the Knoxville Zoo last month.
"It was intentional, but it was not an attack," said Walter Cook, state wildlife coordinator for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. "That was the only word that could be used in the report - 'intentional' - because nobody could identify any stimulus for the elephant to do that. It wasn't accidental, because the elephant meant to do it. But at the same time, the word doesn't indicate malice or mean the elephant was being aggressive in any way."
Investigators can't be certain whether the elephant acted out
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/feb/16/elephants-actions-not-an-attack-on-zoo-worker/
Bolivian circus lions flown to U.S. sanctuary
Twenty-five Bolivian circus lions rescued from poor conditions arrived in the United States on Wednesday, bound for a Colorado wildlife refuge.
Dubbed "Operation Lion Ark," the 14 males and 11 female cats arrived at Denver International Airport on a jet chartered by Animal Defenders International (ADI), a British-American venture that advocates circus animal rights.
"This has been a dream for so long, to empty a whole country of its circus animals," ADI president Jan Creamer told a crowd of about 100 who assembled at a United Airlines hangar to watch the event.
Former game show host Bob Barker, a longtime animal-rights activist who funded the relocation, was on hand to welcome the cats alongside actress Jorja Fox of TV's CSI franchise.
Workers unloaded the animals in individual crates amid applause from animal-rights advocates in attendance.
Veterinarian Mel Richardson, who accompanied the animals on the 11-hour flight from Bolivia, pronounced them in relatively good health ahead of their move to The Animal Sanctuary
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/17/us-bolivia-lions-idUSTRE71G0W520110217?feedType=RSS&feedName=domesticNews
Pacific White-sided Dolphin Rescued
Crocodile collector opens first UK centre
HIS unusual hobby has seen him dubbed the “British Crocodile Dundee”.
But Shaun Foggett, 31, is deadly serious about reptiles and has just opened the UK’s first crocodile and alligator zoo in Witney.
The father-of-three sold his family home to fund the new Crocodiles of the World centre in Crawley Mill, which will house more than 30 of the reptiles.
Mr Foggett turned his life-long love of crocodiles into a dedicated breeding programme aimed at helping some of the world’s most endangered animals.
He said: “I’m delighted it’s up and running. I’ve wanted
http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/yourtown/witney/8857450.Crocodile_collector_opens_first_UK_centre/
NYS Zoo at Thompson Park Names New Executive Director
The New York State Zoo at Thompson Park has named a new Executive Director.
John Wright, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, has accepted the position and is anticipated to start Monday, March 7, 2011.
Mr. Wright will join the New York State Zoo from his previous position as General Curator, at the Hattiesburgh Zoo in Mississippi.
Previous employment held by Mr. Wright includes:
•Disney Animal Kingdom, Orlando, FL
•Birmingham Zoo, Baltimore, MD
•Kansas City Zoo, Kansas City, MO
Mr. Wright has served in related organizations, Associated Member of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (1997-present), Member of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (1993-present), National Audubon Society (2006-present). He also has numerous publications on zoo and conservation topics.
Mr. Wright will be moving to the community with his wife and young daughter.
Replacing Dr. John Scott Foster as Executive Director of the New York State Zoo
http://www.myabc50.com/news/local/story/NYS-Zoo-at-Thompson-Park-Names-New-Executive/XPb_UNSaQ0yp2Y17-JTE4g.cspx
Rare deer born at West Midland Safari Park
Mum Philipa proudly shows off her newborn daughter Philipinna at West Midland Safari Park.
Staff at the attraction, near Bewdley in Worcestershire, were delighted when the rare Philippine Spotted Deer came into the world ten days ago.
The breed is critically endangered in its native south-east Asia, with only around 300 believed to be left in the wild.
The decline in numbers has been put down to the destruction of its natural habitat due to logging and the conversion of its jungle habitat into agricultural land.
Now zoos across Europe are taking part in a breeding programme for the Philippines authorities.
The park’s head warden, Bob
http://www.birminghammail.net/news/worcestershire-news/2011/02/17/rare-deer-born-at-west-midland-safari-park-97319-28185129/
SF Zoo closes early due to weather
The San Francisco Zoo closed at 1 p.m. on Thursday, three hours earlier than normal, because of the storms that have drenched the Bay Area.
Officials say the closure helped keepers to make sure the animals stayed safe and dry. There has been flooding at the zoo and tree limbs have
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local/san_francisco&id=7965431
Baby panda can stay in Thai zoo for two more years, China says
Chinese authorities have granted permission to a zoo in northern Thailand to keep a locally born panda for another two years, media reports said Friday.
Lin Ping, who was born in the Chiang Mai Zoo on in May 2009, was originally scheduled to return to China on her second birthday.
The Thai government has been lobbying Beijing to extend Lin Ping's stay in the kingdom, where the baby panda has become a national celebrity.
Lin Ping even stars in a 24-hour reality television show dedicated to her every movement - or lack thereof, as she does sleep a lot - and is the subject of a live webcam and website.
Prasertsak Buntrakulpuntawi, head of Chiang Mai Zoo's panda research project, told The Nation newspaper that he had received 'unofficial news' from Chinese authorities that the paperwork for the agreement to lend the 20-month-old panda to Thailand for two more years had been completed.
No date has yet been set to officially seal the panda extension pact.
Lin Ping was born via artificial insemination to Lin Hui, a female panda that China gave to the zoo several years ago.
China also provided the zoo with male panda Chuang Chuang, but he failed to perform sexually despite the innovative efforts
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/asiapacific/news/article_1620203.php/Baby-panda-can-stay-in-Thai-zoo-for-two-more-years-China-says
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie provide major boost for Chester Zoo-supported African project
A CONSERVATION centre supported by Chester Zoo has received a major boost after Hollywood mega-stars Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie pledged $2million to help it further its work.
Brangelina, as the couple are known, made the donation to the N/a’an ku se Sanctuary in Namibia - the birthplace of their daughter Shiloh - after spending Christmas at the wildlife lodge.
The sanctuary is run by Rudie and Marlice van Vuuren.
“We have known Rudie and Marlice for many years and continue to be impressed by their hard work and dedication to the people and conservation of the land and wildlife of Namibia,” said Angelina Jolie.
“The new section of the project will be under N/a’an ku se and in Shiloh’s name. We want her to be very involved and grow up with an understanding of her country of birth.”
Chester Zoo has co-funded the sanctuary’s Carnivore Research Project since 2009.
The programme works with local farmers and land owners to reduce cheetah and human conflict and protect the cheetah population in the wild.
Cheetahs in Namibia that stray out of conservation zones and on to farmland are often killed by farmers who fear they are a threat to their livestock and have become one of the world’s most threatened species.
But thanks to the international collaboration involving the N/a’an ku se sanctuary, Wildtrack, Africat and Chester Zoo,
http://iccheshireonline.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_headline=brad-pitt-and-angelina-jolie-provide-major-boost-for-chester-zoo-supported-african-project%26method=full%26objectid=28189118%26siteid=50020-name_page.html
Phoenix Zoo Orang-Hutan: "People of the Forest" View from Climbing Structure
Hoan Kiem to be cleansed of Exotic turtles in March
“The temperature will increase in March. At that time, red-year turtles will go to the shore to expose themselves to the sun. That will be a favorable time to eliminate this dangerous species,” said the department’s director Le Xuan Rao.
An international workshop on turtles will be held in Hanoi this week, Rao said. Vietnamese and international experts will discuss measures to kill the exotic turtles and to protect the old turtle in the Hoan Kiem Lake.
Earlier, the Hanoi Department of Science and Technology proposed two methods to eliminate the red-ear turtles while making sure that the ancient turtle is left unharmed.
The first method is using plastic or steel cages to catch the turtles. The second way is to place floating rafts on the lake. Red-ear turtles will crawl onto the rafts to expose themselves to the sun, and then caught in the nets below.
Rao said that both methods will be first tested
Experts and the public are currently very worried about the health of the ancient turtle. On February 12, Professor Ha Dinh Duc, who has researched the ancient turtle for over 20 years, said that the legendary turtle had recently risen to the surface many times, with many new injuries that
http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/environment/4796/hoan-kiem-to-be-cleansed-of-exotic-turtles-in-march.html
Underwater wedding ceremony
GW's Exotic Animal Trade
http://www.peta.org/features/gw-exotic-animal-trade.aspx
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SAVE THE DATE to SAVE ORANGUTANS
Mother's Day - Sunday, May 8th, 2011
M.O.M. – Missing Orangutan Mothers Awareness Event
PLEASE JOIN US to HELP SAVE ORANGUTANS and their rainforest homes by hosting an event!
Mother's Day is the perfect day to celebrate and pay tribute to orangutan mothers. The M.O.M.– Missing Orangutan Mothers awareness event is our way of doing precisely that!
Even if Mother's Day is not celebrated on this date in your part of the world, you can still join with us on Sunday, May 8th, 2011 by participating in this very special awareness campaign. M.O.M. is the perfect way to bring attention to the plight of these beautiful red apes and encourage people to want to help protect them and their rainforest homes.
We are hoping to encourage as many zoos, animal facilities, groups and individuals around the world to hold M.O.M. events. They can be as elaborate or as simple as you like. It's up to you!
Visit http://redapes.org/mom and http://orangaware.org/ for more information, downloads, display materials and event ideas.
If you'd like to participate in this special Mother's Day event, please let us know. We'll add you to the list of participating facilites and we will do our best to help you in every way.
Together, we can save the orangutans!!
Holly Draluck
M.O.M. Event Coordinator
Orangutan Outreach
Email: holly@redapes.org
http://redapes.org/mom
http://orangaware.org/
Please pass this on to your special events coordinator, volunteer co-ordinator, volunteer/docent organization officers or members, teen volunteers, interns, zookeepers, orangutan lovers - whomever you think would be the most interested in participating in this very special international Mother's Day awareness event.
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Al Ain Zoo PDF ebook
http://www.orthougm.com/al_ain_zoo.html
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New World Primate TAG
Hello all,
I apologize for cross-posting and re-posting. I am resending a message about the proposed NWPTAG workshop and conference tentatively scheduled for November of 2011. For those of you who have already filled out the survey, thanks! If you have specific questions, feel free to email me off list. I know many people are asking about firm dates and we will have that finalized as soon as we get a better feel for attendance based on the survey.
The New World Primate TAG and the Palm Beach Zoo are considering hosting a NWP workshop and conference to take place in November 2011. This event would include two days of a combined callitrichid and cebid behavioral husbandry and management workshop and two days of research and conservation conference activities. Attendees can take part in the workshop or conference separately or participate in both. This combined event will be in lieu of the traditional NWPTAG Callitrichid Behavioral Husbandry and Management Workshop. The workshop section of this combined event will be geared towards new keepers and trainers and will address topics such as training and enrichment, mixed species exhibits, nutrition, capture and restraint, and natural history. Roundtable discussions for more advanced topics will be organized as evening events. Participants will be able to register for either the callitrichid or cebid sessions and attendance will be limited.
The conference section will focus on a variety of topics pertaining to both captive populations and conservation of New World Primates in the wild. It will include presentations, a poster session, a keynote lecture and reception, and a half day at the Palm Beach Zoo.
The NWPTAG meeting will be held on the 5th day with both open and closed sessions at no additional registration cost.
The proposed registration fees are as follows:
Workshop section only-$75
Conference section only-$125
Both workshop and conference-$180
In an effort to gauge attendance, please complete the following survey only if you plan on attending.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CB93GXZ
Thank you for your time and we hope to see you in November!
Stephanie Dampier, MS
Curator of Research and Animal Welfare
Pygmy Marmoset Population Manager and Studbook Keeper
Pygmy Goose Population Manager and Studbook Keeper
Palm Beach Zoo
P:561-833-7130, ext. 253
F:561-833-7135
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CLIMATE CHANGE IN AFRICA: MORE THAN MELTING ICEBERGS AND DROWNING POLAR BEARS
6.00pm, 8 March 2011
Global warming has increasingly become a topic of concern for the scientific community and society as a whole, conjuring up images of glacial melting and polar bears sitting on small icebergs. Yet scientific projections unequivocally indicate that Africa will be hardest hit by the impacts of climate change, bringing greater incidence of disease, reduced crop production, and increased occurrence of extreme weather. Other effects of climate change in Africa include rising sea levels, greater water stress and famine, loss of species and increased conflicts and wars. This meeting will review the different environmental, ecological, societal and economical challenges posed by climate change in Africa and explore the strategies in place to mitigate and adapt to the expected impacts.
TO LEARN MORE PLEASE CLICK
HERE
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Gibbon Conference
POSTPONED
After much consideration, we have decided to postpone The 1st International Gibbon Husbandry Conference until next year. This decision is based on the feedback we've received since releasing the conference website. The conference will now be taking place June 4th, 5th, and 6th, 2012. We hope that this doesn't create too much of an inconvenience for those who were planning to attend this year. By postponing, we hope to increase participation, and thus increase the amount and diversity of content. The SSP is working to schedule a Masterplan meeting for Siamangs On Sunday June 3rd, 2012. Please continue to visit http://www.gibbonconference.org/
(http://www.2011gibbonconference.org/ also still works) for updates and information.
sbrando@animalconcepts.eu
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Zoo Conferences, Meetings, Courses and Symposia
click
HERE
HERE
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ZOO BIOLOGY
The Zoo Biology Group is concerned with all disciplines involved in the running of a Zoological Garden. Captive breeding, husbandry,cage design and construction, diets, enrichment, man management,record keeping, etc etc
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Kind Regards,
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