ZooNews Digest 20th March - 26th March 2000 (Zoo News 96)

Dear Colleague,

We released the last two seal pups of the season earlier in the week.
Again, a perfect day. Planning these releases in advance is always
difficult and is geared largely on the tides. Tying this in to good
weather is due to luck though. High tides are better as we don’t have to
walk as far to release. Carrying 50 or so kilos of wriggling seal can
become incredibly heavy if you have to stumble and struggle over stones
and an uneven and slippery terrain. The weather was extremely pleasant
which was nice for our 80 plus onlookers. This was the first time we had
advertised a release, and as such, it was very low key and put out in a
leaflet to zoological association members. I also made mention of it a few
evenings before when I was after dinner speaker at a local event. Anyhow,
a nice manageable turn out. One seal hung about for fifteen minutes or so
allowing plenty of photo opportunity before heading out to sea. Just as we
were leaving an elderly gentleman approached us and said “this event had
been worth my whole years association membership”. One forgets how a
task which can become routine event can be such a positive experience to
others.

After the break down of the other week we managed an uneventful
run down to the National Birds of Prey Centre http://www.nbpc.co.uk It
was well worth the drive and we were lucky enough to arrive in time for
the first demonstration. Birds flown at this time were a Merlin, Snowy
owl, Buzzard, Peregrine and a pair of Ravens. The setting for the displays
is truly beautiful and was enhanced by the wild Buzzards soaring in the
background during the display and the wild raven which joined the two
trained birds for a time. It caused momentary confusion. During our tour
of the collection there were few other visitors about, which was a bonus.
Many of the birds were sitting though we did see a few chicks. The
National Birds of Prey Centre leads the world in breeding this group. 55
different species in its 33 year history and, if eggs currently being
incubated hatch successfully it will be 57 before a month or two has
passed. We were sorry not to have seen Jemima who was away in the States.
John was very helpful and also quite busy as he returns for another season
in Japan this next week. My congratulations to Thompson Park Zoo on
getting their AZA accreditation. Well done Sue & crew. Talking of Thompson
Park, this time next week Shelley will be married. Good luck both. Hope
its a good one.

and now the news:

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Third giraffe in two years dies at zoo (Mesker Park Zoo)
http://flash.cleveland.com/cgi-bin/clv_nview.pl?/home1/wire/AP/Stream-
Parsed/OHIO_NEWS/o0213_AM_IN--GiraffeDies

Ocean Journey achieves top accreditation
http://insidedenver.com/news/0324ocean.shtml

"On the Wing" flies into the N.C. Zoo
http://www.news-record.com/news/local/rand/birds191.htm

Coast hears of animal poaching concerns
(World Zoo Organisation/ Adelaide Zoo)
http://www.abc.net.au/news/regionals/goldc/reggc-23mar2000-3.htm

Old trunks yield treasure trove of art
(Phoenix Zoo & others)
http://www.phillynews.com/daily_news/2000/Mar/17/features/FELE17.htm

Aquarium star's death has Low country mourning
(South Carolina Aquarium)
http://www.thestate.com/metro/docs/calhoun22.htm

Kids, animals flee zoo fire
(Cincinnati Zoo)
http://www.cincypost.com/news/zoo032000.html
Anti-Aging Drug Perks Up 29-Year-Old Panda


(Hangzhou zoo)
http://www.foxnews.com/health/032000/panda.sml

Fingerprint expert turns her skills to aid the Asian elephant
http://www.smh.com.au/news/0003/20/text/pageone13.html

Merced zoo fire was on purpose
(Applegate Zoo)
http://www.modbee.com/metro/story/0,1113,146038,00.html

Panama's national bird hatches in Boise
(World Center for Birds of Prey/ San Diego Zoo)
http://www.trib.com/HOMENEWS/STATE/RareEagle.html

Microscopic brain worms blamed for animal deaths
(several zoo mentions)
http://www.sunherald.com/region/docs/worms032300.htm

Poet's book chronicles extinct local parakeet
(Cincinnati Zoo)
http://cjonline.com/stories/032300/kan_poet.shtml

Zoo's Orangutan Collection Doubles With 2 New Males
(Hogle Zoo/ Cheyenne Mountain Zoo)
http://www.sltrib.com/2000/mar/03222000/utah/35392.htm

Wild Things: Eastern rattler has lost habitat
(Toledo Zoo)
http://www.toledoblade.com/editorial/feat/0c20wild.htm

Jaguar killed at Woodland Park
http://www.seattle-pi.com/local/jag25.shtml

Forks rains on zoo debut of new rain-forest stamps
http://www.seattle-pi.com/local/stmp21.shtml

Bird expert 'dealt in smuggled macaws'
http://www.telegraph.co.uk:80/et?ac=000140326706927&rtmo=kLZ7eNkp&atmo=kLZ
7eNkp&p g=/et/00/3/24/nbird24.html

Searching for mudfish habitat
http://www.press.co.nz/2000/12/000324l16.htm

First whooping crane born in wild in 60 years hatches in central Florida
http://www.naplesnews.com/today/florida/d448287a.htm

Beast Of Bodmin - Experts Ponder The Mystery
http://www.newsunlimited.co.uk/Breaking_News/UK/0,2478,87021,00.html

BBC Online : Beast of Bodmin conference
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/uk/newsid_683000/683360.stm
I wonder what the final conclusion was? I remain a skeptic. Only this
week I had a telephone call from South Wales describing a scene of
carnage. The caller claimed to have found a field littered with the
devoured carcases of deer, sheep and cattle. He said there was a strong
smell of ammonia in the air and that he had taken photographs of prints
eight inches across which lacked claw marks. Very curious! Very x-files!

Rare new shrimp found near UC site
http://insidedenver.com/shns/story.cfm?pk=RARESHRIMP-03-22-00&cat=AS

Cyanide Spill over Papua New Guinea
http://www.canoe.ca/ReutersNews/PAPUA-CYANIDE-DURBAN.html

Biomedical firm challenges ban on horseshoe crab catch
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/083/metro/Biomedical_firm_challenges_ban
_on_horsesh oe_crab_catch+.shtml

Cadre of lawyers working to win rights for apes
http://archives.seattletimes.com/cgi-bin/texis/web/vortex/display?slug=ani
m& date=20000319

Spanish scientists discover ‘Extinct’ lizards
http://news.excite.com/news/r/000318/10/science-spain-lizards

Beavers chew way to top of pest list
http://www.oklahoman.com/cgi-bin/shart?ID=463316&TP=getarticle

Judge Orders Federal Land Protection for Spotted Owl
http://www.sltrib.com/03202000/utah/35004.htm

Stronger laws needed to curb ivory trading
http://www.the-times.co.uk/news/pages/tim/2000/03/21/timfgnafr01001.html

Bensalem monster just a big house cat
http://www.phillynews.com/inquirer/2000/Mar/21/pa_west/NCAT21.htm

Power poles prove deadly for eagles in Alaska
http://insidedenver.com/shns/story.cfm?pk=DEADRAPTORS-03-20-00&cat=AN

Transplants may help bighorn sheep
http://www.billingsgazette.com/region/20000321_r7hea.html

2 sides collide in court over safety of sea turtles
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/automagic/news/2000-03-21/NWSVTURT21032100.
html

Second sea cow believed to be suffering from Collier red tide poisoning
http://www.naplesnews.com/today/local/d440796a.htm

New Mexico to get Mexican wolves
http://www.azstarnet.com/public/dnews/000322wolves.html

Sheikh Zayeds vision makes desert bloom
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/features/22_03_00_a.htm

Snake death trial begins downstate
http://www.dailysouthtown.com/southtown/dsnews/223nd2.htm

The craze for robotic pets has dived into the aquarium
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/sci/tech/newsid_679000/679642.stm

Buffalo roam at Ag Show home
http://www.bowesnet.com/dht/Z13_bm10buffalo.html

Monkey fever in Joida taluk
http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/mar22/dtmon.htm

************************************************************************
If you know a story I have missed this week do drop me a line with the
full web address and I will try and include it next week.

************************************************************************
Bit & Pieces

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South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, The
Netherlands, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United
Kingdom, United States, Vietnam, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

*********************************************************************
The
TV series about the work of International Zoo Veterinary Group "Flying
Vets" started on Monday 6 March, 8.30pm, Channel 5. The next episode is
Monday the 27th, same time, same place. If you live in the UK this is a
MUST watch. It is running for ten weeks. I understand it will be going out
on the National Geographic channel some time in the future.

Starting again last week was the excellent docu-soap Zoo Keepers which is
shot in Paignton zoo. The last series was much enjoyed and many zoo
visitors told me as much. Shown on BBC1 at 8.30pm on Thursday 23rd we
were not disappointed. Always a subject of staffroom discussion... we
thought the way that it dealt with the death of the camel calf was very
true to life. I am looking forward to the next instalment.

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

If you are involved or work with primates and read French why not take up
the generous offer
of a free new book. This is volume 2 of PRIMATOLOGIE (500 pages) edited in
France . Please contact : Dr Vet P. Moisson, Président, Société
Francophone de Primatologie Parc Zoologique et Botanique 51 Rue du Jardin
Zoologique 68100 Mulhouse Tel: 03.89.31.85.13 Fax:03.89.31.85.26 email:
moisson@hrnet.fr

*********************************************************************
Seventh Annual International School for Elephant Management - Three
complete two-week School terms will be conducted in 2000 and each will be
targeted at different levels of experience: PROFESSIONALS - (persons
having worked full-time for at least one year with elephants): Friday, May
5 through Thursday, May 18, 2000 NON-PROFESSIONALS - (persons with no
previous elephant experience): Saturday, May 20 through Friday, June 2,
2000 OR Friday September 22 through Thursday, October 5, 2000 This is a
hands-on course in elephant husbandry, and all aspects of elephant care
and management will be addressed. Many guest speakers who are experts in
their fields will be on hand to lecture. Early registration is recommended
as spaces are limited and fill quickly. For more information please
contact: Riddle's Elephant and Wildlife Sanctuary PO Box 715 Greenbrier,
AR 72058 - USA (501) 589- 3291 phone (501) 589-2248 fax
elephant@hendrix.edu

*********************************************************************
European Regional Network of International Zoo Educators
ernize@egroups.com is the egroup for the European Regional Network of
International Zoo Educators. Educators are welcome to subscribe by sending
a email detailing a little information about themselves to
ernize-subscribe@egroups.com.
*********************************************************************
ANNOUNCEMENT To: All AZA Member Institutions From: John Chapo, Chair AZA
Honors Awards Committee Date: 9 March 2000 Topic:Collaborative Award
Applications

The AZA Honors Awards Committee GREATLY ENCOURAGES member institutions to
submit award applications in ALL categories. Materials have been mailed to
every AZA member institution and those materials are meant to be
circulated throughout that institution. Additionally, ALL AWARD MATERIALS
ARE POSTED ON THE AZA WEB SITE (http://www.aza.org/awardapps/index.cfm).
The members of the Honors Awards Committee are aware of many excellent
programs and activities being conducted by our peers across the nation,
locally, regionally and internationally. Furthermore, the committee
members are aware of many COLLABORATIVE activities of many groups (TAGS,
FIGS, SSPs, interest groups, etc). Such collaborative work IS MOST
APPROPRIATE FOR CONSIDERATION FOR AWARDS, specifically, the NORTH
AMERICAN
CONSERVATION AWARD and the INTERNATIONAL CONSERVATION AWARD. We
greatly
encourage you to speak with your colleagues and collaborators and to
consider a joint application for one of the AZA awards. Please feel free
to contact me with any questions. And remember that THE DEADLINE FOR ALL
AWARD APPLICATIONS IS 1 JUNE 2000. Thank you and good luck. John Chapo,
Chair AZA Honors Awards Committee Folsom Children's Zoo Botanical Gardens
1222 S. 27th Street Lincoln, NE 68502 402-475-6741 Fax 402-475-6742 e-mail
JChapo@LincolnZoo.org or JChapo@LPS.org

*********************************************************************
Working Holidays in Zambia: Munda Wanga Wildlife Park and Sanctuary

Volunteer positions now available at Munda Wanga Wildlife Park and
Sanctuary, Zambia. Take a bold step forward onto Zambian soil and
experience a working environment at a Third World Zoo. Positions are
available for between three to five weeks for two to three people. Make a
worthwhile contribution to conservation education efforts here in Zambia
and gain hands-on experience working with African wildlife and its people.
Contact Lasha Young for more information, e- mail: biopark@zamnet.zm or
fax us on 260-01-278529.

*********************************************************************
The
2000 edition of zoo directory "Quantum Verzeichnis" has just been
published and is available either through bookshops under ISBN
3-930962-05-5 or direct from the address below. Please check on the
price, though last year it was DM 28/Euro 12.75/$18/£10. Although
technically in German, the 303 page book is easy to read, listing
addresses, phone, fax, emails and internet addresses for a huge number of
European zoos, conservation organisations and individuals all indexed
with emails.This edition has included another 130 institutions over last
years. Quantum Conservation e.V. Heeder Dorfstrasse 44, 49356 Diepholz,
Germany Tel: 0049- (0)-5441-82133 Fax: 0049-(0)5441-82132
http://www.quantum-conservation.org http://www.species.net My last
edition proved to be an invaluable source of reference. Its compact size
allowed me to refer to it quickly and easily for information. You would be
silly not to purchase this important little book. I know that if you do
you would refer to it time and again. The retail price is now DM 28,00,
but for on-line sales they give a discount of DM 3,00, so the price stays
the same( although foreign orders pay an additional DM 3,50 for postage).
One change of note that is now possible to pay with Visa or Mastercard
which cuts the high bank transfer costs. Direct order form is on
http://www.quantum-conservation/orderqv.html

*********************************************************************
ANNOUNCEMENT Center for Ecosystem Survival announces two Marine
Conservation Research Fellowships for leatherback sea turtle conservation
project - Costa Rica

Fellowship Information

The Center for Ecosystem Survival in partnership with the Tulsa Zoological
Park CARATZ Fund is offering two Marine Conservation Research Fellowships
to work with leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) in the
Gandoca/Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge in Costa Rica.

This Marine Conservation Fellowship awards a $500 stipend, air fare, and
room and board for six weeks. The Fellowship is for the 2000 nesting
season from March 1 - July 31, 2000. Applicants will be selected from
members of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, American Association
of Zoo Keepers and students from the department of biology at San
Francisco State University.

CES's in-country partner, ANAI, will provide training to the fellows.
Research will consist of collecting information on nesting behavior of the
turtles, tagging, removing eggs to safe location for protection until
hatched, working in the hatcheries, patrolling the beach at night and
monitoring the nests and releasing turtles to the wild once
hatched.Applicants must be willing to work under challenging conditions.
Research fellows will be accommodated within the community, providing the
local people with a sustainable alternative economic use for the resource.
Guidelines for Applicants:
1. Please provide name, complete address, institutional affiliation
status or job title,
social security number, telephone number, fax number, email address
2. Statement of purpose (200 words maximum)
3. 2 letters of recommendation
4. Curriculum vitae

Applications should be typed and submitted either via email to:
gershenz@sfsu.edu
or fax 415.338.2295

or mail to:

Norman Gershenz, Director
Center for Ecosystem Survival
Marine Conservation Fellowship
Department of Biology, SFSU
1600 Holloway Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94132

Application Deadline: April 1, 2000

*********************************************************************
Incubation and Fertility Research Group 2000. Details at:
http://www.biology.bbk.ac.uk/conf/ifrgconf.htm
*********************************************************************

PRINCIPLES OF ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION FOR GAME BIRDS - A PRACTICAL GUIDE by
D. C. Deeming. Published by Ratite Conference books in March 2000 (ISBN 0
9527584 3 1 paperback)

This new book is a practical guide to the artificial incubation of
pheasant, partridge and mallard eggs based on the latest scientific
principles and research. The 160 pages of text are illustrated with line
drawings by the author.Topics covered include: Egg formation and
structure; Embryonic development; Egg management; Incubators and
incubation; Temperature; Humidity; Respiratory gas exchange; Turning; Key
factors affecting hatchability; and A glossary is included

Price: £25.00 plus Postage and packing: UK - add £1.50 per book; Europe
(air mail) - add £3.00 per book; Rest of World - add £4.50 per book.
Payment required before despatch.

To place your order contact Dr D. C. Deeming, Ratite Conference Books, 17
Rowland Close, Wallingford, OX10 8LA, UK.
charlie@deemingdc.freeserve.co.uk or see web:
http://www.deemingdc.freeserve.co.uk

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

If you are involved in incubation, a thorough grounding in the subject is
essential. There is a lot of folklore surrounding it and a lot of rubbish
talked. Reading about it does help….a lot. ISIS were kind enough to send
out a package called “EGGS”. This was software designed to make the
process and recording of incubation so much easier. It did, and it worked
very well. Last year I started using a new programme called “EGGTECH”, an
incubation research system which is claimed cover the incubation of all
species of bird eggs. It probably does too, though I have only used it
with less than half a dozen. It certainly does a good job of monitoring
incubation by keeping a close watch on weight, density and humidity
calculations. The programme is designed for the novice and is both simple
and easy to set up. No computer skills are needed and from day one you
could be plotting the incubation of eggs ranging from 2-2000 grammes.
Birds will be starting to lay soon. Some artificial incubation will
probably be necessary. This programme will help you, it really will.
Regardless of your expertise I have little doubt that this will help you
achieve better results. In highly recommend it. What’s more, it is fun to
use. If you are interested please send an email for more details to :
visicom@bulletinmail.com Please mention that you read about it in ZooNews
Digest
*********************************************************************
Fellowship Announcement

The Toledo Zoological Society established the Roger Conant Research
Fellowship in 1990 to honor the scientific contributions of Roger Conant,
the Zoo's first Curator and Research Scientist. Tenure of the fellowship
falls within a flexible two-month period between 1 May and 30 November of
each year. It provides housing and a $1,500.00 stipend for upper-level
undergraduate or graduate students from an accredited four-year university
majoring in animal husbandry, biology, wildlife management, or related
field. Students will be integrated into research projects developed by
Toledo Zoo staff. Selections will be on the basis of merit. Application
materials may be obtained from Dr. Peter J. Tolson, Conservation
Biologist, Toledo Zoological Society, P.O. Box 4010, Toledo, OH 43609 and
should be submitted prior to 1 April.

*********************************************************************
Silhouette Conservation Project Volunteers

The Silhouette Conservation Project of The Nature Protection Trust of
Seychelles aims to restore Silhouette island to as natural a state as
possible through research and management. Silhouette is a regional
biodiversity hotspot and supports large populations of many endemic and
threatened species of plants and animals in tropical rainforest habitats.
These include important populations of birds, reptiles and amphibians,
critically endangered invertebrates and a highly diverse flora. The NPTS
needs volunteers to undertake a variety of research projects on all
aspects of the nature of the island, including studies of vegetation
structure, plant and animal distributions, population estimates, ecology
and behaviour. Volunteers also assist with the day-to-day operation of
the Seychelles Giant Tortoise Conservation Project. This was established
in 1997 to conserve two supposedly extinct species of giant tortoise
through a programme of research and captive breeding. Total cost of
participation for 2 months is approximately £2,000 (excluding transport).
For further details contact The Nature Protection Trust of Seychelles at
jstgerlach@aol.com

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New
and innovative expedition company opens its doors in the Broads National
Park The Broads National Park, 21 March 2000 - An innovative and
adventurous worldwide research and conservation company opens its doors
this week from its base in the Broads National Park [here in East Anglia].
The company, 'Biosphere Expeditions', has been set up to place ordinary
people with no research experience alongside scientists working at the
forefront of wildlife conservation. Expedition team members contribute
towards the costs of on-going research work and then fly out to projects
all around the world to get their hands dirty working with researchers in
the field. "We aim to give people the chance to make a real difference",
says Matthias Hammer, the company's founder and one of the expedition
leaders. "There is an increasing demand from people who want to take
active breaks, not just holidays. They want to come home and tell their
friends not just what they saw, but also what they've done about it.
Biosphere Expeditions gives them that opportunity for an adventure with a
conscience and a sense of purpose unlike any tourist or ecotourist will
ever have." Matthias Hammer, who is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical
Society and an ex-Paratrooper, was born in Germany, but has spent the last
10 years in this country running expeditions and gaining degrees in
biology and anthropology from Oxford and Cambridge. "When it came to
making it all into a business, it quickly became obvious that the UK, as
the leading expedition nation in the world, would be an ideal base. And
what could be more appropriate than setting up in a National Park?", says
Matthias Hammer. The company's first expeditions from June 2000 will to
Peru (monkeys, frogs and macaws of the Amazon basin), Bolivia (spectacled
bear, puma and Andean cat of the Andes), and Poland (wolves). People can
join for anything from 2 weeks to 2 months. To get more information
contact Biosphere Expeditions on telephone 01502-583085 or visit their
website at www.biosphere-expeditions.com.

Notes to Editors:
Background information on the company and its expedition itinerary for
2000 and 2001 are available at http://www.biosphere-expeditions.com. The
press release area containing this release with accompanying photographs
is at http://www.biosphere-expeditions.com/media/.

Biosphere Expeditions, Sprat's Water, near Carlton Colville, The Broads
National Park, Suffolk NR33 8BP, UK. info@biosphere-expeditions.com, Tel.:
+44-1502-583085, Fax: +44-1502-587414 in Germany / Deutschland:
deutschland@biosphere-expeditions.com, Tel.: +49-931-4070107, Fax:
+49-931-4070577


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

Since 1994, the Zoological Society of San Diego, in conjunction with the
Australian Koala Foundation (AKF), has been organizing teams of
representatives from interested zoos to assist in collecting field data in
Australia with regard to koala habitat utilization and tree species
preferences. The data gathered will be analyzed to develop regional
models for habitat use by koalas and to subsequently complete further
computerized Geographic Information System based mapping specific to
koalas called the 'Koala Habitat Atlas'. Two 2000 field expeditions are
currently being offered to zoo representatives interested in participating
in this koala conservation effort. Proposed dates for the expeditions are
as follows: 1. August 12th -27th in north-central New South Wales in an
area determined as high priority by the NSW Koala Recovery Team. 2.
September 30th - October 15th to the Strezelecki Ranges area of southern
Victoria. Accommodation during the field work may be in dormitory type
facilities with participants helping to prepare group meals. Total costs
incurred by each participant include $750 U.S.(which covers all meals,
accommodation and travel costs during the field expedition), plus airfare
and any extra costs incurred outside of the actual field work, such as
hotel and meal expense before or after the field work is complete. Spaces
are limited and will be filled on a first come first serve basis. Any
interested representatives should contact Valerie Thompson by mail, fax,
phone, or e-mail as listed : Valerie Thompson, Associate Curator of
Mammals, San Diego Zoo, P.O. Box 551, San Diego, CA 92112-0551; phone
(619) 685-3226, fax (619) 232-4117, e-mail vthompson@sandiegozoo.org

*********************************************************************
Martina Raffel & Dirk Petzold would like to announce that they (the
Bielefeld Zoo-AG) have just started a German zoo newsletter, called
"Zoopresseschau", taking ZooNews Digest as a model. As they rightly point
out, ZooNews Digest reaches almost every region of the world, but "only"
contains the news in English . Important zoo areas like Japan, France and
Germany are, for the most part excluded. They would like to fill this gap
for the German speakers. As many of ZooNews Digest readers are able to
understand German, this will probably be of interest. Go to:
http://www.zoo-information.de/ to subscribe. They will also do their best
to find a good translation engine that will enable even the not-
German-speakers to find out what our articles are about. Something similar
to the one on their English homepage: http:// www.zoo-ag.de/english.htm

Zoo-AG Bielefeld - Student's Workgroup Zoobiology:
http://www.zoo-ag.de

Zoological Society for the Conservation of Species and Populations -
Editor http://www.zgap.de

*********************************************************************
Zoo
Staff Personals

Looking for work? Someone to travel with? Somewhere to stay? Let me know
and I will post it here.

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

Situations Vacant
(Please mention you saw the advertisement in ZooNews Digest should you
apply for any of these posts, many thanks) Do you have a vacancy to
advertise? Please email me.
*********************************************************************
Gorilla Rescue & Release Project We have a vacancy for a general duty
person on our gorilla rescue and release project in Congo Brazzaville. The
person will be expected to supervise construction of wooden housing,
tents, fences etc and participate in the administration of staff and
finances. Some computer skills necessary. The applicant MUST speak French
and have some previous tropical experience, preferably in Africa - living
conditions are basic but reasonably comfortable. A strong interest in
gorillas would help. Unfortunately, we can only accept male applicants -
the Congo has just emerged from civil war and it is currently too
dangerous to employ women. Applicants should contact Mr. John Aspinall's
office email: asparks@globalnet.co.uk or fax the same at +44-171-235-4701.

*********************************************************************
ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND

RESEARCH OFFICER

Applications are invited for a Research Officer in the Animal Conservation
and Research Department. The person would co-ordinate research between
universities, research institutes and the Edinburgh Zoo Animal Collection,
to develop the research role of the RZSS and to pursue research using the
Animal Collection, in consultation with the Head of Department.

Applicants should have a PhD in a relevant biological science, with
research experience i) in behaviour or behavioural ecology and ii) on
captive animal species. The person would be expected to show enthusiasm
about the role Zoos can play in conservation, research and education. Good
interpersonal and presentational skills are needed.

There are exciting possibilities for development of the position and the
Society's contribution to research, both in the captive and wild
situations. The Society has a strong commitment to this development. This
position will be for an initial three years, with the intention of
extending the post beyond that point.

Further information is available from Dr. Mauvis Gore, Head of the Animal
Conservation and Research Department, Royal Zoological Society of
Scotland, Murrayfield, Edinburgh EH12 6TS. Phone: 0131 314 0315, Fax: 0131
334 6775, email: mgore@rzss.org.uk Completed applications should be
received by 30th April and interviews will be held in May. ROYAL
ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND

POST OF RESEARCH OFFICER


Information on the post of Research Officer, Edinburgh Zoo is provided
below. Those interested in applying should send a covering letter, a full
Curriculum Vitae with the names and addresses of three referees to:

Dr Mauvis Gore, Head
Animal Department
Royal Zoological Society of Scotland
Murrayfield
Edinburgh EH12 6TS

Background
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland is a private Society registered
as a Charity, existing in the terms if its Royal Charter to promote,
facilitate and encourage the study of zoology and kindred subjects and to
foster and develop among the people an interest in and a knowledge of
animal life. Its mission statement is to promote through the presentation
of our living collections the conservation of animal species and wild
places through captive breeding, environmental education and scientific
research. The Society comprises two collections, Edinburgh Zoo and the
Highland Wildlife Park. The research resource of the Edinburgh Zoo has for
some time been appreciated and utilised by the Scottish Universities and
other organisations.

To date scientific study has taken the following forms:

(a) Observational research carried out by University honours degree
students as their honours project.

(b) Research as part of a MSc or PhD project in behaviour, psychology,
veterinary medicine, animal welfare and mechanical engineering.

(c) Contribution by way of £2,000 per annum to four selected field
projects. These are pump priming grants.

(d) The Universities have also increasingly used the Zoo for student
practical classes.

(e) The Society provides biological material where appropriate to
institutions for approved research, for example on taxonomy, reproductive
biology.

All research has to be approved by the Society’s Animal Health and
Management Committee, of which the Research Officer is a member. All
research has to be non-invasive in content.

The Society has recently made a decision to contribute £10,000 per annum
for three years to support a field research project. It will be part of
the Research Officers brief to source a good potential project, which must
have a conservation element in relation to the Edinburgh Zoo animal
collection.

Details of the Post of Research Officer

Qualifications: PhD in a relevant biological science, with research
experience in behaviour or behavioural ecology. The person would be
expected to show enthusiasm about the role Zoos can play in conservation,
research and education. Good interpersonal and presentational skills are
needed as well as research experience on captive animal species.

Brief: To co-ordinate research between universities, research institutes
and the Edinburgh Zoo Animal Collection, to develop the research role of
the RZSS and to pursue an area of research using the Animal Collection, in
consultation with the Head of the Animal Department.

The Research Officer would:

Be an active member of the Animal Department, liaising with the Animal
Department Section staff, and reporting directly to the Head of the Animal
Department. Prepare the Research Prospectus and research guidelines for
RZSS in conjunction with the Head of the Animal Department Liaise with
relevant staff members in the Universities and other organisations on
continued and developing utilisation of the Zoo resource for teaching and
research purposes.

Initiate ideas for research projects and practical classes within the
guidelines of the Animal Department
Practical classes: liasing with organisations to assist in how they
programme their practical
classes at Edinburgh Zoo.

Short term projects: suitable for short term data collection and should be
used to build databases to produce publishable work.

Long term projects: the designing of MSc and PhD level work. There are
several species maintained in the Zoo that would be suitable for this
level of research.

Relate research to Endangered Species Programmes, to advance our
understanding of the many endangered species maintained in the Zoo. This
research should complement the work being carried out by species
co-ordinators and studbook keepers working within the Taxon Advisory Group
structure.

Liaise with veterinary departments. This is carried out with the
assistance of the vet, who has a joint position with the Zoo and the
University of Edinburgh. MSc veterinary students would be encouraged to
take up research projects in the Zoo.

The development of conservation orientated field research project as
outlined above. Applying for conservation grants to match funds provided
by RZSS in co-operation with the Business Department fundraiser.

Edinburgh Zoo is becoming justifiably well known in the field of Animal
Welfare/Behaviour. The Zoo Animal Behaviour and Welfare Summer School has
now run for four summers. This Summer School comes under the brief of the
Research Officer.

Will be expected to increase the role played by Edinburgh Zoo in the
advancing science of Zoo Biology.

There are exciting possibilities for development of the position and the
Society's contribution to research, both in the captive and wild
situations. The Society has a strong commitment to this development. This
position will be for an initial three years, with the intention of
extending the post beyond that point.


*********************************************************************
BANHAM ZOO are looking to recruit a hard working, self motivated Head
Keeper to join its keeping team. The position is a hands-on role working
with a staff of 14 keepers to maintain and improve the already excellent
standards achieved. Candidates should have a minimum of 6 years exotic
animal husbandry with a wide range of species including primates and birds
and also possess the City & Guilds qualification in Zoo Animal Management.
Supervisory experience and knowledge of Health and Safety procedures are
also required; full driving licence is essential Salary is negotiable and
accommodation may be available. Please send your application with a full
CV to: Mike Woolham Asst Zoo Animal Manager Banham Zoo The Grove Banham
Norfolk NR16 2HE

Closing date for applications is 5th April 2000

*********************************************************************
Colchester Zoo are looking for a dynamic and enthusiastic person to
spearhead their education programme. As well as the day to day operations
and giving talks they would be expected to create educational resources.
Previous zoo or education experience would be advantageous. Interested?
Send a CV and covering letter to the Directors, Colchester Zoo, Maldon Rd,
Stanway, Colchester, Essex. CO3 5SL
*********************************************************************
Edinburgh Zoo are on the look out to fill a keeper vacancy. If interested
please ring Dr.Gore on 0131 314 0315
*********************************************************************
Lead
Presenter - Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo's Presenter team work to enhance the education experience for
visitors, working alongside keepers to give interesting and lively formal
and informal presentations. We need a Lead Presenter to manage this team.
The job requires considerable public interaction, confidence, a genuine
interest in animals and an outgoing personality. A science/natural history
background is preferred and some presentation experience in an
animal/conservation role. Applications in writing to Mrs Jayne Quinn,
Chester Zoo, Caughall Road, Upton, Chester CH2 1LH with a letter and CV
detailing work experience, general personal details and a daytime
telephone number. Enquiries 01244 650232. Interviews will be held early
March.

*********************************************************************
Chessington Zoo have vacancies for experienced keepers to take up duties
in aviculture, primates or reptiles. They also require an animal presenter
to work birds, sealions and penguins. To apply or to ask for further
details please write or ring The Human Resources Department, Chessington
World of Adventures, Leatherhead road, Chessington, Surrey KT9 2ND Tel :
01372 729560
*********************************************************************

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF CONSERVATION EDUCATION
AMERICAN ZOO AND AQUARIUM ASSOCIATION

This Assistant Director will participate in every phase of building a
world-class education department for the American Association of Zoos and
Aquariums (AZA). Reporting to the Director of Conservation Education, the
Assistant Director will participate in all phases of departmental
development, be responsible for coordinating AZA education projects and
programs and provide some administrative support. General duties will
include evaluation and cataloging of educational resources, general and
technical writing, conducting surveys to identify member's needs,
participating on education's strategic planning team, servicing member
requests for information about education, and general administrative
support. Responsibilities will include, for example:

*Coordinate special projects/programs for the education
department.Includes research, budgeting, scheduling, subcontracting
services and summary reporting.

*Review, evaluate and catalog educational curricula.

*Assist AZA Information Manager with departmental information for AZA
database.

*Draft general copy about AZA education for brochures, articles for
Communiqué, etc.

*Assist Director of Conservation Education with writing grant proposals.

*Assist Director of Conservation Education with surveys to include
writing, distribution, collection, tabulation, analysis and reporting.

*Participate in development and annual review/revision of departmental
plans and protocols (strategic planning, database structure and function,
curriculum evaluation, member service, etc.)

*Assist Director of Conservation Education with preparation of
departmental budget

*Serve AZA members and the general public as front-line resource on AZA
education. Receive and respond to requests for information via mail,
phone, fax, email, etc.

*Provide general administrative support including maintaining files,
address/contact lists and processing correspondence for the Director of
Conservation Education .

Ideal candidate would seek an opportunity to actively improve informal
environmental and
conservation education through collaborative efforts of educators at AZA
member zoos and aquariums. Candidate should be familiar with issues
relevant to the zoo and aquarium industry; have excellent oral, written
and interpersonal communication skills; and be competent with word
processing and system operating software, and email and Internet use.
System currently uses MS Windows, Word, Excel, Access and Outlook.
Bachelors degree required. Skills or experience in teaching, surveying,
informal education or evaluation are pluses.

Salary commensurate with experience. Check http://www.aza.org
Send resume, inquiries or comments to Bruce Carr at AZA, 8403 Colesville
Road, Suite 710; Silver Spring, MD 20910-3314.

********************************************************************* For
the most up to date links to sites advertising Zoo work go to:
http://members.tripod.com/~Sciurus/index.html

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

Meetings


International Meeting of Condor Specialists
26-28 March 2000
Merida, Venezuela
email : maria@bolivar.funmrd.gov.ve
http://reunioncondores.freeservers.com/

Fourteenth Annual Conference of the European Cetacean Society (ECS)
2-5 April 2000
University of Cork
Eire
Papers on pinnipeds will also be accepted at the conference. For more
information, see the ECS web site at
http://web.inter.nl.net/users/J.W.Broekema/ecs/ecs-2000.htm

Raptors 2000
2-8 April 2000
Eilat, Israel.
For further info email raptors@otra.co.il

AZA 2000 Western Regional Conference
El Paso Zoo, Texas
5 - 8 April
email : epzooeduca@aol.com

EAZA Spring Council Meeting
7 - 9 April 2000
Dublin Zoo
Eire

Representing Animals at the End of the Century
April 13-15, 2000
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
For further information email: auctr20cs@uwm.edu

AZA 2000 Central Regional Conference
Toledo Zoo
3 - 6 May
email : AZAConf@Toledozoo.org

Bear Care for the Next Millenium:
An Animal Care Workshop on Husbandry, Training and Enrichment
7 - 8 May 7 2000
Toledo Zoo
Toledo, Ohio
For further info contact D. Weinhardt, email : beartagsow@aol

“Genetic Resources for the New Century.”
May 8-12, 2000
San Diego Wild Animal Park
For more information, contact conference organizers, Oliver Ryder, Ph.D.,
oryder@ucsd.edu or Kurt Benirschke, M.D. kbenirsc@ucsd.edu Speakers,
tentative program, brochure and registration information are posted at:
http:// www.sandiegozoo.org/cres/genetic_conference.html

PAAZAB Annual General Meeting and Conference
(Pan African Association of Zoological Gardens, Aquaria and Botanic
Gardens)
10 - 12 May 2000.
Hosted by the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa
Pretoria, South Africa.
Please direct enquiries to: The PAAZAB Secretariat via email
murphy@pixie.co.za

Consciousness, Cognition and Animal Welfare - The UFAW Symposium
11-12 May 2000, London
If you are interested in attending or contributing to the Symposium and
wish to register, please contact Dr Stephen Wickens, UFAW. Email:
wickens@ufaw.org.uk

British Veterinary Zoological Society Spring Meeting 2000
'Emerging Diseases'
13-14th May 2000
Cotswold Wildlife Park, England.
Anyone wishing to present a paper should contact Michael Waters
(mwaters@rvc.ac.uk), Pathology and Infectious Diseases, Royal Veterinary
College, Hawkshead Lane North Mymms, Hatfield Herts AL9 7TA, United
Kingdom. Fax: +44(1707)661464. Student papers, reviews and original
research are all very welcome. The meeting is being held in a very
beautiful area of England so why not combine continuing education with a
short break in the Cotswolds. For registration details, please contact
Derek Lyon (DGLyon9@aol.com), 4 Butts Hill Court, Chester Road, Gresford,
Wrexham LL12 8NH, United Kingdom. Fax: +44(1978)852065 Tel:
+44(1978)852866

“The Apes: Challenges for the 21st Century”
May 10 -13 2000
Hilton, Lisle/Naperville
This unique conference will focus on the apes of the world and will bring
together researchers, zoological park personnel, and field biologists to
share and disseminate the most current information on husbandry,
conservation, and emergent issues pertaining to captive and wild
populations of apes. For information on registration and submission of
abstracts contact the Brookfield Zoo Ape Conference Planning Committee at
(708) 485-0263 ext 604, FAX (708) 485-3140 or e-mail
APECON@BROOKFIELDZOO.ORG or visit :
http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/apeweb/conf.htm

Consciousness, Cognition and Animal Welfare
The UFAW Symposium
11-12 May 2000
London
For further info contact:
Dr Stephen Wickens, UFAW. Email: wickens@ufaw.org.uk

UK Herp TAG
12-13 May 2000
Chester Zoo
Further details E-mail: heather.hall@zsl.org

First conference of the African Zoo and Reserve Educators Network
(AZOREN) 12 - 18 May 2000 Pretoria Zoo, South Africa Theme of this
training conference is "Effective & Efficient AZOREN; Starting the
Conservation Educators Network". For further information please contact:
Cherylene Odendaal or Dina Roos of Pretoria Zoo. Telephone :
0027-12-3283265 / 3206020 Fax : 0027-12-3234540 E-mail :
zoologic@cis.co.za

Annual Conference of the Federation of Zoological Gardens of Great Britain
and Ireland 19 - 21 May 2000 Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens, Norfolk, UK

The Union of the Czech and Slovak Zoological Gardens Annual Conference 25
- 27 May 2000 Zoo Chomutov, Czech Republic For further information please
contact: fax: +420-66-7302839 e-mail: jizoo@brn.pvtnet.cz

Fifth International Elephant Research Symposium
1-3 June 2000
Portland, Oregon
email: dolson@indyzoo.com

Course of Environmental Enrichment for Wild Animals in Captivity.
The Zoological National the Aurora of Guatemala, and El Zoo Conservation
Outreach Group (ZCOG), presents/displays: Date: 21 to the 24 of June of
2000 Venue: Zoological National " The Aurora " Direction: Boulevard Juan
Pablo II Zona 13 Inner City of Guatemala, Guatemala C. A. Further
INFORMATION: Maria Jose Iturbide, Zoological Technical Department Aurora
Tel. (502) 4720507 4720885, Fax (502) 4715286. emailmjiturbidef@hotmail.com



The 2nd Zoo Research Symposium Symposium on Asian Raptors
6 - 7 July 2000
Paignton Zoo
E-mail : aplowman@paigntonzoo.org.uk

Symposium on Asian Raptors
25-27 July 2000
Bandung, Indonesia
For further info email : ypal@bdg.centrin.net.id

Fourth International Penguin Conference
Coquimbo, Chile
September 4 - 8 2000
For Further info : gluna@nevados.cecun.ucn.cl

Zoo Federation Plant Group Conference
September 13th - 15th 2000
Cotswold Wildlife Park
For further info:
"Colin Wren" gardens@rzss.org.uk

International White-tailed Sea Eagle Conference
13-17 September 2000
Bjorko, Sweden.
email : bjorn.helander@nrm.se

17th EAZA/EEP Annual Conference
19 - 24 September 2000
Aalborg Zoo,
Denmark
All matters with regard to registration etc : Hju@aalborg-zoo.dk
Anything related to conference programmes, meetings etc : info@eaza.net

15th International Zoo Educators’ Conference
1 - 6 October 2000
Guadalajara, Mexico
For more information contact Maria Eugenia Martinez Arizmendi,
head of the Education Department.
Telephone : 0052-3-6744104
Fax : 0052-3-674-4488
E-mail : 104164.3717@compuserve.com

2000 AAZK Conference
8 – 12 October 2000
Columbus Zoo
Check out information on this conference by accessing its
website at: http://aazk2000.homestead.com

Elephant Managers International Conference
6 - 9 October 2000
Syracuse, New York
For more information please contact
Adrienne Whiteley on : bpzoo@emi.com

Panda 2000 International Conference
An international conference on the giant panda will be held in San Diego,
California (USA) October 16-19, 2000. The Zoological Society of San Diego
and the World Wildlife Fund are co- hosts. A program consisting primarily
of work-shops, panel discussions and poster sessions is planned. Topics
in conservation, education, training, research, health, reproduction, and
captive management will be co covered. Persons interested in attending
this meeting are encouraged to contact the Local Arrangements Chair:
Helena Fitch-Snyder, Zool. Soc. of San Diego, PO Box 120551, San Diego, CA
92112. Phone: (619) 557-3954, FAX: (619) 557-3959; E-mail
helena@sandiegozoo.org.

Reproduction and integrated conservation science.
9th and 10th November, 2000
A Zoological Society of London Symposium
The Meeting Rooms, Zoological Society of London
To register your interest in attending this symposium please contact: D.
Body, Scientific Meetings Co-ordinator, Zoological Society of London,
Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK or email: Deborah.Body@zsl.org
If you would be interested in submitting a poster presentation, please
indicate this.

5th International Aquarium Congress
Monaco
Organised by the Oceanographic Institute of Oceanography
20 - 25th November 2000
For further information email: iac2000monaco@meditnet.com
or write to : Secretariat of the 5th IAC 2000, Oceanographic Institute,
Av.St.Martin, MC 98000 Monaco Tel.: +377-93-25.36.00, Fax :
+377-93-30.90.95.

Ecology and Conservation of Mini-antelope
An international symposium on duiker and dwarf antelope in Africa
Hosted by the Marwell Zimbabwe Trust
12th-17th February 2001
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Contact aplowman@paigntonzoo.org.uk for further info


************************************************************************
Help Wanted

Need assistance? You could try Zoo Biology, it is probably your best bet
for animal information. However ZooNews Digest reaches more like minded
people, more often than any other similar publication on the planet! So
you could try here. Let me know and I will post it.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

My name is Alice Munzarova and I study at the Institute of Anthropology at
the Faculty of Science, Masaryk University at Brno in Czech republic. I
am 23 years old, and I write my diploma thesis. The name of thesis is:
Flexion creases on the palm of primates and human. My tutor is Doc. MUDr.
Vladimir Novotny, CSc. and consultant is Ing. RNDr. Ludek J. Dobroruka.
The subject of my thesis is variability of flexion creases on the palm by
primates in dependence of locomotion and by human in dependence of one
sided loading of hand (for example by violinist). I am looking for primate
palm prints or photographs of a palms. I am particularily interested in
these genera: Gorilla, Pan, Pongo, Symphalangus and Hylobates. I beg of
you for help. I hope it would be possible and you could help me. Can you
write me, that you have some photographs in your archive, or that you can
make for me palm prints or photoes? Or when you can tell me some
instruction and so on. Thank you very much for your answer, Yours very
sincerely Alice.

My address is: Alice Munzarova alice@sci.muni.cz
Vinarska 5/A1
603 00 BRNO
Czech republic
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Dear All,

I have been asked by a colleague in Japan to check on the effectiveness of
sponsorship/adoption schemes in zoos and aquariums. Do you know of any
articles dealing with this issue and, if so, can you point me in the right
direction? Are you aware of any studies as to the effectiveness of such
schemes? Is there any data to suggest an increase in zoo attendance after
the introduction of such schemes? Is there any evidence of visitors
becoming more "animal aware" if on such a scheme

All information will be passed on. I thank you in anticipation of your
kind co-operation.

Peter
************************************************************************

Zoo Biology

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management of the zoological garden.” The more that join up the more
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************************************************************************

Sites worth checking out
Have you got a suggestion? Let me check it out.

WILDLIFE INFORMATION NETWORK
http://www.wildlifeinformation.org

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

Many thanks.

For those of you who have not received the News previously, you have been
included because someone has suggested you might be interested. If this is
not the case please email me and I shall remove your name.

Kind Regards,

Wishing you a wonderful week,

Peter Dickinson,

ZooNews Digest 6th March - 12th March 2000 (Zoo News 94)

Dear Colleague,

On March the 9th I set off on a visit to the National Birds of Prey
Centre. Half way there the clutch went on the van and so I never got
there, mores the pity. It ended up with me being towed back to North Wales
on the back of an AA lorry. The same day saw the official launch of the
updated Standards of Modern Zoo Practice. This, once again, reinforces the
reputable British Zoos commitment towards animal welfare and species
conservation. The Zoo Standards are specifically written for use by zoo
inspectors and provide the guidance to inspectors to ensure the welfare of
animals the welfare of animals and public. Based on the inspectors reports
the local authorities will decide whether to issue a licence. Since the
Standards were last updated in 1988 new procedures in exotic animal
husbandry have been developed and, of course, the odd flaws discovered.
With this in mind there has been extensive discussion and consultation
within the British zoo community. The Zoos Forum, the Government's
advisers on zoo procedures has worked hard to update the document. If you
want to learn more about British Zoo Licensing procedures please visit :
The Zoo Licensing Act 1981
http://www.wildlife-countryside.detr.gov.uk/gwd/zoo.htm

And now the news:

Pinnawala Elephant Orphange and Dehiwala zoo major draws
http://www.lanka.net/lakehouse/2000/03/10/new16.html

Bald eagle born at S.F. Zoo returns, shot in wing
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/examiner/archive/2000/03/0
9/NEWS4102.dtl

Kangaroo killed by falling branch
http://www.canoe.ca/TopStories/kang_mar9.html

New Jersey aquarium president to head Sunrise Museum
http://www.boston.com/dailynews/069/region/New_Jersey_aquarium_president_:
.shtml

Zoo animals in war-torn Congo caught up in own conflict
(Kinshasa Zoo)
http://www.boston.com/dailynews/070/world/Zoo_animals_in_war_torn_Congo_:.
shtml
Want to sneak a little snack to zoo animals? Please don't


http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,155008631,00.html?

More marinelife dies; blame continues to focus on red tide
(Lowry Park Zoo)
http://www.naplesnews.com/today/bonita/d432020a.htm
Rare birth at Indianapolis Zoo




http://www.msnbc.com/local/WTHR/59025.asp

Test Tube Elephant
(Indianapolis Zoo)
http://www.abcnews.go.com/sections/science/DailyNews/elephant000306.html

Oh my darlin'
(Reid Park Zoo)
http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/entertainment/special_features/3_4_00anteater
.html

Zoo changes name to tout new aquarium
(Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium)
http://www.post-gazette.com/regionstate/20000308zoo9.asp

Back on the road to nowhere
(Elephant Studies Centre/ Dusit Zoo)
http://www.bangkokpost.com/today/080300_News08.html

Stork delivers three new river otter pups to Akron Zoo
http://www.ohio.com/bj/news/docs/001694.htm
Project Seahorse rides conservation tide


(Shedd Aquarium/London Zoo)
http://www.enn.com/news/enn-stories/2000/03/03082000/shorse_1123.asp

Tiger Lady, state expert, disagree over tiger living conditions
http://www.boston.com/dailynews/068/region/Tiger_Lady_state_expert_disagr:
.shtml
Polar bear fractures paw in pool accident at Baltimore Zoo





http://www.msnbc.com/local/WBAL/210.asp

Shark's fatal mishap baffling
(Newport Aquarium)
http://enquirer.com/editions/2000/03/08/loc_sharks_fatal_mishap.html

Kenya to push for wildlife protection
http://www.bergen.com/morenews/afri0920000309.htm

Alligator meant for dinner rescued and released
http://www.naplesnews.com/today/florida/d436797a.htm

Elephant killed by electric crop fencing
http://www.bangkokpost.com/today/060300_News03.html

Owl habitat protected
http://www.azcentral.com/news/0306pima.shtml

Botswana To Seek More Tusk Sales At CITES Meeting
http://www.africanews.org/PANA/news/20000310/feat1.html

Confiscated cubs
http://www.msnbc.com/local/WTVJ/193279.asp

Calif. snake may halt upscale developments
http://www.azstarnet.com/public/dnews/UE0207.html

Iranians buy Soviet 'killer' dolphins
http://www.the-times.co.uk/news/pages/tim/2000/03/10/timfgnmid01001.html

Beavers make a comeback in Scotland
http://www.telegraph.co.uk:80/et?ac=000140326706927&rtmo=r3mErrmX&atmo=r3m
ErrmX&pg =/et/00/3/8/nbeav08.html I look forward to the re-introduction of
the beaver. During the past week I have followed the correspondence on the
letters page of the Daily Telegraph, listened to a debate on the radio and
scanned a few articles. My conclusion is that the anti’s have just not
done their homework. They really don’t know what they are talking about.
In 1972 I caught a beaver in the wild in Somerset. This was of North
American animal which had escaped from I know not where. When I located it
it had built a huge lodge, several dams and flooded quite a large area. To
my eyes though it appeared to have improved the landscape. Going by the
abundance of other wildlife in the area, they agreed with me. It had
certainly been there for some time, in spite of which very few people had
known it was there. No-one had been affected by it. I would have left well
alone except that the unfortunate animal had received threats.
************************************************************************
If you know a story I have missed this week do drop me a line with the
full web address and I will try and include it next week.

************************************************************************
Bit & Pieces

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South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, The
Netherlands, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United
Kingdom, United States, Vietnam, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

*********************************************************************
The
TV series about the work of International Zoo Veterinary Group "Flying
Vets" started on Monday 6 March, 8.30pm, Channel 5. The next episode is
Sunday the 13th, same time, same place. If you live in the UK this is a
MUST watch. I understand it will be going out on the National Geographic
channel some time in the future. The first episode was very watchable.
Without the “staged” events one often sees on this type of programme it
was very realistic. Nice to see everyone looking so well. Andrew tells me
the first programme was very “tame” and it gets more exciting in future
episodes.

*********************************************************************
Historic Birth of World's First African Elephant Conceived by Artificial
Insemination Takes Place at Indianapolis Zoo ( Report by Jeff Peterson,
Large Mammal Manager)

I am extremely pleased to announce that the first African elephant in the
world ever
conceived by
artificial insemination was born successfully early Monday morning, March
6, at approximately 4:30am. The 201-pound female calf was born to
24-year-old Kubwa after a rapid (just over 90 minutes!) and uneventful
labor after a 22-month gestation. Both mother and baby are doing well we
are optimistic about the calf's chances for survival. The calf is "very
strong" and was able to get up and walk within the first half-hour of
life. The calf began nursing after about 10 hours following birth. I could
not have written a better "script" for these past few days. The training
and preparation was essential to our success. Debbie Olson, Director of
Elephant Conservation and Science Programs at the Indianapolis Zoo,
especially commended the Zoo staff for putting in the amount of work over
the last two years to condition Kubwa physically. Both Olson and
veterinarian Dr. Dennis Schmitt, DVM, associate professor at Southwest
Missouri State University and veterinarian at the Dickerson Park Zoo,
attribute a great deal of Kubwa's success and easy labor to her excellent
physical condition. Kubwa was also trained for a breast presentation which
proved essential to the first successful nursing. Kubwa is a tall
elephant and the calf was having problems nursing. The addition of a
small stool proved to be the answer. As you might recall, we had
presented this stool to Kubwa in preparation to the birth. The breast
presentation command, also enabled staff to better position Kubwa to
enhance the calf's chance for success. Kubwa now will perform this
behavior simply by placing the stool behind he front leg. Thanks also to
the training of Dale by the elephant staff at the Kansas City Zoo. Dale
was the sperm donor. Can you imagine trying that without training! When
the Zoo announced Kubwa's pregnancy in July 1998, credit was given to all
who had contributed to this land-breaking development, including the
Institute for Zoo Biology and Wildlife Research (IZW) of Berlin, Germany,
whose staff perfected the artificial insemination technique that was used
to achieve not only Kubwa's conception, but the second successful
conception of Kubwa's herd mate, Ivory. Ivory, the second African elephant
in the world to be successfully artificially inseminated is due to give
birth this fall. The primary veterinary doctors involved in this
successful artificial insemination were Dr. Thomas Hildebrandt, Department
Head Reproduction Management, Frank Goeritz, both of IZW. Dr. Dennis
Schmitt, was present at the birth and has been very instrumental in the
artificial insemination program. Of the 13 elephants births at which he
has been present, Dr. Schmitt says that this one was by far the easiest
and most uncomplicated he has seen. He has used a related AI technique on
Asian elephants at the Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield, Missouri, where
one of the Asian elephants became the first elephant in the world to
successfully conceive and give birth to a calf late last year. The
Indianapolis Zoo staff is extremely grateful for Dr. Schmitt's expertise
and help.

Please visit our web site for photos of the calf
and mother. Jeff Peterson, Large Mammal Manager Indianapolis Zoological
Society Thanks Jeff!

Also visit:
http://www.projectelephant.com

*********************************************************************
Sadly, though not unexpectedly, one of the chimpanzee triplets born at the
Coulston primate laboratories died at the beginning of March. It was about
two weeks old when it died. This is only one of several deaths at this
facility in recent months.
*********************************************************************
Consciousness, Cognition and Animal Welfare - The UFAW Symposium 11-12 May
2000, London

This Symposium will be held at the Zoological Society of London's Meeting
Rooms, London. Lunch will be held in the Prince Albert Suite at London
Zoo, and in the lunch-break delegates will be free to explore the zoo and
its attractions.

Background to UFAW
UFAW, the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare, is an
internationally-recognized, independent, scientific and educational animal
welfare charity. The organization is concerned with promoting high
standards of welfare for farm, companion, laboratory and captive wild
animals, and for those with which we interact in the wild. Aims Concern
for animal welfare rests largely on the premise that some animals have the
capacity, as do humans, for pleasant and unpleasant subjective experiences
or aware states. That is, on the assumption that they have at least a
basic level of consciousness. Views on the validity of this belief and on
the taxonomic range of animals that are likely to have this capacity vary
within and between cultures and nations, and underlie marked differences
in opinion about appropriate levels of resourcing for animal care in
farming and other animal use. Although a commitment has recently been made
by the European Heads of State to make provision in the Treaty of Rome 'to
ensure improved protection and respect for welfare of animals as sentient
beings', deciding which species are sentient (i.e. which have the capacity
for subjective experiences), and determining the range of phenomena of
which they may be sentient of (and which may affect their welfare), remain
serious problems.

Gaining insight into the capacities of other animals for subjective mental
experiences is notoriously difficult. However, a number of new
experimental techniques and approaches have lead recently to significant
advances in understanding aspects of the neuroanatomy, neurophysiology and
functioning of neural systems which underpin subjective experiences in
humans. In addition, there is considerable current research interest in
animal cognition, which may provide greater insight into the range of
phenomena that animals may be aware (have consciousness) of and which may,
therefore, be relevant to their welfare. It is timely to consider what
this new research and the insights it provides may be able to contribute
to understanding of conscious aware states in animals and thus to the
science that underpins the development of animal welfare.

This Symposium, which picks up on many developments since UFAW's 1980
workshop on the related field of 'Self-awareness in domesticated animals',
seeks to bring together leading experts in the study of human and
non-human cognitive neuroscience and related fields to discuss recent
advances in these subjects and to explore possible humane and novel
approaches to the investigation of the evidence for subjective experiences
in animals. Registration If you are interested in attending or
contributing to the Symposium and wish to register, please contact Dr
Stephen Wickens, UFAW. Email: wickens@ufaw.org.uk

Universities Federation for Animal Welfare
The Old School, Brewhouse Hill, Wheathampstead, AL4 8AN, UK
Tel No: +44 (0) 1582 831818 Fax: +44 (0) 1582 831414
Email: ufaw@ufaw.org.uk
http://www.ufaw3.dircon.co.uk

*********************************************************************
Posted on behalf of and by Woburn Safari Park:

Detailed below is a detailed account of what happened at Woburn Safari
Park in the past week. Rhesus macaque testing and subsequent cull at
Woburn Safari Park.

To ensure new stock could be safely introduced to the 'Monkey Jungle'
exhibit, the decision was taken to carry out a battery of tests on the
Woburn Macaques at the soonest opportunity. It was considered prudent to
test for Herpes B at this time. Testing for Herpes B in animals not being
moved between collections is not a requirement of the UK and Irish Primate
TAG (Lewis 2000), thus Woburn Safari Park more than fulfilled its
responsibility to public safety. The results of the subsequent generic
alpha herpes test (Comparative Radio Immuno Assay) were positive in all
eleven animals tested. Woburn Safari Park were advised by the Central
Public Health Laboratory Service that the level of antibodies detected in
this otherwise healthy population indicated that the macaques were without
question positive for Herpes B. According to David Brown and Robin Gopal
of the Central Public Health Laboratory Service, such a high level of
antibodies have never been seen in seronagative animals. Considering the
nature of this virus, its transmission within the species (Sasagawa et al
1986, Klots et al 1998), and advice received from the Central Public
Health Laboratory Service it was considered unlikely that virus
neutralisation negative animals would be present in what has been a closed
population for 26 years. Moreover, seroconversion makes the eradication of
Herpes B within such a population next to impossible (Ward & Hilliard
1994, Klots et al 1998). In the light of new information regarding the
transmission of Herpes B to humans, most notably the infection of a
laboratory worker in the US from a faecal splash in the eye (MMWR 1998),
it was considered essential that decisive action be taken. The eight-acre
'Monkey Jungle' was immediately sealed off from the public. Staff were
only allowed into the area to service it with appropriate protective
clothing, (overalls, gloves, masks and goggles), and advice was sought
from Woburn Safari Park's Zoo Licensing Authority, and Her Majesty's
Principal Specialist Inspector of Health and Safety specialising in
Dangerous Pathogens from the Health and Safety Executive. From these
discussions, and a review of the HSE guidelines on working with simians
(HSE 1998) it became apparent that Woburn Safari Park were left with only
two options.

1. The animals could be captured and sent to a centre capable of handling
them at Animal Containment Level 4. or 2. The animals could be destroyed.

There is only one facility in the UK capable of handling such animals, and
that is the Porton Down Ministry of Defence research establishment. It was
decided that 1) Porton Down would not be able to take, or be interested in
taking such numbers. 2) To catch such numbers of infected macaques would
be impossible, highly dangerous to staff and stressful to the animals. 3)
Woburn Safari Park did not want its animals, which had had the freedom of
an eight acre woodland with approximately 150-200 mature oak and cedar
trees in it, to be consigned to an MOD research facility.

Woburn Safari Park's only option therefore was to euthanase the group, and
to do it in as humane and safe a manner as possible. Such a conclusion was
not reached without considerable anguish and a thorough exploration of all
the available options. The Monkey Jungle was without doubt the most
popular exhibit at the park, some of the monkeys had been at Woburn for
over 20 years, many of them were known individually to the staff and
named. This is partly why Animal Containment Level 4 was not an option.

With regards to the method of culling, the reason why shooting was chosen
were as follows:

1. Poison would not be taken by all the monkeys in sufficient a quantity
to preclude sub-lethal dosing since they are highly neophobic and would
learn the effects of eating the poisoned food from their sick and dying
conspecifics. Moreover, there was a risk that the bears in the same
exhibit would consume the poison also. 2. To dart and subsequently
administer a lethal injection was considered to be a major welfare issue
and technically impossible. Darted monkeys falling 20 meters to the ground
would suffer horrific injuries, and then be required to be injected. The
velocity of dart required to reach the monkeys in the tops of the trees
would potentially kill them and cause considerable pain prior to the onset
of its effects. 3. The instantaneous death of an animal is not a welfare
issue since no suffering is involved (Fraser & Broom 1990). The only
realistic method of attaining such an instantaneous kill in this wooded
environment, is the use of silenced rifles and skilled marksman directed
to achieve single head shot kills.

In summary, considering the nature of the virus, the habitat in which the
animals were in, and the advice received, Woburn Safari Park was left with
no option but to shoot dead all the macaques in the park. This was carried
out in a sombre professional manner. Since the cull was carried out in
silence, and the monkeys had no apparent understanding of what was going
on, there was very little panic amongst the colony which retreated to the
trees at the sight of humans on foot. All 215 monkeys were killed in less
than three hours. Staff at Woburn Safari Park remain distraught by these
recent and tragic events.

Woburn Safari Park is a fully-fledged member of EAZA and The Federation of
Zoological Gardens of Great Britain and Ireland. Woburn kept the
Federation fully informed of its deliberations and actions throughout this
difficult time.

*********************************************************************
The
website for the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. (AAZK) is up and
running. Check it out at http://www.aazk.org The website include
information about AAZK, its projects and committees, excerpts from the
latest issue of "Animal Keepers' Forum", as well a current job listings
within the zoo community.

AAZK also has an Enrichment website which can be accessed at:
http://www.enrich.org/aazk
Those interested in joining the Enrichment Listserve should e-mail their
request to: jackbell@humboldt1.com

2000 AAZK Conference
The 2000 AAZK National Conference will be held October 8-12, 2000 and will
be hosted by the Columbus Zoo AAZK Chapter and the Columbus Zoo. It will
be held in Columbus, Ohio and will include paper sessions, workshops, zoo
visits, etc. Check out information on this conference by accessing its
website at: http://aazk2000.homestead.com For further information one may
also contact Scott Shelby or Beth Pohl, AAZK 2000 Executive Committee, P.
O. Box 1256, Powell, OH 43065.

Publications
The American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. offers the following
publications for sale:

1. 1999 Conference Proceedings containing the papers and synopsis of
workshops presented at the Portland, Oregon conference. Cost is $25.00
for AAZK members and $40 for non- members. Canada should add $5.00 for
air mail or for overseas surface postage. Overseas orders should add
$10.00 for air mail service.

2. AAZK Enrichment Notebook, Second Edition Revised - 213-page, tabbed
collection of enrichment information (plus an index) which includes an
overview of enrichment, a resource and suppliers list, links to enrichment
information, sample enrichment forms currently in use, guidelines for
enriching various taxa, risk assessment and safety issues, a browse plant
list, a toxic plant list, cookbook recipes, and an enrichment idea
catalog. Presented in a sturdy 3-inch binder. Cost is $45.00 for AAZK
members and $60.00 for nonmembers. Orders outside the U.S. should add
$15.00 for parcel post surface postage.

3. Resources for Crisis Management in Zoos and Other Animal Care
Facilities - 424-page reference work includes manuscripts by 56 authors on
topics dealing with crisis management in zoos. Includes chapters on
factors that influence crisis management in a zoological setting;
developing an emergency preparedness plan; emergency response and crisis
management teams; public relations in a crisis situation; animal restraint
and animal identification techniques; dealing with a crisis management
situation (zoo crisis, natural disaster, manmade disaster); injury and
death at the zoo; and taxon-specific crisis management protocols. Also
includes extensive appendix, supplier/equipment vendor list, etc. Cost is
$45.00 for AAZK members and $60.00 for nonmembers. Orders outside
continental United States need to add $10.00 for parcel post surface
postage.

For all publications, payments should be made out to AAZK, Inc. and made
in U.S. dollars only. Payment may be made by Mastercard or Visa when
including the type of card, name on the card, card numbers and expiration
date when ordering. Order forms for these and other AAZK publications may
be found on the AAZK website at http://www.aazk.org

*********************************************************************
AVIAN 2000

AVIAN 2000 takes place at Blackbrook Zoological Park, Winkhill, Nr. Leek,
Staffordshire, on April 15th/16th. Speakers booked so far are:

Frank Todd, Senior Research Fellow at Hubbs/Sea World Institution in San
Diego - 'IMPOSSIBLE DREAM': The saga of the creation of the Sea World
Penguin Encounters. Originally initiated as a long-term research venture,
the project ultimately evolved into an extremely comprehensive penguin
husbandry and propagation programme. The resulting San Diego Penguin
Encounter is still regarded by many zoo specialists as the finest animal
exhibit ever built. When I left Sea World in 1988, some 1,500 penguins of
9 species were maintained, most of which were self-sustaining, in four
Encounters (San Diego, Ohio, Florida and Texas).

Frank Todd - 'JUNGLE JEWELS': A kaleidoscopic look at some of the
fascinating jungle birds.
Many are brightly, even gaudily coloured, whereas other species make up
for the lack of
lavish colour with shape, song and even bizarre behaviour. Cotingas,
Manakins, Birds-of- paradise, Toucans, Pittas, Touracos, Hornbills and
Tanagers to name but a few, will all be covered.

Martin Kaiser, Curator of Birds Tierpark Zoo, Berlin 'Small Birds in High
Altitudes' The strange bird life of the Qinghai-Tibet-Plateau, China.

Martin Kaiser - 'Keeping and Breeding of some selected bird species at the
Tierpark Berlin'.

Raymond Sawyer - arguably owns one of the finest private collections of
Exotic Birds in the World.

Mike Lubbock, Sylvan Heights Waterfowl, North Carolina, USA - 'Torrent
Duck Project in Venezuela' Investigation into status of Torrent Ducks in
the wild, with regard to Captive Breeding in Venezuela for
re-introduction.

Christopher Marler, Owner/Curator Flamingo Gardens Zoological Park - 'A
Lifetime with Domestics' - Passing on his life's experience with
Domestics, Breeding, Exhibiting and Judging, laced with other anecdotes of
Wildlife.

Luuc Van Havere - has extensive private collection in Belgium, 'Keeping
and Breeding Ibis in Captivity'.

Nick Worth - 'WPA's future role in Aviculture' - will highlight some of
the exciting projects being supported by WPA's new Conservation Committee.
Pheasant projects in Malaysia, Thailand & Nepal are just a few of the
choice projects covered.

Nigel Jarrett, Threatened Species Officer The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust
- 'White-waters and New Zealand Blue Ducks' - In order to improve egg
fertility in ex-situ populations of this endangered species, a programme
of artificial insemination has been initiated by The Wildfowl & Wetlands
Trust. This talk will provide an update of the programme.

Philip Nelson and Chris Hindley, Wood Carving Demonstrations.

Nigel Marven, Producer of the New Television Series 'Giants' - HTV West.
'Feathers on Film -
a Birds Eye View'. "Subjects covered will include flying with Swallows
on migration for
'Incredible Journeys'. Water birds
for the 'Life of Birds', filming Scops Owl in the ancient Italian ruins of
Porsepelis and my first forays in front of the camera with Marabou Storks,
Albatross and Great Bustards. I was the supporting act of course"!

For further information email: Laurie@coldarbor.demon.co.uk

*********************************************************************
The
2000 edition of zoo directory "Quantum Verzeichnis" has just been
published and is available either through bookshops under ISBN
3-930962-05-5 or direct from the address below. Please check on the
price, though last year it was DM 25/Euro 12.75/$18/£10. Although
technically in German, the 303 page book is easy to read, listing
addresses, phone, fax, emails and internet addresses for a huge number of
European zoos, conservation organisations and individuals all indexed
with emails.This edition has included another 130 institutions over last
years. Quantum Conservation e.V. Heeder Dorfstrasse 44, 49356 Diepholz,
Germany Tel: 0049- (0)-5441-82133 Fax: 0049-(0)5441-82132
http://www.quantum-conservation.org http://www.species.net My last
edition proved to be an invaluable source of reference. Its compact size
allowed me to refer to it quickly and easily for information. You would be
silly not to purchase this important little book. I know that if you do
you would refer to it time and again.

*********************************************************************
Curso de Enriquecimiento Ambiental para Animales Silvestres en
Cautiverio. El Zoológico Nacional La Aurora de Guatemala, y El Zoo
Conservation Outreach Group ( ZCOG), presentan: CURSO DE
ENRIQUECIMIENTO AMBIENTAL PARA ANIMALES EN CAUTIVERIO Objetivo:
Capacitar a las personas que manejan animales silvestres en cautiverio en
el mejoramiento del medio cautivo. Dirigido a: Todas aquellas personas
involucradas en el manejo diario de especies silvestres en cautiverio.
Fecha: 21 al 24 de Junio de 2,000 Sede: Zoológico
Nacional "La Aurora" Dirección: Boulevard Juan Pablo II Zona 13 Interior
Ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala C. A. Organiza: Departamento Técnico
del Zoológico Nacional La Aurora, con el apoyo de ZCOG, Zoo Conservation
Outreach Group. a través de su área de capacitación y entrenamiento y el
Zoológico Audubon dentro de su programa de Zoológicos hermanos.
Instructores invitados DAVID J SHEPHERDSON, Director del programa de
enriquecimiento del Zoológico Metro Washington Park en Portland Oregon
EUA., Autor del libro, Second Nature, Enviromental Enrichment for
captive animals. JOSE BERNAL STOOPEN: Director del programa de
enriquecimiento del Zoológico de Chapultepec en México. Personal del
programa de enriquecimiento del Zoológico Audubon en New
~ Orleans,
Louisiana. TEMAS A TRATAR a Definición e Importancia del
Enriquecimiento en animales en cautiverio. a Importancia de los
programas de enriquecimiento. a Puntos más importantes para el
desarrollo de un programa de enriquecimiento. a Bases de conducta de
animales silvestres en cautiverio. a Tipos de enriquecimiento. a
Nutrición: a -Aspectos nutricionales adicionales para el desarrollo de
un programa de este tipo. a Riesgos que se corren al utilizar
enriquecimiento. a Entrenamiento, refuerzos positivos. a Sesiones
practicas en albergues del Zoológico La Aurora. COSTO: U. S.$100.00,
Que incluye material de trabajo, manual, reconocimiento y alimentación
dentro del Zoológico U. S.$ 60.00, Estudiantes con carné vigente.
FORMA DE PAGO: Extranjeros: Pueden hacer una transferencia de banco
hacia el banco Granai & Townson (G&T) a nombre de “Zoológico La Aurora,
Fondo Privativo”. Cuenta No. 36-557462-9. Enviar boleta de deposito vía
fax al (502) 4715286 para realizar la inscripción. Nacionales: Pueden
depositar en el banco a la misma cuenta, ó efectuar el pago en las
instalaciones del Zoológico. Fecha limite de inscripción: 31 de Mayo
de 2000. CUPO LIMITADO MAYOR INFORMACIÓN: Maria José Iturbide,
Departamento Técnico Zoológico La Aurora Tel. (502) 4720507 4720885,
Fax (502) 4715286. e-mail
href="mailto:mjiturbidef@hotmail.com?subject=Informacion%20del%20Curso%20d
e%20Enriquecimiento%20Ambiental"mjiturbidef@hotmail.com.

And the above translated on the internet using Babelfish.
http://babelfish.altavista.com/cgi-bin/translate?
try it yourself...it is a very clever programme

Course of Environmental Enrichment for Wild Animals in Captivity.

The Zoological National the Aurora of Guatemala, and El Zoo Conservation
Outreach Group (ZCOG), presents/displays:

COURSE OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT FOR ANIMALS IN CAPTIVITY

Objective: To enable the people who handle wild animals in captivity in
the improvement of the average captive. Directed a: All those people
involved in the daily handling of wild species in captivity.

Date: 21 to the 24 of June of 2000

Venue: Zoological National " The Aurora " Direction: Boulevard Juan Pablo
II Zona 13 Inner City of Guatemala, Guatemala C. A.

It organizes: Technical department of the Zoological National the Aurora,
with the support of ZCOG, Zoo Conservation Outreach Group. through its
area of qualification and training and the Zoological Audubon within its
program of Zoological brothers.

Invited instructors :
DAVID J SHEPHERDSON, Director of the program of enrichment of the
Zoological Washington Metro Park in Portland Oregon EUA., Author of the
book, Second Nature, Enviromental for Enrichment captive animals.

JOSE BERNAL STOOPEN: Director of the program of enrichment of the
Zoological one of Chapultepec in Mexico.

Personnel of the program of enrichment of the Zoological Audubon in New
Orleans, Louisiana.

SUBJECTS
Definition and Importance of the animal Enrichment in captivity.
Importance of the enrichment programs.
More important Points for the development of an enrichment program.
Bases of wild animal conduct in captivity.
Types of enrichment.
Nutrition: - Additional nutricionales aspects for the development of a
program of this type Risks that run when using enrichment. Positive
Training, reinforcements. Sessions you practice in shelters of Zoological
the Aurora.

COST:
U S.$100.00 That includes material of tr manual, recognition and feeding
within Zoological U S.$ 60.00 Students with effective membership card.

Further INFORMATION: Maria Jose Iturbide, Zoological Technical Department
Aurora Tel. (502) 4720507 4720885, Fax (502) 4715286.
emailmjiturbidef@hotmail.com


href="mailto:mjiturbidef@hotmail.com?subject=Informacion%20del%20Curso%20d
e%20Enriquecimiento%20Ambiental"
*********************************************************************
The
Research Group of the Federation of Zoos of Britain and Ireland will be
holding its second symposium on Zoo Research on 6 - 7th July 2000. This
will once again be hosted by Paignton Zoo and the emphasis will be on
generating a friendly and supportive atmosphere for student researchers.
Oral or poster presentations on any subject are welcome, providing they
report on recent results obtained wholly or largely in a zoo environment.
It is expected that oral presentations will be approximately 20 minutes in
length.

Following the success of the first meeting last year, the symposium this
year has been extended to two days and will include a workshop on the
possibilities and limitations of non- invasive hormone analysis in zoo
studies. There will also be the opportunity to have a tour of Paignton Zoo
Environmental Park, with members of the Science Department, during the
afternoon before the meeting (5th July).

The registration fee is £20 for students/unwaged delegates and £30 for
waged delegates. This will include attendance at the meeting, lunch and
refreshments on the 6th and 7th July and one copy of the proceedings. A
registration form is attached, please complete and return it with your
cheque (credit card bookings can be arranged for delegates from abroad,
please contact me). The deadline for submission of a presentation title
and abstract is the 19th May 2000 and for registration only is the 30th
June. Please feel free to pass on this information and copies of the
registration form to interested colleagues.

Delegates are responsible for arranging their own accommodation; a huge
list of hotels and guesthouses can be obtained by searching for hotels in
Paignton on the electronic yellow pages (http://www.eyp.co.uk) and a map
of the area can be found on Torbay Council's website
(http://www.torbay.gov.uk). A venue for delegates wishing to get together
for evening meals on the 5th and 6th July will be arranged at a later
date. I look forward to meeting you and enjoying another successful
meeting in July.

Amy Plowman

(Please contact Amy for Registration Form)
Dr Amy Plowman Tel: +44 (0)1803 697514
Science Officer
Paignton Zoo Environmental Park
Totnes Road, Paignton Email: aplowman@paigntonzoo.org.uk
Devon TQ4 7EU
UK

http://www.paigntonzoo.org.uk

*********************************************************************
BEAR
ADVISORY GROUP

Bear Care for the Next Millenium:
An Animal Care Workshop on Husbandry, Training and Enrichment

May 7 & 8, 2000
Toledo Zoo
Toledo, Ohio
There is an increasing awareness within the zoological community of the
need for a coordinated approach to the management of animal species. This
coordination is not limited to species of any particular regions but in
many cases will have to be a global effort. This is particularly true of
bears in captivity. There are many issues that need to be addressed such
as, behavior, exhibition, and conservation. It is hoped that the
conference will address these issues and put forward possible solutions.
The goals of the workshop should be to identify the problems we face as
captive managers of this remarkable species and develop and share fresh
ideas in husbandry training and enrichment. It will outline the present
status of bears in the wild and recent conservation issues . Recognize the
new trends in bear captive management. Identify the behavioral needs of
bears in captivity . Identify ways to improve the husbandry of bears in
captivity Identify the current information available on bear husbandry.
“Bear Essentials” is the theme for all Bear TAG workshops. The goal of
this 4th workshop is to provide guidance in the area of captive
management. The plan is to discuss current trends, the needs of the bears
and ways to best improve our direction of captive management for bears in
the future. Other topics will include training and enrichment of bears
and the benefits for the animal caretakers as well as the bears. The final
goal of this workshop is continue to educate zoo professionals about
current conservation work involving bears. We are expecting a record
number of abstract submissions, so early contact with the Program
Committee is critical. Abstracts will be accepted for review until April
20, 2000. Abstracts should be limited to one or two paragraphs, should
describe in detail the significance of the presentation topic, and should
briefly list the results, conclusions, or benefits of the work described.
Because the abstracts will be printed in the conference program it is
essential that submissions be well organized and clearly written. Upon
acceptance of a paper or workshop abstract, a letter of notification will
be mailed to the presenter along with the guidelines for typing papers for
Workshop Proceedings. A typed draft of each paper on disc, (MS Word), is
due at the time of presentation for publication in the Workshop
Proceedings.

Abstracts must include the following information:
Name of Presenter and/or Co-Authors
Zoological Affiliation
Position / Title
Title of Paper / Title of Workshop
Audiovisual Equipment Needs

Send Abstract to:
Diana Weinhardt
Houston Zoological Gardens
1513 N. MacGregor Dr.
Houston, TX 77030

or for further information email: beartagsow@aol
*********************************************************************
COMMITTING TO CONSERVATION CONFERENCE VIDEO
(December 9-12, 1999, hosted by the Zoological Society of San Diego):
For those of you who
are
interested in viewing raw video footage of keynote speakers and/or a 12
minute edited summary piece, they may now be accessed using RealPlayer
through mid April on your personal computer at the URL below. In lieu of
publishing conference proceedings, the text for many presentations is also
available at this URL. It is hoped that these technologies will minimize
paper waste and will also effectively allow "virtual" conference
attendance for those that may not have been able to travel to San Diego.
Please send any comments or feedback you may have to Conference
Co-coordinator Valerie Thompson at vthompson@sandiegozoo.org so that we
may best evaluate the needs in planning future such conferences.

http://www.sandiegozoo.org/special/whatsnew/making_a_difference_mission.ht
ml

A great idea. I will certainly be paying this a visit.
*********************************************************************
*********************************************************************
Fellowship Announcement

The Toledo Zoological Society established the Roger Conant Research
Fellowship in 1990 to honor the scientific contributions of Roger Conant,
the Zoo's first Curator and Research Scientist. Tenure of the fellowship
falls within a flexible two-month period between 1 May and 30 November of
each year. It provides housing and a $1,500.00 stipend for upper-level
undergraduate or graduate students from an accredited four-year university
majoring in animal husbandry, biology, wildlife management, or related
field. Students will be integrated into research projects developed by
Toledo Zoo staff. Selections will be on the basis of merit. Application
materials may be obtained from Dr. Peter J. Tolson, Conservation
Biologist, Toledo Zoological Society, P.O. Box 4010, Toledo, OH 43609 and
should be submitted prior to 1 April.

*********************************************************************
The
Rhinoceros Browse Survey

John Frost of Chester Zoo has once again produced a browse survey. This
one is for the Rhinoceros and deals with the four captive species. Before
I had even opened this 22 page booklet I was impressed by the imaginative
and humorous cover illustration. Regrettably I found no indication as to
the identity of the artist. Perhaps this is one of Johns’ talents which I
have not previously seen. Like all of Johns’ previous works this is
extremely well researched, relying heavily on the first hand experiences
of those working with the species. As such it is essential reading for
anyone working with or involved with Rhinos. The booklet costs £6.50
inclusive of postage and packaging. Please include an extra £1.50 for air
mail postage.

I know that John has been having e-mail problems recently and I am not
sure if they are sorted yet. If you are interested in this valuable little
publication, please, in the first instance e-mail
rhino@elvinhow.prestel.co.uk and all correspondence will be passed on to
John.
*********************************************************************

Since 1994, the Zoological Society of San Diego, in conjunction with the
Australian Koala Foundation (AKF), has been organizing teams of
representatives from interested zoos to assist in collecting field data in
Australia with regard to koala habitat utilization and tree species
preferences. The data gathered will be analyzed to develop regional
models for habitat use by koalas and to subsequently complete further
computerized Geographic Information System based mapping specific to
koalas called the 'Koala Habitat Atlas'.

Two 2000 field expeditions are currently being offered to zoo
representatives interested in participating in this koala conservation
effort. Proposed dates for the expeditions are as follows:

1. August 12th -27th in north-central New South Wales in an area
determined as high priority by the NSW Koala Recovery Team. 2. September
30th - October 15th to the Strezelecki Ranges area of southern Victoria.

Accommodation during the field work may be in dormitory type facilities
with participants helping to prepare group meals. Total costs incurred
by each participant include $750 U.S.(which covers all meals,
accommodation and travel costs during the field expedition), plus airfare
and any extra costs incurred outside of the actual field work, such as
hotel and meal expense before or after the field work is complete. Spaces
are limited and will be filled on a first come first serve basis.

Any interested representatives should contact Valerie Thompson by mail,
fax, phone, or e-mail as listed : Valerie Thompson, Associate Curator of
Mammals, San Diego Zoo, P.O. Box 551, San Diego, CA 92112-0551; phone
(619) 685-3226, fax (619) 232-4117, e-mail vthompson@sandiegozoo.org

*********************************************************************
Martina Raffel & Dirk Petzold would like to announce that they (the
Bielefeld Zoo-AG) have just started a German zoo newsletter, called
"Zoopresseschau", taking ZooNews Digest as a model. As they rightly point
out, ZooNews Digest reaches almost every region of the world, but "only"
contains the news in English . Important zoo areas like Japan, France and
Germany are, for the most part excluded. They would like to fill this gap
for the German speakers. As many of ZooNews Digest readers are able to
understand German, this will probably be of interest. Go to:
http://www.zoo-information.de/ to subscribe. They will also do their best
to find a good translation engine that will enable even the not-
German-speakers to find out what our articles are about. Something similar
to the one on their English homepage: http:// www.zoo-ag.de/english.htm

Zoo-AG Bielefeld - Student's Workgroup Zoobiology:
http://www.zoo-ag.de

Zoological Society for the Conservation of Species and Populations -
Editor http://www.zgap.de

********************************************************************* It
is around twelve months since I last posted a list of enrichment websites.
This week I spent a little time to see which links were still live and to
search for anything new. The new list is posted below. If you are aware of
any important sites I may have missed, please contact me. Thanks.

Environmental Enrichment in Captive Marmosets and Tamarins
http://arrs.envirolink.org/psyeta/hia/vol8/buchanan.html

http://mommensj.web2010.com/menvirn.htm

Environmental Enrichment Scrapbook
http://www.well.com/user/abs/dbs/eesb/

AAZK Environmental Enrichment for Captive Animals
http://www.enrich.org/aazk/

Environmental Enrichment (EE) for Captive Animals
http://www.iwec.org/enrichment.htm
Environmental Enrichment for Primates


http://www.animalwelfare.com/Lab_animals/biblio/enrich.htm

Environmental enhancement of caged Rhesus Macaques
http://www.primate.wisc.edu/pin/pef/slide/intro.html

Social Enrichment
http://www.cwu.edu/~cwuchci/enrichment.html

The Shape of Enrichment
http://enrichment.org/publication.html

Animal Enrichment
http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Vines/8435/ak/enrich/index.htm

Arkanimals Enrichment Page
http://www.arkanimals.com/E/Enrich.html

Environmental Enrichment for Captive Animals (Links)
http://www.well.com/user/elliotts/smse_enrich.html

Articles on Environmental Enrichment and Psychological Well-Being
http://www.brown.edu/Research/Primate/enrich.html

Environmental Enrichment: Does It Reduce Barbering in Mice?
http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/newsletters/v8n2/8n2deluc.htm

Environmental enrichment for laboratory mice: preferences and consequences
http://pablo.ubu.ruu.nl/~proefsch/01801846/inhoud.htm

Environmental Enrichment Information Resources for Laboratory Animals
http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/pubs/enrich/intro.htm

Environmental Enrichment -- Operant Conditioning (List)
http://www.primate.wisc.edu/pin/owagner.html

Environmental Enrichment
http://www.wwwebspace.co.uk/~abwak/enrich.htm

Environmental Enrichment Information Resources for Nonhuman Primates
http://netvet.wustl.edu/species/primates/primenv.htm

Annotated Bibliography on Environmental Enrichment for Nonhuman Primates
http://www.animalwelfare.com/Lab_animals/biblio/

Zoo Husbandry and Research: An Integrated Approach
http://arrs.envirolink.org/psyeta/hia/vol8/pastorello.html

Paignton Zoo Enrichment programmes
http://www.paigntonzoo.demon.co.uk/PROJECTS.HTM

Oregon Zoo Enrichment programmes
http://zooregon.org/cards/Enrichment/enrich.htm

Environmental Enrichment for Captive Wildlife Through the Simulation of
Gum Feeding http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/pubs/primates/4n3kelly.htm

Behavioural Enrichment
http://www.wolfpark.org/Links_enrichment.html

Using Inexpensive Feeding Equipment and Techniques for Primate Enrichment
http://www.psyeta.org/hia/vol8/rice.html

Primate Enrichment Forum
http://pantheon.yale.edu/~seelig/pef/

CAZA Enrichment Listserve Archives
http://www.caza.org/enrich/

Readings and Resources on Environmental Enrichment
http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/Animal_Alternatives/enrich.htm

The Nuts to Bolts of Captive Chimpanzee Diets and Food as Enrichment: A
Survey http://www.psyeta.org/jaaws/v2n3.html#The Nuts to Bolts of Captive
Chimpanzee Diets and Food as Enric

Orangutan Enrichment
http://www.orangutan.com/ar_enrichment.shtml

Los Angeles Zoo Elephant Enrichment
http://lazoo.org/elephants/b-e.html

*********************************************************************
Again a list that I have not updated for about a year. Can you add others?

On line Guidelines & Husbandry manuals

AZA Bear TAG
http://www.bearden.org

AZA Felid TAG
http://www.csew.com/felidtag/

AZA Canid TAG
http://members.xoom.com/mthor/dogs/

AZA Antelope TAG
http://members.xoom.com/mthor/antelope/

Golden lion tamarin
http://www.si.edu/glt/

Red panda
http://www.s.i.edu/natzoo/redpanda/

AZA Avian Interest Grp
http://www.riverbanks.org/aig/index.html

Tigers
http://www.5tigers.org

Marine mammals
http://www.zalophus.demon.co.uk

European mink
http://www.zzz.ee/zoo/naarits/eng.html

Palm Cockatoo
http://www.funnyfarmexotics.com/PALM/index.htm

Cotton-top tamarin
http://www.selu.com/~bio/cottontop/husbandry/index.html

Red Squirrel
http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/6784/Guidelines.html

Pond Turtle
http://www.tortoise.org/archives/clemmys.html

Fruit Bat Husbandry Manual
http://www.riverbanks.org/battag/links/husbandry_manual.html

*********************************************************************
Zoo
Staff Personals

Looking for work? Someone to travel with? Somewhere to stay? Let me know
and I will post it here.

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

Situations Vacant
(Please mention you saw the advertisement in ZooNews Digest should you
apply for any of these posts, many thanks) Do you have a vacancy to
advertise? Please email me.
*********************************************************************
Lead
Presenter - Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo's Presenter team work to enhance the education experience for
visitors, working alongside keepers to give interesting and lively formal
and informal presentations. We need a Lead Presenter to manage this team.
The job requires considerable public interaction, confidence, a genuine
interest in animals and an outgoing personality. A science/natural history
background is preferred and some presentation experience in an
animal/conservation role. Applications in writing to Mrs Jayne Quinn,
Chester Zoo, Caughall Road, Upton, Chester CH2 1LH with a letter and CV
detailing work experience, general personal details and a daytime
telephone number. Enquiries 01244 650232. Interviews will be held early
March.

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

NUTRITION RESIDENT – The Department of Nutritional Resources is seeking a
motivated individual to serve a two-year residency in Zoo Animal
Nutrition. The applicants should have an advanced degree in nutrition (MS
or PhD); veterinarians may be considered if they have specialized
training/experience in comparative animal nutrition. Applicants must
demonstrate through work experience and/or education a commitment to the
field of zoo animal nutrition and show expertise in both practical,
applied nutritional science and research efforts. The resident will be
selected based on the above factors, as well as the following: computer
literacy and expertise, ability to communicate effectively, both orally
and in writing, a demonstrated ability to effectively work with staff at a
variety of skill levels and experience in a zoo setting,

The resident will receive training in all aspects of animal food
operations including purchasing, warehousing, quality control,
distribution and record keeping. Thorough training in nutrition
laboratory procedures will be provided. The resident will apply his/her
knowledge and experience in nutrition to assist the nutritionist in diet
formulation, feeding program development, generation of reports and
educational presentations, diet analysis by computer and by wet chemistry
and record keeping. The resident will be involved in publishable,
original research. The resident will also periodically travel to other
zoos in the US to evaluate diets and gain experience with a wide variety
of species and feedstuffs. The stipend is $25,000 per year, with a travel
allowance to permit attendance at one scientific meeting per year.
References will be required. Send resume by March 1 to: Dr. Mary E.
Allen, Nutritionist, Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park, 3001
Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008. For more information please
fax (202) 673-4898 or email: mallen@nzp.si.edu


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

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF CONSERVATION EDUCATION
AMERICAN ZOO AND AQUARIUM ASSOCIATION

This Assistant Director will participate in every phase of building a
world-class education department for the American Association of Zoos and
Aquariums (AZA). Reporting to the Director of Conservation Education, the
Assistant Director will participate in all phases of departmental
development, be responsible for coordinating AZA education projects and
programs and provide some administrative support. General duties will
include evaluation and cataloging of educational resources, general and
technical writing, conducting surveys to identify member's needs,
participating on education's strategic planning team, servicing member
requests for information about education, and general administrative
support. Responsibilities will include, for example:

*Coordinate special projects/programs for the education
department.Includes research, budgeting, scheduling, subcontracting
services and summary reporting.

*Review, evaluate and catalog educational curricula.

*Assist AZA Information Manager with departmental information for AZA
database.

*Draft general copy about AZA education for brochures, articles for
Communiqué, etc.

*Assist Director of Conservation Education with writing grant proposals.

*Assist Director of Conservation Education with surveys to include
writing, distribution, collection, tabulation, analysis and reporting.

*Participate in development and annual review/revision of departmental
plans and protocols (strategic planning, database structure and function,
curriculum evaluation, member service, etc.)

*Assist Director of Conservation Education with preparation of
departmental budget

*Serve AZA members and the general public as front-line resource on AZA
education. Receive and respond to requests for information via mail,
phone, fax, email, etc.

*Provide general administrative support including maintaining files,
address/contact lists and processing correspondence for the Director of
Conservation Education .

Ideal candidate would seek an opportunity to actively improve informal
environmental and
conservation education through collaborative efforts of educators at AZA
member zoos and aquariums. Candidate should be familiar with issues
relevant to the zoo and aquarium industry; have excellent oral, written
and interpersonal communication skills; and be competent with word
processing and system operating software, and email and Internet use.
System currently uses MS Windows, Word, Excel, Access and Outlook.
Bachelors degree required. Skills or experience in teaching, surveying,
informal education or evaluation are pluses.

Salary commensurate with experience. Check http://www.aza.org
Send resume, inquiries or comments to Bruce Carr at AZA, 8403 Colesville
Road, Suite 710; Silver Spring, MD 20910-3314.

*********************************************************************
Relief Keeper/ Pittsburgh Zoo – requires good communication/
organisational skills and ability to work well with others in a team
environment. Associates or 4 year Degree in Biology/ Zoology/ related
field preferred or equivalent experience. Prefer one year’s work
experience with an AZA accredited zoo mammal collection working with large
cats, carnivores, and primates. A working knowledge of operant
conditioning preferred. Must obtain a valid PA drivers license and a
negative TB test. Responsible for providing animal care and well being,
monitoring animal health, maintaining cleanliness of animal areas, animal
behavior conditioning and enrichment, diet preparation, and exhibit
modification. Will make formal and informal presentations. Requires
heavy lifting up to 80 pounds, repetitive movement, bending, lifting,
walking, and standing extended periods of time. Must be able to work all
shifts, weekends, and holidays outside in all weather conditions. Please
contact: Pittsburgh Zoo, Human Resources Department, One Wild Place,
Pittsburgh PA 15206. Closing date March 25, 2000.

********************************************************************* For
the most up to date links to sites advertising Zoo work go to:
http://members.tripod.com/~Sciurus/index.html

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

Meetings

2nd IMATA (International Marine Animal Trainers Association)
16 March 2000
Benidorm, Spain.
For further info contact : Sabrina Labberté, Bejsebakkevej 26, DK 9000
Aalborg Denmark +45.98123393 home phone +45.96312925 work phone
+45.98131933 fax work email: sablab@hotmail.com

The 3rd European Workshop: Training elephants
>From March 23 to 26, 2000
Vienna Zoo, Austria,
Europe.
For further details please e-mail Dr. Harald M. Schwammer :
hschwammer@zoovienna.at

ARAZPA/ASZK Annual Conference
20 – 24 March 2000
Sea World,
Gold Coast, Australia
Email : trevorl@seaworld.com. or aileenm@seaworld.com.au

AZA 2000 Eastern Regional Conference
The Zoo, Gulf Breeze
22 - 25 March
email : education@the-zoo.com

Fourteenth Annual Conference of the European Cetacean Society (ECS)
2-5 April 2000
University of Cork
Eire
Papers on pinnipeds will also be accepted at the conference. For more
information, see the ECS web site at
http://web.inter.nl.net/users/J.W.Broekema/ecs/ecs-2000.htm

AZA 2000 Western Regional Conference
El Paso Zoo, Texas
5 - 8 April
email : epzooeduca@aol.com

EAZA Spring Council Meeting
7 - 9 April 2000
Dublin Zoo
Eire

Representing Animals at the End of the Century
April 13-15, 2000
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
For further information email: auctr20cs@uwm.edu

AZA 2000 Central Regional Conference
Toledo Zoo
3 - 6 May
email : AZAConf@Toledozoo.org

Bear Care for the Next Millenium:
An Animal Care Workshop on Husbandry, Training and Enrichment
7 - 8 May 7 2000
Toledo Zoo
Toledo, Ohio
For further info contact D. Weinhardt, email : beartagsow@aol

“Genetic Resources for the New Century.”
May 8-12, 2000
San Diego Wild Animal Park
For more information, contact conference organizers, Oliver Ryder, Ph.D.,
oryder@ucsd.edu or Kurt Benirschke, M.D. kbenirsc@ucsd.edu Speakers,
tentative program, brochure and registration information are posted at:
http:// www.sandiegozoo.org/cres/genetic_conference.html

PAAZAB Annual General Meeting and Conference
(Pan African Association of Zoological Gardens, Aquaria and Botanic
Gardens)
10 - 12 May 2000.
Hosted by the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa
Pretoria, South Africa.
Please direct enquiries to: The PAAZAB Secretariat via email
murphy@pixie.co.za

British Veterinary Zoological Society Spring Meeting 2000
'Emerging Diseases'
13-14th May 2000
Cotswold Wildlife Park, England.
Anyone wishing to present a paper should contact Michael Waters
(mwaters@rvc.ac.uk), Pathology and Infectious Diseases, Royal Veterinary
College, Hawkshead Lane North Mymms, Hatfield Herts AL9 7TA, United
Kingdom. Fax: +44(1707)661464. Student papers, reviews and original
research are all very welcome. The meeting is being held in a very
beautiful area of England so why not combine continuing education with a
short break in the Cotswolds. For registration details, please contact
Derek Lyon (DGLyon9@aol.com), 4 Butts Hill Court, Chester Road, Gresford,
Wrexham LL12 8NH, United Kingdom. Fax: +44(1978)852065 Tel:
+44(1978)852866

“The Apes: Challenges for the 21st Century”
May 10 -13 2000
Hilton, Lisle/Naperville
This unique conference will focus on the apes of the world and will bring
together researchers, zoological park personnel, and field biologists to
share and disseminate the most current information on husbandry,
conservation, and emergent issues pertaining to captive and wild
populations of apes. For information on registration and submission of
abstracts contact the Brookfield Zoo Ape Conference Planning Committee at
(708) 485-0263 ext 604, FAX (708) 485-3140 or e-mail
APECON@BROOKFIELDZOO.ORG or visit :
http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/apeweb/conf.htm

Consciousness, Cognition and Animal Welfare
The UFAW Symposium
11-12 May 2000
London
For further info contact:
Dr Stephen Wickens, UFAW. Email: wickens@ufaw.org.uk

UK Herp TAG
12-13 May 2000
Chester Zoo
Further details E-mail: heather.hall@zsl.org

First conference of the African Zoo and Reserve Educators Network
(AZOREN) 12 - 18 May 2000 Pretoria Zoo, South Africa Theme of this
training conference is "Effective & Efficient AZOREN; Starting the
Conservation Educators Network". For further information please contact:
Cherylene Odendaal or Dina Roos of Pretoria Zoo. Telephone :
0027-12-3283265 / 3206020 Fax : 0027-12-3234540 E-mail :
zoologic@cis.co.za

Annual Conference of the Federation of Zoological Gardens of Great Britain
and Ireland 19 - 21 May 2000 Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens, Norfolk, UK

The Union of the Czech and Slovak Zoological Gardens Annual Conference 25
- 27 May 2000 Zoo Chomutov, Czech Republic For further information please
contact: fax: +420-66-7302839 e-mail: jizoo@brn.pvtnet.cz

Fifth International Elephant Research Symposium
1-3 June 2000
Portland, Oregon
email: dolson@indyzoo.com

The 2nd Zoo Research Symposium
6 - 7 July 2000
Paignton Zoo
E-mail : aplowman@paigntonzoo.org.uk

Fourth International Penguin Conference
Coquimbo, Chile
September 4 - 8 2000
For Further info : gluna@nevados.cecun.ucn.cl

Zoo Federation Plant Group Conference
September 13th - 15th 2000
Cotswold Wildlife Park
For further info:
"Colin Wren" gardens@rzss.org.uk

17th EAZA/EEP Annual Conference
19 - 24 September 2000
Aalborg Zoo,
Denmark
nvdzoos@nvdzoos.nl

15th International Zoo Educators’ Conference
1 - 6 October 2000
Guadalajara, Mexico
For more information contact Maria Eugenia Martinez Arizmendi,
head of the Education Department.
Telephone : 0052-3-6744104
Fax : 0052-3-674-4488
E-mail : 104164.3717@compuserve.com

2000 AAZK Conference
8 – 12 October 2000
Columbus Zoo
Check out information on this conference by accessing its
website at: http://aazk2000.homestead.com

Elephant Managers International Conference
6 - 9 October 2000
Syracuse, New York
For more information please contact
Adrienne Whiteley on : bpzoo@emi.com

Panda 2000 International Conference
An international conference on the giant panda will be held in San Diego,
California (USA) October 16-19, 2000. The Zoological Society of San Diego
and the World Wildlife Fund are co- hosts. A program consisting primarily
of work-shops, panel discussions and poster sessions is planned. Topics
in conservation, education, training, research, health, reproduction, and
captive management will be co covered. Persons interested in attending
this meeting are encouraged to contact the Local Arrangements Chair:
Helena Fitch-Snyder, Zool. Soc. of San Diego, PO Box 120551, San Diego, CA
92112. Phone: (619) 557-3954, FAX: (619) 557-3959; E-mail
helena@sandiegozoo.org.

Reproduction and integrated conservation science.
9th and 10th November, 2000
A Zoological Society of London Symposium
The Meeting Rooms, Zoological Society of London
To register your interest in attending this symposium please contact: D.
Body, Scientific Meetings Co-ordinator, Zoological Society of London,
Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK or email: Deborah.Body@zsl.org
If you would be interested in submitting a poster presentation, please
indicate this.

5th International Aquarium Congress
Monaco
Organised by the Oceanographic Institute of Oceanography
20 - 25th November 2000
For further information email: iac2000monaco@meditnet.com
or write to : Secretariat of the 5th IAC 2000, Oceanographic Institute,
Av.St.Martin, MC 98000 Monaco Tel.: +377-93-25.36.00, Fax :
+377-93-30.90.95.

Ecology and Conservation of Mini-antelope
An international symposium on duiker and dwarf antelope in Africa
Hosted by the Marwell Zimbabwe Trust
12th-17th February 2001
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Contact aplowman@paigntonzoo.org.uk for further info


************************************************************************
Help Wanted

Need assistance? You could try Zoo Biology, it is probably your best bet
for animal information. However ZooNews Digest reaches more like minded
people, more often than any other similar publication on the planet! So
you could try here. Let me know and I will post it.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

My name is Alice Munzarova and I study at the Institute of Anthropology at
the Faculty of Science, Masaryk University at Brno in Czech republic. I
am 23 years old, and I write my diploma thesis. The name of thesis is:
Flexion creases on the palm of primates and human. My tutor is Doc. MUDr.
Vladimir Novotny, CSc. and consultant is Ing. RNDr. Ludek J. Dobroruka.
The subject of my thesis is variability of flexion creases on the palm by
primates in dependence of locomotion and by human in dependence of one
sided loading of hand (for example by violinist). I am looking for primate
palm prints or photographs of a palms. I am particularily interested in
these genera: Gorilla, Pan, Pongo, Symphalangus and Hylobates. I beg of
you for help. I hope it would be possible and you could help me. Can you
write me, that you have some photographs in your archive, or that you can
make for me palm prints or photoes? Or when you can tell me some
instruction and so on. Thank you very much for your answer, Yours very
sincerely Alice.

My address is: Alice Munzarova alice@sci.muni.cz
Vinarska 5/A1
603 00 BRNO
Czech republic

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Deborah Stafford is looking for WORK EXPERIENCE in late June /July working
with REPTILES in AUSTRALIA. At present she is a preclinical vet at
Cambridge university, England and wants to further her knowledge with the
aim to becoming a reptile medicine specialist. Specialist reptile zoos,
Veterinary practices, Wildlife rehabilitation centres would be ideal. Any
help with contact postal / email addresses would be greatly appreciated .
Please contact Deborah direct on email: dhs23@hermes.cam.ac.uk

(I have known Deborah since she was about eight years old. In fact I may
be partially to blame for her long term interest in Reptiles. She has done
two periods of work experience with us. She is a very nice person ,
dedicated, a hard worker and an excellent artist....Peter)
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

In May 2000 the Toledo Zoo will be hosting the AZA regional conference. As
part of this conference we will be conducting a workshop on
zookeeper-driven research projects. We would like to compile a list of
zookeepers and aquarists who are conducting research projects along with a
short description of their projects and contact information. Thank you in
advance for your information, Greg Lipps and Bill Flanagan Dept. of
Herpetology Toledo Zoo Herpers@toledozoo.org

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

Zoo Biology

To subscribe send an e-mail to: zoo-biology-subscribe@egroups.com
For those of you unfamiliar with Email groups they work like this. You
subscribe. You can then post questions, answer questions, make
observations, inform or just read the Email. This will arrive with some
regularity (depending on the flow of information). By Zoo Biology I mean
anything relating to zoo management. Hediger described this as “the
science which embraced everything which was biologically relevant to the
management of the zoological garden.” The more that join up the more
effective a management tool it will become. Go on, give it a try, and
subscribe. Remember no-one will pressurize you to contribute....but you
may want to help. There is a members only chat site attached to Zoo
Biology. This appears to work quite well. There are 588+ Zoo Biology
subscribers to date. More join each week.. Do be prepared to get a lot of
messages.

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

Sites worth checking out
Have you got a suggestion? Let me check it out.

WILDLIFE INFORMATION NETWORK
http://www.wildlifeinformation.org

Gunung Leuser National Park, Sumatra.
http://www.eu-ldp.co.id

Avian Bibliography Page
http://easyweb.easynet.co.uk/dennisv/index.htm
All I can say is...Brilliant! Just Touraco, Kea and Hornbill at present
but Dennis is looking for references he may have missed or links to other
bird bibliographies.

Ratites Bibliography
http://duke.usask.ca/~ladd/rat_all.htm

Research and Reference Material on the Leopard
http://www.bigcats.com/reference/leopard.html

Chimpanzee Cultures
http://chimp.st-and.ac.uk/cultures

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

Many thanks.

For those of you who have not received the News previously, you have been
included because someone has suggested you might be interested. If this is
not the case please email me and I shall remove your name.

Kind Regards,

Wishing you a wonderful week,

Peter Dickinson,