Zoo News Digest 16th - 21st April 2009 (Zoo News 588)
http://zoonewsdigest.com/
Peter Dickinson peterd482001@yahoo.co.uk
Dear Colleagues,
It has been an absolutely crazy week. It has been Songkran (the water festival) here in my little corner of the universe. It has been very difficult to carry out a normal life. I would like to have included photographs but unless you have a waterproof camera you are in trouble. I did manage one photo and two short video clips (taken at 04.30 in the morning) taken outside the bar which I include below. I had the camera in a plastic bag!! I don't think I was dry for four days.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwJNQ1FRWM4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3HZBOqiTd4
I did manage to complete a few new hubpages. This one does include a few zoo stories.
Should I Be Here Or Somewhere Else?
The other, a political explanation, seems to have earned me a threat...see the comments.
Red Shirts Yellow Shirts and Politics in Thailand
Hubpages are brilliant, quick to create webpages which can earn you a small passive income from day one. Read my "Quick Guide to Hub Construction." http://ewerl.com/Ua92gJ I truly believe it will be worth your while.
This Weeks Books of Interest to the Zoo Professional
http://moourl.com/6rk1w
On with the links:
Rare Otago skinks to be bred in wildlife park
A major step in protecting the genetic diversity of a critically endangered western Otago skink has been taken with the transfer of five skinks to a specialist wildlife park in Christchurch. The juvenile skinks are the first from the population of 40 at Awa Nohoaka Conservation Area, near Lake Hawea, to be transferred to captivity. Department of Conservation ranger Lesley Judd said this group's genetic signature differed from that of the larger eastern Otago population at Macraes Flat, and they were living in an unprotected area vulnerable to predators such as stoats, rats and mice. "The transfer is a major step towards protecting the genetic diversity of this vulnerable species." Their new home is at Peacock Springs Wildlife Park, a predator-proof breeding facility which is also home to tuatara, black stilts and orange-fronted parakeets. The Lady Diana Isaac Wildlife http://www.odt.co.nz/the-regions/canterbury/51566/rare-otago-skinks-be-bred-wildlife-park
£20m of ivory seized as poachers return to their prey
The decision to allow a sale of ivory to China and Japan could be fuelling a rise in smuggling, reports Cahal MilmoInvestigators have seized £20m worth of illegal ivory in south-east Asia in the past six weeks, including the third largest haul of elephant tusks on record, The Independent has learnt.Customs officials in Vietnam last month discovered 1,200 sections of tusks from up to 900 elephants, weighing 6.23 tonnes, hidden inside a consignment of waste plastic which had been sent from the Tanzanian port of Dar es Salaam. Conservation bodies said that poaching in countries from Kenya and Tanzania to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Sudan is reaching levels not seen since a global ban on ivory sales was imposed in 1989 and was placing the remaining wild elephant http://moourl.com/nh0x2
Eco-Islam: Malaysia's Imams to preach against poaching
Malaysia's Muslim preachers have been enlisted in the fight for wildlife conservation, using passages from the Koran to raise awareness and help protect some of the world's most endangered species.After a successful campaign last year, when more than 400 mosques in the state of Terengganu held sermons focusing on turtle conservation issues, WWF decided to extend the project to support efforts to tackle poaching.The conservation group is running workshops for local imams, explaining the importance of wildlife protection.“There are several passages within the Koran which talk about the responsibility of humans in protecting our environment and wildlife,” said Umi A’ Zuhrah from the Tiger Conservation Programme at WWF-Malaysia.“Religious leaders are http://www.panda.org/wwf_news/news/?uNewsID=162082#
Jenny the elephant debate to grow even bigger with billboard campaign
The plight of Jenny the elephant just got a lot bigger. About 14 feet by 48 feet, to be exact. Concerned Citizens for Jenny, a group that wants the Dallas Zoo's 32-year-old elephant sent to a sanctuary, has posted six billboards in the area, from Garland to Greenville Avenue. The billboards differ slightly from one another,, but each shows a photo of Jenny, her trunk flung over a gray wall at the http://moourl.com/qrc1x
An assessment of trade in gibbons and orang-utans in Sumatra, Indonesia http://moourl.com/dx5jv
Orangutans threatened by illegal pet trade
Orangutans are still being captured for pets in Indonesia, further threatening the survival of the critically endangered great apes, conservationists said Thursday, blaming poor law enforcement.The wildlife trade monitoring network TRAFFIC — using data from rehabilitation centers as an indicator for the trend — said rapid deforestation poses the biggest danger to the estimated 7,300 Sumatran orangutans left in the wild.Despite years of legal protection and awareness campaigns, the capture and trade of these apes for pets or local zoos continues to contribute to the decline in these species, said Chris Shepherd, the group's acting director in Southeast Asia."Without serious penalties, this illegal trade will continue, and these species will continue to spiral toward extinction," he said, noting that the animals are generally caught when they are young and often handed over to rehabilitation centers when they are too old or big to be held as pets.More than 140 orangutans were brought to one such center on Sumatra island between 2002-2008 — numbers that mirrored those in the '70s, when the trade went largely unchecked, the British-based group said."If this situation continues, the Sumatra orangutan http://moourl.com/o61z6
Peek into kangaroo's pouch shows 2 tiny pink joeys
A zookeeper's efforts to earn a kangaroo's trust has paid off with a video showing twin joeys, tiny and pink, growing inside their mom's pouch.The male Matschie's (MATCH-ees) tree kangaroo twins are about 6 inches from snout to tail and they are starting to grow hair. Matschie's are an endangered species and the births at the Lincoln Children's Zoo in Nebraska are the first twins on record.The video was taken about 16 weeks after the joeys' birth. They'll emerge from the pouch this summer.To record the footage, zookeeper DaviAnn Buggi http://moourl.com/vyu7l
Berlin’s polar bear attack raises local zoo safety concerns
Over the weekend a woman was mauled by a polar bear at a Berlin, Germany zoo. On her accord, a 32 year old woman entered their enclosure by scaling the fenced wall of the polar bear exhibit. She then jumped into the bear’s swimming pool. The incident raises the question domestically and abroad; how safe are our public zoos? First of all, are our animals safe? Animal safety assures visor safety. Exhibits are designed with deep trenched moats, high walls and fencing for viewer visibility not accessibility. Those safety measures existed in the Berlin zoo. However no amount of protection can prevent spectator cyanogens. Such high jinks actions create un-safe conditions for the animals, zoo caretakers and other visitors. Domestic safety concerns are justified. Even though the Cleveland Metro Park Zoo is open year round, springtime is usually opening season for zoo activity. Now http://moourl.com/1wwl4
Zoo's pachyderms to get well-deserved pampering
$45 million elephant odyssey has all the bells and whistlesAs elephant exhibits go, the San Diego Zoo's is shaping up to be a pretty sweet pad. The zoo's elephants will get water misters in the summer and outdoor heaters during Southern California's winters. There's also a 130,000-gallon pool for swimming. And, the $45 million Elephant Odyssey, set to open May 23, includes 25-foot-tall metal “trees” where the pachyderms will be treated to a changing selection of branches to munch – an elephant salad bar. “We can look at Elephant Odyssey as San Diego's opportunity to bring up the leadership as far as animal care in general,” said Rick Schwartz, a spokesman for the exhibit. “We're taking elephant care and turning it inside out.” The zoo gave the media a hard-hat tour of the 7½-acre exhibit yesterday. Seven elephants will get 2½ acres http://moourl.com/a3gjr
Bonobos Rate Food on Scale From Bark to Grunt
When presented with their favorite foods, the bonobos almost always barked. They grunted when encountering their least favorites. The other calls seemed to signify ratings in between, with peep-yelps falling in the middle range for nibbles the individual thought were so-so. "Finding food is one of the most important challenges to any wild animal, and thus any signal indicating the discovery of food may provide useful information to receivers," Clay explained. "If variation in the vocal sequences provides information about food quality, receivers may be able to use this to decide whether to abandon a current activity or not." The scientists suspect bonobos combine calls to produce more complex sequences, but she said, "Our understanding of bonobo vocalizations is in its infancy http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/17/bonobo-food-language-02.html
At the Dallas Zoo, they don't care for the words 'catch' and 'cage'
Someone at City Hall pressed send a bit early on a press release about something to do with kids and superheroes teaching monkeys to recycle at the Dallas Zoo.I'm not sure what that's about, but the draft we got had some revealing corrections about the kind of language the zoo does and doesn't prefer when it comes to its animals.Here in italics are the phrases in the original presser and the suggested changes from the zoo in bold."we also need to change the following phrases...so they can help catch the Monkeys and teach them the proper way to recyclePlease change to... so they can teach the Monkeys the proper way to recycle.The Zoo does not want us to use the word "catch"The bananas will then be placed in a cage to catch the Silly Monkeys. Please change to...the bananas will then be placed in a habitat to help the monkeys find their way home.The zoo does not want us to use the words "catch" or "cage" The thinking here, I suppose, is that the zoo doesn't want people getting the idea that the animals are caged somehow.I've been to the zoo quite a few times and that's true. Most of the animals don't live in cages. At the same time,http://moourl.com/pshyb
Zooming in on Jeddah zoos
On a Thursday evening the Beautiful Creatures Zoo situated on Tahliah Street off the Makkah-Madinah Expressway was crowded with families of various nationalities. On a Sunday morning two school buses were seen dropping off pupils at the zoo.The zoo covers an area of 20,000 square meters, of which, the municipality owns 3,500 square meters. The zoo has been the focal point of an ongoing dispute involving local residents who complain about smells, noise and traffic, and the municipality that would like to see a developer turn the municipality-owned portion of the zoo into a commercial center. Last year municipal officials swooped in and demolished the municipality-owned portion of the zoo, much to the consternation of the zoo’s owners. There were even reports from zoo employees that some animals died because of the demolition. Officials later apologized to the municipal council for demolishing the zoo before it had issued a ruling on the decision.Over a year after the surprise demolition, the land sits fallow (except for one closed mosque) and the rest of the zoo remains open for business. The zoo’s owner, Wasmi Al-Wasmi, said plans for the commercial http://moourl.com/e8m4u
4 zebras die at Greater Vancouver Zoo
Four zebras have died at the Greater Vancouver Zoo, prompting an investigation by the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.The deaths occurred two months ago after two cape buffalo were placed into the zebras' enclosure, according to the Vancouver Humane Society.The zoo, located in the Fraser Valley community of Aldergrove, east of Vancouver, did not make public the deaths of the animals. Repeated calls by CBC News on Monday were not returned.The zebras, who were between five and 15 years old, must have http://moourl.com/r3kdu
Orangutan makes shocking run at zoo
An orangutan went on the run at a zoo here for 40 minutes Saturday after apparently being jolted from a rope by an electric shock. Officials at Ishikawa Zoo thwarted his escape by closing the entrance and used tranquilizer guns to sedate him. No one was injured, the officials said. The 13-year-old male orangutan, named Burotosu, apparently touched an electrified fence set up to prevent escape. The shock caused him to fall from ropes stretched between 10- to 13-meter-high towers into an area open to spectators around 10:35 a.m., the officials said. Burotosu, who is about 180 centimeters tall and weighs http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/TKY200904200058.html
Letters: Welfare of zoo workers and animals
I would like to comment on an article titled "Visitors ask for cleaner Ragunan Zoo" (the Post, March 19, p. 19). I agree that Ragunan Zoo management should increase the entrance fee; they should have raised it a couple of years ago. If 10,000 people visit the zoo on a Saturday or Sunday, with an entrance fee of Rp 4,000 (37 US cents) the zoo will only get Rp 40 million. Rp 40 million is not nearly enough to feed all the animals for even a day, as Ragunan has so many animals, not to mention pay for the salaries of all the workers. If this happens in Ragunan Zoo, what about other zoos http://moourl.com/h9qrv
Visitors to mainland pandas top 1 mln at Taipei zoo
The Taipei zoo said visitors to a pair of giant pandas, sent as gifts from the Chinese mainland, on Friday topped 1 million. Four-year-old Chou Jie-ting, from Taipei County, became the 1 millionth visitor when she arrived at the Panda House at about 11 a.m. She was rewarded with a greeting card bearing the paw prints of the two pandas, a movie ticket to "Touch of the Panda" among other gifts. The pandas, named "Tuan Tuan" and "Yuan Yuan" (when linked, their names mean "reunion" in Chinese) arrived at the zoo on Dec. 23 last year. They made their public debut on Jan. 26 after a month of quarantine. The pandas have been popular since then and visitors exceeded half a million on Feb. 28. The mainland announced in May 2005 that it would give http://moourl.com/q68yo
Nandankanan gets ‘wild’ gift from Bhopal
Maintaining heterozygosity is one of the most important factors of planned breeding in a zoo because healthy population and sound pedigree require fresh bloodline. The Nandankanan Zoological Park, known for successful breeding of the Royal Bengal Tiger (RBT), has long been crying out to infuse a new bloodline into its army of felines and now, it has happened.In the last two decades, Nadankanan Zoo didn’t have a wild-caught tiger for breeding in the Zoo.Today, the famous animal park received one from Bhopal Zoo as part of an exchange programme.In fact, a tigress rescued from Satkosia, after being shot by poachers, was rehabilitated in Nandankanan Zoo. However, as it was afflicted with posterior paresis, the large cat could not be part of the breeding programme.‘‘There was an urgent need to induce http://moourl.com/x48lx
Zoo's ongoing safari to gorillas in the mist
ZOOS South Australia has ventured into new territory with guided tours of Africa that offer a unique experience of animals in the wild.UniSA psychologist and zoo scientist Dr Carla Litchfield says the 17-day Great Ape Expedition to Uganda last month was a first for the zoo and inspired a series of specialist tours. She says people are looking for a "once in a lifetime experience" of wildlife and mountain gorillas are right at the "top of the to-do list". But tourists also played with orphan chimpanzees at the Ngamba Island sanctuary and had a chance meeting with tree-climbing lions. For Dr Litchfield, the full day http://moourl.com/kn9hp
Work on new £4 million aquarium gets under way
Work to convert Bristol’s former Wildwalk into a £4 million aquarium is under way ahead of its October opening.Newquay firm Blue Reef has begun work to strip bare the former Wildwalk site and turn it into a venue which will employ 40 staff on opening.The site, which includes the Imax cinema next to @Bristol, closed in April 2007 after operators revealed it was losing £1.5 million a year.Workmen are currently excavating the site ahead of installation of two giant 10,000-litre fish tanks which will form the centre of the attraction.Ian Cunningham, managing director of Blue Reef, said: “We are delighted work is under way. “The key points about the new display http://moourl.com/wf2by
Wildlife Deparment Seizes Monitor Lizards
The Pahang Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) Department seized 210 clouded monitor lizards suspected to be for sale at a smallholding in Kampung Orang Asli Mencupu, Pekan, on Saturday.Its director, Khairiah Mohd Shariff, said the animals, each in a small sack, were found during a raid at 6.30pm.The lizards, valued at RM10,500, were seized but no one was arrested, she told reporters.Khairiah said the raid followed the detehttp://moourl.com/ta6f5
China to replace panda center destroyed in quake
China will begin building a new panda breeding center next month to replace a world-famous preserve badly damaged in last year's devastating earthquake in southwestern Sichuan province, state media reported Sundday.The new facility will be used for more than $200 million in projects to preserve the endangered species, the official Xinhua News Agency said.The world-famous Wolong Panda Breeding Center, near Sichuan's capital of Chengdu, was nearly destroyed in the May 12 earthquake, which left 90,000 people dead or missing.The quake killed at least one panda at Wolong and sent boulders http://moourl.com/u4jqg
Safari Club International Foundation to Represent Hunters at Critical Meeting on Wildlife
TradeNext week the Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF) will represent hunters at the 24th meeting of the Animals Committee for the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) to ensure that decisions on trade for species of interest to traveling hunters, notably the African Lion, Elephant and Leopard, are based on science and the principles of sustainable use and not on the agenda of anti-hunting organizations. “It is critical that the SCIF’s conservation efforts are represented before the greater international community participating in these meetings,” said Conservation Committee Chair Joseph Hosmer. “Efforts by SCIF to underwrite programs, such as with the African Lion in Tanzania, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia and others, ensure that hunting and trade of lions continues as long as this trade is responsible http://moourl.com/m5fn0
***************************************************
ZOO BIOLOGY
The Zoo Biology Group is concerned with all disciplines involved inthe running of a Zoological Garden. Captive breeding, husbandry,cage design and construction, diets, enrichment, man management,record keeping, etc etc
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/zoo-biology
****************************************************
There has been a lot of discussion on Canada Geese on the Zoo Biology group lately. This link is definitely well worth a look. If you like Gorillas too. Many thanks to Heidi Manicki Claffey for sending it. http://moourl.com/b388z
*******************************************************************************
LOWRY PARK ZOO - AUDIT 09-01 - March 20, 2009
http://tampabay.com/specials/2009/PDFs/Zoo_Audit.pdf
*******************************************************************************
CBSG (Conservation Breeding Specialist Group)
1-4 October 2009
St. Louis, MO, USA (right before the WAZA Meeting)
For further information: ginger@cbsg.orghttp://www.cbsg.org/cbsg/
*******************************************************************************
Rhino Mayday
Huxley Conference Theatre, ZSL London ZooWednesday 29 April 2009
Spend the day with guest speakers at the Zoological Society of London learning more about the mammal that we are desperately trying to save from extinction; the rhino
We have nine conservation experts lined up to talk about a variety of topics ranging from an update on the situation in Zimbabwe and how it is affecting conservation to translocation of rhinos and the lessons learnt. The Rhino Mayday is not intended as a fundraising event in itself, but as an awareness-raising and networking day and there will be an exciting programme of talks from 10.30am to 5.00pm.
SpeakersBrad Cain - Manchester Metropolitan University: Conservation Genetics of Black Rhinoceros populations in Kenya.
Maggie Esson - Chester Zoo: Rhinos - the ultimate teaching tool!
John Gripper - Sebakwe Black Rhino Trust: An update on the political and economic situation in Zimbabwe
Richard Kick - ZSL: Census results on rhino in Nepal and issue around invasive species and anti-poaching
Martin Mulama - Ol Pejeta Conservancy: Experience and lessons learnt on 'same-day-release' of translocated rhinos, Kenya
Felix Patton - Manchester Metropolitan University: Botswana's rhino: history, current position and future challenge
Dave Robertson - Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park 1895-2009: The pleasures, pitfalls and perils of protecting pachyderms
Robert Risch - Status and perspectives of conservation of the Sumatran Rhino in Borneo
Berry White - Crate Training for Rhino Translocation
Tickets cost just £15 (including refreshments) and are available from our website http://www.savetherhino.org/ or by calling 020 7357 7474.
*******************************************************************************
FUNDING FOR ZOOS
http://moourl.com/yzrkq
*******************************************************************************
Endangered Species Recovery
20th July – 7th August 2009
A short-course for anyone with an active interest in animal conservation and a desire to learn how species can be saved. Lectures will be given by world class conservationists. Practical activities and behind the scenes experiences in Durrell’s animal collection will provide participants with first-hand exposure to the realities of endangered species recovery. On completion participants will be equipped with a fuller appreciation of the complexities of animal conservation and an ability to develop their personal or professional interests in the field.
For further information please visit http://www.durrell.org/ (get involved menu, select training)Or contact Catherine Burrows at: catherine.burrows@durrell.org
Postal address:Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust
International Training Centre
Les Augrès Manor
Trinity Jersey
JE3 5BP
Tel: +44 (0)1534 860037Fax: +44 (0)1534 860002
Closing date for applications : 31st May 2009
Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust was established 50 years ago by Gerald Durrell. At its Jersey headquarters 50 projects in 18 countries worldwide are managed. From this unique centre endangered mammals, birds, reptiles andamphibians are bred.
Saving Species
Durrell has a proven track record of saving species from extinction. With ever-increasing numbers of species coming under threat the work we do has never been more vital.
Training Conservationists
The International Training Centre (ITC) is based at the Jersey headquarters and runs a wide range of courses including the ever popular Endangered Species Recovery Course (ESR, formally known as the Summer School) This three-week course introduces you to the realities of exotic animal management in captivity and in the wild, direct from those with first-hand experience.
Developing skillsThe ESR course is designed to encourage a critical understanding of current and future needs in conservation. It consists of:
• A balanced mix of practical activities, discussion sessions, lectures and supervised research activities
• A tutored student project tailored to suit your background and interests
• Key lectures given by internationally recognised conservationists and seniorDurrell staff
• Guided behind the scenes tours of the animal departments led by experiencedanimal staff
• Practical problem-solving exercises from small mammal trapping to animalenrichment
• Field visits to illustrate local conservation initiatives.
Is this the course for you?
• Suitable for university students, zoo staff, veterinary personnel, field biologists and those with a keen interest in wildlife conservation
• Ideal for those considering a career move into conservation
Benefits
• All participants will be presented with an official certificate at the end of the course
• You will become part of the Durrell Network, linking conservationists globally
• You will develop contacts with lecturers that may prove invaluable in your professional and/or personal interests in species conservation
“The course gave me a wonderful insight into how important the work at Durrell is and the dedication of the team involved. Very inspirational, educational and engaging.”Yolanda Barnas, Teacher, ESR participant 2007
Price includes
The fee per person of £2410 includes
• Course fees and materials• All meals except weekend lunches• Accommodation from 19th July to 8th August
• Durrell membership
Additional time spent working on section after the course is available for a supplementary cost.
“Thus the Trust would become a form of university...where people can get the correct training and then take their talents back to form conservation units throughout the world”
Gerald Durrell
Gerald Durrell knew that training conservationists around the world is perhaps the most effective, long-term means of saving endangered species and their habitats. He established the ITC in 1984. Since this time we have trained more than 1500 conservationists from over 120 countries.
Further InformationApplication forms are available at:http://www.durrell.org/
(get involved, select training)
Contact us
Tel: +44 (0) 1534 860037Fax (44-1534 860002)e-mail: itc@durrell.org
Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust,Les Augrès Manor,La Profonde Rue,Trinity, Jersey JE3 5BP,Channel Islands, British IslesDeadline: 31st May 2009
“Meeting so many like minded people, from all over the world, opened myeyes to the fact that I could get out in to the field and make a difference!”
Dr. Ian Singleton, Director of SOCP, Sumatra, ESR participant 1987
“We may not be able to bring back the dodo but we can share our understanding of endangered species recovery to ensure that others do not go the same way”
Dr. Carl Jones, MBE Durrell International Conservation Fellow, and guest lecturer on ESR course
Endorsed by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums
*******************************************************************************
Orangutan Aid
I’m a volunteer/docent at Miami Metrozoo and have teamed up with Orangutan Outreach to spread the word to other zoos, animal facilities, and volunteer/docent groups around the world to join us in a very special international Mother’s Day campaign focusing on the plight of orphaned orangutans.
At Metrozoo, our volunteer/docent group will be hosting this special day in which we will set up tables full of fun facts, biofacts and interactives for our visitors. Mother’s Day events can be as simple as one table hosted by one volunteer to a full blown awareness day. I've provided easy to print PDF files with posters, info sheets, brochures and event ideas at http://www.sosf.com/mom. and http://redapes.org/mom/downloads/
Why Orangutans?
What better way than on Mother’s Day to celebrate one of Earth’s best mothers? Orangutan mothers and babies have a very close relationship and have the longest childhood of all the great apes - up to 8 years. As solitary animals, they don’t have a troop around to give them the many lessons of finding fruit, building nests and other survival techniques. The mother teaches them everything about survival in the forest before they set out on their own.
Orangutans only give birth about once every 8 years and have just 4 to 5 babies in a lifetime. This is why orangutan populations are very slow to recover from disturbance. Sadly, many orangutan mothers are killed every year in Indonesia so that their babies can be sold illegally as pets. Many mothers are killed as their rainforest homes are destroyed to make way for palm oil plantations leaving hundreds of helpless orphans. As a result, there are hundred's of orangutan orphans. There are up to 800 orphans just at one sanctuary, the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Reintroduction Project. That is a lot of missing orangutan mothers!
It’s hard to believe, but estimates are that orangutans may have as little as 10 to 20 years left before their extinction in the wild. Mother’s Day is the perfect day to bring awareness to the plight of these beautiful red haired apes and to, hopefully, encourage people to want to help protect them.
For more information: http://redapes.org/mom/ or contact me at hollyweb@bellsouth.net
*******************************************************************************
2009 ZRA Annual Conference : Overview
October 21-25, 2009
Zoo Boise , Boise , Idaho
The Zoological Registrars Association (ZRA) 2009 Annual Conference, “Foundations for the Future”, will be hosted by Zoo Boise in Boise , Idaho October 21 – 25, 2009.
The Annual Conference Program will begin with leadership training and Icebreaker on Wednesday, October 21.
A special keynote speaker will open the Annual Conference. General sessions will be held on Thursday, October 22 and Saturday, October 24 and will feature topics from four categories of presentations under Record Keeping, Permits and Wildlife Legislation, Animal Transport and Records and Collection Management. Possible topics from each of the four categories will include presentations on ZIMS; ARKS; animal transactions; permit applications; roundtables on permit issues; legislative updates; policies and procedures; accreditation; collection management; disaster preparedness; archives management; records retention, protection and disposal. There will be a variety of formats for presentations including individual papers, workshops, panel discussions and poster presentations.
Zoo Day will held on Friday, October 23 and will culminate with a special dinner celebrating ZRAs’ 25th Anniversary. Saturday will end with a special evening at Bogus Creek Outfitters featuring a cowboy-style dinner, cowboy poetry, Wild West shoot out, karaoke and a bonfire. The Annual Conference will end on Sunday at 1:00 pm with additional sessions on ZIMS.
ZRA, Zoo Boise and the Owyhee Plaza Hotel welcome delegates to Idaho .
Please contact the 2009 Annual Conference Host, Corinne Roberts, Registrar for Zoo Boise, at (208) 384-4260 ext. 101 or by email at cxroberts@cityofboise.org. If you have questions about the 2009 ZRA Annual Conference Program, please contact the Program Chairman, Pam Krentz, Registrar for Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, at (216) 635-3361 or by email at pak@clevelandmetroparks.com
*******************************************************************************
AZA 2009 Annual Conference
Join us on September 12-17, 2009 as the Oregon Zoo hosts the 2009 AZA Annual Conference.
Upcoming Annual Conferences
2010 September 11-16
Houston Zoo, Houston , TX
2011 September 12-17
Zoo Atlanta , Atlanta , GA
2012 September 8-13
Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix , AZ
2013 September 7-12
Kansas City Zoo, Kansas City , MO
http://aza.org/ConfWork/AC_Intro/index.html
*******************************************************************************
Volunteering Opportunity
Elephantstay at the Royal Elephant Kraal Village, Ayutthaya Thailand
Please check http://www.elephantstay.com/ for additional information.
Applicants must have animal handling experience.
Qualifications and Skills: A minimum of 2 years working with animals.(Training of animals would be an advantage) A good work ethic. Ability to follow instructions.Good communication skills.
Social skills.Physically fit. Ability to work in a hot tropical climate.
Ability to work in a team with little instruction.
Sense of humor.Fluent English speaker.Culturally sensitive and aware.
Cost:4 weeks - 30,000 baht 12 weeks – 70,000 baht 24 weeks - 120,000 baht
Cost does not include airfares, visas, insurance, transfers.
Send a cover letter and resume via Email to elephantstay@elephantstay.com
The letter should cover your areas of interest, goals, and what you can offer Elephantstay by being a volunteer. Your preferred dates.
Successful applicants will be notified by email as soon as possible. Start times at this stage will be the first Monday of every month beginning in May 2009.
*******************************************************************************
Announcing the ASZK Des Spittall Scholarship for Keeper Research
Named in honour of the late Des Spittall, a life member of ASZK, the ASZK committee has launched the Des Spittall Scholarship for keeper research. This is open to people who have been a financial member of ASZK for 12 months or more. This is an annual scholarship up to the value of $2,000. Applications close 31st October 2009
Please forward ‘Des Spittall Scholarship for Keeper Research’ application to ASZK President no later than 31st of October each year at email eo@aszk.org.au
*******************************************************************************
CHESTER ZOO - RICHARD HUGHES SCHOLARSHIP AWARD 2009
Chester Zoo is a leading Zoological Garden in the U.K. actively involved in the conservation of threatened species, habitat support, scientific study and the provision of education and recreation to the general public.
In February 2001 Richard Hughes, a senior keeper at Chester Zoo, tragically lost his life working with the elephants that he loved. In memory of Richard, Chester Zoo has dedicated an annual scholarship award to support individuals wishing to undertake activities or projects concerned with elephant management, welfare or conservation.
The scholarship is open to applications for any type of activity or project that deals with issues of elephant management, welfare or conservation either overseas or in the UK. Proposals are encouraged from individuals from any relevant field who have an interest in elephants, from animal keepers and researchers to students. The Scholarship aims to allow individuals to become involved with elephant related interests beneficial to their career or personal development, as well as beneficial to elephants. Details we require for application include an outline of the project, aims and a statement of its relevance. Clearly, feasibility will be an important criterion when judging the submitted proposals.
Chester Zoo expects those awarded the scholarship to uphold the high standards that it expects of its own employees and to be fully acknowledged in any presentations/publications. It is a condition of the scholarship that the Zoo receives a full report on the completed project and copies of any resultant publications. The recipient may also be requested to provide a brief article for the Zoo magazine or to give an oral presentation on the completed project.
Scholarships will be awarded up to the value of £1000 for which the Society may require receipted expenses (Any special equipment purchased will remain the property of the society).
Application forms are available via email from conservation@chesterzoo.org
Applications should be received no later than Friday 24th April 2009.
************************************************************************
FOR LATEST ZOO VACANCIES GO TO:
http://zoowork.blogspot.com/
************************************************************************
Meetings
The Animal Behavior Management Alliance
2009 ABMA Annual Conference
Providence, Rhode Island
April 26th – May 1st 2009
Providence, Rhode Island
If you are just starting to work with animals or have been for years ABMA has something to offer everyone. Join us in 2009 on the East Coast in Rhode Island. Registration is now open at http://www.theabma.org/
Felid Husbandry Courses
April 27-30
Tacoma, Washington, USA
For more information on courses go to theFTAG page at http://www.felidtag.org/ . Click on "getmeeting details".
BIAZA Records Group Meeting
Twycross Zoo
29-30th April 2009
For further information (preliminary agenda and registration details) please go the following link http://www.biaza.org.uk/public/pages/publications/index.asp?catUid=210
Please confirm that you intend to attend by completing the registration form and send to admin@biaza.org.uk and cc it to d.brunger@chesterzoo.org and pat.m.milham@twycrosszoo.org
ASZK Annual Conference
30 April – 3 May 2009
Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
For information go to http://www.aszk.org.au/ or email eo@aszk.org.au
PROTECTED CONTACT TRAINING AND ENRICHMENT WORKSHOP
May 10 - 14, 2009
Presented by Active Environments
Hosted by Performing Animal Welfare Society
Instructors: Gail Laule, Margaret Whittaker, Alan Roocroft, and Val Hare
For further information contact:
Active Environments' Office 7651 Santos Road Lompoc, CA 93436
Tel: 805-737-3700, Email: active.environments@earthlink.net
Or: Margaret Whittaker (Active Environments)
Tel: 832-428-9637, Email: indu22@earthlink.net
European meeting on Tree Kangaroos
Krefeld Zoo, Germany
May 15 - 17 2009
For further information:petra.schwinn@zookrefeld.de
International Rhino Keeper Association Workshop
May 17 – 21, 2009
Busch Gardens Africa, Tampa Florida
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Derek Weatherford at Derek.Weatherford@buschgardens.com
The 4th Animal keepers Association of Africa (AKAA) Symposium.
Monday 18th May - 21st 2009.
Dr.Andrew Seguya, Dr Josephine Afema, Mr David Musingo, Dr Lawrence mugisha, 1ST CALL FOR PAPERS AND REGISTRATIONGo to http://www.uweczoo.org/ or http://www.akaafrica.com/ for details.
PAAZAB Conference
May 20 to 22 2009
Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, Entebbe, Uganda
For further info please contact:http://www.uweczoo.org/
International Conference on Diseases of Zoo and Wild Animals 2009
20th - 24th May 2009
Safaripark Beekse Bergen, Hilvarenbeek, The Netherlands
Contact:2009@zoovet-conference.orghttp://www.zoovet-conference.org/
Conference of the Association of Latin American Zoological Parks
May 25 - 29 2009P
anama City, Panama
For further information:http://www.alpza.com/index.php
The 9th International Conference on Environmental Enrichment
31st May – 5th June 2009.
Torquay, Devon, UK
Submission for abstracts has now closed
.EARLY REGISTRATION CLOSES 28TH FEBRUARY 2009
LATE REGISTRATION CLOSES 30TH APRIL 2009
Please go to http://www.reec.info/ for details including a provisional timetable of talks.
For more information about sponsorship of the event or having a trade stall please contact Julian Chapman on julian.chapman@paigntonzoo.org.uk
The 7th International Zoo and Aquarium Marketing Conference
16 - 20 June 2009
Odense Zoo and Givskud Zoo, Denmark.
More information will follow in due time.
"First African Symposium on Zoological Medicine"
July 18th and 19th 2009.
Johannesburg Zoo, South Africa.
Financial assistance available for vets from other African countries. For more details contact Teresa Slacke on vetadmin@jhbzoo.org.za
Professional Training Seminars at Shedd Aquarium
Animal Training Seminar with Ken Ramirez
Environmental Quality Seminar with Allen LaPointe
August 24 –28, 2009Please contact the adult programs coordinator atadults@sheddaquarium.org for more information
THIRD ORANGUTAN SSP© HUSBANDRY WORKSHOP
MONDAY, AUGUST 31 THROUGH WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2009
Zoo AtlantaUSAhttp://www.2009orangutanworkshop.org/
26th EAZA Annual Conference
14 - 20 September 2009
Copenhagen Zoo, Denmark.
3rd International Congress on Zoo Keeping and the 36th American Association of Zoo Keepers National Conference
September 24th - 29th 2009
The Puget Sound Chapter of AAZK and WoodlandPark Zoo
See these websites for further information: http://www.iczoo.org/
http://www.pugetsoundaazk.org/
64th WAZA Annual Conference
4 - 8 October 2009
St. Louis Zoo at the Renaissance Grand Hotel, St. Louis (MO), USA.
For more information, please visit http://www.waza.org/
Second Okapi Workshop
11 14 October 2009
Antwerp Zoo
For further details go to:
http://www.theokapi.org/nieuwsvolledig.asp?nieuws=15
The Bear Care Group announces the second international bear care conference
'Advancing Bear Care '09.
SAN FRANCISCO NOVEMBER 6-8 2009
http://www.bearcaregroup.org/
The 6th European Zoo Nutrition Conference
Barcelona, 28-31 January 2010
Please send comments or suggestions for topics/speakers directly to me (a.fidgett@chesterzoo.org).
Further announcements and information will be posted online via the nutrition area of the EAZA website (http://www.eaza.net/).
20th International Zoo Educators' (IZE)
Biennial Conference19 - 23 October 2010
Disney's Animal Kingdom, Florida, USA.
For more information, please visit http://www.izea.net/
Zoohistorica International meeting of collectors of zoo literature and memorabiliaInternationales Treffen der Sammler zoohistorischer LiteraturRencontre internationale des collectionneurs de documents en rapport avec les zoos
See here for more details: http://www.zoohistorica.org/
7th International Penguin Conference
DATE: August 30 to September 3, 2010
LOCATION: Boston Massachusetts, USA
HOSTED BY: The New England Aquariumipcboston@neaq.org
ZooNews Digest is an independent publication, not allied or attachedto any zoological collection.
Many thanks.
Kind Regards,
Wishing you a wonderful week,
Peter Dickinson
http://www.zoonewsdigest.com/
http://www.geocities.com/peterd482001/ZooNews_Digest.html
Editor/Owner ZooNews Diges
thttp://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/zoonewsdigest/
Owner/Moderator Zoo Biology
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/zoo-biology/
Tel: United Kingdom ++ (0) 750 3707 968
Mailing address:
Suite 201,
Gateway House,
78 Northgate Street,
Chester,
CH1 2HR
United Kingdom
"I may get hit by a bus tomorrow so I will live today"
No comments:
Post a Comment