ZooNews Digest 28th April - 2nd May 2009 (Zoo News 590)
http://zoonewsdigest.com/
Peter Dickinson
peterd482001@yahoo.co.uk
Dear Colleagues,
I can't be the only one getting confused by the news on the Flu Virus. First we had a huge number of deaths in Mexico and now it has been revised down to 9. Just 9! So what was the horrible bug which killed all the other people? I am worried rather than reassured. Round the world there is a mix of sensible precaution along with over the top idiocy. Why Egypt should decide to kill all the pigs in the country and Baghdad zoo should cull their wild boar is outside my scope of common sense reasoning and that of the WHO as well.
The first link today is a 'cute' story about a tiger cub having a cleft palate fixed by a vet who was born with a cleft palate. Sorry but I reckon that I go along with the idea of putting the unfortunate little creature to sleep. It is very likely that its condition is due to inbreeding. I first saw this item on the TV and I noted that both its front legs were bandaged too. Was this to straighten them I wonder? Or perhaps it had been declawed? I'm puzzled.
I wish Lily Tomlin would jump off her horse and go and talk to some elephant keepers. She seems an intelligent person. She really does need to see the story from the other side.
My thanks once again to those who sent donations to ZooNews Digest over these past few days. Your help is greatly appreciated.
I have published two 'zoo' related Hubs this week:
The Anti Gravity Atmospheric Pressure Fish Tank
and
Underwater World in Pattaya Thailand
This Weeks Books of Interest to the Zoo Professional
http://moourl.com/6rk1w
On with the links:
Tiger cub with a cleft palate has a team of doctors in its corner
The vet got the call Easter morning: Two tigers had been born in a Seminole sanctuary. One was orange. The other black and white. Could he come check them out? The sanctuary director wanted to know. Don Woodman, 40, and his wife, Susan, finished hunting eggs with their two boys, then drove to Wildlife Rescue and Rehab. The director led them to the pen of a 19-year-old tiger, Natasha, and lifted out a cub. It was so small, Woodman cradled http://www.tampabay.com/news/humaninterest/article996772.ece
Elephant experts to work on survival plan
Elephant experts will converge on Pittsburgh next week to discuss new developments in the care and management of African and Asian elephants in zoos throughout North America, the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium announced Friday.The Association of Zoos & Aquariums Elephant Species Survival Plan will meet Monday at the Pittsburgh Zoo in Highland Park and Tuesday at the zoo's International Conservation Center in Somerset County. A species survival plan is organized for many threatened and endangered species and is meant to help direct breeding http://moourl.com/wshyr
Govt to amend Ecologically Fragile Land Act
Forest Minister Benoy Viswom has said the State Government would take steps to amend Ecologically Fragile Land (EFL) Act once the model code of conduct imposed by the election is revoked.
“A grievance redressal cell headed by divisional forest officer as chairman will also be constituted to solve the disputes related to the EFL. Working plan officer will be the convener of the cell,” he said.
Inaugurating the Forest and Wildlife Department’s ‘environment protection convention 2009’ at the Town hall on Sunday, he said, the members of the grievance redressal cell including DFO, panchayat president, RDO or the staff appointed by RDO
http://moourl.com/qex88
Swiftlet back from the brink
The Konkan coastline is known for its rich marine life and avifauna and is a major attraction for wildlife enthusiasts keen to spot birds such as the Indian swiftlet, white-bellied sea eagle, and white- backed vultures.But till recently, it was difficult to spot these birds, which were nearing extinction due to the twin threats of poaching and habitat destruction. The Indian Swiftlet is in Schedule I of Critically Endangered Species. Now, thanks to the effort of the Sahyadri Nisarg Mitra (SNM), a non-governmental organisation involved in wildlife conservation, these birds are being http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1252166
Elephant exodus reported from troubled Zimbabwe
Growing pressure from poaching and human encroachment has driven hundreds of elephants to migrate across Zimbabwe's borders and at least one leopard to stalk an upmarket suburb of the capital, conservationists said Monday.
The independent Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force appealed in its latest monthly bulletin for more action -- and money -- to preserve the troubled nation's wildlife.
In Zimbabwe's economic meltdown, "humans are encroaching more and more into areas previously reserved for wildlife," the task force said.
As many as 400 elephants have crossed the Zambezi River, which separates Zambia from northern Zimbabwe, in recent months, said Johnny Rodrigues, head of the task force.
Three elephants also roamed into the
http://moourl.com/gcpfg
Actress Lily Tomlin demands Woodland Park Zoo release elephants
Protestors demanding that Woodland Park Zoo release its three elephants got a little comic relief Monday from actress and author Lily Tomlin, who joined in their call for the exhibit's closure.
Addressing supporters and the media at the Phinney Ridge Neighborhood Center, Tomlin said elephants in zoos across the country are suffering in confinement. Echoing claims made by others who oppose elephant exhibitions, Tomlin said the pachyderms are afflicted by foot and joint problems when not allowed to roam.
As is the case around the country, Woodland Park Zoo elephants are frequently confined in a barn. While the 2,200-square-foot facility meets the standards set by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Tomlin argued that those standards are far from adequate.
"I don't think anyone in their right mind would think that's enough space for an elephant, the earth's largest land mammal," said Tomlin, who gained fame on the television program
http://www.seattlepi.com/local/405600_lily27.html
Zoo to sell land, scrap relocation plans
The Texas Zoo's decision to sell a chunk of land means it won't relocate or expand as once planned.
Zoo board directors say it's too costly to build anew and cash flow now will help place the zoo on solid financial footing.
"Yes, we are going to sell," said Doug Giles, president of the board of directors. "We're trying to get to a place where we're financially self-sufficient and we can cut down on using funds from city. In selling the property, we go a long ways to becoming self-sufficient."
The late Marie O'Connor Sorenson, an animal lover, donated 76 acres to the zoo in April 2004. The land is bordered by Southwest Ben Jordan Street, Hand Road and Odem Street.
"I'm disappointed that my mother's vision for a new beautiful location for the zoo will not be realized," said Morgan
http://moourl.com/oev8l
Pakistan's blind dolphins face hazardous existence
Nazir Mirani, 47, is the third generation of a humble family committed to saving Pakistan's blind dolphins, an endangered species swimming against a tide of man-made hazards."I treat them as my children and do everything whenever a dolphin is trapped in shallow waters," said Mirani, once a fisherman and now among a handful of people officially assigned to protect the dolphins."No one can know them as meticulously as me. I was born in a boat and have been living with these fish ever since," said the lanky Mirani, his complexion darkened by years under the http://moourl.com/wd1dp
Wildlife park in Khon Kaen to be open
The Zoological Park Organisation will spend Bt2.5 billion to develop a wildlife park in Khon Kaen to boost tourism in the upper Northeast and neighbouring countries.
The ZPO yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding with the Khon Kaen Provincial Administration Organisation to jointly establish the wildlife park on 4,700 rai of land in the Khao Suan Kwang National Park and Non Saad National Park in Udon Thani.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti had asked the ZPO to survey the area for a future
http://moourl.com/z4emw
Lahore Wildlife Park in ruins
THE Lahore Wildlife Park, a haven of tranquility and nature at its best and a serene sanctuary away from the ding of the city, calls for immediate attention of the authorities, as the degradation of the surroundings is depriving it of its enticing beauties. The absence of security personnel, lack of game-watchers, eroding side-walks, deserted children’s play land, neglected meadows and non-existent public facilities speak volumes about the sorry state of affairs and official apathy.
Spanning over an area of 242 acres and constructed and inaugurated in 1988 during the reign of Mian Nawaz Sharif, the then Chief Minister of Punjab, the park presents the egalitarian look with poor and rich, high and low visiting the bird aviary, lion safari and moats and strolling the sprawling lawns of the park. However, the walkways and the pavements and the roads have started showing the signs of erosion since the Baildars are supposed to perform the multiple tasks of game watchers, security guards and lawn mowers. A Baildar disclosed that park was in dire need of more staff to cater to the security as well as maintenance needs of the park. No new game watchers have been appointed since the start of Safari park. Safari park needs more men to maintain and run the safari but the authorities rely on the old staff strength in order to run the park that is why the visitors have to face many difficulties during their visits. Visitors have to wait for hours on Sundays for the opening of the safari park at 1 pm as the Baildars have to rush from different duties to join this assignment of opening the safari. This surely means the safari is without trained game watchers which may put the life of the staff as well as the visitors at risk.
LWP has the services of only four game watchers at present. Poor security is another aspect of this poorly managed park. In the present day scenario, all departments have beefed up security in order to avoid any untoward incident. The Lahore Wildlife Park authorities are oblivious of the fact that the times have changed fast and they do not live in the middle ages. A security lapse may bring harm to people and animals as well. On Sundays, the situation worsens as people visit the place in large numbers and the crowd of vehicles looks unmanageable. Sometimes the hooligans among the crowd become difficult to deal with such a meager number of game watchers. No parking facility is provided for the public. All kinds of vehicles are parked along roads in the park grassy lawns without check. This fact may even accelerate the deterioration of the walkways. The need is to arrange a parking facility for the public.
There are no toilets for the public. The existing eight toilets in front of the offices of the Punjab Wildlife Department are not functioning for some unknown reason
http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=173309
Baby Gorilla Seized in Trafficking Ring Bust
A baby gorilla has been seized from animal traffickers by ICCN following a 3-month undercover investigation to bust an international wildlife smuggling ring. This operation was led by Emmanuel with the participation of a key group of Rangers and
http://moourl.com/r54t7
Cheetah’s Genome Resource Bank Grows
More than 280 semen collections from 85 individual cheetahs have been added to the Cheetah Conservation Fund’s Genome Resource Bank (GRB) since 2002, the CCF has said.
CCF banks serum, white and red blood cells and skin samples of all cheetahs. Currently, the GRB holds over 1 600 samples with back-up samples held at both CCF as well as at the National Cancer Institute in Maryland, United States of America.
In addition, sperm was collected recently during an annual physical examination of resident cheetahs at the CCF. A statement from the CCF said sperm was collected of 11 adult male cheetahs for on-going studies on the preservation and thawing of cheetah sperm.
April has been a busy month at the CCF International Research and Education Centre as annual physical examinations were conducted on their 47 resident cheetahs.
For the third year, Dr Carlos Sanchez, associate veterinarian from the Smithsonian Institution’s National Zoo and reproductive physiologist
http://www.newera.com.na/article.php?articleid=4035
Sir David Attenborough calls for more protection for orang-utans
Sir David Attenborough has called for greater protection for the wild habitat of orang-utans amid fears "emotional" television programmes about rescued apes have failed to raise awareness of the need to protect the rainforests where the animals live.
Programmes like the BBC's Orang-utan Diary, following the lives of orphaned and rescued orang-utans at a refuge centre in Borneo, have recently raised awareness of rehabilitation schemes helping the great ape be reintroduced into the wild.
However conservationists argue the money would be better spent protecting the rainforests where the orang
http://moourl.com/cqkx1
Mesker Park Zoo getting full-time veterinarian
Dr. Maria Spriggs has been hired to supervise the care of hundreds of animals as a resident member of the staff.
Having a full-time doctor was one of the recommendations made by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums when it considered Mesker for accreditation a couple of years ago. Dr. Spriggs becomes the zoo's first full-time vet.
"It's a great opportunity for me to be here and a little unique to come into a zoo that hasn't had a full-time vet before," Spriggs said. "So there are a lot of possibilities to create and design programs that you wouldn't get to do at a zoo that's had that ongoing
http://www.14wfie.com/Global/story.asp?S=10274988&nav=menu54_2
Critics say Canada's Species at Risk Act isn't working
A new report card from a coalition of conservation groups says the federal government is moving at a snail's pace when it comes to implementing Canada's Species at Risk Act.
The report card was produced by Ecojustice, the David Suzuki Foundation, Nature Canada and Environmental Defence. It accuses the federal government of ducking its own laws and ignoring scientific evidence to avoid protecting habitat essential for species' survival.
"What the report card has found is that the most important piece of legislation we have to protect species at risk in Canada has potential to work but is not working yet because it's being poorly implemented," said Susan Pinkus, a conservation
http://moourl.com/ww07n
How Britons fuel destruction of the rainforest
British consumers are fuelling the rising demand for palm oil, speeding up the destruction of rainforests and killing off orangutans
A cooking oil that is driving the destruction of the rainforests, displacing native people and threatening the survival of the orangutan is present in dozens of Britain's leading grocery brands, an investigation by The Independent has found.
Palm oil – blamed for a tree-felling rampage in south-east Asia – is present or suspected in 43 of 100 best-selling brands in UK, far more than the one in 10 products estimated
http://moourl.com/ku2dl
‘Sexy’ PETA activists could face deportation
The three foreign women who joined a rally against the Manila Zoo last Tuesday are facing the possibility of deportation, the Bureau of Immigration said Thursday.
Commissioner Marcelino Libanan said the country’s immigration laws do not allow foreigners to join mass actions.
“We welcome them here as visitors. They cannot just protest here, especially if it violates the culture of Filipinos," he said.
He said the bureau can initiate deportation proceedings against foreigners who join mass actions, adding that the foreigners could also be blacklisted to prevent them from re-entering the country.
The three foreign women, clad only in two-piece bikinis, were identified as Canadian Ashley Fruno, Australian Fawn Porter, and Argentinean
http://moourl.com/qui9r
Spring blizzard destroys Calgary Zoo's endangered whooping crane eggs
Unseasonably cold weather has dealt a blow to the Calgary Zoo's whooping crane breeding program, freezing two of the rare birds' eggs.
Zoo curator Bob Peel said a blizzard last week demonstrated the fragility of conservation efforts for an endangered species with a world population of less than 500.
"Every adult is important. Every egg is important," he said.
Spring is the key season for the zoo's whooping crane breeding project, the only pro-gram of its type in Canada.
Located at the zoo's Devonian Wildlife Conservation Centre south of the city, the project features 20 "cranedominiums"-- heated
http://moourl.com/lmejt
Camels help birds to feather their nests
Hundreds of wild birds have flocked to Longleat Safari Park near Warminster to line their nests with moulting hair from the park's six camels.
The birds, mainly jackdaws, have flocked to the enclosure to pick dead hair of fthe ground and off the animals themselves.
Longleat's deputy warden Ian Turner said: "We have six Bactrian Camels in the park and all have started moulting in the last couple of weeks.
"We have noticed a marked increase in the number of birds in the camel enclosure during this time with a strong predominance of jackdaws.
"These cheeky things are landing on the camels' backs, taking a quick grab at the
http://moourl.com/ejh0l
Activision Sponsors Wolverine Program at Edinburgh Zoo
To mark today's launch of X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Activision has sponsored the wolverine enclosure as the Edinburgh Zoo, where the lead male has "voluntarily" changed his name to Logan.
Designed and released in concert with the new Hugh Jackman blockbuster, X-Men Origins: Wolverine expands upon the movie about everybody's favorite Canucklehead with a large amount of new and exclusive content. Despite the movie being rated PG-13 by the MPAA, the Raven-developed game, described as being influenced by God of War and Devil May Cry, is rated M for blood and gore, intense violence and language. The Activision sponsorship of the
http://moourl.com/ilx11
Iraq to cull wild boars in Baghdad Zoo to halt flu
Iraq will kill three wild boars in Baghdad Zoo to ward off the new flu sweeping the globe, officials said, despite experts' advice that people are spreading the virus, not pigs.
Dr. Ihsan Jafar, who heads Iraq's committee on what the World Health Organisation calls influenza A (H1N1) but is widely known as swine flu, said on Friday that a request was sent to Baghdad municipality to cull the hogs as soon as possible.
The government of northern Iraq's largely autonomous Kurdistan region said medical teams were checking travellers at airports, especially foreigners coming from countries affected.
"It is also possible the disease could be spread by eating pork, so we banned hunting wild boars," regional health minister Abdul Rahman Osman said. Most Iraqis are Muslim and do not eat pork, but a Christian minority does.
Iraq has registered no cases of the flu, which
http://moourl.com/mg1xh
Chester Zoo's Butterfly Journey officially opened
Andy Burnham MP, Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport, has officially opened Chester Zoo's new exhibit, the Butterfly Journey.
The largest zoo-based butterfly house in the UK, Chester Zoo's Butterfly Journey is home to 500 colourful butterflies, more than 30 different species, and provides an educational experience in its own right.
Mark Pilgrim, director of conservation and education at Chester Zoo in Upton, said learning outside the classroom was a really important issue for the zoo and for the Government
http://moourl.com/wnh1b
Former Lowry Park Zoo president Lex Salisbury's exotic animal park fined for work without permit
An exotic Polk County animal park owned by former Lowry Park Zoo president Lex Salisbury will have to pay a fine for a construction project.
The governing board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District, commonly referred to as Swiftmud, decided Tuesday to fine Safari Wild nearly $9,000 for unauthorized construction. Water managers determined that development on the property degraded water quality.
Conflicts between Salisbury's duties as the zoo's director and owner of Safari Wild, a proposed park north of downtown Lakeland
http://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/water/article996482.ece
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ZOO BIOLOGY
The Zoo Biology Group is concerned with all disciplines involved in
the running of a Zoological Garden. Captive breeding, husbandry,
cage design and construction, diets, enrichment, man management,
record keeping, etc etc
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/zoo-biology
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ZOO BIOLOGY
The Zoo Biology Group is concerned with all disciplines involved inthe running of a Zoological Garden. Captive breeding, husbandry,cage design and construction, diets, enrichment, man management,record keeping, etc etchttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/zoo-biology
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The most important recently published 'Zoo Management' book.
This text provides the first comprehensive account of the essential knowledge and the various activities that underpin a successful modern zoo or aquarium. The authors have addressed the challenges, philosophical and practical, that zoo professionals face as well as providing a detailed introduction to the science and management of zoological collections. The engaging style, clear diagrams and wellchosen examples ensure that this text will provide an extremely valuable resource for students and zoo professionals alike. Dr John Eddison, University of Plymouth
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This book applies the basic principles of nutrition to the study of fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals in their natural environments.
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To Our Guests and Members (29th April 2009)
The Wildlife Conservation Society is undergoing restructuring as we reduce our budget during the ongoing global economic crisis. The economy is affecting us all, but with our restructuring we are making sure we keep our 114-year old institution strong on conservation and our parks the best places to bring your children and families year-round.
A part of this restructuring includes opening new exhibits and phasing out the old at our five facilities in New York: Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and the New York Aquarium.
This summer, we will open hyena and aardvark exhibits at the Bronx Zoo and unveil the new Allison Maher Stern Snow Leopard Exhibit at the Central Park Zoo.
At the Bronx Zoo, we are closing the World of Darkness and relocating animals in our Rare Animal Range and an area in the southeastern corner of the zoo.
As we go through this process, we will relocate some of our animals to other areas within our family of zoos in New York. We will be transferring some animals to facilities that meet or exceed the guidelines used by accredited institutions of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Exchanging animals is a practice that zoos regularly engage in to ensure that our populations are genetically diverse and demographically stable.
The wellbeing of our animals is of utmost importance to us, and we will never do anything to compromise that. That's part of the DNA of the Bronx Zoo. Our cost savings will be achieved in part with operational cuts, not with any compromises as far as the care and safety of our animals.
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WEDNESDAY 20 May 2009 – Conservation Challenges for the 21st Century lecture series:
CLIMATE CHANGE AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION: CRISIS OR OPPORTUNITY ?
Dear All,
Please find attached a poster for the next event in the Conservation Challenges for the 21st Century lecture series – “Climate change and wildlife conservation: crisis or opportunity?” will be held at ZSL on Wednesday 20 May 2009.
Roughly 20 percent of greenhouse gas emissions are caused by the loss of tropical forests in developing countries. Largely owing to deforestation, Brazil and Indonesia are third and fourth in the rankings of global emitters of greenhouse gases, behind the US and China . Recognition that these activities are contributing to climate change has led to proposals to include deforestation more comprehensively in the post-2012 UN climate agreement. There is also evidence to suggest that forests could be catastrophically impacted by climate change, resulting in dangerous positive feedback loops.
What is the relationship between climate change, biodiversity conservation and human livelihoods in tropical forest ecosystems, and what can be done to ensure that linkages are taken into consideration in global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions? What mechanisms should be incorporated in the post-2012 agreement?
This evening of presentations and debate involving both governmental and non-governmental participants will highlight how conservation and environment NGOs are contributing to tackling climate change and how activities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in forest ecosystems can carry additional benefits for biodiversity conservation and poverty alleviation.
The meeting will be chaired by Elliot Morley MP, and coordinated by ZSL, WWF, GLOBE International, Fauna & Flora International and Wildlife Conservation Society, in collaboration with a large network of NGOs.
Further information can be found at www.zsl.org/science/scientific-meetings/
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WSPA - Bear Cub Rehabilitation and Release
http://www.bearcubrelease.org/
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Rhino Resource Newsletter - no. 15, dated 1 May 2009.
Dear colleagues and friends,
This is the 15th issue of the quarterly e-newsletter of the RRC – the Rhino Resource Centre. Edited by Dr Kees Rookmaaker.
The contents of our website continue to increase. During the past three months, we have added 118 references to bring the total of items to 12,720 – primarily relating to the five living species of rhinoceros. Of these, over 4200 articles or chapters are available to all users as PDF, free or charge anywhere in the world. We also have a section with about two thousand rhino pictures and registered members are free to use our message board for questions or remarks on rhinos.
It is especially gratifying to mention that many authors are actively participating to make the RRC as useful to people working with rhinos as possible. Many reports and dissertations are almost uniquely available on the RRC site, while others have helped to have all their publications inserted as full-text digital versions. I would especially like to name Andrew Laurie, Peter Hitchins, Joris Cromsigt and Benson Okita in this regard, but the list of correspondents is much longer (see the acknowledgements).
Andrew Laurie wrote his thesis on the ecology and behaviour of the greater one-horned rhinoceros in Nepal in 1978. It has been often cited, but it is only found in a handful of libraries. It is now available in full globally from this link for the first time.
Read more:
http://moourl.com/wk859
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Animal Keepers' Forum
The combined April and May 2009 issue of Animal Keepers' Forum dedicated to The Care and Management of Geriatric Animal in Zoos is now in the mail to all individuals whose AAZK membership was current as of April 17th. We have a limited number of copies for sale to those who joined after the April 17th deadline or for nonmembers.
April/May 2009 AKF Special Issue Table of Contents
The Care and Management of Geriatric Animals in Zoos
• From the President - Remembering the Golden Girls
• Acknowledgements from the Editor
• The Future is Now: New Strategies for Geriatric Care at the Oakland Zoo
• Some Thoughts on Veterinary Considerations on the
Management of the Geriatric Zoo Patient
• Pachyderm Milestones
• The Oldest of the Old
• An Easy Way Out: PVC Ladder Assists Geriatric Animals
• The Old Hippo That Could
• Searching for Your Support (GoodSearch.com)
• It’s a Geriatric Jungle Out There
• Joint Disease and Its Management in Captive Bear Species
• Never Too Late (Training an aging white rhino)
• Assiniboine Park Zoo’s Debby the Polar Bear
• The Widower - Care of a Geriatric Bird at The National Aviary
•The Care and Management of Geriatric Gorillas in Captivity and
The Role of Louisville Zoo’s Husbandry Program
• Gravity and Hydrotherapy Procedures as a Way to Reduce the Possibility of
Stiffening Joints in Elephants After an Injury
• A Public Relations Professional’s Look at Geriatric Animals and Euthanasia
• Donna the Hippo is 57 years Old
• Using Cue Conditioning to Facilitate Voluntary Separation for Supplemental
Feeding in a Geriatric 0.1 Scimitar-horned Oryx (Oryx dammah)
• World’s Oldest Asian Elephant Lived to be 86 Years Old
• Some Considerations in the Care of an Elderly Red-Ruffed Lemur
• Collaborative Management and Interpretation of Arthritis in a Geriatric Giraffe
• Indoors Natural Substrates for Elephants and Medical Issues
Associated with Hard Surfaces
• Old Bears, New Care
• Improving the Quality of Life for Tiffany, a 40-year-old Female
Western Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla g. gorilla) at the Topeka Zoo
• Topeka Zoo’s Long-lived Hippo Duo
• Ode to the Oldies: Geriatric Keepers Caring for Geriatric Critters
• Longevity in the Animal Kingdom
For ordering information: http://aazk.org/pub_geriatric_animals_issue.php
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International Rhino Keeper Association
http://www.rhinokeeperassociation.org/
Click on 'The Crash' to read some of but not the latest newsletter
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Safe-Capture International will be returning to Texas with the
16 hour workshop "Chemical Immobilization of Animals" at the following locations:
Texas: Abilene: Abilene Zoo: June 2-3, 2009
Texas: Dallas: Dallas Zoo: September 14-15, 2009
Texas: Bastrop (near Austin): M.D. Anderson Cancer Center : September 17-18, 2009
Use this link to access Detailed Presentation Outlines: http://www.safecapture.com/New/zoo&exotic.html
Instructor information, printable registration forms and electronic registration are available on our website: www.safecapture.com Brochures containing all workshop details and registration materials are also available by telephone (608-767-3071) or e-mail (safecaptur@aol.com) request.
Our training program is presented over a 2 day period. It consists of 14 hours of multimedia/ lecture/ PowerPoint/ video presentation, followed by 2 hours of "Hands On" training where participants are divided into small groups and are taught how to safely use blowguns, long range projectors, darts, human protective safety equipment, and dart associated radio-tracking devices.
Topics to be discussed will include:
· Custom drug combinations and formulations which minimize induction times--the time from dart impact until the animal is immobilized. (Dr. Amass has drug combinations and techniques that will safely and rapidly limit the escape potential of most animals within 64 seconds to 3.5 minutes).
· Proper injection sites to ensure rapid drug absorption and effects
· Capture strategies to minimize capture stress on the animal, and procedural stress of the operator
· Advantages and disadvantages of the various commercially available darting systems
· Techniques for sighting in dart projectors to ensure accurate, atraumatic dart delivery
· Techniques and modifications which are necessary to have field accuracy and consistent results with currently manufactured darting systems and radiotracking devices.
· The latest in safe, practical species specific and scenario specific drug and dosage recommendations
· Dosage calculation
· How to re-dose animals incompletely immobilized on approach
· Where to obtain and how to use "superconcentrated" drugs which give you a faster knockdown, and allow you to use smaller, less traumatic darts
· Post immobilization care of animals
· Medical Monitoring: Assessment techniques to ensure the immobilized animal stays physiologically stable throughout the procedure
· Medical Emergencies associated with capture and handling: How to prevent, recognize, and treat: capture myopathy, shock, hyperthermia, hypothermia, seizures, and other complications which can be avoided and managed in association with immobilization
· Accidental human exposure to immobilizing medications: Which drugs are dangerous to humans? What can you expect with accidental human exposure? Standard Operating Procedures to prevent human exposure to immobilizing drugs. How to coordinate with your physician and local poison control to develop protocols should an accidental exposure occur.
Hands-On Lab will include:
Safe Handling and Use of Immobilization Darts: Assembly, loading, unloading, and cleaning of the various brands available in the US .
Use of Safety Equipment for Prevention of Accidental Exposure to Anesthetic Drugs
Safe Handling and Use of Short and Long Range Projectors including: CO2, Air, Nitrogen, and 22 blank powered projectors
Practice and Development of Proficiency with Pole Syringes
Practice and Development of Proficiency with Blowgun Delivery of Anesthetic Darts
Practice and Development of Proficiency with Radio-Tracking Darts.
Our program has been presented since 1989, and is considered by US government agencies to be the standard in Chemical Immobilization training. We have provided training to well over 7,000 professionals in the US, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Canada including the Beardsley Zoo, Audubon Park Zoo, Folsom City Zoo, Dallas World Aquarium, Dallas Zoo, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Merck and Co., Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project, Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game, Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources, New Jersey Fish and Wildlife, Virginia Dept. of Game and Inland Fisheries, Texas Parks and Wildlife, New York Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, US Fish and Wildlife Service-Alaska, USDA Wildlife Services, Beijing Biodiversity Center, Animal Rescue League of Boston, New York ASPCA, Virginia Animal Control Association, Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy, Essex County College Police Academy, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority and a multitude of others.
We provide evaluation questionnaires to course participants asking for ratings of Excellent, Good, Satisfactory or Disappointing. Over 90% of participants have rated our program excellent! The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources, Utah State University, and Oregon State University have granted our program 1 academic credit.
We do not sell equipment, nor do we have contracts with equipment manufacturers. We provide only education in Chemical Immobilization and field assistance, and our recommendations for drugs and equipment stem from practical field use. Our instructors are Zoo/Wildlife Veterinarians specializing in remote anesthesia. They are internationally recognized experts, who are friendly, experienced, easy to talk to, welcome questions, and have the answers you need. This is the most complete, up to date training program available on Chemical Immobilization, presented in an easy to understand manner, applicable to all experience levels.
This is a completely revised and updated program. The all new 175-page manual:
"Chemical Immobilization of Animals: Technical Field Notes 2009" will be distributed at this workshop!
Certificates are awarded to those satisfactorily completing the program.
Cost for this workshop is $625 for early registration and $675 for general registration. Those who have attended our workshop previously may attend again as a refresher for $375.
For more information visit our website at http://www.safecapture.com/ or contact us at:
Safe-Capture International, Inc., PO Box 206 , Mount Horeb , Wisconsin 53572
Tel: 608-767-3071, FAX: 608-767-3072, E-Mail: safecaptur@aol.com
Copyright © 2006-2009 Safe-Capture® International Inc.
Also Returning to:
North Carolina: Fayetteville : Fort Bragg : May 14-15, 2009
California: Oakland : Oakland Zoo: May 14-15, 2009
Texas: Abilene : Abilene Zoo: June 2-3, 2009
Virginia: Fredericksburg : Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy : August 17-18, 2009
Virginia: Fredericksburg : Directive 83-1 Capture Systems Certification Workbook and Dart Projector Qualification Day: August 19, 2009
Texas: Dallas : Dallas Zoo: September 14-15, 2009
Texas: Bastrop (near Austin ): M.D. Anderson Cancer Center : September 17-18, 2009
Florida: Kissimmee : Holiday Inn Main Gate East: September 21-22, 2009
North Carolina: Charlotte : Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Academy : October 6-7, 2009
Wisconsin: Stevens Point : UW College of Natural Resources : October 24-25, 2009
Illinois: Elgin : (NW Chicago Area): Elgin Police Department: November 17-18, 2009
And Many Others!! Visit Our Website www.safecapture.com for our most up to date list of program locations!!
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International Elephant Foundation
http://www.elephantconservation.org/
First email newsletter been issued
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Wildlife Middle East
ANNOUNCEMENT
Wildlife Middle East News Vol 3 Issue 4
March 2009
PDFs can be downloaded from:
http://www.wmenews.com/
Request for articles for future issues:
We are looking for contributions of articles from colleagues (particularly in Iran, Syria, Jordan, Bahrain, Turkey, Palestine, Kuwait, Iraq and Oman) for the next issue. Please contact the editors with any ideas that you may have.
editors@wmenews.com
Vol 3 Issue 4 Contents
Editorial.
Wars and wildflowers in the Middle East
Olive Ridley turtles of Masirah: secrets unravelled for the first time
Feeding starch to browsing ruminants
Status of the mountain gazelle population in the Arabian oryx sanctuary of Oman
First tagging with a radio-transmitter of a rescued Indus River Dolphin near Sukkur Barrage, Pakistan
Electrocardiographic parameters of captive Arabian leopards (Panthera pardus nimr) immobilised with medetomidine and ketamine
Book review - Diseases and medical management of houbara bustards and other Otididae
News and events
UNESCO works on a network of botanic gardens in the Arab Region
What’s new in the literature
http://www.wmenews.com/
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VETS BEYOND BORDERS
http://moourl.com/u9rno
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Dear All,
6.00pm, 12 May 2009 – ZSL Scientific Meeting EXTINCTION RISK IN COMMON SPECIES
Scientific meetings are free and open to everyone – no need to book in advance but please arrive early as seating is limited.
We hope you will be able to attend the above Scientific Meeting at 6.00pm on Tuesday, 12 May 2009. Doors will be open from 5.00pm on the evening and seats will be on a first-come, first-served basis; please arrive early to ensure you get a good seat.
The evening has been organised by Professor Tim Blackburn ( Institute of Zoology , ZSL); questions will be taken from the audience once we’ve heard from our three speakers: Kevin J. Gaston ( University of Sheffield ); E.J. Milner-Gulland (Imperial College London); and Andrew A. Cunningham ( Institute of Zoology , ZSL).
DINNER WITH THE SPEAKERS
A 3-course dinner with the speakers will follow this Scientific Meeting. Places for dinner must be booked by Wednesday, 6 May. Please see attached flyer for further details and please forward to others who might be interested. Further information can also be found at www.zsl.org/science/scientific-meetings/
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FUNDING FOR ZOOS
http://moourl.com/yzrkq
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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 860037
Fax: +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 and
amphibians 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 skills
The 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 senior
Durrell staff
• Guided behind the scenes tours of the animal departments led by experienced
animal staff
• Practical problem-solving exercises from small mammal trapping to animal
enrichment
• 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 Information
Application forms are available at:
http://www.durrell.org/
(get involved, select training)
Contact us
Tel: +44 (0) 1534 860037
Fax (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 Isles
Deadline: 31st May 2009
“Meeting so many like minded people, from all over the world, opened my
eyes 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
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Volunteering Opportunity
Elephantstay at the Royal Elephant Kraal Village, Ayutthaya Thailand
Please check http://www.elephantstay.com/
for additional information.
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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
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FOR LATEST ZOO VACANCIES PLEASE VISIT: http://zoowork.blogspot.com/
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Meetings
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 HareFor further information contact:Active Environments' Office7651 Santos Road Lompoc, CA 93436Tel: 805-737-3700, Email: active.environments@earthlink.netOr: 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 FloridaIf you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact DerekWeatherford 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 2009
Panama 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
"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, 2009
Please contact the adult programs coordinator atadults@sheddaquarium.org for more information
THIRD ORANGUTAN SSP© HUSBANDRY WORKSHOPMONDAY, AUGUST 31 THROUGH WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2009
Zoo Atlanta USA
http://www.2009orangutanworkshop.org/
AZA 2009 Annual ConferenceSeptember 12-17, 2009
Oregon Zoo
http://aza.org/ConfWork/AC_Intro/index.html
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/
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/
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
2009 ZRA Annual Conference : Overview
October 21-25, 2009
Zoo Boise , Boise , Idaho
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
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 Conference
19 - 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 memorabilia
Internationales 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
AZA 2010 Annual Conference
September 11-16
Houston Zoo, Houston , TX http://aza.org/ConfWork/AC_Intro/index.html
AZA 2011 Annual Conference
September 12-17
Zoo Atlanta , Atlanta , GA http://aza.org/ConfWork/AC_Intro/index.html
AZA 2012 Annual Conference
September 8-13
Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix , AZ http://aza.org/ConfWork/AC_Intro/index.html
AZA 2013 Annual Conference
September 7-12Kansas City Zoo, Kansas City , MO http://aza.org/ConfWork/AC_Intro/index.html
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ZooNews Digest is an independent publication, not allied or attached to any zoological collection.
Many thanks.
Kind Regards,
Wishing you a wonderful week,
Peter Dickinson
http://www.zoonewsdigest.com/
http://www.geocities.com/peterd482001/ZooNews_Digest.html
Editor/Owner ZooNews Digest
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/zoonewsdigest/
Owner/Moderator Zoo Biology
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/zoo-biology/
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