http://zoonewsdigest.com/
http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.com/
Peter Dickinson
peterd482001@yahoo.co.uk
Dear Colleagues,
As you can imagine this weeks first link really raised my hackles. I have to take the whole article with a pinch of salt and assume that the whole story was fabricated by a newspaper reporter. Surely no organisation, the Cango Wildlife Ranch in this case. They apparently state "'My hope is that one day Fareeda and her kind can be returned to their native habitat. That is why it is so important to educate people about tigers and keep the breeding programmes going." Duhhh! Huh? "The white Bengal tiger used to be common in the wilds of India." Duhhhhh! I wrote to the paper to correct them. Zoos....good zoos really do have to stop the myths from perpetuating. In spite of being polite they did not post my letter...nor for that matter have any of the papers I have written to over similar idiocy these past couple of months.
So Berlin has paid over money to Neumuenster. It is criminal really. My thoughts of course. The only good thing that is going to come out of this is that all future breeding exchanges are going to have the agreement carved out in stone so we don't have a repeat of this greedy squabble.
I like the 'Interactive Lappet Faced Vulture' from the Gulf News. When I was curator of Al Ain Zoo we had them visit regularily. Five to seven birds along with over 900 Egyptian Vultures. In my last two visits to Al Ain I saw none of either. The building of the road up Jebel Hafeet and the hotel on the top can not have helped. I recollect a couple of Lappet Faced being shot by mighty hunters to show their prowess. One actually popped into the zoo to show us the feet he had cut off the bird.
Mighty Hunters...yet here we go again. The Rhino sales and more unfortunate beasts being shot for pleasure. I will hunt. I will kill. I will eat some of what I kill. I will control pests be they rats, cats, dogs or foxes. I understand the adrenalin rush that accompanies a hunt and the satisfaction of a clean killing shot. I hate animal suffering of any kind and that includes ants, cockroaches and flies. Try as I may though I cannot get my head round canned hunters. I have met a few and liked none of them. Maybe that is why I cannot understand.
It would appear that the elephant birth in Taronga is not the first for Australia. There are records of births in Circus animals. There are people checking and I will let you when I know. The clincher would be if the mating took place in Australia as well!
My sympathies to Memphis Zoo staff. A tragedy. I know how much it must hurt. Hang in there.
Learning of the death of the Orangutan in Manila Zoo (see links) I did not know whether to be sad or relieved. Providing that she went peacefully and not in pain then yes it probably was for the better. That said, she was definitely better off where she was than in those atrocious cages in Ranugan Zoo. I know the Ranugan animals recieve amongst the most love, care and attention I have ever seen ... but it is not enough. It has not been enough for years and years and years. We are still waiting to read the report from SEAZA or an open statement. It is months since they said they would investigate.
You can read of my last visit to Manila Zoo here:
Manila Zoo in the Philippines
In my experience Zoo Animals are blessed with a variety of names. There is the studbook name, the name the adoptive parents give, the name the keeper calls it, its nick name, its pet name, the name it gets called on a good day and that that it gets called on a bad day. Some, or all of these may be the same. I mention this because I hope that someone in Dresden Zoo continues to call their Mandrill 'Obama'. It is the ignorant, trouble causing, muddle headed, evil thinking who could even suggest that such a name was racist. It is they who should apologise for their stupidity, not the staff of Dresden Zoo.
You might like to take a look at the Wild Life Conservation Blog a neat little blog of regular animal postings.
It is pure coincidence that one of my Hubs this week is about the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Nature Center (NAPWNC) in Quezon City, Manila, Philippines. The link states that they plan to turn it into a “biodiversity showcase". I hope they do because it is bloody awful right now.
This Weeks Hubs:
Ninoy Aquino Park and Wildlife Nature Center in Manila in the Philippines
The next is not animal related
Bangkok Hilton Prison
Visit my webpages at: http://hubpages.com/profile/Peter+Dickinson
I keep reccomending Hubpages. Within an hour you could have your own webpage earning you a small passive income. Read how with 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:
Mummy, where are my stripes? Pure white Bengal tiger astonishes keepers
It doesn't take a wildlife expert to spot the difference between this white Bengal tiger cub and the rest of her family. For six-month-old Fareeda missed out when they were handing out the stripes. That makes her an extreme rarity - and a major attraction at the South African conservation centre where she was born. Fareeda's mother Geena and father Shiva are kept at Cango Wildlife Ranch, near Cape Town, as part of a breeding programme to keep their species
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1197993/Mummy-stripes-Pure-white-Bengal-tiger-astonishes-keepers.html
Berlin zoo: Knut money dispute settled
The Berlin Zoo says it has resolved a financial dispute with another German zoo over celebrity polar bear Knut.A zoo statement says the zoo reached an agreement with its counterpart in Neumuenster and will hold a news conference Wednesday.Zoo officials declined to comment further Tuesday. Officials in Neumuenster could not be reached.Neumuenster owns Knut's father and says it is the legal owner of Knut, his first offspring. It has sought a slice of the proceeds from Knut, born in Berlin in 2006.Berlin's B.Z. newspaper reports without citing sources
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gadVTuy3Y86QNVO-4QXK5CG080oQD999NRV01
Interactive: Lappet faced vulture
Gulf News will run an infographic page every Tuesday, a series spread over two months. It's our way of promoting awarenessby highlighting creatures native to the peninsula which areunder threat of fading into history books permanently.
http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/09/07/07/10329273.html
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USING MATH TO BE A ZOO VET
I came across this book by accident. Never seen it before. Brilliant. It definitely should be on sale in every zoo book and gift shop. A great gift for kids. An inspiration. Great idea. Buy it here...or a dozen. Just click on the link.
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For well-behaved pet, take tips from zoo trainers
You'll never have to teach a panda to walk on a leash. But if any kind of animal lives in your house, trainers at the zoo have some useful lessons for you.Modern training methods rely on a simple principle of learning: If an action has a pleasurable consequence, the animal will repeat it. Or as animal behaviorist Emily Weiss puts it, "If it feels good, do it again."So it should be easy to mold a pet's behavior - reward it when it does what we like, and don't when it doesn't. But getting the details right can be a challenge, whether with a panda or a pup, and that's often because
http://www.wral.com/lifestyles/story/5521101/
DENR to make Quezon City wildlife park a 'biodiversity showcase'
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announced yesterday its plans to transform the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Nature Center (NAPWNC) in Quezon City into a “biodiversity showcase.”“We intend to make NAPWNC a ‘model biodiversity conservation area in an urban area’ where people, particularly the youth, can learn more about Philippine biodiversity and appreciate the necessity of protecting them,” DENR Secretary Lito Atienza said.The DENR said the Philippines has long taken great pride in its diverse natural wealth – the country has more than 14,000 species of plants, 9,000 of which are flowering plants."Worldwide, the Philippines rank fifth in the number of plant species. We also rank fourth in bird endemism, which means that these birds are found only in the Philippines. And we rank fifth in mammal endemism,” Atienza said.Recently, Atienza signed a memorandum of agreement with Palafox Associates, represented by its founder, managing partner and principal architect Felino Palafox, to facilitate the preparation of the NAPWNC conceptual master plan that will include detailed site engineering, landscape architectural design and urban design.The DENR said around 3,000 species of trees that thrive in the country are found in the park, 100 of which are endemic to the country such as narra, molave, kamagong and ipil. As for plant and animal species that cannot thrive
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=484420&publicationSubCategoryId=206
White rhino from Kruger sold to hunters, it is feared
Hundreds of white rhino from one of the world's most famous game reserves are to be herded up and sold, many of them to private hunters. Up to 350 of the rare animals will be sold this year alone from the Kruger National Park under fundraising plans drawn up by the South African government.Animal rights groups have criticised the move and warned it would undermine conservation efforts at the reserve, which is visited by 1.5 million tourists every year.Steve Smit, spokesman for Animal Rights Africa, said: "The idea of herding up animals from a major wildlife reserve and selling them to private institutions is outrageous."We have a duty to protect these rare animals, but the South African government is more interested in making money than conservation."Many of these animals will end up being bought by hunters who will
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/wildlife/5758266/White-rhino-from-Kruger-sold-to-hunters-it-is-feared.html
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Zoo tigers 'key' to Amur survival
Past plans to use captive Amur tigers to help boost the subspecies' wild population could be reinstated soon, a wildlife park chief has predicted.The move would follow research suggesting fewer than 35 out of 500 big cats in the wild are genetically diverse for healthy breeding. Doug Richardson, of the Highland Wildlife Park, said using captive animals had been mooted before. The park at Kincraig has five of the world's largest cat. Researchers Michael Russello and Philippe Henry of the University of British Columbia, in Kelowna, Canada led a team drawn from universities in Canada, Japan
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/highlands_and_islands/8138011.stm
Prison Inmates Raise Endangered Frogs
If the spotted frog manages to make a come back in Oregon, the species will have two state convicts to thank in part for the success story.Prisoners Harry Greer and Albert Delp, both serving time at the minimum-security Cedar Creek Corrections Center in Littlerock, Washington, spend their days helping raise dozens of frogs for a project run by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. It turns out both men are quite good at mothering tadpoles into fully grown frogs that eventually are released into the wild to repopulate the species in the Puget Sound area. Since the project began, only eight frogs cared for by Greer and Delp have died—which
http://www.allgov.com/ViewNews/Prison_Inmates_Raise_Endangered_Frogs_90707
Australia's first Asian Elephant calf (Video)
We took the calf for its third walk today. Mum Thong Dee decided to try climbing a hill and the calf tried to follow. He made a really good attempt but had a little stumble. Thong Dee turned straight back and continued on flat ground. On the way back to the barn Thong Dee, aunty Tang Mo and the calf all got involved in a dusting session and the calf had great fun in the dirt. He also had his first introduction to a toy today. We gave him a toy soccer ball to see what he would make of it. He was kind of kicking it but I
http://babyelephant.taronga.org.au/
Santa Rosa rejects zoo plea - No money for facility, county officials say
The Zoo Northwest Florida got an answer just short of "No'' on Monday when it asked the Santa Rosa County Commission for $125,000 to help keep the Gulf Breeze animal park open."Based on our current budget considerations, I don't see any way to find it," County Commissioner Don Salter told the zoo's executive director, Danyelle Lantz.Salter said there was no reason to put the matter on the commission agenda for a formal vote on Thursday."I think the answer is going to be 'No,' " he said.The county is facing a $3.5 million budget shortfall, and painful cuts are expected, County Administrator Hunter
http://www.pnj.com/article/20090707/NEWS01/907070324
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Monkeys on the loose at city zoo
A number of monkeys who escaped after being moved to a new enclosure at Edinburgh Zoo are still on the loose.The barbary macaques, which are not said to pose a threat to humans, made their bid for freedom on Friday. Zookeepers with nets are now trying to tempt the monkeys down from trees at the Corstorphine Hill site. A zoo spokeswoman said some of the monkeys had been recaptured, but an undisclosed number were still free within the grounds of the zoo. She said the escape had involved a small number of the barbary macaques. "We are still open to visitors
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/8136368.stm
Oversize Tortoise Outgrows Sedgwick County Zoo Exhibit
A massive attraction at the Sedgwick County Zoo outgrows its home. Now an animal that isn't known for moving much has a long trip to make. Other famous tortoises are known for being slow and steady. This one just doesn't want to move at all. The 78-year-old Aldabra tortoise, appropriately named Rocket, has found himself a shady spot in his corner of the zoo. It appears no amount of carrots will coax him out. Zookeepers give him a good shake, kind of like waking a sleeping teenager or two. "The average Aldabra tortoise is anywhere from upper 200's to around 550 lbs. He's 609 pounds, so he is larger than normal," said Nate Nelson, Curator. "No one thought he would get that large when we got him." After 40 years at the zoo, the exhibit hasn't exactly grown with him, so he's headed
http://www.kwch.com/Global/story.asp?S=10652727&nav=menu486_2_2
Mountain Lion Wipes Out Petting Zoo
The owners of an all-natural, community-supported farm faced a tough choice after an all-natural predator killed most of the animals in their petting zoo. It started with four sheep, and then later 16 goats went missing while a mountain lion lounged on their farm. The only animals that escaped were geese, which are surprisingly nasty if you get on their bad side. Faced with crowds of children for their upcoming Garlic and Onion festival, the all-natural farm (minus the
http://thegoat.backcountry.com/2009/07/06/mountain-lion-wipes-out-petting-zoo/
Zoo's orang utans move to Florida
Three of Auckland Zoo's Bornean orang utans are moving to a Florida zoo this month, where they will take part in their captive breeding programme.Indra and Horst have been at the zoo for over 25 years, along with their 20-year-old daughter Intan.The Bornean orang uta
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10582986
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New Monkey Discovered In Brazil -- Threatened By Proposed Dams And Other Development In Region
The monkey is related to saddleback tamarins, which include several species of monkeys known for their distinctively marked backs. The newly described distinct subspecies was first seen by scientists on a 2007 expedition into the state of Amazonas in northwestern Brazil.The discovery was published in the June online edition of the International Journal of Primatology. Authors of the study include Fabio Röhe of the Wildlife Conservation Society, José de Sousa e Silva Jr. of Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi, Ricardo Sampaio of the Instituto Nacional de Parquisas
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090707121417.htm
Minister makes cat calls, wants cheetah back in India
It’s been known for some time and now Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh has made it official that tiger censuses conducted in the country in the past have been completely unreliable. “All previous methods (of conducting tiger surveys) were faulty,” he said in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.Wildlife experts have long questioned the age-old method of relying on pugmarks for the census. The controversy caught on in 2005 when it was exposed that the Sariska Tiger Reserve - that claimed to have 15 tigers - didn't have one big cat. To avoid false reporting, the system for counting tigers was changed last year to a more scientific method which pinned the country's
http://ibnlive.in.com/news/minister-makes-cat-calls-wants-cheetah-back-in-india/96613-11.html?from=rssfeed
Zoo tragedy as elephant mum kills her baby
Asali is a nervous elephant by nature and unfamiliar with baby elephants by circumstance. During her 21-month pregnancy, the staff at the Memphis Zoo in the US worried about how she would take to motherhood.Within minutes after Asali, 23, gave birth late on Monday night to the first baby elephant in the zoo's 103-year history, their fears vanished."Instantly, like a switch flipped, she became a good mom," curator Matt Thompson said.But on Wednesday, the joy over the much-anticipated birth turned to horror.The female baby, shaky on her feet, stumbled in the zoo exhibit area and Asali tried to help
http://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/zoo-tragedy-as-elephant-mum-kills-her-baby-20090709-ddt8.html
Memphis Zoo's baby elephant accidentally killed by its mother
The jubilance at the Memphis Zoo following the Monday night birth of an African elephant calf was snatched away on Wednesday after the new baby was accidentally killed by its mother.At about 10 a.m. Wednesday, the calf stumbled in the enclosure. As Asali tried to right the baby with her trunk, she used too much pressure and critically injured it with her tusk, said Chuck Brady, zoo president and CEO.Zoo staffers immediately moved Asali away from the female calf, but the facility’s medical team, including an elephant expert brought in for the birth, was unable to save the calf, Brady said.She died at 11:10 a.m.“What started out to be
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2009/jul/08/memphis-zoos-baby-elephant-dies-after-stumble/
Zoo custody dispute over Knut the polar bear ends; he'll remain in Berlin
The custody battle over celebrity polar bear Knut is now over, with the Berlin Zoo -- where he's lived since his birth in 2006 -- agreeing to pay 430,000 euros (about $600,000 U.S.) to keep him. Knut and a sibling were born to the Berlin Zoo's female polar bear, Tosca, and a male polar bear named Lars that was on loan to Berlin from the Neumünster Zoo, also in Germany. According to Neumünster, it had made an agreement with Berlin that it would own Lars' first offspring.Tosca rejected her cubs shortly after they were born, and Knut's sibling died. Knut survived and became a beloved international figure -- even gracing the cover of Vanity Fair -- when
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/2009/07/zoo-custody-dispute-over-knut-the-polar-bear-ends-hell-remain-in-berlin.html
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Blumenthal Questions Zoo's Plan To Import Cheetahs
The state attorney general is asking for a close examination of plans by a private Greenwich zoo to import three cheetahs from South Africa.In a letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released Wednesday, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal asks for a "careful and considered review" of an import permit submitted by the Zoological Center at Lionshare Farm, a 100-acre horse farm and animal preserve owned by Olympic equestrian Peter Leone and his wife, Marcella.Blumenthal, who fought for a law banning ownership of many exotic animals after a pet chimpanzee mauled a Stamford woman last year, emphasized the zoo's proximity to several schools and a golf club and noted that it is "only a few miles" from downtown Greenwich."The service no doubt will carefully consider the location of any dangerous animal subject to an importation application," he wrote in the letter, dated July 2 and prompted by concerns raised by the advocacy group People for the Ethical Treatment
http://www.courant.com/business/hc-cheetahs-blumenthal.artjul09,0,7335903.story
15-year High for Rhino Poaching
Rhino poaching around the world is set to reach a 15-year high, conservation groups have warned.They say demand for the threatened animals' horns is being driven by the traditional medicine trade in Asia. The groups estimated that the number of rhinos being killed in southern Africa had risen four-fold in recent years. The findings were presented at a meeting of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites) in Geneva. "Rhinos are in a desperate situation," said Heather Sohl, species policy officer for conservation group WWF. "This is the worst rhino poaching we have
http://www.rhinos-irf.org/en/art/621/
GOOD NEWS FOR CARNIVORE CONSERVATION
Carnivore conservation in South Africa has been strengthened by the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) joining forces with the Wild Cheetah Project, previously housed by the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust. The Endangered Wildlife Trust has worked on carnivore conservation outside of protected areas for many years, and welcomes the staff from the Wild Cheetah Project, who have valuable experience in Cheetah research, conservation and conflict mitigation, into the EWT. This addition to the EWT will enhance its ability to positively impact on general carnivore conservation by expanding our team of experts. “We are excited about the increased capacity that this brings to the EWT and welcome the additional expertise around important conservation issues such as human-wildlife conflict management and carnivore research,” says Yolan Friedmann, CEO of the Endangered Wildlife Trust. “Carnivore conservation is more effective when we look at a multitude of species and the EWT will use this increased capacity to broaden its scope and increase the impact of its carnivore work.” The majority of South Africa’s wild Cheetah population occurs on communal and commercial farmland in the Limpopo, North West
https://www.ewt.org.za/news_fullstory.aspx?status=0&newsID=520
Zoo penguin couple breaks up
Someone alert Perez Hilton: Harry and Pepper, the San Francisco Zoo’s long-term same-sex penguin couple, have split up. And you might say there’s a disreputable dame to blame.The couple’s relationship began in 2003 and the breakup came as a shock to the couple’s zookeepers because Harry and Pepper, both Magellanic penguins, had long seemed one of the zoo’s happiest avian partnerships, according to zookeeper Anthony Brown.The two black-and-white birds paired off when Harry, whom Brown described as outgoing, befriended Pepper, an introvert who sticks mostly to his burrow. At the time, the two were adolescents and everyone assumed they were just friends.But soon they were nesting together. Harry would gather grass and bring it home to Pepper, who would arrange it tidily in their burrow, Brown said. Single females would come around, but both birds never seemed interested.Last year, the pair was allowed to incubate and hatch an egg another penguin had laid.“Of all of the parents that year, they were the best,” Brown said. “They took very good care of their chick. He ended up being the largest
http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/50421527.html
It's a wild idea
ZOO bosses are looking to a revolutionary Dutch wildlife park for inspiration as a major new tourist attraction is planned for Glasgow.The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland - the charity behind Edinburgh Zoo - hopes to create the £35million biosphere-style animal park on the banks of the Clyde in Glasgow's East End.Experts from RZSS have visited Burgers' Zoo in Holland, which has created a series of habitats to allow visitors to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings of creatures.The Evening Times first revealed details of the plan four years ago, but zoo bosses say the plans are now well advanced.advertisementThe Dutch attraction will be a model for the Glasgow park, which is expected to have a humid Amazon jungle at its centre complete with primates, manatees and sloths.Burgers' Zoo was the first safari
http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/display.var.2519197.0.its_a_wild_idea.php
Cash-strapped Boston zoo may be forced to close doors, euthanize animals
The Franklin Park Zoo, a Boston institution that has drawn generations of city and suburban families, might be forced to close its doors and possibly euthanize some of its animals as a result of the deep budget cuts imposed by Governor Deval Patrick, zoo officials said Friday.Without more state funding, those zoo officials said, they will run out of money by October and have to close both the Franklin Park Zoo and its smaller counterpart, the Stone Zoo in Stoneham. They would lay off most of their 165 employees and attempt to find new homes for more than 1,000 animals, the officials said.The zoo officials, in a written statement that echoed a letter sent earlier to legislative leaders, said they would be unlikely to find homes for at least 20 percent of the animals, “requiring either destroying them, or the care of the animals in perpetuity.” The zoos, which are run by Zoo New England and attracted nearly 570,000 visitors over the past year, are operated through
http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/07/due_to_budget_c.html
Late Colombian drug lord's escaped hippos
Wanted: Late Colombian drug lord's escaped hipposColombian bounty hunters with orders to kill are seeking the two remaining hippopotamuses that escaped from the famous menagerie of fallen Colombian drug baron Pablo Escobar.The three mammals bust loose from the zoo two years ago and have survived on the lush vegetation of the steamy Magdalena valley in northwestern Colombia, far from their native Africa.Colombian wildlife authorities say the decision to order the animals killed wasn't easy and was made after locals complained the massive beasts were damaging crops and livestock, and endangering the lives of fishermen and ranchers.The first hippo — a 1 1/2-ton male — was killed by two hunters near a river in Antioquia province on June 18, but the news was first reported on Friday by Colombian news media.During his heyday at the head of the Medellin cartel
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iaZd6v7vOW-fw24BK1Bv5cAVOOqgD99BU0G80
Endangered Baby Proboscis Monkeys Born in Zoo (Video)
Speaking of zoos, three baby Proboscis Monkeys born at a zoo in Indonesia's East Java debuted to the public this week.Locally known as Bekantan, with its distinctive pendulous nose, long tail and orange and grey coat, the species is native to the island of Borneo.The three babies were born late June and one in early July from mothers who live at the zoo's enclosure. They have yet to be named. The zookeeper at Surabaya Zoo says the babies are healthy. [Sukadi, Surabaya Zookeeper]:"We received these
http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/ns_asia/2009-07-10/699571423397.html
Edinburgh zoo may become smaller
Edinburgh Zoo may have to become a smaller attraction after plans to sell off land to raise money for its upkeep were knocked back.A Scottish Government reporter has ruled against the zoo's plans to develop up to 120 homes on the edge of its site on Corstorphine Hill. It follows the zoo's unveiling of £72m plan to upgrade its Victorian plumbing, electrics and facilities. It is now feared it will not raise the £20m it hoped to make from the sale. David Windmill, chief executive for the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), said if they
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/8145038.stm
Tiger farming too great a gamble—World Bank
Experimenting with Tiger farming is too risky and could drive wild Tigers further toward extinction, the World Bank told a key international wildlife trade meeting today.“Extinction is irreversible, so prudence and precaution suggest that the risks of legalized farming are too great a gamble for the world to take,” World Bank Director Keshav Varma told the member countries of the 58th meeting of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Standing Committee. “We cannot know for sure if Tiger farming will work.” Because of the unpredictability of the market environment and the small number of remaining Tigers in the wild, there is “no room for experimentation,” Varma, who leads the World Bank’s Global Tiger Initiative, said after the meeting.“Commercial trading in Tiger parts and its derivatives
http://www.traffic.org/home/2009/7/9/tiger-farming-too-great-a-gambleworld-bank.html
Manila Zoo's Lone Orangutan Dies
Since 1981, Sisi had been incarcerated at the Manila Zoo. Although orangutans are tree-dwelling animals, Sisi was forced to live much of her life in a tiny, litter-filled concrete-and-steel enclosure. She was on display continually in a cage that was surrounded by noisy souvenir stands and food vendors, and she was provided with nothing to hold her interest, help her pass the time, or stimulate her keen senses. Sisi's death, reportedly from cancer, is just one indication of how animals have been left in deteriorating health without veterinary care at this atrocious zoo. Because PETA Asia-Pacific remains concerned about the well-being of the surviving animals at the Manila Zoo, who all lack the space, exercise, privacy, and mental stimulation that they require, the organization has decided
http://blog.peta.org/archives/2009/07/manila_zoos_lon.php
Dresden zoo forced to rename primate called 'Obama'
The Dresden Zoo has been forced to rename a baby baboon called Obama after facing accusations of racial insensitivity, according to a report. The zoo welcomed the baby mandrill, a large west African baboon with a red and blue face, in the spring and, caught up in Obama-mania, named the new arrival for the US president, according to a report in The Local, the German English-language newspaper. However, a black advocacy group accused the zoo of racism and demanded that the primate be
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/barackobama/5799568/Dresden-zoo-forced-to-rename-primate-called-Obama.html
Chester Railway Station to Chester Zoo free bus service set up
DAYTRIPPERS can climb aboard a new free bus service that will take them directly to Chester Zoo.During the summer holidays, the 110-acre zoo will trial a service that will see visitors picked up from Chester’s main railway station and brought straight to the zoo’s door.The trial service – which has the backing of rail companies Arriva, Northern Rail and Merseyrail – will run every hour and provides a round trip for rail ticket holders.The 16-seater bus – which has been provided by Chester-based company Busybus – has been designed with animal prints on the exterior. It is envisaged
http://www.chesterchronicle.co.uk/chester-news/chester-breaking-news/2009/07/10/chester-railway-station-to-chester-zoo-free-bus-service-set-up-59067-24123920/
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ZOO BIOLOGY
The Zoo Biology Group is concerned with all disciplines involved inthe running of a Zoological Garden. Captive breeding, husbandry,cage design and construction, diets, enrichment, man management,record keeping, etc etc
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/zoo-biology
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Calling All Trainers & Zoo Professionals
Conservation Ambassadors and iReinforce.com
present:
Training with ZOOmility
Join the crew of Conservation Ambassadors www.zootoyou.org/ztyindex.html
and Dr. Grey Stafford, author of ZOOmility: Keeper Tales of Training with Positive Reinforcement, featured on NBC's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, for a unique animal training workshop featuring dozens of species in beautiful Central California's wine country.
The seminar will present positive reinforcement-only training techniques and feature dozens of wild animals from Conservation Ambassadors’ vast educational outreach collection located at their Zoo to You facility in Paso Robles, CA on September 26th & 27th, 2009.
This one-of-a-kind event is open to everyone interested in learning the latest principles and techniques of how to train the way zoos and aquariums do—with the exclusive use of positive reinforcement! Best of all, every participant will learn to apply these proven ideas to improve the lives of any animal, wild or domestic. This educational workshop will feature a blend of discussion, behavior problem solving, and live training demonstrations with exotic animals from all over the globe by Conservation Ambassadors' founders David and Anita Jackson. The Jacksons and Stafford have presented animals on national television shows such as Larry King Live, The Tonight Show, Ellen, The Late Show and many others. Each has worked with hundreds of zoo and domestic animals for nearly 20 years. In addition, Conservation Ambassadors has provided several AZA institutions with exciting and educational animal experiences and exhibits.
Join us in Paso Robles, CA for this fun, unique and informative training experience.
Come for the animals & training, stay for the wine!!
Registration Information
Session Dates: September 26th & 27th, 2009.
Cost is $159.00 US and includes light lunch on Saturday.
For more information or to register online visit http://www.ireinforce.com/
A detailed confirmation email will be sent to you upon receipt of payment. Full refunds available prior to September 1st, 2009. No refunds after 8/31/09.
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EAZA NEWS
SUMMER 2009
EN66 available for download
The new issue of EAZA NEWS magazine, the quarterly publication of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, is available to download from the EAZA website. This is the first time we have made the full magazine available in electronic format, ensuring that the widest possible audience has access to the latest news, views and features from the European zoo and aquarium community.
We will continue to print and post copies of the magazine to EAZA members and other subscribers – the paper format will be with us for many years to come! Nonetheless, it is also important for us to embrace new distribution channels and take the opportunity to engage with a wider audience both within and outside the organisation. It also makes the magazine a more attractive prospect for advertisers, which can translate into more income for EAZA.
Watch out for more changes in future, including full colour throughout the magazine from issue 67 onwards. When the new EAZA website goes live in September a number of back issues of the magazine will also be made available online.
If you’d like to subscribe to receive a paper copy of the magazine visit the website and click on Subscriptions.
Download EN66: http://www.eaza.net/magazine/EN_intro.html
Please feel free to forward this message to colleagues.
EAZA Executive Office, PO Box 20164, 1000 HD Amsterdam, the Netherlands
web: http://www.eaza.net/ email: info@eaza.net tel: +31 20 520 07 50
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Latest News from John Regan Associates
External funding for Zoos, Botanical Gardens & Aquaria
Please visit: http://www.johnreganassociates.com/
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Marine Mammal Training and Behavior Management
The International Marine Animal Trainers' Association (IMATA) is pleased to announce the offering of two new animal training seminars. Both seminars will be presented in Atlanta, GA, USA during the first week of November 2009.
Course Title:
Marine Mammal Training and Behavior Management: Applying Advanced Learning Principles to Enhance the Quality of Animal Training, Environmental Enrichment, Staff Development and Conservation / Education Program Development.
Course Description:
Program participants will be exposed to critical developments in behavioral research, advanced behavior modification for multi-species, and accelerated staff development to improve behavior programs. A variety of multi-media presentations featuring computer graphics, video and interactive demonstrations will be used.
Specifically, this accelerated course will cover:
proper behavior shaping and effective maintenance;
environmental influences on behavior;
effective environmental enrichment;
the etiology of severe behavior disorders and case studies (their intervention, treatment and successful outcomes);
behavior medicine and health psychology;
reactive/proactive animal care; emergency intervention techniques for handling large animals;
aggression management;
animal acclimation; safety; interpersonal communication and teamwork.
Certificates of course completion will be provided and awarded to participants.
The course will be presented by Ocean Embassy and is comprised of two workshops:
1. The Essentials of Training Sunday, 1 November 2009 (6hrs)
2. Advanced Behavior Management Wednesday evening, 4 November 2009 (3hrs) Participants have the option of registering for either one or both classes.
To register, please visit http://www.imata.org/
and click on the tab for "workshops." SPACE IS LIMITED AND SLOTS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS
Tuition Information*:
The Essentials of Training $125
Advanced Behavior Management $90
Both Classes $175
*discounts are available for tuitions received prior to 31 August 2009.
Workshop location:
All classroom activities will take place at:
Hyatt Regency Atlanta 265 Peachtree Street, NE Atlanta, GA 30303
http://http://www.atlantaregency.hyatt.com/
Tel: 404.577.1234
Please direct email inquiries to info@imata.org
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The International Marine Animal Trainers' Association (IMATA) is dedicated to advancing the humane care and handling of marine animals by fostering communication between professionals that serve marine animal science through training, public display, research, husbandry, conservation, and education.IMATA is dedicated to providing and advancing the most professional, effective, and humane care of marine animals in all habitats.IMATA provides opportunities for marine animal trainers to exchange and disseminate current knowledge, research and training information in both professional and social settings. In addition, IMATA maintains a positive public image by preparing its members to act as ambassadors of the marine animal community.
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Exciting 2009 Orangutan Workshop Update!
Good Afternoon Everyone, (from Thomas Heitz theitz@zooatlanta.org )
It is with great excitement that I am pleased to announce that Dr. Willie Smits will be our keynote speaker on the final evening of the 2009 Orangutan SSP Husbandry Workshop. While I am sure he needs no introduction you can see his bio below. If you have not registered for the workshop yet I would encourage you to act quickly! The late fee of $30 will take effect starting next Wednesday, July 15, 2009 . If you any questions please feel free to contact me at any time.
Willie Smits, Biologist, Chairman, Masarang Foundation, and Founder, Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS)
Smits, trained as a forester, has also founded a university in Indonesia ; trained hundreds of forestry PhD students; and runs a forestry research center and remote sensing field station, Samboja Lestari , where he and his colleagues have been working since 2002—restoring a tropical rain forest from a parched grassland area using an integrated agroforestry and native plant development strategy.
Willie Smits is a respected conservationist and educator devoted to preserving habitat for orangutans. His dedication to the primates led Smits to establish Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS). This remarkable group has international chapters and operates the largest "shelters" and orangutan rehabilitation areas in the world. In addition, he has focused on addressing the root social causes of orangutan habitat loss, giving local workers alternatives to short-term forest exploitation. To learn more about Smits' orangutan conservation efforts, visit Orangutan Outreach.
In 2007, his Masarang Foundation opened a palm-sugar factory that uses geo-thermal energy to process the daily tapped sugar palm juice of thousands of traditional palm tappers into sugar and ethanol, providing cash and power to the community—moving toward a better future for the people, forest, and native orangutans, while saving 200,000 trees per year from being cut down as fuel wood.
"My lifelong goal is to save as much as possible from our global environment for future generations by providing real-life examples of harmonious living in balance with nature. I also believe that we cannot save the environment if we do not simultaneously take care of the people’s needs."
See you in Atlanta ,
Tom
Thomas Heitz
Keeper I
Primate Department
Zoo Atlanta
800 Cherokee Avenue, SE
Atlanta , GA 30315-1440
Phone: 404.624.5939
Stay in touch:
- Visit our Website
- Be our MySpace friend
- Become a Zoo Atlanta Facebook fan
REAL LIVE FUN
Zoo Atlanta
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Journal of Threatened Taxa
June 2009 Vol. 1 No. 6 Pages 309-360 Date of Publication 26 June 2009
ISSN 0974-7907 (online) 0974-7893 (print)
Contents Pp. 309-360
PDF (261Kb)
An assessment of human-elephant conflict in Manas National Park, Assam, India
--Naba K Nath, Bibhuti P Lahkar, Namita Brahma, Santanu Dey, Jyoti P Das, Pranjit K Sarma & Bibhab K Talukdar, Pp.309-316
Abstract HTML PDF (1060Kb)
Taxonomic and scientific inaccuracies in a consultancy report on biodiversity: a cautionary note
--Mohomed M. Bahir & Dinesh E. Gabadage, Pp.317-322
Abstract HTML PDF (168Kb)
Assessment of the release program of the European Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus (Cetartiodactyla: Cervidae) at Ajloun Nature Reserve, Jordan
--Ehab Khalil Eid & Yaseen Ananbeh, Pp.323-326
Abstract HTML PDF (311Kb)
Diet of three insectivorous birds in Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu, India – a preliminary study
--S. Asokan, A. Mohamed Samsoor Ali & R. Manikannan, Pp.327-330
Abstract HTML PDF (158Kb)
Redescription, distribution and status of the Karwar Large Burrowing Spider Thrigmopoeus truculentus Pocock, 1899 (Araneae: Theraphosidae), a Western Ghats endemic ground mygalomorph
--Manju Siliwal & Sanjay Molur, Pp.331-339
Abstract HTML PDF (986Kb)
Diversity and distribution of macrofungi in the man-made Pitchandikulam Forest of Tamil Nadu, southern India
--S. Mani & V. Kumaresan, Pp.340-343
Abstract HTML PDF (190Kb)
Aspergillus species isolated from mangrove forests in Borneo Island, Sarawak, Malaysia
--Jaya Seelan Sathiya Seelan, A.A.K. Faisal Ali & Sepiah Muid, Pp.344-346
Abstract HTML PDF (394Kb)
A new black mildew fungus Meliola erumeliensis from Idukki, Kerala, India
--V.B. Hosagoudar, G.R. Archana, M. Rajendraprasad & A. Nazarudeen, P.347
Abstract HTML PDF (183Kb)
Meliolaceae of Kerala, India – XXVIII
--V.B. Hosagoudar & G.R. Archana, Pp.348-350
Abstract HTML PDF (308Kb)
Rediscovery of Small Salmon Arab Colotis amata Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) from saline and semi-saline areas of West Bengal, India
--Soumyajit Chowdhury & Rahi Soren, Pp.351-352
Abstract HTML PDF (168Kb)
Rediscovery of the Banded Krait Bungarus fasciatus (Schneider 1801) (Serpentes: Elapidae) from Warangal District, Andhra Pradesh, India
--C. Srinivasulu, D. Venkateshwarlu & M. Seetharamaraju, Pp.353-354
Abstract HTML PDF (263Kb)
Observations on rutting behaviour of Hangul Deer Cervus elaphus hanglu (Cetartiodactyla: Cervidae) in Dachigam National Park, Kashmir, India
--Bilal A. Bhat, G. Mustafa Shah, Ulfat Jan, Fayaz A. Ahangar & M.F. Fazili, Pp.355-357
Abstract HTML PDF (171Kb)
Note on breeding and parental care behaviours of albino Hoary-bellied Squirrel Callosciurus pygerythrus (Rodentia: Sciuridae) in Sibsagar District of Assam, India
--Girindra Kalita, Pp.358-360
Abstract HTML PDF (197Kb)
online at http://www.threatenedtaxa.org/
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ABC Dolphin Trainer Academy
pre-registration ends July 15 for the Basic workshop September 14 to 18, 2009
Hosted by Dolphin Discovery Isla Mujeres.
For more information please go to http://www.abcanimaltraining.com/ to register or email me directly to reserve your place at swood@abcanimaltraining.com
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1st Annual Mazuri® Exotic Animal Feed
Nutrition Research Grant
Land O’Lakes Purina Feed is pleased to announce the Mazuri® Exotic Animal Feed Nutrition Research Grant, to support research in the area of exotic animal nutrition. Proposals may be submitted for up to $10,000. One or more grants may be awarded, but the combined total will not exceed $10,000 (to be determined by the awards committee). Funding will be considered for basic or applied research projects in the area of exotic animal nutrition. Research proposals will be evaluated by a panel of three committee members, comprised of at least one representative from academia and one representative from the zoo community. Grants will be ranked and awarded based on the quality of the proposal (50% of total ranking), importance of the research (25% of total
ranking) and likelihood that the research will be accomplished and disseminated (25% of total ranking). No committee members, nor their institutions, may be considered for funding from this Grant during the funding
year. A list of the winners of the grants will be provided to any entrant upon written request. A short (no more than 5 pages, not including references) proposal should be submitted, including all information described below. Note that incomplete proposals will not be evaluated.
To Apply: Submit proposals by email to liz.koutsos@Mazuri.com
Proposals are Due by September 14, 2009. Grant awardee will be announced no later than November 1, 2009.
Required Items:
• Title
• Principle Investigators, Co-Investigators and Collaborators
Please describe the responsibilities of each investigator towards the proposed research.
• General abstract
A brief (250 words or less) overview of the project, its relevance, and future applications written to a lay audience.
• Purpose Statement & Background information
Detailed overview of proposal, relevance to exotic animal nutrition, and necessary background information.
• Materials and Methods
Hypothesis, experimental design, method of analysis, expected results and potential pitfalls should all be addressed.
• Timeline of activities
Briefly describe timeline for major activities, including dissemination.
• Dissemination
Please provide information on the routes of dissemination of data collected in this project.
• Budget and Justification
Provide rationale for each budgetary item. Provide information regarding additional support if the proposal is also supported by other funding sources.
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Elephant Managers Association Auction
Starting on August 8, 2009, Elephant Managers Association will be auctioning off a number of fun and unique items to bid on to raise money for our organization's conservation efforts. 50% of the money raised will go into the association's endowment fund and the other 50% towards conservation efforts that the International Elephant Foundation (IEF) is participating in.
Though you cannot start bidding yet you can take a look at the items on auction here: ELEPHANT AUCTION ITEMS
The Auction ends on August 23rd!!!
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Presented by Active Environments and Shape of Enrichment
Hosted by The Oakland Zoo, Oakland , CA , USA
Instructors: Gail Laule, Margaret Whittaker, and Val Hare
TRAINING AND ENRICHMENT WORKSHOP for ZOO ANIMALS
16-20 November 2009
Active Environments is proud to present the third Training and Enrichment Workshop with our new host, The Oakland Zoo. This unique five-day workshop will present an array of topics relating to behavioral management with particular emphasis on positive reinforcement training techniques (PRT) and environmental enrichment (EE). The workshop is designed for keepers, managers, supervisors, curators, and veterinarians working with a wide array of animals held in zoos. This workshop emphasizes the behavioral management approach to caring for captive animals, with focus on environmental enrichment, positive reinforcement training, and the problem-solving process. Workshop format includes lecture, discussion, small group projects, demonstrations, and multiple hands-on training and enrichment opportunities with Oakland Zoo’s diverse collection. Skills taught are directly related to enhancing staff’s ability to manage captive animal behavior, improve animal welfare, and enhance the overall care and management of captive animals. The Workshop format is designed to maximize the value for each participant and as much as possible to address specific situations, needs, problems, and objectives. Be prepared to interact, share, and participate to make the experience as useful and relevant to you as possible.
The registration fee (TBD) includes the following:
· 6 nights stay in the La Quinta Inn at Oakland Airport
· All workshop materials, including a copy of Don’t Shoot the Dog
· All breakfasts, lunches and snacks during the workshop
· Icebreaker, one dinner, and closing banquet (3 dinners)
· Transportation to and from workshop and airport
· Commemorative Workshop t-shirt
We have reserved a block of rooms at the Hotel based on double occupancy; single rooms available with increased registration fee.
For further information contact:
Active Environments, Inc.
7651 Santos Road Lompoc, CA 93436
Tel: 805-737-3700
E-mail: info@activeenvironments.org
Margaret Whittaker ( Active Environments ): indu22@earthlink.net
Margaret Rousser (Oakland Zoo): margaret@oaklandzoo.org
Or: Shape of Enrichment
Website: http://www.enrichment.org/
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ABC Dolphin Trainer Academy
pre-registration ends July 15 for the Basic workshop September 14 to 18, 2009
Hosted by Dolphin Discovery Isla Mujeres.
For more information please go to http://www.abcanimaltraining.com/ to register or email me directly to reserve your place at swood@abcanimaltraining.com
Thanks
Shelley Wood
ABC Training Systems
smailto:swood@abcanimaltraining.com
http://www.abcanimaltraining.com/
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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 Zoo Jobs and Related Vacancies please visit: http://zoowork.blogspot.com/
For notification of Zoo related Meetings, Conferences, Courses and Symposia go to: http://zoosymposia.blogspot.com/
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ZooNews Digest is an independent publication, not allied or attached to any zoological collection. Many thanks.
Kind Regards,
Wishing you a wonderful week,
Peter Dickinson
Zoo News Digest Blog
http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.com/
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