Saturday, October 31, 2009

Zoo News Digest 26th - 31st October 2009 (Zoo News 627)

Zoo News Digest 26th - 31st October 2009 (Zoo News 627)
http://zoonewsdigest.com/

http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.com/

Peter Dickinson
peterd482001@yahoo.co.uk


Dear Colleagues,

It is interesting to note that the only newspaper which (so far) has mentioned that the so called 'Lion Man', Craig Busch is not getting a UK welcome is Stuff NZ. Although there are details out there of planned visits to shopping centres and the like I am pleased to say that the visit is hardly generating a lot of press interest. One venue he could go for I suppose is the The Great British Circus which, thinking about it, would be just his style.

I see that Noah's Ark Farm Park have been suspended by BIAZA whilst complaints are being investigated. They are however only too happy to cooperate and I hope that matters are clarified soon. I have never cared for planted spies within zoos or other organisations as they arrive already indoctrinated. Such ideas will often cloud perceptions and often prevent the truth from being clearly seen. The opposite can apply of course. I have had several emails from people going to work in the Tiger Temple in Thailand with open hearts (and wallets) and genuine concern only to be both shocked and horrified when faced with the truth.

The story about Australia Zoo pressurising Sunshine Coast restaurants into removing native animal meat from their menus struck me as highly amusing. I thought actually it was a joke but after several reads decided it was serious. So here we have Australia Zoo who has just sent Kangaroos to Taman Safari Indonesia, a collection which almost exclusively feeds Australian Kangaroo meat to their large collection of carnivores. Carnivores which, I might add are kept chained all over the place for visitor photographic opportunities. I am not suggesting that the Australia Zoo Kangaroos will end up as tiger treats but it would not surprise if any progeny became a photo prop.

Lots of interesting links. Please post in comments below if you feel so inclined.


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On with links:


Lion Man takes a mauling in Britain
British zoos have been warned off hosting "Lion Man" Craig Busch during his trip to the UK – designed to thank fans and generate funds for his legal battles over ownership of Zion wildlife park.
Busch arrived in England early this week, hoping to entertain fans at a series of leading British zoos.
But those plans were scuttled after the intervention of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums – the governing body of zoos and animal parks in the UK.
Biaza director Miranda Stevenson said, while her organisation hadn't banned Busch, it had made it clear to members that the Kiwi's view of conservation differed from what it stood for.
"They (zoo management) changed their mind after they had investigated more deeply into the messages that he was putting out," Stevenson told Sunday News from London.
"The truth of the matter is that we have no say over who our members invite.
"But the one thing that we will point out to them is to check whether the people they are having are promoting the same values as those of the association [Biaza]. And that is the only advice
http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv/3019504/Lion-Man-takes-a-mauling-in-Britain


Irwin attitudes sway restaurant tastes
Australia Zoo is accused of pressuring Sunshine Coast restaurants into removing native animal meat from their menus.
In recent weeks Caloundra's Rydges Oasis resort removed kangaroo and crocodile meals from its menu after it was suggested that Australia Zoo management opposed the consumption of native animal meat.
General manager of the resort Jo Acott said the decision was made with the zoo's attitude in mind, but said other factors had come into play.
"The issue was brought to our attention, however, that the zoo does not condone restaurants serving up the meat of native animals," Ms Ascott said.
An Australia Zoo spokeswoman said zoo management and staff staunchly opposed wildlife consumption and trade and urged people to refuse
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/irwin-attitudes-sway-restaurant-tastes-20091029-hlk6.html


Noah's Ark suspended by zoo welfare group
A Wraxall zoo farm at the centre of allegations it is breeding tigers and camels to be used in circuses has been temporarily stripped of its membership of the country's leading zoo welfare association.
The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (Biaza) has temporarily suspended Noah's Ark's membership while an investigation into the claims is carried out.
Noah's Ark can stay open to the public because its licence is controlled by North Somerset County Council.
The decision follows an investigation by the Captive Animals Protection Society (Caps) at the farm.
An undercover female investigator, who secured work at the zoo farm as a volunteer for two months during the summer, worked alongside staff where she claimed to have discovered that the zoo was breeding animals to be used in the Great British Circus owned by Martin Lacey.
The investigator also claimed the zoo was in breach of animal disposal regulations following the death of female Bengal tiger Tira earlier this year.
Caps claims that Tira, who died 10 days after the birth of three cubs, had her head and paws cut off, her skin removed and her body buried in the zoo grounds.
Caps, a registered charity, has reported its findings to various authorities, including North Somerset Council, and called for Noah's Ark owners Christina and Anthony Bush to have their zoo licence revoked.
Biaza has strict guidelines for its members to adhere to and, if a breach is found, zoos can be stripped
http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/news/Noah-s-Ark-suspended-zoo-welfare-group/article-1470936-detail/article.html


Plan hatched to save world's rarest duck from extinction
NATURALISTS have been handed a second chance to save the world’s rarest duck from extinction.
And they have called on the help of North East expert Owen Joiner who is preparing to jet out to Madagascar to help pull the birds back from the brink.
Owen, 33, is head birdkeeper at Washington Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and has been involved in running breeding programmes for endangered species at the site on the banks of the River Wear.
For the last 30 years, it was thought that the Madagascar Pochard duck was already extinct. But then biologists discovered around 20 of the birds on a small, remote lake.
The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Peregrine Fund and the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust
http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2009/10/30/plan-hatched-to-save-world-s-rarest-duck-from-extinction-61634-25048692/


Zoo tries to get rhinos in the mood
Pittsburgh Zoo visitors could see some hot and very heavy action in the rhino yard in coming days as black rhinoceroses meet and mate for the first time.
The coupling, if it occurs, will involve Azzizi, a 10-year-old female born at the Cleveland Zoo, and 14-year-old Jomo, who was born at the San Diego Zoo and came to Pittsburgh when he was a year old.
Barbara Baker, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium president and chief operating officer, held a news conference outside the rhino yard today to alert zoo visitors that they could be witness to some rough but "entertaining" animal sex.
"When in the mood," Dr. Baker said, "rhinos are very aggressive toward one another. They will roar, chase
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09303/1009575-100.stm


Polar bear plus grizzly equals?
Scientists can now answer the question, following the first study of a polar bear/grizzly bear hybrid.
Only one hybrid bear has ever been seen in the wild, so the study evaluated two hybrid bears kept in captivity, which are among 17 such bears known to exist.
While each hybrid has inherited characteristics from either parent, some traits, such as partially hollow hair, appear to be a blend of the two.
"Hybrids between polar and brown bears in the wild are very rare. Only one confirmed case is known," says Dr Ute Magiera, the conservation coordinator of Osnabruck Zoo in Germany.
That hybrid bear was shot in April 2006 by an American big game hunter on Banks Island, Northwest Territories, Canada.
However, a small number of hybrid bears do exist in zoos in the Czech Republic, Israel, Russia, Spain, Poland and Germany as a result of grizzly bears, a subspecies of brown bear, and polar bears being held in the same enclosures.
At Osnabruck Zoo, for example, both species were kept together since 1980, producing
http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8321000/8321102.stm


Pass the bamboo: Cleveland Zoo puts 2 gorillas on biscuit-free diet with more greens
A new diet initiative in Ohio includes bamboo fronds and ficus branches.
It's a Cleveland Zoo effort to give two Western lowland gorillas a healthier menu free of processed biscuits.
The gorillas were diagnosed with heart disease, and the zoo says a diet favoring greenery provides more fiber and less sugar.
The diet includes dandelion greens, endive and romaine lettuce, the leaves and bark of ficus branches, and bamboo fronds.
The greens are scattered about the gorillas' enclosure, which
http://www.fox59.com/news/sns-ap-oh--dietinggorillas,0,2948164.story


Rescued pangolins transferred to Cuc Phuong National Park Rescue Centre
On the 22nd of October two confiscated Sunda Pangolins (Manis javanica) were transferred to the Carnivore and Pangolin Conservation Program (CPCP) of the Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre, Cuc Phuong National Park, Ninh Binh. These animals had been confiscated by the Forest Protection Department of Ha Nam from a bus on highway 1A at Thanh Liem district, Ha Nam Province.
“The pangolins are currently in the CPCP’s quarantine area where they will be carefully monitored for the next 30 days before being moved to longer term enclosures. While one of the pangolins is
http://envietnam.org/E_News/E_338/Rescued_Pangolins_transferred_to_CP_National_Park_rescue_centre.html

What is an animal worth?
Lord Bates to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the number of animals kept in a zoo or safari park is a material consideration by the Valuation Office Agency when rating a zoo hereditament for the 2010 business rates revaluation; whether the type of animals kept is a material consideration; and whether there is a tariff for different types of animal. HL6075
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200809/minutes/091029/ldordpap.htm

Toronto Zoo defies city directive to cut budget
After being instructed to chop their budget by 5 per cent by Toronto's city manager, directors of the Toronto Zoo dug in their heelsThursday and voted instead to increase it by 3.2 per cent.
Saying their job is to be advocates for the zoo, they openly defied the directive to all city agencies, issued only last week by city manager Joe Pennachetti, to slash their budgets by 5 per cent.
Councillor Paul Ainslie – a member of the city's budget committee – moved to hold the zoo budget at last year's level – meaning a city grant of $11,677,000.
Other directors took that a step further, voting to add $373,000.
"We have a moral obligation to those animals locked in their cages to give them the best care possible," said Councillor Glenn de Baeremaeker in supporting the plan.
Ainslie said that in past cost-cutting campaigns in the city, agencies that offered up spending cuts took a heavy hit while those who refused
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/718373--toronto-zoo-defies-city-directive-to-cut-budget?bn=1


AGO asked to accomplish Medan zoo
Medan regional representatives asked the Attorney General Office (Kejagung) to immediately clear Medan zoo issue which have been officially confiscated by Kejagung regarding the trade-off case that considered inflicting state financial loss of 36 billion rupiahs.
"We ask that the Attorney General's office to immediately resolve this problem correctly, transparent, fair and not be prolonged," said the deputy chairman of Medan House Speaker Ikrimah Hamidy to Waspada Online Thursday (Oct. 29). He said the problem was effecting Pemko Medan, although the KBM is no longer be the asset of Pemko Medan, but it could returned to them if the third party was found guilty by Kejagung.
According to Ikrimah this case has a great effect to the land, there
http://www.waspada.co.id/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=62679:ago-asked-to-accomplish-medan-zoo&catid=30:english-news&Itemid=94


Why zoo keeper stalled
IN HIS seven years with a 'licence to kill', Singapore Zoo head keeper K. Selvan never had to shoot an animal.
The 49-year-old, who is among the 16 trained shooters at the zoo, thought he would have to, on Nov 13 last year, after being alerted to the incident at the white tiger enclosure. Mr Selvan went to the zoo's armoury to take out a double-barrel shotgun with 20 rounds. But he never had to use the weapon.
The zoo veteran of 22 years took the stand at the coroner's court to explain the role of the shooters at the inquiry into the fatal mauling of cleaner Nordin Montong, 32, that day.
Mr Selvan said the victim and three tigers were blocked from his view when he arrived at the scene.
Even if he could see the cats, he would not have been able to fire as there were keepers in the vicinity. 'The animals also cannot be too near the victim,' he said, because of the
http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_448223.html


Fighting among corals a concern for aquarium
Fighting among corals has been a concern for Napier's National Aquarium as it arranges a new exhibit.
"A coral can kill its neighbour by stinging it or preventing it from feeding," aquarium manager Rob Yarrall said yesterday.
"It's not a fight you'd sit and watch, but you can see them gently extending their stingers.
"Every time a coral puts its feelers out to filter the water for food, its neighbour could sting it. It retracts its feelers – but then it's not eating and it can starve to death."
Mr Yarrall is confident the aquarium has solved the problem in its new display, which opens next Wednesday, by separating the species that are likely to fight one another.
The collection, valued at $10,000, includes some rare species and was given to the aquarium by Invercargill collector Clif Carson.
The colourful corals – creams, yellows, blues and greens are among the hundred different pieces – are being arranged in a three-metre-long tank fitted with a mixture of real and artificial rocks to create a terraced reef.
Another problem in organising the display is that different
http://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/3008238/Fighting-among-corals-a-concern-for-aquarium


Las Vegas Zoo Getting Some Help
The Las Vegas Zoo is getting some much-needed financial help for a renovation. The San Diego Zoo has donated $15,000 to start the remodeling process for one animal habitat.
The money will either help the Barbary Ape or the Desert Tortoise.
Zoo officials say while the donation is a great start, it will cost nearly $50,000 to finish the project. The zoo says they will need private funds to finish the new habitat and keep the zoo alive.
"Space is limited here, but they kind of seem like
http://www.lasvegasnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=11403965


Details of zoo cleaner's death
MINUTES before cleaner Nordin Montong was mauled to death by two white tigers, he told colleagues at the zoo that they would not see him again.
Carrying a broom and a pail, the 32-year-old Malaysian then leapt into the tiger enclosure.
Details of his tragic death were revealed in the coroner's inquiry on Thursday.
Two videos filmed by zoo visitors were also shown.
State Coroner Victor Yeo had heard earlier from senior investigation officer of the police Yusry Muhamad
http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_448061.html


AA Gill shot baboon 'to see what it would be like to kill someone'
Animal welfare groups voiced outrage today after the restaurant critic AA Gill said he shot a baboon on safari "to get a sense of what it might be like to kill someone".
In a Sunday Times column, Gill recounted in detail how he shot the creature from 250 yards while hunting in "a truck full of guns and other blokes" in Tanzania. He said he felt the urge to be "a recreational primate killer" before shooting the animal through the lung.
"This is morally completely indefensible," said Steve Taylor, a spokesman for the League Against Cruel Sports. "If he wants to know what it like to shoot a human, he should take aim at his own leg. When man interacts with animals he owes a duty of care. If you are killing to eat, that is a different matter. This is killing for fun".
Gill wrote: "I took him just below the armpit. He slumped and slid sideways. I'm told they can be tricky to shoot: they run up trees, hang on for grim life. They die hard, baboons. But not this one. A soft-nosed .357 blew his lungs out."
Claire Bass, wildlife manager at
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/oct/26/aa-gill-shot-baboon

I also shot a baboon. Different take though.

Collier agrees to renegotiate lease to reduce Naples Zoo’s costs
In the name of fairness, Collier County commissioners have agreed to renegotiate a lease with the Naples Zoo.The commission voted 3-2 to reduce the rent because it’s so expensive.Commissioners Frank Halas and Jim Coletta opposed the change, citing concerns about losing more money when county government already is facing a tight budget.“I sure as heck don’t want to keep shoveling money out the door,” Halas said.The nonprofit zoo off Goodlette-Frank
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2009/oct/27/collier-agrees-renegotiate-lease-reduce-naples-zoo/



NC Zoo To Kick-Off $2 Million Project Polar Bear Campaign
The NC Zoological Society will announce the kick-off of its $2 million "Project: Polar Bears" fund-raising campaign.The campaign is for private support of a $4.7 million expansion of the polar bear exhibit and holding facilities at the
http://www.digtriad.com/news/local/article.aspx?storyid=132289&catid=57


Should we support anti-zoo campaign?
I AM at a crossroads between supporting and opposing Peta’s anti-zoo campaign and more so of Malaysian celebrity Amber Chia’s stamp of approval to do a charity bit for its promotional campaign: ”Amber stripes down for Peta’s anti-zoo campaign” (Sunday Star, Oct 25).We have heard of save-the-animal-skin campaign, anti-poachers campaign and all those rallies against cruelty to animal but an anti-zoo campaign? It seems to strike a different chord altogether.Zoo has been an integral part and an attraction of every city of the world. It is a quick form of knowing and learning the various types of animals and its species of a location. It has been a family getaway and a place that is the closest one can get to a forest, or the wilds, or even the ocean. It is nature’s fauna in captivity, where we learn that the last letter of the alphabet “Z” is for Zoo, when we are toddlers.In some countries like Singapore where the forest is scarce, not to mention its small size, the zoo is big in size and the animals have bigger space and more freedom. As such, it is a runaway success as a tourist attraction.But in some and many other countries, zoos are small and, worse still, they look like animal prisons. All this is because they are lacking in funds and, because of its poor conditions, visitors are few.And now Peta, which stands for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, has launched a campaign urging
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/10/28/focus/4985408&sec=focus


Topeka Zoo has been here before
The Topeka Zoo is in familiar territory.Regulatory problems, public outcry and a city-initiated review. That was the case in 2002. That was true in 2005. And that is happening now after city manager Norton Bonaparte on Thursday called for an independent look at the zoo.But what the two previous reviews mean for the zoo's current situation depends on who is asked. Some say the reviews had little effect on zoo operations and want further action similar to the departure Thursday of the zoo's veterinarian."A review panel is good, but we've been there before," said City Councilman John Alcala, who pushed for the 2005 process. "I think there needs to be a reorganization of personnel."Others say misdirected blame at zoo leadership is taking away from the real problem."I think they ought to look at funding instead of trying to get (zoo director) Mike Coker fired," said Frank Chaffin, a member of
http://cjonline.com/news/local/2009-10-24/topeka_zoo_has_been_here_before


Chahinkapa Zoo receives $1 million
Alfred "Bud" Boehning loved peacocks. One day, many years ago, as former Wahpeton Parks Superintendent Wendell Langendorfer drove past Boehing's farm by Geneseo, he stopped to behold a stunning sight — Boehning's roof was covered in peafowl."Wendell said the zoo needed some more peafowl so he pulled into Mr. Boehning's driveway and asked if he would sell some of them," said Kathy Diekman, Chahinkapa Zoo director.Boehing died in January 2008. As a bachelor he left part of his estate to a niece and great-niece, and some friends. The rest he bequeathed to Chahinkapa Zoo — all $1,094
http://www.wahpetondailynews.com/articles/2009/10/26/news/doc4ae5b75789bc5859967794.txt

Kanpur zoo to propose leopard rescue centre
With a view to rehabilitate the leopards who have been forced to leave their habitat due to the fast depleting forest cover in the state, the Kanpur zoo authorities will soon send a proposal to the Central Zoo Authority CZA) for establishing a rescue centre at Kanpur zoo, which will be one of its kind in the state. It is to be noted here that due to increased human interference, shortage of feed, climate change, delayed monsoons and lack of drinking water, the forests are no longer the comfortable and safer zones for the wild animals. As a result, leopards, tigers, hyena and other wild animals have left forests in the past and surveys say the trend is still continuing. Thus, there are many more
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kanpur/Kanpur-zoo-to-propose-leopard-rescue-centre/articleshow/5165638.cms


Tiger, leopard parts prices in China markets have doubled
A day after India and China signed a Memorandum of Understanding on environment and climate change, including management of forests, a new investigation has revealed that skins and other body parts of Indian wild tigers and leopards are being sold openly in China and at much higher prices than before. The investigation carried out by an international NGO, Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), states that the prices of tiger and leopard parts in Chinese markets have doubled since 2005: tiger skins are selling for 11,660-21,860 dollars, leopard skins for 1,020-2,770 dollars. During the investigation,
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/tiger-leopard-parts-prices-in-china-markets-have-doubled/533265/



Vietnamese urge Koreans not to travel for bear bile
Some Koreans have a seemingly endless appetite for products that promise to boost their health or sexual prowess, prompting them to eat food items that would seem unconventional by Western standards. One such product is bear bile, known in Asia for its medicinal properties. To get it, a significant number of Koreans are traveling to bear bile farms in Vietnam, where they can buy bile extracted from moon bears raised in cages. The problem is that many of these Korean travelers are unaware that such activities are illegal in Vietnam.These days, the sale and transport of bear bile has grown to such an extent that one Vietnamese lawmaker is currently taking
http://envietnam.org/library/Articles%20for%20news%20media%20section/Vietnamese_urge_Koreans_not_to_travel_for_bear_bile.html



Rare puaiohi released into Alaka‘i Swamp
Huge human steps are traveling a long distance to preserve from extinction a small, native Kaua‘i bird.A dozen more captive-raised puaiohi (Myadestes palmeri), also known as the small Kaua‘i thrush or Palmer’s thrush, were released into the Alaka‘i Wilderness Area last week. The endemic and endangered species is known to live only in the Alaka‘i Swamp area of Kaua‘i above elevations of 3,500 feet.Adult birds are seven inches in length, dark brown on top, gray on the bottom, with pinkish legs. They have short tails and slender and dark bills, feed on fruit and insects, and prefer the dense understory of gulches. Their sound is like water gurgling.Last week’s release marked the 10th year of a multi-agency effort designed to reverse the trend
http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2009/10/24/news/kauai_news/doc4ae2b4ffd794d467684861.txt

Fresno zoo leaps to rescue imperiled frog
After raging forest fires burned thousands of mountain acres this summer in Southern California, the search was on for tiny tadpole survivors.Because the population of mountain yellow-legged frogs already is depleted in California, scientists worried that their numbers would shrink even further when silt and mud flowed into lakes and streams in the Station Fire burn area of the San Gabriel Mountains east of Los Angeles.So 106 tadpoles were plucked out of a fire-ravaged stream and sent to their new temporary home: Fresno Chaffee Zoo. The
http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/1686623.html


Las Vegas Zoo Getting Some Help
The Las Vegas Zoo is getting some much-needed financial help for a renovation. The San Diego Zoo has donated $15,000 to start the remodeling process for one animal habitat.
The money will either help the Barbary Ape or the Desert Tortoise.
Zoo officials say while the donation is a great start, it will cost nearly $50,000 to finish the project. The zoo says they will need private funds to finish the new habitat and keep the zoo alive.
"Space is limited here, but they kind of seem like
http://www.lasvegasnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=11403965


Badgers doing better than expected in Norfolk
The badger, the nocturnal, elusive, animal believed to number a mere 200 in Ontario, is thriving much better in Norfolk County than previously thought, a team of researchers from Trent University found this summer.
For four months, the burrows where the animals live were carefully watched by the team. Infrared night cameras were set up to record the badgers' comings and goings.
Hair samples were picked up and studied in a lab while a live badger, a mature female, was captured. A radio-tracking device was put in its abdomen and it was released and followed.
Norfolk County is believed to be the area where most of the province's remaining badgers live. The reason for this, the team now believes, has less to do with its sandy soil, which the animal can easily burrow into, and more to do with the area's farming landscape.
"Badgers and agriculture probably have a lot more in common than we realized," said Joshua Sayers, a biologist with the university who spent the summer
http://www.simcoereformer.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2150095



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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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1st Conservation Medicine Symposium - Chile

On November 30th and December 1st, we are organizing The first Conservation Medicine Simposium in Chile. This concept is a very new concept for Chile, but it is completely necesary since in Chile we have and extremely high endemism!


We also have 3 zoos, which are very good, but need to use some conservation medicine in their exhibits. For example, are zoos are plagued (sorry if it sounds harsh!) with cats! They go in and out of the other animals enclosures! I believe I don't have to mention how many diseases could be transmitted between cats and the rest of the animals!! We have very important guest speakers like: Andrew Cunningham, Alonso Aguirre and Marcela Uhart.


If you want to read more about it, and are interested in coming please go to: http://mdc.unab.cl/


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Willie Smits' Google Earth video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JhcRKlGuCA


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ORCA
Organization for Reinforcement Contingencies with Animals


The second annual Art and Science of Animal Training conference is in February






or email Katie Tucker at obie1204@gmail.com

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Journal of Threatened Taxa
OCTOBER 2009 Vol. 1 No. 10 Pages 497-540



Contents Pp. 497-540
PDF (172Kb)

Pollination and seedling ecology of Decalepis hamiltonii Wight & Arn. (Periplocaceae), a commercially important, endemic and endangered species
--A.J. Solomon Raju & K. Venkata Ramana, Pp.497-506
Abstract HTML PDF (1270Kb)

Diversity, distribution and assemblage structure of fishes in streams of southern Western Ghats, India
--J.A. Johnson & M. Arunachalam, Pp.507-513
Abstract HTML PDF (1126Kb)

Fish diversity studies of two rivers of the northeastern Godavari basin, India
--Nilesh K. Heda, Pp.514-518
Abstract HTML PDF (892Kb)

A preliminary report on the development of young Indian Eagle Owl Bubo bengalensis (Franklin, 1831) in and around Puducherry, southern India
--M. Eric Ramanujam & T. Murugavel, Pp.519-524
Abstract HTML PDF (946Kb)

Taxonomic errors and inaccuracies in Sri Lanka’s Red List, 2007: a cautionary note
--Mohomed M. Bahir & Dinesh E. Gabadage, Pp.525-529
Abstract HTML PDF (174Kb)

Cassipourea ceylanica (Gardn.) Alston (1925) (Rhizophoraceae) in Karnataka
--Divakar K. Mesta, Harsha V. Hegde, Vinayak Upadhya, G.R. Rao, Ganesh R. Hegde & S.D. Kholkute, Pp.530-532
Abstract HTML PDF (296Kb)

Revalidating the taxonomic position of the Indian Ischnocolus spp. (Araneae: Theraphosidae)
--Manju Siliwal, Pp.533-534
Abstract HTML PDF (235Kb)

The epidemiology of gastrointestinal parasitism and body condition in free-ranging herbivores
--Somesh Singh, A.B. Shrivastav & R.K. Sharma, Pp.535-537
Abstract HTML PDF (167Kb)

Management of trypanosomiasis in a tigress Panthera tigiris: a case report
--Atul Gupta, Kajal Jadav, Jasbir Singh Chouhan & Parag Nigam, Pp.538-540
Abstract HTML PDF (141Kb)

http://www.threatenedtaxa.org/



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Hello ZooLex Friend, We have worked for your enjoyment!



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NEW EXHIBIT PRESENTATION

The Sun Bear Exhibit at Perth Zoo combines good husbandry with a rewarding visitor experience and information about in-situ conservation. It won the 2008 ARAZPA Exhibit Award recognising excellence in the area of animal display and exhibit design by an ARAZPA institution:http://www.zoolex.org/zoolexcgi/view.py?id=1113



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SMILING BEARS

This is the title of an excellent and very enjoyable book on bear husbandry and rehabilitation. Else Poulsen shares her personal experiences from working with various bears in zoos. These help to better understand bears, their daily needs, social competences and intellectual abilities. Caretakers and designers can draw their conclusions how to improve bear husbandry:http://www.dmpibooks.com/book/smiling-bears



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ILLUSTRATED BEAR ENRICHMENT MANUAL

Four Paws recently published a manual for visitors to their bear sanctuaries that illustrates various methods of bear enrichment. Thanks to the pictures and drawings by Stefan Knöpfer, bear keeper at the bear sanctuary in Arbesbach, the manual can be used for informing visitors and bear keepers alike.



ENRICHMENT AT BEAR SANCTUARY ARBESBACH. (2009) Objects for enriching bears. A manual presented at Bear Sanctuary Arbesbach, an animal welfare project by Four Paws Austria. Download here:http://www.zoolex.org/research.html



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WORKSHOP ZOO DESIGN

A ZooLex workshop will be held at Zoo Salzburg in Austria from March 25 to 26, 2010. Here is the workshop program:http://www.zoolex.org/workshop/program/program.html#zoodesignInformation and registration:http://www.zoolex.org/workshop.html#salzburg



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We keep working on ZooLex ...The ZooLex Zoo Design Organization is a non-profit organization registered in Austria (ZVR-Zahl 933849053). ZooLex runs a professional zoo design website and distributes this newsletter. More information and contact: http://www.zoolex.org/about.html



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Here is the quarterly newsletter of the Rhino Resource Center, no. 17, dated 1 November 2009. Edited by Kees Rookmaaker.



You can find the full version in PDF format on our website – click here.



The need for the RRC is explained in a recent editorial in International Zoo News, which you can view here. Look for ways to help our cause.



RHINO RESOURCE CENTER

http://www.rhinoresourcecenter.com/


NEWSLETTER #17

NOVEMBER 2009

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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 deadline extended until 15 November 2009

http://www.aszk.org.au/ for more details


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Dear Colleagues,

We are please to announce 2 new workshops for 2010:

Environmental Enrichment Workshop with David Sheperdson and other speakers in collaboration with the Odense Zoo in Denmark.

April 22nd - 25th 2010

Advanced Animal Learning Seminar with Tim Sullivan and other speakers in collaboration with the Chester Zoo in the UK.

June 4th - 7th 2010

More information will be available soon on http://www.animalconcepts.eu/

Please email me if you are interested in the program(s).

Kind regards,

Sabrina


AnimalConcepts
The Netherlands
mailto:Netherlandsanimalconcepts@me.com / sbrando@animalconcepts.eu

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Are you a single man?
Between 34 + 45 Looking to meet someone new?
I am single white female in the UK, age 35
I work in the industry, am a animal lover not a bunny hugger!


I'm wild, bubbly and curvaceous and please attatch recent photo! All mails will be replied to email mirabilisme@googlemail.com

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http://ctt-news.org/9GD-26BF-14110QE2E2/cr.aspx

Dear All,

I have been asked to circulate information on the below two events which will take place at ZSL on Tuesday 24 November to mark Nepal Nature Conservation Year in collaboration with the Government of Nepal:


The Nepal Conservation in Crisis seminar (10.30am–3.00pm) will address key conservation issues affecting Nepal’s diverse and highly threatened ecosystems. A range of speakers will share their experiences and achievements in natural resources conservation and the seminar will be chaired by the Minister of Forests and Soil Conservation and Director of National Parks Nepal. Seminar places are free but must be booked in advance. Please see here for full information and please email jane.loveless@zsl.org if you would like to participate.


A separate evening event, Fragile Nepal (6.30–11.00pm), will raise funds for the vital conservation work needed to safeguard this remarkable region and its fragile ecosystems. Full information can be found here and the evening includes a drinks reception, buffet dinner, presentations, Nepali entertainment, and a silent auction. Please email pippa.king@zsl.org to book your place.


I hope that these will be of interest; please contact Jane directly if you would like to participate in the Nepal Conservation in Crisis seminar or Pippa if you wish to book for the exclusive Fragile Nepal evening event.


Thanks and best wishes,

Joy :-)

Joy Hayward Scientific Meetings Co-ordinator,
ZSL,
London
NW1 4RY,
UK.
Tel: +44 (0)20 7449 6227.
Fax: +44 (0)20 7449 6411.
E-mail: joy.hayward@zsl.org.
Web: http://ctt-news.org/9GD-26BF-110QE2-1AIN9-1/c.aspx


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Howletts and Port Lympne Student Enrichment and Welfare Course in collaboration with AnimalConcepts.
27th – 29th January 2010




Instructors: Sabrina Brando and Mark Kingston Jones



Howletts and Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks are pleased to announce a course on Enrichment and Welfare to be run by Sabrina Brando and Mark Kingston Jones.


Sabrina runs AnimalConcepts, an international consultancy company specialising in enrichment, behaviour and animal welfare. Sabrina has 17 years experience in the field and collaborates with many facilities, universities and research institutes.


Mark has been involved in the animal welfare field since 2004 and now works at Howletts and Port Lympne as the Enrichment and Research Officer for both parks organising workshops, talks and working with keepers to design and implement enrichment ideas. He has been involved in two ‘The Shape of Enrichment’ workshops, in the UK and Indonesia, and has presented 9 talks on topics relating to animal welfare at conferences, both nationally and internationally.



This course is designed specifically for college and university students (past or present) who do not currently work within a zoo setting but are looking to do so as a career. Over three days students will gain a background in animal welfare and working with different species, as well as providing practical skills in designing, building and testing enrichment within the settings of both Howletts and Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks, in Kent. Our aim is to provide valuable experience and the addition of useful skills to a would-be keeper’s CV. Please note you must be 18 or over to attend this course.


Lecture topics include: An overview of welfare and enrichment, animal husbandry and learning, choice and control, enclosure design and breaking into the zoo world. Additionally there will be talks and practicals with keepers involving working with carnivores, primates, ungulates, elephant management, getting involved in in-situ conservation, rope splicing and fire hose weaving.


The workshop registration fee of £150 includes:
All workshop materials
Practical sessions
Lunches during the 3 days, as well as drinks and snacks during the scheduled tea breaks.


Information on discounted accommodation is available on request and the number of available places is limited, so please book early.



For further information and to request a booking form please contact:
Kim Guillot at Howletts and Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks
Email: intern@totallywild.net


Final deadline for registration is: 31.12.09

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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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http://www.zoonewsdigest.com/

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http://zoowork.blogspot.com/

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