Zoo News Digest 15th - 20th December 2009 (Zoo News 636)
http://zoonewsdigest.com/
http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.com/
Peter Dickinson
peterd482001@yahoo.co.uk
Dear Colleagues,
So the great Copenhagen Climate Conference
is over. There will be even longer debates now as to whether it achieved anything other than a lot more hot air. I am still unsure as to who I should believe over the whole complicated issue. I know that exhaust fumes make me cough, that waterways are polluted, that the sea is awash with debris and chemicals, that massive areas of the world have been deforested, that previously wild areas are no longer so and more...because I have seen all these with my own eyes. Nothing to do with climate you say? I cannot believe that it does not have an effect and even if it doesn't it is still wrong.
One person whose opinion I do respect is Steve Jones
and in the Daily Telegraph - Tuesday December 15th 2009 he said:
"And the future? Nobody in their right mind can deny the frightening increase in the level of carbon dioxide - by a quarter or so - since measurements began on Hawaii in the late Fifties. Nobody, that is, apart from those whose ideas about how science works comes from some remote part of the solar system, rather than here on Earth."
I will go with that till somebody proves different.
This week I went over to Wales to catch up with Olivia which was very nice. Apart from seeing my daughter for the first time in well over a year I get the chance to catch up with my mountains of mail. This includes a great pile of zoo related magazines (47 from 6 different zoo related organisations) which are sent to me gratis. These will keep me busy with reading for the next couple of months. I will make note of some of the more interesting articles as I go through them. Not all sadly as there are so many of them. One of the first I got to was an article on stress as an enrichment (Stress As Enrichment Opportunities For Natural Behaviour by Lana Judd of Auckland Zoo in 'thylacinus' Vol.33 no.3 2009). I had played with this concept in my head over the years and discussed it a few years ago with my friend Damien Egan
(one of the finest reptile men I have ever met) who had some very interesting ideas on the subject. Well worthwhile your getting hold of this and reading it. Stress of course is natural and an everyday experience for animals in the wild but rarer in captivity in good zoos.
Thank you to the three people who sent donations to the Digest this past couple of weeks. It really has kept the wolf from the door.
Please post in comments below if you feel so inclined.
This blog has readers from 115 countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cote D’Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Eire, England, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lapland, Lao, Latvia, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Montserrat, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Northern Ireland, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United States, Uruguay, US Virgin Islands, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Wales, Zambia.
The ZooNews Digest continues to be read more often by more staff in more zoos than any other publication.
Please consider advertising on this blog as I need the money but understand.... I am of stubborn principle and will not advertise products or services that I disagree with no matter how much you pay me.
Please feel free to use the comment section at the end of this Zoo News Digest.
Is your meeting/conference/symposium listed here?http://zoosymposia.blogspot.com/
If not why not? ZooNews Digest is read by more zoo people than any other similar publication. I will advertise up till the event.
Visit my latest hub webpages at:
http://hubpages.com/profile/Peter+Dickinson
I have done a fair bit of writing during December but nothing since I got back to the UK. Latest hub links which were included in last weeks Digest also are here below though I will remove them next week:
Residence Inn Mini Zoo
Macau Zoo
D'Family Park Zoo in Cebu City
ZooNews Digest
Some Zoo Questions
Malaka Zoo
Loboc River Tarsier Project
Zoobic Safari
Taiping Zoo and Night Safari
Vigan Zoo
Melaka Crocodile Park
Crocolandia Foundation Inc
Philippine Tarsier Visitors Centre
Penang Bird Park
Dumaguete zoo
Langkawi Bird Paradise
The Philippine Raptor Centre
Palawan Crocodile Farm and Conservation Centre
Negros Forests and Ecological Foundation Inc Breeding Centre
AND entirely unrelated to zoos (so don't bother if not interested)
Good Guy Goes To Heaven Bad Guy Goes To Pattaya
An Extremely Erotic Experience
Tomorrow arrives
Why don't you try writing on HubPages?
Write about what you know about or are interested in. You can post on line. Free to join and yet you can earn money continually. A passive income. Not much to begin with but it mounts up. It pays me enough to buy a cup of coffee every day...well nearly every day.
Read how with my "Quick Guide to Hub Construction." I truly believe it will be worth your while.
Please visit the Zoo Professionals Book Store for more if you are looking for books for yourself or as gifts.
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On with links:
Little Rock Zoo trots out elephant manure recycler
Even though elephants are known for working for peanuts, the Little Rock Zoo demonstrated Thursday how it gets more from its investment.
The zoo won a $13,000 grant to buy a machine that processes compost made from dung from its two elephants so it can be used to help landscape the zoo.
Zoo horticulturist Tom Frothingham said it was difficult to find a machine that could handle the texture of elephant leavings. He located a Mennonite farmer in Canada who had built a similar machine, so the zoo paid him $12,000 to make another. The rest
http://www.pbcommercial.com/articles/2009/12/18/ap-state-ar/ar_manure_machine.txt
Shanghai Expo to show baby pandas at city's zoos
Ten giant panda cubs will be on display at the Shanghai World Expo next year at the city's zoos, giving tens of millions of Chinese and foreign visitors a glimpse at the highly endangered species.
The six females and four males will arrive in Shanghai
in January and spend six months at the Shanghai Zoo and six months at Wild Zoo of Shanghai, said Cai Youming, deputy director of the Shanghai Forestry Bureau.
All the pandas were born at the country's main panda research base in Sichuan province after the May 2008 earthquake that killed or left missing nearly 90,000 people, Cai said.
The Expo, due to begin May 1 and run for six months, is expected to draw 70 million visitors, most of them Chinese.
The Shanghai Zoo, which already has three older giant pandas, has refurbished its panda house to accommodate the new arrivals, part of a bumper crop of pandas born last year despite damage to the panda reserve
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5joWvdeVP53PuofH6z5ynRcj_lUhQD9CL2S880
Lawsuit over L.A. Zoo's elephants moves closer to trial
Animal welfare advocates who have been battling the Los Angeles Zoo over its elephant-keeping practices got one step closer to their day in court today.
The California Supreme Court has denied a petition by the city of Los Angeles to review a Court of Appeal’s decision in September allowing the animal welfare suit to go to trial.
Initially, a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge threw the case out of court, saying the issues raised were political. That judge, however, was overruled by the Court of Appeal.
The suit was filed by actor Robert Culp and real estate agent Aaron Leider in 2007.
They allege that the Los Angeles Zoo, a city agency, had abused its elephants by keeping them in enclosures far too small to accommodate the world’s largest land mammals. The zoo is building a new exhibit that has come under fire from animal welfare advocates.
“It’s wrong for the city of Los Angeles to waste money on an inadequate elephant display,” said Catherine Doyle of the group In Defense of Animals.
The zoo, which has only one elephant, has long maintained that it takes proper care of pachyderms and that the new exhibit will fulfill the animals’ space
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/12/los-angeles-zoo-elephant-lawsuit-moves-closer-to-trial.html
Gorilla Man Honoured for His Work With the Gentle Giants
NOTHING makes Benjamin Bayenda happier than conquering the hearts of mountain gorillas. Their acceptance of human presence in their homes delights Bayenda. This is what he has been doing for the last two decades.
Through his successive exploits in Bwindi Impenetrable national park, the largest homeland for gorillas globally, thousands of tourists have had the rare privilege of tracking the gentle giants.
Four decades ago, when Bayenda's career was starting, he did not imagine that he would be famous. In October, a club of professionals under Nateete-Kampala Rotarians decorated him with a vocational
http://allafrica.com/stories/200912141260.html
Rhino arrives at Knoxville Zoo
A new female white rhino is expected at the Knoxville Zoo this week and the staff hopes she'll catch the eye of Mondo, the herd's resident male and potential new mate.
Maggie, a 14-year-old white rhino, is coming from The Wilds in Cumberland, Ohio on a breeding recommendation from the Species Survival Plan. The SSP manages the placement of endangered white rhinos in zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The determination was made that Maggie and Mondo
http://www.thedailytimes.com/article/20091217/LIFE/312179995
Kamloops named first official Bear Smart city
The number of bears killed in Kamloops has dropped from a peak of more than 100 a decade ago to just three in 2009.
The rapid decline -- credited to community programs and a change in strategy from the B.C. Conservation Officer service -- made Kamloops the province's first official Bear Smart community.
Environment Minister Barry Penner made the announcement Monday at B.C. Wildlife Park. It recognizes a partnership between the City of Kamloops
, Thompson-Nicola Regional District, B.C. Conservation Foundation and the province.
Among the efforts to reduce bear-human conflicts are education programs targeted at residents to ensure they don't let fruit litter their
http://www.kamloopsnews.ca/article/20091214/KAMLOOPS0101/912149998/-1/kamloops/kamloops-named-first-official-bear-smart-city
Reaseheath's Meerkats Make A Move
REASEHEATH College’s meerkats
are breeding so successfully that they are being supplied to zoos nationwide.
Two groups of 18 animals are so productive that the Nantwich college has been able to send stock to 15 UK zoos.
Most recently, young males have been sent to Chester Zoo, the Welsh Mountain Zoo and Yorkshire Wildlife Park, where they have introduced a new genetic mix as well as providing a popular attraction for visitors.
In return, the college has
http://www.creweguardian.co.uk/news/4801963.Reaseheath_s_Meerkats_Make_A_Move/
Hangul conservation centre coming up at Sonamarg
In an effort to save Hangul, the Kashmir Stag, a Hangul Conservation Breeding Centre is coming up at picturesque Dard-e-Wuder in Sonamarg, 80 kilometres from here on Srinagar-Leh National highway, marking the start of the campaign to save the endangered species.
The population of Hangul (Kashmir Stag), numbered in thousands during 1940s has decreased alarmingly over the years with the latest reports putting their number at around 180.
Minister for Forests and Environment Mian Altaf
http://www.ptinews.com/news/424618_Hangul-conservation-centre-coming-up-at-Sonamarg
Ringling's Baby Elephants Tied Up and Electro-Shocked by Trainers
Never-before-seen photos reveal how Ringling Bros. circus trainers cruelly force baby elephants to learn tricks, and it's not through a reward system, as they claim. Explore the photos that will make parents think twice about taking their child to the circus.
You may have wondered how Ringling Bros. gets 8,000-pound elephants to perform tricks like sitting up and even standing on their heads, but now you know. Ringling breaks the spirit of elephants when they're vulnerable babies who should
http://www.ringlingbeatsanimals.com/bound-babies.asp?c=prbabbf09
Protecting biodiversity to be key '10 goal
The United Nations has declared 2010 the International Year of Biodiversity to promote conservation and sustainable biodiversity. In October, Japan will host the 10th U.N. Convention on Biological Diversity, an event held every two years.
Biodiversity is defined as the "variability among living organisms from all sources, including diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems," according to the U.N. Convention, which was first signed in 1992.
Environmentalists say the loss of biodiversity is not just about losing the richness of the natural environment but will negatively effect the ecological processes the planet depends on.
The situation is serious. According
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20091215i1.html
Zoo theft: Govt to seek CBI probe
The state government will seek a CBI inquiry into the theft of common marmosets from the Alipore zoo
in August. Based on reports by the forest department and Kolkata Police, Writers' Buildings is convinced that only a central agency such as CBI can crack the case, which involves gangs operating across the country.
Eight marmosets were stolen from the zoo on the intervening night of August 8-9. Seven of these monkeys were later recovered from Chhattisgarh's Durg district and the alleged mastermind, Raj Saikia, was arrested. The eighth marmoset had died. The monkeys are used for research.
The high-profile robbery caused a furore with two zoo guards getting arrested the very next day and Kolkata Police's detective department taking over the probe from Watgunge police station. The forest department conducted its own inquiry. Last month, the two agencies
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata-/Zoo-theft-Govt-to-seek-CBI-probe/articleshow/5357437.cms
Rare white rhinoceros from Czech zoo heading for Kenyan reserve
Prague - Four northern white rhinoceros
, a very rare subspecies on the brink of extinction, have left the Czech Republic aboard a plane specially arranged for this purpose and are being flown to Kenya to be released to the wild on Sunday.
Earlier today the rhinos were transported from their home zoo in Dvur Kralove nad Labem, east Bohemia, by lorries to the Prague airport, some 120km far away.
After the plane with them lands in Nairobi, they will be transported to the Ol Pejeta reserve, 150km from the Kenyan capital, on Sunday morning.
http://www.ceskenoviny.cz/news/zpravy/rare-white-rhinoceros-from-czech-zoo-heading-for-kenyan-reserve/412900
Texas Zoo hires new director
This week, Andrea Blomberg became The Texas Zoo's
fifth director in four years.
Zoo board members say they hope Blomberg's business background will help to steer the nonprofit toward solid future financial footing.
"She has a go-and-get it attitude," said Doug Giles, zoo board president. "She hit the ground running. She
http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/2009/dec/19/gs_zoo_122009_78372/?news&local-news
Zoo, parks face tough budget-cut decisions
Public Works could take a hit, too
The public is certain to feel the continued squeeze on the Park and Recreation Department, which has been a frequent target of past budget reductions, director Lucy Dolman said Friday.
"We always say it's bad, but this time it will be devastating," she said, adding that it could mean more than 15 layoffs and community center closures.
Public Works, the city's third largest general fund consumer behind police and fire, can cut vacant budgeted positions and not touch
http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=334&articleid=20091219_11_A1_Bieunr551744
Park's cheetah cubs flourish after early setback
Orana Wildlife Park's abandoned cheetah cubs are now bigger and bolder and about to mark their first Christmas together.
When Cango, Shomari, Kunjuka and Mazza were rejected by their mother shortly after their birth in April, park keepers had to work around the clock to ensure their survival.
Exotic mammals head keeper Graeme Petrie said the animals were thriving.
"They're putting on a lot of weight and conditioning. I'll come back after a weekend and you can just see the growth in them."
While the keepers initially had to feed, toilet and clean the cubs, he said, their work now consisted of ensuring they got enough exercise and had a proper diet.
Tennis balls, sticks and frisbees kept
http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/cutestuff/3178336/Parks-cheetah-cubs-flourish-after-early-setback
India's last dancing bear saved
The bear and its owner, an impoverished Kalandar nomad, were discovered in southern India, and persuaded to travel to a sanctuary where the bear will be treated for facial and dental injuries and the owner retrained as a wildlife park keeper.
His agreement to abandon bear
dancing marked the end of a five year campaign in which more than 600 bears were rescued throughout India.
International Animal Rescue's British chief executive Alan Knight last night said he and his colleagues were overjoyed to have played a part in ending the "cruel practice".
He said it had been possible by the generous response of Daily Telegraph readers who had donated thousands of pounds to the project after reading about the project.
It told the story of a British dentist travelling to India to perform root canal treatment on rescued dancing bears whose teeth had been smashed with iron bars. The Indian
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/6840478/Indias-last-dancing-bear-saved.html
ETHIOPIA TO EXPORT US$700,000 CROCODILE SKINS
The Arba-minch Crocodile Breeding and Conservation Center announces plant to secure over 700,000 US dollars from the sale of crocodile skins in this Ethiopian fiscal year.
Center representative Tifases Beyene told ENA on Friday that the center has planned to export crocodile skins valued at 700,000 USD during the reported period.
She said one centimeter of crocodile skin is sold at seven dollar in the global market.
There are 2,715 crocodiles in the cent
http://world.brunei.fm/2009/12/19/ethiopia-to-export-us700000-crocodile-skins/
2 rhinos killed in Kaziranga- Stray rhino returns to Orang National Park after 4 days
Two rhino carcasses were found at Kaziranga National Park — one inside the park this morning and the other on its outskirts yesterday.
One hornless rhino carcass was found near Dhuramari anti-poaching camp under Agoratoli range of Kaziranga this morning. Poachers are suspected to have killed the animal last night. The other carcass was found at Baghetapo on the outskirts of Kohora range yesterday.
Although the Kaziranga authorities denied that the rhino killed last night was a victim of poaching, sources said the carcass bore bullet injures.
“We heard gunshots in the area yesterday. There were clear marks of bullet injuries on the carcass and the horn had been chopped off. It is a case of poaching without any doubt,” a forest guard said. The carcass was found on the grassland about 100 metres away from a bridge between
http://www.rhinos-irf.org/en/art/849/
Zimbabwe faces expulsion from CITES
Zimbabwe risks being expelled from the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species,CITES, after losing about 26 percent of its rhino population in less than three years due to rampant poaching.
The country is believed to have lost about 160 rhinos since 2006 a figure which is considered too high by animal welfare organisations.
According to the organisations, among them the Species Survival Commission and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, the loss represents about 26 percent of Zimbabwe’s rhino population.
“The number of the rhino population is expected
http://www.thezimbabwetimes.com/?p=25867
Tigers, Polar Bears and Blue Fin Tuna Among the Most Threatened Species in 2010, Says World Wildlife Fund
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) today released its annual list of some of the most threatened species around the world, saying that the long-term survival of many animals is increasingly in doubt due to a host of threats, including climate change, and calling for a step up in efforts to save some of the world’s most threatened animals.
WWF’s list of “10 to Watch in 2010” includes such well-known and beloved species as tigers, polar bears, pandas, and rhinos, as well as lesser-known species such as bluefin tuna and mountain gorillas. WWF scientists say these, and many other species, are at greater risk than ever before because of habitat loss, poaching, and climate change-related threats. This year’s watch list includes five species directly impacted by climate change, as well as the monarch butterfly, the species at the center of an endangered biological
http://www.worldwildlife.org/who/media/press/2009/WWFPresitem14481.html
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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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Okay this is NOT zoo related but with the festive season coming up it is worth clicking on the link to make a choice or really original gifts. Most of these you will not find anywhere else! Even if you are not feeling festive you will find gifts with a difference for any occassion.
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Celebrating Plants and the Planet:
To close a year of great plant and animal discoveries, December's stories at http://www.zooplantman.com/ (NEWS/Botanical News) return to the simple theme of surprising breaking news about plants.
· Everybody's debating health care policies and costs, but a clinic in Borneo is doing something about it… while helping the environment. Patients can pay for treatment by planting trees for reforestation.
It's one thing for trees to benefit from regular fires that reduce competition and help seeds germinate, but could the trees be encouraging the fires?
· The African plant, Devil's Claw is a powerhouse of chemicals useful for medicine, but the plant is in short supply. See what's being cooked up in the lab that may revolutionize plant-based medicines... without saving the plants.
· The biggest plants in the forest may dominate resource use, but the littlest plants are better at using what they get. Who's the winner?
· Hard to believe, but 45 years ago Paul Ehrlich and botanist Peter Raven outlined a process called adaptive radiation. Only now are researchers proving the theory …with common milkweed.
Congratulations to Samoo Architects/Samsung and the international team for winning the design/build competition for the Korean National Ecology Center. http://stoo.asiae.co.kr/news/stview.htm?idxno=2009120315450168286
It should be an iconic and exciting project.
Having celebrated the wonder of plants, let us take 3.5 minutes to celebrate the wonders of animals. Introducing…Binki, the Agility Gerbil! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwNJi6SUOeE
Please share these stories with associates, staff, docents and -- most importantly -- visitors!
Rob
Zoo Horticulture
Consulting & Design
Greening design teams since 1987
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ZSL Science and Conservation Events 2009-2010
http://ctt-news.org/9GD-2Z5R-14110QE2E2/cr.aspx
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AUCTION!!!!!
Monkey Business by Alex Clark
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150398748118
BOS Newsletter - http://www.savetheorangutan.co.uk/newsletter/christmas_auction.html
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IUCN Species Magazine
http://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/species_50_complete_final_2_absolute.pdf
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AZA School Opportunity
(Registration Now Open)
Advanced Avian Program Management
Advances in Animal Keeping
Amphibian Biology, Conservation, and Management
Animal Training Applications in Zoo and Aquarium
Conservation Education: Effective Program Design
Crocodilian Biology and Captive Management
Institutional Record Keeping
Managing for Success: Career Development
Managing for Success: Organizational Development
Managing Animal Enrichment and Training Programs
Meeting Your Institutional Mission with Program Animals
Population Management I
Population Management II
Principles of Elephant Management
http://www.aza.org/professional-training/
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Laboratory Primate Newsletter
VOLUME 49 NUMBER 1 JANUARY 2010
Printable (PDF) Version of this issue
CONTENTS
News, Information, and Announcements
Information Requested or Available......1
Specific Gravity of Primates’ Urine; The Enrichment Record; More Interesting Websites
Primatology, Wildlife Ecology, and Conservation Field School......1
News Briefs......2
FBR’s New Campaign; Successful Congo Basin Forest Partnership; Grand Opening of Baboon Cliffs Exhibit; Extended Habitat for the Greater Bamboo Lemur; More U.S. Law Schools Have Animal Law Courses
Call for Award Nominations: ASLAP Research Award......3
Resources Wanted and Available......4
Housing and Handling Photos Wanted; NIH Curriculum Supplement: “Exploring Bioethics”; IJCP Freely Available Online; Primate Sanctuary Computer Program Update; Australasian Conference Abstracts; Updated Guidance in Protocol Review; Evolution Versus Creation; Interspecies Dosage Calculator; First Voluntary Gorilla Blood Pressure Reading
Announcements from Publications ......5
Biology Direct Publishes Thematic Series; Primate Specialist Group’s Publications Online; African Primates Invites Submissions
Meeting Announcements......6
Grants Available......7
Project Proposals for Ape Conservation; Call for Applications to the GLAS Program
Workshop Announcement: Animal Concepts Workshop......7
Book Reviewers Wanted......19
Publication Guidelines for Animal Studies......19
Departments
Position Available: The Animal Welfare Institute......3
Recent Books and Articles......8
http://brown.edu/Research/Primate/current.html
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BOS Appeal
http://www.savetheorangutan.co.uk/newsletter/2010rel.html
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Singapore Zoo Safari Run 2010
6th February 2010
Singapore Zoo and Night Safari
http://www.safarizoorun.com.sg/
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Rainforest Rescue
Action: Multi-million UN carbon credits for agrofuels threaten climate, forests and people
http://www.rainforest-rescue.org/protestaktion.php?id=494
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Association of Zoos & Aquariums 2010 Mid Year Meeting
http://www.aza.org/midyearmeeting/
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2010 Animal Behavior Management Alliance (ABMA) Annual Conferences
Join us in Pittsburgh, PA for our 10th Anniversary “Defining a Decade: Animal Management – Past, Present, and Future” to be held April 25-30, 2010. Conference programming includes: Dr. Vint Virga, a Veterinary Behaviorist as keynote speaker, formal presentations, numerous workshops and seminars, a poster session, and site visits to animal facilities.
Registration is OPEN!! Go to http://www.theabma.org/ and find the conference 2010 page to click on the registration link.
All conference details can be found at www.theabma.org. The conference will be held at the Hilton Pittsburgh located in downtown Pittsburgh. Mention that you are with the ABMA and receive a special room rate of $119/night. Reservations must be made by March 23, 2010 at 412-391-4600. Contact Nicole Begley at nicole.begley@aviary.org or 412-323-7235 ext 216 with questions.
First Call for Papers
Presentations by attendees are always a highlight of the Animal Behavior Management Alliance Conferences. We are now seeking submissions for the paper and poster sessions. This year’s theme is:
“Defining a Decade: Animal Management - Past Present and Future”
If you have a behavior management accomplishment, case study, project, or similar dialogue you’d like to share with the delegates, especially one that resonates with the theme of the conference, it is time to put together an abstract and submit it!
Regular Submission deadline: January 15, 2010
All authors notified by: February 28, 2010
Submissions must be mailed electronically via e-mail to: einsalaco@denverzoo.org Faxed copies and snail mail will no longer be accepted. Abstract submission guidelines can be found on the submission form at www.theabma.org.
Please keep in mind that not all abstracts will necessarily be accepted for presentation. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Conference Content Advisory Committee Chair, Emily Insalaco, at einsalaco@denverzoo.org
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BVZS Spring meeting 2010. Theme "Preventative Medicine"
Venue Torquay and Paignton Zoo. Dates will be April 23rd to April 25th. More information will be posted soon. The Conference Hotel will be the Barcelo Imperial Hotel (Hotel Torquay, Barceló Torquay Imperial Hotel, Southern England)
Accommodation rates are £80.00 per room including breakfast regardless of occupancy.
Rooms can be booked via the hotel website as above website using the “BVG” code in the promotion code on the left hand side of the webpage. Alternatively rooms can be booked via central reservations on 08701 688833 quoting “British Veterinary Group”
60 rooms have been placed on an allocation for delegates Any unconfirmed rooms shall been released 21 days prior to the event, subject to availability.
Further details about the Hotel can be found here
For latest details including a call for papers click HERE
Registration form can be downloaded here
The English Riviera website does offer an online accommodation booking facility for those delegates who wish to book an alternative standard of accommodation. http://www.englishriviera.co.uk/site/accommodation/online-booking
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Join Zoo News Digest Facebook Page
http://www.facebook.com/pages/ZooNews-Digest/41410063216?ref=nf
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Dear Friends and Colleagues,
We have a lot of new events planned for 2009 and 2010, some in collaboration with Chester Zoo, Odense Zoo, Reaseheath College and Howletts & Port Lympne.
Please check on http://www.animalconcepts.eu/AnimalConcepts/Events/Events.html
for the latest information and programs.
There will also be information on upcoming conferences and workshops in the animal field, like the PASA workshop in Kenya later this month.
Please let us know if we are missing one, or if you are organising an event so we can add it to the calendar. Thank you.
Please contact us if you have any further questions.
Kind regards,
Sabrina
AnimalConcepts
http://www.animalconcepts.eu/
+31633008373
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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
Blog: http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.com/
http://www.zoonewsdigest.com/
http://zoowork.blogspot.com/
HubPages: http://u.nu/2kx
Facebook: http://moourl.com/h3eru
Twitter: http://twitter.com/PeterZoo
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/people/peterdickinson/
UK: ++ 44 (0)753 474 3377
Thailand: ++ 66 (0)861 382 450
Skype: peter.dickinson48
Mailing address:
Suite 201,
Gateway House,
78 Northgate Street,
Chester,
CH1 2HR
United Kingdom
"These are the best days of my life"
http://zoonewsdigest.com/
http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.com/
Peter Dickinson
peterd482001@yahoo.co.uk
Dear Colleagues,
So the great Copenhagen Climate Conference
is over. There will be even longer debates now as to whether it achieved anything other than a lot more hot air. I am still unsure as to who I should believe over the whole complicated issue. I know that exhaust fumes make me cough, that waterways are polluted, that the sea is awash with debris and chemicals, that massive areas of the world have been deforested, that previously wild areas are no longer so and more...because I have seen all these with my own eyes. Nothing to do with climate you say? I cannot believe that it does not have an effect and even if it doesn't it is still wrong.One person whose opinion I do respect is Steve Jones
and in the Daily Telegraph - Tuesday December 15th 2009 he said:"And the future? Nobody in their right mind can deny the frightening increase in the level of carbon dioxide - by a quarter or so - since measurements began on Hawaii in the late Fifties. Nobody, that is, apart from those whose ideas about how science works comes from some remote part of the solar system, rather than here on Earth."
I will go with that till somebody proves different.
This week I went over to Wales to catch up with Olivia which was very nice. Apart from seeing my daughter for the first time in well over a year I get the chance to catch up with my mountains of mail. This includes a great pile of zoo related magazines (47 from 6 different zoo related organisations) which are sent to me gratis. These will keep me busy with reading for the next couple of months. I will make note of some of the more interesting articles as I go through them. Not all sadly as there are so many of them. One of the first I got to was an article on stress as an enrichment (Stress As Enrichment Opportunities For Natural Behaviour by Lana Judd of Auckland Zoo in 'thylacinus' Vol.33 no.3 2009). I had played with this concept in my head over the years and discussed it a few years ago with my friend Damien Egan
(one of the finest reptile men I have ever met) who had some very interesting ideas on the subject. Well worthwhile your getting hold of this and reading it. Stress of course is natural and an everyday experience for animals in the wild but rarer in captivity in good zoos.Thank you to the three people who sent donations to the Digest this past couple of weeks. It really has kept the wolf from the door.
Please post in comments below if you feel so inclined.
This blog has readers from 115 countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cote D’Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Eire, England, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lapland, Lao, Latvia, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Montserrat, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Northern Ireland, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United States, Uruguay, US Virgin Islands, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Wales, Zambia.
The ZooNews Digest continues to be read more often by more staff in more zoos than any other publication.
Please consider advertising on this blog as I need the money but understand.... I am of stubborn principle and will not advertise products or services that I disagree with no matter how much you pay me.
Please feel free to use the comment section at the end of this Zoo News Digest.
Is your meeting/conference/symposium listed here?http://zoosymposia.blogspot.com/
If not why not? ZooNews Digest is read by more zoo people than any other similar publication. I will advertise up till the event.
Visit my latest hub webpages at:
http://hubpages.com/profile/Peter+Dickinson
I have done a fair bit of writing during December but nothing since I got back to the UK. Latest hub links which were included in last weeks Digest also are here below though I will remove them next week:
Residence Inn Mini Zoo
Macau Zoo
D'Family Park Zoo in Cebu City
ZooNews Digest
Some Zoo Questions
Malaka Zoo
Loboc River Tarsier Project
Zoobic Safari
Taiping Zoo and Night Safari
Vigan Zoo
Melaka Crocodile Park
Crocolandia Foundation Inc
Philippine Tarsier Visitors Centre
Penang Bird Park
Dumaguete zoo
Langkawi Bird Paradise
The Philippine Raptor Centre
Palawan Crocodile Farm and Conservation Centre
Negros Forests and Ecological Foundation Inc Breeding Centre
AND entirely unrelated to zoos (so don't bother if not interested)
Good Guy Goes To Heaven Bad Guy Goes To Pattaya
An Extremely Erotic Experience
Tomorrow arrives
Why don't you try writing on HubPages?
Write about what you know about or are interested in. You can post on line. Free to join and yet you can earn money continually. A passive income. Not much to begin with but it mounts up. It pays me enough to buy a cup of coffee every day...well nearly every day.
Read how with my "Quick Guide to Hub Construction." I truly believe it will be worth your while.
Please visit the Zoo Professionals Book Store for more if you are looking for books for yourself or as gifts.
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On with links:
Little Rock Zoo trots out elephant manure recycler
Even though elephants are known for working for peanuts, the Little Rock Zoo demonstrated Thursday how it gets more from its investment.
The zoo won a $13,000 grant to buy a machine that processes compost made from dung from its two elephants so it can be used to help landscape the zoo.
Zoo horticulturist Tom Frothingham said it was difficult to find a machine that could handle the texture of elephant leavings. He located a Mennonite farmer in Canada who had built a similar machine, so the zoo paid him $12,000 to make another. The rest
http://www.pbcommercial.com/articles/2009/12/18/ap-state-ar/ar_manure_machine.txt
Shanghai Expo to show baby pandas at city's zoos
Ten giant panda cubs will be on display at the Shanghai World Expo next year at the city's zoos, giving tens of millions of Chinese and foreign visitors a glimpse at the highly endangered species.
The six females and four males will arrive in Shanghai
in January and spend six months at the Shanghai Zoo and six months at Wild Zoo of Shanghai, said Cai Youming, deputy director of the Shanghai Forestry Bureau.All the pandas were born at the country's main panda research base in Sichuan province after the May 2008 earthquake that killed or left missing nearly 90,000 people, Cai said.
The Expo, due to begin May 1 and run for six months, is expected to draw 70 million visitors, most of them Chinese.
The Shanghai Zoo, which already has three older giant pandas, has refurbished its panda house to accommodate the new arrivals, part of a bumper crop of pandas born last year despite damage to the panda reserve
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5joWvdeVP53PuofH6z5ynRcj_lUhQD9CL2S880
Lawsuit over L.A. Zoo's elephants moves closer to trial
Animal welfare advocates who have been battling the Los Angeles Zoo over its elephant-keeping practices got one step closer to their day in court today.
The California Supreme Court has denied a petition by the city of Los Angeles to review a Court of Appeal’s decision in September allowing the animal welfare suit to go to trial.
Initially, a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge threw the case out of court, saying the issues raised were political. That judge, however, was overruled by the Court of Appeal.
The suit was filed by actor Robert Culp and real estate agent Aaron Leider in 2007.
They allege that the Los Angeles Zoo, a city agency, had abused its elephants by keeping them in enclosures far too small to accommodate the world’s largest land mammals. The zoo is building a new exhibit that has come under fire from animal welfare advocates.
“It’s wrong for the city of Los Angeles to waste money on an inadequate elephant display,” said Catherine Doyle of the group In Defense of Animals.
The zoo, which has only one elephant, has long maintained that it takes proper care of pachyderms and that the new exhibit will fulfill the animals’ space
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/12/los-angeles-zoo-elephant-lawsuit-moves-closer-to-trial.html
Gorilla Man Honoured for His Work With the Gentle Giants
NOTHING makes Benjamin Bayenda happier than conquering the hearts of mountain gorillas. Their acceptance of human presence in their homes delights Bayenda. This is what he has been doing for the last two decades.
Through his successive exploits in Bwindi Impenetrable national park, the largest homeland for gorillas globally, thousands of tourists have had the rare privilege of tracking the gentle giants.
Four decades ago, when Bayenda's career was starting, he did not imagine that he would be famous. In October, a club of professionals under Nateete-Kampala Rotarians decorated him with a vocational
http://allafrica.com/stories/200912141260.html
Rhino arrives at Knoxville Zoo
A new female white rhino is expected at the Knoxville Zoo this week and the staff hopes she'll catch the eye of Mondo, the herd's resident male and potential new mate.
Maggie, a 14-year-old white rhino, is coming from The Wilds in Cumberland, Ohio on a breeding recommendation from the Species Survival Plan. The SSP manages the placement of endangered white rhinos in zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The determination was made that Maggie and Mondo
http://www.thedailytimes.com/article/20091217/LIFE/312179995
Kamloops named first official Bear Smart city
The number of bears killed in Kamloops has dropped from a peak of more than 100 a decade ago to just three in 2009.
The rapid decline -- credited to community programs and a change in strategy from the B.C. Conservation Officer service -- made Kamloops the province's first official Bear Smart community.
Environment Minister Barry Penner made the announcement Monday at B.C. Wildlife Park. It recognizes a partnership between the City of Kamloops
, Thompson-Nicola Regional District, B.C. Conservation Foundation and the province.Among the efforts to reduce bear-human conflicts are education programs targeted at residents to ensure they don't let fruit litter their
http://www.kamloopsnews.ca/article/20091214/KAMLOOPS0101/912149998/-1/kamloops/kamloops-named-first-official-bear-smart-city
Reaseheath's Meerkats Make A Move
REASEHEATH College’s meerkats
are breeding so successfully that they are being supplied to zoos nationwide.Two groups of 18 animals are so productive that the Nantwich college has been able to send stock to 15 UK zoos.
Most recently, young males have been sent to Chester Zoo, the Welsh Mountain Zoo and Yorkshire Wildlife Park, where they have introduced a new genetic mix as well as providing a popular attraction for visitors.
In return, the college has
http://www.creweguardian.co.uk/news/4801963.Reaseheath_s_Meerkats_Make_A_Move/
Hangul conservation centre coming up at Sonamarg
In an effort to save Hangul, the Kashmir Stag, a Hangul Conservation Breeding Centre is coming up at picturesque Dard-e-Wuder in Sonamarg, 80 kilometres from here on Srinagar-Leh National highway, marking the start of the campaign to save the endangered species.
The population of Hangul (Kashmir Stag), numbered in thousands during 1940s has decreased alarmingly over the years with the latest reports putting their number at around 180.
Minister for Forests and Environment Mian Altaf
http://www.ptinews.com/news/424618_Hangul-conservation-centre-coming-up-at-Sonamarg
Ringling's Baby Elephants Tied Up and Electro-Shocked by Trainers
Never-before-seen photos reveal how Ringling Bros. circus trainers cruelly force baby elephants to learn tricks, and it's not through a reward system, as they claim. Explore the photos that will make parents think twice about taking their child to the circus.
You may have wondered how Ringling Bros. gets 8,000-pound elephants to perform tricks like sitting up and even standing on their heads, but now you know. Ringling breaks the spirit of elephants when they're vulnerable babies who should
http://www.ringlingbeatsanimals.com/bound-babies.asp?c=prbabbf09
Protecting biodiversity to be key '10 goal
The United Nations has declared 2010 the International Year of Biodiversity to promote conservation and sustainable biodiversity. In October, Japan will host the 10th U.N. Convention on Biological Diversity, an event held every two years.
Biodiversity is defined as the "variability among living organisms from all sources, including diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems," according to the U.N. Convention, which was first signed in 1992.
Environmentalists say the loss of biodiversity is not just about losing the richness of the natural environment but will negatively effect the ecological processes the planet depends on.
The situation is serious. According
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20091215i1.html
Zoo theft: Govt to seek CBI probe
The state government will seek a CBI inquiry into the theft of common marmosets from the Alipore zoo
in August. Based on reports by the forest department and Kolkata Police, Writers' Buildings is convinced that only a central agency such as CBI can crack the case, which involves gangs operating across the country. Eight marmosets were stolen from the zoo on the intervening night of August 8-9. Seven of these monkeys were later recovered from Chhattisgarh's Durg district and the alleged mastermind, Raj Saikia, was arrested. The eighth marmoset had died. The monkeys are used for research.
The high-profile robbery caused a furore with two zoo guards getting arrested the very next day and Kolkata Police's detective department taking over the probe from Watgunge police station. The forest department conducted its own inquiry. Last month, the two agencies
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata-/Zoo-theft-Govt-to-seek-CBI-probe/articleshow/5357437.cms
Rare white rhinoceros from Czech zoo heading for Kenyan reserve
Prague - Four northern white rhinoceros
, a very rare subspecies on the brink of extinction, have left the Czech Republic aboard a plane specially arranged for this purpose and are being flown to Kenya to be released to the wild on Sunday. Earlier today the rhinos were transported from their home zoo in Dvur Kralove nad Labem, east Bohemia, by lorries to the Prague airport, some 120km far away.
After the plane with them lands in Nairobi, they will be transported to the Ol Pejeta reserve, 150km from the Kenyan capital, on Sunday morning.
http://www.ceskenoviny.cz/news/zpravy/rare-white-rhinoceros-from-czech-zoo-heading-for-kenyan-reserve/412900
Texas Zoo hires new director
This week, Andrea Blomberg became The Texas Zoo's
fifth director in four years.Zoo board members say they hope Blomberg's business background will help to steer the nonprofit toward solid future financial footing.
"She has a go-and-get it attitude," said Doug Giles, zoo board president. "She hit the ground running. She
http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/2009/dec/19/gs_zoo_122009_78372/?news&local-news
Zoo, parks face tough budget-cut decisions
Public Works could take a hit, too
The public is certain to feel the continued squeeze on the Park and Recreation Department, which has been a frequent target of past budget reductions, director Lucy Dolman said Friday.
"We always say it's bad, but this time it will be devastating," she said, adding that it could mean more than 15 layoffs and community center closures.
Public Works, the city's third largest general fund consumer behind police and fire, can cut vacant budgeted positions and not touch
http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=334&articleid=20091219_11_A1_Bieunr551744
Park's cheetah cubs flourish after early setback
Orana Wildlife Park's abandoned cheetah cubs are now bigger and bolder and about to mark their first Christmas together.
When Cango, Shomari, Kunjuka and Mazza were rejected by their mother shortly after their birth in April, park keepers had to work around the clock to ensure their survival.
Exotic mammals head keeper Graeme Petrie said the animals were thriving.
"They're putting on a lot of weight and conditioning. I'll come back after a weekend and you can just see the growth in them."
While the keepers initially had to feed, toilet and clean the cubs, he said, their work now consisted of ensuring they got enough exercise and had a proper diet.
Tennis balls, sticks and frisbees kept
http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/cutestuff/3178336/Parks-cheetah-cubs-flourish-after-early-setback
India's last dancing bear saved
The bear and its owner, an impoverished Kalandar nomad, were discovered in southern India, and persuaded to travel to a sanctuary where the bear will be treated for facial and dental injuries and the owner retrained as a wildlife park keeper.
His agreement to abandon bear
dancing marked the end of a five year campaign in which more than 600 bears were rescued throughout India.International Animal Rescue's British chief executive Alan Knight last night said he and his colleagues were overjoyed to have played a part in ending the "cruel practice".
He said it had been possible by the generous response of Daily Telegraph readers who had donated thousands of pounds to the project after reading about the project.
It told the story of a British dentist travelling to India to perform root canal treatment on rescued dancing bears whose teeth had been smashed with iron bars. The Indian
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/6840478/Indias-last-dancing-bear-saved.html
ETHIOPIA TO EXPORT US$700,000 CROCODILE SKINS
The Arba-minch Crocodile Breeding and Conservation Center announces plant to secure over 700,000 US dollars from the sale of crocodile skins in this Ethiopian fiscal year.
Center representative Tifases Beyene told ENA on Friday that the center has planned to export crocodile skins valued at 700,000 USD during the reported period.
She said one centimeter of crocodile skin is sold at seven dollar in the global market.
There are 2,715 crocodiles in the cent
http://world.brunei.fm/2009/12/19/ethiopia-to-export-us700000-crocodile-skins/
2 rhinos killed in Kaziranga- Stray rhino returns to Orang National Park after 4 days
Two rhino carcasses were found at Kaziranga National Park — one inside the park this morning and the other on its outskirts yesterday.
One hornless rhino carcass was found near Dhuramari anti-poaching camp under Agoratoli range of Kaziranga this morning. Poachers are suspected to have killed the animal last night. The other carcass was found at Baghetapo on the outskirts of Kohora range yesterday.
Although the Kaziranga authorities denied that the rhino killed last night was a victim of poaching, sources said the carcass bore bullet injures.
“We heard gunshots in the area yesterday. There were clear marks of bullet injuries on the carcass and the horn had been chopped off. It is a case of poaching without any doubt,” a forest guard said. The carcass was found on the grassland about 100 metres away from a bridge between
http://www.rhinos-irf.org/en/art/849/
Zimbabwe faces expulsion from CITES
Zimbabwe risks being expelled from the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species,CITES, after losing about 26 percent of its rhino population in less than three years due to rampant poaching.
The country is believed to have lost about 160 rhinos since 2006 a figure which is considered too high by animal welfare organisations.
According to the organisations, among them the Species Survival Commission and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, the loss represents about 26 percent of Zimbabwe’s rhino population.
“The number of the rhino population is expected
http://www.thezimbabwetimes.com/?p=25867
Tigers, Polar Bears and Blue Fin Tuna Among the Most Threatened Species in 2010, Says World Wildlife Fund
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) today released its annual list of some of the most threatened species around the world, saying that the long-term survival of many animals is increasingly in doubt due to a host of threats, including climate change, and calling for a step up in efforts to save some of the world’s most threatened animals.
WWF’s list of “10 to Watch in 2010” includes such well-known and beloved species as tigers, polar bears, pandas, and rhinos, as well as lesser-known species such as bluefin tuna and mountain gorillas. WWF scientists say these, and many other species, are at greater risk than ever before because of habitat loss, poaching, and climate change-related threats. This year’s watch list includes five species directly impacted by climate change, as well as the monarch butterfly, the species at the center of an endangered biological
http://www.worldwildlife.org/who/media/press/2009/WWFPresitem14481.html
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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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Okay this is NOT zoo related but with the festive season coming up it is worth clicking on the link to make a choice or really original gifts. Most of these you will not find anywhere else! Even if you are not feeling festive you will find gifts with a difference for any occassion.
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Celebrating Plants and the Planet:
To close a year of great plant and animal discoveries, December's stories at http://www.zooplantman.com/ (NEWS/Botanical News) return to the simple theme of surprising breaking news about plants.
· Everybody's debating health care policies and costs, but a clinic in Borneo is doing something about it… while helping the environment. Patients can pay for treatment by planting trees for reforestation.
It's one thing for trees to benefit from regular fires that reduce competition and help seeds germinate, but could the trees be encouraging the fires?
· The African plant, Devil's Claw is a powerhouse of chemicals useful for medicine, but the plant is in short supply. See what's being cooked up in the lab that may revolutionize plant-based medicines... without saving the plants.
· The biggest plants in the forest may dominate resource use, but the littlest plants are better at using what they get. Who's the winner?
· Hard to believe, but 45 years ago Paul Ehrlich and botanist Peter Raven outlined a process called adaptive radiation. Only now are researchers proving the theory …with common milkweed.
Congratulations to Samoo Architects/Samsung and the international team for winning the design/build competition for the Korean National Ecology Center. http://stoo.asiae.co.kr/news/stview.htm?idxno=2009120315450168286
It should be an iconic and exciting project.
Having celebrated the wonder of plants, let us take 3.5 minutes to celebrate the wonders of animals. Introducing…Binki, the Agility Gerbil! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwNJi6SUOeE
Please share these stories with associates, staff, docents and -- most importantly -- visitors!
Rob
Zoo Horticulture
Consulting & Design
Greening design teams since 1987
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ZSL Science and Conservation Events 2009-2010
http://ctt-news.org/9GD-2Z5R-14110QE2E2/cr.aspx
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AUCTION!!!!!
Monkey Business by Alex Clark
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150398748118
BOS Newsletter - http://www.savetheorangutan.co.uk/newsletter/christmas_auction.html
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IUCN Species Magazine
http://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/species_50_complete_final_2_absolute.pdf
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AZA School Opportunity
(Registration Now Open)
Advanced Avian Program Management
Advances in Animal Keeping
Amphibian Biology, Conservation, and Management
Animal Training Applications in Zoo and Aquarium
Conservation Education: Effective Program Design
Crocodilian Biology and Captive Management
Institutional Record Keeping
Managing for Success: Career Development
Managing for Success: Organizational Development
Managing Animal Enrichment and Training Programs
Meeting Your Institutional Mission with Program Animals
Population Management I
Population Management II
Principles of Elephant Management
http://www.aza.org/professional-training/
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Laboratory Primate Newsletter
VOLUME 49 NUMBER 1 JANUARY 2010
Printable (PDF) Version of this issue
CONTENTS
News, Information, and Announcements
Information Requested or Available......1
Specific Gravity of Primates’ Urine; The Enrichment Record; More Interesting Websites
Primatology, Wildlife Ecology, and Conservation Field School......1
News Briefs......2
FBR’s New Campaign; Successful Congo Basin Forest Partnership; Grand Opening of Baboon Cliffs Exhibit; Extended Habitat for the Greater Bamboo Lemur; More U.S. Law Schools Have Animal Law Courses
Call for Award Nominations: ASLAP Research Award......3
Resources Wanted and Available......4
Housing and Handling Photos Wanted; NIH Curriculum Supplement: “Exploring Bioethics”; IJCP Freely Available Online; Primate Sanctuary Computer Program Update; Australasian Conference Abstracts; Updated Guidance in Protocol Review; Evolution Versus Creation; Interspecies Dosage Calculator; First Voluntary Gorilla Blood Pressure Reading
Announcements from Publications ......5
Biology Direct Publishes Thematic Series; Primate Specialist Group’s Publications Online; African Primates Invites Submissions
Meeting Announcements......6
Grants Available......7
Project Proposals for Ape Conservation; Call for Applications to the GLAS Program
Workshop Announcement: Animal Concepts Workshop......7
Book Reviewers Wanted......19
Publication Guidelines for Animal Studies......19
Departments
Position Available: The Animal Welfare Institute......3
Recent Books and Articles......8
http://brown.edu/Research/Primate/current.html
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BOS Appeal
http://www.savetheorangutan.co.uk/newsletter/2010rel.html
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Singapore Zoo Safari Run 2010
6th February 2010
Singapore Zoo and Night Safari
http://www.safarizoorun.com.sg/
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Rainforest Rescue
Action: Multi-million UN carbon credits for agrofuels threaten climate, forests and people
http://www.rainforest-rescue.org/protestaktion.php?id=494
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Association of Zoos & Aquariums 2010 Mid Year Meeting
http://www.aza.org/midyearmeeting/
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2010 Animal Behavior Management Alliance (ABMA) Annual Conferences
Join us in Pittsburgh, PA for our 10th Anniversary “Defining a Decade: Animal Management – Past, Present, and Future” to be held April 25-30, 2010. Conference programming includes: Dr. Vint Virga, a Veterinary Behaviorist as keynote speaker, formal presentations, numerous workshops and seminars, a poster session, and site visits to animal facilities.
Registration is OPEN!! Go to http://www.theabma.org/ and find the conference 2010 page to click on the registration link.
All conference details can be found at www.theabma.org. The conference will be held at the Hilton Pittsburgh located in downtown Pittsburgh. Mention that you are with the ABMA and receive a special room rate of $119/night. Reservations must be made by March 23, 2010 at 412-391-4600. Contact Nicole Begley at nicole.begley@aviary.org or 412-323-7235 ext 216 with questions.
First Call for Papers
Presentations by attendees are always a highlight of the Animal Behavior Management Alliance Conferences. We are now seeking submissions for the paper and poster sessions. This year’s theme is:
“Defining a Decade: Animal Management - Past Present and Future”
If you have a behavior management accomplishment, case study, project, or similar dialogue you’d like to share with the delegates, especially one that resonates with the theme of the conference, it is time to put together an abstract and submit it!
Regular Submission deadline: January 15, 2010
All authors notified by: February 28, 2010
Submissions must be mailed electronically via e-mail to: einsalaco@denverzoo.org Faxed copies and snail mail will no longer be accepted. Abstract submission guidelines can be found on the submission form at www.theabma.org.
Please keep in mind that not all abstracts will necessarily be accepted for presentation. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Conference Content Advisory Committee Chair, Emily Insalaco, at einsalaco@denverzoo.org
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BVZS Spring meeting 2010. Theme "Preventative Medicine"
Venue Torquay and Paignton Zoo. Dates will be April 23rd to April 25th. More information will be posted soon. The Conference Hotel will be the Barcelo Imperial Hotel (Hotel Torquay, Barceló Torquay Imperial Hotel, Southern England)
Accommodation rates are £80.00 per room including breakfast regardless of occupancy.
Rooms can be booked via the hotel website as above website using the “BVG” code in the promotion code on the left hand side of the webpage. Alternatively rooms can be booked via central reservations on 08701 688833 quoting “British Veterinary Group”
60 rooms have been placed on an allocation for delegates Any unconfirmed rooms shall been released 21 days prior to the event, subject to availability.
Further details about the Hotel can be found here
For latest details including a call for papers click HERE
Registration form can be downloaded here
The English Riviera website does offer an online accommodation booking facility for those delegates who wish to book an alternative standard of accommodation. http://www.englishriviera.co.uk/site/accommodation/online-booking
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Dear Friends and Colleagues,
We have a lot of new events planned for 2009 and 2010, some in collaboration with Chester Zoo, Odense Zoo, Reaseheath College and Howletts & Port Lympne.
Please check on http://www.animalconcepts.eu/AnimalConcepts/Events/Events.html
for the latest information and programs.
There will also be information on upcoming conferences and workshops in the animal field, like the PASA workshop in Kenya later this month.
Please let us know if we are missing one, or if you are organising an event so we can add it to the calendar. Thank you.
Please contact us if you have any further questions.
Kind regards,
Sabrina
AnimalConcepts
http://www.animalconcepts.eu/
+31633008373
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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
Blog: http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.com/
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