Zoo News Digest 4th - 6th December 2010 (Zoo News 709)
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Dear Colleagues,
The other day I walked past a dying dog. It was incapable of moving and just lay on his side barking intermittently. In front of the dogs head was food. A big pile of it. Somebody cared. Cultural and other sensitivities being a consideration I walked on. I have seen far worse but it still pains me. I mention this because it ties in with the story of the poor starving Orangutan female with baby which entered into a village in search of food and was badly beaten for her pains. Nobody gave her food! She, the mother died. Happily the baby was rescued. The plight of the Orangutans seems to worsen every day. It is so upsetting. The photographs in that article were especially so. And the dog? Under cover of darkness I returned. It had died. If it had not I would have killed it. Out of kindness, because I care.
I have been taken to task a few times recently which has caused me to think very deeply about certain aspects of a zoos 'raison d'être'. It is all very well talking about conservation, education, research, enrichment, ex-situ, in-situ if it is not being done or dressed up in frills to make it look like it is. It should be done. At the same time the Good Zoos remit must include condemnation of the bad and the frilly zoos.
I was informed today that Zoo News Digest has been blocked off in China. This is sad news as there were quite a few readers in the country and they were steadily increasing. Happily if they were on the mailing list they will still be able to access most. The only good part is that it is not just Zoo News Digest but other Google blogs. It may be time to open a 'mirror' blog elsewhere. It is a pity though because the blog is critical of bad zoos and has been watching the situation in China closely. As the ban on animal shows in zoos is just around the corner (see links) it would have been nice to keep the good Chinese zoos informed.
I have included the link about working in an animal testing facility because it is interesting. They get the same flak that zoos do only more of it. I can recollect weeks when we have had to be very careful opening mail and check under vehicles for suspicious packages. There are some crazy people out there. Whereas I don't think that I could have ever worked in an animal testing lab, I do know keepers who have gone down that route. Excellent professional caring keepers. Not so very different I suppose from zoo staff who remain in zoos for years and years whilst totally disagreeing with the zoos policies and way it is run but genuinely caring about the animals.
I am still struggling to catch up with my backlog of mail. I will get there eventually. Hampered today by a bad fall which has not helped my typing hand. (And no I was not inebriated, I slipped in the rain)
I have said it often enough but DO NOT believe everything you read on the internet. Double check when you can....this includes articles that I write on HubPages. I try to get them correct but then...
I mention this because after the link 'Kabul zoo hoping to get snow leopard from India' You will find a reply from Sally Walker in its entirety which actually ties in nicely with my comments in the last Zoo News Digest.
The other day I walked past a dying dog. It was incapable of moving and just lay on his side barking intermittently. In front of the dogs head was food. A big pile of it. Somebody cared. Cultural and other sensitivities being a consideration I walked on. I have seen far worse but it still pains me. I mention this because it ties in with the story of the poor starving Orangutan female with baby which entered into a village in search of food and was badly beaten for her pains. Nobody gave her food! She, the mother died. Happily the baby was rescued. The plight of the Orangutans seems to worsen every day. It is so upsetting. The photographs in that article were especially so. And the dog? Under cover of darkness I returned. It had died. If it had not I would have killed it. Out of kindness, because I care.
I have been taken to task a few times recently which has caused me to think very deeply about certain aspects of a zoos 'raison d'être'. It is all very well talking about conservation, education, research, enrichment, ex-situ, in-situ if it is not being done or dressed up in frills to make it look like it is. It should be done. At the same time the Good Zoos remit must include condemnation of the bad and the frilly zoos.
I was informed today that Zoo News Digest has been blocked off in China. This is sad news as there were quite a few readers in the country and they were steadily increasing. Happily if they were on the mailing list they will still be able to access most. The only good part is that it is not just Zoo News Digest but other Google blogs. It may be time to open a 'mirror' blog elsewhere. It is a pity though because the blog is critical of bad zoos and has been watching the situation in China closely. As the ban on animal shows in zoos is just around the corner (see links) it would have been nice to keep the good Chinese zoos informed.
I have included the link about working in an animal testing facility because it is interesting. They get the same flak that zoos do only more of it. I can recollect weeks when we have had to be very careful opening mail and check under vehicles for suspicious packages. There are some crazy people out there. Whereas I don't think that I could have ever worked in an animal testing lab, I do know keepers who have gone down that route. Excellent professional caring keepers. Not so very different I suppose from zoo staff who remain in zoos for years and years whilst totally disagreeing with the zoos policies and way it is run but genuinely caring about the animals.
I am still struggling to catch up with my backlog of mail. I will get there eventually. Hampered today by a bad fall which has not helped my typing hand. (And no I was not inebriated, I slipped in the rain)
I have said it often enough but DO NOT believe everything you read on the internet. Double check when you can....this includes articles that I write on HubPages. I try to get them correct but then...
I mention this because after the link 'Kabul zoo hoping to get snow leopard from India' You will find a reply from Sally Walker in its entirety which actually ties in nicely with my comments in the last Zoo News Digest.
Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort The Orangutans are waiting, the chimpanzees are waiting and the rest of the zoo world are waiting to see what will happen next
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Do you have an animal/zoo/wildlife photo that you would like to see included at the start of Zoo News Digest? Sorry I can't afford to pay for it but I will credit you and link back to a website if you wish. Sadly I cannot guarantee when I will get round to including as this will depend on the level of response. If you are interested please email the photo to me. Use 'Photo' as your subject heading. Please give your full name, the name of the species and where the photo was taken. I look forward to hearing from you.Some Stories You May Have Missed:
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2011 Wildlife Calendars
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Bear escapes from zoo cage
A 6-year-old male bear escaped from a local zoo on the outskirts of Seoul on Monday while a zookeeper was cleaning the cage, zoo officials said.
The 30-kilogram black Malaysian bear escaped from Seoul Zoo located in Gwancheon, some 18 kilometers south of the capital, around 10:50 a.m. and was last seen at the summit of Mount Cheonggye, about 6 kilometers from the zoo, according to the zoo officials.
Police and disaster management authorities have deployed a chopper and more than 100 officials to search for the animal, and 120 zoo officials are moving to the mountain.
No casualties have been reported, they said.
"He opened the cage door and got out of it when a zookeeper was cleaning the cage," said an official from the zoo. "We are focusing
http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/national/2010/12/06/54/0302000000AEN20101206005800315F.HTML
Trainers, patrons grumble as nationwide animal live show ban nears
As the black bears rode around the ring on bicycles, Xiang Xiaohui clapped her hands and screamed, her face a picture of excitement. "It's amazing," said the thrilled 9-year-old, as she sat with 500 others watching the show at Zhengzhou Zoo, the largest in the Chinese province of Henan.
"The lions also ride horses here instead of eating them, like it says they should do in my school textbooks."
For many youngsters like Xiang that afternoon, it was the first time they had seen such daring stunts. It is also likely to be the last.
As of January, all 250 or so public zoos and wildlife parks nationwide will be banned from staging live shows as part of fresh efforts by the central government to improve animal welfare.
The move strikes a blow for animal rights groups in their battle to improve the treatment of wildlife in China.
Yet, it will also have a serious economic and cultural impact.
Zoos will lose a lucrative revenue stream and animal trainers argue the blanket ban will take away their livelihoods.
Unlike in some countries where wildlife parks are heavily subsidized by the government, zoos in China rely on their incomes to cover daily running costs and are largely profit-driven businesses.
Zhengzhou Zoo, for example, only receives money from the municipal authorities for projects involving rare species or necessary repairs. Everything else is paid for with the revenue it makes on entrance fees.
Experts say the need to make a profit is largely to blame for the rampant exploitation of animals.
"Local governments are unwilling to give (the zoos) money, so instead they have become entertainment centers," said Liu Nonglin, program director of the Chinese Association of Zoological Gardens.
He worked with officials from the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development to draft the new regulations.
According to figures provided by its management office, Zhengzhou Zoo receives more than 1 million visitors a year and generates roughly 20 million yuan (S$3.9 million). Almost half of that money, however, comes from ticket sales for its animal shows.
With the combined salaries of its 146 employees topping 3.6 million yuan (S$703,800), cutting the performances will leave a large hole in the budget.
Despite having an adverse effect on the income, Wang Jiantang, the zoo's Party chief, said the new rules will be "resolutely implemented."
End of Training
After enjoying the bears' performance, Xiang Xiaohui and her parents were shocked when China Daily reporters told them about the forthcoming ban. They were not the only ones.
In Puyang, Henan's so-called "city of animal training," many people are also struggling to understand why their profession is being outlawed.
"Why is the regulation so one-size-fits-all?" asked Shi Huaimin, 46, a native of the city who heads the team of trainers at Zhengzhou Zoo.
"Taming animals is a cultural phenomenon that has existed in Puyang for six, seven decades.
"If we can't perform, there may be no way to protect this heritage and it could disappear entirely," he warned.
The city, which sits on the northern shore of the Yellow River, has been famous for its animal trainers since the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).
As residents were unable to grow much on its sandy, barren lands, large numbers were forced to make a living as entertainers, traveling China with monkeys, camels and even dogs. Today, it is a pillar industry that involves more than 400 villagers.
Liu at the Chinese Association of Zoological Gardens said that, although the ban will be tough on communities in Puyang, it is in keeping with "the global consensus that animal performances shouldn't be allowed."
Shi and his team started running the shows at Zhengzhou Zoo in September 2009 after moving from Wuhan, capital of Hubei province.
Performances were originally twice a day, seven days a week, but as the troupe's popularity grew, the number was increased to four a day.
In August this year, an inspection team from the State Forestry Administration ordered the park to cancel two shows - one in which tigers jump through flaming rings, the other involving bears playing with fire sticks - as they feared they "may be harmful to the animals."
The team canceled the shows but Shi denied any of his animals are mistreated.
"If my son is sick, my wife can take him to the hospital. But if one of the animals gets sick, I immediately come back because these animals are what we live on," he said, his eyes filling with tears.
However, as it is the trainers and not zoos that usually own the performance animals, that bonus could soon become a burden.
"It's impossible to sell these animals and there will be no places where we can make money now," said Shi, who explained that food for 10 animals can cost roughly 900 yuan (S$180) a day.
"How are we going to make this money?
Natural Lessons
Although happy about the ban, animal rights campaigners are now urging authorities to further crackdown on wildlife performances through education.
"When people's awareness on animal protection increases, they will be less interested in shows that harm animals," said Hua Ning, China program director for the International Fund for Animal Welfare.
Xiamen Animal Protection Association is also compiling China's first textbook on animal protection, which will be distributed among elementary and middle schools throughout the city on the coast of Fujian province.
After visiting Dalian Zoo in Northeast China's Liaoning province, Xiao Bing, the Xiamen group's chairman, said he was ignored when he complained about employees selling live chickens for visitors to feed the tigers, a
http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20101206-251046.html
Kabul zoo hoping to get snow leopard from India
I see from a news report today Kabul Zoo officials are keen to restock their Zoo after severe damage over the last 20 years of conflict in Afghanistan. I wondered if staff and the facility are ready to take on the responsibility and safety and well being of new animals? Certainly for the troubled people of the country a well run and humane zoo would be a boost to confidence and education.
AFP reports Kabul zoo director, Aziz Gul Saqeb, who is leading a zoo team to India said “”Afghanistan wants an elephant, a leopard and a snow leopard from India because at present it does not have these animals.
Indian authorities have agreed to help us regarding the upkeep of the elephant once it is transported to Kabul,” he said after inspecting animals in a state-run zoo in the northern Indian town of Kanpur.
http://snowleopardblog.com/2010/12/kabul-zoo-hoping-to-get-snow-leopard-from-india/
(Reply to the above from Sally Walker)
Well Hello !
A wrong notion has been created by this article about the purpose of visit of Aziz and his colleagues from Kabul Zoo. They were invited to India and Nepal only for the purpose of training in which they participated in Nepal and then for a tour (again for purpose of training) of good zoos nearby Delhi which is their place of entry and departure from Kabul. In the article that is cited by me I have gone to some trouble to praise all efforts of the staff of the Kabul Zoo, the Kabul Municipality of Kabul for their very hard work and would like also praise the NC Zoo and its many partners for raising funds to start the restoration of Kabul Zoo after its virtual destruction by war. Neither Aziz or his colleagues stated that they had come to collect animals ... that was a presumption of the reporter who contributed the article. (As a former feature writer myself and an Editor of a zoo magazine, I know how tempting that can be). It has been embellished by other press and there is very little there which relates to the purpose of this very worthy two week project. So far as I know the administration and staff of the Kabul zoo are working hard to bring it up to a standard that would permit them to interact with zoos in the rest of the world as equals and thereby participate in some conservation activities (already they are immersed in conservation education as I described in the article), then, perhaps including obtaining other animals. I'd like to clarify, however, that zoos today (good zoos, at least) are very careful about obtaining from or sparing animals to other zoos. The organized zoo community (the good zoos) has thus far been very helpful to Kabul Zoo with funds to rebuild and for training. Aziz, himself, protested the claim stating (and this is a real quote from the man) "we are not ready!". The Kabul Zoo staff are, however, in a whirlwind of activity to rebuild the zoo as a better zoo than ever. In its day, the Kabul Zoo was of international standard as a joint project of the Kabul University, some external professors and Kabulians. Time and particularly the war took its tool on the zoo but and it is now on a very positive course of action to restore itself even better than before and join the global zoo community as a conservation partner. The five persons who came (Aziz, Director, Amadhi, Advisor to Mayor of Kabul, Rohella, Director of Culture; Najib, Education Officer and Abdul, Veterinary Officer) are all very keen to have a zoo that all the zoos and ngos who have assisted them will also be proud of... that is their priority before they bring any animals. And by the way, no GOOD zoo today would ever bring a single elephant, snow leopard or leopard to their zoo. Good zoos make sure their animals are living in near natural conditions and the their welfare is fully looked after. They would have a collection plan carefully constructed to "fit" their zoo in terms of size and means. Zoos also highlight the native species of their country, of which there are many many fascinating creatures within Afghanistan itself. Bringing a herd animal like an elephant as a lone wolf (if you will!) would be considered a cruelty. As far as the cat species go, they don't hang out in herds, but the same thing goes ... a good zoo would make sure there is a mate for every animal so that when mating time comes, they can carry out their normal behaviour, or just for company. Good zoos today are very careful about breeding also, minding that the animals they put together as mates are not related genetically and also demographically similar so that, among other reasons, one won't die of old age and leave a solitary lonely animal behind. Good zoos are complicated. Send me a mail at the address srw7877@gmail.com and i will send you some great url's & sites to learn more about what a zoo really is about. Thanks for reading this far, if you did ! Apologies for running on about my favourite topic !
Sally Walker
India activists urge against sending animals to Kabul zoo
Indian animal rights activists Saturday urged the government not to send animals to Kabul's war-damaged zoo, after Afghan officials came scouting for an elephant and leopards.
The Afghan capital's zoo suffered severe damage during the Taliban's 1996-2001 regime and the authorities are now working to restock with animals donated from India.
But the Indian arm of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) urged Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh not to allow animals to be sent to Afghanistan.
"The sad state of the Kabul zoo is well known," PETA spokeswoman Poorva Joshipura said.
"Sending wild animals to miserable zoos abroad contradicts our pledge to protect the welfare of our wildlife."
Kabul's zoo director Aziz Gul Saqeb told AFP on Thursday that Afghanistan wanted an elephant, a leopard and a snow leopard from India and said
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5j_ocIcivkNSKY72OwLODWwCSaOVA?docId=CNG.4ec000ac223af687b35012b2d23e1330.9d1
10 Best Zoos in India
http://www.indiahotelreview.com/travel-articles/general/10-best-zoos-1206.htm
Dr. Steve Amstrup - Bears in 50 years
Is Hyderabad zoo being shifted?
Is the Nehru Zoological Park moving to the Kammadanam forest block near Shadnagar? If sources are to be believed the proposal to shift the Hyderabad zoo out of its current premises is indeed under consideration. It might be executed once the state's political situation stabilises. In fact, sources claim that a survey of this forest area, 3 km from Shadnagar, has already been conducted by revenue officials and even deemed fit to house the zoo.
According to Shadnagar mandal revenue office records, the Kammadanam reserve forest, located in the Mahabubnagar district, about 45 km from Hyderabad, is spread over an area of 824 acres and has been lying vacant for several years. "This is a very suitable site for the zoo as it is away from the city and, therefore, has low pollution levels. Also, the forest is more than twice
Is the Nehru Zoological Park moving to the Kammadanam forest block near Shadnagar? If sources are to be believed the proposal to shift the Hyderabad zoo out of its current premises is indeed under consideration. It might be executed once the state's political situation stabilises. In fact, sources claim that a survey of this forest area, 3 km from Shadnagar, has already been conducted by revenue officials and even deemed fit to house the zoo.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/TNN0zootimok-for-use-on-P2-Pl-edit-Take-with-a-good-file-picture--K-Nag/articleshow/7038474.cms
London Hamleys abandons live penguin display
Hamleys has cancelled plans to bring live penguins into its London store after welfare concerns were raised.
Two reindeer were withdrawn from the Regent Street shop a day early on Wednesday and penguins had been due to arrive next week.
UK wild animal welfare charity the Born Free Foundation said it was shocked at the plans to have animals in the shop.
The toy store said that after listening to people's views the cancellation was the best course of action.
Earlier this week the world-famous toy store issued a statement in response to concerns raised on social networking sites about the live animals.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-11901704
Afghan team visits Kanpur zoo
A five member team of Afghan officials recently visited the city zoo here and inspected the facilities provided to the animals, a senior zoo official said today.
The team from the Kabul zoo visited the city on November 30 and inquired about the maintenance, medical facilities and enclosure of the animals in the zoo, Kanpur Zoo Director Praveen Rao said.
Recent media reports stated that the Kabul zoo officials have evinced interest in taking some animals and birds from the Kanpur zoo to their country and also sought assistance in the construction of the war-damaged zoo there.
However reputing this report, Rao said that there has been no
http://www.centralchronicle.com/viewnews.asp?articleID=53184
Experience: I'm proud I worked in an animal testing lab
It was a surprise to me that I ended up working in an animal testing facility. I've been a vegetarian most of my life and I wanted to be a teacher when I was younger. Animal testing wasn't something I saw in my future.
I've always cared deeply about animals. My parents stopped eating meat because they disliked the way animals were farmed and slaughtered, and I felt the same way. Then I met my partner at university and when we graduated, he started working as a toxicologist, testing drugs that might potentially go on to be used for humans.
I was interested in his field of work; the more he told me, the more I understood and believed in it. My partner qualified for a Home Office licence, so he learned to handle animals in the right way and cause the least amount of trauma possible.
When a job came up, I applied. They checked me out thoroughly to make sure I had no affiliations with antivivisectionist groups. I started in a technical role away from the animal facility, preparing doses and equipment for clinical tests on humans.
After a few months, I asked to see where the animals were kept. In the back of my mind I saw the grainy black and white pictures of cats and monkeys in agony that appear on antivivisectionist stands. I was curious but reluctant, particularly to see the dogs. It was so hard to think of them in that environment. But they were bright-eyed and pleased to see us. They were kept in a different building from the rats, rabbits and mice, so the barking didn't disturb them. The animals were behind strengthened glass, not unlike you see in a pet shop. Everything was clean and they all seemed content.
You couldn't walk the dogs outside because it would interfere with the research, but there were play areas with toys. The husbandry staff talked to the animals and petted them. Seeing them reinforced my opinion that I was doing the right thing for the right reasons.
After a few years, I moved to my partner's department, assisting research scientists with paperwork. It was like any other company, once the doors were shut and you'd passed security
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2010/dec/04/proud-worked-in-animal-testing-lab
$1M Given To Mystic Aquarium
Money To Go Towards Aquarium's $12M Overhaul Of Exploration Center
One day after announcing millions of dollars in grants for open space and environmental projects, Gov. Jodi Rell announced $1M will be given to Mystic Aquarium.
The grant was given to the aquarium for capitol improvements. Most of the funding will go into the institution's $12 million campaign to overhaul Dr. Robert Ballard's Ocean Exploration Center.
Renovation work is already under way inside that will make room for new interactive exhibits to include Ballard's work in the Black Sea as well as an exhibit on the Titanic, which Ballard helped to discover in 1985.
In a statement, Rell said, "The institution is now poised to make improvements that will enable it to focus even more on bringing in new business and
http://www.wfsb.com/news/26010869/detail.html
2 more rare red foxes confirmed in Sierra Nevada
Once thought to be extinct, federal wildlife biologists have confirmed sightings of two more rare Sierra Nevada red foxes they believe are related to one that was photographed this summer near Yosemite National Park.
More importantly, scientists say DNA samples show enough diversity in the animals to suggest a "fairly strong population" of the foxes may secretly be doing quite well in the rugged mountains about 90 miles south of Reno.
The first confirmed sighting in two decades
http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_16771770?nclick_check=1
Bruised, tied up and caged: The desperate plight of starving orangutans forced into villages to look for food as their rainforest home is destroyed
Arms wrapped dejectedly around his mother, this baby orangutan can only cling on to her for comfort after being tied up in a cage.
The pitiful creatures were captured after going into a village in Sungai Pinyuh, Indonesia, in a desperate search for food.
They were then beaten by villagers so badly one of the primates died before being locked in the tiny cage without food or water.
Rainforests cover 60 per cent of Indonesia, but orangutans - which means man of the forest - have seen their habitat cut down at an alarming rate, often to fuel the need for space to grow palm oil crops.
Many adult orangutans are killed by farmers in Indonesia and Borneo to prevent them eating crops as their natural food disappears, leaving helpless orphans to die in the wild.
Indonesia is one of the world's leading
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1335367/Starving-orangutans-forced-villages-look-food-rainforest-destroyed.html
Wildlife genetics and its applications for snow leopard conservation in Nepal
As they gracefully navigate through the high Himalayan mountain landscape, the elusive and endangered snow leopards exemplifies nature’s greatest gift to all of us. Snow leopards are found throughout the Himalayan region. These magnificent creatures are the quintessential top carnivore, often the main balancing factor for all the downstream preys; sustaining the fine ecological balance.
Nepal’s high Himalaya region provides excellent refuse to snow leopards. It is estimated that there are close to 400 snow leopards in Nepal spread throughout pockets of various conservation areas. But the exact number of this species in Nepal remains to be studied. There are various reasons why experts believe the exact number of snow leopard found in Nepal could be much lower than the estimated number. Snow leopard’s long-term viability has continuously been threatened by conflict with locals because of livestock depredation-sometimes resulting in retaliatory killings. Loss of habitat and declining prey numbers due to their preferred grazing areas being encroached for livestock usage are also some of the major contributing factors for snow leopard’s declining numbers.
Furthermore, there is active illicit trans-border market for wildlife animal parts in the northern frontiers of Nepal and Tibet; as a result poaching has become widespread. As substitute to tiger bones and other tissue parts, Asian traditional medicine market has an increasing demand for bones and other tissue parts of endangered felids such as snow leopard. This has exacerbated the threat of snow leopards in Nepal.
Prior to any effective conservation strategy being designed and implemented, it is crucial to gather reasonable data on estimation of existing abundance and distribution of snow leopard in Nepal. However because of elusive, solitary nature of snow leopard and its rugged rocky terrain habitat, information available is sparse and inadequate on their actual distribution and population status.
Majority of snow leopard studies have consisted of surveys that relied upon sign (e.g. pugmarks, scrapes and scats), interviews with local inhabitants, and camera trapping. However
http://www.nepalnews.com/main/index.php/component/content/article/13-top-column/11283-wildlife-genetics-and-its-applications-for-snow-leopard-conservation-in-nepal.html
Ga. Aquarium gets 2 new beluga whales
The world's largest aquarium has added two new beluga whales.
The giant stars — named Qinu (KEE-nu) and Grayson — arrived at the Georgia Aquarium last week from Sea World San Antonio. The duo joins the aquarium's belugas Maris and Beethoven, who are older and larger than the newcomers.
Qinu is a 2-year-old female and weighs more than 600 pounds. Grayson, a 3-year-old male, weighs more than 800 pounds.
One of the aquarium's belugas, Nico (NEE-co), died suddenly last year of encephalitis while staying at Sea World in Texas. The whales were there temporarily while the downtown
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/7319233.html
Alligator Farm to assist Philippines
The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park will hold a special fundraising event on Friday to help citizens and wildlife in the Philippines after a super typhoon hit the region in October.
"Cupcakes and Crocodiles: Helping People Help Crocodiles" will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Cupcakes and refreshments will be available, as well as the opportunity to touch a Philippine crocodile and participate in guided night tours through the park to see the animals after hours and experience the vision of nighttime alligator eye-shines.
Typhoon Megi left extensive damage to infrastructure, property
http://staugustine.com/news/local-news/2010-12-04/alligator-farm-assist-philippines
Leopard wedding in Sochi
World Wildlife Fund specialists are planning to mate two West Asian leopards in the Sochi National Park in southern Russia. The move is part of a special program aimed at restoring the leopard population in the Caucasus.
The Sochi National Park now has four leopards – two males from Turkmenistan and two females from Iran. The three-year old female Mino and the young male Alous were picked as the best candidates for giving birth to a new leopard dynasty. They will be introduced to each other in January. Graceful spotted wild cats had once inhabited the entire Caucasus but were nearly extinct towards the middle of the 20th century.
Reintroduction appears to be the only way to reverse the trend, but it’s a complicated and painstaking job that may take years.
Vladimmir Krever, a WWF Russia coordinator, says the main and most difficult task is to form a leopard couple. The problem is you can never predict the result.
A male is stronger and it can maim or
http://english.ruvr.ru/2010/12/05/36258192.html
In the dark of night, endangered microbats find a friend
As dusk falls each evening, Tanya Leary heads deep into the forest in search of bats.
It may sound like a scene from a scary movie, but Dr Leary is not looking for just any bat - her target is microbats, tiny creatures who can eat half their body weight in mosquitoes, moths and beetles each night.
Most people have never seen the animals, some of which weigh less than three grams.
But years of habitat loss mean many species are now threatened or endangered, said Dr Leary, a biodiversity officer with the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Without swift action there was the potential for several species to disappear, sh
http://www.smh.com.au/environment/animals/in-the-dark-of-night-endangered-microbats-find-a-friend-20101205-18les.html
Night Safari - The Birth of Our New Baby Elephant Caught on Video
Owner of Montenegro zoo sets hippo free from flooded cage
The owner of a private zoo in Montenegro says he has released a hippo from her cage because it was flooded and the animal was in danger.
Nikola Pejovic says that the 2-ton hippo is "under supervision" in a nearby meadow. He says the 12-year-old animal is harmless.
The hippo, named Nikica, also escaped last year when flooding allowed her to swim out of her cage. She caused no problems in the wild.
Pejovic says farmers view Nikica "as their
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/world/breakingnews/owner-of-montenegro-zoo-sets-hippo-free-from-flooded-cage-111346629.html
DEFRA probes County Durham petting zoo
A DEFRA probe into a North petting zoo has revealed a catalogue of failings, including not providing enough water for ducks.
The review of standards at Tweddle Farm, in County Durham, came after it emerged the animal centre was operating without the correct license.
Now the farm has been subject to an inspection by a vet from the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs and the Sunday Sun has been passed their final report.
As well as making reference to the housing for exotic animals the farm was not licensed to keep, the report flags up failings in basic pet care.
Among these were ducklings with no water to bathe, chickens overcrowded in the baby barn and pigs with no shelter.
Other problems highlighted on the Defra list include a collapsing camel shed, African grey parrots with no access to natural daylight, and no nesting material for "cold" mice.
As part of the report a Defra
http://www.sundaysun.co.uk/news/north-east-news/2010/12/05/defra-probes-county-durham-petting-zoo-79310-27768723/
Ex-Zookeeper Highlights The Do's and Don'ts
PARENTS, take note: Follow the instructions given at the Singapore Zoo, if you and your children do not want to get bitten or scratched when you interact with animals up close.
Indeed, many animal "attacks" arose from visitors - both young and old - touching and feeding animals wrongly or at the wrong time, according to former zoo curator Francis Lim, who had worked at the zoo since 1972.
The 55-year-old, who retired in May, was at the zoo yesterday to launch his new book, Once A Zookeeper.
The 79-page book is an anthology of poems - on his observations and encounters with people and animals - he started penning 15 years ago.
Mr Lim recounted to my paper the potential risks in handling animals.
Two years ago, at the Australian Outback exhibit, a man was scratched by a kangaroo because he touched its face,
http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20101206-250933.html
Transported to Africa: Proposed interactive exhibit at Naples Zoo will put people in a scene
Imagine if you can, this scene in Africa after drought has forced ranchers to abandon their land. With nothing to keep them out, some of the region’s wildlife has taken over the home. Powerful lions have claimed the veranda and a herd of tall giraffe wander about the grounds.
Now imagine wandering through an entry portal and across a winding bridge to explore the ruined site. As you step inside the house, deadly snakes slither across the nearby floor or coil on the bed. Further inside, moving a curtain reveals a scorpion or a gigantic baboon spider crawling through the cupboards. In the servant’s house, playful monkeys explore the kitchen while leopards make their way through a fallen-down corner of the barn or lounge in the trees just over head.
Unlike any traditional day at the zoo, this thrilling experience will soon be part of an innovative and highly interactive new 5-acre, $3 million coastal Africa exhibit scheduled to open at the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens sometime in 2013-14.
Though the idea of developing a section of the zoo dedicated to presenting coastal Africa has been under consideration for the past several years, the abandoned ranch is an all-new brainstorm that will allow guests to
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2010/dec/03/interactive-exhibit-naples-zoo-coastal-africa/
Ex-French president decries poaching
Former French President Valery Giscard d’Estaing has made an impassioned plea to authorities in Tanzania to uphold the country’s traditional commitment to the conservation of wildlife and show no mercy to poachers. The resurgent poaching of elephants and other animals, which are particularly found in this region, was causing worldwide concern, Mr d’Estaing has said in an exclusive interview with The Citizen here.
“Stiff punishment to poachers will have a deterrent effect to people who intend to engage in the malpractice,” he suggested, noting that Tanzania was home to a very rich stock of wildlife.
“Tanzania is not only endowed with the richest variety of fauna and flora, but its successive governments since independence have demonstrated
http://www.thecitizen.co.tz/news/4-national-news/5988-ex-french-president-decries-poaching.html
New turtle rescue center arrives in nick of time
Workers in the New England Aquarium’s 23,000-square-foot brick building in the Fore River Shipyard once manufactured pipes for large ships such as Navy destroyers and battleships, nuclear subs and massive LNG tankers.
Six weeks ago, after a $3.5 million renovation, the pipe plant was reborn as the aquarium’s Animal Rescue Center. The makeover was just in time, as this year will likely break records for the number of endangered sea turtles suffering from the effects of cold air and frigid water temperatures that are rescued at Cape beaches.
The Animal Rescue Center has treated 85 turtles so far this year, and the facility could see more than 200 of the marine reptiles
http://news.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/20101203new_turtle_rescue_center_arrives_in_nick_of_time/srvc=home&position=recent
Jungle fever had politicians entering lion's den
Entertainment ruled by circus acts and exotic animals in 1910
Welcome to the Jungle - Sheffield style.
Forget about the Wheel of Sheffield, Fright Night or any of the city's popular 21st century-style attractions.
A century ago folk in the Steel City enjoyed a far more exotic style of entertainment, as researchers from the University of Sheffield have been discovering.
Long since forgotten, the Sheffield Jungle was a massive menagerie of exotic animals and circus acts which came to the city for seven months from November 1910.
A century on Angela Greenwood and Ian Trowell from the National Fairground Archive at the university have found how the show - distinctly non-PC by the standards of 2010 - made a major impact on the city.
It featured animals from all over the world including an elephant which could play the drum, trained mice, llamas, camels and no fewer than 100 lions. It also had a number of unusual sideshows ranging from giants to midgets to people fasting.
The Jungle was in a building on land which had become available after a slum clearance scheme on Hawley Street, close to the Cathedral in the city centre.
The site later became a tram depot and was the third largest building in the British Isles at the time, covering more than 40,000 square feet.
Angela and Ian found out more after searching through old editions of the Sheffield newspapers
http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/Jungle-fever-had-politicians-entering.6635781.jp
People Hunting with Cheetahs, India 1939
***
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The December 2010 issue of ZOOS' PRINT [Volume XXV, Number 12] is published and the online version is available free on the web at
ZOOS' PRINT MAGAZINE http://www.zoosprint.org/showMagazine.asp
Please note that if you wish to download the full magazine all at once click on Complete Magazine. If you want to select articles see below and you can click on any article and download it.
Thanking you,
Sanjay Molur, Editor and Sally Walker, Editor Emeritus
ZOOS' PRINT MAGAZINE http://www.zoosprint.org/showMagazine.asp
Please note that if you wish to download the full magazine all at once click on Complete Magazine. If you want to select articles see below and you can click on any article and download it.
Thanking you,
Sanjay Molur, Editor and Sally Walker, Editor Emeritus
List of Individual Articles
Cover/Contents
PDF 166Kb
Anniversary section
Last Indulgent Anniversary Editorial - My Mentor, C.D. Krishne Gowda, Mysore Zoo-a “simply wonderful” zoo man -- Sally Walker, Pp. 1-4
PDF 76Kb
Insider Perpective -- Tmt. Sarojamma, P. 4
PDF 55Kb
This month-that age: ZOO INTERVIEW - 1986 December ZPt C. D. Krishne Gowda, Mysore Zoo, Pp. 5-7
PDF 68Kb
My Turn-- S. Paulraj, Pp. 8-9
PDF 67Kb
Your Turn-- Russ Mittermeier, P. 10
PDF 43Kb
Features section
Indian Post Special Cover Release - Western Hoolock Gibbon and ZOO’s 25th -- Sally Walker, Pp. 11-19
PDF 358Kb
SAZARC and the WAZA Data Base, Pp. 20-22
PDF 292Kb
Invertebrate Conservation Sub-Committee (ICSC) Meeting, Cambridge-- B.A. Daniel, P. 23
PDF 55Kb
Wildlife Week 2010 (WLW2010) Education Reports, Pp. 24-32
PDF 521Kb
Technical Articles
Cancer of eye in a Jaguar (Panthera onca) -- K. Muraleedharan, S.J. Seshadri, R.N. Srinivasa Gowda and Appaji, P. 33
PDF 71Kb
Waterbirds in Great Vedaranyam Swamps, Pt. Calimere-- R. Manikannan, S. Asokan and A. Mohamed Samsoor Ali, Pp. 34-36
PDF 91Kb
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Some fascinating reading:
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It is with great sadness that I have to share the news that the countries largest llama rescue is closing. It couldn't have happened at a worse time of year, going into winter. The Montana large Animal sanctuary is home to 800 llamas as well as other farm animals. There is a need for foster homes, transporters, local area coordinators and donations to cover transport. This may well be the largest rescue effort in history! We need all the help we can get. Time is short and the need is on a scale never encountered in my fifteen + years of doing rescue. If you can help in any way, small or large, please contact Linda Lachanski, 518/875-6503 or 518/810-7925. Help give a llama a cozy Christmas, I hate to think of the alternative... Details soon -- thank you,
Home of Alpaca911 Rescue
You can you use this link as it is the only broadcasted one for this crisis:
http://www.kxlf.com/news/animals-in-crisis-massive-food-drive-underway-in-missoula/
Here is the latest e-mail w/ contact information:
******************************************************
I am assuming that most folks are by now aware of the current situation at the Montana Sanctuary. They have lost major funding, are deeply in debt and are struggling to support over 1,000 animals. As of Friday, they had about 4 days of hay left. An organization called Animeals is collecting feed/hay and sending a one time transport to them. That will give them another TWO DAYS.
They housed Peruvian cavies, bison, cattle and a number of other smaller animals including goats and sheep. Most all those have been placed as of tomorrow but if you have an interest, please confirm with the appropriate Team captain. There are also 2 camels and I think placement for those is under motion but again you should check.
Right now the short term initiative is on getting food for the animals and of course that includes how to fund that initiative. There is one full time and two part time staff on the property. The llamas are ranging over 700 acres and the majority of these animals can probably be considered as feral. Equines are housed on a separate property and I really have no info regarding how accessible they are.
Right now (as I understand it) there is no physical infrastructure in place which can be utilized to get the llamas into pens or a series of ever smaller pens like you would do elk and whatnot so they can even be sorted by sex, age or whatever. In order to move them out of state they would need to pass whatever state regulations are in place. The thought is that if we could reduce the herd we obviously reduce the expense of feeding them BUT if you could catch up even 100 this is still a huge manpower issue not to mention expense. Also this place is miles from just about anywhere so getting folks on the ground there is a logistical challenge.
The following teams are now in place and communications should be directed to them . Right now there is a funding mechanism being set up so that any funds collected by other entities can be funneled to a central account which will be used to disperse and account for all funds moving in/out. More will be forthcoming in regards to how to access that channel when it becomes available (probably tomorrow) and I am sure that other organizations which plan to organize fundraising initiatives will make that known. Many are waiting for this central fund to be established so they can get an infrastructure in place.
Here is more detailed info on the infrastructure currently in place regarding support for this endeavor:
Team captains are:
Jerry Finch, Habitat for Horses has final say on placements, but only interacts with the team captains. Otherwise he will be overwhelmed with emails.
Phyllis Ruana- Llamas
Montana Animal Care Association (M.A.C.A.)
P.O.B. 153
Corvallis, MT 59828
www.montanaanimalcareassociation.org
501 C-3 non-profit organization
Dave Pauli –wildlife
Senior Director for Wildlife Response
Humane Society of the United States
HSUS Animal Care Centers
Billings, MT 406-255-7161.
Susie Coston- Farm
National Shelter Director
Farm Sanctuary
PO Box 150
Watkins Glen, NY 14891
PH: 607-583-2225 x262
FX: 607-583-4472
scoston@farmsanctuary.org
Jane Heath- Horses
ht@mt.net
Jane Heath
Executive Director
Montana Horse Sanctuary
Simms, MT
Patty Finch-Funding and solutions beyond the critical placements of as many animals as possible.
GFAS (Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries)
Short term and long term funding
Coordination with Community Foundation, authorization of expenditures in cooperation with Jerry Finch (no relation)
patty@sanctuaryfederation.org
Some fascinating reading:
The Vulture Chronicles
*******************************************************************************
Biggest rescue in history!
It is with great sadness that I have to share the news that the countries largest llama rescue is closing. It couldn't have happened at a worse time of year, going into winter. The Montana large Animal sanctuary is home to 800 llamas as well as other farm animals. There is a need for foster homes, transporters, local area coordinators and donations to cover transport. This may well be the largest rescue effort in history! We need all the help we can get. Time is short and the need is on a scale never encountered in my fifteen + years of doing rescue. If you can help in any way, small or large, please contact Linda Lachanski, 518/875-6503 or 518/810-7925. Help give a llama a cozy Christmas, I hate to think of the alternative... Details soon -- thank you,
Home of Alpaca911 Rescue
You can you use this link as it is the only broadcasted one for this crisis:
http://www.kxlf.com/news/animals-in-crisis-massive-food-drive-underway-in-missoula/
Here is the latest e-mail w/ contact information:
******************************************************
I am assuming that most folks are by now aware of the current situation at the Montana Sanctuary. They have lost major funding, are deeply in debt and are struggling to support over 1,000 animals. As of Friday, they had about 4 days of hay left. An organization called Animeals is collecting feed/hay and sending a one time transport to them. That will give them another TWO DAYS.
They housed Peruvian cavies, bison, cattle and a number of other smaller animals including goats and sheep. Most all those have been placed as of tomorrow but if you have an interest, please confirm with the appropriate Team captain. There are also 2 camels and I think placement for those is under motion but again you should check.
Right now the short term initiative is on getting food for the animals and of course that includes how to fund that initiative. There is one full time and two part time staff on the property. The llamas are ranging over 700 acres and the majority of these animals can probably be considered as feral. Equines are housed on a separate property and I really have no info regarding how accessible they are.
Right now (as I understand it) there is no physical infrastructure in place which can be utilized to get the llamas into pens or a series of ever smaller pens like you would do elk and whatnot so they can even be sorted by sex, age or whatever. In order to move them out of state they would need to pass whatever state regulations are in place. The thought is that if we could reduce the herd we obviously reduce the expense of feeding them BUT if you could catch up even 100 this is still a huge manpower issue not to mention expense. Also this place is miles from just about anywhere so getting folks on the ground there is a logistical challenge.
The following teams are now in place and communications should be directed to them . Right now there is a funding mechanism being set up so that any funds collected by other entities can be funneled to a central account which will be used to disperse and account for all funds moving in/out. More will be forthcoming in regards to how to access that channel when it becomes available (probably tomorrow) and I am sure that other organizations which plan to organize fundraising initiatives will make that known. Many are waiting for this central fund to be established so they can get an infrastructure in place.
Here is more detailed info on the infrastructure currently in place regarding support for this endeavor:
Team captains are:
Jerry Finch, Habitat for Horses has final say on placements, but only interacts with the team captains. Otherwise he will be overwhelmed with emails.
Phyllis Ruana- Llamas
Montana Animal Care Association (M.A.C.A.)
P.O.B. 153
Corvallis, MT 59828
www.monta
501 C-3 non-profit organization
Dave Pauli –wildlife
Senior Director for Wildlife Response
Humane Society of the United States
HSUS Animal Care Centers
Billings, MT 406-255-7161.
Susie Coston- Farm
National Shelter Director
Farm Sanctuary
PO Box 150
Watkins Glen, NY 14891
PH: 607-583-2225 x262
FX: 607-583-4472
scoston@farmsanctuary.org
Jane Heath- Horses
ht@mt.net
Jane Heath
Executive Director
Montana Horse Sanctuary
Simms, MT
Patty Finch-Funding and solutions beyond the critical placements of as many animals as possible.
GFAS (Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries)
Short term and long term funding
Coordination with Community Foundation, authorization of expenditures in cooperation with Jerry Finch (no relation)
patty@sanctuaryfederation.org
**************************************************************************
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