Zoo News Digest is the longest established and most widely read listing of current 'zoo' related news on the internet. It notes 'real' events of interest to people working within the zoo industry. By a Zoo Professional for Zoo Professionals and other interested parties. The Digest includes comments and notification of courses and events.
The dates for the next SEEC are: Monday, 13th to Thursday, 16th February 2012.
Shape Instructors: Mark Kingston Jones and Chris Hales – accredited by BIAZA
Howletts and Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks are pleased to host the 10th Student Course on Environmental Enrichment, run by Mark Kingston Jones and Chris Hales. Mark has been involved in the animal welfare field since 2004. He now works at Howletts and Port Lympne as ‘Research and Enrichment Supervisor’, organising workshops, talks and working with keepers to design and implement enrichment ideas. In addition to running nine previous SEECs, he is a Shape instructor, having been involved in three Shape workshops, both in the UK and Indonesia and is now the Shape-UK and Ireland Events Co-ordinator. As well as being an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Kent, he received two animal welfare awards for student research projects, and has presented 11 talks on topics relating to animal welfare at conferences, both nationally and internationally. Chris has been an instructor on eight previous courses, having been a Keeper at Port Lympne for over 12yrs, with experience working on every section with a multitude of taxa. Chris is a Shape Instructor with a wide range of experience in the field of husbandry and enrichment, specialising in carnivore enrichment which he presented on at two national conferences. He is now the Shape-UK and Ireland Facebook Group Co-ordinator.
This course is designed around the Shape format and accredited by the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA). It is aimed specifically at 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 3½ days students will gain a background in animal welfare and enrichment, dealing with welfare needs of 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 an overview of additional useful skills to a would-be keeper’s CV. Please note you must be 18 or over to attend this course.
The course is roughly split between lecture and practical components. Lecture topics include: Animal welfare, the 5 categories of enrichment, the enrichment framework, animal husbandry and learning and breaking into the zoo world. Short talks will focus on carnivore, primate, and ungulate enrichment and in-situ conservation. Additionally, there will be practicals involving animal learning, and working with rope and fire hose. The final day of the course will result in the application of all these principles as delegates are split into groups, allowing you the opportunity to design, build and test enrichment with one of our animals from a selection of species.
Please note that delegates are required to provide their own lunches and can either bring their own or purchase food from the canteen. Information on discounted bed and breakfast accommodation is available on request and the number of available places is limited, so please book early.
The workshop registration fee of £150 includes:
~ All workshop materials over the 3½ days (Monday 12noon-5pm, Tuesday to Thursday 9am-5pm).
~ Materials for practical sessions.
~ Drinks and biscuits during the scheduled tea breaks.
For further information and to request a booking form please contact: Christine Dutfield on: ccw@aspinallfoundation.org
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The Detroit Zoological Society’s Center for Zoo Animal Welfare is offering a unique four-day workshop for animal care staff working with captive exotic animals. The workshop is designed to help participants better understand animals’ perspectives and experiences, address the challenges captivity imposes on animal welfare, and develop the skills necessary to assess and improve overall well-being.
Participants will gain essential knowledge related to current research on captive animal behavior and ecology, techniques for assessing environmental and husbandry factors affecting welfare, methods of compensating for captivity (e.g. training and enrichment), management and exhibit design, as well as identification and resolution of welfare issues.
Workshop format includes lectures, discussions, small group projects, demonstrations, and multiple hands-on opportunities with animal environments at the Detroit Zoo. Exercises and experiences are immersive and designed to help us understand captivity from the animal’s point of view. Get ready to experience the zoo the way the animals do!
Limited scholarship opportunities available.
For more information and a detailed description of the workshop, go to http://www.czaw.org/
For information
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3rd Southeast Asian Animal Enrichment and Training Workshop
February 6 - 10, 2012
Hosted by: Ocean Adventure and Wildlife In Need In partnership with: Active Environments and The Shape of Enrichment Instructors: Gail Laule and Valerie J. Hare Chair of Organising Committee: Bianca Espinos
Back by popular demand! Ocean Adventure and Wildlife In Need are pleased to once
again host the Southeast Asian Animal Enrichment and Training Workshop. This unique
five-day workshop will present an array of topics relating to behavioral management of
captive animals with particular emphasis on environmental enrichment, positive
reinforcement training and the problem-solving process. The workshop is open to
zookeepers, aquarists, managers, supervisors, curators and veterinarians from the
Southeast Asian and Australasian region.
The workshop will be conducted in English and the format includes discussions, small group projects, demonstrations, and hands-on enrichment and training opportunities with a diverse animal collection at Ocean Adventure and the Wildlife in Need Rescue Center. Skills taught are directly related to enhancing the overall care and management of captive animals and improving their welfare. The workshop format is designed to maximize the value for each participant and as much as possible to address specific situations, needs, problems, and objectives.
Be prepared to interact, share, and participate to make the experience as useful and
relevant to you as possible! Deadline of registration is January 25, 2012. Limited slots only.
Registration fee of Php 14,500.00 includes the following:
All workshop material, including a copy of Don’t Shoot the Dog
All lunch, dinners and breaks during the workshop
Icebreaker and closing banquet
Tote bag and commemorative t-shirt
A certificate of accomplishment
A one-year digital subscription to The Shape of Enrichment
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At the Institute for the Study of Human-Animal Relations
Canisius College, Buffalo, New York, USA
February 10-11, 2012
This symposium will provide an opportunity for visionary thinkers to take on the question of how zoos will look 50 and 100 years from now. The goal will be one of both predicting the future, and also of shaping it. The result can be expected to provide an invaluable road map that can inform present-day zoo planning.
The format will be one of formal presentations, punctuated by round-table discussions. For program details, see www.canisius.edu/ishar/symposia.asp
This event will be free and open to the public. Please contact Tiffany Fuzak (fuzakt@canisius.edu) for additional information, or to coordinate hotel/travel arrangements.
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We are pleased to announce the opening of a NEW Associate of Applied Science 2-year degree program in the Biology and Management of Zoo Animals at Portland Community College, offered in partnership with the Oregon Zoo and the Oregon National Primate Research Center. Information on the program coursework, prerequisites, application process and more is available on the department website at http://www.pcc.edu/zoo-animals/ and the application deadline for Fall 2012 is April 15.
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Primate Society of Great Britain Spring Meeting 2012
17th and 18th of April 2012
Howletts and Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks, Kent
Held in conjunction with the University of Kent, School of Anthropology and Conservation.
Organisers:
Mark Kingston Jones, Howletts and Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks
Dr. Tatyana Humle, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent
Guest Speakers on Primate Rehabilitation and Reintroduction:
Dr Benjamin Beck: Director of Conservation - Great Apes Trust Iowa.
Steve Unwin: Veterinary Director – PASA,Veterinary Officer – Chester Zoo, member of the Orangutan Veterinary Advisory Group.
Made Wedana: Country Director - The Aspinall Foundation, Indonesia.
Our parks currently hold one of the biggest primate collections in the UK, with 31 different species, including the largest captive population of Western lowland gorillas in the world, currently numbering over 70 individuals. The Aspinall Foundation also runs two gorilla reintroduction programs in Central Africa (Congo and Gabon) and primate conservation and rehabilitation projects in Java and Madagascar.
This meeting will take place over two half day sessions on the afternoon of the 17th and morning of the 18th of April. This will allow for optional tours of both parks on the morning of the 17th at Port Lympne and the afternoon of the 18th at Howletts.
Evening Safari and Dinner All delegates are invited to a private evening safari, followed by the conference dinner in the Port Lympne Mansion on the evening of the 17th. Tickets are £10 per person and include the safari and a 2-course meal (cash bar available at 20% discount).
Pre-conference workshop: On Monday the 16th of April, we will be hosting an afternoon dedicated to primate rehabilitation and reintroduction. A series of short talks from a panel of experts in their fields will be followed by an open discussion to generate debate and identify areas of future research.Call for Abstracts:We welcome proffered papers on any area of interest to members of the PSGB.
Please contact ccw@aspinallfoundation.org for an abstract submission form for poster and oral presentations or download the form from the website.
Registration costs include attendance at the conference sessions and tours of both facilities, plus tea and coffee breaks and lunches on both days. Special hotel rates have been arranged for two night stays. We are able to accept payment either online by credit or debit card, or by post with a personal cheque. Online payment: You will soon be able to register and pay securely online with a credit or debit card. You will not be charged any fee for using this secure, online payment service.
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The 4th SHAPE-UK-Ireland Regional Environmental Enrichment Conference (REEC4)
EMPOWER – Enrichment Must Promote Opportunities, Wellbeing, Exercise and Recreation
13th to the 16th of May 2012
Howletts and Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks, Kent
Organiser: Howletts and Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks
Guest Speakers: Professor Steven Schapiro – The University of Texas
Plus more TBC
Conference workshops will include sessions by The Shape of Enrichments Valerie Hare and Karen Worley.
The 2012 REEC follows straight on from the EAZA Plant Working Group Conference and will bring together animal keepers and managers from a wide range of backgrounds. This conference will take place over 3 whole days at Port Lympne from Monday to Wednesday including an enrichment tour, and an evening safari.Sunday will offer an optional enrichment tour of Howletts during the day, and an ice breaker event in the evening. In addition to international guest speakers we will be running skills workshops throughout the conference including rope splicing, willow weaving research techniques and fire hose weaving.
Howletts and Port Lympne look forward to welcoming delegates to our parks, which currently hold 94 species of mammal, including the largest captive population of Western lowland gorillas in the world, the largest collection of black rhino outside of Africa and the largest African elephant herd in the UK. In addition, The Aspinall Foundation are also heavily involved in in situ conservation,running 2 gorilla reintroduction programmes located in the Congo and Gabon and primate conservation and rehabilitation projects in both Java and Madagascar
Pre-Conference Workshop:On the 12thand 13th of May Port Lympne will be hosting an EAZA Academy accredited training course entitled: Fodder Production and Management.
We welcome proffered papers on any area of enrichment,particularly those involving the practical side of designing and building enrichment. We wish to cover as wide a taxonomic range as possible. Special symposiums will include fish and plant based enrichment and we would particularly encourage submissions on birds,reptiles, hoofstock and other, often unrepresented species. Abstract submission forms for poster and oral presentations are available from the Shape website.
Registration fee: £150
This includes attendance to all 3 conference days, skills workshops and tours of both facilities. Refreshment breaks and lunches and the ice breaker barbeque on Sunday are also included. We are able to accept payment either by credit or debit card, or by post with a personal cheque.In order to keep this conference as affordable as possible we have secured special hotel rates for 3 and 4 night stays, particularly for those willing to share, but we expect these rooms to fill quickly so booking early is advised to avoid disappointment. Room and car sharing forums will be hosted on SHAPE UK and Ireland’s Facebook page for those looking to keep costs down: http://on.fb.me/reecPL2011
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I really cannot believe that anyone, much less a bunch of people, could be so anal* to criticise the BBC for using 'zoo' shots in their documentaries. The first link today explains the reasoning behind such moves so clearly that if those complainants cannot see it then they must be so far up their own arses that there is no longer any hope for them. I make no apologies for the terminology used because it explains these people perfectly....a good bit worse than blinkered.
(* borrowing this word from a friend)
I have said it before. I have never claimed to be an expert on anything. Apart from anything else it is a dangerous designation to have. The article "Imprudent: expert responds to Abu Dhabi's theme park plans" puzzles me somewhat especially in its mention of Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort. Do they really believe it did not get built? see "were all ill-conceived and never had a remote possibility of happening"
The "The Desire for Tigers: Is It Enough?" puzzles me. I can't get my head around the statement "India is home to approximately 50 percent of the world’s wild tigers, estimated to number somewhere around four thousand. But just one hundred years ago, as many as a thousand tigers may have roamed Asia."??
MR. 'Doc Antle' has done it again. Read "Feline Conservation Federation Applauds Save Vanishing Species Stamp". Something is very very very wrong somewhere if he is called up as an expert! What is happening here? Why are the AZA not involved? It is frightening that "The proceeds from the sale of these 55 cent “Save Vanishing Species” first class stamps is distributed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service to conservation efforts that safeguard habitat". What does this mean....more Tigons and Ligers? More coloured Tigers sent to third class Dysfunctional Zoos in Thailand? And Yes...I am wholly 100% against the deliberate pulling of cats of any kind for hand rearing...ambassadorial role or not!
"“There are no other options, period,” said Berardinetti.....the 'Brainless Puppet'. See 'Toronto Zoo elephant move blasted by councillors'. Just who do these councillors think they are?
The internet is still a pain and I have a ton of mail to answer but while I have a window when it is working I thought I would get this out.
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Highland polar bear Walker in BBC Frozen Planet row
One of two polar bear cubs at the centre of a controversy over the BBC's Frozen Planet has been confirmed as Highland Wildlife Park bear Walker.
An episode featured the cubs in a den with their mother, with many people assuming they were born and filmed in the Arctic.
But the cubs were actually in a Dutch zoo, as revealed in behind-the-scenes footage on the show's website.
The BBC has defended the footage and denied misleading viewers.
Walker, who is now three years old, is kept at the Highland Wildlife Park at Kincraig, near Aviemore.
Douglas Richardson, animal collection manager, said the BBC was right to film cubs in a zoo rather than risk harming a den in the wild.
He said: "We're all delighted here at the Highland Wildlife Park to discover that Frozen Planet's fantastic high quality footage of the polar bear cubs in their cubbing den actually includes our very own Walker.
"Walker is an extremely happy and well-loved bear."
Mr Richardson added: "To do something like this in a polar bear cubbing den in the wild would be totally impossible, as well as being extremely dangerous, the interruption would likely cause the mother to kill her cubs.
"The captive footage wa http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-16166858
New zoo unit to focus on global conservation
A plan to give the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and the Wilds a more-global reach is shaping up, thanks to a $1 million gift from a local foundation.
The Robert F. and Edgar T. Wolfe Foundation is donating the money so the two facilities can concentrate on three big efforts: improving the planet’s sustainability, increasing animal populations and researching connections between animal and human diseases.
“We all live on one planet, and everything is connected,” zoo Director Dale Schmidt said. “We’re the zoo of the future.”
The zoo’s foundation, made up of donations, will match the Wolfe Foundation gift to create what Schmidt calls the “transformation center” — not a building initially, but a working group that will oversee efforts in all three areas.
“We want to become a regional player with a global impact all around the world,” Schmidt said. “ This is the seed money http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2011/12/11/new-zoo-unit-to-focus-on-global-conservation.html
BBC'S FROZEN PLANET ACCUSED OF FAKING POLAR CUB BIRTH SCENE
THE BBC has been accused of misleading millions of viewers after it emerged one of the scenes in its Frozen Planet series was actually filmed in a wildlife park.
The scene from episode five shows a polar bear in her den giving birth to her cubs and then gently tending to them.
However, the poignant scenes were actually filmed in a wildlife park enclosure followed by scenes from the Arctic.
During the commentary, narrator Sir David Attenborough did not explain where it was actually shot.
John Whittingdale, chairman of the Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee, said it was "hugely disappointing" that viewers were misled.
He said: "My view has always been that all broadcasters should not seek to give viewers a false impression.
"If this was not filmed in the wild it would have bee http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/289496/BBC-s-Frozen-Planet-accused-of-faking-polar-cub-birth-scene
Polar bear 'cannibalism' pictured
It is an image that is sure to shock many people.
An adult polar bear is seen dragging the body of a cub that it has just killed across the Arctic sea ice.
Polar bears normally hunt seals but if these are not available, the big predators will seek out other sources of food - even their own kind.
The picture was taken by environmental photojournalist Jenny Ross in Olgastretet, a stretch of water in the Svalbard archipelago.
"This type of intraspecific predation has always occurred to some extent," she told BBC News.
"However, there are increasing numbers of observations of it occurring, particularly on land where polar bears are trapped ashore, completely food-deprived http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-16081214
Sick Shetland pony among zoo animals living without mate
Efforts are under way at the Zoological Gardens Karachi to save the life of a lone Shetland pony suffering from various medical complications, including a severe form of arthritis.
The animal is the only one of its species left in the zoo. There used to be two pairs of the species at the zoo, but over the past 10 to 12 years, all of them died, sources said. The surviving pony was born to one of the pairs at the zoo a few years ago while a newborn pony died soon after its birth, they added.
“This pony was shifted to the Landhi-Korangi zoo some time ago where the staff didn’t look after it well. No veterinary surgeon was posted at the Korangi zoo at that time and the staff reported the case only when the animal’s condition deteriorated to the extent that it wasn’t able to stand on its feet and lost its appetite,” a zoo staff member told Dawn. The poor animal has been under treatment at the zoo’s dispensary for 15 days.
During a visit to the zoo, the animal was found eating http://www.dawn.com/2011/12/12/sick-shetland-pony-among-zoo-animals-living-without-mate.html
Imprudent: expert responds to Abu Dhabi's theme park plans
Over the couple of months, Abu Dhabi has been a strong topic of conversation among the Kipp team. We can’t help it. The capital has been making news for some of the decisions it’s taken in the last quarter of the year.
Back in October, although it reiterated that every intention is still there to go ahead with the projects, Abu Dhabi announced its decision to delay the construction of its museum. Then in November, we talked about the job cuts experienced across the country, which most notably included the capital’s clean energy champion, Masdar.
Then early this December, we looked at these necessary steps backward that Abu Dhabi has taken, looking at its projects with a more pragmatic perspective and cutting down where it feels it can. This was then followed by the news that there were job cuts at the Ferrari World theme park. The company says the redundancies were due to a schedule change. And it’s not a long stretch to see that the schedule changes to theme park openings is due to a lower than expected visitor footfall.
So considering there’s been a general housekeeping and tightening of belts across Abu Dhabi’s projects, you can imagine http://www.kippreport.com/2011/12/imprudent-expert-responds-to-abu-dhabis-theme-park-plans/
Be a Keeper for a Day
If you’ve always dreamed of getting close to a penguin or feeding a rhino his lunch, well this could be your chance as Edinburgh Zoo has launched a package of Keeper Experiences available to buy.
From magic moments lasting 30 minutes to living the dream all day long, there’s an encounter to suit everyone.
If lemurs are your thing, feed our lively lemurs in their enclosure and find out all about Duke, Naomi (check spelling) and the rest of the gang. Or if you have a passion or penguins, feed our boisterous birds next to their outdoor pool, meet the famous king penguin Sir Nils Olav and even lead the penguins when they go on Parade.
Although we can’t guarantee they’ll be wise or old, a Magic Moment with our awesome owls gives you the opportunity to handle and help fly them. If its creepy crawlies that captivate you, we’ve bearded dragons, tortoises, cockroaches, snails and more. Finally, if size matters, meet and feed our impressive resident rhinos Samir and Bertus.
If 30 minutes just isn’t enough, our Keeper for a Day Experience is a dream come true. From cleaning our bongos, to feeing our wallabies, helping to train our rhinos and handling our creepiest crawlies, the day is out of this world. You’ll even get to create enrichment objects for our sunbears and chimpanzees, feed our famous penguins and lead the Penguin Parade. To top it off, we’ll give you an exclusive “Keeper for a Day” t-shirt and your very own certificate to show off to your friends.
Prices start from £50 for 30 minute Magic Moments and £250 for the full day Keeper Experience. Most Magic Moments are suitable for adults and children aged 12 and above (although children must be accompanied by a supervising adult). Keeper Experiences are for adults and those aged 16 years and above. For a full list of terms and conditions and to book a date for an experience, please contact experiences@rzss.org.uk or 0131 314 0349.
To buy a Keeper Experience gift card, please visit Edinburgh Zoo’s brand new online shop at http://www.store.rzss.org.uk/ or call into Edinburgh Zoo’s main gift shop or Gyle shopping centre gift shop.
Defacing the world's rarest tortoises
2011 marks 25 years of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust's work in Madagascar to save native species, including the Critically Endangered ploughshare tortoise.
But with the explosive growth in demand for pet tortoises from Asia, the ploughshares' former safe haven of Baly Bay National Park is under increasing threat from poachers.
Richard Lewis is director of Durrell's Madagascar programme. Here he speaks about how the team and the local villagers are working to protect the world's rarest tortoise. This includes the drastic measure of "defacing" the beautiful shells in order to make the animals worthless on the black market. http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/14293351
The Desire for Tigers: Is It Enough?
“We have the means to save the mightiest cat on Earth, but do we have the will?” asks writer Caroline Alexander in an article titled “A Cry for the Tiger” in the December 2011 issue of National Geographic magazine.
The question certainly gives us pause. The United Nations declared 2010 the International Year of Biodiversity; and because it was also the Chinese Year of the Tiger, the World Wildlife Fund placed the animal at the top of its list of “ten critically important endangered animals that we believe will need special monitoring over the next twelve months.” And in November 2010, the thirteen “tiger countries” attended the St. Petersburg Global Tiger Summit in Russia and pledged to double the number of wild tigers by 2022.
Yet, 2010 came and went with no detectable improvements in wild tiger numbers. In fact, in March 2010, a mother and two cubs were poisoned in the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in western Thailand. In the same month, it appears that villagers who had lost goats to tiger attacks poisoned two young tigers in Ranthambore National Park in India. And today there are still more big cats in captivity than there are in the wild.
So, do we truly have enough “tiger desire http://goodnature.nathab.com/the-desire-for-tigers-is-it-enough/
Feline Conservation Federation Applauds Save Vanishing Species Stamp
Proceeds from the Save Vanishing Species stamps will help safeguard habitat and protect endangered species.
The Feline Conservation Federation (FCF) applauds the release of the Multinational Species Semi Postal Stamp, which generates funding to conserve tigers, great apes, rhinoceros, Asian and African elephants, and marine sea turtles.
The proceeds from the sale of these 55 cent “Save Vanishing Species” first class stamps is distributed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service to conservation efforts that safeguard habitat, and protect these endangered species.
The Rare Species Fund, (RSF) co-managed by T.I.G.E.R.S., (The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species) and the FCF, worked to build Congressional support of the bill that reauthorized the Multinational Species Conservation Funds Semi Postal Stamp.
RSF founder, Bhagavan “Doc” Antle testified before members of Congress, and the appearances of RSF’s wildlife ambassadors helped raise awareness of endangered species issues. Congressman Henry Brown thanked T.I.G.E.R.S. assistance saying, “This couldn’t have been possible without the help of you and your team at T.I.G.E.R.S. and the Rare Species Fund.”
The stamp design features an Amur tiger cub by artist Nancy Stahl. Amur tigers are a critically endangered tiger subspecies, with less than 400 alive today. The population of all wild tigers is believed to be around 3,000 individuals worldwide, with about half the population living in India.
Since "Project Tiger" was launched in the 1970’s, poaching, habitat degradation, human encroachment, and corruption of government and wildlife agencies has continued to decimate tiger populations. Valmik Thapar, who has worked on big cats for 30 years, and spends 60 to 70 days a year in jungles, calls Project Tiger a complete failure, and the task of the Tiger Task Force impossible. India's Bengal tiger is an American favorite at exhibits. Managed captive breeding of Bengal tigers can bring forth recessive traits, creating white tigers with black stripes, snow white tigers lacking any stripes, and tabby tigers, which have cinnamon colored stripes.
The Feline Conservation Federation is a non-profit organization, dedicated to responsible captive management of felines, and the conservation http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/12/prweb9032969.htm
Free Perks Revealed by Toronto Councillor Rob Ford
http://youtu.be/6dDfr89eRd0
Toronto Zoo light on details of pending elephant transfer
The Toronto Zoo is not foot-dragging on a Council-imposed move of three aged elephants, staff made clear Monday morning, but they still can’t offer specifics on when or how the beloved pachyderms will be California-bound.
Zoo staff provided an update on the elephants’ status Tuesday morning, responding to mounting pressure from city councillors and zoo critics pressing to have the Toka, Thika and Iringa shipped to a California sanctuary before winter sets in.
That timeline now looks unlikely. Zoo CEO John Tracogna told reporters that, contrary to recent reports, the zoo was not impeding the move and had met an application deadline for a federal export permit. But Canadian and U.S. approvals could still take upwards of three months.
Organizations such as Zoochek Canada have argued that the animals could be trained for the 3500-kilometre http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/toronto/toronto-zoo-light-on-details-of-pending-elephant-transfer/article2269470/
Toronto Zoo elephant move blasted by councillors
Stalling tactics by the Toronto Zoo and its keepers over sending three elephants to a California sanctuary threaten their health, according to city councillors closely involved with their fate.
Councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker calls it “sabotage” that ultimately could thwart the transfer of Iringa, 42, Toka, 41, and Thika, 31, to the Performing Animal Welfare Sanctuary (PAWS) in San Andreas, Calif.
“It’s a guerrilla campaign against council and the people of Toronto by a rogue staff,” he said. “As a zoo board member, I’ve been immensely frustrated over unwillingness by the Toronto Zoo to put the elephants first before political warfare and personal agendas.”
“We’re in another winter — but we could have had them out right before Christmas,” said Councillor Michelle Berardinetti, who spearheaded council’s Oct. 25 motion approving the sanctuary and instructing zoo staff to work with PAWS.
“I don’t want another death on our hands,” said Berardinetti. “If an elephant dies this winter, it will be on their heads, not on ours.”
Since 1984, seven elephants have died at the zoo, four within the past four years. The oldest was 41.
Zoo chief executive John Tracogna did not return repeated phone calls from the Star over several days last week.
CUPE Local 1600 president Grant Ankenman, whose union represents 192 Toronto Zoo staffers, says the elephant keepers have been “totally professional.”
But after council’s vote on PAWS, elephant keepers and other zoo staffers ramped up their opposition to council’s decision with a Facebook campaign.
One posting on a public page called The Toronto Zoo Elephant Keepers compared Berardinetti to a “brainless puppet.” Another called PAWS co-founder Ed Stewart “an evil, lying man.” One zoo staffer wrote on her own Facebook page that http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/1100488--toronto-zoo-elephant-move-blasted-by-councillors?bn=1
Toronto zoo chief regrets staff members’ ‘inappropriate’ Facebook remarks
Toronto zoo chief John Tracogna says he regrets “inappropriate remarks” on Facebook by staffers who oppose moving the zoo’s three African elephants to a California sanctuary.
He told a morning press conference at zoo headquarters in Scarborough that he has asked zoo lawyers to draft a policy for using social media to avoid problems in future.
The negative comments, posted on Facebook by zoo staffers and included in a Star report Monday, blasted council and individuals for voting to send Toronto’s elephants to the Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) in San Andreas, California. Nasty remarks were also directed at PAWS director Ed Stewart.
However, Tracogna said relations with the California sanctuary are good and plans to transfer Iringa, Toka and Thika from Toronto to PAWS are going smoothly.
It’s expected the move will come in March or April.
Tracogna said it’s too soon to say if the elephants will travel by air or land.
However, Councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker, a zoo board member, told the Star he’d love to see an “Operation Jumbo Drop” in which the Canadian military transferred the elephants by cargo plane and the whole country got involved in the saga.
That’s what happened with Maggie, an elephant flown by the U.S. Air Force from Alaska to California in a C-17 four years ago. An animal welfare group paid for the trip after it was decided Maggie should leave the zoo in Anchorage.
Even the Pentagon got involved, facilitating the use of a Hercules plane and prioritizing the elephant lift.
De Baeremaeker said it’s best to let the people moving the elephants decide what’s best. Toronto Zoo keepers will work with PAWS on the transfer, the cost of which is being covered by PAWS.
Still, a source said very preliminary efforts have begun to try and sell the idea of an elephant flight by the Canadian military to the Conservative http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1101183--toronto-zoo-chief-regrets-staff-members-inappropriate-facebook-remarks
Gay Penguin’s New Girlfriend’s Best Friend Has Some Advice
“Toronto’s zoo has split up a pair of male penguins whose affection for each other drew headlines and speculation about whether they might be gay. The zoo said Buddy and Pedro had been officially separated and Buddy had mated with a female.” —The Guardian
Buddy’s new girlfriend: Hey, oh my God. I need to confess something …
Buddy’s new girlfriend’s best friend: You’re seeing Buddy?
Buddy’s new girlfriend: I’m seeing Buddy!
Buddy’s new http://www.vanityfair.com/online/daily/2011/12/Gay-Penguins-New-Girlfriends-Best-Friend-Has-Some-Advice
Workers' stir throws zoo management out of gear
The woes of historic Maharajbagh Zoo have no end. On Monday, 66 daily wagers working with the zoo and garden went on an indefinite strike resulting in collapse of services. The zoo is already understaffed and workers' strike has further complicated the matters. The daily wagers, some of whom claim to be working for more than 25-30 years, are demanding regularisation of their services.
There are 15 daily wagers including 10 sweepers in the zoo while remaining are posted in the garden and nursery. These workers clean the garden, guard enclosures, feed the animals and dispose of solid and liquid waste. A visit on Tuesday revealed that Maharajbagh was feeling the pinch due to strike. Animals http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Workers-stir-throws-zoo-management-out-of-gear/articleshow/11101873.cms
The Zoo Biology Group is concerned with all disciplines involved in the running of a Zoological Garden. Captive breeding, husbandry,cage design and construction, diets, enrichment, man management,record keeping, etc etc
Dr George Schaller is a veteran ecologist affiliated with two conservation organisations in New York, Panthera and the Wildlife Conservation Society. Spending much of his time during the past six decades in various countries of Asia, Africa and South America, he has studied and helped protect species as diverse as the Tiger, Mountain Gorilla, Giant Panda and Tibetan Antleope. In addition, he has promoted the establishment of about 15 protected areas. His studies have been the basis for his scientific and popular writings, including a number of books, among them The Serengeti Lion, The Deer and The Tiger, The Last Panda and Wildlife of the Tibetan Steppe. Dr Schaller’s work in India on the deer and the tiger was considered by many as one of the first scientific studies of wildlife on the subcontinent. Schaller's conservation honors include a Guggenheim Fellowship and the World Wildlife Fund's Gold Medal for "Contributions to the understanding and conservation of endangered species." Schaller has also been awarded the International Cosmos Prize, the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement. Schaller's literary honours include The National Book Award(for The Serengeti Lion in 1973). In September 2008, George Schaller was awarded the Indianapolis Prize for his work in animal conservation.
George Schaller was in New Delhi in India to attend the Global Buddhist conference session on ‘Buddhism and The Natural World’ held from 28th to 30th November, 2011. He talks to Shubhobroto Ghosh in this interview on his life’s work and principles.
Shubhobroto Ghosh : 1) What is your inspiration for conducting natural history work?
George Schaller : I like to watch animals. Just to see what they do. I like to write biographies of different animal species. I also feel a very strong moral obligation to help protect what I study. As one of my teachers commented, “The science is fine but you also need to look at the precious intangible values of a natural area.” I have been involved in wildlife science and conservation for sixty years now. I want to do it for another sixty years but that may not happen. I write articles and books to raise awareness and heighten compassion for animals. In India, Indira Gandhi’s work in conservation was inspirational because she prohibited hunting and promoted conservation. Field biologists in this country are superb and I find their work inspirational They are training a new generation of wildlife biologists.
Shubhobroto Ghosh : 2) What are your views on trophy hunting ?
George Schaller : Trophy hunting inflicts unspeakable pain on another creature solely for pleasure. However, it can have conservation value if money generated from it goes towards protected natural areas and helping the local communities.
Shubhobroto Ghosh : 3) What is your view on the differing philosophies of animal rights, animal welfare and conservation?
George Schaller : Animal rights has a basis as do animal rights activists. So does animal welfare. Sentient beings have a right to exist. As a biologist, I look at the preservation of the species rather than the individual.However, as I said, all these concepts have intrinsic value and should be used to save species and their habitat. Every area contains thousands of animals and plants that are all part of an ecosystem.
Shubhobroto Ghosh : 4) What are your views on using live bait to study carnivores?
George Schaller : Admittedly I have in the past been ambivalent about doing this, but have done it when studying tigers and snow leopards. As I get older, I realise it is not an ethical thing to do. Today alternatives exist like camera traps.
Shubhobroto Ghosh : 5) Which Indian wildlife biologists do you admire?
George Schaller : Ulhas Karanth, Raghu Chundawat, Charu Mishra, Yasbeer Bhatnagar, Raman Sukumar and others. Billy Arjan Singh was very dedicated towards conservation. I liked reading his recent biography.
Shubhobroto Ghosh : 6) Which figures in conservation in the world have inspired you the most?
George Schaller : I think Aldo Leopold’s book ‘A Sand County Almanac’ should be necessary reading for every conservationist. I like the work of Edward O Wilson and the way he synthesises knowledge and his broadness of intellect. Sir Peter Scott had great communication skills and did a lot to raise awareness on wildlife in Britain and elsewhere. I also admire the works of David Attenborough and Jane Goodall. Attenborough promotes wildlife issues superbly and I have known Jane for the past fifty years.
Shubhobroto Ghosh : 7) What are your views on zoos? I note you criticised the role of zoos in Giant Panda deals in ‘The Last Panda.’
George Schaller : Every institution can be criticised in some way. There are good zoos and poor zoos. Zoos have to consider the social life of the animals they keep in captivity.The point is that there are too many of some species in captivity. In the US there may be over 4000 tigers, most of them in private hands not zoos, and China has over 5000 in breeding farms. These animals will never see the wild again and do not contribute to conservation. There are only about 3500 tigers left in the wild in total with India having half of them. Tigers are gone from Cambodia and probably VietNam : there are fewer than 15-20 in Laos, China and Myanmar.
Shubhobroto Ghosh : 8) How do you deal with the conflict between human rights and animal rights? What do you say to the argument that there are many human problems to solve than worrying about species extinction and saving wildlife?
George Schaller : This is a good question with no easy answer. If animals come into direct conflict with humans they need to be dealt with. I think maneating tigers should be shot. Elephants that raid crops need to be kept out of agricultural areas. The principal issue is to reduce conflict between man and animal. Regarding human rights and animal rights, you can do both, even in poor countries. The basic thing to remember is that we are wholly dependent on species, on the natural community for survival. When we destroy nature, we destroy ourselves. Everything we need, want, use and buy comes from nature. So we must protect it and all its species, but try to mitigate problems.
Shubhobroto Ghosh : 9)How do you think different countries can cooperate for conservation?
George Schaller : I want to study and save wildlife and have no other agenda. I have worked in countries with widely different social systems. There can be good transborder conservation initiatives like the International Peace Parks Initiative between Tajikistan, China, Pakistan and Afghanistan. This project will help to save Snow Leopards and Marco Polo Sheep and contribute to the livelihood of the local pastoralists by protecting their rangelands. For example, India can undertake conservation initiatives with China in Arunachal Pradesh. It is a must to have international cooperation at the global level as well as regionally for effective conservation.
Shubhobroto Ghosh : 10) How would George Schaller like to be remembered?
George Schaller : I would like to be remembered as having contributed to conservation in countries where I have encouraged young conservationists to continue this work. This will be my lasting legacy.
Shubhobroto Ghosh : Thank you Dr Schaller, for your time and trouble.
Shubhobroto Ghosh is a former journalist for the Telegraph newspaper whose work has also been published in the Times of India, The New York Times, Statesman, Asian Age, and the Hindu. Ghosh has been active in animal protection issues since the early nineties and has been a member and supporter of several animal protection organizations, among them Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Born Free Foundation, People For Animals, WWF and Beauty Without Cruelty. He has worked at the Wildlife Trust of India, was project coordinator for the Indian Zoo Inquiry sponsored by Zoocheck Canada, and did his Masters thesis on British zoos.
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