Zoo News Digest 29th - 31st May 2013 (ZooNews 852)
Dear Colleagues,
"One man and his tiger! Buddhist cuddles up to deadly big cat... one of a HUNDRED raised by the monks from cubs"
Sounds wonderful, looks delightful and so the Daily Mail in its unresearched ignorance has promoted this horrific cruel commercially exploitative place. It destroys much of the work of groups who try to expose the truth. Do you think the Daily Mail cares? I don't. As long as they sell more papers that's all they care.
There will be those who disagree of course, there always is. This week I have received eight criticisms of links I have posted or statements I have made......so nothing has changed. This week just like many others. One wonders what would happen if I wrote without convincing evidence about some of the things people tell me. I get a lot of emails. I am always fighting a backlog. People send rumours, stories and increasingly photos too. I see behind the scenes of many places without ever having to visit. My trouble is that I know that a photo can lie just as easily as it can tell the truth. We in the zoo world are only too aware of this because it is all too often used by the Animal Rights Cults.
Some of the things I have heard this week have been very disturbing especially as they are about people I know. Money, as always, appears to be the prime motivator and steps on and grinds the face of caring.
This important work needs your help today.
VERY IMPORTANT (I will repeat this several times over coming weeks as I know some people do not read every issue)- After several years my postal address has changed. It is now:
Peter Dickinson
Suite 201,
Westminster Chambers
7 Hunter Street
Chester
UK
CH1 2AR
I remain committed to the work of GOOD zoos, not DYSFUNCTIONAL zoos.
****
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DIGITAL EYES and EARS FOR WILDLIFE PROTECTION
Project:
The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) will use next generation camera traps, equipped with automated sensors, to better protect threatened wildlife. Sensors will be able to instantaneously transmit alerts of gunfire, vehicle movement and human presence.
Impact:
Wildlife crime is one of the largest illegal trades in the world. Rhino poaching increased by over 40% from 2011-2012, posing a real threat to communities and tourism operations that depend on wildlife. Over two years, ZSL plans to reduce poaching incidents in a threatened Kenyan protected area by 50%, providing greater protection for endangered rhinos, elephants, and more. Ultimately, increased awareness of effective patrols will deter poachers, reduce threats and increase security for local community groups and wildlife rangers.
VISIT CHARITY: http://www.zsl.org
One man and his tiger! Buddhist cuddles up to deadly big cat... one of a HUNDRED raised by the monks from cubs
When temperatures reaching a stifling 37 degrees, even these well-adapted tigers need to find a way of escaping the heat.
The beautiful big cats are pictured at the controversial Tiger Temple in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, where around 100 live alongside Buddhist monks.
Many were brought to the reserve as cubs and have grown up around humans. But even so these pictures show just how remarkably close these fearsome creatures can get to their keepers.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2332820/Tiger-tiger-burning-Big-cats-Thai-temple-best-beat-stifling-heat.html
Why Efforts to Bring Extinct Species Back from the Dead Miss the Point
A project to revive long-gone species is a sideshow to the real extinction crisis
“We will get woolly mammoths back.” So vowed environmentalist Stewart Brand at the TED conference in Long Beach, Calif., in February in laying out his vision for reviving extinct species. The mammoth isn't the only vanished creature Brand and other proponents of “de-extinction” want to resurrect. The passenger pigeon, Caribbean monk seal and great auk are among the other candidates—all species that blinked out at least in part because of Homo sapiens. “Humans have made a huge hole in nature in the last 10,000 years,” Brand asserted. “We have the ability now—and maybe the moral obligation—to repair some of the damage.”
Just a few years ago such de-extinction was the purview of science fiction. Now it is so near at hand that in March, Brand's Long Now Foundation, along with TED and the National Geographic Society, convened an entire conference on the topic. Indeed, thanks to recent a
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=why-efforts-bring-extinct-species-back-from-dead-miss-point
DALTON ZOO MEMORIAL PLANNED FOR KEEPER KILLED BY TIGER
THE owner of South Lakes Wild Animal Park has said the attraction will create a memorial to the zookeeper who died after being attacked by atiger.
Related articles:
Dalton zoo tiger attack victim was carrying out duties
Thoughts with Dalton tiger attack victim’s family at difficult time
Barrow woman's family ‘devastated’ by tiger death tragedy at Dalton animal park
Killer tiger gained entry to staff section of Dalton zoo enclosure - Cumbria police
3,000 join Facebook page celebrating Dalton zookeeper's life
Dalton zoo owner: 'I tried to save Sarah'
Investigation into death at Dalton zoo continues
Barrow MP calls for greater security after tiger attack at Dalton zoo
Timeline: Previous incidents at Dalton zoo
Dalton zoo boss apologises 'sincerely' after Facebook comments
Sarah McClay, 24, died on Friday after being attacked by a Sumatran tiger as she worked in the enclosure at the zoo in Dalton.
Zoo owner David Gill has said staff will be allowed to attend her funeral, the details of which are yet to be arranged.
Mr Gill said he had missed the funeral of 14-year-old Lindal girl Bethany Crook – who died after being hit by a bus on May 1 – to allow more members of staff to attend.
He told the Evening Mail: “I will not have any hesitation to do something similar – I would rather everybody else has the opportunity to go. That is not out of disrespect.
“If people want to go I would hold the fort because that’s the way I am.”
Mr Gill also revealed the zoo’s management team had discussed a memorial to Miss McClay, of Dowie Close, Barrow, but said they would not be commenting until a decision was made on the most fitting tribute.
A statement from the management team at the animal park said: “The idea of a memorial or tribute for both Bethany Crook and Sarah McClay, both dearly loved staff members who recently lost their lives in tragic circumstances, has been discussed by the management team and unanimously agreed that it is a gesture we would like to make.
“Staff, and families of both girls, are still coming to terms with their losses and it was felt a little time and thought should go into any tributes and therefore we have called for any ideas or suggestions to be put forward over the coming weeks from our staff. We would very much like the families of both girls to be involved in deciding any such tributes and will when the time is right.”
Meanwhile, animal c
http://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/dalton-zoo-memorial-planned-for-keeper-killed-by-tiger-1.1059158?referrerPath=news/
Zookeeping: An Introduction to the Science and Technology
Zookeepers are responsible for the care and welfare of animals in zoos and aquariums, and also serve as public ambassadors for the animals. As species extinction, environmental protection, animal rights, and workplace safety issues come to the fore, zoos and aquariums need keepers who have the technical expertise and scientific knowledge to keep animals healthy, educate the public, and create regional, national, and global conservation and management communities. This textbook offers a comprehensive and practical overview of the profession geared toward new animal keepers, and anyone who needs a foundational account of the topics most important to the day-to-day care of zoo and aquarium animals. The editors, all three experienced in zoo animal care and management, put together a cohesive and broad-ranging book that tackles each of its subjects carefully and thoroughly. The contributions cover professional zookeeping, evolution of zoos, workplace safety, animal management, taxa-specific animal husbandry, animal behavior, veterinary care, public education and outreach, and conservation science. Using the newest techniques and research gathered from around the world, Zookeeping is a progressive textbook that seeks to promote consistency and the highest standards within global zoo and aquarium operations.
Order this book by clicking
New volunteer at Selamatkan Yaki!
Hello, my name is Jodie and I am Selamatkan Yaki’s fourth volunteer!
I joined the hard working and enthusiastic team 5 weeks ago, coming from England, where I work as a full time Zoo keeper at Drusillas Zoo park. There I work with an array of different species but I work very closely with the Sulawesi crested black macaques (Macaca nigra) which have become a key species during my career.
http://selamatkanyaki.com/
American helps deploy drones to nab rhino poachers in Africa
he exact location of the anti-poaching operation is secret, as is the number of rangers who will be on duty. Also confidential: where the drones will fly as they search out poachers intent on slaying rhinos for their horns – one killed every 11 hours in South Africa alone.
But over the next several days, Tom Snitch thinks that his project, at a private game farm adjoining South Africa’s famed Kruger National Park, will prove that unmanned aerial vehicles can end the scourge of rhinoceros poaching.
Demand for rhino horn has boomed in recent years, with criminal syndicates offering as much as $30,000 a pound for the horns. Poachers already have killed 350 rhinos in South Africa this year; last year, 668 endangered rhinos died for their horns. They’re sold in Asia, particularly in Vietnam, where ground-up horns are touted as a cure for hangovers, cancer and other ailments, and where rising incomes have made the horns accessible to more people and their possession a status sym
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2013/05/28/192207/american-helps-deploy-drones-to.html?storylink=addthis#.UaR339JHKVO
The role of trophy hunting in white rhino conservation, with special reference to BOP parks
role of trophy hunting in conservation. has trophy hunting been sustainable?
Approximately 820 white rhino have been hunted in South Africa since 1968, when white rhino hunting began in earnest. Table 1 shows that over this time, the numbers of white rhino in SA have increased from 1800 to over 6370. Table 2 shows how white rhino numbers on private land (where most hunting occurs) have also increased to well over 1000. The average rate of hunting as a percentage of all white rhino in SA, was about 0,93% per year up to 1987 (24,8 rhino/year); and has averaged 0,81 % of the population per year since then (43 rhino/year) - see table 1.
Out of private-owned animals prior to 1988 (see table 3), hunting rates were ca 10,5% per year however, rhino numbers in private hands were mainly being bought from the much larger pool of Natal Parks Board (NPB) animals at low, fixed prices. In 1989 rhino prices throughout SA reached a realistic market value when NPB, the major suppliers, began to auction their rhino. Since then, hunting rates out of privately owned animals have dropped to approximately 3% per year.
Bop Parks' hunting, which has been based on the original founder stock of 212 animals introduced in the early 1980's, has been conducted at an average yearly rate of about 3%. Figure 1 summarises the history of these animals, discussed more fully below. (Note: 248 rhino were obtained from NPB from 1978-82, but due to the country-wide drought and the poor physical condition of the rhino, 36 died shortly after release).
In conclusion, trophy hunting has been and still is highly sustainable.
Has white rhino trophy hunting benefited white rhino conservation?
Trophy hunting of white rhino has influenced their numbers and population performance in many direct and indirect ways:
1. As a population management tool, it eliminates 'surplus' males that would otherwise use grazing resources of breeding animals, or would fight and kill other rhino. Without removals (live and dead), rhino soon breed up to capacity, reducing the overall productivity of a population, especially on smaller reserves and ranches (< 5 000 - 20 000 ha).
Land capable of holding white rhino (ie. with game farming / tourism / conservation objectives; suitable grazing habitat, security and fencing), has had to be developed since the 1960's,
http://www.rhinoresourcecenter.com/index.php?s=1&act=refs&CODE=note_detail&id=1165242779
Fight over lion park
A decision over an application to put the Zion Wildlife Park into liquidation to pay for lost wages has been reserved.
Associate High Court Judge Jeremy Doogue reserved his decision into the application made by Tauranga business consultant Sam Bailey to liquidate Earth Crest Ltd (trading as Kingdom of Zion Ltd).
Sam, who represented himself in court, was employed by the owner and sole director of the park’s operating company - Suzanne Eisenhut - after Lion Man Craig Busch’s return to the park in February 2012.
He was employed as a business consultant to offer advice on decisions involved in getting the park back on its financial feet.
Sam filed high court proceedings against the operating company Earth Quest saying he is owed nearly $9000 in lost wages.
Under instruction, counsel for the defendant Nick Elsmore argued the action was filed outside the 30 day window.
The liquidation application was permitted to continue when it was found it was filed with a day to spare.
At the disputed facts hearing the defence argued against the application saying Sam was also trading under a company name.
The defendants also argued against the High Court application to liquidate Earth Crest Ltd, saying the case is more suited to the Employment Relations Authority, the Employment Court or District Court.
There was another technical argument over the address for service, and whether it should have been in Tauranga or Kamo, Whangarei. The application to liquidate has to be served at the company’s registered head office, which Nick says was filed after the company had moved head office to Kamo.
Sam rebutted the arguments.
The defendants also argued Sam owed them $10,000 for damage to a serval cage he allegedly caused doing work that wasn’t authorised by the owner, so they owe him nothing.
The defendant’s lawyer also queried the amount saying it is damages. Sam denied this claim.
Zion Wildlife Park gained international reputation after Lion Man Craig Busch starred in a television series about his wildlife park in Whangarei.
Troubles at the park began when Craig Busch was locked out of the park by his mother Patricia Busch in 2008. She managed it because, as a director, she was able to approve an application by Glen Holland to apply for the crucial operator licence in October 2008.
Craig was forced out of the park for three years, only returning after new owners, Tracey McVerry and Tauranga accountant Ian Stevenson, took charge and re-named it Zion Wildlife Kingdom in February 2012.
On 5 April, 2012 the facility was reopened as Kingdom of Zion. Day to day management of the facility is through Earth Crest Limited.
A wildlife park such as Zion requires two licences. The containment facility licence applies t
http://www.sunlive.co.nz/news/44657-fight-over-lion-park.html
India, Nepal zoo bodies agree to work together
India's Central Zoo Authority (CZA) and the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTTC) in Nepal signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday to foster closer professional zoo relationship as well as to protect and conserve threatened wildlife and habitats.
Under the MoU, the agencies will work to promote and co-ordinate staff exchanges to train them in technical and management aspects of zoos, including conservation and research. The CZA will sponsor two senior level NTNC personnel each year while NTNC will annually sponsor one senior level CZA personnel to participate in workshops, trainings and exposure visits. CZA will also annually sponsor veterinarians, biologists, educators and zoo keepers from NTNC to participate in trainings and workshops at Indian zoos.
"Both parties have agreed to promote the exchange of zoo animal specimens to improve genetic diversity, ensure sustainable captive breeding, enhance species existence in captivity and highlight species diversity. They will undertake joint
In defense of dolphins
Diana Reiss' research changed the way we look at dolphins, but dolphin advocacy is her priority
In the fall of 1985, a giant humpback whale named Humphrey attracted international fame when he lost his way while migrating southward to breed. He ended up swimming into the San Francisco Bay instead. For two weeks rescuers from The Marine Mammal Center in California and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration desperately tried to lead him back to sea but had little success. Finally, they called in Diana Reiss, a renowned dolphin researcher, to help. By then Humphrey was already 80 miles inland and his beautiful coat was decaying due to extended exposure to fresh water.
Reiss temporarily abandoned her dolphin research at Marine World and joined the flotilla that was trying to herd Humphrey back to the ocean. It was there that fellow marine biologist Kenneth Norris introduced Reiss and the rescue team to the oikomi technique – the Japanese method of creating a sound barrier to herd marine mammals. Together with Norris and other marine experts, Reiss banged metal pipes off the sides of their boats. The sound formed an acoustic barrier that coaxed Humphrey to swim south, out of the bay.
“Norris was the first to tell me about the technique,” says Reiss, sitting in her cramped office at Hunter College in New York City, where she is a full-time professor. Little did she know that the same method they used to save Humphrey was being used to slaughter dolphins in Japan. This would become a key issue of her advocacy work years later.
But Reiss didn’t start out as a marine biologist or as an activist. Her first inclinations were towards the arts. After attending an all-women’s college, she went on to a Master of Fine Arts program in stage design. She then began working at an independent and experimental Philadelphia theater. But a few years in, she realized that her heart was not completely in it, so she began taking courses in animal behavior at Temple University in Philadelphia. That’s whe
Zoo director receives national award
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) announced today that Jim Anderson, Director of the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, has been named AZA Inspector of the Year.
Anderson serves as an Inspector for zoos seeking accreditation through the AZA. He has served as Director of the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo since 1994. He first joined the staff as a train driver while on summer break from college in 1976.
“Accreditation is one of the most important components of the AZA, and we rely on our inspectors to ensure that zoos and aquariums meet the highest standards,” said AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy. “Jim’s leadership, dedication, and extensive experience make him a valuable member of the AZA inspection team.”
Anderson has conducted 20 inspections at zoos around the country and is currently vice-chair of the AZA Accreditation Commission. He also serves as a mentor for zoos seeking accreditation and on a variety of boards and committees with AZA.
"I have the privilege of working with Jim Anderson on an almost daily basis,” said Chuck Surack, President of Sweetwater, who serves as President of the Fort Wayne Zoological Society Board of Directors. “He is a real treasure for the Fort Wayne community, and it's great to see him recognized nationally for his leadership in the zoo profession. He has accomplished remarkable things at our zoo, a
Rare Asiatic Golden Cats are World-First Test Tube Babies
A pair of Asiatic golden cats have been bred using artificial insemination for the first time in an effort to ensure the future of this rare and beautiful species.
Asiatic golden cats (Pardofelis temminckii) are small, nocturnal cats that live in the tropical rainforests of southeast Asia, their range stretching from China, Nepal and India to Burma, Thailand and Malaysia. They’re about two or three times the size of a house cat, the females growing to around 66 cm long (minus the tail) and 9 kg in weight, and the males are much larger at 105 cm long and 16 kg. They are shy animals that live solitary lives, fiercely maintaining large territories and only coming together briefly to mate.
The most common colouring of an Asiatic golden cat is a golden brown or fox-red, but they can also be a dark brown, grey or pale cinnamon. There is also a spotted, ocelot-like morph that is more common in China than the usual colouring, and numerous melanistic, or black, individuals have been found, particularly in Nepal. There’s even a tiny area in Sikkim, which is a small mountainous state in the Eastern Himalayan region, where melanistic Asiatic golden cats are far more common than any other morph.
Because of their striking colour, in some parts of Thailand Asiatic golden cats are called “Seua fai”, meaning ‘fire tiger’, and local legend states that the burning of its fur or the eating of its flesh can drive tigers away. The Karen people of Thailand and Burma believe that carrying a single Asiatic golden cat hair will have the same effect.
Habitat destruction and a relentless fur trade over the past few decades has seen the global population of the Asiatic golden cat dwindle to the point where we don’t know how many are left in the wild, and there are just 51 individuals in captivity in Europe and Asia. Captive breeding programs are essential to the survival of the species, but because we still know very little about their reproductive biology, and because they can be extremely aggressive towards each other, breeding them can be a very difficult and dangerous exercise, all the way from courtship to birth.
A 1997 study in the International Zoo Yearbook by zoo keeper Mike Brocklehurst from the Royal Melbourne Zoological Gardens describes the extraordinary measures the zoo’s staff had to go through to breed their Asiatic golden cats, even with almost 30 years of experience. Since 1968, when the Melbourne Zoo acquired their first five Asiatic golden cats from Europe and the US, they’ve had two deaths because of male on male and female on female fights; one death during a male and female introduction; and another within an established mating pair. Brocklehurst also reports two instances of a male killing a young fe
Tiger lair ‘open’
A TIGER was allowed to roam free and kill zookeeper Sarah McClay after its enclosure was left unlocked, it was revealed yesterday.
Bosses at South Lakes Wild Animal Park said the 24-year-old Scot’s death was the result of “human error” — because checks were NOT made to ensure the den doors were closed.
And they claimed Sarah, of Glasgow, failed to follow security protocol before she was dragged from a workers’ pen by the Sumatran tiger on Friday.
A zoo statement said: “Sarah was in the keeper work area at the time
Beaver kills man trying to pose for photo
It was the most serious in a string of beaver attacks on humans in Belarus, as the rodents have turned increasingly aggressive when confronted by humans after wandering near homes, shops and schools.
The fisherman wanted his photo shot with a beaver. The beaver had other ideas: It attacked the 60-year-old man with razor-sharp teeth, slicing an artery and causing him to bleed to death.
It was the most serious in a string of beaver attacks on humans in Belarus, as the rodents have turned increasingly aggressive when confronted by humans after wandering near homes, shops and schools.
“The character of the wound was totally shocking for us medical professionals,” recalled village doctor Leonty Sulim. “We had never run into anything like this before.”
Once hunted nearly to extinction in Europe, beavers have made a comeback as hunting was banned or restricted and new populations were introduced. In Belarus, a former Soviet nation between Russia and Poland, the beaver population has tripled in the past decade to an estimated 80,000, according t
Singapore Zoo: Opening of Frozen Tundra
Could SeaWorld's concept art for Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin have set up visitors for disappointment?
SeaWorld Orlando's largest-ever theme park investment, Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin has opened to huge crowds (with wait times typically exceeding two hours)… and mediocre reviews. Some fans have lauded the ride for its advanced ride system and intricate set detail. But others have ripped it [see comments] for lacking an engaging story and not delivering enough on-ride views of the attraction's stars -- SeaWorld's penguins.
SeaWorld promoted the attraction aggressively, as one would expect given the size of its investment, which park president Terry Prather has called the largest in company history. In addition to the predictable media outreach, SeaWorld tried to appeal directly to fans through social media, including a YouTube series called "Behind the Freeze," in which SeaWorld Creative Director Brian Morrow updated fans on the progress of the new attraction in the months leading to its opening last week.
But could some of SeaWorld's early marketing efforts set the stage for public disappointment in its new ride? Many fans complained the Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin did not meet their e
In pictures: Yorkshire Wildlife Park to open £1.2m conference space
Yorkshire Wildlife Park is to open The Monkey Playhouse - a £1.2m complex with two conference suites - in June 2013.
The Monkey Playhouse houses a 600m2 play area and café with two conference suites.
The first floor Gallery Suite backs onto a huge glass viewing window that overlooks an outdoor enclosure with 17 baboons. This space can be used for a wide range of meetings, conferences and team building events, catering up to 100 delegates.
The larger of the two spaces – The Outlook Suite – is equipped with an AV system and caters for up to 140 guests.
The venue also has outdoor break-out spaces with panoramic views of Yorkshire’s very own African Plains and Lemur Woods.
Both suites can be boo
Safety at safari park paramount
Blair Drummond Safari Park has re-assured visitors that safety remains paramount at the attraction after a woman was knocked over by a llama.
Jackie MacDonald (61) was at the park with her 10-year-old grand-daughter Eve last Friday when she was jostled by a llama said to have been “spooked” after a pig had entered the pen they were in.
Mrs MacDonald, from Dumbarton, was there with keen animal-lover Eve, who had received the park’s `junior keeper for the day’ experience ticket as a special treat, when the incident happened.
The grandmother said that they were enjoying their day when one of the llamas charged into her, knocking her to the ground and leaving her with pain to her head and hip. Mrs MacDonald, who sa
New Koala Exhibit Debuts at San Diego Zoo
The Untold Story Of Sun Bears And Their Contribution To The Forest
From dispersing fruit seeds to carving out narrow holes on trees, later used by hornbills and squirrels to nest, the Malayan Sun Bear contributes to a thriving forest habitat.
The smallest of the world's bears serve as forest doctors, engineers and planters and by foraging for termites and other insects, help mix nutrients in the soil.
Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) founder and chief executive officer Wong Siew Te said the species that lives in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia also play an important role in the ecosystem.
Describing the Sun Bear's task as a forest doctor, Wong said the species uses its claws to scrape off and destroy termite nests around tree barks, and this in turn saves the host tree from dying due to termite infestation.
"Sun Bears do this to get termites and their larvae, an important food source for these bears. If they do not do this, the termites will eventually kill the host tree by feeding on the wood fiber from the inside.
"Uncontrolled termite populations could lead to the death of many trees," he said in a statement issued by the BSBCC to create awareness on the Sun Bear which is listed as "Vulnerable" on The IUCN Red List and at risk of becoming endangered unless circumstances threatening their survival improve.
Threats including habitat loss, poaching and t
New plan to protect elephants
Scientists, NGOs and the public to help Wildlife and National Parks Department improve conservation and management techniques, and curb poaching and illegal trading of wildlife parts, writes Nuradilla Noorazam
PERHILITAN has confirmed that a new initiative, called the National Elephant Conservation Action Plan (NECAP), which is based on collaborative efforts by the department and the Wildlife Conservation Society Malaysia since last year, is expected to be unveiled this year.
A Perhilitan spokesman said NECAP would be more comprehensive than previous plans and was designed to encourage holistic management for elephant conservation, requiring paramount commitment from stakeholders, government agencies, non-governmental organisations and the public to address the threats and constraints in conservation endeavours.
NECAP will also feature a more extensive scientific-based approach in dealing with the challenges in ensuring the continuous survival of elephant species in the peninsula. The plan encourages academicians and scientists to conduct more research on wildlife conservation and management techniques, as well as new te
Penguin theft? I've seen it all at Dublin Zoo
HE was a Rose of Tralee escort and even auditioned for Big Brother, but Dublin zookeeper Brendan Walsh is most at ease around animals.
The zoo is part of our national psyche and, at over 180 years old, is one of the oldest and perhaps most progressive zoological gardens in the world.
Mind you, it did come very close to the brink in the early 1990s – but a significant grant and additional allocated park land meant the facilities for animals have been vastly improved.
Gone are the days of elephant rides and the monkeys' tea party.
In fact, chimps Betty and Wendy, now aged 51, are in a 'retirement home' of sorts within the zoo itself, which is still open to the public.
Staff are now driving the message of education, conservation and the welfare of the animals themselves. Crucial to th
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ZOO BIOLOGY
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
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