THE KIESSLING PRIZE

 

THE KIESSLING PRIZE

As the world’s animals face what scientists call a “Sixth Mass Extinction,” with up to one million species in foreseeable danger of disappearing forever, extraordinary efforts to preserve the creatures of the Earth are more vital than ever – as are the scientists, researchers and advocates who devote their lives to these efforts. 

To award those who achieve significant positive change in the field of conservation practice, theory, and research, American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, today is proud to launch the Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize for Species Conservation. This award was created in honor of Wolfgang F. Kiessling, the founder of Loro Parque and globally acknowledged leader in the field of conservation and will be awarded annually.

“There is simply no higher purpose than that to protect and preserve our world’s most precious asset – animal life. It brings me great honor and pleasure to bestow this award on those who are leading the way in the field of conservation,” said Wolfgang Kiessling, president and founder of Loro Parque and Loro Parque Foundation.

The Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize committee will be led by Wolfgang Kiessling, Christoph Kiessling, Cybell Kiessling, Dr. Javier Almunia, Dr. Robin Ganzert and Brad Andrews. Additional Kiessling Foundation leaders and family members may be elected to the committee as needed. The committee will screen and vote for applicants, ultimately choosing one who will be awarded the Kiessling Prize and a grant of US $80,000 to further their work to make significant contributions to the practical application, research and theory of species protection.

“Wolfgang Kiessling is a renowned conservationist and founder of Loro Parque, one of the most well-respected zoological institutions in the world for its beauty, the excellence of its facilities and its incredible work to save species on the brink of extinction,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. “We are thrilled to establish this prestigious conservation award in his honor and hope to inspire generations of fellow conservationists to continue his legacy of leadership.”

Founded in 1972 by Kiessling, Loro Parque was initially created as a paradise for parrots and began its journey with only 150 parrots. The park, located on the island of Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands, now has more than 4,000 specimens of 350 different species and subspecies of parrots, demonstrating its outstanding success in boosting the parrot population. Loro Parque is also home to flamingos, cranes, penguins and swans, as well as many species of reptiles, mammals and marine life.

As billions of human beings exhaust the world’s resources, Loro Parque plays a critical role in education, science and conservation. In 2017, Loro Parque became the first zoo in Europe to receive American Humane Certification, reinforcing its recognition as a global leader in animal welfare.

Applications will be open from February 15 through April 15, 2022 and a recipient of the Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize for Species Conservation will be named in May 2022. Applicants can learn more about the prize and submit their credentials by visiting https://humaneconservation.org/kiessling/.

About American Humane

American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization. Founded in 1877, American Humane is committed to ensuring the safety, welfare, and well-being of animals, and our leadership programs are first to serve in promoting and nurturing the bonds between animals and people. For more information or to support our work, please visit www.americanhumane.org. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

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Peter Dickinson Independent International Zoo Consultant +66 (0) 93 0835 862 | elvinhow@gmail.com https://iizc.org/ | Skype: peter.dickinson48

World Zoo Toilet Day

 World Zoo Toilet Day

The 19th November is World Toilet Day.

After the zoo restaurant the zoo toilet is amongst the most important amenities you can provide can provide your guests. It is something they remember "it was so clean"...and will remark upon.

So where are the best zoo toilets in the world? For me my favorites have got to be those in Singapore Zoo, Bangkok Safari World and Bali Zoo.

Singapore Zoo

Safari World Bangkok

Bali Zoo

UK Zoo Salaries

 

UK Zoo Salaries

From June to October 2021 (inc) there were 115 UK and Ireland zoo related

vacancies advertised on Zoo Jobs.

Of these only 27 indicated salary. Most stated “As per qualifications and experience or Competitive salary.”

Most indicated hours to be worked which varied from 37.5 to 43 hours a week

Although I fully appreciate that all zoos are different as are job titles and that duties

and responsibilities vary, the list below should give you a good indication of the salary

you should expect in various posts.

Trainee Animal Keeper

£19,922.76

Trainee Primate Keeper

£16,640.00 - £18,533.00

Trainee Bird Keeper

£19,922.00

Mammal Keeper

£18,532.81

Animal Keeper

£20,500.00

Elephant Keeper

£19,000.00

Bird Keeper

£20,210.45 - £21,782.15

Primate Keeper

£19,703.00

Primate Keeper

£19,703.00

Gorilla Keeper

£21,000.00

Zoo Keeper

£18,532.80

Seasonal Keeper

£18,138.00

Penguin/Bird Keeper

£20,200.00

Living Collections Keeper

£19,245.00

Animal Keeper - Team Leader

£26,520.00

Experienced Carnivore Keeper

£19,448.00 - £20,280.00

Deputy Section Leader

£22,500.00

Senior Living Collection Keeper

£21,048.00

Qualified Animal Keeper

£17,522.00

Experienced Zookeeper

£20,220.00

Assistant Team Manager

£26,516.71

Animal Presenter/Trainer

£20,411.00

Lead Keeper

£20,163.00

Section Head of Primates

£22,045.00

Experienced Elephant Keeper

£20,411.00

Experienced Bird Keeper

£20,411.00

Director of Operations

£30,000.00

Final Note:

When I started my zoo career back in 1967 my weekly wage was around £9.00

for a basic 6 day 48 hour working week. I was never paid overtime but worked

60+ hours a week more often than not. I loved the work and still do. Zoo work

has never been about salary...but we all need money to get by...don’t we ?

Because of Covid and travel restrictions I have been without any salary for

two years now, Times are hard... for us all.

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Atlantis, Dubai joins World Association of Zoos And Aquariums

 

Atlantis, Dubai joins World Association of Zoos And Aquariums

One year on from receiving the prestigious AZA accreditation, Atlantis, Dubai's WAZA membership further highlights the resorts' commitment to global conservation as part of the Atlantis Atlas Project

 

Atlantis, Dubai announces today the resort's membership to the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). This is the global alliance of regional associations and national federations dedicated to the care and conservation of animals and their habitats around the world. In joining WAZA, Atlantis, Dubai has become a member of a 400-stong global community working to support wildlife and improve animal welfare standards.

One of Atlantis, Dubai's key priorities, and the second pillar of the Atlantis Atlas Project is Marine Conservation and Animal Welfare and in order to protect wildlife globally, collaboration is key. WAZA is the backbone to this collaboration, bringing together world-class zoos and aquariums, associations, as well as leading wildlife experts, academies, and universities, to encourage the highest standards for global animal welfare among its member institutions, while leveraging support for species conservation management.

Tim Kelly, Managing Director & Executive Vice President of Atlantis Dubai, said: "We're delighted to announce our membership to the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums and join the global community of modern and progressive organisations that are actively working to protect wildlife globally. Atlantis, Dubai is home to a dedicated expert animal care team, who work around the clock to maintain our high animal welfare standards, deliver world-class education programmes to guests and visitors, and support marine conservation. Achieving WAZA membership further highlights our commitment to sustainability and to doing business in ways that protect both people and planet, through the Atlantis Atlas Project.”

Since receiving accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) last year, Atlantis, Dubai has led a varied programme of initiatives supporting and driving education around marine species and conservation. On the UN World Oceans Day 2021, the destination resort launched the Atlantis Atlas Project, cementing the resort's commitment to doing business in ways that are good for both people and planet. As part of its strategy to give back to the local community as well as contribute to global marine conservation, Atlantis, Dubai announced that for every marine experience booked, 1 USD would be donated to conservation, sustainability, and environmental education initiatives, to be selected twice annually and make a measurable impact to the natural world.

In addition, in February 2021, the resort launched its popular marine education programmes, including the Mini, Junior and Master Marine Biologist programmes, through which younger guests aged from 3-16 can experience a day in the life of a marine biologist, learning about species and habitats, animal behaviours and their care and wellbeing, and develop a passion to protect oceans and all marine life.

In the past year, Atlantis, Dubai's successful shark and ray breeding and release programme has also supported the release of Arabian carpetsharks back into Arabian Gulf waters, boosting local wild populations. Atlantis, Dubai has also partnered with Zayed University, and founder and director of the UAE Dolphin Project Initiative, to support the Dubai Dolphin Survey 2021-22, a project which aims to gather scientific baseline information about the local dolphin population off the coast of Dubai.

Designed to drive sustainability not just within Atlantis Dubai, but across the industry, in the region and beyond, Atlantis Atlas Project has a long-term roadmap for sustainable, responsible tourism. Initiatives including beach clean-ups, mangrove tree plantings, and CSR activities are planned to continue supporting people and planet throughout the remainder of 2021 and beyond as Atlantis, Dubai continues forward on its journey to becoming a sustainable tourism business.

For more information on the Atlantis Atlas Project, please visit: https://www.atlantis.com/dubai/sustainability/atlantis-atlas-project    

About Atlantis Atlas Project

Atlantis Atlas Project is Atlantis, Dubai's commitment to sustainability – to do business in ways that are good for people and the planet. The initiative is focused around four core pillars: Responsible Operations, Education & Awareness, Marine Conservation & Animal Welfare, and Corporate Social Responsibility. These fully incorporate the destination's commitment to economic, social, and environmental responsibility, and provide immersive experiences and opportunities for visitors and guests to experience and learn more about their local environment both in and outside of the resort. Diners can enjoy a selection of sustainable, locally sourced, and organic dishes with food choices grown and harvested in Dubai at eight of Atlantis Dubai's signature restaurants. Young explorers and families with a keen interest in life underwater and the environment can get closer to nature through Atlantis Dubai's new Marine Biologist programmes and back of house tours. Atlantis, Dubai also supports the local community through its own projects including shark and ray releases which boost wild populations of local species and through supporting other charitable efforts to make measured impacts on conservation, education and society.

About Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai

Located at the centre of the crescent of The Palm in Dubai, Atlantis, The Palm is the first entertainment resort destination in the region. Opened in September 2008, the unique ocean-themed resort features a variety of marine and entertainment attractions, as well as 22 hectares of waterpark amusement at Atlantis Aquaventure, all within a 46-hectare site. It is home to one of the biggest waterparks in the world and the one of the largest open-air marine habitats, with more than 65,000 marine animals in lagoons and displays including The Lost Chambers Aquarium, a maze of underwater corridors and passageways providing a journey through ancient Atlantis. Aquaventure Waterpark features 23.5 million litres of fresh water used to power 105 thrilling waterslides and attractions, including several world record-breaking slides, and two river rides featuring tidal waves and pools, water rapids and white-water chargers. Dolphin Bay, the unparalleled dolphin conservation and education habitat, and Sea Lion Point were created to provide guests a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn more about some of nature’s most friendly mammals. The resort boasts an impressive collection of luxury boutiques and shops as well as extensive meeting and convention facilities. Atlantis, The Palm is also known as the culinary destination in the region where guests can take their pick from a collection of 29 world-renowned restaurants including Bread Street Kitchen & Bar, Hakkasan, Nobu, Ronda Locatelli, Seafire Steakhouse & Bar and the award-winning underwater restaurant, Ossiano. Atlantis is also home to a buzzing nightlife scene with entertainment destination Wavehouse offering something for everyone, while WHITE Beach & Restaurant is the perfect place to unwind with a drink as the sun slips into the Arabian Sea.

 

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Stuck for Enrichment Ideas? Check out the following Links.

Stuck for Enrichment Ideas? Check out the following Links.

https://www.pinterest.com/willowparkz/animal-enrichment/

https://www.pinterest.com/thezoogirl/animal-enrichment/

https://www.pinterest.com/aklindey/enrichment-ideas/

https://www.pinterest.com/matthewbrown330/zoo-enrichment/

https://www.pinterest.com/popkorn2/animal-enrichment/

https://www.pinterest.com/zootammy/enrichment-ideas/

https://www.pinterest.com/huffcr/zoo-enrichment/

Chimpanzee Enrichment

http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.ae/2013/06/chimpanzee-enrichment.html

Animal Enrichment versus Routine Zoo Vacancies

http://hubpages.com/animals/Animal-Enrichment-versus-Routine

Zoo Vacancies 

https://www.pinterest.com/elvinhow/zoo-and-wildlife-vacancies/

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Peter Dickinson Independent International Zoo Consultant +971 50 4787 122 | elvinhow@gmail.com | Skype: peter.dickinson48

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INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE OF CONSERVATIONISTS WORK TO RESCUE TRAFFICKED MONKEYS

 

INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE OF CONSERVATIONISTS WORK TO RESCUE TRAFFICKED MONKEYS: CONFISCATION OF 20 YOUNG MONKEYS IS ONE OF THE LARGEST IN THE REGION

            An international group of primatologists led by the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA) — with support from San Diego Zoo Global, the Columbus Zoo and GaiaZOO — are providing a new home for 25 monkeys that were confiscated from wildlife traffickers. The monkeys all appear to be young and suffering from malnourishment and stress. They represent six different species native to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This confiscation is one of the largest in recent years, and reflects the crisis in criminal trafficking that is hitting Africa’s native wildlife.

            “This is the largest rescue in our 20-year history,” said Gregg Tully, executive director of PASA. “The monkeys were poached in DRC and then driven along a known route for traffickers. We’re grateful that authorities in Zimbabwe confiscated the animals. Otherwise, they would be sent to China or a tourist attraction, with no possibility of being reintroduced to the wild.”

            PASA’s goal is to return the young primates to their native country, where they can be placed in an accredited sanctuary. The group has been collaborating with the leaders of Jeunes Animaux Confisques au Katanga (J.A.C.K.), a PASA-accredited sanctuary in Lubumbashi, DRC that has experience caring for and rehabilitating chimpanzees. The long-term goal is to re-wild these individuals, which include lesula monkeys, Allen’s swamp monkeys, gray-cheeked mangabeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, putty-nosed monkeys and golden-bellied mangabeys. The monkeys will be given appropriate medical care at J.A.C.K., and assessed for their readiness to return to native habitat. To accommodate such a large group at one time, the team determined that new facilities needed to be constructed.

            “We’re creating state-of-the-art enclosures for these monkeys,” said Franck Chantereau, president and founder of J.A.C.K. “Thanks to the funding we received, we were able to move quickly; and we’re excited about this progress, but we aren’t taking anything for granted. Too many lives are on the line.” 

            San Diego Zoo Global, the Columbus Zoo and GaiaZOO responded to the immediate need by providing funding for the enclosures and ongoing care of the group of youngsters. 

            “Our organization is very involved in the effort to stem the tide of wildlife trafficking,” said Dean Gibson, director of primates at San Diego Zoo Global. “We regularly provide refuge for wildlife that have been confiscated in the United States. Although it has been a difficult year for our organization due to COVID closures, when I alerted our leadership to the plight of these young monkeys, they thought it was important for us to contribute to their rescue.”

            San Diego Zoo Global supports work with communities in Cameroon’s Ebo Forest, with efforts to both protect primates and their habitat. 

            “We have been working with local communities in Cameroon for years, to promote forest health and protect the gorilla and chimpanzee populations that call the Ebo Forest home,” said Megan Owen, Ph.D., corporate director of wildlife conservation science at San Diego Zoo Global. “Understanding that we need to restore species and protect ecosystems in order to have a healthy world is important to us.”

Peter Dickinson Independent International Zoo Consultant +66 (0) 93 0835 862 | elvinhow@gmail.com https://iizc.org/ | Skype: peter.dickinson48