ZooNews Digest 21st - 23rd May 2009 (Zoo News 595)
http://zoonewsdigest.com/
http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.com/
Peter Dickinson peterd482001@yahoo.co.uk
Dear Colleagues,
I am not going to apologise. I know I am biased. I know I am opinionated...but I would also like to think and believe I am open minded. I am prepared to change bias and opinion on information available to me. My editorial comment is based on my own experience, listening to people, years of reading and putting together ZooNews Digest along with private and open emails I receive. Okay, having said that I thought you might like to take a look at the latest offering from the so called Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (T.I.G.E.R.S) http://moourl.com/eb3fr
Aaaaafgh!! If I had any hair I would pull it out.
So now we have authors jumping on the has been 'lovey' bandwagon. This time calling for a move of the elephant from Edmonton Zoo. I have never been to Edmonton, it is unlikely I ever will. Here I am not in possession of all the facts but I do not like to see elephants on their own. Any chance that 'Lucy' will get a companion anytime soon?
Angela Potter, Britain's Top Worker. Wow! Credit to the girl, but not unusual within the world of zoos. Well actually she is something of a record holder but keepers forgoing holidays, giving up days off or working umpteen hours of unpaid overtime are not a rarity in my experience. I have always thought the zoo would be a great place for study of human behaviour. Keepers like to have a day off but hate to take one in case they miss something. Keepers returning from a day away are often surly for a few hours until they have ascertained everything on their section is as they left it. I do also believe though it is a management failing not to ensure that their staff do not get everything they are entitled to. "All work and no play" is not my life formula.
I have never heard of Kumari Mullin before today and when I read of her forthcoming visit to Panther Ridge I thought 'the woman is a nutcase'. I dug a little deeper, checked webpages, and discovered that she also thought that people might think that of her. If she is open enough to say it I think I might actually like her...and besides there are things between heaven and earth that no-one understands.
The link about tagging the beavers reminded me that I had actually applied for the job. It cost me about £25.00 to do so but I never heard a whisper in return. I know I am not alone in such things which is why I wrote the hub:
Only Short Listed Applicants Will Be Notified
My latest hubpage is only slightly animal related: Is the Fish Spa a Con or a Cure?
Visit my webpages at: http://hubpages.com/profile/Peter+Dickinson
Hubpages are brilliant, quick to create webpages which can earn you a small passive income from day one. Read my "Quick Guide to Hub Construction." http://ewerl.com/Ua92gJ
I truly believe it will be worth your while.
This Weeks Books of Interest to the Zoo Professional
http://moourl.com/6rk1w
On with the links:
May 23: World Turtle Day
Hundreds of freshwater ponds and small lakes have either dried up or have turned into saline ponds due to a persistent shortage of rain and canal water, imperiling marine species, The News has learnt. A wildlife conservationist, while recalling his trip to Shikarpur Town, told The News that there are a number of lakes along the highway; where he saw children carrying water, vegetables and baby turtles for sale along roadsides. He added that many people buy turtles for keeping them in cages for children’s entertainment despite being unfamiliar with their proper care, resulting in the death of turtles due to lack of care and natural feed.He pointed out that in Europe and other countries, people keep pet reptiles but they are considered skilled conservationists. In Pakistan, however, it has become fashionable to keep such pets, which is the death knell for birds, mammals and reptiles. A common complaint of wildlife conservationists is that when government authorities seize illegal consignments of turtles at airports that are supposed to be smuggled to other countries, they hand over the same to common people for keeping in
http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=179063
Australian zoo plays role of guardian angel to Tasmanian devil
Sydney institution is part of intensive conservation effort to save threatened speciesThe two baby Tasmanian devils playing in a glass enclosure at Sydney's Taronga Zoo are not just crowd-pleasers -- these furry black creatures could be the saviours their species desperately needs.In a climate-controlled shipping container nearby, some 500 button-sized southern corroboree frogs present the best chance of keeping the striking black-and-yellow striped Australian
http://moourl.com/tf4vg
Blacktip reef shark reproduce in Nha Trang aquarium
A black-tip reef shark (Carcharius Melanopterus) has produced five offspring for the first time in Vietnam in an aquarium at the Institute of Oceanography in Nha Trang Town, Khanh Hoa Province
http://www.thanhniennews.com/education/?catid=4&newsid=49087
Elephant-size donation moves zoo to magic number
When voters approved a $33 million infusion of public cash for the Hogle Zoo in January, they added one rather significant stipulation: Zoo leaders would have to raise $11 million on their own to unlock the cash. Zoo fundraisers say they had collected the first $7.5 million before the issue went to voters. But then things slowed down. As of March, the zoo remained $2.5 million short, facing a dour economy and a looming deadline. "Anything on your dresser, in the washing machine, we'll take it all at this point," Beth Wolfer, Hogle director of development, said as she handed out elephant-shaped
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_12431217
Naples Zoo: A new exhibit opens this weekend
To inform visitors about living with the state’s wild bears, Naples Zoo created Black Bear Hammock. Opening this weekend, the exhibit features two distinct habitats: a natural habitat and a backyard habitat.Guests will learn basic safety tips in case a bear is encountered in the wild, as well as ways to avoid attracting them to their yard. Naples Zoo hopes visitors will leave with a deeper appreciation of the bears’
http://moourl.com/pyyto
Canadian authors call on Edmonton to move zoo elephant
Margaret Atwood, Michael Ondaatje, Nico Ricci, Jane Urquhart, Barbara Gowdy and 31 other Canadian authors are calling on Edmonton's mayor and council to move Lucy the elephant from the city-owned Valley Zoo.The authors sent a letter urging the city to get an independent assessment of the Asian elephant's health and to move her out of the zoo."The zoo's position that Lucy is better left where she is contradicts everything that science tells us about elephants," author Elizabeth Abbott said in a news release from animal welfare group Zoocheck Canada."Their position is nonsensical. Think about it. A socially isolated elephant in a small exhibit in a cold-climate zoo — this shouldn't even be up for debate."Lucy is the only elephant in a Canadian zoo that lives alone. She has been on her own since September 2007 when the Valley Zoo's other elephant, Samantha, was
http://moourl.com/np7r9
Fears for devils' funding future
DESPITE the Federal Government's decision to upgrade the Tasmanian devil to endangered, stakeholders hold little hope for additional funding to fight the disease that is devastating its wild population.Save the Tasmanian Devil program chief scientist Professor Hamish McCallum said that the status change from threatened to endangered would only mean that the species' plight would continue to be a high priority.He said that the devil population had declined at a rate of 6 per cent annually, with no evidence of easing. However, Prof. McCallum was optimistic of research on the North-West that observed the possibility of the disease entering a high- density population with slightly different genetics.He said that tests were being
http://moourl.com/zgtkd
Britain's top worker
Are you as dedicated to your job as Angela Potter who has taken two holidays in 30 years? Let us knowDo you love your job so much that you're prepared to have only taken two holidays in 30 years? Well meet Angela Potter who's 46 and loves her job so much as Assistant Director of West Midlands Safari Park that she never takes a holiday.The average UK worker in a full-time job puts in around 41.4 hours every week with an average of 24.6 paid leave days per year. Angela works at least 60 hours a week and uses hardly any of her annual leave.
http://www.gm.tv/index.cfm?articleid=35047
Primate Visit Animates Anthropology Students
Anthropology classes attended The Gibbons Conservation Center in Santa Clarita on Saturday for a chance to study apes up close and personal from the experts. The class battled extreme heat, dusty winds, and long distances for a chance to earn extra credit, and learn a little more about these apes known as Gibbons. Gibbons are miniature apes and quite an intellectual species. The apes were grabbing at hanging ropes and spinning in circles almost as if they were tiny acrobats. The Gibbons were demonstrating their different forms of locomotion for the many students who seemed to be their audience. The students were very attentive and the air was filled with sporadic chuckles brought on by the apes and their antics.Brittany Yasutake, a 20-year-old film studies major, was
http://moourl.com/yek4z
Kevin James will learn how to mate from zoo animals. It's a comedy.
In a newly announced Kevin James movie, The Zookeeper, he will play a man who gets romance advice from his animals. Process. I'll wait... According to Variety, said animals try to "teach the keeper their methods of dating and mating to help him win back the woman of his dreams." Rosario Dawson has just signed on to costar, so without knowing anything more about the plot of the Happy Madison production, I'd say she's playing either the dreamgirl or the girl James ends up with when he finally realizes that the dreamgirl is a nightmare. I'm leaning toward the latter because Leslie Bibb (Talladega Nights) has also joined the cast, and I think she'd
http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2009/05/kevin-james-zoo.html
New wildlife park for Doncaster
DONCASTER'S tourist industry has received a major boost with the opening of a new family-run wildlife park venture. The newly opened Yorkshire Wildlife Park at the former Brockholes Farm Visitor centre in Branton boasts exotic animals such as lemurs, meerkats, wallabies, antelope and African hunting dogs.It was bought last year
http://moourl.com/k4q0r
Orangutans cannibalise own babies
Two female orangutans have been seen cannibalising the bodies of their recently deceased babies.Such behaviour has never before been recorded in any great ape species. The two incidences occurred just one month apart in the same region of forest in Indonesia. The conservationist who witnessed both incidences suspects they were examples of aberrant behaviour, triggered by stressful living conditions suffered by both mothers. Humans aside, chimpanzees were the only great apes known to engage in cannabilism, the eating of members of the same species. The behaviour had also been inferred but not seen in gorillas, after the remains of infants were found in the faeces of two adults. But until now, no ape
http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8058000/8058365.stm
Killed Endangered Female Wolf Dumped Along Roadside
She was one of the rarest in the world: a southwest wolf (also known as a lobo). Scientists gave her the designation F836 to keep track of her.Raised in South Salem, New York`s Wolf Conservation Center, she was released with
http://thesop.org/index.php?article=16322
National Zoo giant panda not pregnant
The Smithsonian National Zoological Park says Mei Xiang, a giant panda at the Washington zoo, is not pregnant.Scientists at the park, commonly known as the National Zoo, conducted tests on the female panda to determine if she was pregnant, but the animal's declined urinary progesterone indicated the end of a false pregnancy, The Washington Post said Wednesday.Zoo researchers confirmed the diagnosis through ultrasound exams Tuesday that revealed no visible fetuses in Mei Xiang.The false pregnancy comes after the
http://moourl.com/juzsi
Animal Intuitive Kumari Offers Animal Communication Training to Raise Funds for Panther Ridge Conservation Center, June 13 & 14
Animal communicator Kumari Mullin is offering a rare opportunity to interact with the “big cats” of Panther Ridge Conservation Center, to learn the keys to deeper connection and telepathic communion with animals in a two-part Animal Communication Workshop on June 13 and 14, 2009.A portion of the fee will go to the center (http://www.pantherridgecc.org/) which provides a home for some of the world's most beautiful and endangered big cats, exotic felines who were abused or neglected in their previous homes. Many of the species in residence at Panther Ridge are rarely available to be seen in zoos, and then
http://www.pr.com/press-release/153219
Beavers tagged before going wild
A family of beavers have been tagged ahead of their release into the wild as part of a government scheme re-introducing the animals to Scotland.The mammals are being kept at the Highland Wildlife Park at Kincraig. The date of their release in Knapdale, Argyll, on a trial basis is a secret for the moment. The Scottish Beaver Trial is being carried out by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. In February, a river foundation
http://moourl.com/vcwim
Baby rhino makes her debut at Chester Zoo
This little rhino calf may be grey and small but it has made a big impact at Chester Zoo.Just three days old, the Eastern Black Rhinoceros calf is the second to be born at the 110-acre zoo in eight months.Like Asani, the black rhino calf which arrived in October, the calf will eventually make big strides in helping to boost the dwindling population of Black rhinos in the wild.Born to six year old mum Ema at 2.45am on Friday following a 15 month pregnancy, the calf is female and will be given an African name. The calf’s father is 10-year-old Magadi.Tim Rowlands, Assistant Curator
http://moourl.com/inh8g
Zoo safari saves on airline fares
“IT’S CHEAPER than going to Africa, I’ll say that,” Christine said as she scanned a rolling savannah where giraffes, gazelles and elephants ambled within a few dozen metres of a tent she shared with her husband, Jim.For the couple and more than 50 other safari wannabes who spent a Saturday night at San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park, the aptly named Roar Snore camp out was also enlightening, fun and a little eerie. But not necessarily restful.“Oh God, where did I put my earplugs?” my partner asked soon after bedtime, as sonorous snoring erupted from nearby tents. “That’s going to be louder than the animals.”For $129 (€95) each, plus $35 (€25) for park admission, you get a tent, dinner, breakfast, after-hours walking tours and plenty of time with park staff
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/travel/2009/0523/1224247178865.html
Students to get an insight into zoo management
On the occasion of International Biodiversity Day on May 22, the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, popularly known as the Katraj Zoo, has organised a three-day summer camp on An Introduction to the Zoo' in its premises for students between 15 to 20 years of age. The aim of the camp is to disseminate information on preservation of biodiversity and changing the youngsters' mindset towards the issue. The camp
http://moourl.com/0se5k
Nobody nose baby anteater's name
A Tokyo Zoo has unveiled its latest arrival - a baby anteater who is a little bit wobbly on its feet.The tot is still waiting for a name because zoo keepers can't make out what sex it is.And while it still has another month to go before it is unveiled to zoo visitors, it managed to stumble its way through a photocall for the press with charm.Perhaps it is taking after its
http://itn.co.uk/82d766f238196a8678b0a8493f1ec60b.html
Five Iberian Lynx born in Lugo Zoo
The five cubs were born the same day from two different mothersGood news for the future of the Iberian Lynx with five cubs being born in just 24 hours from two mothers in Lugo zoo.The zoo had just one macho and two females, but now has a total of eight of the cats following the births.The two mothers are both staying close to their cubs and protecting them fiercely, while the father is
http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_21490.shtml
Virus kills another Whipsnade Zoo baby elephant
Leelee, a two-year-old female Asian elephant, has been struck down by the same deadly virus which killed Donaldson, a one-year-old male calf. She began showing signs of elephant endotheliotropic herpes virus (EEHV) on Friday, May 15, and immediately began undergoing treatment. The little jumbo was also given a blood plasma transfusion, but sadly died on Sunday, May 17. Vets battled for 50 hours in vain to try to sa
http://moourl.com/t6w63
Wanted: new zoo chief
After 23 years of minding the lions and tigers and bears, controversial Toronto Zoo CEO Calvin White is retiring. The zoo's governing board meets today and is expected to name an interim chief executive while a search for a permanent replacement is undertaken. It ought to be a worldwide search, seeking the best and brightest candidate – one fully up to speed on the latest innovations in zoo infrastructure, marketing and fundraising.There is a sense that the Toronto Zoo has immense untapped potential. But a string of distractions, including White's
http://www.thestar.com/comment/article/637205
Fur flies as rival zoo makes daring bid for Knut's removal
A ROW over Knut, the celebrity polar bear, has reached the court room with two furious zoo directors trying to hold on to the revenue from the world's highest-earning quadruped.The atmosphere in the packed Berlin court yesterday resembled that of a high-powered divorce case, with lobbyists and society reporters scrambling for space and thrusting microphones in the faces of lawyers. "This case is quite unprecedented," sighed Judge Philip Hegermann. Knut was born under difficult circumstances in December 2006. Rejected and left to die by his mother, Tosca, a retired East German circus bear, keepers had to scoop him out of the compound and hand-rear him; his keeper bottle-fed him, strummed Elvis songs to put him to sleep, trained him to swim, taught him rudimentary football and massaged his gums when he suffered teething pains. The bear became a television star, appeared on the front cover of Vanity Fair with Leonardo DiCaprio, was designated a UN climate ambassador, appeared on stamps, became the subject of at least seven pop songs, the star of a film, produced a (ghosted) diary and had
http://moourl.com/b6dym
World's smallest snake slithers into charts
THE world's smallest snake and longest insect are among the top ten new species discovered over the past year.Measuring almost 2ft, a bug that resembles a stick became the world's longest insect when it was spotted in Malaysia. A tiny snake, just 4in long, was also discovered last year, in Barbados. Known as the Barbados threadsnake, it is believed
http://news.scotsman.com/world/World39s-smallest-snake-slithers-into.5296763.jp
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ZOO BIOLOGY
The Zoo Biology Group is concerned with all disciplines involved inthe running of a Zoological Garden. Captive breeding, husbandry,cage design and construction, diets, enrichment, man management,record keeping, etc etc
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/zoo-biology
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Extremely useful tool for Zoo Inspectors, Curators and Head Keepers:
Use it and you will wonder how you ever managed without. Can actually save time for reptile keepers.
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6.00pm, 9 June 2009 – ZSL Scientific Meeting
BUSHMEAT AND FISHERIES WITHIN THE LIVELIHOOD CONTEXT: WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR CONSERVATION?
Scientific meetings are free and open to everyone – no need to book in advance but please arrive early as seating is limited.
We hope you will be able to attend the above Scientific Meeting at 6.00pm on Tuesday, 9 June 2009. Doors will be open from 5.00pm on the evening and seats will be on a first-come, first-served basis; please arrive early to ensure you get a good seat.
The evening has been organised by Björn Schulte-Herbrüggen, Nick Hill and Dr Noëlle Kümpel (ZSL).
The following talks will be presented followed by a summary from Professor Katherine Homewood – there will also be the opportunity to put questions to our speakers during the discussion period:
BACKGROUND ISSUES: BUSHMEAT AND LIVELIHOODS
Dr Glyn Davies - Director of Programmes, WWF-UK ;
BUSHMEAT AND FISH CONSUMPTION IN GABON
Dr Lauren Coad - Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford & Kathryn Knights - Imperial College London ;
HUNTING, FISHING AND OTHER LIVELIHOOD OPTIONS IN EQUATORIAL GUINEA
Dr Noëlle Kümpel - ZSL ;
FISHING AND SNAKING ON TONLE SAP LAKE , CAMBODIA
Dr Sharon Brooks - University of Cambridge ; and
SUMMARY AND DISCUSSION
Professor Katherine Homewood - Anthropology, University College London
DINNER WITH THE SPEAKERS
A 3-course dinner with the speakers will follow this Scientific Meeting. Places for dinner must be booked by Wednesday, 3 June. Please see attached flyer for further details and please forward to others who might be interested. Further information can also be found at www.zsl.org/science/scientific-meetings/.
Thank you and please feel free to get in touch with me if you have any queries on ZSL’s programme of scientific events.
Best,
Joy :-)
p.s. please see www.zsl.org/science/scientific-meetings for information on our 16 June “Biodiversity and ecosystems in a changing world” Stamford Raffles Lecture to be presented by Professor John Beddington and our 18 and 19 June “Biodiversity monitoring and conservation: bridging the gaps between global commitment and local action” symposium.
Joy Hayward
Scientific Meetings Co-ordinator
Zoological Society of London
Regents Park , London NW1 4RY
Tel: +44 (0)20 7449 6227. Fax: +44 (0)20 7449 6411. E-mail:
joy.hayward@zsl.org
Web: http://www.zsl.org/
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Dear Colleagues,
The June 2009 issue of ZOOS' PRINT [Volume XXIV, Number 6] is published and the online version is available free on the web at
ZOOS' PRINT MAGAZINE http://www.zoosprint.org/showMagazine.asp
Please note that if you wish to download the full magazine all at once click on COMPLETE MAGAZINE. If you want to select articles see below and you can click on any article and download it.
Thanking you,
Sanjay Molur, Editor and Sally Walker, Editor Emeritus
Contents
PDF ( 90Kb )
Complete Magazine
Pp. 1-28 PDF ( 1741Kb )
Review of CBSG, AArk, WAZA Mid-year meetings
Pp. 1-8 PDF ( 99Kb )
Wildlife Conservation Society, Climate Change, Wildlife and Human Health
Pp. 9-12 PDF ( 172Kb )
How to make Zoos more Effervescent
-- R. Hemanth Kumar I.F.S., Pp. 13-15 PDF ( 1336Kb )
Zoo Lex - Sumatran tiger enclosure at Heidelberg Zoo, Germany
Pp. 16-18 PDF ( 458Kb )
Captive/Conservation Breeding – not so straightforward as it seems
P. 19 PDF ( 22Kb )
Education Reports
Pp. 20-22 PDF ( 168Kb )
Z.O.O. Appreciates: Vernon N. Kisling, Jr.
P. 23 PDF ( 28Kb )
Handy User’s Guide for IUCN Red List website
P. 24 PDF ( 71Kb )
Living National Heritage - Species whose survival depends on the action of a single nation ... new website
Pp. 25-26 PDF ( 26Kb )
Nature Note: Opportunities for Scavenging
P. 26 PDF ( 19Kb )
Best Practice Guidelines for Prevention and Mitigation of Conflict Between Humans and Great Apes
P. 27 PDF ( 28Kb )
International Plant Names Index - I.P.N.I – another useful website
P. 28 PDF ( 29Kb )
For printed copies and subscriptions details, please mail to zooreach@zooreach.org OR pravin@zooreach.org
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MTI Bird and Fish Tracking Conference Proceedings
http://www.microwavetelemetry.com/conf09/index.php
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The 7th Annual Turtle Survival Alliance Symposium on Chelonian Conservation and Biology August 5th - 8th, 2009
St Louis, MissouriFor details on membership, registration, program and events, please visit our website at http://www.turtlesurvival.org/
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FUNDING FOR ZOOS
http://moourl.com/yzrkq
John Reagan has recently published a document on the first results of a series of interviews with zoo directors who have been directly involved in attracting major external funding for their sites ( St Louis, USA; Leipzig, Germany; Adelaide, Australia)
If you are interested in reading this please go to http://moourl.com/yzrkq
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Endangered Species Recovery
20th July – 7th August 2009
A short-course for anyone with an active interest in animal conservation and a desire to learn how species can be saved. Lectures will be given by world class conservationists. Practical activities and behind the scenes experiences in Durrell’s animal collection will provide participants with first-hand exposure to the realities of endangered species recovery. On completion participants will be equipped with a fuller appreciation of the complexities of animal conservation and an ability to develop their personal or professional interests in the field.
For further information please visit http://www.durrell.org/ (get involved menu, select training)Or contact Catherine Burrows at: catherine.burrows@durrell.org
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Volunteering OpportunityElephantstay at the Royal Elephant Kraal Village, Ayutthaya Thailand
Please check http://www.elephantstay.com/ for additional information.
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Announcing the ASZK Des Spittall Scholarship for Keeper Research
Named in honour of the late Des Spittall, a life member of ASZK, the ASZK committee has launched the Des Spittall Scholarship for keeper research. This is open to people who have been a financial member of ASZK for 12 months or more. This is an annual scholarship up to the value of $2,000. Applications close 31st October 2009Please forward ‘Des Spittall Scholarship for Keeper Research’ application to ASZK President no later than 31st of October each year at email eo@aszk.org.au
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For latest Zoo Vacancies please see:
http://zoowork.blogspot.com/
Please note that some vacancies are only advertised at:
http://www.zoonewsdigest.com/
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Meetings
International Conference on Diseases of Zoo and Wild Animals 2009
20th - 24th May 2009
Safaripark Beekse Bergen, Hilvarenbeek, The Netherlands Contact:
2009@zoovet-conference.org
http://www.zoovet-conference.org/
Conference of the Association of Latin American Zoological Parks
May 25 - 29 2009
Panama City, Panama
For further information:
http://www.alpza.com/index.php
The 9th International Conference on Environmental Enrichment.
31st May – 5th June 2009.
Torquay, Devon, UK
Please go to http://www.reec.info/
For more information
julian.chapman@paigntonzoo.org.uk
"First African Symposium on Zoological Medicine"
July 18th and 19th 2009.
Johannesburg Zoo, South Africa.
Financial assistance available for vets from other African countries.
For more details contact Teresa Slacke on vetadmin@jhbzoo.org.za
Professional Training Seminars at Shedd Aquarium
Animal Training Seminar with Ken Ramirez
Environmental Quality Seminar with Allen LaPointe
August 24 –28, 2009
Please contact the adult programs coordinator at
adults@sheddaquarium.org for more information
THIRD ORANGUTAN SSP© HUSBANDRY WORKSHOP
MONDAY, AUGUST 31 THROUGH WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2009
Zoo Atlanta, USA
http://www.2009orangutanworkshop.org/
AZA 2009 Annual Conference
September 12-17, 2009
Oregon Zoo
http://aza.org/ConfWork/AC_Intro/index.html
26th EAZA Annual Conference
14 - 20 September 2009
Copenhagen Zoo, Denmark.
3rd International Congress on Zoo Keeping and the 36th American Association of Zoo Keepers National Conference
September 24th - 29th 2009 The Puget Sound Chapter of AAZK and WoodlandPark Zoo
See these websites for further information: http://www.iczoo.org/
http://www.pugetsoundaazk.org/
CBSG (Conservation Breeding Specialist Group)
1-4 October 2009
St. Louis, MO, USA (right before the WAZA Meeting)
For further information: ginger@cbsg.org
http://www.cbsg.org/cbsg/
64th WAZA Annual Conference
4 - 8 October 2009
St. Louis Zoo at the Renaissance Grand Hotel, St. Louis (MO), USA.
For more information, please visit http://www.waza.org/
Second Okapi Workshop
11 14 October 2009
Antwerp Zoo
For further details go to:
http://www.theokapi.org/nieuwsvolledig.asp?nieuws=15
2009 ZRA Annual Conference : Overview
October 21-25, 2009
Zoo Boise , Boise , Idaho
If you have questions about the 2009 ZRA Annual Conference Program, please contact the Program Chairman, Pam Krentz, Registrar for Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, at (216) 635-3361 or by email at pak@clevelandmetroparks.com
The Bear Care Group announces the second international bear care conference 'Advancing Bear Care '09.
SAN FRANCISCO NOVEMBER 6-8 2009
http://www.bearcaregroup.org/
The 6th European Zoo Nutrition Conference
Barcelona, 28-31 January 2010
Please send comments or suggestions for topics/speakers directly to me (a.fidgett@chesterzoo.org). Further announcements and information will be posted online via the nutrition area of the EAZA website (http://www.eaza.net/).
20th International Zoo Educators' (IZE) Biennial Conference
19 - 23 October 2010 Disney's Animal Kingdom, Florida, USA.
For more information, please visit http://www.izea.net/
Zoohistorica
International meeting of collectors of zoo literature and memorabilia
Internationales Treffen der Sammler zoohistorischer Literatur
Rencontre internationale des collectionneurs de documents en rapport avec les zoos
See here for more details: http://www.zoohistorica.org/
7th International Penguin Conference
DATE: August 30 to September 3, 2010
LOCATION: Boston Massachusetts, USA
HOSTED BY: The New England Aquarium
ipcboston@neaq.org
AZA 2010 Annual Conference
September 11-16
Houston Zoo, Houston , TX
http://aza.org/ConfWork/AC_Intro/index.html
AZA 2011 Annual Conference
September 12-17
Zoo Atlanta , Atlanta , GA
http://aza.org/ConfWork/AC_Intro/index.html
AZA 2012 Annual Conference
September 8-13
Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix , AZ
http://aza.org/ConfWork/AC_Intro/index.html
AZA 2013 Annual Conference
September 7-12
Kansas City Zoo, Kansas City , MO
http://aza.org/ConfWork/AC_Intro/index.html
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ZooNews Digest is an independent publication, not allied or attached to any zoological collection.
Many thanks.
Kind Regards,
Wishing you a wonderful week,
Peter Dickinson
http://www.zoonewsdigest.com/
http://www.geocities.com/peterd482001/ZooNews_Digest.html
Editor/Owner ZooNews Digest
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/zoonewsdigest/
Owner/Moderator Zoo Biology
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/zoo-biology/
Tel: United Kingdom ++ (0) 750 3707 968
Mailing address:
Suite 201,
Gateway House,
78 Northgate Street,
Chester,
CH1 2HR
United Kingdom
"I may get hit by a bus tomorrow so I will live today"
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
ZooNews Digest 16th - 20th May 2009 (Zoo News 594)
ZooNews Digest 16th - 20th May 2009 (Zoo News 594)
http://zoonewsdigest.com/
Peter Dickinson
peterd482001@yahoo.co.uk
Dear Colleagues,
The first link is going to be like a kick in the gut for all those involved with Orangutan rescue in Indonesia. They are struggling to cope with the number of animals they have already. Space is at a premium. Where are they going to put them all? Zoos are not in a position to help...well not if they end up performing in shows or for photographs in places like Bali, Pata, Phuket or ending their days in horrific confinement in similar to Manila or Ranugan....I wonder just where we are up to solving the Ranugan problem? It is all very dismal and doom and gloom because I really don't believe if we all shouted "Stop!" at the same time it would make any difference. It is money that talks...money shouts loudest of all.
A huge seizure of elephant tusks in the Philippines. Great! Success! We caught some smugglers. But so sad really when you think how many elephants died. I am happy to report that the few sets of tusks I spotted in Bangkok last week are to be investigated.
I liked the link about the first lion cubs being born in Blackpool Zoo in 25 years. I do think the press could have made more of the story. It is not as if Blackpool could not have bred a thousand lions in the same period but they chose not to. The present breeding is a planned, responsible reproduction unlike some collections I could name.
I hope when Seneca Park Zoo Hosts their visiting White Tiger that the educational material which surrounds the exhibit tells the visiting public that keeping and breeding White Tigers is a pointless exercise and contributes nothing to Conservation. As far as I am concerned this is the only reason to display them.
The dispute over Knut's money actually twists a knot in my stomach. This is not what zoos are about. It is not in the spirit of things. It is NOT what animal loans are about. If some legal ruling comes about as a result I hope it is not to detriment of the furtherance of European breeding programmes. Other than transport costs between collections there must/should be NO money involvement whatsoever.
Collection A lends animal(1) to Collection B. Animal(1) mates with animal(2) and produces animal(3). By prior agreement the two Collections will either have whole ownership of first or second young.As Collections A and B each already each have two of the species they do not want or have space for animal(3)once it is weaned. So animal(3) moves to Collection C.Here it starts to get complicated because any young will belong to 3 or even 4 collections. Each will 'own' a leg! This is how it should be. Animals should eventually all 'belong' to all members of the Breeding Programmes. Cut out all this greed and stupid argument.
Delighted to see the Ravens have once again bred at the Welsh Mountain Zoo. I always had a soft spot for them.
I have written two Hubs this week:
Dusit Zoo in Bangkok Thailand
and
A Psoriasis Cure You May Rather Not Know About
okay you may think the second one has nothing to do with zoos...but it does!
Visit my webpages at: http://hubpages.com/profile/Peter+Dickinson
Hubpages are brilliant, quick to create webpages which can earn you a small passive income from day one. Read my "Quick Guide to Hub Construction." http://ewerl.com/Ua92gJ I truly believe it will be worth your while.
My friend Ian returned to the UK on Sunday after staying a week with me. Great fun. I really enjoyed his company and the change in routine. As they say, a change is as good as a rest.
This Weeks Books of Interest to the Zoo Professional
http://moourl.com/6rk1w
On with the links:
Ape rescue forest to be logged
AN INDONESIAN paper company is planning to log an area of unprotected jungle which is being used as a reintroduction site for about 100 critically endangered orangutans, activists said on Monday. A coalition of environmental groups said a joint venture between Asia Pulp & Paper and Sinar Mas Group had received a licence to clear the largest portion of natural forest remaining outside Bukit Tigapuluh national park on Sumatra. The area is home to about 100 great apes that are part of the only successful reintroduction programme for Sumatran orangutans, the sub-species most at risk of extinction, the coalition said in a statement. It is also a crucial habitat for the last remaining Sumatran tigers and elephants left in the wild, it said. 'It took scientists decades to discover how to successfully reintroduce critically endangered orangutans from captivity into the wild,' said Peter Pratje of the
http://moourl.com/n7fdd
P50M worth of elephant tusks seized
The Bureau of Customs (BoC) has intercepted some P50 million worth of elephant tusks, which a local importer tried to smuggle from Africa through the Port of Manila, the chief of the Customs police said Monday.Chief Supt. Joey Yuchongco said the elephant tusks were stacked in sacks inside a 20-footer container van which itsimporter, 210 Enterprises, had abandoned at the South Harbor since March 1.Yuchongco, the concurrent deputy director of the BoC's Enforcement and Security Services, said they received information that the container steel van had illegal cargo.The registered importer, he said, declared that the container van was loaded with blow moulding machines from Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania."When we checked on the abandoned van last week, we were able to confirm that it contained
http://moourl.com/ekxi6
Swedish park opens polar bear breeding ground
A Swedish wildlife park has opened a 10.5-acre (41,000 square-meter) enclosure as a breeding ground for polar bears.Polar bears Ewa and Wilbaer became the first two residents Monday of Polar World at the Orsa Gronklitt park in central Sweden. They came from zoos in Rotterdam and Stuttgart, respectively.Chief executive Torbjorn Wallin says he hopes they will mate and increase the park's population.He says there is room for up to 15 bears in the park, which also plans
http://www.etaiwannews.com/etn/news_content.php?id=952676&lang=eng_news
Chemicals in Dragon’s Glands Stir Venom Debate
The Komodo dragon is already a terrifying beast. Measuring up to 10 feet long, it is the world’s largest lizard. It delivers a devastating bite with its long, serrated teeth, attacking prey as big as water buffaloes.But in a provocative paper to be published this week, an international team of scientists argues that the Komodo dragon is even more impressive. They claim that the lizards use a potent venom to bring down their victims.Other biologists have greeted the notion of giant venomous lizards with mixed reactions. Some think the scientists have made a compelling case, while
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/19/science/19komo.html
Zoo's first lion cubs in 25 years
A trio of female lion cubs have become the first to be born at a Lancashire zoo in 25 years. Blackpool Zoo said lioness Gillian and her triplets were doing well and were now on view to the public. The lioness and her litter are being kept separate from the rest of the pride until
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/lancashire/8056148.stm
Minn. Zoo demonstrates importance of 'bear-proofing'
The Minnesota Zoo’s three grizzly bears demonstrated the importance of bear-proofing campsites Saturday as part of ‘Bear Awareness Week.’ Zookeepers setup a mock campsite inside and let the bears—named Sadie, Kenai, and Haines—into the exhibit. Within seconds, the bears headed straight for the tent and a food-filled backpack hanging from a tree. The three-year-old bears ripped the tent apart, ate the food inside and later ripped the bottom of the backpack so all the food items dropped to the ground.The Minnesota Department of Natural
http://kstp.com/news/stories/S934123.shtml?cat=206
IUCN Red List for birds is updated
On 14 May 2009, the new Red List update for birds was published. Set up by Sir Peter Scott in 1962, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is the world's most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of plants and animal species. It evaluates the extinction risk of thousands of species and subspecies. The aim is to convey the urgency of conservation issues to the public and policy makers, as well as help the international community to try to reduce species extinction.BirdLife International's latest evaluation of the world's birds, on behalf of IUCN, has revealed that more species than ever are threatened with extinction. A staggering 1,227 species (12%) are now classified as
http://www.surfbirds.com/sbirdsnews/archives/2009/05/iucn_red_list_f.html
Wolves return to zoo after 16 years
A pack of wolves will return to a zoo after a 16-year absence.Three male European wolves, named Dalls, Puika and Ilknis, have made their way from the Highlands to Edinburgh Zoo.They have been transferred from
http://moourl.com/f9coa
Celebrities support Monkey World memorial walkway
A MEMORIAL to Monkey World founder Jim Cronin has attracted celebrity backing. Support for a Walk of Thanks – a trail of paving slabs which will eventually run around the Wool park – has been forthcoming from Jonathan Ross, David Walliams, Matt Lucas and Ainsley Harriott. Now Dr Alison Cronin, widow of Jim, who died from cancer, has launched the first section of the trail, where those who donate are awarded a personalised slab. Alison said: “I always knew
http://moourl.com/h2czr
Winnipeg zoo hopping to keep baby kangaroo alive outside mother's pouch
Staff at the Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg are hopping to keep a baby red kangaroo alive after it was expelled from its mother's pouch. The four-month-old female weighed only 560 grams when it was found lying helpless on the floor of the kangaroo enclosure a few days ago. "As far as the veterinarian could discern, something probably spooked one of the kangaroos ... and this is typical when something scares them like that in the wild," explained zoo curator Robert Wrigley. "They'll eject the
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/090515/national/baby_kangaroo
Phoenix Zoo halfway to $20M campaign goal
Zoo officials said they have raised $7 million and have expect to soon hit the $10 million via pending donations.CEO Bert Castro also showed off construction progress Friday on a $1 million Komodo dragon exhibit that is being funded through the campaign — specifically, via contributions from the Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation.The zoo also plans to build $3 million
http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2009/05/11/daily79.html
National Zoo Still on Panda Pregnancy Patrol
Could May be the month The National Zoo becomes home to a new baby giant panda? There are some signs that have the zoo staff crossing their fingers, and roughly 60 volunteers tracking the panda Mei Xiang every move. ABC 7 reporter Kris Van Cleave went behind the doors of the closed Panda House for an up close look at the National
http://www.news8.net/news/stories/0509/623133.html
Quincy resident’s life is a zoo
At 2 p.m., when many people are slumped in their work cubicles counting the minutes, Quincy resident Siobhan McCann feeds the gorillas.The 28-year-old senior zookeeper stands on the rocky ledge above the Franklin Park Zoo’s Tropical Forest exhibit with a large bucket of chopped oranges, carrots, apples and celery stalks, then scatters the apes’ lunch around the habitat.The gorillas, including two-time escapee Little Joe, climb up from their nooks and down from their branches to dine.“They don’t eat the same thing in the wild every day, so we don’t offer the same things,” said McCann, who also co-chairs the Zoo New England Enrichment Committee.And no day is the same for McCann, who cleans exhibits and feeds animals like Mulder, a capybara. The capybara, the world’s largest rodent, looks like an oversized guinea pig and is found in South America.Talking about her job, McCann said, “There’s a lot of labor involved, but it’s fun labor.”The California native began working at the San Francisco Zoo when she was 14, after her mother urged the shy teen to get involved with the zoo’s teen volunteer program
http://moourl.com/lg7nd
The Mitsubishi Corporation Fund for Europe and Africa announces its funding programme for environmental and developmental charities in 2009
Following its annual meeting of Trustees on the 6th April, the Mitsubishi Corporation Fund for Europe and Africa (MCFEA) has announced a program of £350,000 in new grants, including a 2-year grant to FARM-Africa, an initial 1-year grant to the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust and support for the Zoological Society of London's new Animal Adventure Exhibit at London Zoo. The 2009 funding programme also includes continued support to Bird Life International’s "Spring Alive" project, to promote children's interest in nature and conservation through tracking the arrival of migrating birds in spring; to Concern Universal, for a project promoting the economic empowerment of small-scale agricultural producers in Guinea; to Fauna and Flora International, to promote environmental capacity building in Romania; to Peace Parks International, for sponsorship of natural resource management students at the Southern African Wildlife College; to the Regional Environmental Centre for Central & Eastern Europe, to improve education in conservation and biodiversity for local school children
http://moourl.com/a67sc
Building Gorilla Haven - A former Chicago-area couple plow their wealth into building a temporary home for zoo gorillas
There is hardly a day out of the year that Jane Dewar doesn't eagerly hop in her car and drive out to spend time with two of her dearest friends. ¿ The trip is short -- a few hundred bumpy yards from her century-old, back-hills farmhouse -- but it takes her to another world. On the way, she enters through a gate flanked by a 9,000-volt electrified fence that she and her husband, Steuart, put up to keep out strangers and bears that might wander into the 324-acre forest that they own and where their friends live. ¿ Jane Dewar, a witty woman with flyaway blond hair, pulls up first outside a high, reinforced-concrete wall with windows in it. On the other side is a three-level "villa" surrounded by a nicely landscaped, 2-acre yard. This is home to Joe, an African
http://moourl.com/w7tih
Seneca Park Zoo hosting just one white tiger for summer
A pregnancy will keep one of two white tigers expected to be visiting Monroe County’s Seneca Park Zoo this summer home.County Executive Maggie Brooks announced today that the zoo will be the temporary home for just one male white tiger this summer.In announcing the zoo’s 2009 visiting summer animal earlier this year, two white tigers had been identified for the exhibit.“We have been notified that the female white tiger, which we had expectedto accompany the male white tiger, is pregnant and unable to travel,” Brook
http://moourl.com/ka3xh
NEW Zoo Tortoises Walk to Summer Home
The big marathon is tomorrow, but the race was on between the two tortoises at the NEW Zoo this morning. Tootie swept past Al, her competition and crossed the finish line in record time, 9 minutes! Of course, the race had it's purpose. The tortoises were moving from their winter home to their summer home. The zoo is fundraising right now to build
http://www.wbay.com/Global/story.asp?S=10374931
Zoo celebrates Migratory Bird Day
The city celebrated the return of migratory birds Sunday as people flocked to the zoo to check out the Migratory Bird Day events.This year's theme is "Celebrating Birds in Culture."Experts from the Anchorage Bird Treatment and Learning Center were at the Alaska Zoo on Sunday to show off rehabilitated raptors and educate people about birds."We have a lot of activities for kids where they can make crafts, there's games, there's live birds from Bird TLC so you can get up close and personal," biologist
http://www.ktuu.com/Global/story.asp?S=10377592
If You Knew Susi: Barcelona's 'Sad Elephant' Flap
Admittedly, Susi looks sad. Her skin droops, and her dark eyes seem a little teary. She's said to occasionally rock back and forth with apparent anxiety. And then there are reports of her eating her own feces. But does that add up to mental illness? Determining depression, let alone among nonverbal members of the animal kingdom, is always tricky business. But such is Susi's plight that the Queen of Spain and a famous writer have weighed in. And so now, the question about what to do with Barcelona Zoo's star
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1899422,00.html
Soldiers build polar bear's home
A team of territorial soldiers, usually charged with building army bases in Afghanistan, is making a home for the UK's only polar bear.The 75 Engineer Regiment are working on a four-acre enclosure for Mercedes at the Highland Wildlife Park, Kingussie. Mercedes is moving from her current home at Edinburgh Zoo later this year. The regiment, which has centres in Warrington, Stoke-on-Trent, Birkenhead and Failsworth, is involved through Military Aid to the Civil Community. Costs cutLt Col Henry Ricketts, Commanding Officer of 75 Engineer Regiment, said: "As Royal Engineers, it is vital for us to keep on top of our construction skills. "Moving from north-west England
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/8058088.stm
Early skeleton may shed light on primate evolution
The nearly complete skeleton of a small 47-million-year-old creature found in Germany was displayed Tuesday by scientists who said it would help illuminate the early evolution of monkeys, apes and humans. About the size of a small cat, the animal has four legs and a long tail. It's not a direct ancestor of monkeys and humans, but it provides a good indication of what such an ancestor may have looked like, researchers said at a news conference. Because the skeleton is so remarkably complete, scientists believe it will provide a window into primate evolution. The animal was a juvenile female that scientists believe died at about nine or 10 months. "She tells so many stories. We have just started the research on this fabulous specimen," said Jorn
http://moourl.com/krg9a
German zoos row over Knut profits
Two German zoos are locked in a legal dispute over Knut, the polar bear whose dramatic first few days of life in 2006 made him famous around the world.Neumunster Zoo, which legally owns Knut, is demanding a share of the profits he has made for Berlin Zoo, where Knut was born and remains today. They say Berlin has offered to buy Knut from them but that the price offered is not high enough. A court in Berlin has ordered the zoos to settle their dispute by 13 June. Neumunster Zoo loaned Knut's
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8058028.stm
Knut the polar bear at centre of Berlin court battle over £5.3m earnings
A bitter row over the fortune of Knut, the celebrity polar bear, reached the court room today with two furious zoo directors trying to hold on to the revenue from the world’s highest-earning quadruped. The atmosphere in the packed Berlin court resembled that of a high-powered divorce case, with lobbyists and society reporters scrambling for space and thrusting microphones in the faces of lawyers. “This case is quite unprecedented,” sighed Judge Philip Hegermann. Knut was born under difficult circumstances in December 2006. Rejected and left to die by his mother, Tosca, a retired East German circus bear, keepers had
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article6321335.ece
Budget cuts to close some Dallas Zoo exhibits, but officials expect most animals won't have to move far
The Dallas Zoo won't be spared from the city's budget troubles, but the announced loss of 19 zoo exhibits probably isn't quite as dire as it sounds, officials said Monday. Many of the animals in those exhibits will be moving, but only to another part of the zoo, said
http://moourl.com/tguni
Zoo Funding Threatened
In the worst-case scenario, Connecticut's only zoo could be forced to close down
Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport is threatened with the loss of at least $400,000 of its $3.2 million annual budget. The shortfall in funding could reach as high as $1 million, a loss Director Greg Dancho says the zoo probably could not survive."The problem is, we can't save that much money," said Dancho, director since 1983. "Increasing gate [fees] is not the answer. I'm already at my threshold. You become unaffordable to most of your target demographic."Beardsley is Connecticut's only zoo, and one of 217 zoos in the nation accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Dancho says his target demographic is families with young children, so he tries to keep the price
http://www.hartfordadvocate.com/article.cfm?aid=13030
Flu fears, rains buoy Cambodia rat exports to Vietnam
Stir-fried or grilled, Vietnamese can't seem to get enough of Cambodian rat meat, and the global influenza outbreak as well as recent heavy rains have proven a boon for both consumers and exporters.In Chrey Thom, a Cambodian town on the border with Vietnam, motorbike after motorbike carries wooden cages full of hundreds of the plump, furry, brown rats.The rains in the Mekong Delta area have helped boost the Cambodian trappers' catch, as more rats rush out from their
http://moourl.com/rtqyx
Seven new raven chicks born at Welsh Mountain Zoo
STAFF at the Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay are celebrating the birth of seven raven chicks.Ravens – from the crow family – usually lay between three and six eggs so the births come as a big surprise. This is the first time that seven eggs have hatched successfully.The new arrivals have been named Gruff, Gwil, Gwyn, Gareth, Nia, Nerys and Nesta to mark their Welsh roots.The National Zoo of Wales has been breeding ravens for more than 25 years.The bumper brood is particularly unusual because the chicks are only the second time that parents Megan and Maddox have bred despite having been together at the zoo for six years.A spokeswoman said: “Due to the sudden
http://moourl.com/h87dg
Mysore zoo to host exotic simians from Czech Republic
Zoo in Mysore is gearing up to host a variety of endangered and exotic birds and simians like Ring Tailed Lemur and Capauchin Monkey to be acquired soon from Czech Republic. In return, Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Garden in Mysore will give a family of endangered Spot Billed Pelican to Zoo Zlin Czech Republic under animal exchange programme.Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has recently cleared a proposal to send ten-winged beauties--two chicks, five adult females and three males from the Mysore zoo to a foreign zoo.Giving details, a CZA official said two pairs of adult Red Necked Wallaby, a pair of Ring Tailed Lemur, two male Capuchin Monkey and a male and two female Lesser Rhea besides two pairs of Military Macaw will add attraction to the Mysore zoo.Confirming the go ahead to exchange the animals by the CZA, an official in the Mysore Zoo said, they will soon complete the basic formalities such
http://moourl.com/nfnsv
Rare baby anteater wows zoo (nice Video)
Rare anteater birth takes place at a safari park in Israel with plenty of visitors
http://moourl.com/tisfi
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ZOO BIOLOGY
The Zoo Biology Group is concerned with all disciplines involved inthe running of a Zoological Garden. Captive breeding, husbandry,cage design and construction, diets, enrichment, man management,record keeping, etc etc
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/zoo-biology
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The 7th Annual Turtle Survival Alliance Symposium on Chelonian Conservation and Biology
August 5th - 8th, 2009
St Louis, Missouri
For details on membership, registration, program and events, please visit our website at http://www.turtlesurvival.org/
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FUNDING FOR ZOOS
http://moourl.com/yzrkq
John Reagan has recently published a document on the first results of a series of interviews with zoo directors who have been directly involved in attracting major external funding for their sites ( St Louis, USA; Leipzig, Germany; Adelaide, Australia)
If you are interested in reading this please go to http://moourl.com/yzrkq
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Endangered Species Recovery
20th July – 7th August 2009
A short-course for anyone with an active interest in animal conservation and a desire to learn how species can be saved. Lectures will be given by world class conservationists. Practical activities and behind the scenes experiences in Durrell’s animal collection will provide participants with first-hand exposure to the realities of endangered species recovery. On completion participants will be equipped with a fuller appreciation of the complexities of animal conservation and an ability to develop their personal or professional interests in the field.
For further information please visit http://www.durrell.org/ (get involved menu, select training)Or contact Catherine Burrows at: catherine.burrows@durrell.org
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Volunteering OpportunityElephantstay at the Royal Elephant Kraal Village, Ayutthaya ThailandPlease check http://www.elephantstay.com/ for additional information.
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Announcing the ASZK Des Spittall Scholarship for Keeper ResearchNamed in honour of the late Des Spittall, a life member of ASZK, the ASZK committee has launched the Des Spittall Scholarship for keeper research. This is open to people who have been a financial member of ASZK for 12 months or more. This is an annual scholarship up to the value of $2,000. Applications close 31st October 2009Please forward ‘Des Spittall Scholarship for Keeper Research’ application to ASZK President no later than 31st of October each year at email eo@aszk.org.au
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ZOO VACANCIES
For Latest Zoo Vacancies Visit: http://zoowork.blogspot.com/
Some Vacancies are only placed on: http://www.zoonewsdigest.com/
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Meetings
PAAZAB Conference
May 20 to 22 2009
Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, Entebbe, Uganda
For further info please contact:
http://www.uweczoo.org/
International Conference on Diseases of Zoo and Wild Animals 2009
20th - 24th May 2009
Safaripark Beekse Bergen, Hilvarenbeek, The Netherlands Contact:
2009@zoovet-conference.org
http://www.zoovet-conference.org/
Conference of the Association of Latin American Zoological Parks
May 25 - 29 2009
Panama City, Panama
For further information:
http://www.alpza.com/index.php
The 9th International Conference on Environmental Enrichment.
31st May – 5th June 2009.
Torquay, Devon, UK
Please go to http://www.reec.info/
For more information
julian.chapman@paigntonzoo.org.uk
"First African Symposium on Zoological Medicine"
July 18th and 19th 2009.
Johannesburg Zoo, South Africa.
Financial assistance available for vets from other African countries.
For more details contact Teresa Slacke on vetadmin@jhbzoo.org.za
Professional Training Seminars at Shedd Aquarium
Animal Training Seminar with Ken Ramirez
Environmental Quality Seminar with Allen LaPointe
August 24 –28, 2009
Please contact the adult programs coordinator at
adults@sheddaquarium.org for more information
THIRD ORANGUTAN SSP© HUSBANDRY WORKSHOP
MONDAY, AUGUST 31 THROUGH WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2009
Zoo Atlanta, USA
http://www.2009orangutanworkshop.org/
AZA 2009 Annual Conference
September 12-17, 2009
Oregon Zoo
http://aza.org/ConfWork/AC_Intro/index.html
26th EAZA Annual Conference
14 - 20 September 2009
Copenhagen Zoo, Denmark.
3rd International Congress on Zoo Keeping and the 36th American Association of Zoo Keepers National Conference
September 24th - 29th 2009 The Puget Sound Chapter of AAZK and WoodlandPark Zoo
See these websites for further information: http://www.iczoo.org/
http://www.pugetsoundaazk.org/
CBSG (Conservation Breeding Specialist Group)
1-4 October 2009
St. Louis, MO, USA (right before the WAZA Meeting)
For further information: ginger@cbsg.org
http://www.cbsg.org/cbsg/
64th WAZA Annual Conference
4 - 8 October 2009
St. Louis Zoo at the Renaissance Grand Hotel, St. Louis (MO), USA.
For more information, please visit http://www.waza.org/
Second Okapi Workshop
11 14 October 2009
Antwerp Zoo
For further details go to:
http://www.theokapi.org/nieuwsvolledig.asp?nieuws=15
2009 ZRA Annual Conference : Overview
October 21-25, 2009
Zoo Boise , Boise , Idaho
If you have questions about the 2009 ZRA Annual Conference Program, please contact the Program Chairman, Pam Krentz, Registrar for Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, at (216) 635-3361 or by email at pak@clevelandmetroparks.com
The Bear Care Group announces the second international bear care conference 'Advancing Bear Care '09.
SAN FRANCISCO NOVEMBER 6-8 2009
http://www.bearcaregroup.org/
The 6th European Zoo Nutrition Conference
Barcelona, 28-31 January 2010
Please send comments or suggestions for topics/speakers directly to me (a.fidgett@chesterzoo.org). Further announcements and information will be posted online via the nutrition area of the EAZA website (http://www.eaza.net/).
20th International Zoo Educators' (IZE) Biennial Conference
19 - 23 October 2010 Disney's Animal Kingdom, Florida, USA.
For more information, please visit http://www.izea.net/
Zoohistorica
International meeting of collectors of zoo literature and memorabilia
Internationales Treffen der Sammler zoohistorischer Literatur
Rencontre internationale des collectionneurs de documents en rapport avec les zoos
See here for more details: http://www.zoohistorica.org/
7th International Penguin Conference
DATE: August 30 to September 3, 2010
LOCATION: Boston Massachusetts, USA
HOSTED BY: The New England Aquarium
ipcboston@neaq.org
AZA 2010 Annual Conference
September 11-16
Houston Zoo, Houston , TX
http://aza.org/ConfWork/AC_Intro/index.html
AZA 2011 Annual Conference
September 12-17
Zoo Atlanta , Atlanta , GA http://aza.org/ConfWork/AC_Intro/index.html
AZA 2012 Annual Conference
September 8-13
Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix , AZ http://aza.org/ConfWork/AC_Intro/index.html
AZA 2013 Annual Conference
September 7-12
Kansas City Zoo, Kansas City , MO
http://aza.org/ConfWork/AC_Intro/index.html
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ZooNews Digest is an independent publication, not allied or attached to any zoological collection.
Many thanks.
Kind Regards,
Wishing you a wonderful week,
Peter Dickinson
peterd482001@yahoo.co.uk
http://www.zoonewsdigest.com/
http://www.geocities.com/peterd482001/ZooNews_Digest.html
Editor/Owner ZooNews Digest
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"I may get hit by a bus tomorrow so I will live today"
http://zoonewsdigest.com/
Peter Dickinson
peterd482001@yahoo.co.uk
Dear Colleagues,
The first link is going to be like a kick in the gut for all those involved with Orangutan rescue in Indonesia. They are struggling to cope with the number of animals they have already. Space is at a premium. Where are they going to put them all? Zoos are not in a position to help...well not if they end up performing in shows or for photographs in places like Bali, Pata, Phuket or ending their days in horrific confinement in similar to Manila or Ranugan....I wonder just where we are up to solving the Ranugan problem? It is all very dismal and doom and gloom because I really don't believe if we all shouted "Stop!" at the same time it would make any difference. It is money that talks...money shouts loudest of all.
A huge seizure of elephant tusks in the Philippines. Great! Success! We caught some smugglers. But so sad really when you think how many elephants died. I am happy to report that the few sets of tusks I spotted in Bangkok last week are to be investigated.
I liked the link about the first lion cubs being born in Blackpool Zoo in 25 years. I do think the press could have made more of the story. It is not as if Blackpool could not have bred a thousand lions in the same period but they chose not to. The present breeding is a planned, responsible reproduction unlike some collections I could name.
I hope when Seneca Park Zoo Hosts their visiting White Tiger that the educational material which surrounds the exhibit tells the visiting public that keeping and breeding White Tigers is a pointless exercise and contributes nothing to Conservation. As far as I am concerned this is the only reason to display them.
The dispute over Knut's money actually twists a knot in my stomach. This is not what zoos are about. It is not in the spirit of things. It is NOT what animal loans are about. If some legal ruling comes about as a result I hope it is not to detriment of the furtherance of European breeding programmes. Other than transport costs between collections there must/should be NO money involvement whatsoever.
Collection A lends animal(1) to Collection B. Animal(1) mates with animal(2) and produces animal(3). By prior agreement the two Collections will either have whole ownership of first or second young.As Collections A and B each already each have two of the species they do not want or have space for animal(3)once it is weaned. So animal(3) moves to Collection C.Here it starts to get complicated because any young will belong to 3 or even 4 collections. Each will 'own' a leg! This is how it should be. Animals should eventually all 'belong' to all members of the Breeding Programmes. Cut out all this greed and stupid argument.
Delighted to see the Ravens have once again bred at the Welsh Mountain Zoo. I always had a soft spot for them.
I have written two Hubs this week:
Dusit Zoo in Bangkok Thailand
and
A Psoriasis Cure You May Rather Not Know About
okay you may think the second one has nothing to do with zoos...but it does!
Visit my webpages at: http://hubpages.com/profile/Peter+Dickinson
Hubpages are brilliant, quick to create webpages which can earn you a small passive income from day one. Read my "Quick Guide to Hub Construction." http://ewerl.com/Ua92gJ I truly believe it will be worth your while.
My friend Ian returned to the UK on Sunday after staying a week with me. Great fun. I really enjoyed his company and the change in routine. As they say, a change is as good as a rest.
This Weeks Books of Interest to the Zoo Professional
http://moourl.com/6rk1w
On with the links:
Ape rescue forest to be logged
AN INDONESIAN paper company is planning to log an area of unprotected jungle which is being used as a reintroduction site for about 100 critically endangered orangutans, activists said on Monday. A coalition of environmental groups said a joint venture between Asia Pulp & Paper and Sinar Mas Group had received a licence to clear the largest portion of natural forest remaining outside Bukit Tigapuluh national park on Sumatra. The area is home to about 100 great apes that are part of the only successful reintroduction programme for Sumatran orangutans, the sub-species most at risk of extinction, the coalition said in a statement. It is also a crucial habitat for the last remaining Sumatran tigers and elephants left in the wild, it said. 'It took scientists decades to discover how to successfully reintroduce critically endangered orangutans from captivity into the wild,' said Peter Pratje of the
http://moourl.com/n7fdd
P50M worth of elephant tusks seized
The Bureau of Customs (BoC) has intercepted some P50 million worth of elephant tusks, which a local importer tried to smuggle from Africa through the Port of Manila, the chief of the Customs police said Monday.Chief Supt. Joey Yuchongco said the elephant tusks were stacked in sacks inside a 20-footer container van which itsimporter, 210 Enterprises, had abandoned at the South Harbor since March 1.Yuchongco, the concurrent deputy director of the BoC's Enforcement and Security Services, said they received information that the container steel van had illegal cargo.The registered importer, he said, declared that the container van was loaded with blow moulding machines from Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania."When we checked on the abandoned van last week, we were able to confirm that it contained
http://moourl.com/ekxi6
Swedish park opens polar bear breeding ground
A Swedish wildlife park has opened a 10.5-acre (41,000 square-meter) enclosure as a breeding ground for polar bears.Polar bears Ewa and Wilbaer became the first two residents Monday of Polar World at the Orsa Gronklitt park in central Sweden. They came from zoos in Rotterdam and Stuttgart, respectively.Chief executive Torbjorn Wallin says he hopes they will mate and increase the park's population.He says there is room for up to 15 bears in the park, which also plans
http://www.etaiwannews.com/etn/news_content.php?id=952676&lang=eng_news
Chemicals in Dragon’s Glands Stir Venom Debate
The Komodo dragon is already a terrifying beast. Measuring up to 10 feet long, it is the world’s largest lizard. It delivers a devastating bite with its long, serrated teeth, attacking prey as big as water buffaloes.But in a provocative paper to be published this week, an international team of scientists argues that the Komodo dragon is even more impressive. They claim that the lizards use a potent venom to bring down their victims.Other biologists have greeted the notion of giant venomous lizards with mixed reactions. Some think the scientists have made a compelling case, while
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/19/science/19komo.html
Zoo's first lion cubs in 25 years
A trio of female lion cubs have become the first to be born at a Lancashire zoo in 25 years. Blackpool Zoo said lioness Gillian and her triplets were doing well and were now on view to the public. The lioness and her litter are being kept separate from the rest of the pride until
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/lancashire/8056148.stm
Minn. Zoo demonstrates importance of 'bear-proofing'
The Minnesota Zoo’s three grizzly bears demonstrated the importance of bear-proofing campsites Saturday as part of ‘Bear Awareness Week.’ Zookeepers setup a mock campsite inside and let the bears—named Sadie, Kenai, and Haines—into the exhibit. Within seconds, the bears headed straight for the tent and a food-filled backpack hanging from a tree. The three-year-old bears ripped the tent apart, ate the food inside and later ripped the bottom of the backpack so all the food items dropped to the ground.The Minnesota Department of Natural
http://kstp.com/news/stories/S934123.shtml?cat=206
IUCN Red List for birds is updated
On 14 May 2009, the new Red List update for birds was published. Set up by Sir Peter Scott in 1962, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is the world's most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of plants and animal species. It evaluates the extinction risk of thousands of species and subspecies. The aim is to convey the urgency of conservation issues to the public and policy makers, as well as help the international community to try to reduce species extinction.BirdLife International's latest evaluation of the world's birds, on behalf of IUCN, has revealed that more species than ever are threatened with extinction. A staggering 1,227 species (12%) are now classified as
http://www.surfbirds.com/sbirdsnews/archives/2009/05/iucn_red_list_f.html
Wolves return to zoo after 16 years
A pack of wolves will return to a zoo after a 16-year absence.Three male European wolves, named Dalls, Puika and Ilknis, have made their way from the Highlands to Edinburgh Zoo.They have been transferred from
http://moourl.com/f9coa
Celebrities support Monkey World memorial walkway
A MEMORIAL to Monkey World founder Jim Cronin has attracted celebrity backing. Support for a Walk of Thanks – a trail of paving slabs which will eventually run around the Wool park – has been forthcoming from Jonathan Ross, David Walliams, Matt Lucas and Ainsley Harriott. Now Dr Alison Cronin, widow of Jim, who died from cancer, has launched the first section of the trail, where those who donate are awarded a personalised slab. Alison said: “I always knew
http://moourl.com/h2czr
Winnipeg zoo hopping to keep baby kangaroo alive outside mother's pouch
Staff at the Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg are hopping to keep a baby red kangaroo alive after it was expelled from its mother's pouch. The four-month-old female weighed only 560 grams when it was found lying helpless on the floor of the kangaroo enclosure a few days ago. "As far as the veterinarian could discern, something probably spooked one of the kangaroos ... and this is typical when something scares them like that in the wild," explained zoo curator Robert Wrigley. "They'll eject the
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/090515/national/baby_kangaroo
Phoenix Zoo halfway to $20M campaign goal
Zoo officials said they have raised $7 million and have expect to soon hit the $10 million via pending donations.CEO Bert Castro also showed off construction progress Friday on a $1 million Komodo dragon exhibit that is being funded through the campaign — specifically, via contributions from the Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation.The zoo also plans to build $3 million
http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2009/05/11/daily79.html
National Zoo Still on Panda Pregnancy Patrol
Could May be the month The National Zoo becomes home to a new baby giant panda? There are some signs that have the zoo staff crossing their fingers, and roughly 60 volunteers tracking the panda Mei Xiang every move. ABC 7 reporter Kris Van Cleave went behind the doors of the closed Panda House for an up close look at the National
http://www.news8.net/news/stories/0509/623133.html
Quincy resident’s life is a zoo
At 2 p.m., when many people are slumped in their work cubicles counting the minutes, Quincy resident Siobhan McCann feeds the gorillas.The 28-year-old senior zookeeper stands on the rocky ledge above the Franklin Park Zoo’s Tropical Forest exhibit with a large bucket of chopped oranges, carrots, apples and celery stalks, then scatters the apes’ lunch around the habitat.The gorillas, including two-time escapee Little Joe, climb up from their nooks and down from their branches to dine.“They don’t eat the same thing in the wild every day, so we don’t offer the same things,” said McCann, who also co-chairs the Zoo New England Enrichment Committee.And no day is the same for McCann, who cleans exhibits and feeds animals like Mulder, a capybara. The capybara, the world’s largest rodent, looks like an oversized guinea pig and is found in South America.Talking about her job, McCann said, “There’s a lot of labor involved, but it’s fun labor.”The California native began working at the San Francisco Zoo when she was 14, after her mother urged the shy teen to get involved with the zoo’s teen volunteer program
http://moourl.com/lg7nd
The Mitsubishi Corporation Fund for Europe and Africa announces its funding programme for environmental and developmental charities in 2009
Following its annual meeting of Trustees on the 6th April, the Mitsubishi Corporation Fund for Europe and Africa (MCFEA) has announced a program of £350,000 in new grants, including a 2-year grant to FARM-Africa, an initial 1-year grant to the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust and support for the Zoological Society of London's new Animal Adventure Exhibit at London Zoo. The 2009 funding programme also includes continued support to Bird Life International’s "Spring Alive" project, to promote children's interest in nature and conservation through tracking the arrival of migrating birds in spring; to Concern Universal, for a project promoting the economic empowerment of small-scale agricultural producers in Guinea; to Fauna and Flora International, to promote environmental capacity building in Romania; to Peace Parks International, for sponsorship of natural resource management students at the Southern African Wildlife College; to the Regional Environmental Centre for Central & Eastern Europe, to improve education in conservation and biodiversity for local school children
http://moourl.com/a67sc
Building Gorilla Haven - A former Chicago-area couple plow their wealth into building a temporary home for zoo gorillas
There is hardly a day out of the year that Jane Dewar doesn't eagerly hop in her car and drive out to spend time with two of her dearest friends. ¿ The trip is short -- a few hundred bumpy yards from her century-old, back-hills farmhouse -- but it takes her to another world. On the way, she enters through a gate flanked by a 9,000-volt electrified fence that she and her husband, Steuart, put up to keep out strangers and bears that might wander into the 324-acre forest that they own and where their friends live. ¿ Jane Dewar, a witty woman with flyaway blond hair, pulls up first outside a high, reinforced-concrete wall with windows in it. On the other side is a three-level "villa" surrounded by a nicely landscaped, 2-acre yard. This is home to Joe, an African
http://moourl.com/w7tih
Seneca Park Zoo hosting just one white tiger for summer
A pregnancy will keep one of two white tigers expected to be visiting Monroe County’s Seneca Park Zoo this summer home.County Executive Maggie Brooks announced today that the zoo will be the temporary home for just one male white tiger this summer.In announcing the zoo’s 2009 visiting summer animal earlier this year, two white tigers had been identified for the exhibit.“We have been notified that the female white tiger, which we had expectedto accompany the male white tiger, is pregnant and unable to travel,” Brook
http://moourl.com/ka3xh
NEW Zoo Tortoises Walk to Summer Home
The big marathon is tomorrow, but the race was on between the two tortoises at the NEW Zoo this morning. Tootie swept past Al, her competition and crossed the finish line in record time, 9 minutes! Of course, the race had it's purpose. The tortoises were moving from their winter home to their summer home. The zoo is fundraising right now to build
http://www.wbay.com/Global/story.asp?S=10374931
Zoo celebrates Migratory Bird Day
The city celebrated the return of migratory birds Sunday as people flocked to the zoo to check out the Migratory Bird Day events.This year's theme is "Celebrating Birds in Culture."Experts from the Anchorage Bird Treatment and Learning Center were at the Alaska Zoo on Sunday to show off rehabilitated raptors and educate people about birds."We have a lot of activities for kids where they can make crafts, there's games, there's live birds from Bird TLC so you can get up close and personal," biologist
http://www.ktuu.com/Global/story.asp?S=10377592
If You Knew Susi: Barcelona's 'Sad Elephant' Flap
Admittedly, Susi looks sad. Her skin droops, and her dark eyes seem a little teary. She's said to occasionally rock back and forth with apparent anxiety. And then there are reports of her eating her own feces. But does that add up to mental illness? Determining depression, let alone among nonverbal members of the animal kingdom, is always tricky business. But such is Susi's plight that the Queen of Spain and a famous writer have weighed in. And so now, the question about what to do with Barcelona Zoo's star
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1899422,00.html
Soldiers build polar bear's home
A team of territorial soldiers, usually charged with building army bases in Afghanistan, is making a home for the UK's only polar bear.The 75 Engineer Regiment are working on a four-acre enclosure for Mercedes at the Highland Wildlife Park, Kingussie. Mercedes is moving from her current home at Edinburgh Zoo later this year. The regiment, which has centres in Warrington, Stoke-on-Trent, Birkenhead and Failsworth, is involved through Military Aid to the Civil Community. Costs cutLt Col Henry Ricketts, Commanding Officer of 75 Engineer Regiment, said: "As Royal Engineers, it is vital for us to keep on top of our construction skills. "Moving from north-west England
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/8058088.stm
Early skeleton may shed light on primate evolution
The nearly complete skeleton of a small 47-million-year-old creature found in Germany was displayed Tuesday by scientists who said it would help illuminate the early evolution of monkeys, apes and humans. About the size of a small cat, the animal has four legs and a long tail. It's not a direct ancestor of monkeys and humans, but it provides a good indication of what such an ancestor may have looked like, researchers said at a news conference. Because the skeleton is so remarkably complete, scientists believe it will provide a window into primate evolution. The animal was a juvenile female that scientists believe died at about nine or 10 months. "She tells so many stories. We have just started the research on this fabulous specimen," said Jorn
http://moourl.com/krg9a
German zoos row over Knut profits
Two German zoos are locked in a legal dispute over Knut, the polar bear whose dramatic first few days of life in 2006 made him famous around the world.Neumunster Zoo, which legally owns Knut, is demanding a share of the profits he has made for Berlin Zoo, where Knut was born and remains today. They say Berlin has offered to buy Knut from them but that the price offered is not high enough. A court in Berlin has ordered the zoos to settle their dispute by 13 June. Neumunster Zoo loaned Knut's
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8058028.stm
Knut the polar bear at centre of Berlin court battle over £5.3m earnings
A bitter row over the fortune of Knut, the celebrity polar bear, reached the court room today with two furious zoo directors trying to hold on to the revenue from the world’s highest-earning quadruped. The atmosphere in the packed Berlin court resembled that of a high-powered divorce case, with lobbyists and society reporters scrambling for space and thrusting microphones in the faces of lawyers. “This case is quite unprecedented,” sighed Judge Philip Hegermann. Knut was born under difficult circumstances in December 2006. Rejected and left to die by his mother, Tosca, a retired East German circus bear, keepers had
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article6321335.ece
Budget cuts to close some Dallas Zoo exhibits, but officials expect most animals won't have to move far
The Dallas Zoo won't be spared from the city's budget troubles, but the announced loss of 19 zoo exhibits probably isn't quite as dire as it sounds, officials said Monday. Many of the animals in those exhibits will be moving, but only to another part of the zoo, said
http://moourl.com/tguni
Zoo Funding Threatened
In the worst-case scenario, Connecticut's only zoo could be forced to close down
Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport is threatened with the loss of at least $400,000 of its $3.2 million annual budget. The shortfall in funding could reach as high as $1 million, a loss Director Greg Dancho says the zoo probably could not survive."The problem is, we can't save that much money," said Dancho, director since 1983. "Increasing gate [fees] is not the answer. I'm already at my threshold. You become unaffordable to most of your target demographic."Beardsley is Connecticut's only zoo, and one of 217 zoos in the nation accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Dancho says his target demographic is families with young children, so he tries to keep the price
http://www.hartfordadvocate.com/article.cfm?aid=13030
Flu fears, rains buoy Cambodia rat exports to Vietnam
Stir-fried or grilled, Vietnamese can't seem to get enough of Cambodian rat meat, and the global influenza outbreak as well as recent heavy rains have proven a boon for both consumers and exporters.In Chrey Thom, a Cambodian town on the border with Vietnam, motorbike after motorbike carries wooden cages full of hundreds of the plump, furry, brown rats.The rains in the Mekong Delta area have helped boost the Cambodian trappers' catch, as more rats rush out from their
http://moourl.com/rtqyx
Seven new raven chicks born at Welsh Mountain Zoo
STAFF at the Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay are celebrating the birth of seven raven chicks.Ravens – from the crow family – usually lay between three and six eggs so the births come as a big surprise. This is the first time that seven eggs have hatched successfully.The new arrivals have been named Gruff, Gwil, Gwyn, Gareth, Nia, Nerys and Nesta to mark their Welsh roots.The National Zoo of Wales has been breeding ravens for more than 25 years.The bumper brood is particularly unusual because the chicks are only the second time that parents Megan and Maddox have bred despite having been together at the zoo for six years.A spokeswoman said: “Due to the sudden
http://moourl.com/h87dg
Mysore zoo to host exotic simians from Czech Republic
Zoo in Mysore is gearing up to host a variety of endangered and exotic birds and simians like Ring Tailed Lemur and Capauchin Monkey to be acquired soon from Czech Republic. In return, Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Garden in Mysore will give a family of endangered Spot Billed Pelican to Zoo Zlin Czech Republic under animal exchange programme.Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has recently cleared a proposal to send ten-winged beauties--two chicks, five adult females and three males from the Mysore zoo to a foreign zoo.Giving details, a CZA official said two pairs of adult Red Necked Wallaby, a pair of Ring Tailed Lemur, two male Capuchin Monkey and a male and two female Lesser Rhea besides two pairs of Military Macaw will add attraction to the Mysore zoo.Confirming the go ahead to exchange the animals by the CZA, an official in the Mysore Zoo said, they will soon complete the basic formalities such
http://moourl.com/nfnsv
Rare baby anteater wows zoo (nice Video)
Rare anteater birth takes place at a safari park in Israel with plenty of visitors
http://moourl.com/tisfi
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ZOO BIOLOGY
The Zoo Biology Group is concerned with all disciplines involved inthe running of a Zoological Garden. Captive breeding, husbandry,cage design and construction, diets, enrichment, man management,record keeping, etc etc
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/zoo-biology
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The 7th Annual Turtle Survival Alliance Symposium on Chelonian Conservation and Biology
August 5th - 8th, 2009
St Louis, Missouri
For details on membership, registration, program and events, please visit our website at http://www.turtlesurvival.org/
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FUNDING FOR ZOOS
http://moourl.com/yzrkq
John Reagan has recently published a document on the first results of a series of interviews with zoo directors who have been directly involved in attracting major external funding for their sites ( St Louis, USA; Leipzig, Germany; Adelaide, Australia)
If you are interested in reading this please go to http://moourl.com/yzrkq
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Endangered Species Recovery
20th July – 7th August 2009
A short-course for anyone with an active interest in animal conservation and a desire to learn how species can be saved. Lectures will be given by world class conservationists. Practical activities and behind the scenes experiences in Durrell’s animal collection will provide participants with first-hand exposure to the realities of endangered species recovery. On completion participants will be equipped with a fuller appreciation of the complexities of animal conservation and an ability to develop their personal or professional interests in the field.
For further information please visit http://www.durrell.org/ (get involved menu, select training)Or contact Catherine Burrows at: catherine.burrows@durrell.org
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Volunteering OpportunityElephantstay at the Royal Elephant Kraal Village, Ayutthaya ThailandPlease check http://www.elephantstay.com/ for additional information.
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Announcing the ASZK Des Spittall Scholarship for Keeper ResearchNamed in honour of the late Des Spittall, a life member of ASZK, the ASZK committee has launched the Des Spittall Scholarship for keeper research. This is open to people who have been a financial member of ASZK for 12 months or more. This is an annual scholarship up to the value of $2,000. Applications close 31st October 2009Please forward ‘Des Spittall Scholarship for Keeper Research’ application to ASZK President no later than 31st of October each year at email eo@aszk.org.au
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ZOO VACANCIES
For Latest Zoo Vacancies Visit: http://zoowork.blogspot.com/
Some Vacancies are only placed on: http://www.zoonewsdigest.com/
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Meetings
PAAZAB Conference
May 20 to 22 2009
Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, Entebbe, Uganda
For further info please contact:
http://www.uweczoo.org/
International Conference on Diseases of Zoo and Wild Animals 2009
20th - 24th May 2009
Safaripark Beekse Bergen, Hilvarenbeek, The Netherlands Contact:
2009@zoovet-conference.org
http://www.zoovet-conference.org/
Conference of the Association of Latin American Zoological Parks
May 25 - 29 2009
Panama City, Panama
For further information:
http://www.alpza.com/index.php
The 9th International Conference on Environmental Enrichment.
31st May – 5th June 2009.
Torquay, Devon, UK
Please go to http://www.reec.info/
For more information
julian.chapman@paigntonzoo.org.uk
"First African Symposium on Zoological Medicine"
July 18th and 19th 2009.
Johannesburg Zoo, South Africa.
Financial assistance available for vets from other African countries.
For more details contact Teresa Slacke on vetadmin@jhbzoo.org.za
Professional Training Seminars at Shedd Aquarium
Animal Training Seminar with Ken Ramirez
Environmental Quality Seminar with Allen LaPointe
August 24 –28, 2009
Please contact the adult programs coordinator at
adults@sheddaquarium.org for more information
THIRD ORANGUTAN SSP© HUSBANDRY WORKSHOP
MONDAY, AUGUST 31 THROUGH WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2009
Zoo Atlanta, USA
http://www.2009orangutanworkshop.org/
AZA 2009 Annual Conference
September 12-17, 2009
Oregon Zoo
http://aza.org/ConfWork/AC_Intro/index.html
26th EAZA Annual Conference
14 - 20 September 2009
Copenhagen Zoo, Denmark.
3rd International Congress on Zoo Keeping and the 36th American Association of Zoo Keepers National Conference
September 24th - 29th 2009 The Puget Sound Chapter of AAZK and WoodlandPark Zoo
See these websites for further information: http://www.iczoo.org/
http://www.pugetsoundaazk.org/
CBSG (Conservation Breeding Specialist Group)
1-4 October 2009
St. Louis, MO, USA (right before the WAZA Meeting)
For further information: ginger@cbsg.org
http://www.cbsg.org/cbsg/
64th WAZA Annual Conference
4 - 8 October 2009
St. Louis Zoo at the Renaissance Grand Hotel, St. Louis (MO), USA.
For more information, please visit http://www.waza.org/
Second Okapi Workshop
11 14 October 2009
Antwerp Zoo
For further details go to:
http://www.theokapi.org/nieuwsvolledig.asp?nieuws=15
2009 ZRA Annual Conference : Overview
October 21-25, 2009
Zoo Boise , Boise , Idaho
If you have questions about the 2009 ZRA Annual Conference Program, please contact the Program Chairman, Pam Krentz, Registrar for Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, at (216) 635-3361 or by email at pak@clevelandmetroparks.com
The Bear Care Group announces the second international bear care conference 'Advancing Bear Care '09.
SAN FRANCISCO NOVEMBER 6-8 2009
http://www.bearcaregroup.org/
The 6th European Zoo Nutrition Conference
Barcelona, 28-31 January 2010
Please send comments or suggestions for topics/speakers directly to me (a.fidgett@chesterzoo.org). Further announcements and information will be posted online via the nutrition area of the EAZA website (http://www.eaza.net/).
20th International Zoo Educators' (IZE) Biennial Conference
19 - 23 October 2010 Disney's Animal Kingdom, Florida, USA.
For more information, please visit http://www.izea.net/
Zoohistorica
International meeting of collectors of zoo literature and memorabilia
Internationales Treffen der Sammler zoohistorischer Literatur
Rencontre internationale des collectionneurs de documents en rapport avec les zoos
See here for more details: http://www.zoohistorica.org/
7th International Penguin Conference
DATE: August 30 to September 3, 2010
LOCATION: Boston Massachusetts, USA
HOSTED BY: The New England Aquarium
ipcboston@neaq.org
AZA 2010 Annual Conference
September 11-16
Houston Zoo, Houston , TX
http://aza.org/ConfWork/AC_Intro/index.html
AZA 2011 Annual Conference
September 12-17
Zoo Atlanta , Atlanta , GA http://aza.org/ConfWork/AC_Intro/index.html
AZA 2012 Annual Conference
September 8-13
Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix , AZ http://aza.org/ConfWork/AC_Intro/index.html
AZA 2013 Annual Conference
September 7-12
Kansas City Zoo, Kansas City , MO
http://aza.org/ConfWork/AC_Intro/index.html
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ZooNews Digest is an independent publication, not allied or attached to any zoological collection.
Many thanks.
Kind Regards,
Wishing you a wonderful week,
Peter Dickinson
peterd482001@yahoo.co.uk
http://www.zoonewsdigest.com/
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"I may get hit by a bus tomorrow so I will live today"
Friday, May 15, 2009
ZooNews Digest 15th May 2009 (Zoo News 593)
ZooNews Digest 15th May 2009 (Zoo News 593)
http://zoonewsdigest.com
Peter Dickinson peterd482001@yahoo.co.uk
Dear Colleagues,
I have been warning readers for some time that the idiotic antics of the so called Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species http://www.tigerfriends.com/ were being taken too seriously by the press. They have an excellent publicity department and a wonderful photographer and combined they produce beautifully orchestrated rubbish for public comsumption (why why why on earth take tigers to Thailand???). And people believe it!!!!
Every month at least one of my non zoo friends has forwarded clips of this inane drivel saying "Isn't it wonderful?" No it is NOT. It is rubbish and dangerous too. There is a very real risk that these people are going to become the quoted 'experts', the spokespeople for the zoo world. I will pack it all in when that happens and it may be sooner than I think.
I have learned today that they are about to go on the Oprah Winfrey show TODAY OR TOMORROW!!!!. Something to do with friendship using an Orangutan and a Dog...or maybe they will use the Chimpanzee and the Tigers......all cutie cutie crap that will have Joe Public going awe. And of course the ridiculously stupidly named 'Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species' (TIGERS) will be swamped with visitors ready to be indoctrinated with more dangerous misinformation.
So what are you going to do about it? Try writing to Oprah at: http://www.oprah.com/contactus
On a different tack. Last week I was in Bangkok. Outside Jatujak Market I saw a pair of fresh tusks from a juvenile elephant for sale. I could have bought them for less than a tenner. A one off? No it wasn't because on a road close to Wat Pho I could have bought the tusks from another five young animals....all fresh. There were tiger and lion claws for sale too. Many of these had pads, tendons and bones and some fur attached. Very realistic but I believe these were forgeries. The tusks were not.
Visit my webpages at: http://hubpages.com/profile/Peter+Dickinson
Hubpages are brilliant, quick to create webpages which can earn you a small passive income from day one. Read my "Quick Guide to Hub Construction." http://ewerl.com/Ua92gJ I truly believe it will be worth your while.
This Weeks Books of Interest to the Zoo Professional http://moourl.com/6rk1w
On with the links:
Spanish Queen tries to help bereaved elephant
Susi, the only elephant at the Barcelona zoo, lives in a small pen, has lost her best friend, and is said to be depressed. But now someone has come to her aid — not a fairy godmother or even a princess, but a queen. An animal rights group says Spain's Queen Sofia is asking Barcelona City Hall to move Susi, who's 36, to a larger space, perhaps at a safari-style park. The Foundation for the Adoption, Sponsorship and Defense of Animals said Wednesday that it wrote to the Royal Palace in February, and the queen promised to intervene.Born in the wild in Africa, Susi has been sad since
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gNl8J6fAAkGV9jEXyCLCyLr83TyQD985D5V04
Sea lion has brief swim with sharks at Pittsburgh Zoo
A sea lion that escaped from its holding tank to swim in an adjacent shark exhibit tank at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium yesterday was lured back to its tank without injury to him or the eight sand tiger sharks in the exhibit.The 3-year-old male sea lion named Seahawk had been moved to a backup area next to the shark exhibit to keep him from bothering a pregnant sea lion in the Kids Kingdom sea lion exhibit when he jumped onto a high wall, then fell into a keeper escape area, hitting a handle on the door to the shark exhibit on the way down.The door popped open and the
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09134/970225-100.stm
Taipei Zoo unveils "Ring-a-Panda" service
Taipei Zoo on Thursday launched a 'Ring-a-Panda' service, enabling people to watch the two Chinese pandas live via videophone. The service allows Panda-loving 3G phone users to dial a number and then view either two hours of live broadcasts from the Panda's cage, or hours of prerecorded footage
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/asiapacific/news/article_1477266.php/Taipei_Zoo_unveils_"Ring-a-Panda"_service_
Reassured Python leaves behind 20 eggs in Sri Lanka
In a rare instance, a huge python that laid more than 20 eggs left the spot feeling reassured about their safety after the wildlife officials arrived to protect the rare species in Galle in southern Sri Lanka. According to experts, pythons usually don’t leave their eggs till they are hatched for fear of being eaten away by animals or reptiles. But the python sneaked away after it found the wildlife officials taking a good care of the eggs, an official said here. Video clips showed the 20 long baby pythons moving around in a glass cage in the wildlife office subsequent to eggs hatching. The eggs had become the cynosure of the crowd that gathered to a home garden in Dangedara, Galle. The python together with her eggs were
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/008200905141352.htm
***************************************************
ZOO BIOLOGY
The Zoo Biology Group is concerned with all disciplines involved inthe running of a Zoological Garden. Captive breeding, husbandry,cage design and construction, diets, enrichment, man management,record keeping, etc etc
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/zoo-biology
****************************************************
Dear Colleagues,
The May 2009 issue of ZOOS' PRINT [Volume XXIV, Number 5] is published and the online version is available free on the web at
ZOOS' PRINT MAGAZINE http://www.zoosprint.org/showMagazine.asp
Please note that if you wish to download the full magazine all at once click on FULL MAGAZINE. If you want to select articles see below and you can click on any article and download it.
Thanking you,
Sanjay Molur, Editor and Sally Walker, Editor Emeritus
Contents
Full Magazine, Pp. 1-28
Overview of the 9th Conference of the South Asian Zoo Association for Regional Cooperation - Sri Lanka, 2009
Zoo Legislation Working Groups
Participant Presentations on Legislation
Technical Presentations on theme of Zoo Legislation, including Standards, Accreditation, Assessment, Inspection, Ethics, Welfare, Conservation, Education, Research, WZACS benchmark, Definitions & CITES
BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) United Kingdom approach to Legislation & Conservation, Author/Presentor: Miranda Stevenson
AZA United States approach to Legislation and Conservation, Author/Presentor : Kris Vehrs
Participants of 9th SAZARC, Sri Lanka
Thanks from CBSG/RSG and SAZARC participants
Education Reports from SAN-IZE members on Animal Welfare Fortnightly and other events
COUNT DOWN 2010-Save Biodiversity Reports
In Search of Hoolock Gibbons
-- Gawsia Choudhury, Israt Jahan and Mayeen Uddin
Announcement - Asian Zoo Educators' Conference - inside cover
*******************************************************************************
The fourth issue of the Journal of Threatened Taxa is online at
http://www.threatenedtaxa.org
Vol. 1 No. 4 Pages 197-252 Date of Publication 26 April 2009ISSN 0974-7907 (online) 0974-7893 (print)
Contents
Garra arupi, a new cyprinid fish species (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from upper Brahmaputra basin in Arunachal Pradesh, India
-- K. Nebeshwar, W. Vishwanath & D.N. Das, Pp. 197-202.
Present distribution, population status, and conservation of Western Hoolock Gibbons Hoolock hoolock (Primates: Hylobatidae) in Namdapha National Park, India
-- Awadhesh Kumar, P.P. Mary & Pushkal Bagchie, Pp. 203-210.
Social relationships of wild juvenile Asian Elephants Elephas maximus in the Udawalawa National Park, Sri Lanka
-- Deepani Jayantha, P.N. Dayawansa, U.K.G.K. Padmalal & W.D. Ratnasooriya, Pp. 211-214.
Endemic Marsh Mongoose Herpestes palustris (Carnivora: Herpestidae) of East Kolkata Wetlands, India: a status report
-- Jayanta Kumar Mallick, Pp. 215-220.
Breeding biology of the Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger (Pelecaniformes: Phlacrocoracidae) in Bangladesh
-- Habibon Naher, Noor Jahan Sarker, Md. Khalilur Rahman & Shawkat Imam Khan, Pp. 221-225.
Three new species of gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) from Maharashtra, India
-- S.S. Bhalerao, T.H. Shaikh & V.D. Deshpande, Pp. 226-229.
Distribution of Grasshoppers (Insecta: Orthoptera) among different host plants and habitats in two districts of Tamil Nadu, India
-- M. Gabriel Paulraj, V. Anbalagan & S. Ignacimuthu, Pp. 230-233.
Podagrion charybdis Fernando (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Torymidae) parasitic on ootheca of Tendodera fasciata (Olivier) (Insecta: Mantodea): first record from India and redescription
-- P.M. Sureshan, Pp. 234-235.
A new species of the genus Zamarada Moore (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) from Shivaliks in Punjab, India
-- Rachita Sood, H.S. Rose & P.C. Pathania, Pp. 236-237.
Extension of range of the Marine Puffer Fish Chelonodon patoca (Tetraodontiformes: Tetraodontidae) to freshwater habitat of Kerala, India
-- M. Arunachalam, M. Muralidharan & P. Sivakumar, Pp. 238-239.
Ichthyofaunal diversity of two beels of Goalpara District, Assam, India
-- Susmita Saha & Sabitry Bordoloi, Pp. 240-242.
A note on the ichthyofauna of Solapur district, with first report of a cyprinid fish Rasbora caverii (Jerdon) from Maharashtra State, India
-- S.S. Jadhav & B.E.Yadav, Pp. 243-244.
Birds in Kurigram District of Bangladesh
-- Shawkat Imam Khan & Habibon Naher, Pp. 245-250.
Unusual nocturnal feeding by Brown Rock-chat Cercomela fusca (Passeriformes: Muscicapidae) in Bikaner, Rajasthan, India
-- Partap Singh, P. 251.
Sarcocystosis in Mithuns Bos frontalis - a report
-- Swapna Susan Abraham, C.S. Jayakumar & Jacob Alexander, P. 252.
Thanking you,
Sanjay MolurFounder Editor, Journal of Threatened Taxa
*******************************************************************************
The 7th Annual Turtle Survival Alliance Symposium on Chelonian Conservation and Biology
August 5th - 8th, 2009 St Louis, MissouriFor details on membership, registration, program and events, please visit our website at http://www.turtlesurvival.org
*******************************************************************************
FUNDING FOR ZOOS
http://moourl.com/yzrkq
*******************************************************************************
Endangered Species Recovery
20th July – 7th August 2009
A short-course for anyone with an active interest in animal conservation and a desire to learn how species can be saved. Lectures will be given by world class conservationists. Practical activities and behind the scenes experiences in Durrell’s animal collection will provide participants with first-hand exposure to the realities of endangered species recovery. On completion participants will be equipped with a fuller appreciation of the complexities of animal conservation and an ability to develop their personal or professional interests in the field.
For further information please visit http://www.durrell.org/ (get involved menu, select training)Or contact Catherine Burrows at: catherine.burrows@durrell.org
Postal address:
Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust
International Training Centre
Les Augrès Manor
Trinity
Jersey
JE3 5BP
Tel: +44 (0)1534 860037Fax: +44 (0)1534 860002
Closing date for applications : 31st May 2009
Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust was established 50 years ago by Gerald Durrell. At its Jersey headquarters 50 projects in 18 countries worldwide are managed. From this unique centre endangered mammals, birds, reptiles andamphibians are bred.
Saving SpeciesDurrell has a proven track record of saving species from extinction. With ever-increasing numbers of species coming under threat the work we do has never been more vital.
Training ConservationistsThe International Training Centre (ITC) is based at the Jersey headquarters and runs a wide range of courses including the ever popular Endangered Species Recovery Course (ESR, formally known as the Summer School) This three-week course introduces you to the realities of exotic animal management in captivity and in the wild, direct from those with first-hand experience.
Developing skillsThe ESR course is designed to encourage a critical understanding of current and future needs in conservation. It consists of:
• A balanced mix of practical activities, discussion sessions, lectures and supervised research activities
• A tutored student project tailored to suit your background and interests
• Key lectures given by internationally recognised conservationists and seniorDurrell staff
• Guided behind the scenes tours of the animal departments led by experiencedanimal staff
• Practical problem-solving exercises from small mammal trapping to animalenrichment
• Field visits to illustrate local conservation initiatives.
Is this the course for you?
• Suitable for university students, zoo staff, veterinary personnel, field biologists and those with a keen interest in wildlife conservation
• Ideal for those considering a career move into conservation
Benefits
• All participants will be presented with an official certificate at the end of the course
• You will become part of the Durrell Network, linking conservationists globally
• You will develop contacts with lecturers that may prove invaluable in your professional and/or personal interests in species conservation
“The course gave me a wonderful insight into how important the work at Durrell is and the dedication of the team involved. Very inspirational, educational and engaging.”Yolanda Barnas, Teacher, ESR participant 2007
Price includesThe fee per person of £2410 includes• Course fees and materials• All meals except weekend lunches• Accommodation from 19th July to 8th August• Durrell membership
Additional time spent working on section after the course is available for a supplementary cost.
“Thus the Trust would become a form of university...where people can get the correct training and then take their talents back to form conservation units throughout the world”Gerald Durrell
Gerald Durrell knew that training conservationists around the world is perhaps the most effective, long-term means of saving endangered species and their habitats. He established the ITC in 1984. Since this time we have trained more than 1500 conservationists from over 120 countries.
Further InformationApplication forms are available at:http://www.durrell.org/ (get involved, select training)
Contact us
Tel: +44 (0) 1534 860037
Fax (44-1534 860002)
e-mail: itc@durrell.org
Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust,
Les Augrès Manor,
La Profonde Rue,
Trinity,
Jersey
JE3 5BP,
Channel Islands,
British Isles
Deadline: 31st May 2009
“Meeting so many like minded people, from all over the world, opened myeyes to the fact that I could get out in to the field and make a difference!”Dr. Ian Singleton, Director of SOCP, Sumatra, ESR participant 1987
“We may not be able to bring back the dodo but we can share our understanding of endangered species recovery to ensure that others do not go the same way”Dr. Carl Jones, MBE Durrell International Conservation Fellow, and guest lecturer on ESR course
Endorsed by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums
*******************************************************************************
Volunteering Opportunity
Elephantstay at the Royal Elephant Kraal Village, Ayutthaya Thailand
Please check http://www.elephantstay.com for additional information.
*******************************************************************************
Announcing the ASZK Des Spittall Scholarship for Keeper Research
Named in honour of the late Des Spittall, a life member of ASZK, the ASZK committee has launched the Des Spittall Scholarship for keeper research. This is open to people who have been a financial member of ASZK for 12 months or more. This is an annual scholarship up to the value of $2,000. Applications close 31st October 2009Please forward ‘Des Spittall Scholarship for Keeper Research’ application to ASZK President no later than 31st of October each year at email eo@aszk.org.au
************************************************************************
See Current Zoo Vacancies at: http://www.zoowork.blogspot.com/
************************************************************************
ZooNews Digest is an independent publication, not allied or attachedto any zoological collection.
Many thanks.
Kind Regards,
Wishing you a wonderful week,
Peter Dickinson
http://www.zoonewsdigest.com/
http://www.geocities.com/peterd482001/ZooNews_Digest.html
Editor/Owner ZooNews Digest
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/zoonewsdigest/
Owner/Moderator Zoo Biology
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/zoo-biology/
Tel: United Kingdom ++ (0) 750 3707 968
Mailing address:
Suite 201,
Gateway House,
78 Northgate Street,
Chester,
CH1 2HR
United Kingdom
"I may get hit by a bus tomorrow so I will live today"
http://zoonewsdigest.com
Peter Dickinson peterd482001@yahoo.co.uk
Dear Colleagues,
I have been warning readers for some time that the idiotic antics of the so called Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species http://www.tigerfriends.com/ were being taken too seriously by the press. They have an excellent publicity department and a wonderful photographer and combined they produce beautifully orchestrated rubbish for public comsumption (why why why on earth take tigers to Thailand???). And people believe it!!!!
Every month at least one of my non zoo friends has forwarded clips of this inane drivel saying "Isn't it wonderful?" No it is NOT. It is rubbish and dangerous too. There is a very real risk that these people are going to become the quoted 'experts', the spokespeople for the zoo world. I will pack it all in when that happens and it may be sooner than I think.
I have learned today that they are about to go on the Oprah Winfrey show TODAY OR TOMORROW!!!!. Something to do with friendship using an Orangutan and a Dog...or maybe they will use the Chimpanzee and the Tigers......all cutie cutie crap that will have Joe Public going awe. And of course the ridiculously stupidly named 'Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species' (TIGERS) will be swamped with visitors ready to be indoctrinated with more dangerous misinformation.
So what are you going to do about it? Try writing to Oprah at: http://www.oprah.com/contactus
On a different tack. Last week I was in Bangkok. Outside Jatujak Market I saw a pair of fresh tusks from a juvenile elephant for sale. I could have bought them for less than a tenner. A one off? No it wasn't because on a road close to Wat Pho I could have bought the tusks from another five young animals....all fresh. There were tiger and lion claws for sale too. Many of these had pads, tendons and bones and some fur attached. Very realistic but I believe these were forgeries. The tusks were not.
Visit my webpages at: http://hubpages.com/profile/Peter+Dickinson
Hubpages are brilliant, quick to create webpages which can earn you a small passive income from day one. Read my "Quick Guide to Hub Construction." http://ewerl.com/Ua92gJ I truly believe it will be worth your while.
This Weeks Books of Interest to the Zoo Professional http://moourl.com/6rk1w
On with the links:
Spanish Queen tries to help bereaved elephant
Susi, the only elephant at the Barcelona zoo, lives in a small pen, has lost her best friend, and is said to be depressed. But now someone has come to her aid — not a fairy godmother or even a princess, but a queen. An animal rights group says Spain's Queen Sofia is asking Barcelona City Hall to move Susi, who's 36, to a larger space, perhaps at a safari-style park. The Foundation for the Adoption, Sponsorship and Defense of Animals said Wednesday that it wrote to the Royal Palace in February, and the queen promised to intervene.Born in the wild in Africa, Susi has been sad since
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gNl8J6fAAkGV9jEXyCLCyLr83TyQD985D5V04
Sea lion has brief swim with sharks at Pittsburgh Zoo
A sea lion that escaped from its holding tank to swim in an adjacent shark exhibit tank at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium yesterday was lured back to its tank without injury to him or the eight sand tiger sharks in the exhibit.The 3-year-old male sea lion named Seahawk had been moved to a backup area next to the shark exhibit to keep him from bothering a pregnant sea lion in the Kids Kingdom sea lion exhibit when he jumped onto a high wall, then fell into a keeper escape area, hitting a handle on the door to the shark exhibit on the way down.The door popped open and the
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09134/970225-100.stm
Taipei Zoo unveils "Ring-a-Panda" service
Taipei Zoo on Thursday launched a 'Ring-a-Panda' service, enabling people to watch the two Chinese pandas live via videophone. The service allows Panda-loving 3G phone users to dial a number and then view either two hours of live broadcasts from the Panda's cage, or hours of prerecorded footage
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/asiapacific/news/article_1477266.php/Taipei_Zoo_unveils_"Ring-a-Panda"_service_
Reassured Python leaves behind 20 eggs in Sri Lanka
In a rare instance, a huge python that laid more than 20 eggs left the spot feeling reassured about their safety after the wildlife officials arrived to protect the rare species in Galle in southern Sri Lanka. According to experts, pythons usually don’t leave their eggs till they are hatched for fear of being eaten away by animals or reptiles. But the python sneaked away after it found the wildlife officials taking a good care of the eggs, an official said here. Video clips showed the 20 long baby pythons moving around in a glass cage in the wildlife office subsequent to eggs hatching. The eggs had become the cynosure of the crowd that gathered to a home garden in Dangedara, Galle. The python together with her eggs were
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/008200905141352.htm
***************************************************
ZOO BIOLOGY
The Zoo Biology Group is concerned with all disciplines involved inthe running of a Zoological Garden. Captive breeding, husbandry,cage design and construction, diets, enrichment, man management,record keeping, etc etc
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/zoo-biology
****************************************************
Dear Colleagues,
The May 2009 issue of ZOOS' PRINT [Volume XXIV, Number 5] is published and the online version is available free on the web at
ZOOS' PRINT MAGAZINE http://www.zoosprint.org/showMagazine.asp
Please note that if you wish to download the full magazine all at once click on FULL MAGAZINE. If you want to select articles see below and you can click on any article and download it.
Thanking you,
Sanjay Molur, Editor and Sally Walker, Editor Emeritus
Contents
Full Magazine, Pp. 1-28
Overview of the 9th Conference of the South Asian Zoo Association for Regional Cooperation - Sri Lanka, 2009
Zoo Legislation Working Groups
Participant Presentations on Legislation
Technical Presentations on theme of Zoo Legislation, including Standards, Accreditation, Assessment, Inspection, Ethics, Welfare, Conservation, Education, Research, WZACS benchmark, Definitions & CITES
BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) United Kingdom approach to Legislation & Conservation, Author/Presentor: Miranda Stevenson
AZA United States approach to Legislation and Conservation, Author/Presentor : Kris Vehrs
Participants of 9th SAZARC, Sri Lanka
Thanks from CBSG/RSG and SAZARC participants
Education Reports from SAN-IZE members on Animal Welfare Fortnightly and other events
COUNT DOWN 2010-Save Biodiversity Reports
In Search of Hoolock Gibbons
-- Gawsia Choudhury, Israt Jahan and Mayeen Uddin
Announcement - Asian Zoo Educators' Conference - inside cover
*******************************************************************************
The fourth issue of the Journal of Threatened Taxa is online at
http://www.threatenedtaxa.org
Vol. 1 No. 4 Pages 197-252 Date of Publication 26 April 2009ISSN 0974-7907 (online) 0974-7893 (print)
Contents
Garra arupi, a new cyprinid fish species (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from upper Brahmaputra basin in Arunachal Pradesh, India
-- K. Nebeshwar, W. Vishwanath & D.N. Das, Pp. 197-202.
Present distribution, population status, and conservation of Western Hoolock Gibbons Hoolock hoolock (Primates: Hylobatidae) in Namdapha National Park, India
-- Awadhesh Kumar, P.P. Mary & Pushkal Bagchie, Pp. 203-210.
Social relationships of wild juvenile Asian Elephants Elephas maximus in the Udawalawa National Park, Sri Lanka
-- Deepani Jayantha, P.N. Dayawansa, U.K.G.K. Padmalal & W.D. Ratnasooriya, Pp. 211-214.
Endemic Marsh Mongoose Herpestes palustris (Carnivora: Herpestidae) of East Kolkata Wetlands, India: a status report
-- Jayanta Kumar Mallick, Pp. 215-220.
Breeding biology of the Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger (Pelecaniformes: Phlacrocoracidae) in Bangladesh
-- Habibon Naher, Noor Jahan Sarker, Md. Khalilur Rahman & Shawkat Imam Khan, Pp. 221-225.
Three new species of gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) from Maharashtra, India
-- S.S. Bhalerao, T.H. Shaikh & V.D. Deshpande, Pp. 226-229.
Distribution of Grasshoppers (Insecta: Orthoptera) among different host plants and habitats in two districts of Tamil Nadu, India
-- M. Gabriel Paulraj, V. Anbalagan & S. Ignacimuthu, Pp. 230-233.
Podagrion charybdis Fernando (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Torymidae) parasitic on ootheca of Tendodera fasciata (Olivier) (Insecta: Mantodea): first record from India and redescription
-- P.M. Sureshan, Pp. 234-235.
A new species of the genus Zamarada Moore (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) from Shivaliks in Punjab, India
-- Rachita Sood, H.S. Rose & P.C. Pathania, Pp. 236-237.
Extension of range of the Marine Puffer Fish Chelonodon patoca (Tetraodontiformes: Tetraodontidae) to freshwater habitat of Kerala, India
-- M. Arunachalam, M. Muralidharan & P. Sivakumar, Pp. 238-239.
Ichthyofaunal diversity of two beels of Goalpara District, Assam, India
-- Susmita Saha & Sabitry Bordoloi, Pp. 240-242.
A note on the ichthyofauna of Solapur district, with first report of a cyprinid fish Rasbora caverii (Jerdon) from Maharashtra State, India
-- S.S. Jadhav & B.E.Yadav, Pp. 243-244.
Birds in Kurigram District of Bangladesh
-- Shawkat Imam Khan & Habibon Naher, Pp. 245-250.
Unusual nocturnal feeding by Brown Rock-chat Cercomela fusca (Passeriformes: Muscicapidae) in Bikaner, Rajasthan, India
-- Partap Singh, P. 251.
Sarcocystosis in Mithuns Bos frontalis - a report
-- Swapna Susan Abraham, C.S. Jayakumar & Jacob Alexander, P. 252.
Thanking you,
Sanjay MolurFounder Editor, Journal of Threatened Taxa
*******************************************************************************
The 7th Annual Turtle Survival Alliance Symposium on Chelonian Conservation and Biology
August 5th - 8th, 2009 St Louis, MissouriFor details on membership, registration, program and events, please visit our website at http://www.turtlesurvival.org
*******************************************************************************
FUNDING FOR ZOOS
http://moourl.com/yzrkq
*******************************************************************************
Endangered Species Recovery
20th July – 7th August 2009
A short-course for anyone with an active interest in animal conservation and a desire to learn how species can be saved. Lectures will be given by world class conservationists. Practical activities and behind the scenes experiences in Durrell’s animal collection will provide participants with first-hand exposure to the realities of endangered species recovery. On completion participants will be equipped with a fuller appreciation of the complexities of animal conservation and an ability to develop their personal or professional interests in the field.
For further information please visit http://www.durrell.org/ (get involved menu, select training)Or contact Catherine Burrows at: catherine.burrows@durrell.org
Postal address:
Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust
International Training Centre
Les Augrès Manor
Trinity
Jersey
JE3 5BP
Tel: +44 (0)1534 860037Fax: +44 (0)1534 860002
Closing date for applications : 31st May 2009
Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust was established 50 years ago by Gerald Durrell. At its Jersey headquarters 50 projects in 18 countries worldwide are managed. From this unique centre endangered mammals, birds, reptiles andamphibians are bred.
Saving SpeciesDurrell has a proven track record of saving species from extinction. With ever-increasing numbers of species coming under threat the work we do has never been more vital.
Training ConservationistsThe International Training Centre (ITC) is based at the Jersey headquarters and runs a wide range of courses including the ever popular Endangered Species Recovery Course (ESR, formally known as the Summer School) This three-week course introduces you to the realities of exotic animal management in captivity and in the wild, direct from those with first-hand experience.
Developing skillsThe ESR course is designed to encourage a critical understanding of current and future needs in conservation. It consists of:
• A balanced mix of practical activities, discussion sessions, lectures and supervised research activities
• A tutored student project tailored to suit your background and interests
• Key lectures given by internationally recognised conservationists and seniorDurrell staff
• Guided behind the scenes tours of the animal departments led by experiencedanimal staff
• Practical problem-solving exercises from small mammal trapping to animalenrichment
• Field visits to illustrate local conservation initiatives.
Is this the course for you?
• Suitable for university students, zoo staff, veterinary personnel, field biologists and those with a keen interest in wildlife conservation
• Ideal for those considering a career move into conservation
Benefits
• All participants will be presented with an official certificate at the end of the course
• You will become part of the Durrell Network, linking conservationists globally
• You will develop contacts with lecturers that may prove invaluable in your professional and/or personal interests in species conservation
“The course gave me a wonderful insight into how important the work at Durrell is and the dedication of the team involved. Very inspirational, educational and engaging.”Yolanda Barnas, Teacher, ESR participant 2007
Price includesThe fee per person of £2410 includes• Course fees and materials• All meals except weekend lunches• Accommodation from 19th July to 8th August• Durrell membership
Additional time spent working on section after the course is available for a supplementary cost.
“Thus the Trust would become a form of university...where people can get the correct training and then take their talents back to form conservation units throughout the world”Gerald Durrell
Gerald Durrell knew that training conservationists around the world is perhaps the most effective, long-term means of saving endangered species and their habitats. He established the ITC in 1984. Since this time we have trained more than 1500 conservationists from over 120 countries.
Further InformationApplication forms are available at:http://www.durrell.org/ (get involved, select training)
Contact us
Tel: +44 (0) 1534 860037
Fax (44-1534 860002)
e-mail: itc@durrell.org
Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust,
Les Augrès Manor,
La Profonde Rue,
Trinity,
Jersey
JE3 5BP,
Channel Islands,
British Isles
Deadline: 31st May 2009
“Meeting so many like minded people, from all over the world, opened myeyes to the fact that I could get out in to the field and make a difference!”Dr. Ian Singleton, Director of SOCP, Sumatra, ESR participant 1987
“We may not be able to bring back the dodo but we can share our understanding of endangered species recovery to ensure that others do not go the same way”Dr. Carl Jones, MBE Durrell International Conservation Fellow, and guest lecturer on ESR course
Endorsed by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums
*******************************************************************************
Volunteering Opportunity
Elephantstay at the Royal Elephant Kraal Village, Ayutthaya Thailand
Please check http://www.elephantstay.com for additional information.
*******************************************************************************
Announcing the ASZK Des Spittall Scholarship for Keeper Research
Named in honour of the late Des Spittall, a life member of ASZK, the ASZK committee has launched the Des Spittall Scholarship for keeper research. This is open to people who have been a financial member of ASZK for 12 months or more. This is an annual scholarship up to the value of $2,000. Applications close 31st October 2009Please forward ‘Des Spittall Scholarship for Keeper Research’ application to ASZK President no later than 31st of October each year at email eo@aszk.org.au
************************************************************************
See Current Zoo Vacancies at: http://www.zoowork.blogspot.com/
************************************************************************
ZooNews Digest is an independent publication, not allied or attachedto any zoological collection.
Many thanks.
Kind Regards,
Wishing you a wonderful week,
Peter Dickinson
http://www.zoonewsdigest.com/
http://www.geocities.com/peterd482001/ZooNews_Digest.html
Editor/Owner ZooNews Digest
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/zoonewsdigest/
Owner/Moderator Zoo Biology
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/zoo-biology/
Tel: United Kingdom ++ (0) 750 3707 968
Mailing address:
Suite 201,
Gateway House,
78 Northgate Street,
Chester,
CH1 2HR
United Kingdom
"I may get hit by a bus tomorrow so I will live today"
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