Dear Colleague,
We released the last two seal pups of the season earlier in the week.
Again, a perfect day. Planning these releases in advance is always
difficult and is geared largely on the tides. Tying this in to good
weather is due to luck though. High tides are better as we don’t have to
walk as far to release. Carrying 50 or so kilos of wriggling seal can
become incredibly heavy if you have to stumble and struggle over stones
and an uneven and slippery terrain. The weather was extremely pleasant
which was nice for our 80 plus onlookers. This was the first time we had
advertised a release, and as such, it was very low key and put out in a
leaflet to zoological association members. I also made mention of it a few
evenings before when I was after dinner speaker at a local event. Anyhow,
a nice manageable turn out. One seal hung about for fifteen minutes or so
allowing plenty of photo opportunity before heading out to sea. Just as we
were leaving an elderly gentleman approached us and said “this event had
been worth my whole years association membership”. One forgets how a
task which can become routine event can be such a positive experience to
others.
After the break down of the other week we managed an uneventful
run down to the National Birds of Prey Centre http://www.nbpc.co.uk It
was well worth the drive and we were lucky enough to arrive in time for
the first demonstration. Birds flown at this time were a Merlin, Snowy
owl, Buzzard, Peregrine and a pair of Ravens. The setting for the displays
is truly beautiful and was enhanced by the wild Buzzards soaring in the
background during the display and the wild raven which joined the two
trained birds for a time. It caused momentary confusion. During our tour
of the collection there were few other visitors about, which was a bonus.
Many of the birds were sitting though we did see a few chicks. The
National Birds of Prey Centre leads the world in breeding this group. 55
different species in its 33 year history and, if eggs currently being
incubated hatch successfully it will be 57 before a month or two has
passed. We were sorry not to have seen Jemima who was away in the States.
John was very helpful and also quite busy as he returns for another season
in Japan this next week. My congratulations to Thompson Park Zoo on
getting their AZA accreditation. Well done Sue & crew. Talking of Thompson
Park, this time next week Shelley will be married. Good luck both. Hope
its a good one.
and now the news:
*********************************************************************
Third giraffe in two years dies at zoo (Mesker Park Zoo)
http://flash.cleveland.com/cgi-bin/clv_nview.pl?/home1/wire/AP/Stream-
Parsed/OHIO_NEWS/o0213_AM_IN--GiraffeDies
Ocean Journey achieves top accreditation
http://insidedenver.com/news/0324ocean.shtml
"On the Wing" flies into the N.C. Zoo
http://www.news-record.com/news/local/rand/birds191.htm
Coast hears of animal poaching concerns
(World Zoo Organisation/ Adelaide Zoo)
http://www.abc.net.au/news/regionals/goldc/reggc-23mar2000-3.htm
Old trunks yield treasure trove of art
(Phoenix Zoo & others)
http://www.phillynews.com/daily_news/2000/Mar/17/features/FELE17.htm
Aquarium star's death has Low country mourning
(South Carolina Aquarium)
http://www.thestate.com/metro/docs/calhoun22.htm
Kids, animals flee zoo fire
(Cincinnati Zoo)
http://www.cincypost.com/news/zoo032000.html
Anti-Aging Drug Perks Up 29-Year-Old Panda
(Hangzhou zoo)
http://www.foxnews.com/health/032000/panda.sml
Fingerprint expert turns her skills to aid the Asian elephant
http://www.smh.com.au/news/0003/20/text/pageone13.html
Merced zoo fire was on purpose
(Applegate Zoo)
http://www.modbee.com/metro/story/0,1113,146038,00.html
Panama's national bird hatches in Boise
(World Center for Birds of Prey/ San Diego Zoo)
http://www.trib.com/HOMENEWS/STATE/RareEagle.html
Microscopic brain worms blamed for animal deaths
(several zoo mentions)
http://www.sunherald.com/region/docs/worms032300.htm
Poet's book chronicles extinct local parakeet
(Cincinnati Zoo)
http://cjonline.com/stories/032300/kan_poet.shtml
Zoo's Orangutan Collection Doubles With 2 New Males
(Hogle Zoo/ Cheyenne Mountain Zoo)
http://www.sltrib.com/2000/mar/03222000/utah/35392.htm
Wild Things: Eastern rattler has lost habitat
(Toledo Zoo)
http://www.toledoblade.com/editorial/feat/0c20wild.htm
Jaguar killed at Woodland Park
http://www.seattle-pi.com/local/jag25.shtml
Forks rains on zoo debut of new rain-forest stamps
http://www.seattle-pi.com/local/stmp21.shtml
Bird expert 'dealt in smuggled macaws'
http://www.telegraph.co.uk:80/et?ac=000140326706927&rtmo=kLZ7eNkp&atmo=kLZ
7eNkp&p g=/et/00/3/24/nbird24.html
Searching for mudfish habitat
http://www.press.co.nz/2000/12/000324l16.htm
First whooping crane born in wild in 60 years hatches in central Florida
http://www.naplesnews.com/today/florida/d448287a.htm
Beast Of Bodmin - Experts Ponder The Mystery
http://www.newsunlimited.co.uk/Breaking_News/UK/0,2478,87021,00.html
BBC Online : Beast of Bodmin conference
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/uk/newsid_683000/683360.stm
I wonder what the final conclusion was? I remain a skeptic. Only this
week I had a telephone call from South Wales describing a scene of
carnage. The caller claimed to have found a field littered with the
devoured carcases of deer, sheep and cattle. He said there was a strong
smell of ammonia in the air and that he had taken photographs of prints
eight inches across which lacked claw marks. Very curious! Very x-files!
Rare new shrimp found near UC site
http://insidedenver.com/shns/story.cfm?pk=RARESHRIMP-03-22-00&cat=AS
Cyanide Spill over Papua New Guinea
http://www.canoe.ca/ReutersNews/PAPUA-CYANIDE-DURBAN.html
Biomedical firm challenges ban on horseshoe crab catch
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/083/metro/Biomedical_firm_challenges_ban
_on_horsesh oe_crab_catch+.shtml
Cadre of lawyers working to win rights for apes
http://archives.seattletimes.com/cgi-bin/texis/web/vortex/display?slug=ani
m& date=20000319
Spanish scientists discover ‘Extinct’ lizards
http://news.excite.com/news/r/000318/10/science-spain-lizards
Beavers chew way to top of pest list
http://www.oklahoman.com/cgi-bin/shart?ID=463316&TP=getarticle
Judge Orders Federal Land Protection for Spotted Owl
http://www.sltrib.com/03202000/utah/35004.htm
Stronger laws needed to curb ivory trading
http://www.the-times.co.uk/news/pages/tim/2000/03/21/timfgnafr01001.html
Bensalem monster just a big house cat
http://www.phillynews.com/inquirer/2000/Mar/21/pa_west/NCAT21.htm
Power poles prove deadly for eagles in Alaska
http://insidedenver.com/shns/story.cfm?pk=DEADRAPTORS-03-20-00&cat=AN
Transplants may help bighorn sheep
http://www.billingsgazette.com/region/20000321_r7hea.html
2 sides collide in court over safety of sea turtles
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/automagic/news/2000-03-21/NWSVTURT21032100.
html
Second sea cow believed to be suffering from Collier red tide poisoning
http://www.naplesnews.com/today/local/d440796a.htm
New Mexico to get Mexican wolves
http://www.azstarnet.com/public/dnews/000322wolves.html
Sheikh Zayeds vision makes desert bloom
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/features/22_03_00_a.htm
Snake death trial begins downstate
http://www.dailysouthtown.com/southtown/dsnews/223nd2.htm
The craze for robotic pets has dived into the aquarium
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/sci/tech/newsid_679000/679642.stm
Buffalo roam at Ag Show home
http://www.bowesnet.com/dht/Z13_bm10buffalo.html
Monkey fever in Joida taluk
http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/mar22/dtmon.htm
************************************************************************
If you know a story I have missed this week do drop me a line with the
full web address and I will try and include it next week.
************************************************************************
Bit & Pieces
ZooNews Digest subscribers can be found in :
Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bali, Belgium, Belize, Bermuda, Brazil,
Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Columbia, Croatia, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Ecuador, Eire, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Isle of Man,
Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Korea, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania,
Mexico, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, New Zealand,
Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Peoples Republic of China, Philippines,
Poland, Portugal, Russia, Senegal, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia,
South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, The
Netherlands, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United
Kingdom, United States, Vietnam, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
*********************************************************************
The
TV series about the work of International Zoo Veterinary Group "Flying
Vets" started on Monday 6 March, 8.30pm, Channel 5. The next episode is
Monday the 27th, same time, same place. If you live in the UK this is a
MUST watch. It is running for ten weeks. I understand it will be going out
on the National Geographic channel some time in the future.
Starting again last week was the excellent docu-soap Zoo Keepers which is
shot in Paignton zoo. The last series was much enjoyed and many zoo
visitors told me as much. Shown on BBC1 at 8.30pm on Thursday 23rd we
were not disappointed. Always a subject of staffroom discussion... we
thought the way that it dealt with the death of the camel calf was very
true to life. I am looking forward to the next instalment.
*********************************************************************
If you are involved or work with primates and read French why not take up
the generous offer
of a free new book. This is volume 2 of PRIMATOLOGIE (500 pages) edited in
France . Please contact : Dr Vet P. Moisson, Président, Société
Francophone de Primatologie Parc Zoologique et Botanique 51 Rue du Jardin
Zoologique 68100 Mulhouse Tel: 03.89.31.85.13 Fax:03.89.31.85.26 email:
moisson@hrnet.fr
*********************************************************************
Seventh Annual International School for Elephant Management - Three
complete two-week School terms will be conducted in 2000 and each will be
targeted at different levels of experience: PROFESSIONALS - (persons
having worked full-time for at least one year with elephants): Friday, May
5 through Thursday, May 18, 2000 NON-PROFESSIONALS - (persons with no
previous elephant experience): Saturday, May 20 through Friday, June 2,
2000 OR Friday September 22 through Thursday, October 5, 2000 This is a
hands-on course in elephant husbandry, and all aspects of elephant care
and management will be addressed. Many guest speakers who are experts in
their fields will be on hand to lecture. Early registration is recommended
as spaces are limited and fill quickly. For more information please
contact: Riddle's Elephant and Wildlife Sanctuary PO Box 715 Greenbrier,
AR 72058 - USA (501) 589- 3291 phone (501) 589-2248 fax
elephant@hendrix.edu
*********************************************************************
European Regional Network of International Zoo Educators
ernize@egroups.com is the egroup for the European Regional Network of
International Zoo Educators. Educators are welcome to subscribe by sending
a email detailing a little information about themselves to
ernize-subscribe@egroups.com.
*********************************************************************
ANNOUNCEMENT To: All AZA Member Institutions From: John Chapo, Chair AZA
Honors Awards Committee Date: 9 March 2000 Topic:Collaborative Award
Applications
The AZA Honors Awards Committee GREATLY ENCOURAGES member institutions to
submit award applications in ALL categories. Materials have been mailed to
every AZA member institution and those materials are meant to be
circulated throughout that institution. Additionally, ALL AWARD MATERIALS
ARE POSTED ON THE AZA WEB SITE (http://www.aza.org/awardapps/index.cfm).
The members of the Honors Awards Committee are aware of many excellent
programs and activities being conducted by our peers across the nation,
locally, regionally and internationally. Furthermore, the committee
members are aware of many COLLABORATIVE activities of many groups (TAGS,
FIGS, SSPs, interest groups, etc). Such collaborative work IS MOST
APPROPRIATE FOR CONSIDERATION FOR AWARDS, specifically, the NORTH
AMERICAN
CONSERVATION AWARD and the INTERNATIONAL CONSERVATION AWARD. We
greatly
encourage you to speak with your colleagues and collaborators and to
consider a joint application for one of the AZA awards. Please feel free
to contact me with any questions. And remember that THE DEADLINE FOR ALL
AWARD APPLICATIONS IS 1 JUNE 2000. Thank you and good luck. John Chapo,
Chair AZA Honors Awards Committee Folsom Children's Zoo Botanical Gardens
1222 S. 27th Street Lincoln, NE 68502 402-475-6741 Fax 402-475-6742 e-mail
JChapo@LincolnZoo.org or JChapo@LPS.org
*********************************************************************
Working Holidays in Zambia: Munda Wanga Wildlife Park and Sanctuary
Volunteer positions now available at Munda Wanga Wildlife Park and
Sanctuary, Zambia. Take a bold step forward onto Zambian soil and
experience a working environment at a Third World Zoo. Positions are
available for between three to five weeks for two to three people. Make a
worthwhile contribution to conservation education efforts here in Zambia
and gain hands-on experience working with African wildlife and its people.
Contact Lasha Young for more information, e- mail: biopark@zamnet.zm or
fax us on 260-01-278529.
*********************************************************************
The
2000 edition of zoo directory "Quantum Verzeichnis" has just been
published and is available either through bookshops under ISBN
3-930962-05-5 or direct from the address below. Please check on the
price, though last year it was DM 28/Euro 12.75/$18/£10. Although
technically in German, the 303 page book is easy to read, listing
addresses, phone, fax, emails and internet addresses for a huge number of
European zoos, conservation organisations and individuals all indexed
with emails.This edition has included another 130 institutions over last
years. Quantum Conservation e.V. Heeder Dorfstrasse 44, 49356 Diepholz,
Germany Tel: 0049- (0)-5441-82133 Fax: 0049-(0)5441-82132
http://www.quantum-conservation.org http://www.species.net My last
edition proved to be an invaluable source of reference. Its compact size
allowed me to refer to it quickly and easily for information. You would be
silly not to purchase this important little book. I know that if you do
you would refer to it time and again. The retail price is now DM 28,00,
but for on-line sales they give a discount of DM 3,00, so the price stays
the same( although foreign orders pay an additional DM 3,50 for postage).
One change of note that is now possible to pay with Visa or Mastercard
which cuts the high bank transfer costs. Direct order form is on
http://www.quantum-conservation/orderqv.html
*********************************************************************
ANNOUNCEMENT Center for Ecosystem Survival announces two Marine
Conservation Research Fellowships for leatherback sea turtle conservation
project - Costa Rica
Fellowship Information
The Center for Ecosystem Survival in partnership with the Tulsa Zoological
Park CARATZ Fund is offering two Marine Conservation Research Fellowships
to work with leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) in the
Gandoca/Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge in Costa Rica.
This Marine Conservation Fellowship awards a $500 stipend, air fare, and
room and board for six weeks. The Fellowship is for the 2000 nesting
season from March 1 - July 31, 2000. Applicants will be selected from
members of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, American Association
of Zoo Keepers and students from the department of biology at San
Francisco State University.
CES's in-country partner, ANAI, will provide training to the fellows.
Research will consist of collecting information on nesting behavior of the
turtles, tagging, removing eggs to safe location for protection until
hatched, working in the hatcheries, patrolling the beach at night and
monitoring the nests and releasing turtles to the wild once
hatched.Applicants must be willing to work under challenging conditions.
Research fellows will be accommodated within the community, providing the
local people with a sustainable alternative economic use for the resource.
Guidelines for Applicants:
1. Please provide name, complete address, institutional affiliation
status or job title,
social security number, telephone number, fax number, email address
2. Statement of purpose (200 words maximum)
3. 2 letters of recommendation
4. Curriculum vitae
Applications should be typed and submitted either via email to:
gershenz@sfsu.edu
or fax 415.338.2295
or mail to:
Norman Gershenz, Director
Center for Ecosystem Survival
Marine Conservation Fellowship
Department of Biology, SFSU
1600 Holloway Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94132
Application Deadline: April 1, 2000
*********************************************************************
Incubation and Fertility Research Group 2000. Details at:
http://www.biology.bbk.ac.uk/conf/ifrgconf.htm
*********************************************************************
PRINCIPLES OF ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION FOR GAME BIRDS - A PRACTICAL GUIDE by
D. C. Deeming. Published by Ratite Conference books in March 2000 (ISBN 0
9527584 3 1 paperback)
This new book is a practical guide to the artificial incubation of
pheasant, partridge and mallard eggs based on the latest scientific
principles and research. The 160 pages of text are illustrated with line
drawings by the author.Topics covered include: Egg formation and
structure; Embryonic development; Egg management; Incubators and
incubation; Temperature; Humidity; Respiratory gas exchange; Turning; Key
factors affecting hatchability; and A glossary is included
Price: £25.00 plus Postage and packing: UK - add £1.50 per book; Europe
(air mail) - add £3.00 per book; Rest of World - add £4.50 per book.
Payment required before despatch.
To place your order contact Dr D. C. Deeming, Ratite Conference Books, 17
Rowland Close, Wallingford, OX10 8LA, UK.
charlie@deemingdc.freeserve.co.uk or see web:
http://www.deemingdc.freeserve.co.uk
*********************************************************************
If you are involved in incubation, a thorough grounding in the subject is
essential. There is a lot of folklore surrounding it and a lot of rubbish
talked. Reading about it does help….a lot. ISIS were kind enough to send
out a package called “EGGS”. This was software designed to make the
process and recording of incubation so much easier. It did, and it worked
very well. Last year I started using a new programme called “EGGTECH”, an
incubation research system which is claimed cover the incubation of all
species of bird eggs. It probably does too, though I have only used it
with less than half a dozen. It certainly does a good job of monitoring
incubation by keeping a close watch on weight, density and humidity
calculations. The programme is designed for the novice and is both simple
and easy to set up. No computer skills are needed and from day one you
could be plotting the incubation of eggs ranging from 2-2000 grammes.
Birds will be starting to lay soon. Some artificial incubation will
probably be necessary. This programme will help you, it really will.
Regardless of your expertise I have little doubt that this will help you
achieve better results. In highly recommend it. What’s more, it is fun to
use. If you are interested please send an email for more details to :
visicom@bulletinmail.com Please mention that you read about it in ZooNews
Digest
*********************************************************************
Fellowship Announcement
The Toledo Zoological Society established the Roger Conant Research
Fellowship in 1990 to honor the scientific contributions of Roger Conant,
the Zoo's first Curator and Research Scientist. Tenure of the fellowship
falls within a flexible two-month period between 1 May and 30 November of
each year. It provides housing and a $1,500.00 stipend for upper-level
undergraduate or graduate students from an accredited four-year university
majoring in animal husbandry, biology, wildlife management, or related
field. Students will be integrated into research projects developed by
Toledo Zoo staff. Selections will be on the basis of merit. Application
materials may be obtained from Dr. Peter J. Tolson, Conservation
Biologist, Toledo Zoological Society, P.O. Box 4010, Toledo, OH 43609 and
should be submitted prior to 1 April.
*********************************************************************
Silhouette Conservation Project Volunteers
The Silhouette Conservation Project of The Nature Protection Trust of
Seychelles aims to restore Silhouette island to as natural a state as
possible through research and management. Silhouette is a regional
biodiversity hotspot and supports large populations of many endemic and
threatened species of plants and animals in tropical rainforest habitats.
These include important populations of birds, reptiles and amphibians,
critically endangered invertebrates and a highly diverse flora. The NPTS
needs volunteers to undertake a variety of research projects on all
aspects of the nature of the island, including studies of vegetation
structure, plant and animal distributions, population estimates, ecology
and behaviour. Volunteers also assist with the day-to-day operation of
the Seychelles Giant Tortoise Conservation Project. This was established
in 1997 to conserve two supposedly extinct species of giant tortoise
through a programme of research and captive breeding. Total cost of
participation for 2 months is approximately £2,000 (excluding transport).
For further details contact The Nature Protection Trust of Seychelles at
jstgerlach@aol.com
*********************************************************************
New
and innovative expedition company opens its doors in the Broads National
Park The Broads National Park, 21 March 2000 - An innovative and
adventurous worldwide research and conservation company opens its doors
this week from its base in the Broads National Park [here in East Anglia].
The company, 'Biosphere Expeditions', has been set up to place ordinary
people with no research experience alongside scientists working at the
forefront of wildlife conservation. Expedition team members contribute
towards the costs of on-going research work and then fly out to projects
all around the world to get their hands dirty working with researchers in
the field. "We aim to give people the chance to make a real difference",
says Matthias Hammer, the company's founder and one of the expedition
leaders. "There is an increasing demand from people who want to take
active breaks, not just holidays. They want to come home and tell their
friends not just what they saw, but also what they've done about it.
Biosphere Expeditions gives them that opportunity for an adventure with a
conscience and a sense of purpose unlike any tourist or ecotourist will
ever have." Matthias Hammer, who is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical
Society and an ex-Paratrooper, was born in Germany, but has spent the last
10 years in this country running expeditions and gaining degrees in
biology and anthropology from Oxford and Cambridge. "When it came to
making it all into a business, it quickly became obvious that the UK, as
the leading expedition nation in the world, would be an ideal base. And
what could be more appropriate than setting up in a National Park?", says
Matthias Hammer. The company's first expeditions from June 2000 will to
Peru (monkeys, frogs and macaws of the Amazon basin), Bolivia (spectacled
bear, puma and Andean cat of the Andes), and Poland (wolves). People can
join for anything from 2 weeks to 2 months. To get more information
contact Biosphere Expeditions on telephone 01502-583085 or visit their
website at www.biosphere-expeditions.com.
Notes to Editors:
Background information on the company and its expedition itinerary for
2000 and 2001 are available at http://www.biosphere-expeditions.com. The
press release area containing this release with accompanying photographs
is at http://www.biosphere-expeditions.com/media/.
Biosphere Expeditions, Sprat's Water, near Carlton Colville, The Broads
National Park, Suffolk NR33 8BP, UK. info@biosphere-expeditions.com, Tel.:
+44-1502-583085, Fax: +44-1502-587414 in Germany / Deutschland:
deutschland@biosphere-expeditions.com, Tel.: +49-931-4070107, Fax:
+49-931-4070577
*********************************************************************
Since 1994, the Zoological Society of San Diego, in conjunction with the
Australian Koala Foundation (AKF), has been organizing teams of
representatives from interested zoos to assist in collecting field data in
Australia with regard to koala habitat utilization and tree species
preferences. The data gathered will be analyzed to develop regional
models for habitat use by koalas and to subsequently complete further
computerized Geographic Information System based mapping specific to
koalas called the 'Koala Habitat Atlas'. Two 2000 field expeditions are
currently being offered to zoo representatives interested in participating
in this koala conservation effort. Proposed dates for the expeditions are
as follows: 1. August 12th -27th in north-central New South Wales in an
area determined as high priority by the NSW Koala Recovery Team. 2.
September 30th - October 15th to the Strezelecki Ranges area of southern
Victoria. Accommodation during the field work may be in dormitory type
facilities with participants helping to prepare group meals. Total costs
incurred by each participant include $750 U.S.(which covers all meals,
accommodation and travel costs during the field expedition), plus airfare
and any extra costs incurred outside of the actual field work, such as
hotel and meal expense before or after the field work is complete. Spaces
are limited and will be filled on a first come first serve basis. Any
interested representatives should contact Valerie Thompson by mail, fax,
phone, or e-mail as listed : Valerie Thompson, Associate Curator of
Mammals, San Diego Zoo, P.O. Box 551, San Diego, CA 92112-0551; phone
(619) 685-3226, fax (619) 232-4117, e-mail vthompson@sandiegozoo.org
*********************************************************************
Martina Raffel & Dirk Petzold would like to announce that they (the
Bielefeld Zoo-AG) have just started a German zoo newsletter, called
"Zoopresseschau", taking ZooNews Digest as a model. As they rightly point
out, ZooNews Digest reaches almost every region of the world, but "only"
contains the news in English . Important zoo areas like Japan, France and
Germany are, for the most part excluded. They would like to fill this gap
for the German speakers. As many of ZooNews Digest readers are able to
understand German, this will probably be of interest. Go to:
http://www.zoo-information.de/ to subscribe. They will also do their best
to find a good translation engine that will enable even the not-
German-speakers to find out what our articles are about. Something similar
to the one on their English homepage: http:// www.zoo-ag.de/english.htm
Zoo-AG Bielefeld - Student's Workgroup Zoobiology:
http://www.zoo-ag.de
Zoological Society for the Conservation of Species and Populations -
Editor http://www.zgap.de
*********************************************************************
Zoo
Staff Personals
Looking for work? Someone to travel with? Somewhere to stay? Let me know
and I will post it here.
************************************************************************
Situations Vacant
(Please mention you saw the advertisement in ZooNews Digest should you
apply for any of these posts, many thanks) Do you have a vacancy to
advertise? Please email me.
*********************************************************************
Gorilla Rescue & Release Project We have a vacancy for a general duty
person on our gorilla rescue and release project in Congo Brazzaville. The
person will be expected to supervise construction of wooden housing,
tents, fences etc and participate in the administration of staff and
finances. Some computer skills necessary. The applicant MUST speak French
and have some previous tropical experience, preferably in Africa - living
conditions are basic but reasonably comfortable. A strong interest in
gorillas would help. Unfortunately, we can only accept male applicants -
the Congo has just emerged from civil war and it is currently too
dangerous to employ women. Applicants should contact Mr. John Aspinall's
office email: asparks@globalnet.co.uk or fax the same at +44-171-235-4701.
*********************************************************************
ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND
RESEARCH OFFICER
Applications are invited for a Research Officer in the Animal Conservation
and Research Department. The person would co-ordinate research between
universities, research institutes and the Edinburgh Zoo Animal Collection,
to develop the research role of the RZSS and to pursue research using the
Animal Collection, in consultation with the Head of Department.
Applicants should have a PhD in a relevant biological science, with
research experience i) in behaviour or behavioural ecology and ii) on
captive animal species. The person would be expected to show enthusiasm
about the role Zoos can play in conservation, research and education. Good
interpersonal and presentational skills are needed.
There are exciting possibilities for development of the position and the
Society's contribution to research, both in the captive and wild
situations. The Society has a strong commitment to this development. This
position will be for an initial three years, with the intention of
extending the post beyond that point.
Further information is available from Dr. Mauvis Gore, Head of the Animal
Conservation and Research Department, Royal Zoological Society of
Scotland, Murrayfield, Edinburgh EH12 6TS. Phone: 0131 314 0315, Fax: 0131
334 6775, email: mgore@rzss.org.uk Completed applications should be
received by 30th April and interviews will be held in May. ROYAL
ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND
POST OF RESEARCH OFFICER
Information on the post of Research Officer, Edinburgh Zoo is provided
below. Those interested in applying should send a covering letter, a full
Curriculum Vitae with the names and addresses of three referees to:
Dr Mauvis Gore, Head
Animal Department
Royal Zoological Society of Scotland
Murrayfield
Edinburgh EH12 6TS
Background
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland is a private Society registered
as a Charity, existing in the terms if its Royal Charter to promote,
facilitate and encourage the study of zoology and kindred subjects and to
foster and develop among the people an interest in and a knowledge of
animal life. Its mission statement is to promote through the presentation
of our living collections the conservation of animal species and wild
places through captive breeding, environmental education and scientific
research. The Society comprises two collections, Edinburgh Zoo and the
Highland Wildlife Park. The research resource of the Edinburgh Zoo has for
some time been appreciated and utilised by the Scottish Universities and
other organisations.
To date scientific study has taken the following forms:
(a) Observational research carried out by University honours degree
students as their honours project.
(b) Research as part of a MSc or PhD project in behaviour, psychology,
veterinary medicine, animal welfare and mechanical engineering.
(c) Contribution by way of £2,000 per annum to four selected field
projects. These are pump priming grants.
(d) The Universities have also increasingly used the Zoo for student
practical classes.
(e) The Society provides biological material where appropriate to
institutions for approved research, for example on taxonomy, reproductive
biology.
All research has to be approved by the Society’s Animal Health and
Management Committee, of which the Research Officer is a member. All
research has to be non-invasive in content.
The Society has recently made a decision to contribute £10,000 per annum
for three years to support a field research project. It will be part of
the Research Officers brief to source a good potential project, which must
have a conservation element in relation to the Edinburgh Zoo animal
collection.
Details of the Post of Research Officer
Qualifications: PhD in a relevant biological science, with research
experience in behaviour or behavioural ecology. The person would be
expected to show enthusiasm about the role Zoos can play in conservation,
research and education. Good interpersonal and presentational skills are
needed as well as research experience on captive animal species.
Brief: To co-ordinate research between universities, research institutes
and the Edinburgh Zoo Animal Collection, to develop the research role of
the RZSS and to pursue an area of research using the Animal Collection, in
consultation with the Head of the Animal Department.
The Research Officer would:
Be an active member of the Animal Department, liaising with the Animal
Department Section staff, and reporting directly to the Head of the Animal
Department. Prepare the Research Prospectus and research guidelines for
RZSS in conjunction with the Head of the Animal Department Liaise with
relevant staff members in the Universities and other organisations on
continued and developing utilisation of the Zoo resource for teaching and
research purposes.
Initiate ideas for research projects and practical classes within the
guidelines of the Animal Department
Practical classes: liasing with organisations to assist in how they
programme their practical
classes at Edinburgh Zoo.
Short term projects: suitable for short term data collection and should be
used to build databases to produce publishable work.
Long term projects: the designing of MSc and PhD level work. There are
several species maintained in the Zoo that would be suitable for this
level of research.
Relate research to Endangered Species Programmes, to advance our
understanding of the many endangered species maintained in the Zoo. This
research should complement the work being carried out by species
co-ordinators and studbook keepers working within the Taxon Advisory Group
structure.
Liaise with veterinary departments. This is carried out with the
assistance of the vet, who has a joint position with the Zoo and the
University of Edinburgh. MSc veterinary students would be encouraged to
take up research projects in the Zoo.
The development of conservation orientated field research project as
outlined above. Applying for conservation grants to match funds provided
by RZSS in co-operation with the Business Department fundraiser.
Edinburgh Zoo is becoming justifiably well known in the field of Animal
Welfare/Behaviour. The Zoo Animal Behaviour and Welfare Summer School has
now run for four summers. This Summer School comes under the brief of the
Research Officer.
Will be expected to increase the role played by Edinburgh Zoo in the
advancing science of Zoo Biology.
There are exciting possibilities for development of the position and the
Society's contribution to research, both in the captive and wild
situations. The Society has a strong commitment to this development. This
position will be for an initial three years, with the intention of
extending the post beyond that point.
*********************************************************************
BANHAM ZOO are looking to recruit a hard working, self motivated Head
Keeper to join its keeping team. The position is a hands-on role working
with a staff of 14 keepers to maintain and improve the already excellent
standards achieved. Candidates should have a minimum of 6 years exotic
animal husbandry with a wide range of species including primates and birds
and also possess the City & Guilds qualification in Zoo Animal Management.
Supervisory experience and knowledge of Health and Safety procedures are
also required; full driving licence is essential Salary is negotiable and
accommodation may be available. Please send your application with a full
CV to: Mike Woolham Asst Zoo Animal Manager Banham Zoo The Grove Banham
Norfolk NR16 2HE
Closing date for applications is 5th April 2000
*********************************************************************
Colchester Zoo are looking for a dynamic and enthusiastic person to
spearhead their education programme. As well as the day to day operations
and giving talks they would be expected to create educational resources.
Previous zoo or education experience would be advantageous. Interested?
Send a CV and covering letter to the Directors, Colchester Zoo, Maldon Rd,
Stanway, Colchester, Essex. CO3 5SL
*********************************************************************
Edinburgh Zoo are on the look out to fill a keeper vacancy. If interested
please ring Dr.Gore on 0131 314 0315
*********************************************************************
Lead
Presenter - Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo's Presenter team work to enhance the education experience for
visitors, working alongside keepers to give interesting and lively formal
and informal presentations. We need a Lead Presenter to manage this team.
The job requires considerable public interaction, confidence, a genuine
interest in animals and an outgoing personality. A science/natural history
background is preferred and some presentation experience in an
animal/conservation role. Applications in writing to Mrs Jayne Quinn,
Chester Zoo, Caughall Road, Upton, Chester CH2 1LH with a letter and CV
detailing work experience, general personal details and a daytime
telephone number. Enquiries 01244 650232. Interviews will be held early
March.
*********************************************************************
Chessington Zoo have vacancies for experienced keepers to take up duties
in aviculture, primates or reptiles. They also require an animal presenter
to work birds, sealions and penguins. To apply or to ask for further
details please write or ring The Human Resources Department, Chessington
World of Adventures, Leatherhead road, Chessington, Surrey KT9 2ND Tel :
01372 729560
*********************************************************************
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF CONSERVATION EDUCATION
AMERICAN ZOO AND AQUARIUM ASSOCIATION
This Assistant Director will participate in every phase of building a
world-class education department for the American Association of Zoos and
Aquariums (AZA). Reporting to the Director of Conservation Education, the
Assistant Director will participate in all phases of departmental
development, be responsible for coordinating AZA education projects and
programs and provide some administrative support. General duties will
include evaluation and cataloging of educational resources, general and
technical writing, conducting surveys to identify member's needs,
participating on education's strategic planning team, servicing member
requests for information about education, and general administrative
support. Responsibilities will include, for example:
*Coordinate special projects/programs for the education
department.Includes research, budgeting, scheduling, subcontracting
services and summary reporting.
*Review, evaluate and catalog educational curricula.
*Assist AZA Information Manager with departmental information for AZA
database.
*Draft general copy about AZA education for brochures, articles for
Communiqué, etc.
*Assist Director of Conservation Education with writing grant proposals.
*Assist Director of Conservation Education with surveys to include
writing, distribution, collection, tabulation, analysis and reporting.
*Participate in development and annual review/revision of departmental
plans and protocols (strategic planning, database structure and function,
curriculum evaluation, member service, etc.)
*Assist Director of Conservation Education with preparation of
departmental budget
*Serve AZA members and the general public as front-line resource on AZA
education. Receive and respond to requests for information via mail,
phone, fax, email, etc.
*Provide general administrative support including maintaining files,
address/contact lists and processing correspondence for the Director of
Conservation Education .
Ideal candidate would seek an opportunity to actively improve informal
environmental and
conservation education through collaborative efforts of educators at AZA
member zoos and aquariums. Candidate should be familiar with issues
relevant to the zoo and aquarium industry; have excellent oral, written
and interpersonal communication skills; and be competent with word
processing and system operating software, and email and Internet use.
System currently uses MS Windows, Word, Excel, Access and Outlook.
Bachelors degree required. Skills or experience in teaching, surveying,
informal education or evaluation are pluses.
Salary commensurate with experience. Check http://www.aza.org
Send resume, inquiries or comments to Bruce Carr at AZA, 8403 Colesville
Road, Suite 710; Silver Spring, MD 20910-3314.
********************************************************************* For
the most up to date links to sites advertising Zoo work go to:
http://members.tripod.com/~Sciurus/index.html
************************************************************************
Meetings
International Meeting of Condor Specialists
26-28 March 2000
Merida, Venezuela
email : maria@bolivar.funmrd.gov.ve
http://reunioncondores.freeservers.com/
Fourteenth Annual Conference of the European Cetacean Society (ECS)
2-5 April 2000
University of Cork
Eire
Papers on pinnipeds will also be accepted at the conference. For more
information, see the ECS web site at
http://web.inter.nl.net/users/J.W.Broekema/ecs/ecs-2000.htm
Raptors 2000
2-8 April 2000
Eilat, Israel.
For further info email raptors@otra.co.il
AZA 2000 Western Regional Conference
El Paso Zoo, Texas
5 - 8 April
email : epzooeduca@aol.com
EAZA Spring Council Meeting
7 - 9 April 2000
Dublin Zoo
Eire
Representing Animals at the End of the Century
April 13-15, 2000
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
For further information email: auctr20cs@uwm.edu
AZA 2000 Central Regional Conference
Toledo Zoo
3 - 6 May
email : AZAConf@Toledozoo.org
Bear Care for the Next Millenium:
An Animal Care Workshop on Husbandry, Training and Enrichment
7 - 8 May 7 2000
Toledo Zoo
Toledo, Ohio
For further info contact D. Weinhardt, email : beartagsow@aol
“Genetic Resources for the New Century.”
May 8-12, 2000
San Diego Wild Animal Park
For more information, contact conference organizers, Oliver Ryder, Ph.D.,
oryder@ucsd.edu or Kurt Benirschke, M.D. kbenirsc@ucsd.edu Speakers,
tentative program, brochure and registration information are posted at:
http:// www.sandiegozoo.org/cres/genetic_conference.html
PAAZAB Annual General Meeting and Conference
(Pan African Association of Zoological Gardens, Aquaria and Botanic
Gardens)
10 - 12 May 2000.
Hosted by the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa
Pretoria, South Africa.
Please direct enquiries to: The PAAZAB Secretariat via email
murphy@pixie.co.za
Consciousness, Cognition and Animal Welfare - The UFAW Symposium
11-12 May 2000, London
If you are interested in attending or contributing to the Symposium and
wish to register, please contact Dr Stephen Wickens, UFAW. Email:
wickens@ufaw.org.uk
British Veterinary Zoological Society Spring Meeting 2000
'Emerging Diseases'
13-14th May 2000
Cotswold Wildlife Park, England.
Anyone wishing to present a paper should contact Michael Waters
(mwaters@rvc.ac.uk), Pathology and Infectious Diseases, Royal Veterinary
College, Hawkshead Lane North Mymms, Hatfield Herts AL9 7TA, United
Kingdom. Fax: +44(1707)661464. Student papers, reviews and original
research are all very welcome. The meeting is being held in a very
beautiful area of England so why not combine continuing education with a
short break in the Cotswolds. For registration details, please contact
Derek Lyon (DGLyon9@aol.com), 4 Butts Hill Court, Chester Road, Gresford,
Wrexham LL12 8NH, United Kingdom. Fax: +44(1978)852065 Tel:
+44(1978)852866
“The Apes: Challenges for the 21st Century”
May 10 -13 2000
Hilton, Lisle/Naperville
This unique conference will focus on the apes of the world and will bring
together researchers, zoological park personnel, and field biologists to
share and disseminate the most current information on husbandry,
conservation, and emergent issues pertaining to captive and wild
populations of apes. For information on registration and submission of
abstracts contact the Brookfield Zoo Ape Conference Planning Committee at
(708) 485-0263 ext 604, FAX (708) 485-3140 or e-mail
APECON@BROOKFIELDZOO.ORG or visit :
http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/apeweb/conf.htm
Consciousness, Cognition and Animal Welfare
The UFAW Symposium
11-12 May 2000
London
For further info contact:
Dr Stephen Wickens, UFAW. Email: wickens@ufaw.org.uk
UK Herp TAG
12-13 May 2000
Chester Zoo
Further details E-mail: heather.hall@zsl.org
First conference of the African Zoo and Reserve Educators Network
(AZOREN) 12 - 18 May 2000 Pretoria Zoo, South Africa Theme of this
training conference is "Effective & Efficient AZOREN; Starting the
Conservation Educators Network". For further information please contact:
Cherylene Odendaal or Dina Roos of Pretoria Zoo. Telephone :
0027-12-3283265 / 3206020 Fax : 0027-12-3234540 E-mail :
zoologic@cis.co.za
Annual Conference of the Federation of Zoological Gardens of Great Britain
and Ireland 19 - 21 May 2000 Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens, Norfolk, UK
The Union of the Czech and Slovak Zoological Gardens Annual Conference 25
- 27 May 2000 Zoo Chomutov, Czech Republic For further information please
contact: fax: +420-66-7302839 e-mail: jizoo@brn.pvtnet.cz
Fifth International Elephant Research Symposium
1-3 June 2000
Portland, Oregon
email: dolson@indyzoo.com
Course of Environmental Enrichment for Wild Animals in Captivity.
The Zoological National the Aurora of Guatemala, and El Zoo Conservation
Outreach Group (ZCOG), presents/displays: Date: 21 to the 24 of June of
2000 Venue: Zoological National " The Aurora " Direction: Boulevard Juan
Pablo II Zona 13 Inner City of Guatemala, Guatemala C. A. Further
INFORMATION: Maria Jose Iturbide, Zoological Technical Department Aurora
Tel. (502) 4720507 4720885, Fax (502) 4715286. emailmjiturbidef@hotmail.com
The 2nd Zoo Research Symposium Symposium on Asian Raptors
6 - 7 July 2000
Paignton Zoo
E-mail : aplowman@paigntonzoo.org.uk
Symposium on Asian Raptors
25-27 July 2000
Bandung, Indonesia
For further info email : ypal@bdg.centrin.net.id
Fourth International Penguin Conference
Coquimbo, Chile
September 4 - 8 2000
For Further info : gluna@nevados.cecun.ucn.cl
Zoo Federation Plant Group Conference
September 13th - 15th 2000
Cotswold Wildlife Park
For further info:
"Colin Wren" gardens@rzss.org.uk
International White-tailed Sea Eagle Conference
13-17 September 2000
Bjorko, Sweden.
email : bjorn.helander@nrm.se
17th EAZA/EEP Annual Conference
19 - 24 September 2000
Aalborg Zoo,
Denmark
All matters with regard to registration etc : Hju@aalborg-zoo.dk
Anything related to conference programmes, meetings etc : info@eaza.net
15th International Zoo Educators’ Conference
1 - 6 October 2000
Guadalajara, Mexico
For more information contact Maria Eugenia Martinez Arizmendi,
head of the Education Department.
Telephone : 0052-3-6744104
Fax : 0052-3-674-4488
E-mail : 104164.3717@compuserve.com
2000 AAZK Conference
8 – 12 October 2000
Columbus Zoo
Check out information on this conference by accessing its
website at: http://aazk2000.homestead.com
Elephant Managers International Conference
6 - 9 October 2000
Syracuse, New York
For more information please contact
Adrienne Whiteley on : bpzoo@emi.com
Panda 2000 International Conference
An international conference on the giant panda will be held in San Diego,
California (USA) October 16-19, 2000. The Zoological Society of San Diego
and the World Wildlife Fund are co- hosts. A program consisting primarily
of work-shops, panel discussions and poster sessions is planned. Topics
in conservation, education, training, research, health, reproduction, and
captive management will be co covered. Persons interested in attending
this meeting are encouraged to contact the Local Arrangements Chair:
Helena Fitch-Snyder, Zool. Soc. of San Diego, PO Box 120551, San Diego, CA
92112. Phone: (619) 557-3954, FAX: (619) 557-3959; E-mail
helena@sandiegozoo.org.
Reproduction and integrated conservation science.
9th and 10th November, 2000
A Zoological Society of London Symposium
The Meeting Rooms, Zoological Society of London
To register your interest in attending this symposium please contact: D.
Body, Scientific Meetings Co-ordinator, Zoological Society of London,
Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK or email: Deborah.Body@zsl.org
If you would be interested in submitting a poster presentation, please
indicate this.
5th International Aquarium Congress
Monaco
Organised by the Oceanographic Institute of Oceanography
20 - 25th November 2000
For further information email: iac2000monaco@meditnet.com
or write to : Secretariat of the 5th IAC 2000, Oceanographic Institute,
Av.St.Martin, MC 98000 Monaco Tel.: +377-93-25.36.00, Fax :
+377-93-30.90.95.
Ecology and Conservation of Mini-antelope
An international symposium on duiker and dwarf antelope in Africa
Hosted by the Marwell Zimbabwe Trust
12th-17th February 2001
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Contact aplowman@paigntonzoo.org.uk for further info
************************************************************************
Help Wanted
Need assistance? You could try Zoo Biology, it is probably your best bet
for animal information. However ZooNews Digest reaches more like minded
people, more often than any other similar publication on the planet! So
you could try here. Let me know and I will post it.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
My name is Alice Munzarova and I study at the Institute of Anthropology at
the Faculty of Science, Masaryk University at Brno in Czech republic. I
am 23 years old, and I write my diploma thesis. The name of thesis is:
Flexion creases on the palm of primates and human. My tutor is Doc. MUDr.
Vladimir Novotny, CSc. and consultant is Ing. RNDr. Ludek J. Dobroruka.
The subject of my thesis is variability of flexion creases on the palm by
primates in dependence of locomotion and by human in dependence of one
sided loading of hand (for example by violinist). I am looking for primate
palm prints or photographs of a palms. I am particularily interested in
these genera: Gorilla, Pan, Pongo, Symphalangus and Hylobates. I beg of
you for help. I hope it would be possible and you could help me. Can you
write me, that you have some photographs in your archive, or that you can
make for me palm prints or photoes? Or when you can tell me some
instruction and so on. Thank you very much for your answer, Yours very
sincerely Alice.
My address is: Alice Munzarova alice@sci.muni.cz
Vinarska 5/A1
603 00 BRNO
Czech republic
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Dear All,
I have been asked by a colleague in Japan to check on the effectiveness of
sponsorship/adoption schemes in zoos and aquariums. Do you know of any
articles dealing with this issue and, if so, can you point me in the right
direction? Are you aware of any studies as to the effectiveness of such
schemes? Is there any data to suggest an increase in zoo attendance after
the introduction of such schemes? Is there any evidence of visitors
becoming more "animal aware" if on such a scheme
All information will be passed on. I thank you in anticipation of your
kind co-operation.
Peter
************************************************************************
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