1. 75 ANIMAL KEEPERS* FORUM. 635 S.W. Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606-2066 JULY 1997 Phone: 1-800-242-4519 (U.S.) 1-800-468-1966 (Canada) FAX 913-273-1980 twt « Vol. 24, No. 7 Managing Editor: Susan D. Chan • Associate Editors/Enrichment Options Coordinators: Kayla Grams, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum & Gretchen Ziegler, Sequoia Paik Zoo • Book Review Coordinator: Andrea Bemee, Chaffee Zoological Garden • Legislative Outlook Column Coordinator: Georgann B, Johnston, Sacramento, CA. • ABC's Column Coordinator: Diana Guerrero, San Diego, CA • Reactions Column Coordinator: William K. Baker, Jr., Lufkin, TX Animal Keepers’ Forum (ISSN 0164-9531) is a monthly journal of the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. Ten dollars of each membership fee goes toward the annual publication costs of Animal Keepers’ Forum . Third Class postage paid at Topeka, KS. Postmaster - Please send address changes to: American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc., Administrative Offices, 635 S.W. Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606-2066 - attn: Barbara Manspeaker, Administrative Secretary AAZK Executive Director; Ed Hansen, AAZK, Inc., Topeka KS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ric Urban, Houston Zoological Garden, Houston, TX 77030 Diane Callaway, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, Omaha, NE 68107-2200 Janet McCoy, Metro Washington Park Zoo, Portland, OR 97221-2799 Marilyn Cole, Box 335, Pickering, Ontario, Canada LIV 2R6 Lucy Segerson, North Carolina Zoological Park, Asheboro, NC 27203-9416 David Luce, Chaffee Zoological Gardens of Fresno, Fresno, CA 93728-2891 Michael Illig, Metro Washington Park Zoo, Portland, OR 97221-2799 President Vice President Immediate Past President COMMITTEES Nominations& Elections Chair - Sheri Leavitt, Houston Zoo Conservation. Preservation & Restoration Grants Chair - Brett Sellers, Metro Washington Park Zoo Annual Conferences Coordinator - Ed Hansen, AAZK, Inc. Awards Chair - Janet McCoy, Metro Washington Park Zoo MEMBERSHIP SERVICES L.I.N.K. Coordinator Mark de Denus, Assiniboine Park Zoo Asst. L.I.N.K. Coordinator Wayne Hazlett, Milwaukee County Zoo AAZK Historian Mark Levin, Philadelphia Zoo International Outreach - Jeanette Beranger, Roger Williams Park Zoo (Chair/Coordinator Intemationsl Assistance); Martha Turnbull - Co-Chair); Kathy Kelly, Silver Springs, MD - Project M.A.R.C. (Making A Realistic Contribution); Lynda Roberts, Riverbanks Zoo (Materials Assistance) By-laws Jeffrey Phillips, North Carolina Zoo Ethics Janet McCoy, Metro Washingto Park Zoo Re.$.earch/Grants Farshid Mehrdadfar, Metro Washington Park Zoo Marketing Resources/Development David Luce, Chaffee Zoological of Fresno Animal Data Transfer Form Bemie Feldman, Bumet Park Zoo Zoo University List Mike Illig, Metro Washington Park Zoo Enrichment Committee Dianna Frisch, Columbus Zoo PRESroENTIAL ADVISORS/LIAISONS AZA Liaison Janet McCoy, Metro Washington Park Zoo Bowling for Rhinos Patty Pearthree, Indianapolis, IN Zqq Registrars Association Terry Fisher, San Antonio Zoo AZAP, Liaison Mary Jo Binkley, Franklin Park, IL AZH Liaison Virginia Wall, North Carolina Zoo Elephant Managers Association Liaison Marie Galloway, National Zoo CAZPA Liaison Oliver Claffey, Metro Toronto Zoo Int'l Marine Mammals Trainers Association Dave Force, Sea World of California ALZPA Liaison Alberto Mendoza, Houston Zoological Gardens AAZK PUBLICATIONS - CONTINUING DATA COLLECTION Zoo Infant Development Project - Teri Maas-Anger/Maggie Liguori, Philadelphia Zoo (Birds/Nonpasserines); Jennifer Hackshaw, Lowry Park Zoo and Suzanne Chacon, Zoo Aves (Birds/passerines); Jeanne Stevens, Newark Museum Mini-Zoo (Reptiles); Linelle Smith, Denver Zoo (Amphibians) Incubation Notebook Project - Scott Tidmus, Sedgewick County Zoo, Wichita, KS printed on recycled paper with vegetable-based ink products ^dhle of Contents Information for Contributors/About the Cover. 282 Scoops & Scuttlebutt... 283 Message from the Executive Director. 284 Coming Events... 285 AAZK Announces New Members 286 ABC's Column: Behavior Evaluation Tips 288 - 289 Bare Donkey Born in Ohio ....290 Viewpoint. . .Keeping the Faith 291 - 292 Greetings from Hoser and Elvis 293 Reactions Column: Precautions for Animal Shipment/Transfer. .294 - 296 M. A. R. C. " A Low Tech Solution to a Worldwide Problem 297 - 304 Do You Recycle? (A Survey) 305 Enrichment Options (Cricket Feeder) 306 - 307 Enrichment Notebook Order Form 308 The Captive Maintenance of the Indian Monitor. 309 - 313 Cotton-Top Tamarin Husbandry Manual. 313 First Breeding in North America of South Georgia Pintail 314 ■ 315 Bowling for Rhinos T-Shirt Available ...315 Legislative Update ...316 - 319 Animal Behavioral Enrichment and Public Perception... 320 - 321 Book Reviews (Animals: Our Return to Wholeness; Ecophysiology of Desert Arthropods and Reptiles; Secrets of the Nest: The Family Life of North American Birds.. 322 - 324 Opportxmity Knocks 325 - 328 Conference *97 Houston (Registration/Fee Schedule; Pre- and Post- Conference Trip Info; Hotel Registration Forms).... GOLD INSERT Conference Trip Info; Hotel Registration Forms).... GOLD INSERT About the Cover..... This month’s cover features Cathy, a African lion (Panthera leo) that resides at the Oakland Zoo, Oakland, CA and was drawn hy Amy Burgess, a keeper at that facility. The lion has at least nine distinct vocalizations. The roar, which may he heard hy people from up to five miles away, is usually given at sundown, then again after a kill and after eating. It apparently has a territorial function. The lion also proclaims terriroty hy scent marking through urination, defecation and head-ruhhing through brush. Lions live in family prides made up of related females and their offspring to which one or two males, oftentimes brothers, are attached. The males are usually only a true part of the pride during mating and remain to protect the territory and the cubs while they are very young. The cubs hunt with their parents after six months of age, but are not fully adult for six years. Thanks, Amy! Information for Contributors Animal Keepers’ Forum publishes original papers and news items of interest to the animal keeping profession. Non-members are welcome to submit articles for consideration. Articles should be typed or hand-printed and double-spaced. Articles may be submitted on disk by arrangement with the Editor. All illustrations, graphs, charts and tables should be clearly marked, in final form and should fit in a page size no greater than 5.5” x 8.5” (14cm x 22cm). Literature used should be cited in the text (Brown, 1986) and alphabetically in the final bibliography. Avoid footnotes. Include scientific name (as per ISIS) the first time an animal name is used. Thereafter use common name. Use metric system for weights and measurements (standard equivalents may be noted in parenthesis). Use the continental dating system (day-month-year). Times should be listed as per the 24- hour clock (0800, 1630 hrs. etc.). Glossy finish black and white photos only are accepted. Color slides should be converted to black and white prints (minimum size 3” X 5” [8cm X 14cm] ) before submission. Clearly marked captions should accompany photos. Please list photo credit on back of photo. Articles sent to Animal Keepers ’ Forum will be reviewed by the editorial staff for publication. Articles of a research or technical nature will be submitted to one or more of the zoo professionals who serve as referees for AKF. No commitment is made to the author, but an effort will be made to publish articles as soon as possible. Lengthy articles may be separated into monthly installments at the discretion of the editor. The editor reserves the right to edit material without consultation unless approval is requested in writing by the author. Materials submitted will not be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed, appropriately-sized envelope. Telephone and FAX contributions of late-breaking news or last-minute insertions are accepted as space allows. However, long articles must be sent by U.S. mail. Phone 1-800-242-4519 (US); 1-800-468- 1966 (Canada); FAX (913) 273-1980. Deadline for each regular issue is the 10th of the preceding month. Dedicated issues may have separate deadline dates and will be noted by the editor. Articles printed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the AKF staff or the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. Publication does not indicate endorsement by the Association. Items in this publication may be reprinted providing credit to this publication is given and a copy of the reprinted material is forwarded to the editor. Reprints of material appearing in this journal may be ordered from the editor. Back issues are available for $3.00 each. 282 Animal Keepers* Forum, Vol. 24, No. 7, 1997 <£ Scuttlebutt Enrichment Committee Has Opening The AAZK Enrichment Commitee announces that there is an available open position on the committee. Interested individuals may apply by letter stating their interest in the position and how they would like to contribute to helping the committee achieve its goals of providsing support and networking throughout the zoo community. Send letters of interest to: Dianna Frisch, Chair, 7731 Whitneyway Dr., Worthington, OH 43085. AAZK Acknowledges Donations to Association The AAZK Board of Directors and the staff of the Administrative Offices wish to thank the following Chapters for their donations: South Florida Chapter donated $275.00 to the general operating fund and the North Carolina Chapter donated $200.00 to the general operating fund. Continuing support by Chapters and individual AAZK members allows the Association to continue its financial recovery and makes the projects and programs of AAZK, Inc. possible. We sincerely appreciate this support. Three Elected to AAZK Board in National Election Nominations and Election Chair Sheri Leavitt, Houston Zoo, has announced the results of the 1997 AAZK Board of Directors election. Reelected to a second four-year term was Ric Urban, Houston Zoo; elected to their first four-year terms were Scott M. Wright, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, and Jacque Blessington, Kansas City Zoo. These individuals will assume their Board duties at the close of the 1997 AAZK National Conference in Houston this October. Of the 1,495 ballots mailed to Professional members, 441 were returned in proper order and were tabulated by Shelly A. Smith, CPA, Friendswood, TX. Janet McCoy and Michael Illig, both of Metro Washington Park Zoo, Portland, OR, will be retiring from the AAZK Board of Directors at the close of the Houston Conference. Change of Address? Members Take Note Please be aware that it is your responsibility to notify Administrative Offices as soon as possible of any change in your mailing address. Because the Animal Keepers' Forum is mailed nonprofit, bulk rate it is not guaranteed to be forwarded to your new address. Only First Class mail is routinely forwarded. While an address correction request from the Post Office is made for all AKFs mailed out, it may take several months before that address correction reaches our office. In the meantime, you will miss those issues of the journal. These missing issues will not be sent to you gratis if you have not submitted a timely change of address, but they are available for purchase at $3.00 per copy. Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 24, No. 7, 1997 283 JVlessage from the executive Director I am old. I have been a member of this Association for almost 18 years (which makes a lot of you older). I joined as an Affiliate member, back when I was a volunteer, hoping someday to get a job in the zoo and now, I have been in this profession long enough to have considered and discarded many career change opportunities. I have watched friends come and go, solved a couple of problems and probably even created a few. So, I’m entitled to reminisce before senility strikes. Every once in a while, it is healthy, even fun, to reflect. When I looked back on AAZK, I saw a struggling membership organization striving to be on the same playing field with the big boys and girls. We chose to emulate AAZPA (AZA), AAZV and others, mirroring their methods and setting our goals, on our own level, but pointed slowly upwards knowing (hoping) that in time we would reach the top of the same learning curve. Know what? We’re very, very close. When I looked back, I saw at times, attempts to bring the goals of this Association into sharp focus for the membership. Those dedicated attempts usually suffered failure and were replaced by the need to avoid financial starvation and collapse. Not anymore. We are in the first year of a three-year program to ensure the financial stability of the Association and the light at the end of the tunnel ... well it isn’t so dim an3anore. When I looked back, I saw membership apathy and confusion about where AAZK is heading. We continue to work on this, and what we have done, and will continue to do, is place the burden right back on your shoulders. If you want something, you have to tell us. The Board has recently drafted a five-year visionary statement, taking membership input euid charting areas where we need focus for the future. When you have the opportunity to look this statement over, please do. I really would like to improve on the two-way dialogue with the membership. As I have said so many times before - it’s your Association. Make an old man happy. 284 Animal Keepers* Forum, VoL 24, No. 7, 1997 Coming fzvents A7A Annual Conference - September 14- 18, 1997 - Albuquerque, NM. For further information contact Terry Axline, Albuquerque Biological Park, 903 Tenth St., S.W., Albuquerque, NM 87102 (505) 764-6200. Annual Conference of the Association of Zoological Horticulture - September 25-October 1, 1997. Pre-conference tour choices (9/26/97) include a Horticultural & Historial Tour of Galveston or An Offshore Fishing Excursion. Post-conference tour(10/ 2&3/97) is a trip down Village Creek in the Big Thicket National Preserve and Village Creek State Park. For further information contact Gary Outenreach, Horticulture Exhibit Manager, Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd., Galveston, TX 77554 (800) 582-4673, ext. 271. Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians - September 27-October 2, 1997, Asheboro, NC. Hosted by the North Carolina Zoological Park. For conference or membership information contact: Jenni Jenkins, LVT, AZVT Secretary, National Aquarium in Baltimore, Pier 3, 501 E. Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21202, (410) 659-4256. AAZK National Conference - October 5- 9, 1997 in Houston, TX. Watch the Forum for information or contact Christine Smith or Ric Urban at the Houston Zoo, 1513 North MacGregor, Houston, TX 77030; (713) 520-3200. Third International Conference on Environmental Enrichment - October 12-17, 1997 in Orlando, FL. For further information contact Thad Lacinak, Sea World, Inc., 7007 Sea World Dr., Orlando, FL 32821 (407) 363-2651. American Association of Zoo Veterinarians Annual Conference - October 26-30, 1997 in Houston, TX at the Sheraton Astrodome. For conference information contact: Wilbur Armand, VMD, Executive Director/AAZV,6 North Pennell Rd., Media, PA 19063; Phone (610) 358- 9530; Fax (610) 892-4813. The 25th Annual Conference of the International Marine Animal Trainers Association - October 26-31, 1997 in Baltimore, MD. Hosted by the National Aquarium in Baltimore. For further information, contact Tim Sullivan, Brookfield Zoo, Seven Seas, 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513; (708) 485-0263, ext. 464, fax: (708) 485-3532; e-mail: tsulli@manta.nosc.mil. 18th Annual Elephant Managers Association Workshop - November 1-4, 1997 in Fort Worth, TX. For further information contact Steve Clarke, Fort Worth Zoo, 1989 Colonial Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76110; phone (817) 871-7415; fax (817) 871-7012. ChimpanZoo Annual Conference - November 15-19, 1997 in Little Rock, AR. For further information contact Mark Hartmann, Ph.D., Dept, of Sociology- Anthropology, University of Arkansas, 2801 So. University Ave., Little Rock, AR 72204; phone (501) 569-3176; or e-mail MAHARTMANN@UALA.EDU THE GOURMET RODENT RATS AND MICE Bill & Marcia Brant 6115 SW 137th Avenue Archer, FL 32618 (352) 495-9024 FAX (352) 495-9781 e-mail: GrmtRodentdaol.com ^ All Rights Reserved Animal Keepers' Forum, VoL 24, No. 7, 1997 285 New & Renewing AAZK Professional/lnetitutional/Contributing Members New Professional Members New Contributing Members Gail L. Rice, Beardsley Zoo (CT); Donald J. Boyle III, Staten Island Zoo (NY); Danielle A. Wurst, Erie Zoological Gardens (PA); David E. Williamson, Salisbury Zoological Park (MD); Erin Van Lieu, Virginia Living Museum (VA); Tina Blevins, Zoo World (FL); Julie M. Poppell, Riverbanks Zoo (SC); Brian E. Moore, Santa Fe Community College Teaching Zoo (FL); Vicki Sikorski, Discovery Island (FL); Sandi Redlich and Teresa Blouin, Miami Metro Zoo (FL); Kerry A. Giersher, Avicultural Breeding & Research Center (FL); Peggy Gann, Knoxville Zoo (TN); Joanne Luyster, Louisville Zoo (KY); David L. Frederick, Columbus Zoo (OH); Robin Harkins, Brookfield Zoo (IL); Shelly Brandt, Binder Park Zoo (lA); Billie Reeves, Wilderness Kingdom Zoo (lA); Eugenia Haynes, Dallas Zoo (TX); Paula Kolvia, Moody Gardens (TX); Caroline Crowley, Ross Park Zoo (ID); and Roger Alink, New Mexico Wildlife Association (NM). Need to Reach AAZK? 1-800-242-4519 (U. S.) 1-800-468-1966 (Canada) FAX: (913) 273-1980 or write AAZK, Inc. 635 S.W. Gage Blvd. Topeka, KS 66606-2066 U.S.A. Harold Wahlquist, US. Fish & Wildlife Service, Atlanta, GA Renewing Contributing Members Kathy De Falco, Volunteer, San Diego Zoo, San Diego, CA John Bretton, San Diego Zoo, San Diego, CA Renewing Institutional Members Discovery Island, Lake Buena Vista, FL CORRECTION: Last month's Professional Membership listing should have shown Jen Holmes at the Jacksonville Zoological Garden (FL). Our apologies for the typo. Administrative Office Staff Barbara Manspeaker - Administrative Secretary Susan Chan - Managing Editor AKF Orca - Office Cat Office Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. CDT 286 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 7, 1997 Quality exotic animal diets CJPJprf^T^Dl Tim Nutritionally balanced ILJO 1 l\UlVl Fixed formulation • Economical When you need a complete line of high-quality dry and frozen animal diets for your feeding program, call Animal Spectrum. NKBRASKA BRAND S i SPECTRUM BROOD-RITE HEATERS Frozen feline diets Frozen bird of prey diets Frozen canine diet Chunk and chopped horsemeat, hearts, livers, rib, shank, knuckle bones, and tailbones Banana flavored psittacine/primate, 20% protein dry Banana flavored primate, Pro-Plus 25% protein dry Leaf Eater primate dry Omnivore dry Marmoset/T amarin dry Polar Bear dry Ratite dry Bulbless heaters— nothing to break Safe around all animals and bedding material. Even heat distribution in 240, 500, or 750 wattages. One call does It all FREE 1-800-228-4005 FAX 308-534-7015 Animal Spectrum, Inc. P.O. Box 721 North Platte, NE 69103-0721 ABC ^ Animal Behavior Concerns & Solutions A Question and Answer Forum for the Zoo Professional Py Diana Guerrero. Independent Dehavior Consultant, Ark Animals of California, San Die^o, CA COMMENT/QUESTION Thanks for all the help and time you spent with us on our behavior question. It might be useful to others if you included some of the questions you asked us on our evaluation in the ABC’S Column. We think it would be of benefit to other institutions if you did. ANSWER Thanks for the continued questions and positive comments/feedback! I will call this month’s column: What information to provide to asure a beneficial evaluation! EVALUATION TIPS: Knowing what questions to answer is half the battle! Due to space constraints it is not always possible to include some of the questions that are asked or discussed in the fact-finding phase of a behavior evaluation. Providing important information is a must in any evaluation. Here are some general guidelines to assist those of you who need help with scenarios. The more of these questions you provide answers to, in advance, the better and faster the assessment can be. Please remember that all specific items are kept confidential when presented in this column. BEHAVIOR BACKGROUND INFORMATION 1) briefly describe problem 2) the age of the animal when the problem was first observed 3) how long the problem has been in existence 4) where it occurs and with which conspecifics 5) what particular situation it occurs in 6) frequency 7) how you have attempted to correct it 8) other things you think are important to know HUMAN INFORMATION Name of persons working on this problem: Mailing address of institution (Street or P. O. Box): City: State: Zip Code: Time Zone : P M C E Other Work Phone: ( ) FAX Line: ( ) E-mail: 288 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 7, 1997 other Participants M/F Relationship with animal(s) Time on area 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Does anyone have any behavior experience? Y N If yes, who? Has anyone ever attended a training program or behavior seminar before? Y N If Yes, who conducted the program or seminar? When? INFORMATION Please describe the exhibit to the best of your ability: Can the animals be separated from each other? Do they have individual night quarters? Please list the other animals in the exhibit: Name Breed/Species Age Sex Compatibility with If you would like to submit a behavior question/scenario for discussion in this column, please use the guidelines listed above for providing information necessary for such an evaluation. Requests for behavior evaluations should be send to Diana Guerrero a t Ark Animals, Inc., P. O. Box 1154, Escondido, CA 92033-1154 or directed to her e-mail address listed below. About the Author: Since 1978 Diana has been active both in the U S. and England working with zoos, private collections, an oceanarium, a marine aquarium, and other animal-related organizations involving captive wildlife. She has a broad base of animal experience involving movie & television training, zookeeping, show performances with live animals, education, behavior management, modification and enrichment, rescue and rehabilitation as well as captive breeding and management of endangered species. She is currently working as an Animal Behavior Consultant and Trainer with both exotic and domestic animals, she has authored numerous articles on animal behavior and training. If you have questions for Diana, you may contact her at 1-800-818-7387 or via the email listed below. NOTE: The Ark Animals' Website has completed the change to Electronic Magazine Format. The 'Ezine” features articles related to captive animal behavior, enrichment, conservation, and similar topics. The publisher welcomes electronically submitted articles (previously published or new work). Deadline is the 10th of the month previous to publishing. Interested parties may contact the publisher at E-mail: arkabc@arkanimals.com Website address is http:! / www.arkanimals.com Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 7, 1997 289 Rare Donkey Bom in Ohio submitted by Joan Druyor, Senior Mammal Curator, African Safari Wildlife Park, Port Clinton, OH On 28 March 1997, African Safari Wildlife Park experienced the first birth of a Poitou donkey foal {Equus ssp.). The filly, named Paris, is the daughter of Bridgette, and weighed in at 33.18kg (73 lbs.) and stands 135cm tall (4.43 ft.). The Poitou donkey is one of the rarest domestic donkey breeds in captivity. The largest of all donkeys, an adult stands 15-17 hands tall (60-68 in.) and weighs in at well over 1,000 pounds (454kg). The Poitou also possesses the largest ears and the loudest bray of any donkey breed. Aside from its large size, the Poitou is most recognizable for its long, shaggy coat, which, when ungroomed, forms dreadlocks that hang to the ground. The Poitou’s temperment is friendly, affectionate and docile. The youngsters are shaggy and look almost like they’re not real because their wool completely covers the entire body, including the face and ears. The Poitou donkey has historically been a rare breeds due to several reasons. First, the ancient breeders highly prized the animals and refused to sell any of them to outside parties, thereby creating their own monopoly. Secondly, the breeding practices and husbandry of the Poitou during ancient times was full of bizarre practices such as keeping male animals in dark stalls for their entire lives, only releasing them to breed. In turn, the animals did not fare well and, if a female became pregnant, the offpsring usually did not survive, or lived only a short time. Current animal husbandry practices have helped to increase the number of Poitou donkeys. 290 Animal Keepers* Forum, Vol 24, No. 7, 1997 Viewpoint Keeping the Faith By Patricia Hainley, Zoo Keeper Ellen Trout Zoo, Lufkin, TX I remember the first career day presentation I gave as a zoologist, and those first graders changed my life forever. I realized that I had become a "celebrity” by virtue of my chosen profession, and that I had a very important role to play as an environmental educator. Those kids were fascinated by the fact that I was a dolphin trainer and also Lauren’s mom. I was overwhelmed with the power and respect given to me by everyone in the room. I was a role model for children and adults alike, and I had a responsibility to meet the demands of the public in a professional manner. During the next two years I was recognized again and again by people who had seen our dolphin show. Even today, four years after our show ended and I am living in another city, I was recognized last week by someone who remembered the show. I know now that the "celebrity status” wasn’t because our show was that good or even because we were located inside an extremely popular amusement park, but rather because our show had real dolphins with which people could interact. At the time. Rowan and Cherie were the only performing Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in Texas. They were the celebrities and, as their trainers, we were too. Dolphins are creatures that for centuries have fascinated and captivated the human race. I feel extremely fortunate that I was able to interact with such an incredible species in my first professional experience working with animals. I had daily opportunities that most people only dream about, and those dolphins became my best friends. That was the best job I ever had - unfortunately, I didn’t know it at the time. Today I have to make a conscious effort not to let history repeat itself in this respect. Zookeeping is a profession that attracts a variety of people for a variety of reasons. Lots of people are aware from a young age what their professional goals are, and groom themselves with a formal education to reach those goals. This may or may not include a species-specific field of study or research agenda. The opportunity to play an active role in planetary conservation attracts others. I happened to fall into the field by simply being in the right place at the right time, which happens frequently. Still others choose to work outdoors with animals rather than inside an office building with other people. The reasons for entering the profession are just as diverse as the reasons for staying. Zoo Keepers are an inherently distinctive group of professionals - a fact to which my family can attest! As such, like speaks to like, and, once integrated into the subculture, many people feel at home. Although people may change institutions. Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 24, No. 7, 1997 291 most will remain in the field of zoology. The opportunities for research projects and conservation studies are limitless, and provide avenues for outside interests. The public can be both a blessing and a curse, and zookeeping allows an individual to regulate the amount of interaction depending on their personal preference. However, it is the self-reinforcing, self-rewarding aspect of zookeeping that holds most people in the profession. Working in a zoo is an extremely physically demanding job that requires self-discipline, self-motivation, and independent thinking. It is good, honest, hard work that provides the opportimities for direct and indirect animal interactions. The satisfaction in knowing that, due to my actions, a difference has been made for the better in an animal’s quality of life, allows me to sleep very well at night. Unfortunately, the reality of any profession is that there are always factors that interfere with the accomplishments and satisfaction of the day-to-day job. Zookeeping is no exception. I have seen too many good, motivated, idealistic, dedicated and professional keepers become dissatisfied, unmotivated, and disgruntled due to the inherent politics of a city-run institution. Perhaps if everyone took the time in their daily routine to “foster the wonder”, then maybe positive attitudes would be more prevalent. I am acutely aware that sometimes it is difficult to focus on the positive, but it is those times I remind myself how lucky I am. I have the daily opportunity to interact with at least ten endangered species, and to participate in at least five SSP’s. I am working on the front line in the war for planetary conservation. I may not be bringing home a l8u*ge paycheck, but there are parts of my job that I would gladly do for free. I am empowered by my chosen profession and am a respected member of the community. I remember why I stayed in this field for the last six years and vow never to take any of it for granted again. As professionals we must accept the things we cannot change, but work to change the things we can. We must all start within ourselves, for our attitude affects all those around us. Life is too short, and this job too demanding, not to be proud of what we do. The challenge is to find a way to focus all the negative energy into a positive and constructive manner. Take time to “foster the wonder” - it is the single most important step in keeping the faith. (The Viewpoint column offers our readers the opportunity to express their opinions on ideas and events related to zoos and zookeeping. Opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those ofAKF or AAZK, Inc. It is at the Editor's discretion whether or not to place a submission in this column.) 292 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 7, 1997 Houston. &(pect the QClexpected GREAHR HOUSTON CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU Happy Fourth of July! Elvis anJ Hoser hope everything is going well with you'all. 5ee you in October! Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 7, 1997 293 ^ £ /{ C r / 0 £ £ By William K. Baker, Jr, Zoologist Lupiin, TX QUESTION What precautions should staff members take in advance of a dangerous animal transfer or shipment? COMMENTS The care and management of dangerous animals in captivity requires specialized skills. This would include animal management, concentration, communication, and teamwork. The same can be said for the transfer and shipping of dangerous animals. Always stay with established procedures and avoid personal interpretation. Examples of this would include: ‘T know what the procedures are, but, this way is faster” or “It’s always been done this way”. Procedures for handling dangerous animals are usually designed to protect the staff and the animals. If a problem exists, then it should be addressed at the departmental level to effect a change in policy. Still, there are some general guidelines to follow when preparing to move dangerous animals. DANGEROUS ANIMALS 1. Animal - Learn to recognize species-specific behaviors and what they mean, (i.e., primary signs of aggression). Also, each individual animal has its own unique personality that will set it apart from other animals in the collection. It’s important to review animal and medical records to establish if the animal has any particulars that might affect a move. This would include a history of escapes or problem sedations. In short, know your animal. 2. Technique - The species type will to a great extent determine what method is chosen to move an animal. But, the animal history should be taken into account when deciding which technique to use. If the animal has a history of aggression and escapes then the best choice may be to use a dart rifle for the sedation. For larger specimens that are simply difficult to move, a standing sedation may be aui alternative. Another option is the use of operant conditioning to desensitize 294 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 7, 1997 an animal to the transfer process. In some situations this may even eliminate the need for a sedation altogether. 3. Equipment - This is probably one of the most overlooked areas when it comes to moving animals. It is absolutely imperative that the equipment be inspected, tested, and repaired before it is used for a dangerous animal. This would include: A. Inspect the fittings, bolt assemblies, mesh, and weld points on all holdovers and runways that are to be used. Inspect and test all shift doors and guillotines. Pay special attention to wires, pulleys, and counterweights. Make repairs and replace worn locks as needed. B. Inspect and test manual and hydraulic squeezes. Look for stress points in the metal, tighten all loose parts, and replace all damaged parts with new ones. Lubricate all moving parts and hydraulics. Always make sure that all controls are out of reach of the animal and weld sheet steel over obvious gaps that the animal could utilize for contact. C. Shipping crates should be animal-specific. Crates should be stored properly inside a building or warehouse to prevent weathering. Before a crate is used it should be closely inspected. Tighten all fittings and remove sharp edges from the interior. Use light to your advantage in the inspection process. Check the exterior and interior with a flashlight or close the crate with someone inside to check for gaps, (hopefully your fellow zoo keepers will let you back out!). If there are any doubts about the strength or stability of a crate, don’t use it. D. Many shippers and institutions use trailers that have been customized or designed for exotic animals. These are especially popular for hoofstock applications. Always inspect every square inch of a trailer for wear, loose fittings, and safety hazards. Personally, I prefer the double containment of a crate inside of the cargo area of a truck box for safety reasons. But, the important thing to remember is to never use a domestic stock trailer for exotics. It’s unsafe, impractical, and downright dangerous. 4. Animal Care Animals should have access to food and water if they are to be in transit for an extended period of time (more than 24 hours). Expect the water intake to increase in direct proportion to the degree of stress. Always watch for indications of severe stress or myopathy. If possible a veterinary technician and a familiar zoo keeper should accompany the animal during transit. It’s a good policy to send along a portion of the current diet for the new facility to use in acclimating the animal to a diet conversion. Also, make sure that all paperwork (including ADT Form), health certificates, permits, and routing numbers are in order before shipment. Any of these can easily tie an animal up in red tape and increase transit time. Conduct transfers early in the day to provide a time buffer and avoid heat stress. Animal Keepers' Forum, VoL 24, No. 7, 1997 295 5. Crisis Management Precautions Plan for contingencies, escapes, and injuries. It usually never happens, but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. If the animal has a background of aggression or escapes, it would be advisable to have extra darts or back-up dart rifles ready. Serious consideration should be given to the presence of an armed response in the event that the situation degrades and human life is threatened. This should be done discreetly and without interfering in the actual animal transfer. Transfers should be conducted early in the day before public hours and while other Zoo Keepers are in their respective work areas, (no sightseers). CONCLUSION Most dangerous animal transfer and transport operations go smoothly with limited risk to animal and staff But, the staff should always be prepared for the unexpected. The best precautions are to use common sense, check everything twice, and go slowly. Always rely on your instincts and stop if something doesn’t look right. Remember to make safety your number one priority. Dangerous animals are just that, dangerous. NEXT MONTH; What precautions can zoo keepers take to make their daily work environment safer? If you would like to submit a question for this column or have comments on previously published material, please send them to: Reactions/AKF, 635 S. W. Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606-2066. (About the author: Since 1985 Bill has been active in the fields of science, zoology and wildlife management. His education and experience include a B.S. in wildlife management and post-graduate studies in zoology, Lab and Museum Assistant, Shoot Team leader, ERT Member, Senior Keeper and Large Mammal Keeper at various AZA facilities. His area of research is crisis management in zoological institutions, which draws upon practical experience and training as a Rescue Diver, Hunter Safety Instructor, NRA Firearms Instructor, and Red Cross CPR / First Aid Instructor. ) CoiMpUtt LiM of Qv< We Sprofessioi\^L SI0OUV W«l> StU iit: aM for fr<« cAtAlo^. VISA, MAst«r CArJ, & Discover cArJs 32514 N« 77tk St. CAri>AtiotN. WA. 98014-670] PUt^<^ (425) 861-7964 Fax (425) 333-4205 296 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 24, No. 7, 1997 M.A.R.C.-A Low Tech Solution to a Worldwide Problem By Kathy Kelly, Silver Springs, MD AAZK International Outreach, Project M.A.R.C. M .A.R.C. (Making A Realistic Contribution) is an international outreach project sponsored by the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. It began as an AAZK Chapter project at the National Zoo, Washington, D. C. (this chapter has since dissolved). M.A.R.C. became so successful in its mission that it is now an official service of AAZK, Inc. M.A.R.C.'s original purpose was to supply free wildlife educational materials specifically to foreign zoos that were operating without the benefit of reference materials. It began, in September 1990, with twelve zoos. Currently M.A.R.C. has provided 34 foreign institutions with wildlife books, journals, scientific articles, wildlife magazines, and baby bottle nipples. M.A.R.C. has expanded to include wildlife sanctuaries, orphanages, nature reserves, wildlife clubs. Fauna Interest Groups, universities, and even an elementary school. These institutions are located in Asia, Africa, Madagascar, Europe, Central and South America. All of the wildlife publications are the result of voluntary donations which require countless hours of sorting, cataloging, tailoring to specific institutions, packing, and mailing the boxes to their intended destinations. The materials are sent via M-bags which travel by boat, as space is available. Surprisingly this method works rather efficiently. It is the least expensive method of mailing and allows me to optimize my postage budget. In most cases I have detailed information about the receiving institution but in other cases I know very little, usually because the request came from someone who visited the foreign institution and reported their need for help. The following information is a summary of the M.A.R.C. institutions to date: Jardin Zoo. Argentina - 35% mammals, 50% birds, 15% reptiles. They are mainly interested in information about Brazilian animals and plants and environmental education. Specifically, they are interested in information about banded mongoose and pygmy hippos. They also wanted to know how to purchase wildlife tee-shirts. They were so pleased with their mailings that they wrote back saying “do not hesitate to ask what you need from us...” and “...We appreciate your efforts to supply us so important tools for our job...” Patagonia. Argentina - Only exhibits indigenous species. Sao Paulo Zoo, Brazil - 40% mammals, 40% birds, 20% reptiles. They are opening an aquarium and are tr3dng to breed geckos. They are also interested in zoo Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 7, 1997 297 educational programs. They responded, “The materials sent to them are being used by zoo staff, visiting biologists, students, and researchers”. “Please accept our warmest thanks for this extraordinary delivery...” They also share the materials with other Brazilian zoos. Sao Leopaldo Zoo. Brazil - 20% mammals, 75% birds, 5% reptiles. They have a veterinary hospital but funding for journal subscriptions was cancelled in 1988. They are also interested in receiving information on: botany, architecture, and agronomy. They responded, “The materials they’ve received are being used by zoo staff, visiting biologists, students, and researchers”. “There is no way I can thank you for all the extraordinary deliveries we have received..., such materials would take us years to purchase by way of regular zoo budget appropriations...” and “... had to move their library to a larger room to accommodate the volume of mailings...” America Zoo. Brazil - This zoo heard about M.A.R.C. through the Brazilian grapevine and contacted me. Their entire focus is aimed at children’s programs to teach conservation. They requested information on plants, animals, and the environment. Their objective is to teach ecology, the importance of conservation, and a respect for nature. San Jose. Costa Rica - 30% mammals, 42% birds, 28% reptiles. They have a veterinarian, two biologists and two educators. Biological Research Station and Natural History Visitor’s Center. Tortuguero. Costa Rica - One of their primary objectives is to study and conserve nesting sea turtles. They are specifically interested in Costa Rican birds, butterflies, mammals, reptiles, and insects. They also requested general information on: tropical ecology, geology, biology, and park systems. They have: 2,000 species of plants, 400 species of trees, 250 species of reptiles and amphibians, 400 species of birds, 97 species of mammals, and 184 species of fish. They responded, “...the materials will help educate and inspire the growing number of researchers, educators, and tourists that visit our compound...” Cuba - Approximately 800 pounds of M.A.R.C. material (mostly journals) were turned over to the Association of Systematics Collections (via Beth Hathaway) to be distributed among Cuban zoos. Tallinn Zoological Gardens. Estonia - Their interests are in: conservation, biodiversity, and wildlife in general. Kumasi Zoological Gardens. Ghana - 40% mammals, 30% birds, 30% reptiles. They are interested in keeper training materials and educational materials. They requested information on reproduction in cervidae, particularly the Royal antelope, a small, relatively undocumented African deer species. I did not have any donated materials on African antelope so I sent them one of my own books which, fortunately, had some information on the Royal antelope. They responded, “...We have started a conservation education program for schools and the response is very encouraging...” 298 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 24, No. 7, 1997 Amazoo. Guatemala - This zoo routinely receives confiscated wildlife in very poor health. In 1990, Amazoo had no medical supplies, keeper tools or equipment, were short-staffed and had virtually no reference materials. Currently they serve as an information center for all Central and South America. They are especially interested in receiving journals. They responded, “...Thanks to your donations our library is growing, and now we have a great variety of books and references for our members.” Guyana - Three hundred pounds of M.A.R.C. materials were turned over to Dr. Lucy Spelman, NZP Associate Veterinarian, who hand-carried the materials to a zoo in Guyana where she, and a team of several other zoo/conservation professionals, spent a few weeks training the zoo staff about wildlife husbandry, veterinary medicine, graphics, wildlife management, behavioral enrichment, animal identification, fund-raising, etc. The hand delivered materials are already housed in the building specifically designated as their zoo library. Point Call mere Wildlife and Birds Sanctuary. India - This sanctuary is reputedly visited by thousands of tourists, scientists, and wildlife experts. The materials they have received are used by staff and are also made available to the sanctuary’s visitors. Arignar Anna Zoological Park. India - This zoo received most of the wildlife materials enclosed in my third mailing to the Point Calimere Sanctuary but whose director was reassigned to initiate a new sanctuary in another location in India. Coimbatore Zoological Park and Conservation Center. India - This institution was being newly created. They are interested in in-situ and ex-situ research and education. They are situated on degraded land adjacent to natural forest and central to many protected areas - their main interest is in conservation education. They responded, “...I opened your boxes so eagerly to see the material and shuddered, that so valuable material and books you have sent us for our library, the materials are highly valuable for our library and for our staff and it was exactly what we were in need of at this stage...” Sri Sai Baba National Junior College. India - This junior college is interested in books on wildlife, medical topics, and pathology. They requested journals on the following topics: veterinary, avian, mammalian, and physical anthropology. They specifically requested copies of Science. American Scientist. Science News. Zoo Life. Natural History, and Audubon (which they know I have available). Jakarta Zoo. Indonesia - 40% mammals, 45% birds, 10% reptiles, 5% amphibians/ fishes. Seoul Grand Park. Korea - 30.5% mammals, 65.9% birds, 3.6% reptiles, and have 20 groups of 20 species of insects. They specialize in lowland gorillas. Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 24, No. 7, 1997 299 orangutans, chimps, and cranes. They requested information on: starting a natural history museum and breeding/management/feeding and disease treatment of wild animals. Madagascar - About 400 pounds of M.A.R.C. materials were turned over to the Madagascar Fauna Group (via Dean Gibson) to be distributed among zoos in Madagascar. The Wildlife Society of Malawi. Blantvre. Malawi - They have a large network of wildlife clubs. They offer presentations (videos and slide shows) about wildlife and its importance (they also offer visits to protected areas). They encourage club members to become involved in local conservation projects. They also have community outreach programs to teach indigenous peoples how to live near, and with, native wildlife. These programs involve drama, song, videos, discussions, and park visits. They teach activities such as: beekeeping, harvesting grass (for thatching roofs), and fruit harvesting. Their aim is to help communities realize the value of protected areas to the native people. All the MjV.R.C. materials are available to Government departments. Park Zoologique National de Rabat. Morocco: 37% mammals, 60% birds, 3% reptiles. They specialize in Waldrap ibis, Dorcas gazelle and Gazella cuvieri. They expressed interest in staff exchange and are in desperate need of medical supplies. They responded, “...On my own behalf and on the behalf of the staff of our Zoological Garden, I am delighted to thank you very much for undertaking such action...” Animal Orphanage. Nairobi. Kenya - The orphanage receives no funding. They need basic information on inexpensive exhibit design, wildlife natural diets and comparable captive diets, hand-rearing information and conservation education. The materials they have received are housed at the African Wildlife Foundation’s library where they are available to a wide audience. They responded, “...the rangers who run the orphanage really feel appreciated and respected now for what they do...” and “...Everyone wants to thank you and AAZK for the generosity of giving such a superb collection of books and magazines to the Animal Orphanage. Everything is interesting and valuable...” Zoological Gardens. Lahore. Pakistan - 23% mammals, 72% birds, 5% reptiles. They specialize in breeding primates, snakes, antelopes, deer, llama, zebras, peafowls, and pheasants. Their collection consists of: felines, antelopes, deer, giraffes, zebra, bears, primates, rhino, hippo, elephant, llama, yaks, peafowls, pheasants, vulturine, crown pigeons, waterfowl, pigeons, ostriches, cassowarys, emus, crocodiles, gavials, and snakes. They are interested in receiving publications on: veterinary medicine, animals, capture techniques, breeding, diets, £md restraint (manual and medical) of wild animals. They responded, “...thanks for the pheasant books donated for our upcoming breeding program...”, and “...I have no words to express my gratitude for sending me a really instructive literature on medicine and surgery of South American camelids...” 300 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 24, No. 7, 1997 Parque de las Levendas. Lima. Peru - 47% mammals, 36% birds, 16% reptiles. They specialize in South American species, i.e., spectacled bears, Humbolt penguins, vicunas, and Andean condors. Their park is divided into three areas: mountain, tropical forest, and coast or central area, representing the native animals of Peru from these three regions. They also have a small aquarium. The expressed interest in: zoo diets, exhibit design and wildlife management, veterinary and botanical information. Zoologico Universidad CUSCO. Peru - This university has a small zoo (which is expanding) on its premises. They have: 15 species of mammals, 50 species of birds, and two species of reptiles. They specialize in Andean and Cloud forest animals and they have an education program (for adults and children). They exhibit: spectacled bears, pumas, ocelot, jaguar, spider monkeys, owl monkeys, capuchins, coati, opossum, small cats, Andean condors, vultures, owls, falcons, and Andean reptiles. Antony Taggart. Miami. Florida (for Jefe de Zoologica del CTO. Peru) - Antony was originally a keeper in Australia but after he worked at this zoo in Peru he was so moved by their need for intervention that he decided to dedicate all of his energies to finding aid for this zoo. The zoo actually functions more as a sanctuary for indigenous wildlife that has been confiscated from poachers for illegal wildlife trafficking. The collection includes: wolly monkeys, marmosets, tamarins, capuchins, squirrel monkeys, ocelot, margay, puma, jaguar, coati, giant otters, tapir, peccary, squirrels, capybara, agouti, grisson, turtles, tortoises, boas, anaconda, caiman, amazon parrots, macaws, parakeets, toucan, herons, simbittem, guan, and various fish. Antony hand-carried about 400 pounds of MA..R.C. materials to this zoo to ensure that they arrived intact. Parque da Quinta da Boa Vista. Rio de Janeiro - Their collection includes: opossum, kangaroos, bats, marmosets, tamarins, capuchins, howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, spider monkeys, sakis, owl monkeys, hamadryas baboons, vervet monkeys, rhesus macaques, mandrill, orangutan, chimps, sloths, armadillo, squirrels, porcupines, mara, acuochi, agouti, tayra, grison, otter, hyena, puma, ocelot, jaguarundi, Geoffrey’s cat, jaguar, tiger, lion, serval, jungle cat, Asian elephant, pony, zebra, tapir, white rhino, peccary, hippo, camels, alpaca, Sambar deer, giraffe, bullock, eland, nyala, blackbucks, and auodad. They are interested in veterinary and biology topics; they have an environmental education and research center, and are interested in herbivore diets. This zoo was especially grateful for the baby bottle nipples which allowed them to successfully hand-rear a set of mountain lion twins whose mother had no milk after giving birth. Nature Reserve. Russia Far East - This nature reserve works with the Russian Dept, of Education. Their combined mission is to collaborate with other nature reserves and the school system to expand environmental awareness in the community. Their duties include: promoting ecotourism, designing an environmental resource center, completing an ecological museum, and developing a children’s ecology group. They are working with the Peace Corps and feel that Animal Keepers* Forum, Vol 24, No 7, 1997 301 lack of education is the weak link in developing a sustainable approach to conservation in their region. They responded, “We believe these resources will truly benefit our efforts to increase environmental awareness in our community. We plan on using them as teaching aides during lectures and activities when school starts. Also, several people are using the materials to help improve their English abilities...” Seychelles Wildlife Clubs. Seychelles - Their prime objective is to educate young people about conservation of biodiversity. Their interests include: tropical biodiversity, conservation management, marine and coastal conservation, and environmental education. Forest Gardens Program. Polonnaruwa. Sri Lanka - This is a nature reserve that received about 400 pounds of wildlife materials. Johannesburg Zoological Gardens. South Africa - 42% mammals, 51% birds, 7% reptiles. They responded, “...Even though we find the information extremely useful, I’m afraid we are not in a position to accept same from you anymore, as the rather exorbitant postage has to be paid by staff out of their own pockets (there should not have been any postage costs on the receiving end but at that time there was political unrest and the South African government could do anything it wanted). The zoo keepers are finding the Animal Keepers’ Forum particulary useful, and have indicated that they will be applying for membership of AAZK”. College of Wildlife Management. Moshi. Tanzania - This college specializes (and has succeeded) in training students in wildlife management. They are operating on a limited budget. Their interest include: ecology, ornithology, mammalogy, herpetology, soil science, first aid, range management, wildlife management, statistics, surveying and wildlife trafficking. They responded, “...Our librarian has confirmed that our students are really going for these materials that you supply us...” Dusit Zoo. Bangkok. Thailand - 50% mammals, 30% birds, 20% reptiles. They specifically requested information about new techniques in feeding endangered species. It is actually composed of five zoos situated in each part of Thailand. They are interested in conservation education (for staff and visitors) and want materials on everything wildlife-related. They are expecting births in Burmese Brow-antlered deer (Eld’s deer). Hog deer, Fea’s muntjac, and Serow. They are also expecting hatchings in Painted stork. Scarlet ibis, peacocks, and pheasants. They responded, “...the materials would be used to expand the knowledge taught to the visiting public and school children...” Universidad de La Republica. Montevideo. Uruguay - This university has a broad curriculum: 1) the role of zoologists in conservation, education, and propagation, 2) formation of a specialized library, 3) classification of species (use of keys), 4) choice of habitat and nutrition for the species, 5) marking of animals for identification, 6) management of species, 7) exhibition and 302 Animal Keepers* Forum, Vol 24, No. 7, 1997 investigation of species from nocturnal habitats, 8) maintenance in captivity of fresh and salt water fish, 9) aquarium in the zoo, 10) maintenance of amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, 11) CITES legislation, 12) administration of a zoo (architecture and design), 13) exchange and purchase of animals, 14) role of the zoo biologist, 15) research (nutrition, reproduction, ecology, etc..), 16) direction of teaching assistants, training of teachers, and courses for biology students, 17) interchange on information with other biologists, and 18) conferences (how to make posters and billboards). Upon receipt of the wildlife materials from MA.R.C., they compiled a catalog list and circulated it to the 20 zoos in their province. Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Vietnam - Their library was destroyed during the war. They are lacking in knowledge of wildlife care and extinction. Chinangali Wildlife Orphanage. Bulawavo. Zimbabwe - 80% mammals, 15% birds, 5% reptiles. They specialize in African hoofstock and carnivores and they serve the dual function of being a zoo and an orphanage. They have instituted a conservation education program as a result of the materials they have received. They responded, “...We are most appreciative of your efforts and I, in particular, find the reading matter most informative and helpful when I am putting lessons together.” and “...realize that their conservation lessons for the African school children need to broaden to include environments and wildlife worldwide...” These institutions have all received a complete library (at least three mailings, average combined weight of total mailings per institution=300 to 500 pounds) of wildlife publications. The institutions below (listed in the order that they were received) are waiting to receive M.A.R.C. materials. STAEPA Education Center. Jamaica. West Indies - Its goals are to disseminate environmental information and educational materials; to promote wildlife protection in Jamaica; to provide wildlife materials to local youth organizations; to raise public awareness and support for environmental conservation through educational programs and community projects. Laura Rosalvina. Peru - Requested information (especially journals) on birds, their behavior, diseases and migration. Dr. Naomi Ish-Shalom. Israel - This person is teaching high school and college students without the benefit of library reference materials, is operating on a very tight budget, and is conducting zoology research without any support. University of the Philippines. Philippines - Requested college textbooks on zoology and environmental science, wildlife books of any kind, avian/mammalogy journals, and the following specific publications: American Zoologist. National and International Wildlife. Zoo Life. Zoogoers. Science, and American Scientist. Universiddad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Argentina - Professor Oscar Iribarne Animal Keepers' Forum, VoL 24, No. 7, 1997 303 is teaching ecology to undergraduates but in most cases NO reference literature is available. Limbe Zoo and Wildlife Rescue Center. Cameroon - Their focus is on environmental education, rescue and rehabilitation of endamgered animals, particularly infant primates. Their collection includes: chimpanzees, lowland gorillas, drills, (one) mandrill, Preuss’ monkey and Red-eared monkey (Cercopithecus), White-collared mangabeys, and several other endangered primates, dwarf crocodiles, soft-shelled turtles, duikers, and viverridae. They receive no government support but are looking to renovate their enclosures, receive veterinary supplies and medicines, they need reference books, articles and educational materials for their educational program (for adults and children). African Safari. Puebla. Mexico - Requested advice on developing educational programming at Mexican zoos. Recognition of some of M.A.R.C.’s maior contributors: AAZK National Headquarters (Topeka, KS), World Wildlife Fund, NZP staff. Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) volunteers. Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (Walter Reed Army Hospital), Rocky Mountain AAZK Chapter (Denver Zoo), Greater Baltimore AAZK Chapter (Baltimore Zoo), Andrew Main (1993 AAZK Atlanta Conference delegate). National Parks and Conservation Association, and countless private individuals. M.A.R.C. spawned from a simplistic idea; it is time and energy intensive but the reward of helping to make a difference is immeasurable. Unfortunately, 1992 was a minimally productive year for M.A.R.C. because my mom was diagnosed with a terminal disease in the spring and she died in the fall. I spent all of my time with her so M.A.R.C. was put on hold. Unfortunately 1996 was also a bad year for M.A.R.C. because I became ill with multiple health problems that precluded my being able to work at either my job or on this project for over nine months. I am not recovered yet but I am back to working on M.A.R.C. I wish to thank everyone who has ever helped, in any way, to make this project succeed. A special thanks goes out to the AAZK Board of Directors for voting to assume sponsorship and making Project M.A.R.C. a service of AAZK’s International Outreach. I believe education will be the foundation for change, progress, and unity in conservation efforts worldwide. 304 Animal Keepers' Forum, VoL 24, No. 7, 1997 24th National AAZK Conference • 1997 American Association of Zoo Keepers & Zoo Registrars Association 1997 National Conference October 5 - 9 Pre- and Post Conference Trips If you are planning to take one of the pre- or post-conference trips, you may find the following information helpful. The two-day pre-conference trip to Dallas, Fossil Rim, and Fort Worth will depart from Houston early on the morning of Friday, October 3. To guarantee being here on time, you should plan to arrive in Houston on Thursday, October 2. The guaranteed conference hotel rate is good for three days prior to the October 5 start of the conference. The Saturday, October 4, pre-conference trips will also depart early, and, therefore, you should probably plan to arrive in Houston the night before. The one-day post conference birding trip will return to the hotel in the early evening. Unless you have very late transportation from Houston, you may wish to stay overnight on Friday, October 10. The guaranteed conference hotel rate is good for three days after the October 9 conference ending. The two-day post-conference trip to San Antonio and Sea World will return to Houston late in the evening of Saturday, October 11. Although you will not need a hotel room in Houston for the night of Friday, October 10, you will probably need a reservation for the night of Saturday, October 11. The guaranteed conference hotel rate is good for three days after the October 9 conference ending. Space is limited for each of these trips, and will be filled on a first- come basis. Finally, although zoo keepers know the value of comfortable walking shoes, you may not realize that mosquitoes and hot sun can be factors in Houston in October. So insect repellent and sun screen are. definitely in order — and, of course, binoculars. 1997 AAZK National Conference Houston, Texas October 3-10, 1997 HOTEL REGISTRATION FORM Name Address City State/Province Zip Code - Phone ( ) Rooms will held until 4PM only, unless guaranteed* with a major credit card. Diner’s Club Master Card AmEX Discover Visa Card Number Expires * To guarantee your reservation, your credit card will be charged for one night’s room & tax on the date we enter your Reservation. Once guaranteed, there will be no refund for cancellation within 72 hours of arrival. ROOM RATES: 2 Double Beds $69.00 Arrival 1 King Bed $69.00 Departure Check-in 3:00 P.M. Check-out: 12:00 NOON $10.00 per additional person. Not responsible for roommates. Rates subject to 15% Occupancy Tax. Parking at the Sheraton Astrodome is free for those registered at the hotel. To make reservations by phone dial 1 800 627-6461 Please return this form to: Attn. Reservations Dept. The Sheraton Astrodome Hotel 8686 Kirby DR Houston, TX 77054-2804 Registrations are due by Friday Sept 12, 1997 1997 AAZK/ZRA National Conference Houston, Texas October 5-9, 1997 CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM Name Address. City Zip Code Zoo Affiliation State/Province_ Phone ( )_ Position/Title AAZK Chapter, AAZK Membership Status. Number of AAZK Conferences you have attended. AAZK Committee Member? Presenting a Paper/PosterAVorkshop Session? Title Participating in Zoo Olympics? Bringing a Silent Auction item? OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES (extra charges involved): Need table in Exhibitors Hall? Pre-Conference Trip A - Birding the Texas Gulf Coast Cost $40 Pre-Conference Trip B - Dallas Zoo/Fossil Rim/ Fort Worth Zoo, 2 days Cost $125 Pre-Conference Trip C - San Antonio Day Trip Cost $40 Post-Conference Trip A - Birding the Texas Gulf Coast Cost $40 Post Conference Trip B - San Antonio Zoo/Riverwalk/ Sea World of Texas, 2 days Cost $125 Vegetarian? T-shirt? YES YES NO NO If so, what kind? Size: S M L ZBA YES NO YES NO YES NO YES NO YES NO YES NO YES NO YES NO YES NO .XL XXL. FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY AU rcvd $ Day Full S M T W T Confirm Refund HC CONFERENCE FEE SCHEDULE AAZK Member $125.00* Member’s Spouse/Companion $125.00* Non-Member $150.00* Non-Member’s Spouse/Companion $150.00* Late Fee (Registrations postmarked after August 1, $25.00 only applies to full conference registration.) Exhibitors Table Fee # of Tables $ (1 table $125 nonmember, $50 member/ $25 additional table) DAILY RATES Sun. Oct. 5 - Icebreaker $30.00 Mon. Oct. 6 - Papers, dinner at the zoo $30.00 Tues. Oct. 7 - Zoo tour & lunch, workshops $30.00 Wed. Oct. 8 - Moody Gardens, Zoo Olympics $35.00 Thurs. Oct. 9 - Papers, lunch, banquet $35.00 Daily Fee - Specify which day(s) $ TRIPS - No reservations for Pre or Post Conference trips accepted after August 1. Pre-Conference Trip A - Sat. Oct. 4 $40.00 Pre-Conference Trip B - Fri. & Sat. Oct 3-4 $125.00 Pre-Conference Trip C - Sat. Oct. 4 $40.00 Post-Conference Trip A - Fri. 10 $40.00 Post-Conference Trip B - Fri. & Sat. Oct. 10-11 $125.00 TOTAL FEE ENCLOSED $ A $25 handling fee will be charged for refunds prior to September 1, 1997. NO refunds after September 1, 1997. *Fee includes $25.00 contribution to AAZK National. Fee does not include cost of Conference Proceedings. Please make checks payable (in U.S. funds) To : AAZK/ZRA Conference 1997 Send Registration Form and all fees to : AAZK/ZRA Conference ‘97 Liz Turner/Beverly Hawkins Greater Houston Chapter of AAZK Houston Zoological Gardens 1513 N. MacGregor Dr. Houston, Texas 77030-1603 Do You Recycle? (A Survey) The 1996/1997 Aquarium and Zoo Maintenance (AZMA Conservation Committee is focusing on the statement ‘‘Recycle, Reuse, Reduce”. We have compiled five questions regarding several conservation subjects and we would like to find out what zoos and aquariums are doing in each conservation area. If your organization does not participate in any of the areas, we would like to know that too. Please reply by sending your response to Mary Wykstra-Ross by 15 August 1997. You may be as brief or as detailed as time permits. The Commitee will compile the results of the completed questionnaires and present the results at the 1997 AZMA Conference in Phoenix. Feel free to include diagrams, photos, or slides to help us in organizing our presentations. Please write, call or e-mail if you have any questions. Thank you for your responses. Send to: Mary Wykstra-Ross, Utah's Hogle Zoo, 2600 E. Sunnyside Ave., Salt Lake City, UT 84108; (801) 584-1714; email:mwykross@xmission.com COMPOST: 1. Does your organization compost? 2. What materials are included in your compost? What is the mixture ratio? 3. What is the space that is allotted or required for your compost system? 4. What is the design of your compost system? 5. What is the (approximate) cost to set up your system? Can you estimate the yearly savings to your organization by in-house composting? BUILDING MATERIALS 1. Does your organization recycle or reuse building materials? 2. What building materials are recycled or reused on a regular basis? 3. Describe any completed project in which recycled products have been used. 4. What method is used by your organization for end product recycling? Do you have any ideas for internal (within your zoo) recycling projects? UTILITY CONSERVATION 1. Does your organization recycle or reuse water, sewerage or energy? 2. What method(s) of utility conservation is utilized at your organization? 3. Describe the design of your recycling/conservation project. 4. What is the (approximate) cost for setting up your conservation system? 5. What is the (estimated) cost and savings for your organization by using your conservation system? CARDBOi^D, ALUMINUM, PAPER & PLASTIC (CAPP) 1. Does your organization recycle or reuse CAPP? 2. What method(s) of recycling CAPP is utilized at your organization? (Individual bins on grounds, back area containers, outside contractor...) 3. Where are your CAPPs taken for recycling? 4. What is the (approximate) cost or income to your organization as a result of recycling CAPP? 5. Does your city/county/community support recycling programs for CAPP? Animal Keepers* Forum, Vol 24, No, 7, 1997 305 By Kayla Grams, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Gretchen Ziegler, Sequoia Park Zoo PRIMATES: This was a very popular enrichment devise used for dispensing live crickets — favorite of the Golden Lion Tamarins previously housed at Wildlife Safari, Winston, OR. It consisted of a simple, wooden bird house (donated by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Dept., so check your local sources) in which a diagonally slanted hole was drilled into the back to fit a 60cc S3ninge case. In our case, the box was mounted on the wire with hooks, easily removable for thorough cleaning. Crickets were placed in the syringe case and periodically and randomly fell into the box. Drawing by Gena Bentall - Wildlife Safari Our tamarins used this cricket feeder successfully, and abundantly, returning often to check for treats even once the feeder was empty. — Judy Harkleroad, Sr. Keeper Wildlife Safari, Winston, OR 306 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 7, 1997 A Golden Lion Tamarin reaches into the Cricket Feeder in hopes of securing a treat,.,*. Photos by Dot Irvin Wildlife Safari Success! The Golden Lion Tamarin’s persistence pays off with a cricket. (Ideas appearing in this column have not necessarily been tested by the editors for safety considerations. Always think ahead and use good judgment when trying new ideas. Eds.) Animal Keepers* Forum, Vol. 24, No. 7, 1997 307 Enrichment Notebooks Now Available to Individuals The AAZK Enrichment Committee, under the direction of Dianna Frisch (now retired keeper/Columbus Zoo) gathered enrichment ideas and information and, with generous underwriting from the Columbus Zoo, put together an Enrichment Ideas Notebook. This Notebook was made available to institutions at the 1996 National AAZK Conference held in Detroit, ML The remaining inventory of the Enrichment Notebook has been transferred to AAZK Administrative Offices in Topeka, KS. Institutions have had the opportunity to order this resource notebook at a minimal cost for postage for the past three months. AFTER 1 July 1997, institutions can no longer order this book at the $10.00 price. The price after 1 July for institutions is $35.00 (domestic); $45.00 (overseas and Canadian). AAZK, Inc. now wants to make the Enrichment Notebook available to individual members who wish to have their own copy. Copies will be available to AAZK members for $25.00 (which includes domestic and Canadian postage). The price for non- members is $30.00. Checks or money orders should be made payable in U. S. funds to AAZIC, Inc. Credit card orders may also be placed by calling 1-800-242-4519 (U.S.) or 1-800-468-1966 (Canada). Complete the form below for mail orders and send to: Enrichment Notebook/AAZK, 635 S. W. Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606. These notebooks will be available on a first-come, first served basis until sold out. Enrichment Notebook Institutional/Individual Order Form This is an Institutional AAZK Member or Non-Member order (Please check category) Institution or Individual's Name: Address : City: State/Province: Zip/Postal Code: Country: Phone: If for Institution, person requesting notebook: Title/Position: Date: _ check or money order enclosed .please bill my credit card listed below Visa Mastercard Name on card Card# - - - Exp. Date 308 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 7, 1997 The Captive Maintenance of the Indian Monitor (Varanus bengalensis) Daudin in India By Brij Kishor Gupta, A. K. Sinha and Sant Prakash Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, D.E, L Dayalhagh, Agra 282 005 India Abstract: In December 1992, three hatchling Varanus bengalensis (1.2) were brought to the Department of Zoology, D. E. 1. Dayalbagh, Agra. The hatchlings weighed 40gm (1.4 oz.) each and measured (SVL) of 15cm (5.9 in.). For the first month the monitors were kept in a holding area 1.5m x 2.0m (4.9 x 6.56 ft.) and later transferred to one measuring 6m x 6m (19.8 in. x 19.8 in.). Identification of the sexes was done using probing. The monitors were fed twice a week and weightdength ratio of 10:2 gm/cm was recorded. They were active during warm weather. No evidence of mating could be recorded but combat was observed regularly from December 1992 - February 1993. IntrodiuLction The common Indian monitor (Varanus bengalensis) is found across all biotopes from evergreen forests to the borders of deserts. It has distribution throughout India (Auffenberg, 1994) and also in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Iran and Afghanistan (Smith, 1935). The wild population is estimated at greater than one million (CAMP Report, 1994). Populations of this species appear to be declining due to illegal trade and habitat destruction (Biswas & Sanyal, 1977; Whitaker and Khan, 1982; Das, 1988; Gupta et al, 1993; Gupta, 1995). This species is diurnal and lives in burrows, rock crevices, hollows of tree trunks, thickets and crevices arormd abandoned buildings. At present this species is listed in the CITES (Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) as endangered, prohibiting international trade (lUCN Red Data Book, 1994). The Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972) lists it in Schedule 1. This species is kept in unknown numbers in Indian zoos and there is no reported success in reproduction. Materials and Methods Lizards were kept in an enclosure measuring 6m x 6m (19.8 in.x 19.8 in.). A large floor area is important for housing this species (Cuningham and Gilli, unpub.) The top of the enclosure was covered with a layer of chicken mesh and the sides and front were covered with weld mesh. The floor was made of concrete for easy cleaning. A sand bed at a depth of Im (3 ft.) was provided in a 0.8m x 0.8m (2' 7” x 2' 7"") area to allow the monitors to dig. This also allowed them to dig sand holes in which to lay eggs. Monitors in the wild frequently dig retracting Animal Keepers* Forum, Vol 24, No. 7, 1997 309 burrows in stream banks, inaccessible to land predators (Auffenberg, 1983). The enclosure was furnished with a pool of water 0.7m x 0.7m (2’ 3” x 2’ 3”) which was large enough to allow for complete immersion. A rectangular hide box measuring 1.5m x 1.5m (4’ 11” x 4’ 11”) and made of hard wood with a wire mesh on its sides and sufficient in size to hold all three monitors, was also provided. The floor of the box was packed with husks for insulation. The substrate in the hide box was changed once a week. During the day, sunlight was available in the enclosure and during the night the husk fibers maintained temperature. When the conditions were extremely cold, a 100-watt flood lamp was provided day and night in the enclosure. The enclosure was also equipped with wood branches for perching. They were mainly used for basking, as monitors in the wild bask on logs. In the wild, logs also provide perfect ‘refuges' for monitor lizards. The enclosure was also furnished with native vegetation. In the monitor lizards natural habitat, temperatures vary from 48° C to 6° C (118° to 42° F) or lower. Humidity does not appear to be a major factor in V, hengalensis husbandry when compared with desert monitors (Varanus griseus). The monitors were fed twice a week with field rats, beef, crickets, grasshoppers and albino white rats. Bird eggs were also provided as most of the varanids are known to be egg predators (Bayless, 1993). Each animal was provided with 50- 70gm (1.7 - 2.1 oz) of meat. Monitors were also offered regular calcium and phosphorous supplements. All individuals did not eat for the first two weeks. Prior to being served, the food was frozen for at least a week to kill any Salmonella these food items may carry. In the wild, the lizards feed on frogs, fishes, lizards (Calotes versicolor), snakes (Amphiesma stolata), turtle and bird eggs, field rats, carrion and sometimes on scorpion also (Smith, 1935; Auffenberg, 1983; Daniel, 1983; Krishna, 1992; Gupta, per. ohser.). Reports of gut analysis of these lizards has revealed animal remains in addition to plant material (Krishna, 1992). Upon receiving the monitors, morphometric details such as body length (BL) and weight were recorded. This was done using a meter long thick thread. Strimple (1990) in his study on V. exanthematics had used a meter stick for measurements which may not be as accurate. Weight was taken by keeping the lizard in a gunny sack, using a spring balance. Monthly weight/length ratio of growth was 10:2 gm/cm. Observations on the monitors' behavior were made twice each day. Monitors do not appear to be social. They were observed spending more time in the open and basking during the day than in the hide box. They were active during warm weather when behaviors included climbing up the enclosure wall, tongue- flicking, marking and digging a tunnel, as well as raising their bodies off the groimd, depressing or flattening the body, inflating the throat pouch, hissing 310 Animal Keepers* Forum, Vol 24, No. 7, 1997 and lashing out with their tails. Aggressive behavior, defecation, open-mouthed charge were common when we entered the enclosure to feed or do observations (see Fig. 1). basking climbing tongue-flicking marking & digging raising the body flattening the body inflating throat hissing tail-lashing aggression open mouth charge 0 10 20 30 40 60 60 70 80 Figure 1. V bengalensis: % comparative behaviour No evidence of mating could be recorded which is probably due to the specimens being sexually immature. However, courting behavior was frequently noted during our observations. The male was seen clawing at the backs of the females and the females were observed scent-marking. During courtship the male apparently defines a territory. Combat behavior, similar to the ‘combat dance’ in snakes, was also observed. The most common behavior in such combat sequences was for the lizards to stand on their hind legs and clasp its opponent firmly above the neck and shoulders. They were observed biting on the nape of the neck, but without drawing blood. As the breeding season varies from country to country (Smith, 1935) in India eggs (usually 25-30 in number) are laid from January through April. While it is reported that this species has bred in captivity in India, there is no published report of such an occurrence available. In the wild, the smaller species of monitors like V griseus breed several times a year while the larger ones like V. bengalensis (with the exception of V. salvator) breed only once or twice a year (Horn and Visser, 1989). According to Sprackland (1989), bengalensis have been bred regularly in captivity, though their large size (1.2m/approx. 4ft.) at maturity may limit reproduction in some facilities. Results and Discussion Diet plays an important role in breeding monitors in captivity. Previous work by Auffenberg (1994) has shown that in captivity, male Bengal monitors eat Animal Keepers’ Forum, VoL 24, No. 7, 1997 311 more and for a longer time period than do the females. Males also grow faster and to a greater size than females. Our investigation, however, showed that the food requirements of both male and female did not show significant differences, with both sexes consuming the same amounts. It is also suggested that individuals hatched from the same habitats and raised from hatchlings together in captivity may well make the most reliable breeding pairs. Separation of the sexes is however necessary to induce breeding. These lizards should be maintained in a large natural habitat enclosure which is escape- proof, hygienic and as free from stress factors as is possible in captivity. Our study showed that the monitors remained in good health when fed live prey. Our observations also concluded that courtship behavior in these monitors begin prior to attainment of sexual maturity. Acknowledgements We are thankful to Dayalsaran, Vinay Kumar and Puneet Wanchu for their assistance. Thanks are also due to Indraneil Das. Editor, Hamadryad; N.V.K. Ashraf of Coimbatore Zoological Park, and S. Bhupathy of Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology & Natural History for comments on the manuscript. Literature Cited Auffenberg, W. 1983. The Burrow of Varanus bengalensis. Rec. Zool. Surv. India. 80:373-385. Auffenberg, W. 1993. The food and feeding of juvenile Bengal monitor lizards {Varanus bengalensis). Journal of Bombay Natural History Society 80:119-124. Auffenberg, W. 1994. The Bengal monitors. The University Press of Florida. Gainesville, FL. 560 pgs. Bayless, M. 1993. Reproductive notes on the black roughneck monitor lizard {Varanus rudicollis). Varanews 3:3. Biswas. S. & D. P. Sanyal. 1977. Fauna of Rajasthan, India. Part: Reptilia. Rec. Zool. Surv. India 73:247-269 Boulenger, G. A. 1890. The fauna of British India. Taylor and Francis. London. CAMP. 1994. Conservation Assessment and Management Plan for Iguanidae and Varanidae. 1994. Working Document. R. Hudson, A. Alberts, S. Ellis & O. Byers (eds.) AZA Lizard Taxon Advisory Group, lUCN/SSC Conservation Breeding Special- ist Group, USA. 154 pgs. Daniel, J.C. 1983. The book of Indian Reptiles. Bombay Natural History Society/ Oxford University Press. Bombay. 141 pgs. Das, I. 1988. Distributional maps of monitor lizards ( genus Varanus Merrum. 1820) of India. Report of the lUCN Conservation Monitoring Centre. 16 pgs. Frye, F. L. 1991. Biomedical and surgical aspects of captive reptile husbandry. 2nd Ed. Krieger Publishing Limited, Gainesville, FL. 637 pgs. Gupta, B. K., A.K. Sinha & S. Prakash. 1993. Utilization of Monitor Lizards in Central India - a case of Varanus bengalensis. Zoos' Print. 8(9): 7-9. 312 Animal Keepers* Forum, Vol. 24, No. 7, 1997 Gupta, B. K. 1995, A preliminary survey of the trade in common Indian monitor (Varanus hengalensis in Uttar Pradesh. Cobra. 21:17-19. Gupta, B. K. (1996). A note on the reproduction in desert monitor (Varanus griseus). Hamadravad. 21, In press. Horn, H. G. & G. J. Visser. 1989. Review of reproduction of monitor lizards Varanus spp. in captivity. Int. Zoo Yb. 28:140-150. Jacob, D. & L. S. Ramaswami. 1976. The female reproduction cycle of the Indian monitor lizard. Varanus monitor. Copeia 1976: 256-260. Krishna, M. 1992. The common monitor. Cobra 8: 3-7. Smith, M.A. 1935. The fauna of British India, including Ceylon and Burma. Taylor and Francis. London. Sprackland, R. G. 1989. Mating and waiting: A status report on reproduction in captive monitor lizards (Sauria: Varanidae). Proc. of Conf . Captive Propagation & Husbandry of Reptiles and Amphibians. Northern California Herpetol. Soc., CA, USA. R. L. Gowen (ed). pgs. 56-63. Whitaker, R. & M.A.R. Khan. 1982. Monitor lizards: identity and sexing problems. Hamadryad 7(3): 8. Cotton-top Tamarin Husbandry Manual Available The Cotton-top Tamarin SSP produced a three-ring husbandry manual in 1995. It contains information on natural history, social organization, reproduction, infant development, captive management, nutrition, veterinary care, research and references. A copy was sent to the SSP representative at each participating zoo If you care for cotton-tops, but do not have access to a copy of the manual, there are three options open to you. First, ask the Cotton-Top SSP representative at your zoo. Second, you may connect to the Cotton-top SSP website (http://www.seIu.com/~bio/ cottontop/). As a last resort, contact me and I will make special arrangements to get this vital information to you. Be aware that production and mailing costs are extremely high for this manual, and the SSP would prefer to spend its limited funds on field conservation projects, so please first pursue the free avenues (CTT SSP Rep and Website). Or contact: Warren W. Pryor, Animal Curator, Fort j Wayne Children's Zoo, 3144 Sherman Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46808; Voice - (219)427-6807; fax - (219) 427-6820; e-mail - Warrenwp(®aoI,com Animal Keepers' Forum, VoL 24, No. 7, 1997 313 First Breeding in North America of South Georgia Pintail By Christian Newton, Senior Aviculturist Sylvan Heights Waterfowl, P. O. Box 36 Scotland Neck, North Carolina On 24 April 1995, Mike Lubbock and the staff of Sylvan Heights Waterfowl reported the successful hatching and rearing of three South Georgia pintails (Anas georgica georgica). The South Georgia Pintail is a sub-species separated from the Chilean pintail (Anas georgica spinicauda). The South Georgia pintail range along the Georgian Islands and are fairly common and are seen in good numbers. This httle pintail is smaller, browner, with more spots along the breast which helps distinguish it from the Chilean pintail. A brighter yellow bill with a slight upward curve is another difference that helps with identification. In 1981, Mike Lubbock arranged with Peter Prince, a member of the British Antarctic Survey Team working in South Georgia, to rear a number of live specimens to be brought back to the United Kingdom. Peter was set up with an incubator, provisions to make rearing pens, and chick starter crumble. He was successful and reared a small group of pintail from two different broods. The birds had to be held a good six months longer because of the Falkland Island War which prevented anyone from leaving South Georgia. An English television team was also stranded on the island. They helped to look after the birds and eventually brought them out when the war ended. These four specimens arrived at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and proceeded to breed the following year. Nineteen-ninety-three was the first opportunity for Sylvan Heights Waterfowl to obtain a pair of birds from the U. K. The pair survived the quarantine and laid a clutch of four eggs, which, however, proved infertile. This was due to the male not pairing with the female, but being more intent on breeding with a Falcated duck. The following year, he paired successfully, and in April of 1995, three of the four eggs laid successfully hatched. The four pale brown eggs were laid in a groundbox measuring 30.5cm x 30.5cm X 25.4cm (12” x 12” x 10”) which had a porch around the entrance to insure privacy. During the breeding season, the male utters a high pitched whistle while courting the female. The female South Georgia pintail incubated the eggs for about 15 days. The eggs were then transferred to a broody bantam for six days. They were put in a hatcher right before hatching. The babies were very heavily downed due to the harsh and cold climates of the South Georgia Islands, a trait not common in puddle ducks. As the chicks grew, because of the heavy down, the heat was reduced much earher than normal. The babies are much darker in color than their counterpart, the Chilean pintail. However, they learned to eat and drink and be just as curious as the Chileans. 314 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 24, No. 7, 1997 It is interesting to note that, in the wild, the mother and young may feed on kelp, krill, or even a fiir seal carcass, but we found that Start and Grow Crumble® worked just as well. The young were healthy and grew rapidly. Sylvan Heights Waterfowl is pleased to report that the young of 1995 were joined by two more chicks in 1996. This established three breeding pairs. They may be related, but being the only bloodlines in North America offered very few other options. Some different bloodlines would be better, however, such birds that are endemic to small islands may be an exception. Examples, such as the Laysan teal, were once down to one female and one clutch of eggs. With protection and captive rearing, the Lysan teal has been brought back to a healthy population. Sylvan Heights Waterfowl has been awarded first breeding recognition by the International Wild Waterfowl Association and by APWS. Information Please The Oakland Zoo is seeking information from facilities with naturalized moats and ponds. We are interested in any advice regarding plant species, fish species and maintenance tips. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Please send informationto: Amy Burgess, Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland, CA 94605. Bowling for Rhinos T-Shirt Available Once again, talented Janie Coleman, Dallas Zoo staff graphic artist, has designed our 1997 Bowling for Rhinos T-shirt. This new black and teal design on a white T-shirt features four different species of rhinos to represent the sanctuaries that Bowling for Rhinos funding sup- ports. These T-shirts are selling for $12.50 each. For further information contact Ann Stevens at the Dallas Zoo (214) 670- 6798 or Fax (214) 670- 6717. Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 24, No. 7, 1997 315 Cegislative Update Compiled by Georgann Johnston Legislative Advisor Sacramento, CA 1-800-338^7348 Norway Proposes Deal With Southern African Countries To Allow Reciprocal Whale And Elephant Killing Norway is asking several Southern African countries to support its request to allow resumption of whale hunting in exchange for Norway’s support of the African countries request for reinstatement of the ivory trade. These requests were to be part of the CITES convention in Zimbabwe last month. Specifically, Norway proposed to downlist minke whales from Appendix I to Appendix II, which would allow limited hunting of the species for oil and other whale by-products. Norway was joined in this proposal by Japan. Norwegian whaling commissioner Laare Br3me recently toured the coimtries of Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana — which were requesting that they be allowed to hunt elephants for ivory on the grounds that their elephant populations are now too large to qualify for Appendix I listing. A report in the Cape Times, a South African newspaper, characterized the offer by Norway as a “We will let you kill elephants if you will let us kill whales” bargain. The Norwegians objected to this “trade-off” characterization by sa3dng that “We are not exchanging elephants for whales. The African elephants in some areas are so numerous that they can well sustain limited hunting. They are actually damaging crops and [pose a risk] to the human population.” Source: Cape Times Newspaper 21 May 1997; The Star, Independent Newspaper of Africa, 16 May 1997; Animal People: News for People Who Care About Animals, June 1997 Interior Department Reaches Agreement For Purchase Of Lands In Kenai Fjords National Park And Alaska Maritime Wildlife Refuge On 19 May 1997, Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt signed an agreement with an Alaska Native Corporation to purchase lands in Kenai Fjords National Park and the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. All of these lands are located within the boimdaries of the State of Alaska and comprise a total of 32,537 acres. The purchase price was just over $15 million and the lands will now be under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service. Under the terms of the purchase, shareholders in the Alaska Native Corporation will retain subsistence himting and fishing rights on a portion on the lands. The areas acquired provide important habitat for many species injured by the 316 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No, 7, 1997 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. Pink salmon, sea otters, harlequin ducks, black oystercatchers, pigeon guillemots and marbled murrelets are just a few of the animals residing in the area. Fourteen million dollars of the purchase price comes from a civil settlement with Exxon with the funds being administered by the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council. The total settlement was $900 million. Source: Interior Department Press Release 19 May 1997 South Africa Proposes Stricter Hunting Controls The Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism for South Africa, Pallo Jordan, announced recently that stricter hunting regulations will be adopted in areas where illegal hunting activities are being practiced. The announcement followed the broadcast of a documentary news program on South African television which graphically depicted “canned” lion hunting in areas supposedly patrolled by the South African Police Service. Jordan stated that “canned” hunts such as those depicted in the program did not take place in public game reserves but were limited to private game farms where it is much more difficult to monitor illegal practices. This statement was refuted by the producers of the television program. Source: Bushcraft Mag-e-Zine, published on the Internet by WildNet Africa, 29 May 1997 Wildlife Habitat In Russia Safe From Gold Mining, At Least For Now The Volcanoes of Kamchatka area in eastern Russia, home to the Siberian sable, white-shouldered eagle, black-capped marmot, I3UIX, snow ram, and a number of other species has recently been designated as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations World Conservation Congress. The resolution was endorsed by 70 governments and 600 non-governmental organizations. The designation was critical in stopping, at least for the time being, a plan by the U. S. Overseas Private Investment Corporation (USOPIC) to fund a gold mining venture by a multi-national corporation. The USOPIC is a United States government agency which provides risk insurance and financing for U. S. corporate investments abroad. Without the insurance and/or financing, the corporations proposing the gold mining venture decided to withdraw from the planned venture. However, the mining company is now suing the USOPIC for “leading them on”, on the basis that OPIC first said it would fund the project and then withdrew the financial support once the U. N. passed the resolution. Source: Environmental Defense Fund Letter, April 1997 Animal Keepers' Forum, VoL 24, No. 7, 1997 317 Coral Reef Protection Subject Of House Resolution I Congressman George Miller (D-CA) has introduced House Resolution 87 which j urges the United States and the United Nations to "condemn destructive coral i| reef fishing practices and to make every effort to promote sustainable use of i coral reef resources.” The resolution specifically cites a number of deleterious activities which have a negative impact on coral reefs including cyanide fishing, | use of explosives for tropical fish collection, and mining. j I A resolution differs from a congressional bill in that it does not become “law” but merely serves to raise awareness among the members of Congress and the general public about a particular issue. Source: Living Oceans News, a publication of the National Audubon Society, Spring 1997 National Animal Damage Control Committee Established The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USD A) has appointed a number of new members to the National Animal Damage Control Advisory Committee. The purpose of the Committee is to advise the USD A on policies and programs necessary to control damage caused by depredating wildlife. The USD A states that the program is designed to protect agriculture, natural resources, and public health and safety. “The Committee provides the essential function of bringing together the various competing interests involved in controlling wildlife damage,” said Bobby Acord, deputy administrator for animal damage control with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), a division of the USDA. Recent issues considered by the Committee include changing practices in livestock and crop production and the impact of depredating animals, the importance of wildlife conservation, public health problems created by wildlife, and research needed to improve control methods. Individuals appointed to the Committee serve a two-year term and are supposed to represent wildlife conservation, public health, academic, animal welfare and agriculture concerns. Source: APHIS News Release 20 May 1997 Canadian Lynx Proposed For ESA Listing Following a 12-month comment and investigation period, the Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has announced that listing of the United States population of the Canada lynx {Lynx canadensis) under the Endangered Species Act is warranted but precluded by other higher priority actions. This decision was based, in part, on the fact that sufficient populations of the species exist outside the contiguous 48 states, primarily within Canada. 318 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 7, 1997 The report issued by the USFWS concerning the decision to decline listing stated: 'Tn a general sense, Canada lynx in the contiguous United States might be considered biologically and/or ecologically significant simply because they represent the southern extent of the species’ overall range. There are climatic and vegetational differences between Canada lynx habitat in the contiguous United States and that in northern latitudes in Canada. In the contiguous United States, Canada lynx inhabit transition zones that are a mosaic between boreal/coniferous forest and northern hardwoods, whereas in more northern latitudes, Canada lynx habitat is the boreal forest ecosystem.” The Canada lynx preys primarily on the snowshoe hare, and the population dynamics in the contiguous United States are different from those in northern Canada. Historically, Canada lynx and snowshoe hare populations have been less cyclic in the contiguous United States, not exhibiting the extreme cyclic population fluctuations of the northern latitudes for which Canada lynx are noted. ‘The less cyclic nature of this population has been attributed to the lower quality and quamtity of habitat available in southern latitudes and/or the presence of additional snowshoe hare predators. The Service determines that the contiguous United States population of the Canada lynx is significant under the Service’s Distinct Vertebrate Population Policy. Thus, the Canada lynx in the contiguous United States qualifies as a distinct population segment to be considered for listing under the Act.” The decision not to list the Canada lynx was made based on listing priority guidelines first issued in 1983. The guidelines describe a system for considering three factors in assigning a species a numerical listing priority on a scale of 1 to 12. The three factors are magnitude of threat (high or moderate to low), immediacy of threat (imminent or nonimminent), and taxonomic distinctiveness (monotypic genus, species, or subspecies/population). For a population, such as the Canada lynx, listing priority numbers of 3, 6, 9, or 12 are possible. The USFWS stated in its report that it believes that several limiting factors pose threats to the continued existence of Canada l3mx in the contiguous United States, including: “(1) Habitat loss and/or modification (due to human alteration primarily through timber harvest, road construction, and fire suppression); (2) over utilization from past commercial harvest (trapping) that has resulted in extremely low populations that remain subject to incidental capture from legal trapping of other furbearers; (3) inadequate regulatory mechanisms to protect the remaining lynx habitat; and, (4) other factors such as increased human access into suitable habitat (refugia) and human-induced changes in interspecific competition.” While the overall threat to the small population of the species in the United States is high, a listing priority of just 3 can be justified. Since numerous other species with much higher priority numbers are awaiting listing, the USFWS feels it is not justified in proceeding with a listing for the Canada l5mx at this time. Source: Federal Register: 27 May 1997, Volume 62, Number 101 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 7, 1997 319 Animal Behavioral Enrichment and Public Perception: An Opportunity to Inform and Educate By Daniel R. Tar dona, West District Supervisor Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve and AAZK Chapter Member, Jacksonville Zoological Gardens, Jacksonville, FL Some time ago Robert Yerkes (1925) in his observations of captive primates noted that the animals benefited in some way from what he described as exercise, play and entertainment. While Newberry (1995) aptly recognizes that the concept of enrichment for animals has yet to be clearly delineated and scientifically defined, enrichment practices aire nonetheless occurring in many zoological parks and gardens as it evolves into a scientifically-based animal management discipline. Informed captive animal managers today do not subscribe to the concept of animal behavioral enrichment as simply exercise, play or entertainment, but rather as the provision of materials and activities in an effort to provide and promote a more healthy captive environment. The goal of behavioral enrichment is to enhance the physical and psychological well-being of captive animals. Perhaps one facet of animal enrichment that is not often enough capitalized upon is the interpretive and educational opportunity enrichment programs can provide. In addition to providing direct benefits to captive animals, enrichment can serve as an effective tool to inform and educate the public about animal behavior and the role behavior can play in the ex situ conservation efforts of the zoo. Animal enrichment activities designed to stimulate behaviors that simulate natural behaviors an animal exhibits in the wild can help achieve some of the wildlife conservation goals of the zoo. Public education is without question an important facet of successful wildlife conservation and helps bring about important public support and participation (Jacobson & Padua, 1995). Ideally, expanding public appreciation for wildlife increases support for both in situ and ex situ wildlife conservation. The benefits of animal behavioral enrichment should be multifaceted. One direct benefit is the improved health and welfare of the captive individual animals which may lead to better reproductive success. Such success improves chances of survival of the species by maintaining genetic diversity, and perhaps providing a pool of animals for reintroduction into the wild where and when appropriate. Another facet of behavioral enrichment is to enhance public appreciation and support for wildlife conservation that benefits the public and, in turn, is beneficial to all wildlife. Wildlife conservation is ultimately the principle mission for most zoological parks, gardens, bioparks, wildlife conservation parks and related facilities. If this multifaceted approach is taken to animal behavioral enrichment then it behooves those engaged in developing and implementing animal enrichment programs to keep in mind the important educational facet of the program. As Robinson (1995) points out, care must be taken in what messages are conveyed to the public in zoo exhibits. in this case regarding animal enrichment. If enrichment activities take place in public view it is imperative that careful explanation and interpretation be provided. If not, a well-intentioned enrichment activity may convey 320 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 7, 1997 unintentional and perhaps detrimental messages to visitors. For example, I have observed at least a few instances (at a number of different zoos) in which animal enrichment has had a negative affect on the public educational values of animal exhibits simply because there was no explanation provided. In a case where cardboard tubes were used in an exhibit in view of the public with no explanation, I observed visitors commenting that there was “junk” in the exhibit and the animals were not being cared for properly, or “these animals must eat cardboard”. Worse yet, I have heard young visitors comment “let me throw in my cup for the animal to play with” since the keeper was observed offering similar materials or “toys” to the animal. At best what is missed in such instances is the opportunity to educate' visitors about an aspect of animal behavior, captive animal management, and the goals of a conservation establishment to promote the health and welfare of animals in captivity and by extension, the conservation of wildlife in their natural habitats. Interpreting to the public about the importance and purpose of animal enrichment conveys a caring message by zoo staff for the animals and can enhance visitor understanding of the important efforts by zoo staff to make the visitor experience more meaningful. It also provides a chance to impart the big picture of ex situ wildlife conservation. Zoological facilities whose mission is wildlife conservation can only be successful with informed public support. The public generates a powerful and persuasive base that can be either beneficial or detrimental to the animal resources of a zoo and to overall wildlife conservation. Through education, the public can be enlisted as allies. The visitor who knows the importance of animal diets will not throw food and other foreign matter into animal exhibits. The visitor who understands the purpose of animal behavioral enrichment will recognize and begin to understand animal behavior and the necessity for animal inactive periods; the visitor who learns about animal behavior in captivity and how it relates to its wild habitat will support decisions made about animals in the zoo environment and help support animal conservation in the wild. Perhaps the quote of the Senagalese ecologist Baba Dioum is becoming over-quoted, but the message is still profound in its truth... “In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught.” Animal behavioral enrichment programs provide an opportunity to educate the public about animal behavior and management and about the conservation efforts of zoological facilities. Ultimately, wildlife conservation ; can only be served by careful and comprehensive planning and implementation of j animal behavioral enrichment programs. i References 1 Jacobson, S. K. and S. M. Padua. (1995). A systems model for education in parks. I In S. A. Jacobson (ed) Conserving Wildlife: International education and communica- I tion approaches, pp. 3-15. New York: Columbia University Press. Newberry, R. C. (1995). Environmental enrichment: Increasing the biological rel- I evance of captive environments. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 44. 229- 243. I Robinson, M. H. (1995). Zoo and aquarium messages, meanings and contexts. In: C. M. Wemmer (ed) The ark evolving: zoos and aquariums in transition, pp. 1-24. Front Royal, VA: Smithsonian Institution, Conservation and Research Center. Yerkes, R. M. (1925). Almost Human. London: Jonathan Cape. Animal Keepers' Forum, VoL 24, No. 7, 1997 321 Book Review Animals.. -Our Return to Wholeness by Penelope Smith, 1993 Gilliland Printing, Inc. 127 N. Summit, Arkansas City, KS 67005-2281 355 pgs. Paperback Price: $19.95 Review by Tony Moore, Graduate Biology Student University of Maryland Penelope Smiths’ view of the earth and all of its inhabitants should be contagious to everyone, the world would be a much better place to live. In this book, she attempts to convey her feelings of being just another living creature on the planet rather than a “higher” being. By using stories of animal encounters and of counseling sessions with pet owners and pets, she attempts to teach the reader how to communicate with animals on a level not many people are accustomed to. However good Ms. Smiths’s intentions, even while trying to maintain an open mind, this book was very hard to review due to the main context being about the highly controversial subject of telepathy. In a world in which human to human telepathy is looked at skeptically, telepathy between humans and animals, plants, and even rocks and stuffed animals seems remarkable not to just those in the animal care field but to the vast majority of the public. Further adding to any skepticism one may have of Mrs. Smith’s work is her claim of the ability to communicate with beings in the “spirit” realm. Through her communications. Smith has been able to ascertain what these individual spirits were in their past lives and what they will be in future lives. If everyone in the zoo and aquarium community, or the world population in general, could communicate as Mrs. Smith does, all of our jobs would be much easier. Unfortunately, very few individuals claim to have Mrs. Smith’s ability. Not having this ability can leave many questions unanswered to those who may read this book. Smith claims that humans have lost the ability to use telepathy through social conditioning. If this is so, regardless of conditioning, why would humans evolve the ability to communicate verbally if we could link by telepathy? Smith also relates her use of hand and verbal signals to train her canines. Why are these signals needed if she can tell them what to do telepathically? Finally, adding more to the controversial nature of this book, is Mrs. Smith’s claim that “Not all species evolved from one-celled microorganisms on earth; some arrived as complex animals.” Her specific example are Afghan canines whose “...original group landed thousands of years ago in a spacecraft in Egypt,...” (p. 285). And in the final chapter we learn that Smith was a yeti (big foot) in a former life. 322 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 7, 1997 I find this book to be related to the zoo and aquarium field only through wishful thinking. While it would be wonderful if animals could “tell” us their thoughts and feelings, unfortunately, not many people have the ability to communicate this way. Ecophvsiologv Of Desert Arthropods And Reptiles By J.L. Cloudsley-Thompson Springer- Verlag Berlin, New York, Heidelberg 203pp. Hardback Review By Diane Callaway, Supervisor Wild Kingdom Pavilion Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo Omaha, NE J. L. Cloudsley-Thompson has focused this book on two of the most successful taxa of desert animals. Arthropods and Reptiles. Various parameters of the desert environment are defined, then comparisons are made between arthropods and reptiles in each area. Numerous scientific references are used to support the author’s statements throughout the readings. The table of contents divides this book into seven main sections. Each section is then subdivided and numbered for easy reference. The first section, The Deserts of the World and Their Faunas, encompasses the classification of deserts, precipitation and moisture, exposure, parallel evolution, convergence, energy flow, process-functioning, herbivores and detritivores, carnivores and omnivores, and field metabolic rates. The second section. Avoidance of Environmental Extremes, touches on desert microclimates, circadian and seasonal locomotory rhythms and social behavior. The third section. Thermal Regulation and Control, dives into behavioral thermoregulation, insect flight, moving between sunlight and shade, posture and orientation, thermal and heat tolerance, maxithermy, cold tolerance, metabolic effects, color and reflectivity, ultraviolet radiation, and the mechanism of heat death. The fourth section. Water Balance and Nitrogenous Excretion, centers on evaporative and excretory water loss, transpiration from eggs, osmoregulation, behavioral regulation of water loss, water uptake, drinking and ‘fog basking’, uptake of soil moisture, and absorption of atmospheric moisture. j The fifth section. Seasonal Activity and Phenology, envelops temporary rain pools, ; flooding, diapause, aestivation and seasonal patterns of activity, and phenology of reproduction. I The sixth section. Adaptations for Burrowing in Sand, Avoidance of Enemies and I Defense, describes burrowing, sand swimming and running, adaptive and cryptive j coloration, mimicry, warning sounds and threat displays, defenses, urticating hairs, ! repellent chemicals, venoms, autonomy, flight, and sensory physiology. 1 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 7, 1997 323 The final section, Interspecific Relationships, Feeding Specializations and Species Diversity, explains food selection and consumption, inter- and intraspecific j competition, feeding specializations, detection and capture of prey, foraging tactics of predators, species diversity and competition, distribution and abundamce of species, interacting factors, partitioning of resources, body size and biomass, and interactions | between animals and plants. i |i Although Ecophvsiologv of Desert Arthropods and Reptiles is not a “light reader”, this book contains endless bits of information for a wide variety of desert arthropods and reptiles. The table of contents is precise, allowing one to find the exact paragraph in which the subject matter is written. This is certainly an excellent reference book to have on hand. j I I Secrets of the Nest: The Family Life of North American Birds | By Joan Dunning, Paperback 1996 Houghton Mifflin Co., 215 Park Ave. S., New York, NY 10003 198 pgs., illustrated $15.95 Review by Stacey Southard Trainer, Wildlife Theater ! School Assemblies Marine World Africa USA, Vallejo, CA Secrets offers a detailed look at the nesting habits of a select group of North American birds. It is organized into eight chapters based on different nest types. Within each chapter are several representatives of bird species using the different nests. The introduction discusses how the author got involved in birds, Chapter One the “practicality^’ of laying and caring of eggs, and Chapter Two the evolution of different nesting habits. The following six chapters discuss the nests themselves. How the nest is built, how many eggs are laid, and how chicks are raised and fledged is included for each species. Secrets is written by an author devoted to her subjects, and at times tends to be more anthropomorphic than scientific. But it is filled with interesting details and is a very easy and enjoyable read. It is important to remember that it offers only a select group of birds (the author’s favorites), not all birds native to North America. In addition to the text, there are also drawings (done by the author), which add enjoyment to the reading. Overall, it is a book most likely to be enjoyed by the casual birder. Live birds that are being smuggled into the U. S., Canada and a number of other countries are often confiscated by customs officials, fish and wildlife agents, or other governmental entities. I am looking for statistical information on how many birds are confiscated each year, particularly in the U. S., and what happens to them after they are seized. Some information from the USFWS indicates that, in the past, confiscated birds were offered to zoos. Do you have any birds at your zoo which came from a smuggling/confiscation situation? Do you have any contact with any governmental entity that confiscates smuggled birds? Any information or leads about contacts in this area would be greatly appreciated. Contact Georgann Johnston, AAZK Legislative Advisor at (800) 338-7348. 324 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 7, 1997 Institutions wishing to advertise employment opportunities are asked to send pertinent data by the 10th of each month to: Opportunity Knocks/ AKF, 635 S.W. Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606-2066. Please include closing date for positions available and when setting these dates keep in mind that because of bulk-mail, most readers do not receive the AKF until the middle of the month or later. There is no charge for this service and phone-in or fax listings of positions which become available close to deadline are accepted. Our phone is 1-800-242-4519 (U.S.); 1-800-468-1966 (Canada). Our FAX is (913) 273-1980. ANIMAL KEEPER ...Lincoln Park Zoo seeks full-time animal keeper. Responsibilities include £ill aspects of daily animal care and maintenance. Particular emphasis on informal educational exchange with zoo guests as well as inter-departmental interaction. High School graduate or equivalent required, BA/BS preferred. Starting salary $23,000.00 plus comprehensive benefits. Send resume by 31 July 1997 to: Human Resources Department, Lincoln Park Zoo, AK 997, P. O. Box 14903, 2001 N. Clark, Chicago, IL 60614. Fax: (312) 742-2299; Website: http://lpzoo.com. No phone calls please. EOE/M/ F/D/V. BIRD KEEPER ...requires one year of zoo experience working with a variety of exotic birds. A B.S. in Zoology or a related field is preferred. Must have excellent communication skills and a willingness to interact positively with the public. Competitive salary and benefits. Send resume, references, and salary history by 31 July 1997 to: Human Resources Manager, Memphis Zoo & Aquarium, 2000 Galloway Ave., Memphis, TN 38112. FAX: (901) 725-9305. EOF. ON-CAMERA HQSr...Walt Disney Attractions Television Productions is currently engaged in a national talent search for on-camera host talent for a national television show featuring animals. Candidates must possess the following qualities: Dextensive experience working with, studying, and understanding both domestic and wild animals; confidence in handling and/or being with them; 2) a fondness for animals and an appreciation for their conservation in the wild; 3) age 18-30 years old; any ethnicity; male or female; with an enthusiastic, fun-loving personality (borderline wacky - that kids will find “cool”) and a willingness to express it on demand in a professional production situation; 4) availability to work on a television production with diverse shooting schedule occurring intermittently for several weeks starting and ending in the next 2-9 months. Other desired qualities include; 1) acting or television experience or 2) improvisational acting experience. Please fax resumes and cover letters to (407) 828-4613 or e-mail them to: AnimalTV@AOL.com. Indicate on your cover sheet whether or not you have a headshot and/or demo reel available. LEAD KEEPERIRhinos,„Teq\iives the minimum of an Associate’s Degree (A. A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; and three-five years experience in rhinoceros husbandry, particularly reproductive programs and calf management; ability to write articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format; ability to effectively present information and produce clear and accurate written reports; ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; and the ability to effectively work in a team-oriented environment. Duties will include supervising and participating in the daily activities of an active conservation program for the maintenance, reproduction and rearing of white and black rhinos, as well as other ungulate species; the scheduling and supervision of 2-3 keepers; providing guest tours as scheduled; and assisting in keeper performance evaluations. Occasional extended hours, flexible scheduling and weekend work are inherent to this position. A comprehensive benefits package is included, specific details are available following the receipt of a resume appropriate to the position. Salary range: $25,000.00 to $35,000.00. To apply, or for further details, contact White Oak Conservation Center, 2823 Owens Rd., Yulee, FL 32097-2145; phone - (904) 225-3396; e-mail: stevesh@wo.gilman.com Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 7, 1997 325 ANIMAL CARE SPECIALISTIzookeeDer...veQM\VQQ responsible, motivated person with some animal care experience. Duties include: feeding, cleaning, maintaining exhibits, record keeping and related activities for a varied collection. Salary $ 13,000.00/year plus benefits. Send resume by 1 August 1997 to: Liz Harmon, Curator, Great Plains Zoo, 805 S. Kiwanis Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57104. The following positions are available at the Staten Island Zoo, Staten Island, NY, For all positions mail letteriresume to: Mark Rich, General Curator, Staten Island Zoo, 614 Broadway, Staten Island, NY 10310, KEEPER/VETERINARY TECHNICIAN,„amma\ keeper and veterinary technician duties. Maintain zoo hospital (pharmaceuticals, equipment, ARKS and medical records). Must be New York State licensed or eligible for licensing. Salary $24,413.00 with excellent benefits. Position open starting 17 July 1997. REPTILE KEEPER, keeper for large indoor reptile/amphibian collection containing many venomous species. Also works part-time in large aquaria. Requires minimum of 64 college credits, driver’s license, and experience. Salary $24,413.00 with excellent benefits. Position open until filled. KEEPER INTERNS f2) ...Under mentorship of the General Curator will work throughout the animal depgirtment, have directed readings/projects. Requires minimum of two years college. Start immediately. Salary $250. 00/week plus optional health benefits. For one or two semesters. The following positions are available at the Ellen Trout Zoo in Lufkin, TX, These are full-time positions with excellent benefits and with excellent opportunities for professional growth and development. Applicants for both positions must be able to perform the physical aspects of the jobs and pass a druglalcohol screen and physical examination, A valid driver*s license and a good driving record are required. Interested parties should contact: Personnel Director, City of Lufkin, P, O, Drawer 190, Lufkin, TX 75902-0190, or call (409) 633-0228 bv 30 July 1997, EOE, GENERAL CURATOR,„responsih\e for the overall supervision of the animal collection and animal care staff. Will also be working on implementation of zoo master plan and animal collection development. Applicant should have considerable knowledge of zoo animals, animal husbandry, current trends in zoo management and development, exhibitry, conservation, techniques of construction, and State and Federal laws that pertain to zoological park operations. Applicant should have knowledge of supervisory techniques and the ability to communicate effectively. Must be able to work independently, use initiative in day-to-day work, and be able to lead, inspire and motivate subordinates. Requires Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology, Biology, Wildlife Management or related field and three (3) years progressively responsible experience in an accredited zoo. Starting salary: $22,942.00. REPTILE KEEPER,„resiponsihle for the day-to-day c£u*e of the zoo’s diverse reptile and amphibian collection. Applicant should have good knowledge of amphibian and reptile husbandry and breeding, including venomous snakes and large crocodilians and be able to assist in collection development as it pertains to master plan implementation. Position requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology, Biology, Wildlife Management or related field and at least one (1) year of experience working with a diverse collection of reptiles. Starting rate: $7.83 per hour. 326 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 7, 1997 zoo ATTENDANT /...must have one year in the custodial care of animals, birds and reptiles. Requires knowledge of habits and behaviors of zoo animals including the care and feeding of zoo animals, symptoms of animal illness, nutritional value of animal food and basic first aid. Awareness of zoo practices and procedures and safety regulations regarding the public and zoo facilities is desired. Must have the ability to work safely and effectively with dangerous or exotic animals, birds or reptiles. Approximate monthly salary $2005.00 to $2437.00 with benefits. For application/information please call San Joaquin Human Resources Division, 24 S. Hunter, Rm. 106, Stockton, CA 95202 at (209) 468-3370. Applications will be accepted through 1 August 1997. Faxed resumes will be accepted through 1 August 1997 at (209) 468-0508. HEAD ZOO CARETAKERICanron Park Zoo. Attleboro. AfA..«Drefer Associates' Degree in animal-related field, supervisory experience and minimum of two years animal keeping experience. Four years animal keeping and some supervisory experience may be substituted for a degree. Must have working knowledge of zoo management practices. Responsible for participating in and supervision of animal husbandry, transportation, enrichment, grounds maintenance, exhibit design and construction. Applicant must have the ability to work independently and as a team member and interact with the public. Competitive salary and benefits. Application deadline is 8 Augustl997. Please send resume to: City of Attleboro, Personnel Director, Government Center, 77 Park St., Attleboro, MA 02703. The following positions are available at Lion Country Safari, Inc,, 2003 Lion Country Safari Road, Loxahatchee, FL 33470-3976, CURATOR, ..Lion Country Safari in West Palm Beach, FL is seeking a Curator. Successful applicant will be responsible for the health, welfare and security of a diverse collection of mammals, birds and reptiles. This includes maintenance, diets, veterinary assistance, capture/restraint, record keeping and exhibit design. He/she will supervise approximately 10 keepers. Must be a high school graduate with preference given to a university degree in Animal Sceinces. Five (5) years paid experience in a recognized zoological facility is desired with a minimum of two (2) years supervisory experience. Salary commensurate with education and experience and a full-benefits package is offered. Send resume, salary requirements and three (3) work references to Cathy Toomey/ Personnel at the address listed above. KEEPERS L II & ///...Lion Coimtry Safari is forming a registry of qualified keepers for present and future consideration. Experienced personnel are required for Elephants/ Rhinoceros, Lions, Hoofstock, Birds and Reptile positions. All positions require a minimum high school diploma with preference given to those with a university degree in Animal Sciences. Minimum one (1) year paid experience in a recognized zoo is essential. Lion Country Safari offers an excellent training program and a full range of benefits. I Salary commensurate with education and experience. Send resume and two (2) work I references to Cathy Tommey/Personnel at the address listed above. ! * Zoo Ave Wildlife Conservation Park is administered by the non-profit, private Nature Restoration Foundation, Located in La Garita de Alajuela, Costa Rica, I we are a modem zoological garden with over 700 birds, 150 reptiles, over 70 primates and a dozen additional mammals. We function as an official j rehabilitation center for injured and confiscated wildlife. Zoo Ave specializes I in releasing captive-bred and rehabilitated native avifauna. In addition, we I are rehabilitating habitat for wildlife within the park. Built in 1992, we are I still growing rapidly with new exhibits. We are a small dedicated staff who live \ Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 7, 1997 327 and work on the SG-acre property. To apply for the following positions, send a letter of interest and a resume to G, Suzanne Chacon, Scientific Officer, Zoo Ave, Dept, 280 Box 025216, Miami, FL 33102, Sexual orientation, race and age will not he discriminated against. Knowledge of the Spanish language or the willingness to learn is required. Work weeks are six days long. Three weeks paid vacation is offered after one year of employment. Housing is provided. Salary is paid in above-average Coata Rican wages and is dependent on experience, LOOKING FOR COUPLE,„to fill two positions. Only one person is required to have animal care experience. Both are entry level management positions. All phases of zoo management will be required including, but not limited to, environmental education, staff supervision, grounds maintenance, business management, administration and animal care management. The second position is a zookeeper. Any combination of education and experience in this area will be considered. A house with furnishings is provided. KEEPER/RELEASE MONITOR,„this required avian experience with a well-rounded animal care background. Animal rehabilitation experience preferred. Duties will include all facets of animal care and the daily work involved in running a zoo. Individual research is encouraged. Shared house with furnishings is provided. We also have a three-month intemivolunteer program available. Please write to the address previously given for information and an application. r \ One of the easiest and most effective things Americans can do for birds is to purohase a Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp, oommonly known as the “Duck Stamp,” available for $15 from post offices and national wildlife refuges around the country. Ninety-eight cents of every dollar raised by Duck Stamp sales is used to buy wetland habitat, whioh benefits migratory ^aterfowl and a host of other species of birds and wildlife. 328 Animal Keepers* Forum, Vol. 24, No. 7, 1997 AAZK Membership Application check here if renewal [ ] Name _ Address City State/Province Zip □ U.S. Members $35.00 Professional Full-time Keepers □ Canadian Members $40.00 Professional Full-time Keepers □ $30.00 Affiliate Other staff & volunteers □ $35.00 AffiUate Other staff & volunteers □ □ $30.00 Associate Those not connected with an animal facility $60.00 or up - Individuals Contributing/U.S. □ □ $35.00 Associate Those not connected with an animal facility $60 or up - Individuals Contributing/Canada □ □ $100.00 or up Institutional/U.S. Organizations /Institutions (requires Board approval) International Members $50.00 International All members outside US. & Canada regardless of category □ $100.00 or up Institutional/Canada Organizations / Institutions (requires Board approval) □ Library Only 35.00 Library Available only to public & university libraries Zoo Affiliation (if any) Zoo Address Title Work Area □ My check is enclosed (AAZK, Inc.) □ Please charge my credit card MASTERCARD Name on card _ VISA Card # -Expiration date Signature Mail this application to: AAZK Administrative Offices, Topeka Zoo, 635 S. W. Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606-2066. Make checks/money orders payable to AAZK, Inc. Must be in U.S. FUNDS ONLY. Membership includes a subscription to Animal Keepers' Forum. The membership card is good for free admission to many zoos and aquariums in the U.S. and Canada. PRINTED IN U.S.A ©1997 AAZK, INC. '‘Dedicated to Professional Animal Care iUlifi ANIMAL KEEPERS’ FORUM. 635 S.W. Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606-2066 AUGUST 1997 Phone: 1-800-242-4519 (U.S.) 1-800-468-1966 (Canada) FAX 913-273-1980 ^4 g Managing Editor: Susan D. Chan • Associate Editors/Enrichment Options Coordinators: Kayla Grams, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum & Gretchen Ziegler, Sequoia Park Zoo • Book Review Coordinator: Andrea Bemee, Chaffee Zoological Garden • Legislative Outlook Column Coordinator: Georgann B. Johnston, Sacramento, CA. • ABC's Column Coordinator: Diana Guerrero, San Diego, CA • Reactions Column Coordinator: William K. Baker, Jr., Lufkin, TX Animal Keepers’ Forum (ISSN 0164-9531) is a monthly journal of the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. Ten dollars of each membership fee goes toward the annual publication costs of Animal Keepers’ Forum . Third Class postage paid at Topeka, KS. Postmaster - Please send address changes to: American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc., Administrative Offices, 635 S.W. Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606-2066 - attn: Barbara Manspeaker, Administrative Secretary AAZK Executive Director: Ed Hansen, AAZK, Inc., Topeka KS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ric Urban, Houston Zoological Garden, Houston, TX 77030 Diane Callaway, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, Omaha, NE 68107-2200 Janet McCoy, Metro Washington Park Zoo, Portland, OR 97221-2799 Marilyn Cole, Box 335, Pickering, Ontario, Canada LI V 2R6 Lucy Segerson, North Carolina Zoological Park, Asheboro, NC 27203-9416 David Luce, Chaffee Zoological Gardens of Fresno, Fresno, CA 93728-2891 Michael Illig, Metro Washington Park Zoo, Portland, OR 97221-2799 President Vice President Immediate Past President COMMITTEES Nominations& Elections Chair - Sheri Leavitt, Houston Zoo Conservation, Preservation & Restoration Grants Chair - Brett Sellers, MeUo Washington Park Zoo Annual Conferences Coordinator - Ed Hansen, AAZK, Inc. Awards Chair - Janet McCoy, Metro Washington Park Zoo By-laws Jeffrey Phillips, North Carolina Zoo Ethics Janet McCoy, Metro Washingto Park Zoo Research/Grants Farshid Mehrdadfar, Disney Animal Kingdom Marketing Resources/Development David Luce, Chaffee Zoological of Fresno L.I.N.K. Coordinator Mark de Denus, Assiniboine Park Zoo Asst. L.I.N.K. Coordinator Wayne Hazlett, Milwaukee County Zoo AAZK Historian Mark Levin, Philadelphia Zoo Animal Data Transfer Form Bemie Feldman, Burnet Park Zoo Zoo University List Mike Illig, Metro Washington Park Zoo Enrichment Committee Dianna Frisch, Columbus Zoo International Outreach - Jeanette Beranger, Roger Williams Park Zoo (Chair/Coordinator Internationsl Assistance); Martha Turnbull - Co-Chair); Kathy Kelly, Silver Springs, MD - Project M.A.R.C. (Making A Realistic Contribution); Lynda Roberts, Riverbanks Zoo (Materials Assistance) PREgIDENTIAL ADVlgQRg/LIAIgONS AZA Liaison Janet McCoy, Metro Washington Park Zoo Bowling for Rhinos Patty Pearthree, Indianapolis, IN Zoo Registrars Association Terry Fisher, San Antonio Zoo AZAD Liaison Mary Jo Binkley, Franklin Park, IL AZH Liaison Virginia Wall, North Carolina Zoo Elephant Managers Association Liaison Marie Galloway, National Zoo CAZPA Liaison Oliver Claffey, Metro Toronto Zoo Int'l Marine Mammals Trainers Association Dave Force, Sea World of California ALZPA Liaison Alberto Mendoza, Houston Zoological Gardens AAZK PUBLICATIONS - CONTINUING DATA COLLECTION Zoo Infant Development Project - Teri Maas-Ang^r/Maggie Liguori, Philadelphia Zoo (Birds/Nonpasserines); Jennifer Hackshaw, Lowry Park Zoo and Suzanne Chacon, Zoo Aves (Birds/passerines); Jeanne Stevens, Newark Museum Mini-Zoo (Reptiles); Linelle Smith, Denver Zoo (Amphibians) Incubation Notebook Project - Scott Tidmus, Disney Animal IGngdom printed on recycled paper with vegetable-based ink products ^dhle of Contents Information for Contributors/About the Cover. 330 Scoops & Scuttlebutt 331 - 332 Message from the President 333 AAZK Long-Term Action Plan 334 - 337 Funding Assistance Available for AZA Schools 337 Coming Events 338 AAZK Announces New Members 340 Reactions Column: Precautions for Safe Work Environment 341 - 343 Oral Medications: Amounts & Effectiveness, Literary Search (Fish)... 344 - 347 ABC's Column: Evaluation Tips/Questionnaire 348 - 351 AAZK Book Sale 352 Komodo Dragons at Miami Metrozoo 353 - 356 Tiger Supermarket 356 Legislative Update (CITES Meeting Summary) 357 - 360 Information Please (Black Bear, Cougar) 360 Chapter News Notes/BFR T-Shirt 361 Enrichment Options (Gorilla) 362 - 363 Breeding the Rhinoceros Hornbill at the Houston Zoo 364 - 368 Book Reviews {The World of the Wolf; Biology of the Reptilia, Vol. 18; Mammals of Australia; and Cranes: Their Biology, Husbandry and Conservation) 369 - 371 Opportunity Knocks 372 About the Cover..... This month's cover features the Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis) drawn by Bill Tuttle, Supervisor of Graphics & Design at Miami Metrozoo in Miami, FL. This is an exhibit illustration from Metrozoo 's newest exhibit - The Falcon Batchelor Komodo Dragon Encounter which opened to the public in January of 1996. Komodo dragons are the largest living lizards and are found only on the Sunda Islands in Indonesia. They are endangered and considered a national treasure by the Indonesian governmen t. Look for an article about this interesting species on page 353 of this issue. Thanks, Bill! Information for Contributors Animal Keepers Forum publishes original papers and news items of interest to the animal keeping profession. Non-members are welcome to submit articles for consideration. Articles should be typed or hand-printed and double-spaced. Articles may be submitted on disk by arrangement with the Editor. All illustrations, graphs, charts and tables should be clearly marked, in final form and should fit in a page size no greater than 5.5” x 8.5” (14cm x 22cm). Literature used should be cited in the text (Brown, 1986) and alphabetically in the final bibliography. Avoid footnotes. Include scientific name (as per ISIS) the first time an animal name is used. Thereafter use common name. Use metric system for weights and measurements (standard equivalents may be noted in parenthesis). Use the continental dating system (day-month-year). Times should be listed as per the 24-hour clock (0800, 1630 hrs. etc.). Glossy finish black and white photos only are accepted. Color slides should be converted to black and white prints (minimum size 3” X 5” [8cm X 14cm] ) before submission. Clearly marked captions should accompany photos. Please list photo credit on back of photo. Articles sent to Animal Keepers ' Forum will be reviewed by the editorial staff for publication. Articles of a research or technical nature will be submitted to one or more of the zoo professionals who serve as referees iovAKF. No commitment is made to the author, but an effort will be made to publish articles as soon as possible. Lengthy articles may be separated into monthly installments at the discretion of the editor. The editor reserves the right to edit material without consultation unless approval is requested in writing by the author. Materials submitted will not be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed, appropriately-sized envelope. Telephone and FAX contributions of late-breaking news or last-minute insertions are accepted as space allows. However, long articles must be sent by U.S. mail. Phone 1-800-242-4519 (US); 1-800-468- 1966 (Canada); FAX (913) 273-1980. Deadline for each regular issue is the 10th of the preceding month. Dedicated issues may have separate deadline dates and will be noted by the editor. Articles printed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the AKF staff or the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. Publication does not indicate endorsement by the Association. Items in this publication may be reprinted providing credit to this publication is given and a copy of the reprinted material is forwarded to the editor. Reprints of material appearing in this journal may be ordered from the editor. Back issues are available for $3.00 each. 330 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 8, 1997 Scoops dd Scuttlebutt Administrative Offices To Change Area Code The area code for the Topeka, Kansas area is being changed from 913 to 785 effective immediately. This will not affect the numbers into Administrative Offices, but it will affect the Fax line. Although a “grace period” during which the old area code will be accepted runs into next year, please note this change for your records. AAZK’s Fax Line is now: (785) 273-1980. Audubon Chapter Acknowledged for Donation The Audubon Institute Chapter of AAZK, New Orleans, LA, has generously donated $1000.00 to AAZK’s general operating fund. In a letter to AAZK President Ric Urban they noted that “Our local Chapter, of course, cannot exist without the Association. We all find the Animal Keepers’ Forum to be an invaluable publication. Please accept this check for $1000.00 and continue the work you are doing for this Association of which we are all proud to be members.” The AAZK Board of Directors and the Administrative Office Staff sincerely thank the Audubon Institute Chapter for both their encouragement and support of the Association. Rhino Management Workshop Planned for Houston We are organizing a rhinoceros management workshop for the AAZK Conference in Houston. We invite all interested parties to participate. One of the primary goals will be to compile and share information on different management tools and techniques. If you plan on attending, please bring information on: gestation length, pregnancy determination, labor duration and behavior, birth weights, neonatal morphometries and physical appearance, calf health problems, weaning, and behavioral conditioning. Any other topics of interest are welcome for discussion. For further details contact: John Piazza or Lisa Fitzgerald, Dallas Zoo, (214) 670-6833; Fax - (214) 670-6717 or via e-mail at dzconsrc@airmail.net. Enrichment Committee Seeks Workshop Topics The AAZK Enrichment Committee would like your ideas and suggestions for topics to be addressed at the Enrichment Workshop that will be held at the National AAZK Conference in Houston. The Committee will select several topics for an open forum discussion. Please contact any member of the Committee via mail, phone or fax prior to 30 September 1997 regarding your discussion topics. Members of the Committee are: Dianna Frisch, 7731 Whitneyway Dr., Worthington, OH 43085, (614) 785-9951, e-mail -djfrisch@aol.com; Kayla Grams, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 North Kinney Rd., Tucson, AZ 85743- Animal Keepers’ Forum, VoL 24, No. 8, 1997 331 8918, (520)883-1380, fax (520) 883-2500; Gretchen Ziegler, Sequoia Park Zoo, 531 K St., Eureka, CA 95501, (707) 441-4229, fax (707) 441-4237; or Lee Houts, Sacramento Zoo, 3930 West Land Park Dr., Sacramento, CA 95822-1123, (916)264-5166, fax (916) 264-5887. SFCC Animal Technology Alumni Reunion The Santa Fe Community College Zoo Animal Technology Program and Teaching Zoo will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary October 17-19, 1997. As part of the weekend events, an Alumni Reunion is being planned for October 17th. Activities will include lunch, dedications and tours of our new $1.7 million facilities. If you are an Alumni of the program and are interested in attending the Reunion please contact us at: SFCC Zoo Animal Technology Program, Attn: Reunion Committee, 3000 N. W. 83rd St., Gainesville, FL 32606 or call (352) 395-5601 or e-mail at: jack.brown@santafe.cc.fl.us. Keeper Participation Needed in Koala Field Research Habitat is one of the most critical factors for the continued survival of the koala. Approximately 80% of the koala habitat has been destroyed. The current koala population is estimated by the Australian Koala Foundation to be between 40,000-80,000 animals, which is a far cry from the millions that once inhabited the eucalyptus forest of Eastern Australia. How can you help? By joining the Australian Koala Foundation and the Zoological Society of San Diego in their next joint field expedition from 11-27 October 1997 in the Pilliga area of New South Wales. Keeper participation in field research can be one of the most rewarding experiences! Interested representatives should contact Valerie Thompson, Associate Curator Of Mammals, San Diego Zoo, P. O. Box 551, San Diego, CA 92112-0551; (619) 685-3226; FAX - (619) 232-4117; e-mail: 102456.2745@compuserve.com. Attention Runners! Rhino Group Heads for New York Marathon Save the Rhino International is looking for a few good runners to join a “Rhino Group” to participate in the New York Marathon. If you are interested you may reach Julie Roach or Johnny Roberts at: Save the Rhino International, Winchester Wharf, Clink St., London SEl 9DG, England; Phone: 44 (0) 171- 357-7474; Fax: (44 (0) 171-357-9666; e-mail: save@rhinos.demon.co.uk; Internet: http ://www. cm .net . com/rhino/ Travel Information Available for Houston Conference Continental Airlines will be handling travel arrangements for the 1997 AAZK National Conference. If you would like more information, please contact Susan or Barbara at AAZK Administrative Offices at 1-800-242-4519 (U.S.) or 1-800- 468-1966 (Canada). 332 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 8, 1997 JVlessage front the President Greetings from the Lone Star State! In this issue the AAZK membership has the opportunity to review the proposed Five-Year Long-Range Plan developed by the Board of Directors. Over the past months, the Board has been taking responses from Chapters and disseminating important information to the membership. Chapters received a copy of the Plan in July. Now, the Board of Directors and I want to know what you think. Please keep this in mind while you read it - This Long-Range Plan is a guideline to give a group direction and goals. It is not Set in Stone, things can be changed for the benefit of the Association. It is our intention that there will be an annual review of the Long-Range Plan, and there will probably be revisions from time to time. As we all know, masterplans get revised all the time, but at least AAZK will now have a Long-Range Plan. It will continue to be a work in progress as the Association’s needs and programs evolve. Delegates attending the National Conference in Houston will be asked to ratify this plan at the General Meeting on Thursday, 9 October. If you will not be attending the Conference, we still want to have your input, suggestions, concerns, etc. about the Long-Range Plan. This is the future of your professional organization. Please call, fax or use my e-mail address (RicUrban@aol.com) and let me know what you think. The 1997 AAZK National Conference is just around the corner. Remember, Texas is not just a State, It is an Attitude. See you in Houston, Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 8, 1997 333 The American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc Long Term Action Plan 1997 - 2002 Mission Statement To provide a resource and a forum of continuing education for the animal care professional and tosupport zoo and aquarium personnel in their roles as animal care givers, scientific researchers, public educators and conservationists. To promote zoos and aquariums as cultural establishments dedicated to the enrichment of human and natural resources; to foster the exchange of research materials, enrichment options and husbandry information through publications and conferences which will lead to a greater understanding of the needs and requirements of all animals. I. Education A. Professional Development / Growth - Provide opportunities for the continuing professional development of the animal care professional. 1. Continue to endorse formal and organized assemblies for the purpose of dialogue and information exchange. a. National and Regional Conferences b. Workshops and Symposiums 2. Endorse combined conferences and meetings with other organizations that are related to the zoo keeping field for continued education, (i.e. AZA, CAZPA, ALPZA, EMA, ZRA, IMATA, AZH, and AZAD). 3. Continue to promote and encourage research which leads to a greater understanding of the needs and requirements of animals held in captive situations. a. AAZK Zoo Keeper Grant in Research. b. Develop a program/workshop to train animal care professionals in research design, analysis and transcription. B. Educational Materials - Develop, produce and distribute educa- tional materials of technical, scientific, practical or informational content or substance, including but no limited to the following: Animal Keepers' Forum. Junior Keepers’ Forum. Animal Data Transfer Forms, Zoonotic Diseases, Biological Values for Selected Mammals, Crisis Management Resource Notebook, Incubation Reference Manual, Fishes and Marine Invertebrate Diet Notebook, Zoo Infant Development Notebook, and Annual Conference Proceedings. 334 Animal Keepers' Forum, VoL 24, No. 8, 1997 C. Public Education - Promote public education on the topics of zoos, aquariums, wildlife reserves and related animal care facilities through public education programs and publications dealing with these topics. 1. Maintain the AAZK, Inc Home Page on the Internet. 2. Distribute educational materials. 3. Promote career path education. 4. Continue to offer the Junior Keepers’ Forum. II. Conservation A. Support and publicize AAZK’s concern for all valid and deserving projects of conservation and emphasize, through public education programs, the need for worthwhile projects of preserving our natural resources and animal life. B. Encourage and foster zoo keeper participation in conservation projects and programs. 1. Continue to offer the Conservation, Preservation and Restoration Grant. 2. Continue to foster the Earthwatch partnership. 3. Support institutional sponsored projects. C. Support Zoo and Chapter Conservation directed towards projects and initiatives which increase knowledge of captive husbandry and contribute to the propagation, welfare and longevity of individual species. 1. Support species survival in the wild through conservation efforts in situ and ex situ. 2. Support management and breeding programs of wild populations through methods developed by national and international authorities. D. Encourage keeper participation in zoological communities and exchange information learned with colleagues. Participation includes but is not limited to Species Survival Plans, Population Habitat Viability Assessment Workshops, Studbooks, Taxon Advisory Groups and Fauna Interest Groups. E. Continue the Bowling for Rhinos Program and encourage membership participation and support. Provide the membership with the most current information on the reserves supported by the BFR Program; Lewa Wildlife Conservancy (Africa), Ujung Kulon (Java), and Bukit Barisan Seletan National Park (Sumatra). F. Continue to endorse and support the Center for Ecosystem Survival, the Conservation Parking Meters and the Adopt An Acre Programs. Encourage Chapter and Zoological support. Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 8, 1997 335 III. Finances A. Research alternate financial support in order to keep membership dues at an affordable level. 1. Investigate Grants 2. Increase advertising revenue B. Solicit Chapter Financial Support to insure the Association’s ability to achieve its goals and programs. C. Seek corporate sponsorship for AAZK, Inc., publications and projects. D. Establish endowment funds to insure the long term survival of the Association and its programs. General Operations fund, minimum $100K; Conservation, Preservation and Restoration Grants, minimum $20K; and Research Grants, minimum $20K. 1. Implore corporate sponsorship 2. Initiate a campaign to solicit Chapters to pledge a percentage of annual revenues or a specific dollar amount. 3. Encourage bequests 4. Campaign for membership support with the option to give individually with their membership renewal. IV The AAZK Image A. Heighten AAZK, Inc.’s image at the membership/ Chapter level by increasing the following: 1. Educational opportunities 2. Peer communication 3. Research support and exchange 4. Enrichment options and husbandry information 5. Conservation efforts and opportunities 6. Professional growth 7. Opportunities for participation in AAZK, Inc.’s Committees B. Heighten AAZK, Inc.’s image in the zoological community, among institutions and other related organizations. 1. Appoint Liaisons 2. Participate in exchange of publications between related organizations 3. Develop conservation partnerships with related organizations and zoological institutions. 4. Promote institutional support of staff members in continuing education and professional development. C. Increase the awareness of AAZK, Inc. in the Community at Large. 1. Continue to participate in projects that promote conservation awareness, ( i.e. Bowling for Rhinos, Conservation Parking Meter and Adopt An Acre Programs). 336 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 8, 1997 2. Promote educational opportunities for children through the Junior Keeper sTorum. Adopt a School and Mentoring Programs, interaction with organizations such as Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, 4-H Clubs, etc., and speaking at local schools about career opportunities and the zoo keeping field, in general. 3. Encourage Chapters to promote AAZK during special zoo events. 4. Promote educational opportunities for the public concerning the different aspects of the field of zoo keeping (i.e. nutrition, husbandry, research, enrichment, medicine, conservation program involvement, etc.). 5. Continue to increase membership in AAZK, Inc. by soliciting institutions, new employees, support personnel and members in related organizations. Funding Assistance Available for AZA Professional Training Schools To encourage attendance at the professional training schools, the AZA Board of Regents makes several awards available to aquarium and zoo professionals. Zoo school candidates from your organization should be applying for these awards. Whether your organization is large or small, has a tight or generous budget, or is sending one student or 10, these cash awards and tuition scholarships can make a difference. To be eligible to apply for any of the following awards you must be an AZA member and be employed full-time in a zoo or aquarium. For application information, please contact the AZA Office of Membership Services at (304) 242- 2160. Available Awards: Robert O. Wagner Professional Development Award - To encourage the development of zoo professionals, this award may be applied toward any AZA school. Tuition, accommodations, transportation, meals and a $200 stipend are provided to the recipient. International Conservation Training Award - To promote professional training for our foreign zoological colleagues, this award goes to individuals who are currently involved in cooperative efforts with AZA member institutions, TAGs, FIGs or SSPs. Tuition, accommodations, transportation and meals are provided for the recipient to attend any AZA school. Diversity Advancement Award - To support participation in the AZA schools by ethnic minorities, a $500 award may be given to qualified applicant. Dinamation’s Applied Biology School Award - To support students committed to improving their knowledge of applied biology, a $500 cash award may be given to a qualified applicant for this school. Margaret A. Dankworth Management School Scholarship - Limited to those participants in the second year of Management School, this award provides full tuition, accommodations and a $500 stipend for the recipient. (Applications are currently being accepted for the 1999 school for this award.) Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 8, 1997 337 Coming events AZA Annual Conference - September 14- 18, 1997 - Albuquerque, NM. For further information contact Terry Axline, Albuquerque Biological Park, 903 Tenth St., S.W., Albuquerque, NM 87102 (505) 764-6200. Annual Conference of the Association of Zoological Horticulture - September 25-October 1, 1997. For further information contact Gary Outenreach, Horticulture Exhibit Manager, Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd., Galveston, TX 77554 (800) 582-4673, ext. 271. Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians - September 2 7 -October 2, 1997, Asheboro, NC. Hosted by the North Carolina Zoological Park. For conference or membership information contact: Jenni Jenkins, LVT, AZVT Secretary, National Aquarium in Baltimore, Pier 3, 501 E. Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21202, (410) 659-4256. AAZK National Conference - October 5- 9, 1997 in Houston, TX. Watch the Forum for information or contact Christine Smith or Ric Urban at the Houston Zoo, 1513 North MacGregor, Houston, TX 77030; (713) 520-3200. Third International Conference on Environmental Enrichment - October 12-17, 1997 in Orlando, FL. For further information contact Thad Lacinak, Sea World, Inc., 7007 Sea World Dr., Orlando, FL 32821(407) 363-2651. 13th Annual Midwest Herpetological Symposium - October 17-21, 1997 at Shakopee, MN. Hosted by The Minnesota Herpetological Society. For further information contact Bill Moss (^12) 488- 1383 or Liz Bosman (612) 476-0306 or e- mail MNHAAAERPSOC@AOL.COM American Association of Zoo Veterinarians Annual Conference - October 26-30, 1997 in Houston, TX at the Sheraton Astrodome. For conference information contact: Wilbur Armand,VMD, Executive Director/AAZV,6 North Pennell Rd., Media, PA 19063; Phone (610) 358- 9530; Fax (610) 892-4813. The 25th Annual Conference of the International Marine Animal Trainers Association - October 26-31, 1997 in Baltimore, MD. Hosted by the National Aquarium in Baltimore. For further information, contact Tim Sullivan, Brookfield Zoo, Seven Seas, 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513; (708) 485-0263, ext. 464, fax: (708) 485-3532; e-mail: tsulli@manta.nosc.mil. 18th Annual Elephant Managers Association Workshop - November 1-4, 1997 in Fort Worth, TX. For further information contact Steve Clarke, Fort Worth Zoo, 1989 Colonial Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76110; phone (817) 871-7415; fax (817) 871-7012. ChimpanZoo Annual Conference - November 15-19, 1997 in Little Rock, AR. For further information contact Mark Hartmann, Ph.D., Dept, of Sociology- Anthropology, University of Arkansas, 2801 So. University Ave., Little Rock, AR 72204; phone (501) 569-3176; or e-mail MAHARTMANN@UALA.EDU r^}THE GOURMET RODENT 'mm RATS AND MICE Bill & Marcia Brant 6115 SW 137th Avenue Archer. FL 32618 (3521 495-9024 FAX (352) 495-9781 e-mail: GrmtRodentdaol.com © All Rights Reserved 338 Animal Keepers’ Forum, VoL 24, No. 8, 1997 Quality exotic animal diets TX?I Tim Nutritionally balanced OIjLA> 1 IVvJJVl Fixed formulation • Economical When you need a complete line of high-quality dry and frozen animal diets for your feeding program, call Animal Spectrum. NKBRASKA BRAND h \ SPECTRUM BROOD-RITE HEATERS Frozen feline diets Frozen bird of prey diets Frozen canine diet Chunk and chopped horsemeat, hearts, livers, rib, shank, knuckle bones, and tailbones Banana flavored psittacine/primate, 20% protein dry Banana flavored primate. Pro-Plus 25% protein dry Leaf Eater primate dry Omnivore dry Marmoset/T amarin dry Polar Bear dry Ratite dry Bulbless heaters— nothing to break Safe around all animals and bedding material. Even heat distribution in 240. 500, or 750 wattages. One call does it all 1-800-228-4005 FAX 308-534-7015 Animal Spectrum, Inc. P.O. Box 721 North Platte, NE 69103-0721 New & Renewing AAZK Profeseional/lnetitutional/Contributing Members New Professional Members Julie Miner, D.E.W. Animal Kingdom (ME); Lisa Laskoski, no facility listed, W. Haven (CT); Ruth E. Keck, Cape May Co. Park Zoo (NJ); Lisa Green, Prospect Park Wildlife Conservation Center (NY); Kendall B. Rausch, Bronx Zoo (NY); Jen Savage, Philadelphia Zoo (PA); Barbara Anderson, Chehaw Wild Animal Park (GA); Susan Hilton, Santa Fe Community College Teaching Zoo (FL); Renee Irvine, Private Primate Sanctuary (FL); Scott C. Lincoln, Miami Metro Zoo (FL); Angel Triano, Tania Pitts, Janice Hudson, Jason Hedegard, Dana R. Bachard, Jennifer Robertson and Jeff Davidson, Lion Coimtry Safari (FL); Victoria Cool-Hines and Lisa Trusty, Louisville Zoo (KY); Bridget Davis, Elizabeth Rose and Kerry Lee Mahan, Fort Worth Zoo (TX); Angela R. DeNeen, Dallas Zoo (TX); Allan Seidon, El Paso Zoo (TX); Anne E. Holmes, Sea World of California (CA); Chris Alaimo, Chaffee Zoological Gardens of Fresno (CA); and Elizabeth Burkell-King, Honolulu Zoo (HI). New Institutional Members Lake Superior Zoological Gardens, Duluth, MN Kansas City Zoological Gardens, Kansas City, MO Renewing Contributing Members John Seyjagat, Director The Lubee Foundation, Gainesville, FL Vernon N. Kisling, Jr., High Springs, FL Marilyn R. Lemrow, Spring Valley, CA Need to Reach AAZK? 1-800-242-4519 (U. S.) 1-800-468-1966 (Canada) FAX: (785) 273-1980 or write AAZK, Inc. 635 S.W. Gage Blvd. Topeka, KS 66606-2066 U.S.A. Administrative Office Staff Barbara Manspeaker - Administrative Secretary Susan Chan - Managing Editor AKF Orca - Office Cat Office Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. CDT 340 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 8, 1997 ^ £ /i c r / 0 £ 3 A ^mtioiaidAiswfortitfortlietoo fnUssioialoi Crisis ffaia^tKif By William K. Baker, Jr., Zoologist Lufkin, TX QUESTION What precautions can Zoo Keepers take to make their daily work environment safer? COMMENTS Zoo Keepers are t3^ically required to work 365 days a year, in all weather conditions, and in close proximity to exotic animals. This is all part of the job description for the zoological professional. However, performing these duties in an unsafe work environment is not part of the job description. Granted, there is a certain risk factor associated with managing exotic animals in captivity, but that doesn’t excuse unsafe working conditions for animal managers. Safety in a zoological institution is the dual responsibility of the Zoo Keepers and the Zoo Managers. This requires effective two-way communication to ascertain the specific needs of the staff and institution. Still, there are some basic guidelines for the Zoo Keepers “down in the trenches” who are trying to get through the workday. GENERAL SAFETY 1. Dress appropriately for the prevailing weather conditions and the specific tasks that are required in your work area. Gloves and good footwear are always second thoughts until the need for repairs, running, or climbing occurs. 2. Always insure that the proper tools are available and adequate to the task. Tools should be maintained and repaired as needed. This is applicable to both hand and power tools used in the keeper environment. 3. Keep all keeper work areas free of debris, trash, and “unfinished projects”. Not only is it a fire hazard, it’s underfoot, and someone is always tripping over it. Keep corridors, doorways, and shift areas clear at all times. Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 8, 1997 341 4. Radios and telephones should be kept in good working condition at all times. Extra batteries or charged radios should be located in each major work area. Radios should be carried at all times and kept “on”, especially when working alone. 5. First aid equipment, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and emergency lighting should be located in every keeper work area. Training in first aid and CPR should be pursued whenever possible. MSDS sheets should be available on the chemicals used in the work area and reviewed in advance. PERSONAL SAFETY 1. Always ensure that you are physically prepared for the workday. Staying physically fit, getting regular sleep, and eating a proper diet is more than good health, it’s good sense. 2. Stay focused during the workday. Leave your personal life at home and try to reduce stress whenever possible. Thinking about the latest argument at home and shifting animals are incompatible behaviors. 3. Maintain a positive attitude. If you’re convinced that the day is going to be pure misery, it will probably be just that. Also, remember, captive animals tend to be sensitive to their environment, keeper activity, and associated moods. 5. Be careful when using over the counter medications. A large number of antihistamines tend to cause drowsiness. If you’re taking prescription medications, be aware of possible side-effects and drug interaction warnings. 6. Never pick up a dart used in an animal sedation with an ungloved hand. Many of the pharmaceuticals used by zoo veterinarians are toxic to humans (i.e. Etorphine (M-99) and carphentanol). Exercise caution when handling narcotics. ANIMAL SAFETY 1. Know the medical history, personal history, and personalities of the animals in your care. This would include a working knowledge of the established hierarchies in family groups, colonies, and herds. 2. Always read the daily report for your section or work area, especially when returning from the weekend or a vacation. This is the best way to find out what is happening on a daily basis with the animals, projects and staff. 3. Always monitor exotic animals for changes in behavior. A change in established behavior patterns could be due to environmental stress or physiological problems. Either way, the animal is stressed and extra care should be taken. 4. Always know where your animals are. This applies especially to shift M2 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 8, 1997 procedures for dangerous animals. If the count is unsure or visual contact is lost, start over. Once the shift is complete, check doors, locks, and do another head count. Try to eliminate “blind spots” if possible. 5. Be aware of the risk of zoonotic diseases. Always use gloves and mask if there is a reason to suspect bacterial or viral contamination. Wash hands and disinfect equipment regularly. Also, be familiar with GDC and NIH guidelines. EXHIBIT SAFETY 1. Always lock security chains, gates, and doors that control access to keeper work areas. This should be done every time someone enters or leaves an area. This keeps the public out and provides another layer of animal containment. 2. Check locks on exhibits and holdovers before leaving an area, and check locks when returning to an area. A good example of this type of situation would be when staff members leave zoo grounds for lunch and return for afternoon duties. 3. Inspect locks, shift doors, throw bars, pulleys, and ropes on a regular basis. Periodic preventative maintenance will catch most mechanical problems before they become safety concerns. 4. Inspect exhibits, enclosures, and holdovers on a daily basis. This would include walking fence lines, checking hot wires, looking for loose boards, inspecting weld points, and watching for erosion that may provide escape routes. 5. Double-check everything and assume nothing. If something in the exhibit or holding area looks imsafe, stop, step back, and take a second look. There is nothing wrong with relying on intuition if something doesn’t “feel right”. If you would like to submit a question for this column or have comments on previously published material, please send them to: Reactions/AKF, 635 S. W. Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606-2066. (About the author: Since 1985 Bill has been active in the fields of science, zoology and wildlife management. His education and experience include a B.S. in wildlife management and post-graduate studies in zoology, Lab and Museum Assistant, Shoot Team leader, ERT Member, Senior Keeper and Large Mammal Keeper at various AZA facilities. His area of research is crisis management in zoological institutions, which draws upon practical experience and training as a Rescue Diver, Hunter Safety Instructor, NRA Firearms Instructor, and Red Cross CPR! First Aid Instructor.) Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 24, No. 8, 1997 343 Oral Medications: Amounts & Effectiveness, Literary Search By Mike Williamson (Intern Project, The Florida Aquarium) Thomas M. Fenske (Biologist, The Florida Aquarium) Tampa, FL Anyone who has observed marine fishes in an aquarium setting, either from working with them or owning them as a hobby, can appreciate the importance of treating fish diseases. Unfortunately, there has been little research so far to determine the effectiveness of oral medications on fish, an approach that could prove to be more efficient and precise than traditional soaking methods. Some data exists on certain drugs for specific infections. This can be useful, but a lack of unifying principles in the general treatment for fish makes application of this available data only marginally helpful. Oral administration of drugs to fish specimens is a highly effective way of treating bacterial infection and parasitic infestations. This paper is an accumulation of past and present oral medications, dosages and effectiveness. There are a couple of tables here that can be referred to for specific remedies for some of the more common fish diseases, particularly those caused by bacterial or parasitic infections. Table 1 gives the recommended dosages for a certain drug, and Table 2 lists conditions or uses for that drug. For example. Table 2 indicates that there are several possible drugs to treat Aeromonas sp. a bacterial infection. A glance at Table 1 would yield the exact amount of a particular drug to be administered, for instance, Ig of Kanamycin® mixed in per 1kg. of food. A quick study of Table 2 will reveal that all of the drugs listed are used for the treatment of specific infections, making specific, detailed knowledge of fish diseases and their treatments useful. It is also apparent that several drugs may treat the same condition. 344 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 8, 1997 Table I; Lists medications with recommended dosages from various references. MEDICATION DOSAGES Arthinol Chlortetracycline Mercurous chloride Para-ureidobenzenearsonic acid Chloramphenicol Chloramphenicol Amebacillin 3-5-Nitrofurfurylideneamino-2-Oxazoiidone 3-5-Nitrofurfurylideneamino-2-Oxazoiidone 3-5-Nitrofurfurylideneamino-2-Oxazoiidone Isonicotinic acid hydrazide Kamala Kanamycin Kanamycin sulfate 5-Nitro-2-Furaldehyde semicarbazone 4, 7-Phenanthroline-5, 6-Dione Sulphaguanidine Sulphamerazine Sulphamerazine Sulphisoxazole Oxytetracycline Oxytetracycline Oxytetracycline hydrochloride Praziquantel Metronidazole Metronidazole Fenbendazole Sulfadimethoxine-ormetoprim Amoxicillin trihydrate Ampicillin sodium Enrofloxacin Erythromycin Flumequine Nifurpirinol Oxolinic acid Sarafloxacin Sulfadiazine-trimethoprim Sulfadimethoxine-ormetoprim Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim Neomycin sulfate Gabbrocol Nitrofurantoin 1 gr. Arthinol/ 1 00 gr. food 1 gr. Chlortetracycline/ 100 gr. food 1 gr. Hg2C12/500 gr. food 1 gr. para-ureidobenzenearsonic acid/ 500 gr. food 1 gr. Chloramphenicol/ 1 Kg. food 500 mg. Chloramphenicol/ 100 gr. food 1 gr. Amebacillin/500 gr. food 1 gr. Furazolidone/1 Kg. food 50 mg. Furazolidone/ 1 Kg. food 300 mg. Furazolidone/ 100 gr. food 3 mg. Isonicotinic acid hydrazide/1 Kg. food. 1 gr. Kamala/500 gr. food 1 gr. Kanamycin/ 1 Kg. food 50 mg. Kanamycin sulfate/ 1 Kg. food 1 gr. Nitrofurazone/1 Kg. food 1 gr. 4, 7-Phenanthroline-5, 6-Dione/l Kg. food 1 gr. Sulphaguanidine/8 Kg. food. 2 mg. Sulphamerazine/1 Kg. food 220 mg. Sulphamerazine/1 Kg. food 1 gr. Sulphisoxazole/ 4.5 Kg. food 1 gr. Oxytetracycline/ 1 Kg. food 250 mg. Oxytetracy cline/2. 2 Kg. food 55 mg. Oxytetracycline hydrochloride/1 Kg. food 135 mg. Praziquantel/ 100 gr. food 625 mg. Metronidazole/ 100 gr. food 250 mg. Metronidazole/ 100 gr. food 250 mg. Fenbendazole/ 100 gr. food 50 mg. Sulfadimethoxine-ormetoprim/ 1 Kg. food 50 mg. Amoxicillin trihydrate/ 1 Kg. food 50 mg. Ampicillin sodium/1 Kg. food 10 mg. Enrofloxacin/ 1 Kg. food 100 mg. Erythromycin/ 1 Kg. food 10 mg. Flumequine/1 Kg. food 4 mg. Nifurpirinol/ 1 Kg. food 10 mg. Oxolinic acid/1 Kg. food 10 mg. Sarafloxacin/ 1 Kg. food 30 mg. Sulfadiazine-trimethoprim/ 1 Kg. food 50 mg. Sulfadimethoxine-ormetoprim/ 1 Kg. food 50 mg. Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim/ 1 Kg. food 250 mg. Neomycin sulfate/100 gr. food 2 gr. Gabbrocol/ 100 gr. food 150 mg. Nitrofurantoin/ 100 gr. food Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 8, 1997 345 Table 2: Lists medications and what the medications are effective against from various references. MEDICATIONS EFFECTIVENESS Arthinol Chlortetracycline Mercurous chloride Para-ureidobenzenearsonic Acid Chloramphenicol Amebacillin 3-5-Nitrofurfurylideneamino-2-Oxazoiidone Isonicotinic Acid Hydrazide Kamala Kanamycin 5-Nitro-2-Furaldehyde Semicarbazone 4, 7-Phenanthroline-5, 6-Dione Sulphaguanidine Sulphamerazine Sulphisoxazole Oxytetracycline Praziquantel Metronidazole Fenbendazole Sulfadimethoxine-ormetoprim Amoxicillin trihydrate Ampicillin sodium Enrofloxacin Erythromycin Flumequine Kanamycin sulfate Nifurpirinol Oxolinic acid Oxytetracycline hydrochloride Sarafloxacin Sulfadiazone-trimethoprim Sulfadimethoxine-ormetoprim Sulfamerazine Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim Neomycin sulfate Gabbrocol Nitrofurantoin Octomitiasis Octomitiasis (Causes avitaminoses) Octomitiasis (Highly toxic) Octomitiasis Gram-positive & gram-negative and some protozoa. Octomitiasis Furunculosis, Internal sporozoan. Tuberculosis Tapeworms Pseudomonad acea & Aeromonas Gram-positive & gram-negative & sporozoa Octomitiasis Furunculosis Worm cataract Infectious kidney & liver disease Anti-biotic Anthelmintic Antibacterial & antiprotozoal Nematodes Edwardsiella ictaluri Beta-lactam anti-biotic Beta-lactam anti-biotic Aeromonas Anti-biotic/Streptococcosis Gram-negative bacteria Anti-biotic Anti-biotic Gram-negative bacteria Static inhibitor of bacterial protein synthesis Aeromonas, Vibrio, & Edwardsiella Anti-biotic Aeromonas & Edwardsiella Anti-biotic (wide spread resistant strains) Anti-biotic Gram-negative bacteria & cocci Intestinal flagellates & ciliates Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, & Vibrio The research conducted by The Florida Aquarium yielded some potentially useful information in the treatment of marine fish disease. Most of this data had very specific applications, however, and the bits and pieces gleaned are just the beginning of putting together a more concessive plan for treatment of fish. It was noted that certain medications treated only one or two particular ailments, sometime with varying effectiveness on different fish. In addition, carrying out experimental procedures itself will not be without its Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 8, 1997 occasional difficulties. Administering medication orally in fish food means that gathering the data depends largely on the day-to-day eating preferences of the fish. They may not take in the drug either because of how it affects the taste of the food or because they simply are not hungry. The Florida Aquarium would like to make additional studies, perhaps with varying food and drug mixtures with carefully controlled feeding times, on specific species. References; Anne, W. Fish Diseases. 1980. Springer- Verlag, New York, NY. Gratzek, Dr. John B. Aquariologv (Master Volume) The Science of Fish Health Management. 1992 . Tetra Press Publications, Morris Plains, NJ. Noga, Edward J. Fish Disease. 1996. Mosby Publishing, St. Louis, MO. Reichenbach-Klinke, H. The Principal Diseases of Lower Vertebrates. Disease of Fishes. 1965 T. F. H. Publications, Neptune City, NJ. Sindermann, C. J. Diseases of Marine Fishes. 1966. T.F.H. Publications, Neptune City, NJ. Stoskopf, Michael K. Fish Medicine. 1993. W.B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia, PA Untergasser, Dieter. Handbook of Fish Diseases. 1989. T.F.H. Publications, Neptune City, NJ. The Birds of North America, Life Histories for the 21st Century This is what one zoo keeper says about the series: "Wow! Ornithological facts at your fingertips. ..This is a wonderful series and will answer many questions without searching for a dedicated textbook... An excellent piece of work." Animal Keepers' Forum, 1997 Shouldn't your library have a copy? Flexible payment plans available. Order yours today: P.O. Box 1897, Lawrence, KS 66044 rwalker@allenpress.com, www.acnatsci.org/bna 800-627-0629 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 24, No. 8, 1997 347 ABC Animal Behavior Concerns & Solutions A Question and Answer Forum for the Zoo Professional P5/ Diana Guerrero, Independent Dehavior Consultant, Ark Animals of California, San Die^o, CA (Editor’s Note; Due to a computer transmission glitch, the July ABC’s column was missing some information in the questionnaire portion of the column. Therefore, we are rerunning the entire coliunn this month with the inadvertently deleted information included. We apologize for this error. COMMENT/QUESTION Thanks for all the help and time you spent with us on our behavior question. It might be useful to others if you included some of the questions you asked us on our evaluation in the ABC’S Column. We think it would be of benefit to other institutions if you did. ANSWER Thanks for the continued questions and positive comments/feedback! I will call this month’s column: What information to supply to assure a beneficial evaluation. EVALUATION TIPS: Knowing what questions to answer is half the battle! Due to space constraints it is not always possible to include some of the questions that are asked or discussed in the fact finding phase of a behavior evaluation. Providing important information is a must in any evaluation. Here are some general guidelines to assist those of you who need help with scenarios. The more of these questions you provide answers to, in advance, the better and faster the assessment can be. Please remember that all specific items are kept confidential when presented in the column. PROBLEM BEIIAVIOR(S) 1) Briefly describe problem 2) the age of the animal when the problem was first observed 3) how long the problem has been in existence 4) where it occurs and with which conspecifics 5) what particular situation it occurs in 6) frequency 7) how you have attempted to correct it 8) other things you think are important to know 348 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 24, No. 8, 1997 HUMAN INFORMATION Name of persons working on this problem: Mailing address of institution( Street or PO Box): City: State: Zip Code: TIME ZONE: P M C E Other Work Phone: ( ) FAX Line: ( ) E-mail: Other Participants M/F Relationship with animal(s) Time on area 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Does anyone have any behavior experience? Y N If yes, Who? Has anyone ever attended a training program or behavior seminar before? Y N If Yes, Who conducted the program or seminar? When? EXHIBIT INFORMATION Please describe the exhibit to the best of your ability: Can the animals be separated from each other? Do they have individual night quarters? Please list the other animals in the exhibit: Name Breed/Species Age Sex Compatibility with animal(s) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. ANIMAL INFORMATION Animal Name: Breed/Species: Sex: M F Age: Age this animal was obtained: From where? Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 8, 1997 349 Mother-reared? Wild-caught? Nursery-reared? By whom? Age taken from mother? Litter behavior/birth order? How long have you had this animal? Do you intend to breed this animal? List prior facilities: List any health or physical problems: Is this animal on medication? Y N If yes, what? Why? Was this animal ever seriously injured or ill? If so, please explain: Has this animal been cleared for allergies? Fungal infections? Thyroid, adrenals or other physical abnormalities? Veterinarian: Phone ( ) Is this animal allowed on exhibit with conspecifics? Where does this animal sleep and with whom? Who does this animal interact with most? the least? What is the current diet? How many feedings? Enrichment? Supplements? How often is enrichment used? Is this animal able to participate in this activity? What t5^es of interactions occur in the exhibit? Any aggression? Has this animal ever received any formal training? At what age? Trainer’s name: How have you reinforced acceptable interactions? How have you reprimanded or handled aggressive or unacceptable behaviors? Animal’s reactions to these actions? Has this animal been injured by another animal on exhibit? Has this animal injured any conspecific? What were the circumstances? How many times has this occurred? How long ago was the latest incident? In stress situations (new situation, strangers, visitors, left alone, confine- ment, etc.) how does this animal react? 350 Animal Keepers’ Forum, VoL 24, No. 8, 1997 Would you describe this animal as: Wildly active Active Confident/Assured Reserved Withdrawn StifMethargic Fearful/Unsure OTHER NOTES: Next Month: Understanding Applications of the Bridge and Bridging Crite- ria: Part One - An Overview If you would like to submit a behavior question/scenario for discussion in this column, please use the guidelines listed above for providing information necessary for such an evaluation. Requests for behavior evaluations should be send to Diana Guerrero a t Ark Animals, Inc., P. O. Box 1154, Escondido, CA 92033-1154 or directed to her e-mail address listed below. About the Author: Since 1978 Diana has been active both in the U S. and England working with zoos, private collections, an oceanarium, a marine aquarium, and other animal-related organizations involving captive wildlife. She has a broad base of animal experience involving movie & television training, zookeeping, show performances with live animals, education, behavior management, modification and enrichment, rescue and rehabilitation as well as captive breeding and management of endangered species. She is currently working as an Animal Behavior Consultant and Trainer with both exotic and domestic animals, she has authored numerous articles on animal behavior and training. If you have questions for Diana, you may contact her at 1-800-818-7387 or via the email listed below. NOTE: The Ark Animals' Website has completed the change to Electronic Magazine Format. The 'Ezine” features articles related to captive animal behavior, enrichment, conservation, and similar topics. The publisher welcomes electronically submitted articles (previously published or new work). Deadline is the 10th of the month previous to publishing. Interested parties may contact the publisher at E-mail: arkabc@arkanimals.com Website address is http:/ / www.arkanimals.com Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No 8, 1997 351 AAZK Book Sale Sale price is 20% off list price Sug. $ Sale $ $69.95 $55.95 The Encyclopedia of Mammals David W. Macdonald (Ed.) This is a lavishly illustrated, comprehensive sourcebook to all known species of mammals, hardcover, 960 pgs., 1000 full color photos $55.00 $44.00 The Lost Birds of Paradise by Errol Fuller Birds of Paradise are some of the world’s most beautiful and extravagantly ornamented creatures. Uncovered here are the whereabouts and history of 19 little-known species whose existence has been almost entirely forgotten — some of these species may even be extinct. Filled with stunning paintings. hardcover, 160 pgs. $59.95 $40.00 Ecology and Management of the Wood Duck by Frank C. Bellrose and Daniel J. Holm. These two leading experts on wood duck ecology have gathered their expertise into an invaluable reference volume, hardcover, 624 pgs. B & W photos $50.00 $40.00 Trees for American Gardens - the Definitive Guide to Identification & Cultivation By Donald Wyman. 3rd Edition Since it was first publishd in 1951, Trees for American Gardens has become the standard reference work on landscape trees. This new edition contains detailed descriptions of the hardiness, habit, foilage, blossom- production and fruit-bearing characteristics of over 1500 species in active cultivation, hardcover, 576 pgs. 150 B &W photos $60.00 $48.00 Voice from the Wilderness by Ray Harris-Ching Ray-Harris-Ching’s remarkable drawing skills and wholly individual vision of birds and mammals have brought him to the forefront of wildlife illustration. This book expresses the artist’s concerns and fears for our fragile earth and the animals that must live here with us. The animals shown in his paintings are as exotic as jungle Capuchin monkeys or as familiar as house sparrows, hardcover, 200 pgs. 100 full- color illustrations. $60.00 $48.00 Robert Bateman: Natural World by Rick Archbald Illustrations by Robert Bateman. Explores living systems from Poland’s haunting ancient waterways to Costa Rica’s cloud forests, yet takes in much of the dwindling wild realms of North America. Text details how all living things are linked to their habitats and is superbly complimented by 120 full-color photo, hardcover, 192 pgs. TO ORDER: List the books you want along with your name and complete mailing address. Include shipping fee of $2.00 for the first item and $1.00 for each additional item. Make checks or money orders payable to ‘AAZK Book Sale” (U.S. FUNDS ONLY - no cash or COD, please). Domestic orders only. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. Mail orders to: AAZK Beardsley Chapter, Attn: Gail Rice, 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06610-1600. (203) 394-6563 (Education Ext.). 352 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 8, 1997 Koojodo Dnagons or hAiami Memozoo (Varanus komodoensis) By Tom Condie and Pam Monseur Asian River Life /Komodo Keepers Miami Metrozoo, Miami, FL Komodo dragons {Varanus komodoensis) are the largest living lizards. Their range is limited to the Simda Islands in Indonesia. They are endangered and considered national treasures by the Indonesian government. They can reach average lengths of 2.74m (9 ft.) and can weigh well over 36 kg (300 lbs.). They are the largest land carnivores and on top of the food chain in their native habitat. They feed on anything they can catch including deer native to the islands and introduced species such as goats, wild boar and buffalo. Young dragons are mainly insectivorous and will live up in trees for the first three to four years where they are safe from predation by larger dragons. Yoimg komodos will also feed on mice, birds and eggs and will come to the ground only when they are big enough to compete with others. Metrozoo’s Komodo dragons came to us after many years of planning and hard work by our administrative staff and the government of Indonesia. Funds were collected, permits to import adult animals were acquired, and a new exhibit was designed. Many more months of coordination went by before our staff was finally ready to travel to Indonesia and spend two weeks training and getting to know the animals before bringing them home. Our pair was housed in a pit-like exhibit at the Taman Safari Park in Bogor, west of Java. A total of five animals were housed together. All had been wild- caught and had been at the zoo for about five years. The animals went through a complete physical exam that included first of all x-rays to determine their exact sex, blood tests, measurements and parasite treatment. All the keepers at Taman Safari were originally from the Island of Flores and seemed very experienced at hand-restraining these animals. None of them has ever seen a catch-pole before and proceeded to use it as a push stick. After they were shown the proper use of a catch-pole, they realized what a wonderful tool it was and requested for our staff to leave it with them. Crates were custom- made for each of our animals. The pair was crated and sent on their way to the U. S. on a 23-hour flight. Our animals arrived on 13 June 1995, and were released in al2m x 12m (40 ft. X 40 ft.) pen in the quarantine area. The pen contained a few shade trees and a pool measuring 4m x 1 m deep (13.12 ft. x 3.28 ft. deep). Because of the cooler weather later in the year, a shelter was built with a hog warmer buried in the sand to provide them with a warm area. Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No, 8, 1997 353 Taman Safari fed their Komodos mainly rats so we decided not to change their diets. Quarantine keepers soon discovered that the male would do an3d;hing for a rat and they used this to their advantage in shifting him into another pen when necessary. Prior to their arrival, the male and female had been separated, but seemed to get along when they were released from their crates into the pen. On a few occasions during their stay in the quarantine area they had to be separated due to the male injuring the female during breeding attempts. The pair spent a total of six months in the quarantine area before their new exhibit was completed. On the day they were moved to their new home both animals were transported to our hospital to be examined once again. Our male “Jack” weighed 63kg (139 lbs) and measured 2.23m (7’ 3”) from snout to tail. He is a very nicely colored animals with bright lime green and yellow adorning his head and neck, fading to the rusty orange coloration of his body. The female dragon weighed in at 35kg (77 lbs.) and measured 1.8m (5” 10”). She is a little less brilliantly marked than the male, but does have unusually red lips for a lizard, hence her Indonesian name “Lubier”. Because both animals were wild-caught, we do not know their exact ages. However, we estimate that both are approximately eight to ten years old. The Komodo display was constructed to resemble a nearly dried up stream bed from the lizards’ islands. The most obvious and important need for these large cold-blooded creatures was to provide plenty of heat sources, thus enabling our Komodo Dragon Exhibit at Miami Metrozoo. (Photo by Ricardo Stanoss) 354 Animal Keepers' Forum, VoL 24, No. 8, 1997 dragons to thermoregulate. Luckily in Miami, heat-loving lizards have it pretty good. The mostly open-to-direct-s\mlight design of the exhibit gives our varanids all the radiation absorbing opportunities they could possibly want. To further help on cool days, the exhibit’s central basking “rock” is warmed by hot water circulating through pipes inside the fiberglass. A ledge, which by design looks to have been carved out by the flow of water, houses a radiant heater in its ceiling. The ledge also provides additional shade. The Komodos’ nighthouse is designed to help us house, observe and manipulate our charges. Abundant heat sources are the building’s main features. The varanids primary source of warmth within the buildings is their heated floor. All the floors in the holding pens have hot water pipes running underneath them. Temperature of the floors can be maintained at 29-32° C (85-90° F). This enables the animal to sleep directly on the concrete and not have it soak out all of their bodily warmth. The heated floors will also keep the air temperatures quite warm in the building. On some of the very cold nights that we had this past winter, we utilized the central heat/AC unit to maintain the temperature in the building. Should we ever require, each holding pen is also equipped with an infrared heater in the ceiling. There are holding facilities for five animals inside the nighthouse. Each pen is constructed of cinder blocks from the floor to Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 8, 1997 355 a height of 1.2m (4 ft.) , and then fiberglass grid up to the ceiling. The enclosures measure about 3m x 2.1m (10 ft. x 7 ft.). There are guillotine doors between each pen for shifting animals. Two holding pens in the back of the building are also connected to outside enclosures. One of the first challenges we faced was helping our animals adjust to the exhibit life. The male dragon “Jack” was fairly accepting of his situation. His driving force in life was to consume as much food as we would offer him. So it was a relatively easy matter to “train” him to go on and off exhibit. On the other hand, “Lubier” clung tightly to her solitary lifestyle. For weeks on end she acted stressed by all the patron activity in the front of the display. She would not eat when anyone was present, and refused to enter the nighthouse. Finally the decision was made to use “Jack” as our main display animal and to house the female off-exhibit. Although she still does not enjoy any keeper activity in the service area, she has been doing much better off-exhibit. Recently she has even accepted food items presented via Pilstrom tongs. Although we utilize bird of prey, horse meat, rabbits, and chickens, the majority of the dragons’ diet has been freshly killed rats. Our next challenge will be getting the dragons together for breeding. In all the interactions we have observed, our male has been more than ready, but “Lubier’s” slow acceptance of things has made her uncooperative. Her resistance to captive life, perhaps coupled with changing hemispheres in the last year, have affected her breeding cycles. We think that given more time, perhaps allowing for some seasonal temperature and light cycle changes, our female dragon will come around. Hopefully Metrozoo will hatch Komodo dragons in the next year or two. TIGER SEPERNARKET An undercover survey of Chinese pharmacies and supermarkets in New York revealed that over 80% of the stores sold products claimed to contain tiger parts, the Environmental Investigation Agency says. "It is outrageous that tiger products banned all over the world can be so easily purchased in New York," said ElA's Dave Currey. The survey comes as ElA launches a campaign to protect Indian tigers, which the group says are poached at a rate of one a day. President Clinton should raise tiger conservation on his visit to India this year, EIA says. -GREENLINES ISSUE #331 3/10/97 356 Animal Keepers’ Forum, VoL 24, No. 8, 1997 Cegislative Update Compiled by Georgann Johnston Legislative Advisor Sacramento, CA 1-800-338-7348 CITES Meeting Closes With Mixed Results For Endangered Species Background: The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), entered into force on 1 July 1975 and now has a membership of 136 countries. These countries have all agreed to ban the commercial trade in a number of plant and animal species and have agreed to both regulate and monitor trade in others that might become endangered. To facilitate this agreement, CITES has developed a system for categorizing endangered and threatened species, which it lists in two main documents, or Appendix, to the CITES agreement. Appendix I species are considered to be “Most Endangered” while “Seriously at Risk” species are placed in Appendix II. Under Appendix I, no permits are issued for international trade unless there are exceptional circumstances and under Appendix II, permits are strictly controlled “to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival.” 1997 CITES Meeting: From June 9 through 20, delegates to the Convention met in Zimbabwe for the purpose of considering proposals regarding changes in the listing of individual species. At the time the convention began, there were approximately 50 mammal, bird, reptile, fish, invertebrates and amphibian species which were the subject of one or more proposals presented by various countries for consideration. (Numerous plant species were also considered but will not be discussed here.) The proposals included uplisting or downlisting the species from Appendix II to I or vice-versa, to remove the species from protected status, or to allow limited trade in certain designated populations of a species, despite their Appendix I or II status. By the end of the meeting, a vast majority of the proposals had been withdrawn and the remainder were presented to the convention delegates for a vote. In addition to resolutions and proposals regarding animals and plants, the COP- 10 delegates also addressed certain procedural issues regarding the operation of the convention itself and future actions to be taken by the CITES signatory countries with respect to enforcement measures. The most significant outcome in this regard was a vote in favor of a secret ballot, something that was prohibited during the past nine conventions. Now, delegates will be able to vote in secret Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 24, No. 8, 1997 357 and their country’s position on a given measure can be kept from the media, I other delegates, and ultimately the public. | i Passage/Defeat of Proposals of Interest to Zookeepers: 1 ! Space does not allow a complete summary of each proposal for each mammal, | bird, or reptile, which might be of interest to Animal Keepers’ Forum readers. The following provides a brief overview of significant actions regarding some of the major species of interest to animal keepers. African Elephants: The basic proposal was to move certain populations of this species to Appendix II with precautionary measures, including export quotas. | Under a resolution passed by the Convention, the countries of Zimbabwe, | Botswana and Namibia will be allowed to resume the sale of stockpiles of ivory ' tusks - amounting to a total of 59.1 tons in all three countries - in 18 months if they are able to demonstrate “leakproof” control of the reserves. In effect, the I sales will go forward only if the countries can demonstrate that “contraband” ! ivory, taken by poachers from living elephants residing within the countries’ ; borders, is not somehow included in the sales. As of this writing, all of the I existing ivory stores are scheduled to be purchased by Japan. Zimbabwe also will be allowed to export elephant hides, leather goods and small ivory souvenirs i beginning in 90 days. The three nations promised that no elephants will be ' legally killed for trade, and that the ivory will come from large stockpiles of tusks from animals culled to manage herds. The revenue must go toward j conservation and community programs for wildlife. i Nile Crocodile: Populations in Madagascar, Uganda, and Tanzania are already j on Appendix II. The proposal was to grant Madagascar and Uganda temporary * quotas so that they may commence ranching the species for export. Likewise, Tanzania, which has an existing ranching program, requested an increase in the quota of wild White Rhinoceros: South Africa proposed that it be allowed to investigate the impact of reopening rhino horn trade with a report and proposal for future | action to be brought up at the COP- 11 meeting two years hence. The proposal was rejected, with the convention utilizing the new “secret ballot” method, with 54 “yes” votes, 48 “no” votes, and 10 abstentions. A spokesperson on behalf of i South Africa said the N ational Parks Board was disappointed since South Africa is seeking to find a market for its stockpiled rhino horn, not to reinstate rhino hunting for sport or for ivory. , Minke/Bryde’s Whales: Proposals submitted by Norway and Japan to downlist two populations of Minke whales and one population of Bryde’s whales from Appendix I to II were rejected by CITES delegates, along with negative votes on five additional resolutions designed to divorce the International Whaling I Commission from CITES. Sturgeon: Convention delegates voted unanimously to restrict exports and 358 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 24, No. 8, 1997 imports of Russian caviar — fish eggs coveted as one of the world’s finest delicacies. Every country that exports or imports caviar must take steps to regulate trade beginning April 1, 1998. The most severe limits are expected to be on Caspian Sea beluga sturgeon — the source of the world’s most prized caviar, which sells for about $50 per ounce in California gourmet stores. The restrictions were endorsed by officials from Russia and other nations bordering the Caspian Sea. who will be responsible for setting quotas on their exports. To date, these countries have been unable to control poaching and smuggling, so enforcement for the most part will be up to the United States and other importing countries. Caspian Sea sturgeon are at risk of extinction from overfishing because of a thriving caviar black market. Supporters of the resolution argued that adult sturgeons, which normally live long lives and spawn irregularly, are killed when eggs are collected, causing steep declines in the fish population that were first noted in the mid-1970s. Additional Species Considered by COP-10: Grey whale, American bison, banteng. Brooms pygmy possum. South American armadillo. Bonnet’s tree kangaroo, jaguar, vicuna, writhed-billed hornbill, green avadavit, black-billed parrot, green-cheeked parrot, sulpher-crested cockatoo, weka. Hill m3nia, Java sparrow. Seven-colored tanager, Kuhl’s lorikeet, broad-snouted caiman, painted terrapin, timber rattlesnake, alligator snapping turtle, Indian monitor, yellow monitor, Mantella frog, and sawfish. Information regarding the exact nature of the proposal and its outcome can be obtained by calling the author of this column at the number listed above. Information contained in this article were derived from the following sources and publications: Los Angeles Times; WildNet Africa CITES Issues, an online publication of WildNet Africa! Travel Service; US. Fish & Wildlife Service CITES Web site and Press Releases; International Fund for Animal Welfare Press Releases, South African Mail & Guardian Newspaper, The Pretoria News, The South African Herald Newspaper; the New York Times. Trade In Alien Species Poses Grave Threat To Global Biodiversity The United States was joined by a number of other party nations during the 10th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species held in Zimbabwe in recognizing that alien (non-indigenous) species are second only to habitat loss as a threat to the world’s biodiversity. In addressing this critical global issue, the United States, Argentina, and New Zealand submitted a discussion paper, “Trade in Alien Species,” containing several measures countries might take to curb the spread of invasive wildlife species. Alien species are introduced into native ecosystems either unintentionally during human activities such as trade or intentionally when linked to industries such as agriculture, recreation, horticulture, forestry, and aquaculture. With the global trade in wildlife and its products estimated at $5-8 billion annually, the Animal Keepers* Forum, VoL 24, No. 8, 1997 359 risk of unintentional introductions of alien species continues to increase. |l In the United States, more than 300 non-indigenous fish and wildlife species have already established free-living populations, approximately 122 of which i are causing great harm. For example, in Georgia native fishes and invertebrates in freshwater ponds have been seriously impacted by the proliferation of swamp eels, a species popular in the aquarium pet trade. People release unwanted pet swamp eels into these ponds where the eels prey upon the indigenous species. The recommendations aimed at stemming this problem include: the consideration of the threats alien species pose when developing and || implementing sustainable use management plans for species in international trade; cooperation with CITES and the Convention on Biological Diversity and other international organizations; working with the lUCN Invasive Species i! Specialist Group to identify species in trade which have the potential for j becoming invasive; and to heighten global awareness as to the deleterious impact ^ of invasive alien species. ! Source: US. Fish and Wildlife Service, June 12, 1997 l| Live birds that are being smuggled into the U. S., Canada and a number of other countries | are often confiscated by customs officials, fish and wildlife agents, or other governmental i entities. I am looking for statistical information on how many birds are confiscated each i year, particularly in the U. S., and what happens to them after they are seized. Some * information from the USFWS indicates that, in the past, confiscated birds were offered i to zoos. Do you have any birds at your zoo which came from a smuggling/confiscation situation? Do you have any contact with any governmental entity that confiscates ] smuggled birds? Any information or leads about contacts in this area would be greatly appreciated. Contact Georgann Johnston, AAZK Legislative Advisor at (800) 338-7348. Information Please We are currently designing an American Black Bear {Ursus americanus) exhibit to house a minimum of four bears. We are gathering information and would appreciate comments from keepers who have recently opened a bear exhibit. Please tell us what you like and dislike about your enclosure. Your response to this inquiry will be followed up by a more detailed questionnaire. Please send information to: Amy Van Der Molen, c/o Folsom City Zoo, 50 Natoma St., Folsom, CA 95639; Fax (916) 355-7227 attn: Amy. Thank you in advance for your assistance. Has anyone had experience with cataracts in cougars (Felis concolor)? We have a 15-month-old female that has been diagnosed with bilaterally symmetric mature cataracts. They are centrally located, triangular in shape, and cover about 50% of each eye. Please send any information to: Heidi Hellmuth, Curator, Loon Mountain Wildlife Theater, Route 112, Lincoln, NH 03251; Phone - (603) 745-6281 ext. 5561; Fax (603) 745-8214. 360 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 8, 1997 Extinction Bate Climbs Chapter ^ews J\]otes Columbus Zoo AAZK Chapter The officers for the Columbus Zoo Chapter for 1997 are: Andy Jakobsky. President Lynn Kesler 1st Vice President Scott Shelley 2nd Vice President Gretchen Bickert Gretchen Bickert Shelly Roach Secretary These officers have good ideas for this year and this should rejuvenate our Chapter. Also, we are having a membership drive to boost not only our local Chapter but also National AAZK. -Lori Wright, Chapter Liaizson Bowling for Rhinos T-Shirt Available In the next 30 years up to 25% of the world's tropical bird and plant species will become extinct if tropical forests continue to be destroyed at the current pace, Kyodo reports. The World Bank cites this as 1,000 to 100,000 times the natural extinction rate. —GREENlines #401 6117197 Moving? If you are moving, please remember to send or call in your new address to AAZK Administrative Offices. Your AKF will NOT automatically be forwarded by the Post Office and you may end up missing one or more AKF issues. The Dallas Zoo AAZK is offering their 1997 Bowling for Rhinos T-shirt for sale to interested persons. It was designed by Janie Coleman, Dallas zoo staff graphic artist and features four rhino species representing the sanctuaries supported by BFR. The T-shirt is black and teal and sells for $12.50 each. If interested you may contact Ann Stevens at the Dallas Zoo (214) 670-6798 or Fax (214) 670- 6717. Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 8, 1997 361 i^PsyclSj^Tcin^j mu RiR ^♦v'^Behavioral EnrichmenUfu.' Ay Activity Manipulation'^ Occupational Husbandry ’/A By Kayla Grams, Arizona- Sonora Desert Museum and Gretchen Ziegler, Sequoia Park Zoo Greetings to everyone out there in Zooland! We would like to send a huge thanks to all of you who have submitted ideas in the last months. Our whining really paid off - we have received some excellent material. We have a few pieces yet to run, but soon we’ll be desperate for more. The following item is a great example of the truly inspired ideas keepers dream up when they observe the animals and ponder their behaviors with enrichment in mind. Write us about your ingenious brainstorm and how it affected animal (and visitor) behavior. GORILLAS: One of our most unique enrichment ideas was inspired by our silverback gorilla “Rocky”. His exhibit has a water feature with a stream and two shallow pools. We had seen him splashing hands and feet in the stream, even occasionally sitting in it. Unfortunately, these behaviors took place in areas that were difficult for the public to see. We came up with “the buoyant buffet” to encourage his water play in a better viewing area, and to provide a challenge for him. Materials were inexpensive; they consisted of scrap plywood, cinder blocks, and baling twine. We used two sections of pl3wood, approximately 6.m x .9m (2 ft. by 3 ft.) A hole was drilled in each sheet, and baling twine was run through the hole and secured with a knot. The other end of the twine was attached to the cinder block, and the length of twine was just long enough to allow the plywood to float on the surface of the pool. We then loaded the plywood surfaces with various treats, including frozen juice “ape-cicles”, raisins, grapes, and other attractive items. We placed the floating feasts in the pool and let “Rocky” but. Initially he was hesitant and seemed a bit irritated at this presentation of food, but eventually he waded into the water and retrieved the treats. 362 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 8, 1997 ''Rocky” now will wade into the pool when food items are tossed in. We no longer need to float them on the surface. He even makes use of the pool occasionally during our hot Arkansas summers, sitting on the bottom, with his arms stretched along the poofs edge. He appears to enjoy this, and the public certainly does. —Ann Rademacher, Great Ape Keeper Little Rock Zoo, AR **Rocky”, a 1*0 lowland gorilla from the Little Rock Zoo, Little Rock, AR, wades into his exhibit pool to enjoy his 'bony ant buffet*' of raisins, grapes and frozen **ape-cicles'* - a unique enrichment which also allows him to cool off during the hot Arkansas summers. (Ideas appearing in this column have not necessarily been tested by the editors for safety considerations. Always think ahead and use good judgment when trying new ideas. Eds.) Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 8, 1997 363 Preedin^ the Rhlnocero© Hornblll j (Buceros rhinoceros) at the Houston Zoo i By ^ I Paul Schutz and Ric Urban, Keepers / Bird Department Houston Zoological Gardens, Houston, TX | The rhinoceros hombill {Buceros rhinoceros) is one of the largest of Asian hombill 1 species. The most outstanding characteristic of these birds is the large bill and upturned casque. The rhinoceros hornbill’s body is entirely black with its | abdomen, thighs, and imdertail coverting to white. The tail is also white with a | black band across the center (Kemp, 1995). As is the case with most hornbills, the sexes can be distinguished by eye color. The iris of the male is red while the j female’s is yellowish- white. Additionally, the male is a little larger in overall j size and has black markings along the edges of the casque. The rhinoceros i hombill is a resident of the Southern Malaysian Peninsula, and the Indonesian islands of Borneo, Java, and Sumatra. I Hornbills use a most unusual nesting strategy. Once a hole or cavity in a large j tree has been selected, the female will close, or plaster, herself inside for the | duration of the incubation period, leaving only a slit large enough for the male to feed her. In the wild, rhinoceros hornbills lay 2-3 eggs between March and i April (Kemp, 1995). Typically, only one chick survives until fledging in the j wild. The Houston Zoological Gardens obtained a wild-caught pair of rhinoceros hornbills in October 1989. After a 30-day quarantine period, the birds were moved to a flight cage 13.7m x 15.2m x 4.5m x 5.4m (45 ft. deep, 50 ft. wide, and 15 ft. high with an 18 ft. high cap). A nest box, constructed of one-inch thick plywood 78cm x 81cm x 139cm x 30 cm x 40cm (31” D x 32” W x 55” H with a 12” W X 16” H) diamond-shaped opening in the center of the face of the box, was placed on an 2.4m (8’ft.) platform in the exhibit. The nestbox was filled up to the rim of the opening with a substrate of pine shavings. The wild diet of the rhinoceros hombill consists mainly of fruit, especially figs, wild nutmeg and oil palm fruit. In addition the diet includes a variety of small vertebrates and large arthropods, such as lizards, tree frogs, spiders, large insects (beetles and crickets), as well as bird’s eggs (Kemp, 1995). Despite their omnivorous feeding habits, the presence of the rhinoceros hombill within a given area is contingent upon the availability of fruiting trees (Johns, 1982). The Houston Zoo diet consists of coarsely chopped fruits and vegetables (papaya, banana, soaked raisins, whole grapes, cooked sweet potato) and soaked Burma’s Mazuri® brand parrot breeder pellets. Live food is offered twice daily and consists of crickets, giant mealworms, and a variety of sizes of mice. Nebraska Brand Bird of Prey® diet is also offered occasionally, but is not preferred by the birds. In 1991 the Houston Zoo completed the constmction of the Fisher Bird Gardens. 364 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 8, 1997 The pair of rhinoceros hornbills was transferred from the flight pen to a cage measuring 9.1m x 6m x 4.5m (30’L x 20’W x 15’H). The new unit was divided into an off-exhibit night shelter and an on-exhibit area. The staff was unsure of the compatibility of the pair even though no aggressive behavior had been displayed. The old nestbox and platform were transferred along with the birds to the new unit and placed in the night shelter. In the new facility, the male began to exhibit some aggressive behavior toward the female, chasing her for short periods of time. She would spend most of her time in the night shelter while he stayed in the front of the flight. Toward the end of 1991, the male was observed offering food to the female. Ritualized feeding, defined as the act in which food is offered by the male and either accepted or rejected by the female, is generally recognized as important in maintenance of the pair bond in hombill (Reilly, 1986). In 1992, while some aggression was observed early on, the staff was encouraged by continued observations of ritualized feeding. In March of 1992, copulation was observed for the first time. It consisted of four main behaviors: bill fencing, pre-mount hopping, mounting and copulation. Bill fencing consists of violent bill-to-bill contact, producing a loud and distinctive sound. Bill fencing often continues throughout copulation (Reilly, 1986). The male would hop over the female several times, each time pausing and bill-fencing for a second or two. The female then raised her tail and the male mounted her, spread his wings and lowered his tail over hers. During copulation the male flapped his wings to maintain balance and, as described by Reilly (1986), emitted a high pitched “whining” vocalization. The act of copulation could last anywhere from 2-3 to 30 seconds. Despite several observations of copulation, no further nesting activity occurred in 1992. In 1993, a second nestbox was added to the front exhibit area. The dimensions of the new box were 76cm X 60cm x 121cm (30”D x 24”W x 48”H ) with a smaller 16cm x 30cm (6.5”W X 12”H) elliptical opening. The opening was surrounded with a loop of hemp rope to aid in adhesion of the plastering material. Copulation was again observed several times in February and March. For the first time evidence of interest in the nestboxes was seen. Pine shavings were tossed out of both boxes and a small amount of plastering was observed on the sides of the original nestbox’s entrance. The male was also observed pounding on the opening of the original nestbox. Despite this initial interest, no further nesting behavior occurred. Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 24, No. 8, 1997 365 In 1994, behaviors indicative of a strong pair bond (Sheppard, 1988) were ! consistently observed, such as sitting close to each other and ritualized feeding, j Copulation, as well as plastering and excavation of the original nestbox was again observed. After conversations with several other institutions, it was decided that the opening on the original nestbox was too wide. First, modification were made to the original box to bring the width of the opening to approximately 12cm (6”). Later in the year, the decision was made to remove the original nestbox altogether and move the more recent model from the exhibit area to the ' night shelter. I Nineteen-ninety-five proved to be a very encouraging year. In February of 1995, the pair began a period of intensive activity around the box. The male was observed inserting his bill, with an offering of food, into the opening of the box | and calling to the female using a guttural grunting noise (Reilly, 1988). Both j birds were observed on several occasions pounding on the opening and the rope | that surrounded it, possibly to alter the size or shape of the hole. Then in late March 1995, the female was observed in the box for the first time. She was seen j inside the box several times through May 1995, sometimes plastering or being fed by the male. In April 1995, we were very surprised to see the male in the box. He was seen in the box several times, often plastering, pounding on the inside of the box and calling to the female. As 1995 drew to a close, we were optimistic about the future, but sill concerned that perhaps the nest opening j was too large. The next few month’s activities would eliminate those fears. The early months of 1996 brought the most activity to date. The female began | spending more time in the nestbox than she ever had before and the male was observed in the box on many occasions. In February, the previously docile male became increasingly aggressive, following the keepers as they walked in front of the exhibit and in one instance flying at a keeper inside the exhibit. This I kind of aggression is well documented (Reilly, 1988). There was an increase of food consumption and the diet was increased accordingly. Soaked Zupreem® Monkey Biscuits were added to the diet because they had been used as plastering material by great hornbill {Buceros bicornis ) at the Houston Zoo. The main items being used to plaster with were banana, monkey chow, sweet potato, pine ' shavings, and feces. I On 25 February 1996, keepers observed bill fencing, pre-mount hopping and copulation. Nest excavations were apparent by the large amounts of pine shavings on the floor of the night shelter beneath the box. Copulations were seen daily for seven days. On 3 March 1996, copulation was noticed in the morning and mounting lasted about 15 seconds. The female was observed in the nestbox plastering before noon. Later in the afternoon, the male was seen in the box. After a minute or two, the male reached down and came up with an egg in his bill, tossing it a few times as he would a piece of food. When the keepers entered the night shelter, the egg was found broken under the box. Throughout March of 1996, nesting behaviors seemed to taper off However, as April began, observations of nesting behavior started to pick up again. Copulation, plastering, and the female in the box were all observed. The male had been observed in the box on a few occasions. The female was sta5dng in the Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 8, 1997 nestbox for longer periods of time, with the male bringing food to the nest and offering it to the female. For the first time, on 26 April, the female even stayed in the box when keepers entered the night shelter. The last day the female was seen out of the box was 27 April. Even though the female had not completely sealed herself in, the nesting period presumably had begun. The incubation range is listed as 37-42 days (Reilly, 1986). Throughout the female’s internment, a large electric fan was placed in the night shelter to combat the high temperatures typical of Houston summers. On 5 June 1996, the male was seen at the nest opening, his neck stretched upward appearing to get a good look into the nestbox. Consumption of crickets increased substantially, which is usually indicative of the presence of chicks (Reilly, 1988). Onl2 June, chick vocalizations were first heard coming from inside the box. The diet was further bolstered with newborn rats and mice. By the 23 June, the chick vocalizations were loud and could be heard outside the exhibit. On 29 June, a chick’s beak was observed at the nest opening for the first time. On 1 July the adult pair was heard simultaneously vocalizing, the female’s vocalizations somewhat muffled by her being in the box. The consumption of crickets seemed to decrease over the first couple of days in July. On 2 July 1996, 66 days after internment began, the female was out of the box when the keeper checked first thing in the morning. Her bill and casque were partially covered with debris from plastering and it had appeared that she had gone through at least a partial molt while in the box. The male offered her a rat pup and she flew to the nest opening, stuck her head in the nest, and offered the morsel. From the data we had on file, we were concerned that this was a premature emergence and could mean there was something wrong with the chick(s). The decision was made to check the nestbox. There were two chicks in the box. One was about one-third larger than the other. The larger of the two was about 30cm (12in.) in height (in a squatting position) from the top of the head to its feet. Its feet were a yellowish tint and about 10cm (4 in.) in length. The bill was close to 15cm (6 in.) in length and its tail feathers had emerged about 5-7cm (2- 3 in.). The smaller chick was about 25cm (10 in.) in height. Its feet were a more fleshy color. Its bill was about 10cm (4 in.) long. Its eyes were also somewhat cloudy. Both had wing feathers that had erupted about 5-7cm (2-3 in.). The box was very clean despite having three birds within its confines for so long. Tail feathers in the box indicated that the female had gone through a molt while in the box. The adults, which were locked in the front of the exhibit while the box was checked, produced a high pitched version of their “honking” duet call for the first time during this procedure. The birds ate voraciously, about 2-3 times the normal adult diet. Skinned feeder mice were also added to the diet in addition to the rat and mouse pinkies already fed. Both parents participated in feeding the chicks, first filling up at the food bowl and then regurgitating for the chicks. The chicks became increasingly active inside the box, sometimes even sticking their whole heads out to investigate their surroundings. Both chicks plastered the opening but, like the adult female, did not completely close it off If a keeper approached the box, chicks would begin to produce a loud “screeching” alarm call and the parents would become very agitated. On 18 August, 113 days after the female’s internment began, the first chick emerged from the box. It apparently moved fairly well around the exhibit, as it Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 8, 1997 367 was seen in several places. It was approximately two-thirds the size of the adults. On 1 September, 126 days after the female’s internment, the second chick emerged from the box. The juveniles used a repetitive “rasping” call to beg for food from the parents. The young birds were chromosome (feather) sexed as 1.1. As early as 16 September the chicks became interested in eating on their own, poking around the food bowl or catching crickets without actually eating them. As the chicks grew older, the parents made a visible effort to wean them by letting them beg longer and longer before feeding them. Eventually, on 9 November, the chicks were observed eating on their own. While chicks have remained with parents into the following breeding season, and even assisted in feeding chicks (Reilly, 1988), the adults in the Houston collection were not as tolerant. Aggression between the parents and their offspring was first observed on 26 September, and consisted of short periods of chasing. In early November, the chicks had to be caught up as blood was observed dripping from their feet. Upon further inspection, both chicks were missing either whole or parts of claws. We became concerned that these injuries occurred while the juveniles were fleeing from parental aggression. On 20 November, the chicks were transferred to an off-exhibit flight to await shipment to other I institutions. By early December, the juveniles’ casques, which were just small nubs at fledging, had begun to separate from the bill. Frith and Douglas’ (1978) | observations on the growth and development of a yoimg male rhinoceros hombill I from nestling to subadult revealed that casque formation may be initiated by j some form of destructive behavior on the part of the bird. We, however, did not I observe this behavior at any time. I The breeding described here is hopefully the first of many at the Houston Zoo. I Shortly after the removal of the juveniles, nesting activity began again. In late ! December 1996, the adults knocked most of the previous year’s plastering off of i the nestbox. Removal of pre-existing plastering is a natural occurrence when a | cavity is reused (Poonswad, Tsuji, Ngampongsai 1987). I Hornbills are threatened throughout their range mainly due to habitat loss (Poonswad, Tsuji, Ngampongsai 1983). With the hatching of rhinoceros hornbills still relatively rare in captivity, the collection and exchange of information is | critical. The staff of the Bird Department of the Houston Zoo will continue to j collect data on the captive reproduction and management of this species and I apply the information to the continuing work with both Asian and African * hornbill species. Future plans encompass the installation of a camera in the | nestbox to learn more about incubation and chick development. Through institutional communication and cooperation, we can all work together to j conserve this magnificent species. ! Acknowledgments j We would like to acknowledge the staff of the Houston Zoo Bird Department who have endured our infatuation in the collection of information on this species. Present staff members include: Curator-Chelle Plasse’, Senior Keepers-Trey Todd, Lee Schoen, Joe ' Barkowski, and Keepers-Jerry Caraviotis, Tim Steinmetz, Brent McRoberts, Denise i Brucchieri, Kay Oria, Roberta Hejna, Jim Dunster, Mary Carter, Jeremy Sorensen, and j Hannah Bailey, many of who reviewed the work in progress or participated in the daily ' discussions on this subject. Additional thanks to the many individuals who have visited I our facilities and were engaged in discussions on the general management of hornbills in captivity. ! 368 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 24, No. 8, 1997 Book Review The World of the Wolf -A Sierra Club Book 1996 By Candace Savage Greystone Books, a division of Douglas and McIntyre, Ltd. 1615 Venables Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada 114 pgs. Hardback $27.50 Review by Lisa Peach, Carnivore Keeper Chaffee Zoological Garden, Fresno, CA The book. The World of the wolf, was written as an “intimate look at wolves in the wild.” It covers such topics as the role of wolves in the history of world cultures, social order and reproductive practices of wolves in the wild, and the current situation of wolves in the world today. It draws people in with beautiful photographs designed to bring the reader close to the wild wolf, but it fails to carry through with the text. The ancient history chapters are interesting and written in such a manner as to hold the reader’s interest. The rest of the information, however, is an5d;hing but new. With only one third of the book devoted to text, there isn’t enough space to include new research or updated information. In trying to have the reader bond with the subject matter, Ms. Savage resorts to trite anthropomorphic retellings of old grey wolf tales. The section on natural history and social structures carry on the timeworn image of wolves being at one with mankind; with the rearing of offspring treated as a chance to make us think there is a possibility of wolves rearing abandoned human children. The World of the Wolf touches briefly on the history and plight of wolves other than grey wolves. The Red Wolf and Mexican Wolf for example, are covered in single photographs and a line o two of text. The main focus of this book is on the Grey Wolf and the stories we have heard about them. It does not seem to give the reader a sense of the diversity present in the world’s wolf populations. If you have a love of Canis lupus that knows no bounds, or a coffee table book collection that could use a beautiful addition, this book may be for you. A young adult forming a new interest in wildlife may find this book to be a great starting point. Any person looking for pretty pictures, a light read, or very basic information may also find that this book fills the bill. If, however, you are looking for a new, up-to-date source of information, new statistics, and a realistic view of a wolf’s society; or if you want information on all types of wolves with a straight forward approach to interesting information, I would not recommend the World of the Wolf to fill your needs. Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 24, No. 8, 1997 369 Hormones. Brain, and Behavior. Biology of the Reptilia Volume 18. Phvsiologrv E Edited by Carl Cans and David Crews 1992 The University of Chicago Pr^s 5801 S. Wlhs Ave^, Chicago, IL 60637 Headkeeper, Magnetic Hill Zoo 564 pages, paperback This book is a review of seven scientific papers written by several different authors. The co-editors begin with their review of what has been done in this field (title) for reptiles. The purpose of the book is explained by the author as, “(the book).... concentrates on the interaction of the hormonal and nervous systems in influencing the behavior of reptiles, primarily that associated with reproduction”. There is also an author index, subject index, graphs, charts and pictures to help clarify what is being cited. This is not light reading material. I found you have to concentrate when reading this book because it is essentially a textbook. I feel this book would be difficult for a novice in the field to understand for several reasons, such as the authors’ preference to use scientific names and not always clarifying with the common names. As all true scientific papers do, this book raises more questions than it answers. However, it is a very good source of references when looking for papers on reptiles. Overall, if you are truly interested in reptiles or wanting to do research on them, this is a good book to acquire. Review by Angela Gilbert AAZK Associate Member, Columbus, NC This book was first written in 1983 under the title The Australian Museum Complete Book of Australian Mammals. The new title was adapted from John Gould’s work 130 years ago. It is a compilation of 150 writers, researchers, and scientists giving of their time and expertise in the many different areas of this book. It is a very thorough and well-organized book, broken down from Classes, to Subfamilies and even Tribes. It also includes domesticated animals that may not have originated from Australia, but have been part of the environment and had an impact on the wildlife fauna for centuries, such as the fox, cat, and deer. Each mammal is given a complete, detailed description including a map of where in Australia the mammal is most commonly found. The book is wonderfully illustrated with pictures of almost every species showing their unique features. It even includes animals who are now extinct but had a great impact on the Australian environment in their time such as the Tasmanian Tiger, the Lesser Bilby, and the Desert Rat-Kangaroo. These extinct animals — though not pictured, are very well and delicately illustrated. This book is a perfect reference book for even the most avid Australian connoisseur. Anyone considering Australian animals as a research project would greatly benefit from this book. The only drawback is that there are so many animals to read about. Each animal is given about 1-2 pages and there are 742 pages in this book, so it is a lengthy study, but well worth one’s time. Mammals of Australia Edited by: Ronald Strahan Smithsonian Institute Press 1995 Washington, DC Hardcover, 742 pgs. $65.00 'iKi Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 8, 1997 CRANES: Their Biology. Husbandry, and Conservation Edited by David H. Ellis, George F. Gee, and Claire M. Mirande Hancock House Publishers, 1431 Harrison Ave., Blaine, WA 98230-5005, 1996 Hardback, 336 pgs. $49.95 Review by Kelly Dwyer Ryder Assistant Curator of Birds Lowry Park Zool. Gdns., Tampa, FL Cranes is published by Patuxent Wildlife Research Center and the International Crane Foundation in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and represents the contributions of 21 crane specialists. As might be expected, it is truly the most comprehensive reference available on cranes to date. As indicated in the book’s subtitle, the text is divided into three general sections: biology, husbandry, and conservation. The biology section describes each species of crane, many of which are depicted in a set of colored plates. The natural history of each species is covered, including plumage, diet, habitat, and social behavior. The reproductive biology of non-captive cranes is also explained in particular detail. The chapters on husbandry cover reproduction, veterinary techniques, guidelines for maintenance of pens, handling, restraint, transportation, and individual identification options. Specifications are given for indoor and outdoor holding facilities for adults and chicks, including a table of temperature tolerances for warm-climate cranes. An in-depth discussion of crane diets suggests feed formulas for birds of different ages and breeding statuses. A separate chapter is dedicated to predator and pest control. Chapters focusing on reproduction include topics such as eggs and semen production, incubation, hatching, rearing, physiology, and genetic management are supplemented with an article on imprinting and attachment, issues requiring special consideration when hand-rearing cranes. Medicine and surgery are addressed in sections with content ranging from simple exams to modern procedures such as cryopreservation. Artificial insemination, sex determination, and restraint each have a chapter dedicated to them. A glossary would have been useful for some of the veterinary terminology, but a standard veterinary dictionary can easily compensate for this omission. Lastly, ecology, conservation, and wild population status are discussed. All 15 species of cranes are covered, with attention being focused on current conservation practices and future plans. Cranes cover all the pertinent information that is currently known about these birds, and presents it in an easy-to-read format. The use of bold type for key terms allows the reader to skim through a section until they spot the topic they are searching for. Detailed charts and pictures supplement the text well. Extensive references are cited at the end of each chapter. For those interested in still more information, the addresses of leading crane research centers around the world are given. An appendix provides information on equipment and supplies mentioned in the text, with suppliers’ addresses. This is the definitive reference for anyone who works with or specializes in cranes. Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 8, 1997 371 Institutions wishing to advertise employment opportunities are asked to send pertinent data by the 10th of each month to: Opportunity Knocks/AKF, 635 S.W. Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606-2066. Please include closing date for positions available and when setting these dates keep in mind that because of bulk-mail, most readers do not receive the AKF until the middle of the month or later. There is no charge for this service and phone-in or fax listings of positions which become available close to deadline are accepted. Our phone is 1-800-242-4519 (U.S.); 1-800-468-1966 (Canada). Our FAX is (913) 273-1980. KEEPER.,Ahe San Diego Zoo is looking for a Keeper. Applicants must have previous bird experience and be willing to work with large mammals (tigers & tapirs). Applicants will work in a team environment. Interested applicants must be available to work any of the seven days of the week. This is a fully benefited, 40/hr/wk position. Submit a letter of intent, resume and the names of three references to: San Diego Zoo/Human Resources Office, Otto Center (Attn: TRT #161505), R O. Box 551, San Diego, CA 92112-0511. Deadline to apply is 30 August 1997. EOE. ZOOKEEPER.^ihQ City of Lafayette’s Park and Recreation Department has an opening for a full-time Zookeeper at the Columbian Park Zoo. Position requires a thorough knowledge of animal husbandry /biological sciences as required to care for animals held in captivity, emphasizing proper cleaning, feeding, grooming, medications, and general contact with animals. Minimum of two years experience required. Competitive salary plus excellent benefits. Resumes may be sent to: City of Lafayette, Human Resources, 20 N. 6th St., Lafayette, IN 47901 or e-mail: kwade@city.lafayette.in.us no later than 1 September 1997. EOE. ELEPHANT HAADL£'/?,..requires minimum of three years experience working with elephants. Responsible for the care and husbandry of one female, 13-year-old African elephant. Must be able to do rides, demonstrations and give talks to the public. Looking for an eager, energetic, friendly, self-motivating person. Send resume to: Natural Bridge Zoo, P. O. Box 88, Natural Bridge, VA 24578. ZOOKEEPER,,A\x\\-\.\mQ position with benefits. Requires one (1) year paid exotic animal experience, high school diploma (college degree preferred). Will rotate to all areas of the zoo. Send resume to: Dale J. Bakken, Director, Heritage Zoo, 2103 West Stolley Park Road, Grand Island, NE 68801 by 1 September 1997. VETERINARY TECHNICIAN „.xq(\\x\xqs completion of a Veterinary Technician degree or equivalent. Experience preferred. Starting salary $18,878.00. Responsible for management of laboratory and upkeep of hospital. Send resume and list of two references to: Dr. William M. Bryant, DVM, Sedgwick County Zoo, 5555 Zoo Blvd., Wichita, KS 67212; (316) 942-2213, ext. 227; Fax - (316) 942-3781; e-mail: vets@scz.org MAINTENANCE WORKER //,„requires welding skills, concrete construction, experience with exhibit construction, ability and willingness to perform many types of maintenance and construction activities, valid and clean driver’s license. Send resume to: San Francisco Zoo, Human Resources, 1 Zoo Road, San Francisco, CA 94132. The San Francisco Zoological Society is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity of staff. SENIOR INSTRUCTOR/PHOENIX ZOO.„(Trainer/Presenter) Requires four-year life science degree or equivalent training and experience, plus one year experience in work relevant to zoo husbandry. Responsible for developing and implementing a professional presentation that effectively communicates messages utilizing live animals. Train animals through operant conditioning to perform required behaviors. Partner with keeper staff to ensure complete animal care coverage. Salary $21,320.00 plus benefits. Send resume to: Human Resources, Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008-3431. Position open until filled. 372 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 8, 1997 AAZK Membership Application check here if renewal [ ] Name _ Address City State/Province Zip □ U,S. Members $35.00 Professional Full-time Keepers □ Canadian Members $40.00 Professional Full-time Keepers □ $30.00 Affiliate Other staff & volunteers □ $35.00 AffiUate Other staff & volunteers □ □ $30.00 Associate Those not connected with an animal facility $60.00 or up - Individuals Contributing/U.S. □ □ $35.00 Associate Those not connected with an animal facility $60 or up - Individuals Contributing/Canada □ □ $100.00 or up Institutional/U.S. Organizations /Institutions (requires Board approval) International Members $50.00 International All members outside US. & Canada regardless of category □ $100.00 or up Institutional/Canada Organizations / Institutions (requires Board approval) □ Library Only 35.00 Library Available only to public & university libraries Zoo Affiliation (if any) Zoo Address Title Work Area □ My check is enclosed (AAZK, Inc.) □ Please charge my credit card MASTERCARD Name on card _ VISA Card # -Expiration date Signature Mail this application to: AAZK Administrative Offices, Topeka Zoo, 635 S. W. Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606-2066. Make checks/money orders payable to AAZK, Inc. Must be in U.S. FUNDS ONLY. Membership includes a subscription io Animal Keepers' Forum. The membership card is good for free admission to many zoos and aquariums in the U.S. and Canada. PRINTED IN U.S.A © 1997 AAZK, INC. ''Dedicated to Professional Animal Care jC X 3E U * w Ti -o m ar ca ^ r- o ♦ 3 »-'• 3 )k U3 or et ^ f* 1 — Ht o ai 4( ♦ 3 *5 fM SC o o a o o M U3 o »-• o n o iU a> -o 3 •H -la m 70 O 36*- tn -c 3» o w -u o 'ANIMAl KEEPERS ^j'n^^^awKIm i j^jKMRRMM^ KiiL ANIMAL KEEPERS* FORUM. 635 S.W. Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606-2066 SEPTEMBER 1997 Phone: 1-800-242-4519 (U.S.) 1-800-468-1966 (Canada) FAX 913-273-1980 „ Vol. 24, No. 9 Managing Editor: Susan D. Chan • Associate Editors/Enrichment Options Coordinators: Kayla Grams, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum & Gretchen Ziegler, Sequoia Park Zoo • Book Review Coordinator: Andrea Bemee, Chaffee Zoological Garden • Legislative Outlook Column Coordinator: Georgann B. Johnston, Sacramento, CA. • ABC's Column Coordinator: Diana Guerrero, San Diego, CA • Reactions Column Coordinator: William K. Baker, Jr., Lufkin, TX Animal Keepers’ Forum (ISSN 0164-9531) is a monthly journal of the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. Ten dollars of each membership fee goes toward the annual publication costs of Animal Keepers’ Forum . Third Class postage paid at Topeka, KS. Postmaster - Please send address changes to: American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc., Administrative Offices, 635 S.W. Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606-2066 - attn: Barbara Manspeaker, Administrative Secretary AAZK Executive Director: Ed Hansen, AAZK, Inc., Topeka KS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ric Urban, Houston Zoological Garden, Houston, TX 77030 Diane Callaway, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, Omaha, NE 68107-2200 Janet McCoy, Metro Washington Park Zoo, Portland, OR 97221-2799 Marilyn Cole, Box 335, Pickering, Ontario, Canada LIV 2R6 Lucy Segerson, North Carolina Zoological Park, Asheboro, NC 27203-9416 David Luce, Chaffee Zoological Gardens of Fresno, Fresno) CA 93728-2891 Michael lllig, Metro Washington Park Zoo, Portland, OR 97221-2799 President Vice President Immediate Past President COMMITTEES Nomin^tion$<^ Elections Chair - Sheri Leavitt, Houston Zoo £pn.S.ervaUon,.Pre,$.ervation ^ Restorapon Grants Chair - Brett Sellers, Metro Washington Park Zoo Annual Conferences Coordinator - Ed Hansen, AAZK, Inc. Awards Chair - Janet McCoy, Metro Washington Park Zoo MEMBERSHIP SERVICES L.I.N.K. Coordinator Mark de Denus, Assiniboine Park Zoo Asst. L.I.N.K. Coordinator Wayne Hazlett, Milwaukee County Zoo AAZK Historian Mark Levin, Philadelphia Zoo By-laws Jeffrey Phillips, North Carolina Zoo Ethics Janet McCoy, Metro Washingto Park Zoo Research/Grants Farshid Mehrdadfar, Disney Animal Kingdom Marketing Resources/Development David Luce, Chaffee Zoological of Fresno Animal Data Transfer Form Bemie Feldman, Burnet Park Zoo Zoo University List Mike lllig, Metro Washington Park Zoo Enrichment Committee Dianna Frisch, Columbus Zoo International Outreach - Jeanette Beranger, Roger Williams Park Zoo (Chair/Coordinator Internationsl Assistance); Martha Turnbull - Co-Chair); Kathy Kelly, Silver Springs, MD - Project M.A.R.C. (Making A Realistic Contribution); Lynda Roberts, Riverbanks Zoo (Materials Assistance) PRESIDENTIAL ADVISORS/LIAISONS AZA Liaison Janet McCoy, Metro Washington Park Zoo Bowling for Rhinos Patty Pearthree, Indianapolis, IN Zoo Registrars Association Terry Fisher, San Antonio Zoo AZAD Liaison Mary Jo Binkley, Franklin Park, IL AZH Liaison Virginia Wall, North Carolina Zoo Elgphant Manager? AssQgiation Lim$on Marie Galloway, National Zoo CAZPA Liaison Oliver Claffey, Metro Toronto Zoo Int'l Marine Mammals Trainers Association Dave Force, Sea World of California ALZPA Liaison Alberto Mendoza, Houston Zoological Gardens AAZK PUBLICATIONS - CONTINUING DATA COLLECTION Zoo Infant Development Project - Teri Maas-Anger/Maggie Liguori, Philadelphia Zoo (Birds/Nonpasserines); Jennifer Hackshaw, Lowry Park Zoo and Suzanne Chacon, Zoo Aves (Birds/passerines); Jeanne Stevens, Newark Museum Mini-Zoo (Reptiles); Linelle Smith, Denver Zoo (Amphibians) Incubation Notebook Project - Scott Tidmus, Disney Animal IGngdom printed on recycled paper wdh vegetable-based ink products ^able of Contents Information for Contributors/About the Cover ^ 374 Scoops & Scuttlebutt 375 - 376 Jr. Keepers' Forum...... 377 Asian Elephant Donated to Portland Zoo 377 Conference '97 Reminders 378 Coming Events 379 AAZK Announces New Members ....380 ABC's Column: Understanding Applications of Bridging 382 - 384 Ivory Imports Into U. S. Still Illegal ..384 - 385 I Baltimore Zoo Reports 1st N. A. Breeding of Tomato Frogs 386 - 387 Reality Check - "Ink for Inc." 388 - 389 Great Lakes Regional Counil Meeting Report 389 Reactions: Non-lethal Options for Animal Escape Situations 1998 AZA Regional Conference Schedule........ 392 Bowling for Rhinos Update Display Behavior and Breeding Biology of Caribbean Flamingos. Bowling for Rhinos T-Shirt (Rio Grande Chapter) Chapter News Legislative Update.... Surviving the Seasons Treatment of Traumatic Myiasis in a Wild Indian Elephant Book Reviews (Geckos: Biology, Husbandry and Reproduction and The Great House of Birds) Opportunity Knocks.......... 390 - 392 .393 ■ 394 .395 - 405 ...405 . 406 - 408 409 - 412 .413 - 417 418 .419 - 421 .422 - 424 Jj About the Cover..... Wolves have long been a facination to mankind and over the years have become the subject of both myth and literature. Featured on this month's cover is Canis lupus drawn by Mery Deckert, a Docent at the Los Angeles Zoo and a frequent artistic contributor to AKF. Wolves live to gether in packs with the dominant pair being the only ones in the pack to breed. Wolves mate spring and summer and the pair will stay together for life. After a gestation period of two months, the female bears several young and will nurse them for six weeks. The entire pack will assist in providing food for the young once they begin to eat a solid diet. Wolves are carnivorous and hunt a variety of animals from small pika to large deer and even wild boar. Thanks, Mary! Information for Contributors Animal Keepers Forum publishes original papers and news items of interest to the animal keeping profession. Non-members are welcome to submit articles for consideration. Articles should be typed or hand-printed and double-spaced. Articles may be submitted on disk by arrangement with the Editor. All illustrations, graphs, charts and tables should be clearly marked, in final form and should fit in a page size no greater than 5.5” x 8.5” (14cm x 22cm). Literature used should be cited in the text (Brown, 1986) and alphabetically in the final bibliography. Avoid footnotes. Include scientific name (as per ISIS) the first time an animal name is used. Thereafter use common name. Use metric system for weights and measurements (standard equivalents may be noted in parenthesis). Use the continental dating system (day-month-year). Times should be listed as per the 24-hour clock (0800, 1630 hrs. etc.). Glossy finish black and white photos only are accepted. Color slides should be converted to black and white prints (minimum size 3” X 5” [8cm X 14cm] ) before submission. Clearly marked captions should accompany photos. Please list photo credit on back of photo. Articles sent to Animal Keepers' Forum will be reviewed by the editorial staff for publication. Articles of a research or technical nature will be submitted to one or more of the zoo professionals who serve as referees fox AKF. No commitment is made to the author, but an effort will be made to publish articles as soon as possible. Lengthy articles may be separated into monthly installments at the discretion of the editor. The editor reserves the right to edit material without consultation unless approval is requested in writing by the author. Materials submitted will not be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed, appropriately-sized envelope. Telephone and FAX contributions of late-breaking news or last-minute insertions are accepted as space allows. However, long articles must be sent by U.S. mail. Phone 1-800-242-4519 (US); 1-800-468- 1966 (Canada); FAX (913) 273-1980. Deadline for each regular issue is the 10th of the preceding month. Dedicated issues may have separate deadline dates and will be noted by the editor. Articles printed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the AKF staff or the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. Publication does not indicate endorsement by the Association. Items in this publication may be reprinted providing credit to this publication is given and a copy of the reprinted material is forwarded to the editor. Reprints of material appearing in this journal may be ordered from the editor. Back issues are available for $3.00 each. 374 Animal Keepers’ Forum, VoL 24, No. 9, 1997 Scoops Need to Reach AAZK? 1-800-242-4519 (U. S.) 1-800-468-1966 (Canada) Administrative Office Staff FAX: (785) 273-1980 Barbara Manspeaker - or write Administrative Secretary Susan Chan - AAZK, Inc. Managing Editor AKF 635 S. W. Gage Blvd. Orca - Office Cat Topeka, KS 66606-2066 U. S. A. iL Office Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. CDT^^ 3H0 Animal Keepers' Forum, VoL 24, No. 9, 1997 Quality exotic animal diets CJWn^TTI&l Tim Nutritionally balanced 1 IViJiyi Fixed formulation • Economical When you need a complete line of high-quality dry and frozen animal diets for your feeding program, call Animal Spectrum. NBBRASKA BRAND h i SPECTRUM BROOD-RITE HEATERS Frozen feline diets Frozen bird of prey diets Frozen canine diet Chunk and chopped horsemeat, hearts, livers, rib, shank, knuckle bones, and tailbones Banana flavored psittacine/primate, 20% protein dry Banana flavored primate. Pro-Plus 25% protein dry Leaf Eater primate dry Omnivore dry Marmoset/Tamarin dry Polar Bear dry Ratite dry Bulbless heaters— nothing to break Safe around all animals and bedding material. Even heat distribution in 240. 500, or 750 wattages. One call does It all FR££ 1-800-228-4005 FAX 308-534-7015 Animal Spectmm, Inc. P.O. Box 721 North Platte, NE 69103-0721 ABC ■& Animal Behavior Concerns & Solutions A Question and Answer Forum for the Zoo Professional 3)j Diana Guerrero, Independent Dehavior Consultant, Ark Animals of California, San Die^o, CA COMMON TRAINING ERRORS 101: UnderstandingApplications of the Bridge and Bridging Criteria Part One: Overview Improper bridging is one of the most common errors or area of confusion to new trainers. Since the parameters vary in how the bridge is used, between different facilities and their methodology, this can become difficult. What exactly is a bridge and how is it used? A bridge is usually some sort of signal, usually auditory, that connects the primary reinforcer to a behavior. The bridge is first paired with the presentation of the primary reinforcer. It then becomes what is known as a conditioned reinforcer or secondary reinforcer. Once that association is formed/trained, it is then used to help condition (or train) behavior. Sometimes the bridge is used as a secondary reinforcer AND for signaling the termination or successful completion of the behavior or task. Differentiating how to use the bridge can be hard for newer trainers and is sometimes confusing because the applications can vary from facility to facility; each trainer will also vary in their skill and applications. Variations in bridging are found with each trainer and facility, separated. So, the bridge can be used as a source of feedback (as a secondary reinforcer). Used as feedback, the behavior or series of behaviors are reinforced by the bridge. When used this way, the behavior is not necessarily terminated with the presentation of that bridge.* The bridge can be used to signal the successful completion of a behavior and as a release from further performance, in this case, it does signal the termination of the behavior or performance. When in doubt, keep it simple until you get the hang of it. That is, use the bridge as a message to the animal that they have performed correctly and will be rewarded. This lOU, when applied correctly, will build confidence in an animal and avoid confusion. Normally a bridge is used to reinforce the best response or peak of a behavior. Your criteria for a behavior should be well defined and CONSISTENT. The fastest, best responses are what you will want to reinforce. Also, the bridge is a communicator to the animal to let them know if they have reached that desired performance level and/or are finished with the trial or session. 382 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 9, 1997 Types of bridges can vary, sometimes the bridge is a word, a whistle, a tone, or a clicker. It can also be a flashing light or another visual signal. Bridges can also vary in length of presentation and in their placement. The best placed bridge, for reinforcement, is at the peak of the performance. With all these variables to consider, it can get really confusing. The important thing is to be careful with how you use the bridge and to apply it consistently to the animal. Here is where things get confusing and more complicated. Each trainer will vary in their approach and manner of bridging. What is important is that some consistency and clarity be presented to the animal working for the trainer. Yes, animals do differentiate between trainers and what they can get away with. Opportunistic critters will also “train the trainer” or manipulate a newer trainer. Good enrichment for the animal but frustrating for the trainer! Weekly or daily meetings between trainers are critical to successful training if you all work the same animals. It is easier for the animal to have one consistent trainer, but due to staffing constraints and variables in the work force, this is almost impossible to do. Clear communication between training staff members will improve the standardization and consistency of approach for everyone involved and cut down on frustration of both the animals and humans. Simply put, the bridge is a communication tool. If you find that a certain application works better than another — go with it. Where things get more complex is when there are a lot of trainers and animals with their own styles and nuances. Remember that good training is both art AND science; it is integrating what you know, with skill developed over time and experiences with different situations and animals, that will make you a good trainer. Remember, in a perfect world, clear communication and parameters can overcome any confusion or debate over the bridging topic. *Advanced techniques can get complicated and confusing. That is for another article! Next Month: Part Two: Questions From Bridging Article If you would like to submit a behavior question/scenario for discussion in this column, please use the guidelines published in the Aug. 1997 AKF (pg. 348-350). Requests for behavior evaluations should be sent to Diana Guerrero at Ark Animals, Inc., P. O. Box 1154, Escondido, CA 92033-1154 or directed to her e-mail address listed on the following page. Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 9, 1997 383 About the Author: Since 1978 Diana has been active both in the U S. and England working with zoos, private collections, an oceanarium, a marineaquarium, and other animal-related organizations involving captive wildlife. She has a broad base of animal experience involving movie & television training, zookeeping, show performances with live animals, education, behavior management, modification and enrichment, rescue and rehabilitation as well as captive breeding and management of endangered species. She is currently working as an Animal Behavior Consultant and Trainer with both exotic and domestic animals, she has authored numerous articles on animal behavior and training. If you have questions for Diana, you may contact her at 1-800-818-7387 or via the email listed below. NOTE: The Ark Animals' Website has completed the change to Electronic Magazine Format. The “Ezine" features articles related to captive animal behavior, enrichment, conservation, and similar topics. The publisher welcomes electronically submitted articles (previously published or new work). Deadline is the 10th of the month previous to publishing. Interested parties may contact the publisher at arkabc@arkanimals.com Site address is http:/ / www.arkanimalS.com Consumers Beware . . . Ivory Imports Into U.S. Still Illegal Tourists who are planning to travel abroad should take note: all imports of ivory into the United States are prohibited under the Endangered Species Act and the African Elephant Conservation Act except: 0 Bona fide antiques more than 100 years old, which can be imported for any purpose with a valid permit; 0 Personal and household effects of African elephant ivory registered with U. S. Customs upon exportation and now being re-imported; and o African elephant ivory items acquired for non-commercial use prior to February 4, 1977 (first listing imder CITES), when accompanied by a valid special pre-convention permit. A recent decision to relax some trade controls for African elephants does not change these restrictions on ivory imports into the United States. Under this decision, taken at the June 1997 Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), elephant populations in Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe will be downlisted from the treaty’s highest level of protection. Appendix I, to Appendix II, which allows the possibility of international commercial trade under a system of permits. The downlisting becomes effective September 18, 1997. Elephant populations of the 34 other African elephant range countries remain 384 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 9, 1997 on Appendix I, as does the Asian elephant. All populations of African elephants remain listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, with Asian elephants listed as endangered. If Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe fully satisfy conditions designed to protect elephants against poaching and illegal trade and ensure the health of wild populations, a limited international trade in raw ivory may be resumed beginning March 18, 1999. At that time, the three countries will be allowed to export an experimental quota of raw ivory only to Japan, which has a traditional domestic market for ivory. This trade will be closely monitored and, as an additional safeguard, Japan will prohibit export or re-export of any ivory for commercial purposes. If these conditions are not met or if illegal hunting of elephants or trade in elephant products escalates, the three elephant populations can be returned to Appendix I. The three countries also agreed to direct all net profits from the sale of this ivory into African elephant conservation through enhanced monitoring, research, law enforcement, and more support for community-based management programs. Even if this extremely limited trade is permitted, the importation of ivory into the United States is still banned. Some limited exportation of souvenir ivory carvings was approved for Zimbabwe, but these items may not come in to the United States. Any ivory purchased abroad (other than properly documented antiques) could be confiscated upon importation into this country. If your purchase is seized by Customs or wildlife inspectors, you will not be refunded the purchase price and you might be subject to monetary fines. from U S. Fish and Wildlife Service News Release, July 31, 1997 Patricia Fisher , (202) 208-5634 Coimf l«t« Lim of QvklityHerftiU C; We Sp«ci2i|iz< m profc*i.^r^ ^xil for VISA, MikSter Cxr<], & Discover cXrds Xcct'litV^ ^ 3251H N« 77tk St. WA. 98014^6701 Pkot^« (425) 861-7964 (425) 333-4205 Animal Keepers* Forum, Vol 24, No. 9, 1997 385 Baltimore Zoo Reports First N. A. Breeding of Tomato Frogs Without Use of Hormones The Baltimore Zoo's Herpetology Department has successfully bred the endangered Madagascar tomato frog (Dyscophus antongilli), becoming the first North American Zoo to breed this species solely through environmental manipulation, without administering hormones. Deforestation and over-collection for the pet trade have threatened the stability of the tomato frog population in its native Madagascar to the extent that it is now listed as an endangered species. The captive population in U. S. zoos - currently 101 adult specimens in 21 zoological institutions - is also jeopardized by a lack of genetic diversity, unknown pedigrees, and until recently, a shortage of animals. In an effort to preserve the species in captivity, the Baltimore Zoo spearheaded a collaborative effort in 1994, sending tomato frogs from four U.S. zoos and two private collections to the University of California at Berkeley. There, under the direction of Dr. Dale Denardo, the UC/ Berkeley team successfully produced young using hormanes. The Baltimore Zoo received a group of 14 tomato frogs from the project in Decemberof 1994, and following an initial attempt last year, became the first zoo to breed the frogs by manipulating their environment using precise temperature, humidity, and photoperiod alternatives to simulate the tomato frogs' natural seasonal cycles. These environmental cues initiated reproductive behavior without the use of hormone injections. "It is primarily an animal health issue," said Anthony Wisnieski, Curator of Repriles and Amphibians at Baltimore. "Giving hormones to an animal to induce breeding can sometimes have adverse side effects. If you can duplicate the environmental changes that trigger reproduction in the wild, breeding in captivity becomes a much more natural process and a lot less can go wrong. Our amphibian keeper, Erik Anderson, did an excellent job in producing the right combination of these changes - the frogs responded as they would have in their natural habitat. This is a very good indication that we have met one of our most important goals— creating a captive environment for our animals that is as close to their natural one as we can make it." To educate the Malagasy people on the plight of this endangered species and to combat the challenges of insufficient genetic diversity in the captive U. S. population, the Baltimore Zoo has funded the construction of a tomato frog exhibit in Parc Zoologique, a zoo in Madagascar. This was accomplished by working through the Madagascar Fauna Group - a consortium of U. S. zoos which are dedicated to the preservation of the threatened fauna and natural habitats of this unique island country. Significantly, this is the first and only exhibit for an amphibian species in all of Madagascar. It features eight wild-caught tomato frogs that zoo keepers will attempt to breed so that offspring may be available to zoos abroad, which are in desperate need of new bloodlines. Animal Keepers' Forum, VoL 24, No. 9, 1997 Madagasca tomato frog (Dyscophus antongilli) from the Baltimore Zoo is pictured at right. (Photo provided hy the Baltimore Zoo Marketing Dept.) Photographs of the Baltimore Zoo's tomato frogs have been provided for the educational graphics at the new Parc Ivoloina exhibit. The graphics will help educate the public about the preservation of this endangered species and its habitat, as very few people in Madagascar are aware of the threats to its survival. Additionally, the Baltimore Zoo has provided funding for Dr. Edward Louis of Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo to perform DNA testing on blood samples taken from tomato frogs in U.S. zoos with unknown pedigree. "This will enable us to determine exact lineage for all captive tomato frogs, so that we can breed pairs that provide maximum genetic diversity in the zoo population," Curator Wisnieski said. To that end, the Baltimore Zoo is also working towards exchanging tomato frogs with the Copenhagen Zoo - so that European and U.S. institutions may benefit from the shared bloodlines. The Baltimore Zoo's froglets are currently only a half-inch long and have a light brown skin color. Adult tomato frogs range from three to four-inches with females being slightly larger. The froglets will acquire their distinctive tomato-red coloring in several months. This bright coloration serves as a warning that distasteful toxins are secreted as a natural defense against snakes, small mammals and predatory birds. The Baltimore Zoo's total number of tadpoles produced through environmental manipulation is upwards of 4,000, an impressive success rate. -excerpted from Baltimore Zoo Press Release of 7I2BI97 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 24, No. 9, 1997 387 REALITY CHECK 001 American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. Your Chapter Date Pay to the order of American Association of Zoo Keepers . Inc. $ _ foo Memo 23-7274856 18002424519 18004681966 Form 2020 "INK FOR INC." Growth is a funy thing. We, in the care business, probably know it best of all. Growth depends on a number of things — among them, favorable conditions and adequate nuturing. It takes time and attention. Whether it is captive management at a zoo or aquarium, or attention and concern for in situ wild species and their habitat, life on the line is a substantial part of our experience and our interest as zoo keepers. Through our work, these are things that we genuinely care about. Through our own expereinces will come our own professional growth. We become better and we do better. The organization that, for many of us, has provided an avenue for this stimulus and growth, is AAZK, Inc. It has provided those essential things - conditions, nurturing, time and attention through the actions of its Board of Directors, staff, committees, officers. Chapters and members. AAZK exists only because the above mentioned groups and individuals sustain and support it to various degrees. Conversely, the above mentioned ‘community’ exists only because the idea of AAZK, Inc. has created those opportunities for them. But, where it had provided the foundation for existence and opportunities for growth and nurturing, this Association itself had suffered its own troubles in maintaining its needs for sustainability and health. A number of months ago, an appeal went out to Chapter and members to help AAZK, Inc. The Association needed a portion of Chapter financial resources, above the mandatory recharter fee, to help sustain the organization. (AAZK does receive support through donations from concerned Chapters on a regular basis.) The responsewas overwhelming and gratifying to see. To date AAZK Chapters have donated over $8100.00 in direct donations for various uses ranging from the general operating fund to the Jr. Zoo Keeper program. As well, the Board has made critical moves to reduce spending and to budget more prudently. This has meant deletion or reduction of some committees, projects, practices and spending. 388 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 9, 1997 Since this response, the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. has made a encouraging recovery and, as L.I.N.K Coordinator, I would like to say a very heartfelt thank you to all who have helped make this so. To tell the truth, I am very moved. I have been a member of this organization for almost 20 years and I care about it alot. To see this care demonstrated by the membership makes me believe that not only do we grow upward and onward, but also within. Sincerely, Mark de Denus L. I. N. K. Coordinator/AAZK, Inc. Great Lakes Regional Council Meeting Report July 22 - 23, 1997 submitted by Wayne Hazlett, Assistant L. I. N. K. Coordinator The Summer Regional Meeting was blessed with two fine days weather-wise, as well as a nice attendance figure of over 45 people. Seven wildlife facilities were represented, with delegates from four states (Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota). Ohio, Michigan and Kentucky did not send delegates and their input was missed. Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth, MN (not presently in this Council) sent five delegates. Racine Zoo, Willie’s Wildlife, and the Milwaukee County Zoo represented Wisconsin; while Miller Park Zoo and Phillips Park Zoo represented Illinois. The Potawatomi Zoo in South Bend, IN represented that state. On Tuesday, tent camping was available as well as an excellent BBQ dinner in the evening. The menu featured bratwurst, chicken breast, hamburgers, and Saz’s famous barbecued pork. Of course salads, fruits and veggie trays topped it all off In the evening. Dr. John Scheels, DDS, presented a very interesting slide program on “An Overview of Captive Animal Dentistry”. Following the lecture. Clay Ecklund of the Milwaukee County Zoo gave a slide presentation on his recent work with the “Peruvian Primate Census Project Keeper Participation Program”. The Summer Regional Meeting following the slide lectures with Animal Training/ Conditioning as the theme of the meeting. Fundraising was also a subject of discussion with many ideas shared by those in attendance. It was proposed to either add the State of Minnesota to the Great Lakes Council, since they are on the Great Lakes, or replace Kentucky with Minnesota, since they are not on the Great Lakes. This issue will be discussed further at the meeting in Houston. The next morning, the delegates met once again at the campsite for a light breakfast. Zoo tours were conducted all day by Milwaukee County Zoo AAZK members. The Milwaukee Chapter members would like to thank all the delegates to the 1997 Summer Regional Meeting. We enjoyed having you visit our zoo. Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 9, 1997 389 ^ C r / 0 £ £ A ^ustioiaidAisHrfomfortktoo Frofisshialoi Crisis Hm^euit By William K. Baker, Jr., Zoologist Lufkin, TX QUESTION Are there any non-lethal options other than using a dart rifle for animal escape situations? COMMENTS The method most commonly used in the zoological industry for the capture or immobilization of an animal is the dart rifle. While the delivery system may vary, the basic design is the same. A dart loaded with a chemical agent is used to immobilize the animal. However, situations may arise where this may not be the best option for animal managers to use for recapture. Examples of this would be: 1. Available staff members may be unfamiliar with the mechanics of loading a dart. 2. Available staff may be imfamiliar with the technical aspects of chemical agents, dosage levels, and how to mix separate agents into a “cocktail”. 3. The physical size of an animal might restrict darting. This would most likely occur when dealing with reptiles, smaller mammals, and smaller primates. 4. The animal has no personal or species history of serious aggression. In other words, the animal has a non-threatening disposition. NON-CHEMICAL RESTRAINT TECHNIQUES 1. Physical Restraint - This is a technique that should be used sparingly or avoided altogether. Its best application is for small docile animals. The likelihood 390 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 9, 1997 of bites and scratches is high. Consequently, gloves or gauntlets should be worn. 2. Rope Restraint - Simply put, multiple staff members lasso an animal with ropes to restrict movement. This is neither simple or easy to do. Lassoing is a skill that takes considerable practice and can be dangerous to all parties. 3. Field Hooks - Commonly referred to as “snake hooks”. This is used to direct movement or restrain a reptile. This is definitely a technical skill that takes considerable practice. Special care is required for venomous reptiles. 4. Pole Noose - A pole that is constructed of either fiberglass or aluminum. The head is equipped with a noose that is released and controlled by the operator. Size and composition is determined by intended use and species. 5. Control Poles- These come in two styles. One, the fiberglass style , is used for directing movements of livestock. Two, the fiberglass or aluminum style with a flexible triangular head, is used to direct and restrain exotic wildlife. 6. Pole nets - This would be the most common capture net seen in zoological institutions. Pole nets come in a variety of sizes and meshes which are dependent on the size, type, and weight of the animal. Options include cord-locks, grips, extensions, and pole composition. 7. Cast Nets - Basically a circular net that is tossed by hand over an animal. The net works by enveloping and fouling the animal into a prone position on the ground. Needless to say, this takes a great deal of practice to master. 8. Mist Nets - These are ultra-fine mesh nets that are typically strung between two objects. The net is nearly invisible at even a short distance. The animal either flies or rims into the net and is entangled. 9. Drop nets - These are heavy grade mesh nets that are either dropped over a target area or delivered by a ground fired cannon system. They are especially useful in catching large groups of animals over a baited area. 10. Net Guns - Essentially these are rifles that have been modified to fire a projectile net over considerable distance. They are typically offered in two models, air to ground capture and ground capture. 11. Live Animal Traps - These are available in a large variety of sizes and styles. Use is dictated by the size, species, and weight of the animal to be captured. The downside is that the animal has to find the trap and bait. 12. Directed Visual Barriers - The key is to use a barrier that is solid in appearance, lightweight, and supported at intervals so that someone can hold it up or groimd mount it. Effective barrier materials include canvas, plastic, shadecloth, and metal shields. This is a very effective technique for directed movement of animals. Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 9, 1997 391 CONCLUSION There is a incredible diversity of equipment available for the zoological professional to use in an effort to capture an animal. Each has its own associated strengths and weaknesses that will dictate which is the best option for the task at hand. The limiting factors will always be behavior, size, species, weight, and relative danger. Multiple animals will require a different capture strategy than the ones used for single animal capture. If the methodology in current use works, then stay with it. If not, change the strategy. NEXT MONTH: Do colognes and perfumes effect the behavior of captive animals in a negative way and pose a threat to personal safety? If you would like to submit a question for this column or have comments on previously published material, please send them to: Reactions/AKF, 635 S. W. Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606-2066. (About the Author: Since 1985 Bill has been active in the fields ofsceence, zoology and wildlife management. His education and expereince include a B. S. in wildlife management and post-graduate work in zoology; Lab and Museum Assistant; Shoot Team leader, ERT Member, and Senior Keeper and Large Mammal Keeper at various AZ A facilities. His area of research is crisis management in zoological institutions, which draws upon practical experience and training as a Rescue Diver, Hunter Safety Instructor, NRA Firearms Instructor, and Red Cross CPR/ First Aid Instructor.) Regional Conference Schedule AZA Western Regional Conference - 11-14 March 1998 - Monterey, CA. For further information, contact Ginger Hopkins, Monterey Bay Aquarium, 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940-1085 (408) 648-4925. AZA Central Regional Conference - 1-4 April 1998 - Grand Rapids, MI. For further information, contact Brenda Stringer, John Ball Zoological Society, 1300 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids, MI 49504-6100 (616) 336-4301. AZA Eastern Regional Conference - 22-25 April 1998 - Boston, MA. For further information, contact Elizabeth Coleman, New England Aquarium, Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110-3399 (617) 973-4925. 392 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 9, 1997 Bowlina for Phinos Upclal( owimq submitted by Patty Pearthree Bowling for Rhinos National Coordinator Please send in your 1997 event money ASAP so we may include your Chapter/Institution in our 1997 totals. If you are waiting for a few stray checks, send what you have and then I can always add the rest later. If you have any questions about “Bowling for Rhinos”, please contact: Patty Pearthree, P. O. Box 199026, Indianapolis, IN 46219-9026, call (317) 322-8723 or e-mail ppear3@aazk.ind.net. You can also get info on the AAZK Web Page - http:// aazk.ind.net. Indonesia Trip I was able to visit Ujung Kulon (Java) and Way Kambas (Sumatra) for three weeks in June/July of this year. The trip was funded through a grant awarded to the Minnesota Conservation Officers by “The Rhino & Tiger Conservation Fund” (U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service). This was a joint effort by the Minnesota Conservation Officers, AAZK and Safari Club International with eight individuals representing these groups. We also had an interpreter with us who was extremely helpful as very little English was spoken. Part of the group was involved with training of park guards in handcuffing, use of knives and general self-defense techniques. Prior to this training, guards would have to convince a poacher to follow them through the forest to be arrested at the park headquarters. Many village children watched in amazement as the park guards learned how to get a man twice their size pinned to the ground and handcuffed with ease. It was incredible to see how much self-confidence the park guards gained in apprehending poachers. It was thrilling to see the excitement the guards showed with this new training that will make their lives much easier and safer. The Safari Club International supplied the guards with handcuffs, GPS equipment, compasses, field glasses, first aid kits, rain gear, and other much needed equipment. The children also took home the message that the guards are well-trained and equipped now, so watch out poachers! I was a part of the Education Group. We were assigned the task of finding out if park guards could come to the schools to teach conservation education (i.e. set up an “outreach” program). We also wanted to find out if we could set up a program for Indonesian school children allowing them to communicate with American school children. We visited several private and public schools surrounding each park. One village to which we traveled by jeep, motorcycle and then on foot was on the far east side of Ujung Kulon and was called Cegog. Villagers told us they had only seen one white man in the last 50 years, and had never seen a white woman until now! We then hiked back to camp by climbing over a mountain range to the coast again. Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 24, No. 9, 1997 393 Anna Mertz was visiting Ujung Kulon at the same time so I was able to squeeze in a day of hiking with her looking for Javan rhino. A few days later, Anna was successful in finding the rhino, giving her the thrill of a lifetime. Not all of the trip was as pleasurable. I spent an hour barefoot on a maggot- infested beach which was the village garbage dump. The ocean water was as thick as pea soup. We knew it was raw sewage as we could see the ditch running from the village into the water a few feet from where we stood. We had to wade out to a dugout canoe to take us to a larger boat. Our legs stung as we sat in the boat and we wondered what illnesses were in store for us. The smell was so strong and the scene so disgusting that, if I had been alone, it would have been easy to vomit. The great group I was with made everything bearable, interesting, and even enjoyable. The village children swam in the midst of all of this pollution. It made me happy to be an American knowing we would never tolerate such contamination. Indonesia is just beginning to see they have a pollution problem. The smog in Jakarta was much worse than any problem I have ever see in Los Angeles. It is easy to see that conservation education is critically needed in Indonesia. I stayed on an island where rats were the most common wildlife, and fell asleep to the sound of grown men acting like 12-year-olds, laughing and jumping from bed to bed trying to chase the rats with a flashlight. I also stayed at Peucang Island which caters to tourists with air-conditioned rooms, real showers (other places were a cup and a bucket of water), and meals were something other than fish and rice. The only wildlife we were bothered by here was the macaques that were so bold they would jump onto the dinner table or steal items from your room while you were in it! At Way Kambas we were visited by wild elephant during the night and every morning I awoke to the songs of gibbons and siamangs. I hiked to a camera census site which has allowed photos to be taken of many Sumatran tigers, elephants, sunbear, civets, tapirs, etc. Often the photos (which have time and date) show tigers visiting the site within minutes of people changing film, hiking, etc. Another very rewarding part of the trip was be able to attend “The Javan Rhino Colloquium” which was held in Bogor the first three days of our trip. This meeting brought together 40 people from all around the world to meet and find out who was doing what for Javan rhino conservation. We discussed the needs of Ujung Kulon, prioritized these needs, and tried to determine who would fund different projects. We learned of the work being done in Vietnam where it is believed 15-20 Javan rhinos still exist. Although I would always rather be trekking in the jungle, this was the most important and informative meeting I have ever been able to attend. I was able to see how Bowling for Rhino funds could best be used within the parks. I was truly honored to be invited and was glad that I could represent AAZK and bring home information which I will share next month with delegates at the Houston AAZK Conference. 394 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 24, No. 9, 1997 PIsplay Behavior and Breeding Biology of Caribbean Flamingos {Phoenicopterus ruber ruber) By David M. Powell Department of Zoology, University of Maryland College Park, MD 20742-4415 Abstract Flamingos are common in zoos yet remain relatively unstudied by zoo biologists. This is striking, given that flamingos tend to breed poorly in captivity and that there is little published literature on the behavior of individually-marked flamingos in the wild. This study sought to determine if there were differences between male and female flamingos in display behavior. Display bouts and their component display actions were recorded from a captive flock of 75 individually marked Caribbean flamingos over a period of three months in 1993. Data were then analyzed to determine if there were gender differences in display behavior with regard to number, rate, and length of display bouts, use of specific display actions, and display action sequence. Males were found to be more likely to engage in display behavior. When bouts by juveniles were excluded from the data set, female display bouts contained significantly more display actions. Male and female display bouts also differed in sequences of display actions used. Other aspects of the breeding biology and social behavior of flamingos are discussed. Keywords: Displays, Phoenicopterus ruber ruber, reproductive condition INTRODUCTION Lack [1968] originally reported that as many as 90% of bird species may be monogamous; however, numerous systematic studies of behavior and paternity have determined that many bird species thought to be monogamous actually exhibit polygynous or polyandrous mating systems. Flamingos have been described as monogamous and do show high levels of pair fidelity in captivity [Pickering, 1992; Stevens et al., 1992], but some studies of captive [Bennett, 1987; King 1994] and wild flamingos [e.g. Cezilly and Johnson, 1995] have shown evidence of extra-pair sexual behavior and low levels of mate fidelity. Ritualized display behavior has been described in a number of species and has been hypothesized to attract a mate or increase a female’s readiness to mate. In general, males perform the majority of display behavior and may be more brightly colored than females or larger in body size. Sexual dimorphism in display behavior may be related to breeding system; therefore, I thought that a quantitative analysis of the display behavior of flamingos might help to clarify the nature of the flamingo breeding system. If display behavior serves the purpose of mate attraction or advertisement, then differences between the sexes in display behavior would be expected if the sex ratio is skewed, leading to competition among members of one sex for access to members of the other sex. However, if display behavior does not serve this function, but rather is used as a cue to prime birds for reproduction, then no differences Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 9, 1997 395 between the sexes would be expected. I would also expect there to be no differences in display behavior if the sex ratio in the flock was approximately equal. In flamingos, it has been hypothesized that display behavior helps to bring the birds into reproductive condition quickly by stimulating pair formation and nest building [Ogilve and Ogilve, 1986; Studer-Thiersch, 1974] so that they can take advantage of rainfall when it occurs. Rainfall is thought to be important for flamingo breeding because it facilitates construction of mud nest mounds and increases proliferation of crustaceans, algae, and unicellular organisms which are eaten by the flamingos. High water also provides increased predator protection for the nest area [Ogilve and Ogilve, 1986] . The current study sought to determine if there were any differences in the display behavior of male and female Caribbean flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber ruber) with regard to: (1) likelihood of displaying, (2) number, rate, and length of display bouts, (3) use of specific display actions, and (4) display action sequences. METHODS Study Flock The 75-member flock of Caribbean flamingos at Parrot Jungle and Gardens (Miami, Florida) was studied in February, March, and April of 1993, prior to and at the beginning of the breeding season for this flock. This flock had reproduced in the past but with a low rate of success. The flock was composed of juveniles and adult birds aged five months to 41 years with a sex ratio of two adult males per adult female. Fifty-five birds were sexually mature during this study (36 males, 18 females, 1 unknown sex). Each bird was marked with a colored, numbered leg band for identification. The flamingos were housed in a large outdoor enclosure with a pond at its center. There is a permanent nesting area in the exhibit. Each year during late April to mid-May, a portion of the exhibit was plowed and mud nests were started for the flamingos. This area was adjacent to the pond and periodically was moistened by an irrigation system. Data Collection The group display repertoire of Caribbean flamingos is composed of six display actions: head flag (HF), wing salute (WS), inverted wing salute (IV), twist preen (TP), wing-leg stretch (WLS), and marching [see Studer-Thiersch, 1974, for descriptions]. Marching behavior has also been described in flamingos; however, this behavior was not scored because when birds marched, it was impossible to record the identities of all of the marching birds and including this behavior may have produced a bias in the data set. All flock members were observed and any time a bird displayed, the sequence of display actions was recorded as well as the sex of the displaying bird [behavior sampling with all occurrences recording: Altmann, 1974] . Observations were conducted during all hours that the park was open. Display actions were considered to be part of the same display bout until the interval between successive actions exceeded 10 seconds. Each display action took less than one second to complete therefore an interval of 10 seconds between actions was considered a separate display bout. All individuals in the flock were visible at any given time and were thus assumed to have been sampled equally. 396 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 9, 1997 Analysis A G-test was used to determine if participation in display behavior was contingent on sex [Sokal and Rohlf, 1981]. A rank sum test [Welkowitz et al. 1982] was used to determine if males and females differed significantly in overall use of individual display actions, overall number of bouts, rate of display bouts (bouts/minute), and number of display actions per displaying bout. The data set was first analyzed using all of the displaying bouts recorded, and was then re-analyzed after those displaying bouts by sexually immature (under three years of age. Rear and Duplaix- Hall, 1975) birds were removed. For all statistical tests, significance was assigned when p<.05. Phase diagrams of display action transitions were constructed in order to analyze the likelihood of specific display sequences and to determine if males and females differed qualitatively in display action sequences. In order to determine if any birds contributed significantly more display bouts than other members of their sex, z-scores were calculated [Sokal and Rohlf, 1981]. RESULTS A total of 210 display bouts were recorded, containing 411 display actions. Two birds (one male, one female) contributed significantly more display bouts than other members of their sex. The male’s displays accounted for 12.6% of the display bouts recorded from males; the female’s displays accounted for 18.6% of the display bouts recorded fi^om females. The displaying bouts of these two birds were not qualitatively discernable from displaying bouts of other birds in the flock; therefore, all of their display bouts were used in the analysis. These two birds appeared to be a mated pair that were dominant to other members of the flock. Sex influenced the likelihood of engaging in display behavior when all display bouts were analyzed (G=3.869, p<.05) and when display bouts of juvenile birds were excluded from the data set (G=23.416, p<.001). In both cases, males were more likely to display than females. When display bouts by immature birds were included in the data set, no significant differences between males and females were found in any of the measures tested (Table 1). When those bouts by immature birds were removed, female display bouts were found to contain significantly more display actions than were male bouts though this difference is borderline significant (2=-!. 963, p<.05; Table 2). Male display bouts contained an average of 1.92 actions (range 1-6) while female bouts contained an average of 2.20 actions (range 1-6); however, 50.2% of the displaying bouts recorded in this study contained only one display action (49.6% of male bouts and 51.7% of female bouts). Experiment wise error levels were not controlled for in the statistical analysis; if they had been controlled for, no significant differences would have been found between the sexes for any variable regardless of the data set used. Twist-preening was the most commonly used behavior in both sexes (Tables 1 & 2). In male displaying bouts, all display actions, except for head flags, were most commonly followed by a twist preen (Fig. 1) and twist preens were usually followed by an inverted wing salute. In most cases, head flags were the first display action in a display bout and were most often followed by a wing salute (Fig. 1). Therefore, a typical sequence for males might be HF-^WS-^TP-^IV-^TP or WLS-^TP-^IV-^TP. Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 9, 1997 397 Female flamingos also commonly interspersed wing salutes, wing-leg stretches, and inverted wing salutes with twist preens (Fig. 2). Twist preen’inverted wing salute sequences were more common in females than in males, while wing-leg stretch’twist preen sequences were less common. Inverted wing salute’wing-leg stretch sequences were also fairly common in females (Fig. 2) and very uncommon in males (Fig. 1). Head flags were very rarely used by females (Table 1). A typical display sequence for females might be WS-^TP-^IV-^TP or WS-^TP->IV->WLS->TP. DISCUSSION Table 1: Display behavior characteristics of male and female Caribbean flamingos, sexually immature birds included. Variable Males Females Avgrags # of: Bouts/individual 3.87 2.81 Display actions/displaying bout 1.73 1.87 Display bouts/minute 0.005 0.004 Head flags/individual 0.62 0 Wing salutes/individual 1.21 0.76 Inverted wing salutes/individual 1.03 1.29 Twist preens/individual 2.77 2.05 Wing-leg stretches/individual 1.77 1.71 Table 2: Display behavior characteristics of male and female Caribbean flamingos, sexually immature birds excluded. Variable Males Females Averagg # of; Bouts/individual 4.3 3.58 Display actions/displaying bout 1.77 2.48* Display bouts/minute 0.005 0.004 Head flags/individual 0.73 0 Wing salutes/individual 1.3 1.17 Inverted wing salutes/individual 1.18 2.17 Twist preens/individual 3.18 3.5 Wing-leg stretches/individual 1.82 2 *p<.05 398 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 9, 1997 IV HF [=C> WS ♦ .10-.30 >.30 Fig. 1. Phase diagram of display transitions in male flamingos. Color of arrow represents the relative probability of that transition occurring. Only those transitions with at least a .10 probability are shown. WS Fig. 2. Phase diagram of display transition in female flamingos. Color of arrow represents the relative probability of that transition occurring. Only those transitions with at least a .10 probability are shown. Male and female flamingos did differ in several aspects of their display behavior. Males were more likely to engage in display; however, female displays contained significantly more display actions per bout and were thus more protracted than male display bouts. Studer-Thiersch [1975] reported that display bouts in greater flamingos {Phoenicopterus ruber roseus) typically contained 2 to 4 actions and that sequences of 4 actions are more common in Caribbean flamingos, especially among females. Rooth [1965] found that the duration of male displays was longer than the duration of female displays. In the current study, males and females did not differ in the average number of display bouts per individual, though they did differ in the likelihood of displaying. In other words, males were more likely to display, but displa3dng males and displaying females gave equal numbers of displays. The finding female display bouts contain more display actions may indicate that female displaying bouts contain more detailed information about reproductive condition and/or readiness to mate. Animal Keepers' ForurUy Vol 24, No. 9, 1997 399 Both sexes used display actions in similar proportions and did not differ in the rate of their display behavior. Twist preens were the most common display action observed in the Parrot Jungle flock. In the Caribbean flamingo flock at the National Zoo, Stevens [1991] found that wing salutes were the most common display action observed in one season followed by head flags and twist preens which occurred with equal frequency. The following season wing salutes and head flags occurred with equal frequency and were significantly more common than other behaviors. These differences may be attributable to differences in sampling methods or to differences in observation periods. I recorded all instances of display behavior while Stevens [1991] used one zero sampling [Altmann, 1974] which does not measure the actual frequency of the behavior being observed. I began observing the Parrot Jungle flock in February and continued through mid-April while Stevens [1991] began observations in mid-April and continued through the end of May. Among greater flamingos twist preens may be repeated several times in a displaying bout [Studer-Thiersch, 1975]. The same was true for Caribbean flamingos in this study with two or three repetitions being most common. Studer-Thiersch [1975] also found that wing salutes and inverted wing salutes generally occurred only once within the same display sequence and that wing leg stretches may be performed twice. He also reported that display actions generally do not occur alone. In my study, wing salutes usually occurred only once in a sequence, though inverted wing salutes were more likely to occur twice. Wing leg stretches were most often performed alone; however, when they were combined with other display actions in a displaying bout, wing leg stretches occurred twice. The functional significance of differential use of display actions and their sequence is not clear, but it may be related to information coding. Displays may vary in composition and sequence in order to convey different messages about the signaler’s reproductive state for example. In contrast to Studer-Thiersch, half of the displaying bouts recorded in this study contained only one display action. Because these display actions are similar in form to normal comfort movements and everyday activities [Kahl, 1975], the possibility exists that some actions were recorded as displays when in fact they were not. Studer-Thiersch [1975] distinguished between high and low intensity display behavior. During high intensity display, birds are in close proximity, and display rapidly and synchronously. Low intensity display is characterized by low rates of display and display synchrony, and individuals being further apart. During high intensity display both Caribbean flamingos and greater flamingos began displays with a WS->-TP->-IV->TP sequence. At low intensity, male Caribbean flamingos often initiated displays with a WLS->TP sequence [Studer-Thiersch, 1975]. Among female Caribbean flamingos, WLS was frequent at high intensity and so their display sequences tended to be more variable than those of males; however, WLS rarely was the first action in female displaying bouts [Studer-Thiersch, 1975]. In the current study, sex differences in display bout structure were noted with some sequences being more common in males than females and vice versa. Male displaying bouts that contained several display actions were often initiated with wing leg stretches. Male display bouts containing only two or three actions tended to be initiated with wing salutes and were followed by either twist preens or inverted wing salutes. Among females, wing salutes were fairly common but were most often performed alone and were the first display action in multi-action display sequences 28.5% 400 Animal Keepers’ Forum, VoL 24, No. 9, 1997 alone and were the first display action in multi-action display sequences 28.5% of the time. Studer-Thiersch [1975] concludes that sexual dimorphism in display behavior is more pronounced in Caribbean flamingos than in greater flamingos. He also states that the display behavior of female Caribbean flamingos does not differ between high and low intensity and that female displays are less restricted to a particular situation and thus contain less precise information compared to male displays. I found that males are more likely to display than females, female display bouts contain more actions, and the relative frequency of certain display action sequences differs between males and females. Males and females use display actions in equal proportions. Therefore, although some dimorphism exists in display behavior, its significance remains unclear. It has been concluded from studies of wild flamingos that display behavior serves a purpose other than mate attraction [Ogilve and Ogilve, 1986; Studer-Thiersch, 1975]. My results both support and refute this idea. In my study, males were more likely to display, which would be expected if this is a polygynous system in which males try to attract females; however, female displays were more complex, and therefore may contain more information about reproductive condition or fitness. Flamingos are colonial breeders which require adequate rainfall to build nests and have enough food to raise chicks. It has been suggested that increased breeding synchrony is advantageous when there is a short term food supply and for minimizing predation [Darling, 1938] . Rainfall is seasonal in the tropical and temperate regions where flamingos breed; however, the duration and amount of rainfall is unpredictable. Clayton [1978] suggested that rainfall and other environmental stimuli probably stimulate gross reproductive synchrony and that socially facilitated behavior provides finer scale synchrony. Darling [1938] suggested that in colonial birds there was a relationship between synchronized behavior, physiological cycles, and successful reproduction. Birds in large colonies should experience greater social stimulation and thus their breeding cycles should be accelerated. This acceleration should lead to more synchronous egg laying than in smaller colonies. This has been called the “Fraser Darling effect”. It has been shown that flock size and reproductive success are positively related in captive flocks of flamingos [Pickering et al., 1992, Stevens, 1991]. It is thought that group display behavior serves to bring birds into reproductive condition quickly in order to take advantage of rainfall when it occurs in adequate quantities for breeding; however, the mechanism of this social stimulation is unknown. Given that rainfall is important in stimulating flamingo breeding behavior, Stevens [1991] investigated whether rain sprinklers could be used to induce group displays. She found that display frequencies were higher in the hours both during and after the sprinkler but not significantly so. Stevens and Pickett [1994] hypothesized that an increase in flock size would increase social stimulation and result in more display behavior. After increasing the Caribbean flamingo flock at the National Zoo by four young adult captive bred females and by seven adult birds prior to the 1989 and 1992 breeding seasons respectively, they found that display activity was significantly higher in the year following each addition to the flock, but that display activity dropped two years after new birds were added. They suggested that the effect of having new birds in the flock was greater than the effect of increased flock size or Animal Keepers* Forum, Vol 24, No. 9, 1997 401 that extreme environmental conditions may have offset the timing of displays during these breeding seasons and hence display behavior was not sampled at peak periods [Stevens and Pickett, 1994] . Because rainfall and hence nest building conditions are ephemeral, it would appear to be adaptive for flamingos to already have a mate selected when environmental conditions favor reproduction. One mechanism of assured mate selection is to pair with one partner for many breeding seasons. Previous studies of breeding in captive flamingo flocks have found that pair fidelity between breeding seasons ranged from 45 to 94%. However, Cezilly and Johnson [1995] found that the overall rate of mate switching between seasons was 98.3% for Greater flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber roseus) in the Camargue. In addition, they noted that 29% of males attempted to re-breed with a different partner after nest failure. The high degree of mate switching between seasons could not be explained by previous year breeding failure since at least 18 birds that had changed mates had bred successfully the previous year. They suggest that flamingos may be characterized as seasonally monogamous and that results observed in captive birds may be influenced by the small number of birds (compared to wild flocks) present, or by captivity itself [Cezilly and Johnson, 1995] . King [1994] found 92% pair fidelity in their captive flock of flamingos; however, she also noted that 78.6% of males and 46.7% of females in known pair associations attempted to copulate outside their pair bond. Only two successful extra pair copulations occurred [King, 1994]. Twenty-five percent of Chilean flamingo {Phoenicopterus chilensis) pairs at the Santa Barbara Zoo engaged in extra pair copulations prior to the breeding season, and 60% did so once the breeding season was underway [Bennett, 1987]. Bowles et al. [1988] found that re-uniting of pairs in three penguin species is higher in captivity than in the wild. Pickering [1992] suggested that the degree of mate fidelity in captive flocks may be inversely related to colony size; Studer-Thiersch [1975] suggested that reproductive success increases as the length of the pair bond increases. 402 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 9, 1997 If both of these conditions hold, then small captive flocks should reproduce well [King, 1994] . However this is not the case, small flocks tend to have low reproductive success [Pickering et. al, 1992; Stevens, 1992]. Flamingos are also under selection pressure to breed synchronously to reduce predation pressure [Cezilly and Johnson, 1995; Ogilve and Ogilve, 1986]. Natural selection would therefore favor within-season mate switching after nest failure. Time from nest failure to relaying in the Camargue greater flamingo population varies from 15 to 35 days [Cezilly and Johnson, 1995]. Because flamingos have only a limited time in which to hatch and raise their chicks, males should be favored to re-mate with an unpaired female instead of waiting for their current partner to recover from the energetic costs of egg production and be ready to lay again [Cezilly and Johnson, 1995] , Studies of flamingos in the wild have shown that pairs which breed later in the season have lower success in rearing chicks. In summary it appears that wild flamingos are polygynous in general but monogamous within a breeding season. Thus they may be most accurately described as serially monogamamous. Though captive flocks show high levels of mate fidelity between years, they also show evidence of extra-pair sexual behavior. If flock composition is held constant across breeding seasons, then mate fidelity should remain high assuming that males and females selected the most fit mates during the first breeding season that the flock was together. We would also expect that group display activity should remain relatively constant across breeding seasons given that birds are pairing with the same mates each year. If new birds were added to the flock, then we would expect there to be more mate switching because some pair members may find more fit mates among the new birds. Consequently, we would expect group display activity to increase given that previously stable pair bonds may be broken and new ones formed. This may explain why Stevens and Pickering [1994] found that display activity increased only temporarily after new birds had been added to a captive Caribbean flamingo flock at the National Zoo. In my study, one male and one female displayed significantly more often than other members of their sex. These two birds were also involved in numerous aggressive encounters with other birds and frequently displaced other birds as they moved around the exhibit. The male who appeared to be dominant in the Parrot Jungle flock was also one of the largest birds in the flock. It is also interesting to note that these two dominant birds appeared to be a mated pair. They frequently followed one another when moving around the exhibit and exchanged vocalizations when they were far apart. Hierarchies have been demonstrated in other captive flamingo flocks and it has been suggested that dominance may play a role in reproductive success [Bildstein et al., 1993, Shannon, 1981]. Social interactions among flock members and dominance rank may influence the probability that each individual or pair association attempting to breed is successful [King, 1994]. The social hierarchy in the flock may explain why known pairs do not nest in a given year and why homosexual pairs are sometimes able to take over nests and eggs. Social rank may also influence the frequency or form of an individuaFs display behavior during the breeding season. Dominant birds may display more frequently in order to 1) advertise their dominance status to other flock members or 2) relate information to potential mates about their presumably greater fitness. If this is the case then we would expect that the most dominant male in the flock and the most dominant female would display more than other members of their sex and that these birds Animal Keepers' Forum, VoL 24, No. 9, 1997 403 would be a mated pair. This may be the case for the Parrot Jungle pair mentioned above. While there are numerous studies of flamingo breeding habits in the wild and in captivity, there is still a paucity of literature on flamingos that focuses on the behavior of individual birds and their interactions with other flock members. Clearly more descriptive and quantitative studies of flamingo behavior are needed so that the behavioral ecology of this well known genus can be understood. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I thank Lori Bruckheim and Susan Clubb at Parrot Jungle and Gardens for their assistance with this project and Peter Shannon for access to studbook records and unpublished information. Steve Green, Linda Taylor, Beth Stevens, and Kaci Thompson provided helpful comments and assistance. I also thank Keith Bildstein for access to his unpublished observations and for his comments on an earlier version of this manuscript. I also thank Douglas Mock and Frank Cezilly for their comments on an earlier version of this manuscript. Kay Kenyon provided valuable assistance in locating references. REFERENCES Altmann, J. Observational study of behavior: sampling methods. Behaviour 49:227- 267,1974. Bennett, C. Breeding and reproduction of the Chilean flamingo Phoenicopterus chilensis at the Santa Barbara Zoo. Pp. 313-317 in Regional Proceedings Of The American Association Of Zoological Parks And Aquariums Wheeling, W.V., AAZPA, 1987. Bildstein, K.L., Golden, C.B., McCraith, B.J., Bohmke, B.W., and Seibels, R.E. Feeding behavior, aggression, and the conservation biology of flamingos: Integrating studies of captive and free-ranging birds. American Zoologist 33:117-125, 1993. Bowles, A.E., Ellis-Joseph, S.A., and Todd, F.S. Re-uniting in three captive penguin species: Perspectives on the factors promoting long-term pair bonds in the wild. Cormorant 16:121-122, 1988. Cezilly, F. and Johnson, A.R. Re-mating between and within breeding seasons in the Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber roseus. Ibis 137:543-546, 1995. Clayton, D.A. Socially facilitated behavior. The Quarterly Review Of Biology 53:373-392, 1978. Darling, F. Bird Flocks And The Breeding Cycle. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 1938. I^ahl, M. P. Ritualised displays. Pp. 142-150 in Flamingos. J. Kear & N. Duplaix-Hall (eds). Berkhamstead, T. & A.D. Poyser Publishers, 1975. Kear, J. and Duplaix-Hall, N. (eds.) Flamingos. Berkhamstead, T. & A.D. Poyser Publishers, 1975. King, C.E. Management and research implications of selected behaviours in a mixed colony of flamingos at Rotterdam Zoo. International Zoo Yearbook 33:103-113, 1994. Lack, D. Ecological Adaptations For Breeding In Birds. London, Methuen & Co. Ltd., 1968. Ogilve, M.and Ogilve, C. Flamingos. Gloucester, Alan Sutton Publishing Limited, 1986. 404 Animal Keepers’ Forum, VoL 24, No. 9, 1997 Pickering, S.P.C. The comparative breeding biology of flamingos (Phoenicopteridae) at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Centrae, Slimbridge. International Zoo Yearbook 31:139- 146, 1992. Pickering, S., Creighton, E., and Stevens-Wood, B. Flock size and breeding success in flamingos. Zoo Biology 11:229-234, 1992. Booth, J. The flamingos on Bonaire (Netherlands Antilles): habitat, diet, and reproduction of Phoenicopterus ruber ruber. Uitgaven “Natuurwetensch. Stud. Suriname En De Ned. Ant.” Utrecht No. 41, 1965 Shannon, P. Social hierarchy in Chilean flamingos Phoenicopterus chilensis at the Fort Worth Zoo. Animal Keepers' Forum 8:189-194, 1981. Stevens, E.F. Flamingo breeding: the role of group displays. Zoo Biology 10:53-63,1991. Stevens, E.F, Summary of reproduction data from survey. Pp. 17-21 In: Proceedings Of The 1990 Flamingo Workshop. Shannon, RW (Ed.). New Orleans, Audubon Park Zoo, 1992. Stevens, E.F, Beaumont, J.H., Cusson, E.W, Fowler, J. Nesting behavior in a flock of Chilean flamingos. Zoo Biology 11:209-214, 1992. Stevens, E.F. and Pickett, C. Managing the social environments of flamingos for reproductive success. Zoo Biology 13:501-507, 1994. Sokal R.R. & Rohlf, F.J. Biometry 2nd ed.. New York, WH. Freeman and Co., 1981. Studer-Thiersch, A. Group display in Phoenicopterus. Pp. 150-159 in Flamingos. J. Rear & N. Duplaix-Hall (eds). Berkhamstead, T. & A.D. Poyser Publishers, 1975. Welkowitz, J., Ewen, R.B., and Cohen, J. Introductory Statistics For The Behavioral Sciences. 3rd ed., Orlando, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich Publishers, 1982. 1997 • Flist Annual Bowlinn for Rhinos American Association of Zoo Keepers Rio Grande Chapter The Rio Grande AAZK Chapter would like to offer our BFR T-Shirts to all AAZK members. They are white with a black design and are avaUable in Lg. and X-Lg. and sell for $12.50 each. If you are interested please call Rhonda Saiers at (505) 254-7833. Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 9, 1997 405 Ghapteir piews piotes Greater Kansas City AAZK Chapter Our Bowling for Rhinos fundraiser in May brought in $4,600.00. We had a great time with the members of the Topeka Zoo Chapter who came to bowl with us. Thanks, everyone! We had many great raffle and silent auction items and door prizes for all. We are currently working on an offsite enrichment garden for the zoo and have dog washes and a book sale in the works. These are to help raise money for going to the Conference in Houston. Hope to see you there! — Penny L. Cram, Chapter Liaison South Florida AAZK Chapter Officers for the Chapter for 1997 are: President Scott Fuller Vice President Paul Bermudez Treasurer..... Susan Kong Secretary..... Michael Hernandez Liaison Patty Leon-Singer Hello from South Florida. WeVe been busy so far this year with our Bowling for Rhinos event held last May. It was small but successful. In June, South Florida AAZK, in conjunction with the Miami Sequarium held a South Florida Social and Auction at the Seaquarium. Over 150 guests attended from the Parrot Jungle, the Center for Orangutan and chimpanzee Conservation, Lion Country Safari, the Dolphin Research Center, and Miami Metrozoo. Proceeds from the auction were split between the Manatee Halfway House and South Florida AAZK. In November we will hold the Fourth Annual Breakfast with the Keepers at Miami Metrozoo. This year we plan to have five members attending SAAZK^ the Conference in Houston. We hope to see you there. If you need to contact our Chapter, we now have e-mail access. Our e-mail address isSFAAZK@Juno.com. — Paty Leon-Singer, Chapter Liaison Montgomery Zoo AAZK Chapter Hello from the new Montgomery Zoo AAZK Chapter! As a new Chapter we would like to announce our founding officers for 1997: President Kim Hazelet Vice President Ken Naugher Sec’y/Liaison Michelle Herman Treasurer. .... Sylvia Smitherman After a slow start our Chapter is finally getting things together. We are currently putting together a logo and discussing fundraising ideas. The Montgomery Zoo graciously allowed us to recycle the zoo’s aluminum cans to provide funds for the Chapter. With all of the work of starting the Chapter, we all look forward to an eventful first year. — Kim Hazelet, President 406 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 24, No. 9, 1997 Milwaukee County Zoo AAZK Chapter The Milwaukee County Zoo AAZK Chapter recently hosted the Great Lakes Regional Council Meeting. We had keepers from five zoological institutions participating in behind- the-scenes tours. Dr. John Sheels, a local dentist who has been associated with the Milwaukee County Zoo for 15 years, gave the keynote address. Dental highlights included preventative measures, observation techniques and case histories. We would like to thank everyone involved for making the meeting a success. The Milwaukee Chapter had its first Bowling for Rhinos which raised $1,725.00. We were joined by the Racine Zoo and are looking forward to doing it again next year. Our annual Bake Sale raised $157.00 - a special thanks to our bakers (especially Dawn Wicker) and our sweet-eaters for making this possible. We are putting the bake sale proceeds together with $100.00 from the MCZ Chapter to give to the National AAZK. We have also allocated $100.00 to help Andy Lodge in furthering his education efforts with the Ngare Sergoi Support Group. It’s been a great summer, and there’s still more to come. — Laurie Talakowski, Chapter Liaison The North Carolina Zoo Chapter The North Carolina Zoo AAZK Chapter celebrated its 10th anniversary this year. Elections were held in December with the results as follows: President Hannah Decker Vice President Charlene Baes Treasurer..... Robin Sweet Secretary..... Janice Coakley We are trying different ideas at fundraising. Recently we held three bake sales, a yard sale, and a raffle. Some of these funds will be used to support members attending the 1997 National AAZK and Enrichment Conferences. The Chapter raised $2643.00 for Bowling for Rhinos this year. Dr. Josephine Afema, a zoo veterinarian from Uganda, spent November- January training at the North Carolina Zoological Park (NCZP). Using a list Dr. Afema had provided, the Chapter bought some supplies needed (or difficult to obtain) by the keepers at the Uganda Wildlife Education Center. The Chapter has also supported a local wildlife rehabilitator and NCZP’s 4-H group, enabling the group to buy T- shirts. We are in the process of planning a barbeque for the upcoming 1997 Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians (AZVT) being held at the NCZP. — Janice Coakley, Secretary Rio Grande AAZK Chapter Greetings from the “Land of Enchantment”! The Rio Grande Chapter has been busy the last few Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 24, No. 9, 1997 407 months. We recently held elections to replace former Secretary/Treasurer Jennifer Brown. The position of Secretary will now be held by Stacey Sekscienski and our President Shelly Lindsay will add the Traasurer duties to her list of tasks. We held several successful fundraisers including a Mother’s Day flower sale where we sold carnations to the zoo going public. It was a bit hit! We have begun to expauid our recycling project - AAZK recycle bins can be found all over the Albuquerque Biological Park. We also adopted an orangutan through the Orangutan Foundation International in memory of the former zookeeper Joe Chavez. Our First annual Bowling for Rhinos earned almost $900.00 in sponsorship money - not bad for our first year! Our bi-anual area enrichment grant was up for grabs again and was awarded to Rhonda Saiers for mammal enrichment items (giraffe and prairie dog), and to Jennifer Holdcroft for a book on avian diseases. — Rhonda Saiers, Chapter Liaison Rocky Mountain AAZK Chapter New officers for the Denver-based Chapter are: President Karen Stern Vice President..... Connie Arthur Secretary..... Susan Nolan Treasurer..... Jan Collins Chapter Liaison Linelle Smith We are sorry to report that Susan Nolan has left the Denver Zoo - we’ll sure miss her around here! But, we wish her all the best in her new married life! She will remain an active participant in our Chapter and National AAZK. The Chapter has been busy organizing a local conservation program for Shortgrass Restoration involving employees throughout the zoo. Dolly Crawford is leading the charge in this very important effort. We have at least four delegates attending the 1997 National AAZK Conference in Houston - we look forward to seeing some of you there! --Linelle Smith, Chapter Liaison ATTENTION ALL CHAPTERS All AAZK Chapters are requested to send a copy of their current logo. We would like to consistently use logos in the Chapter News section and wish to make sure we are not utilizing outdated logos. Please send a clean, crisp black and white rendition of your Chapter logo. Send it unfolded with cardboard stiffener in the envelope to protect it against damage. We will be using Chapter logos via an image scanner, so they need to be unbent, clear and have good contrast. Also please include the year the logo was adopted by your Chapter and who did the logo design. Also, include if there is any particular significance to the animals depicted in your logo in relation to your zoo or geographic area. We will be working toward putting together a new Chapter Logo Registry in 1998 which will be distributed to all Chapters. Make sure your current logo is included! Thank you in advance for your assistance with this project. —The Editor 408 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 9, 1997 Cegislative Update Compiled by Georgann Johnston Legislative Advisor Sacramento, CA 1-800-338-7348 Rocky Mtn. Whooping Cranes Loses Critical Habitat Designation The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has determined that selected populations of the whooping crane (Grus americana) found in the Rocky Mountains should be designated as experimental, nonessential populations. Therefore, these populations of cranes will be removed from critical habitat designations previously applied to four National Wildlife Refuges in Colorado, New Mexico and Idaho. The USFWS has stated that it intends to use these wild populations, along with captive-reared sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) and whooping cranes, in experiments to evaluate methods for introducing whooping cranes into the wild where migration is required. The Endangered Species Act Amendments of 1982 allowed for the designation of specific introduced experimental populations of species already listed as endangered into geographic areas which they had not occupied previously or where no examples of the species currently were to be found. Because of objections by landowners in the area where the experimental populations were to be introduced, the USFWS was given further authority to designate these experimental populations as “nonessential” - allowing the Service greater leeway in managing the populations. This is because a “nonessential” experimental population is not subject to most of the procedural requirements of the ESA when a decision is made to instigate or cancel a program involving such a population. The basic rule which must be followed, however, is that individuals to be reintroduced into any experimental population can be removed from an existing source or donor population only if such removal is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the species. In 1975, the USFWS began an experiment to reintroduce whooping cranes into their former range in the Rocky Mountains, a project which included “cross- fostering” whooping crane eggs into nests of greater sandhill cranes. The initial whooping crane population was comprised of 14 birds. The cross-fostering program was terminated in 1989 because it appeared that the whooping cranes v/ere not pairing and the mortality rate was too high to establish a self-sustaining population. At this time, only three non-breeding adults of the original 14 birds remain. However, approximately 220 new individual birds, including 47 breeding pairs, reside in the area. Thus, because of the new population of “native” birds, all Federal agencies will still be required to comply with the ESA requirements for carrying out programs to conserve this population, and the Act’s consultation and the National Wildlife Refuge System’ s compatibility requirements will still apply on National Wildlife Refuges. Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 24, No. 9, 1997 409 More information about the decision and its impact on this species can be obtained from Susan MacMullin, USFWS Southwest Regional Office, 500 Gold Avenue SW., Room 4012, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103-1306, voice (505) 248-6663; facsimile (505) 248-6922. Source: 50 Code of Federal Regulations Part 17; effective 20 August 1997 USDA Requests Input to Develop Exotic Animal Handling Standards The U. S. Department of Agriculture is seeking public comment to help establish standards under the Animal Welfare Act for the handling and/or training of exotic or wild animals. The request for input is predicated on public demand for training standards, said Michael Dunn, Assistant Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. These demands have come in response to several incidents over the past months where trainers or members of the public have been injured or put at risk by wild or exotic animals. Priority will be given to comments received on or before 22 September 1997, but input received after that date will also become part of the APHIS file on the matter. Send an original and three copies of comments to Docket No. 97-001-1, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, USDA, Suite 3C03, 4700 River Road Unit 118, Riverdale, Md. 20737-1238. Persons interested in seeing copies of the comments received must visit the USDA, Room 1141 South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. Persons wishing access to this room are requested to Call in advance at (202) 690-2817. Source: APHIS Press Release 24 July 1997 USFWS Proposes Establishment of Nonessential Grizzly Bear Population In Idaho The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes to reintroduce a non-essential population of the grizzly bear {Ursus arctos horribilis), a threatened species, into east central Idaho and a portion of western Montana. The stated purpose of this reintroduction is to reestablish a viable grizzly bear population in the Bitterroot ecosystem in east central Idaho and adjacent areas of Montana, one of six grizzly recovery areas identified in the Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan. The bears which will be used to establish this new population will be obtained from Canadian and United States grizzly populations with permission from the Canadian and Provincial governments and concurrence from the appropriate State officials. From a peak population of over 500,000 bears before European settlers came to North America, the distribution and population levels of this species has been diminished by excessive human-caused mortality and loss of habitat. Today, only 800 to 1,000 grizzly bears remain in a few isolated populations in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and Washington, areas which represent approximately 2 percent of their historic range in the lower 48 States. 410 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 9, 1997 The USFWS reports that the reestablishment of a grizzly bear population in the Bitterroot ecosystem will “increase the survival probabilities and conservation of the grizzly bear in the lower 48 States. If the experimental population is lost, it will not further decrease the survival probability of the bear in other ecosystems beyond what currently exists. However, if the experimental population is successful it will enhance grizzly bear conservation over the long term.” Comments or other information may be sent by 9 October 1997 to Grizzly Bear Recovery Coordinator, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, University Hall, Room 309, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana 59812. For further information contact Dr. Christopher Servheen, at the above address, or telephone (406) 243-4903. Source: 50 Code of Federal Regulations Part 17; Federal Register 2 July 1997 (Vol. 62, No. 127) Endangered Status for Jaguar Extended The Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has extended endangered species status to the jaguar {Panthera onca) throughout its range. One important result of this new rule is that the jaguar is now also listed as endangered in the United States, as well as in Mexico and Central and South America. In the United States the two primary threats to this species are illegal shooting and loss of habitat. A minimum of 64 jaguars were killed in Arizona since 1900 with the most recent admitted kill occurring in 1986. With respect to habitat (primarily Arizona and New Mexico), the presence of the species in the United States is believed to be dependent on the status of the jaguar in northern Mexico. Documented observations in the American Southwest are as recent as 1996. Critical habitat was found not to be prudent and therefore is not being designated. Further details regarding the species and this finding by the USFWS can be obtained by contacting Sam Spiller, Field Supervisor, Arizona Ecological Services Field Office, 2321 West Royal Palm Road, Suite 103, Phoenix, Arizona 85021, telephone (602) 640-2720; facsimile (602)640-2730. Source: 50 Code of Federal Regulations; Federal Register 22 July 1997 (vol. 62, no. 140) Changes in Woodcock Hunting Season Rules Proposed by USFWS Continuing declines in the population of woodcocks, has caused the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service to propose several changes for the 1997 fall hunting season. Changes include a shortening of the season from 45 to 30 days in the Eastern Region and a comparable season shortening in the Central Region from 65 to 45 days. The limit in both regions would be three birds, down from five birds in the Central Region. In a press release announcing the proposed changes the USFWS stated that Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 9, 1997 411 the primary intent is to stem the species’ population decline, which has ranged from 39 percent in the Central and 52 percent in the Eastern Regions. The Service also stated that it recognized that “harvest reduction alone is not the solution and that biologists believe degradation and loss of habitat on both the breeding, migration and wintering grounds” have been the major reasons for the declines. Source: USFWS Press Release, 18 July 1997 European Union Rejects Leghold Trap The European Union (EU) currently has in place a ban on the importation and sale of pelts taken from wild mammals caught with leghold traps. Recently, the EU’s Council of Environmental Ministers reconfirmed that policy by rejecting a proposal which would allow for “humane trapping methods” to be used to secure more pelts for the fur market. One of the primary animal pelts exported by the USA to Europe comes from the Canadian lynx. An article in an earlier edition of this column reported that the USFWS had decided that the lynx did not warrant listing on or protection under the U. S. Endangered Species Act. A representative speaking for the Clinton/Gore administration stated that the EU ban is effectively a “trade barrier” which governs how an item may be produced and is not a legitimate environmental protection decision. Therefore, the administration is considering appealing the EU’s action to the World Court on the basis that such “trade barriers” are prohibited by the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs, a treaty entered into between various European countries and the US. Even without the ban, a continuing decrease in the fur market has caused a loss of retail fur sales volume in the U. S. and Europe from $1.2 billion in 1995 to less than $850 million in 1996. The resulting drop in sales has lead to an overall decrease in trapping of approximately 20% for the last calendar year. Source: Animal People: News for People Who Care About Animals, July ! August 1997; International Fund for Animal Welfare press release, 20 June 1997 Butterflies Poached in National Parks The Washington Post reports that Adriano Teobaldelli was caught attempting to smuggle 51 butterflies from Sequoia National Park. Officials found 200 but- terflies in the poacher’s motel room with extensive notes detailing that he had captured the rare species from Bryce Canyon, Arches and Canyonlands parks in Utah and Mesa Verde in Colorado. Endangered butterflies can be sold for as much as $500 a pair. “It’s symptomatic of a recurring problem of poachers from all over the world coming into our national parks and turning them into the last supermarkets for traffickers of illegal wildlife,” Fish and Wildlife Service’s David Klinger said. Source: GREENlines Issue M36 814197 - Grassroots Environmental Effectiveness Network la Project of Defenders of Wildlife 412 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 9, 1997 Surviving the Seasons By William K. Baker, Jr., Zoologist 1209 Tom Temple Drive, Lufkin, TX Introduction As the years have gone by I often find myself in retrospective thought about past experiences in the zoological profession. One of the things that always surprised me is just how many newcomers to the profession didn’t understand that zoo keeping requires us to work in all weather conditions. It’s one of the inherent truths of our profession that no matter what happens, the care and feeding of the animals must come first. But, after some thought, I realized that while there are guidelines for the care of captive animals in inclement weather, at no time have I seen £iny reference material for zoo keepers. What I have seen are keepers tr3dng their best to adapt issue imiforms to the weather. This can be quite a challenge when considering that most zoo uniforms usually come from an industrial supplier and were never designed to function in inclement weather conditions. This led me to the conclusion that it should be possible to develop some general guidelines for zoo keepers, interns and volunteers on how to survive the seasons. Dressing for Success The first thing that should be understood is that clothing does not actually provide warmth. What clothing does do is help the body regulate the loss of heat which the body produces. The human body loses heat through radiation, respiration, conduction, convection, and evaporation. The two t3q)es that we are primarily concerned with are convection (the heating of air surrounding the body), and evaporation (the loss of body heat through perspiration). When these two factors are combined, they lead to the age-old question of ‘‘How can I possi- bly stay warm when my clothes are soaked with sweat?”. This is the question that has been tormenting outdoorsmen and clothing manufacturers for years. The most difficult part of developing outdoor clothing has been tr3dng to design fabrics that would keep warmth in, let perspiration out, and keep the body dry. So, for many years the only options were cotton, down fill, polyester, and wool. But, cotton and down are useless when they get wet; polyester won’t conduct perspiration; and while wool insulates when it’s wet, it doesn’t offer protection from rain. However, all this has changed with the advent of new synthetic fabrics and fill material. The most notable examples of these would be: polypro- pylene, Capilene®, fleece pile, Hollofil®, Quallofil®, Microfiber®, Klimate®, Gore-Tex®, and Gore Activent®. All of these fabrics and fills are highly water- proof, extremely breathable, lightweight, and compact. This means that a per- son can be physically active, sweat, and still remain warm and dry. Essentially what happens is water vapor generated by the body is “wicked” away from the Animal Keepers* Forum, VoL 24, No 9, 1997 413 skin by fabric fibers and exits through micropores located on the exterior of the fabric. These micropores are small enough to allow vapor to pass out through the fabric, while preventing moisture from getting in. The result is staying warm and dry. Unfortunately, there are two problem areas among this good news. One, fab- rics that are waterproof and breathable have one major drawback - the more waterproof they are, the less breathable they become. As a result, the manufac- turers offer some variability in their clothing lines to adjust to the regional climates. Second, depending on what manufacturer is chosen, where the cloth- ing is purchased, and how new the product is will greatly determine the cost of the garment. The good new is that since these products have been around for a few years, the prices are finally starting to drop, especially for Gore-Tex® prod- ucts. A few of the leading manufacturers of outdoor clothing are: Cabelas, Co- lumbia, Helly-Hansen, Lowe, Marmot, North Face, and Patagonia. The key to all of this is to dress in layers and to avoid padding the body with one single heavy layer of protection. This allows the fabrics to ventilate and creates multiple dead air spaces around the body providing greater warmth. Also, this gives the wearer more flexibility in adapting to changing conditions throughout the day. There are three layers used in dressing for cold and wet conditions: base layer, mid-layer, and outer layer. The base layer sits next to the skin and wicks water vapor away from the body. The mid-layer is normally the primary insulator in colder climates. The outer layer is the primary barrier between the body and the elements. In different climates and conditions these layers will vary in weight and use. If it’s extremely cold, use all three layers. It it’s cold, use only the first two layers. If it’s cool and damp, use only the first layer. In rainy, warm weather skip using the first two layers and use an outer garment that is breathable, but waterproof This will prevent the clammy sensation that occurs from trapped water vapor. Remember, flexibility is the key to an adaptable clothing system. The only problem with all of this is that the zoo uniform must be worn. The best solution to this problem is to use the uniform as the mid-layer. In colder temperatures it will still be possible to wear high-tech imderclothing. If a thin uniform jacket must be worn, then modify the interior of the jacket. One solu- tion is to purchase a fleece pile vest to wear under the jacket or use it to replace the original lining altogether. Fleece pile garments are inexpensive and are the most popular choice today for the mid-layer. Also, there are a wide variety of fleece accessories available on the market today. Examples of this would be: gloves, scarves, neck gaiters, and headbands. Remember, flexibility is the key. One of the areas that always seems to be taken for granted is one of the sim- plest - the tools that zoo keepers use in their daily duties. One of the best examples of this is a pocket knife or Leatherman® multi-tool. It is a basic truth of zoo keeping that we always seem to be building, repairing, or opening some- thing. It also doesn’t hurt to have your own personal hose nozzle and on/off connector for cleaning exhibits. Work gloves are important as well and should 414 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 9, 1997 never leave your side. The heavy leather work gloves used by ranchers and many zoological facilities are best. They’re a pain to break-in, but they last forever if you take care of them. The key is to not dry them out with direct heat when wet (they crack), and to clean them occasionally with saddle soap or Lexol®. Summer This season of the year is typified by dry hot weather in most areas of North America. The main focus of the wardrobe should be to promote cooling through evaporation and protect the skin from the sun. 1. Wear loose clothing to promote evaporation. 2. Wear lightly colored clothing if possible. 3. Wear breathable and comfortable fabrics (cotton). 4. Wear a hat to protect your face and head from the sun. 5. Wear sunglasses to protect eyes from the sun’s UV rays 6. Use sunscreen to protect exposed skin from the sun. 7. Drink water at regular intervals throughout the day. 8. Wrap a wet kerchief around your neck to help cooling. 9. Use pest repellent (the DEET rating reflects usage) 10. Use leather work gloves during physical labor. Autumn This season of the year is t3qDified by transitional weather in most areas of North America. The main focus of the wardrobe should be to promote cooling through evaporation, protect the skin from the sun, and to insulate against periodic cold fronts. ▼TTTTTTTr i|||r 1. Wear loose clothing to promote evaporation. 2. Wear lightly colored clothing if possible. 3. Wear breathable and comfortable fabrics (synthetics). 4. Wear a hat to protect your face and head from the sun. 5. Wear sunglasses to protect eyes from the sim’s UV rays. 6. Wear a lightweight mid-layer to insulate against cold. 7. Wear water resistant outer layer for periodic rain. 8. Wear waterproof outer layer for heavy rain. 9. Drink water at regular intervals throughout the day. 10. Wear leather work gloves during physical labor. Winter This season of the year is t3rpified by cold and wet weather in most areas of North America. The main focus of the wardrobe should be to insulate against extreme cold, protect against precipitation, and allow flexibility as conditions change throughout the day. Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 9, 1997 415 1. Wear insulating clothing to promote warmth. 2. Use the 3-layer clothing system to regulate warmth. 3. Wear breathable base layer fabrics (synthetics). 4. Wear a hat to insulate your head from the cold. 5. Wear sunglasses to protect eyes from the sun’s UV rays. 6. Wear a heavy mid-layer to insulate against the cold. 7. Wear a water-resistant outer layer for periodic rain. 8. Wear a waterproof outer layer for heavy rainfall. 9. Use aloeO-based lotions and lip balm to protect skin. 10. Wear synthetic gloves or liners during physical labor. Spring This season of the year is t5rpified by transitional weather in most areas of North America. The main focus of the wardrobe should be to promote cooling through evaporation, protect against precipitation, and allow flexibility as conditions change throughout the day. 1. Wear loose clothing to promote evaporation. 2. Wear lightly colored clothing if possible. 3. Wear breathable and comfortable fabrics (synthetic). 4. Wear a hat to protect your face and head from the sun. 5. Wear simglasses to protect eyes from the sun’s UV rays. 6. Wear a lightweight mid-layer to insulate against cold. 7. Wear a water-resistant outer layer for periodic rain. 8. Wear a waterproof outer layer for heavy rainfall. 9. Drink water at regular intervals throughout the day. 10. Wear leather work gloves during physical labor. Discussion Every person has their own particular “comfort zone”. The best way to find that zone is by experimenting with different clothing combinations. After some trial and error, an individual should have a good idea of what works. Also, it should be possible to modify an issue uniform’s internal effectiveness without chang- ing the external professional appearance. In other words, you should be warmer and dryer without looking like a street person. The accessories that are available on the market offer a wide variety of styles and designs. Many of the gloves are available with half-fingers. These can be especially useful for keepers who need fingertip dexterity to open locks and operate machinery. A couple of useful items are glove and sock liners. They provide an extra layer of protection in cold conditions. If the prices of some of the high-tech garments are too expensive, remember that wool can be an effective, low-cost replacement. Virgin wool is the best 416 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 9, 1997 insulator and most water resistant due to the high lanolin content. But, look for wool blends with acrylic and lycra when stretchable fabrics are needed. Also, don’t forget to pay attention to your footwear. This is one of the few articles of clothing that zoo keepers are absolutely dependent upon. Make sure that the shoes are comfortable, durable, flexible, and provide solid traction. One of the better styles on the market today are low-cut hiking boots or approach shoes. Take a few minutes to look through some outdoor clothing catalogs and check your local sporting goods store, it might turn up some useful items. Another area that is often overlooked is skin care. Zoo keepers are always cleaning, rinsing, or working near water. This can severely dry and crack hands at any time of the year and especially during the winter months. For general purpose skin care look for aloe-based skin lotions and lip balms. If the skin is already cracking due to constant exposure to water and physical labor, then a more aggressive treatment will be needed. I would recommend Corn Huskers Lotion®, Bag Balm®, or Corona Ointment®. They have been popular treatments with farmers and ranchers for years. For chapped or cracked lips try either Blistex® or Carmex® for a more aggressive treatment. In the summer months use a simscreen. The most important point to consider is the SPF (Sun Protection Factor). The higher the SPF, the more protection from the sun’s rays the wearer will have. Most manufacturers offer a chart to recommended SPF levels that is related to the different skin types. When dealing with insect repellent look for the DEFT rating which will help indicate the relative strength. Individuals with sensitive skin should read the contents and cautions to avoid allergic reactions. Once again, this is a case of trial and error to find out what works and what doesn’t. Conclusion This information is presented in the hope that it will aid individuals in the zoological profession with some general guidelines. It is understood that every region will have its own particular weather patterns and not all of the information presented may be applicable. However, it should provide a resource to build on over time. Acknowledgements The author would like to take this opportunity to thank Patricia M. Hainley of the Ellen Trout Zoo for her advice and assistance during the editing of this paper. Bibliography Kerasote, Ted. “Second Skins - Part I”. Sports Afield. Aug. 1987: 67+ . “Second Skins - Part 11”. Sports Afield. Sept. 1987: 92+ Simer, Peter and John Sullivan. The National Outdoor Leadership School’s Wilderness Guide. New York: Simon & Schuster, Inc. 1983. Animal Keepers' Forum, VoL 24, No. 9, 1997 417 Treatment of Traumatic Myiasis in a Wild Indian Elephant (Elephas maximus indicus) By Dr. M. Ahamed Ibrahim, B. V. Sc., Consulting Veterinarian Malayandipattinam - 642 114, Tamilnadu, India Introduction: Traumatic myiasis conditions affecting wild elephants are rarely reported. The case presented here reports the management of a maggot infestation in a female wild Indian elephant {Elephas maximus indicus). Case History: An adult, non-pregnant, non-lactating female wild Indian elephant, age about 40 years, was reported by the District Forest Officer in charge of the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary (Pollachi, India) to be frequenting the forest area near the guest houses. Examination and possible treatment of this animal was requested. Clinical Examination and Treatment: The animal was located and its body weight determined to be about four tons (8,000 lbs). For clinical examination, the animal was immobilized using dart projectile equipment with 3.75 ml (0.1 oz.) of Immobilan® from a distance of about 30 ft. (9m). After the dart hit the right shoulder region, the animal ran here and there in a stumbling gait and after six minutes became recumbent in a sternal position. The animal was examined immediately. Detailed examination revealed the presence of one deep wound (about 15cm depth [5.9”] and 10cm [3.9”] diameter) containing blood, pus, and maggots. The wound was located under the belly just behind the mammary glands. The affected part was irrigated with 1% boric acid solution. The maggots were removed manually and turpentine gauze was packed inside the wound. An injection of Benzathine Penicillin (480 Lakhs I.U.) and an injection of Tetanus antitoxin (2 Lakhs I.U.) were given intramuscularly at different sites on the animal. A blood sample was collected for routine examination and analysis. The whole operative procedure was completed in 20 minutes. An injection of 3.75ml (0.1 oz.) Revivon® was given intravenously to reverse the anesthetic effects of the Immobilan®. After six minutes, the animal was standing and remained in the area for four hours without showing any side effects. Later it went deep into the woods. Two weeks later the animal was found with a healed wound and exhibiting normal habits. The hematological findings of the blood of this elephant were as follows: 1) Hb 11.2g/100ml 2)PCV 35.4% 3)ESR 62mni/hour 4) RBC Count 2.5 X lO^/cmm 5) WBC Count 10.6 X 10^/cmm 6) Differential Leukocytic Count: a) Neutrophils 33% b) Lymphocytes 57% c) Monoc5ftes 4% d) Eosinophils 6% e) Basophils Nil Summary: This case highlights an example of a proven method of controlling, immobilizing and treating a wild Indian elephant with much success. 418 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 9, 1997 Book Review Geckoes: Biology, Husbandry, and Reproduction by Friedrich- Wilheim Henkel and Wolfgang Schmidt. Krieger Publishing Company, Malabar, Florida. 1991 (German Edition), 1995 (English Edition). 237 p. Hardcover. Review by: Chuck Smith, Student, The University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29202 Over the past decade or so, the amount of herpetological literature being produced, and herpetology in general for that matter, seems to have exploded. Literature resulting from this extraordinary increase in interest runs the gamut from amateur herpetoculturist newsletters, to glossy full-color magazines, to refereed scientific journals. Even with the tremendous amount of literature published to date, it is often difficult to locate one source that consolidates the pertinent information on a particular group of reptiles or amphibians. Exceptions do exist however. For instance, Klauber’s classic two-volume set “Rattlesnakes: Their Habits, Life Histories & Influences on Mankind” remains THE definitive work on rattlesnakes. For boas and pythons it is Ross and Marzec’s book. “The Reproductive Husbandry of Pythons and Boas.” With geckoes, however, there appears to lack a reference detailing both the natural history and captive care of these animals as a whole. Numerous individual papers have been published and the information is often quite useful, but finding it might require many hours sorting through various herp journals and bulletins. In “Geckoes: Biology, Husbandry, and Reproduction,” authors Friedrich-Wilhelm Henkel and Wolfgang Schmidt attempt to mesh their 20 years of experience with information gleaned from earlier herpetological literature to produce a comprehensive survey of gecko natural history and husbandry. In many respects, their work succeeds in doing just that. This book is divided into five main sections. The first of these sections (Lifestyle, Appearance, and Distribution of Geckoes) presents general natural history information as well as some insight into the physiological workings of geckoes. Included under this heading are subtitles such as Systematics, Habitat and Distribution, Vocalization and Hearing, and Territorial and Defence Behaviour. Considering the extent of the ecological niches inhabited by geckoes, the authors manage to provide a very concise overview of the unique physiological and behavioral adaptations found among these lizards. Included is a thorough discussion of the foot anatomy which allow some species to cling to smooth vertical surfaces. This subsection, as well as that on territorial and defence behavior, is well-written and quite fascinating. Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 9, 1997 419 Section two (Reproduction) provides a summary of reproductive strategies used by various gecko species under natural conditions, in addition to information pertinent to captive breeding. Subjects touched upon here are methods for determining the sex of individuals, reproductive behaviour, oviposition, and the role of incubation temperature in determining the sex of offspring. Regrettably this section is rather brief (only 16 pages) and as a result the subject is not treated with the thoroughness of the previous section. This may be partially due to the lack of reproductive data for many gecko species. However, there is some very useful reproductive data for selected species included later in the text. For the experienced gecko keeper, there probably will be little in the above section that is not already known. For someone just beginning with these animals, however, the reproduction section is a good starting point toward understanding the many complexities in housing and breeding these animals. Sections three and four are entitled The Vivarium and Vivarium Technology and include specific recommendations for constructing and outfitting enclosures for captive geckoes. This section is very nicely done and includes important considerations such as substrates, heating and lighting, selecting plants for the vivarium, feeding, breeding, incubation, rearing of offspring, and diseases of geckoes, as well as a very useful section on maintaining food stock for insectivorous species. Perhaps the most useful aspect of this book, especially to the herpetoculturist, is the final section: Geckoes Frequently Kept in Captivity. Here the authors have selected 76 species of geckos from 43 genera in which to present specific guidelines on husbandry and care. These guidelines include the types of vivarium necessary to maintain each of the species, recommendation for food items, protocols for breeding, egg incubation, and rearing of young. As is common in many German herpetoculture publications, the information is present in a “cook- book” style. Anyone contemplating keeping geckoes in captivity would do well to consult this book, and particularly this section, before acquiring any animals. Rounding out the bulk of the book is a seven-page bibliography. As to be expected in a book translated from German, a majority of the entries are in German, limiting its utility somewhat to English-speaking readers. Now that I have familiarized the reader with the contents of this book, I would like to briefly state my opinion. Considering the breadth of the subject matter, the book is well done and highly informative, especially to the beginning gecko keeper, and while it is not a match for Klauber or Ross and Marzec’s definitive works, there is still enough useful information to make this book a worthwhile acquisition. The writing is concise and highly readable (a compliment to the translator John Hackworth), the t3q)0graphical errors are few, and the format is such that one will very probably find themselves referring to the text often, especially for incubation and neonatal care data. On a more practical note, the construction of this book is extraordinarily sturdy. The binding, with some care, will clearly last for many years, as will the pages which are fabricated from heavy mill paper. 420 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 9, 1997 Of course a review of this t5npe would not be complete without mentioning the photography and happily the book is profusely illustrated throughout with very high quality photographs. In closings I highly recommend Henkel and Schmidt’s work to anyone with an interest in gecko biology and care. As the herpetology field continues to expand, hopefiilly works of this t5rpe and quality will also continue to be produced. The Great House of Birds Edited by John Hay Sierra Club Books, San Francisco, 1996 Review by Nell Bekiares Hardcover, 306 pages, $24 Animal Care Intern Cincinnati Zoo, Cincinnati, OH It has been said that art imitates life. In this case, life imitates art. John Hay painted an impressionistic portrait of birds using little dabs of life. Hay’s objective was to present birds as both organisms and as objects of beauty and spirituality. In his introduction to the collection, Hay noted that the purpose of the book is to “balance myth, poetry, and natural history... [for reflections with] birds on many different levels (xi).” To this aim. Hay was successful. The appeal of this book is broad. It was a Sierra Club Book-of-the-Month selection. To specific audience members, it reads differently than it does to others. Some of the articles may enlighten a scientist about the aesthetic appeal of flight. For the naturalist and birder, it contains essays to complete a literary *life-list.” Art appreciators may learn a little natural history as they read through the collection. Students, too, may find the book helpful. The Great House of Birds would be as appropriate in a high school English class as in a college biology class. The book is loosely organized in sections into which articles, essays and poetry fit. However, the organization is loose. Some essays could as easily fit into “Flight” as into “Birds of the Sea,” for example. The tightest groupings are “Birds of the Sea” and “The Migrants,” whereas “Art and Ritual” is a section into which any bird-related piece would fit. Walt Whitman’s poem, “To Man-of-War Bird,” is a particularly moving piece, as is The Aesthetic Sense by Karl Von Frisch and How Birds Migrate by Roger J. Pasquier. One of the strengths of this book is the variety of authors and media presented. Each piece is short and the book can be read in small allotments of time, or one may choose to read the whole thing during one sitting. My favorite author, Konrad Lorenz, may not compare to yours or the approximately 70 others. Perhaps one of the only weaknesses one might find is the limited length of the essays, which may be only a three-page excerpt of a larger work. Overall, Hay collected an interesting assortment of works concerning birds. The Great House of Birds is a fun read and a worthwhile investment for yourself or as a gift to a nature lover. Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 9, 1997 421 Institutions wishing to advertise employment opportunities are asked to send pertinent data by the 10th of each month to: Opportunity Knocks! AKF, 635 S. W. Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606-2066. Please include closing date for positions available and when setting these dates keep in mind that because of bulk-mail, most readers do not receive the AKF until the middle of the month or later. There is no charge for this service and fax listings of positions which become available close to deadline are accepted. Our fax is (785) 273-1980. ZOOKREPER! ASIAN Z)QMA/iV.»reauires good written/oral communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment. Associate’s degree in biology or related field and three years’ experience preferred or equivalent combination of training/experience in the care of mammals, preferably elephants, carnivores and ungulates. Will work elephants in free-contact program. Salary commensurate with experience. Send resume to: Rhonda Votino, Assistant Curator of Mammals/Asian Domain, Audubon Institute, P. O. Box 4327, New Orleans, LA 70178. EOE. ZOO KEEPERS.. .Zoo of Acadiana is looking for high-energy individuals who would enjoy caring for exotic animals at a world class zoo. Duties include daily animal care, maintenance of exhibits and grounds, and ability to work in a team-oriented environment essential. Must have one year paid experience in custodial care of animals, birds and reptiles at recognized zoo. Position open until filled. Send resume and two work references to: Ron Cline, General Curator, Zoo of Acadiana, 116 Lakeview Dr., Broussard, LA 70518; phone - (318) 837-4325; fax - (318) 837-4325; e-mail - curator@linknet.net ASSISTANT ELEPHANT TRAINER. position requires at least two years experience working free contact with both adult and young elephants. A degree in zoology or animal science is preferred. Applicant must have good speaking skills and experience presenting animal demonstrations. Salary: $11.25 per hour. Contact Don Bloomer, Entertainment Dept., Nugget Hotel/Casino, P. O. Box 797, Sparks, NV 89432, or phone 1(800) 648-1177 ext. 3316. SENIOR ZOO KEEPERIELEPIIANTS,;Chdi^ee Zoological Gardens of Fresno, CA is looking for zoo professional with experience in protected contact of elephants who is interested in helping transform the current program from free contact to protected contact. Responsibilities will also include the guidance of keeper staff, assistance in collection planning and institutional protocol. Required 30 units of accredited college level course work in animal science, zoology, biology, wildlife management, or a closely related field, AND two (2) years of journey-level paid experience with elephants in a zoo setting (preferably AZ A accredited) which included care, handling and feeding. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education, on the basis that 15 semester units equals one year of experience. Salary range $2,108.00 to $2,565.00 per month. Opening date is 1 Sept., 1997; closing date 17 October 1997, postmarks are not acceptable. ZOO VETERINARIAN. ..must have DVM degree from an accredited institution, a license to practice veterinary medicine in Texas, a Texas DPS and federal DEA clearance to administer class two narcotics, USDA accreditation to certify health for interstate and international transport, and experience with birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and mammals. Seven to ten years experience required as a veterinarian working with exotics. Must have excellent surgical skills and skill with all forms of chemical immobilization and excellent oral and written communication skills. Duties include providing medical and surgical care and treatment for an animal collection of 3500 specimens of over 700 species, implementing and monitoring the preventive health care program, working closely with the animal management staff (curators, supervisors and zoo keepers). Supervises the staff of the Health Center including an associate veterinarian, a supervisor, a veterinary technician, a lab technician, and two zoo keepers, and is also responsible 422 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 9, 1997 for the Nutrition Center staff. Conducts post-mortems and interprets findings. Ensures compliance with local, state and federal laws and regulations regarding animal care and treatment. This position is responsible for a budget of about $500,000.00 . Ensures medical records are updated and maintained at a high level of accuracy and professionalism. Qualified candidates may send a resume and three references by 31 October 1997 to: Arnold J. Cardenas, Human Resources Manager, San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio, TX 78212. EOE. Drugffee Workplace. The following three (3) positions are available at the Heritage Zoo, Send resumes for any of the following positions to: Dale J, Bakken, Director, Heritage Zoo, 2103 West Stolley Park Road, Grand Island, NE 68801, WOLF KEEPER. ..person required must have at least one year experience working with wolves in a captive contact situation. Duties would also include zoo care of other carnivores. Would be required to work weekends and holidays. Competitive wages and benefits. ASSISTANT DIRECTOR. ..person required must have at least six (6) years work experience in an accredited zoo and at least four (4) years experience as a supervisor. Competitive wages and benefits. MARKETINGIPUBLIC RELATIONS ...person required must have at least one (1) year paid experience in either marketing or public relations in a zoo environment. Some weekend and holiday work required. Competitive wages and benefits. CHIMPANZEE CAREGIVER. ..one full-time position open. Requires two years of college level course work, two years experience in the care of exotic animals; OR an equivalent combination of experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and ability. Primate experience a plus. Assist in the responsibility of caring for approximately 80 chimpanzees {Pan troglodytes) in a breeding colony. Must be willing to make at least a two-year commitment. Excellent benefits. EOE. Applicant must have a negative TB skin test, negative hepatitis B surface antigen test, and evidence of measles booster or natural disease prior to employment. Send letter of interest (with requested salary), resume, and three letters of reference to: Jo Fritz, Director, Primate Foundation of Arizona, P. O. Box 20027, Mesa, AZ 85277-0027. Position open until fiUed. ANIMAL KEEPERIBIRD DEPT,,., each candidate must have one year's paid experience in the care and handling of a variety of birds, excluding pets; or have six (6) months experience in the care and handling of animals in a zoological institution; or have a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in biology, zoology, animal science or veterinary technology. Under the direct supervision of a Senior Keeper and/or Curator. Send resume to: Personnel Department, Baltimore Zoo, Druid Hill Park, Baltimore, MD 21217. EXOTIC CAT TRAINER/WILDLIFE EDUCATOR. ..position is with the Education Department's Cat Ambassador Program. Requires B. S. in zoology, biology, behavior or related field of study or Moorpark College EATM degree. Should have two years working experience with large carnivores and excellent public speaking skills. Zookeeping and training experience preferred. Duties will include care and maintenance of animal quarters and equipment; care and maintenance of collection which includes Bengal tiger, cougar, cheetah, serval, ocelot, caracal, Canada lynx, house cat and others. Will train animals as instructed by supervisor and make show presentations in schools and for zoo events. Salary to be decided plus benefits and bonuses. Send resume and letter of interest to: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, c/o Janet Rose, Cat Ambassador Program, 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45220. Application deadline is 30 September 1997. Animal Keepers' Forum, VoL 24, No. 9, 1997 423 KEEPERIED UCATOR. ^Immediate Need: Road Ark is looking for a multi-talented person to travel with our educational exhibit called Envenomators - the Deadly Snakes of North America. Please call or fax resume if: you have handled HOT snakes; have experience with public, school groups, TV, radio and newsservices. Minor maintenance of the exhibit will be required. You must be able and willing to travel with the show. Salary based on experience. Contact Road Ark, 1544-A Center Dr., Santa Fe, NM 87505; phone (505) 474-6990; fax (505) 474-6630. SENIOR KEEPER/HERPETOLOGY/HOUSTON ZOO,. .requires Associate's Degree in biology, zoology, or related field; minimum of two years experience in the care of a variety of reptiles and amphibians; expertise in herpetology/batrachology; strong interpersonal/organizational skills. Duties include supervision of four keepers as well as cleaning, feeding, maintaining exhibits, medicating, record keeping, materials/supplies procurement, participation in educational/outreach/conservation programs and related duties. Salary: $1 1.25/hr plus excellent benefits. Send letter/resume to: Richard “Red” Bayer, Assistant Manager, Houston Zoo, 1513 N. MacGregor , Houston, TX 77030 ANIMAL KEEPER POSITIONS (4),„the Oakland Zoo will have four animal keeper positions available very soon. One will need to be filled by the end of October 1997 and the other three positions we intend to fill in January 1998. Requires at least six (6) months experience working with animals as an animal keeper or equivalent hours in volunteer time. Requires a high school diploma; however, a degree in zoology or other biologically related field is preferred. Operant conditioning and other behavioral training are desirable. Salary is $10.00 per hour plus medical, dental and life insurance. Two weeks vacation per year. To apply send resume to: Colleen Kinzley, General Curator, P. O. Box 5238 Oakland, CA 94605. Closing date is 31 October 1998. ZOOKEEPERIMAMMALS.., requires minimum of three (3) years paid, hands-on experience with mammals and a degree. Duties include daily care, feeding, habitat upkeep, record keeping, medical coordination and presenting educational programs, etc. Must be willing to work weekends/holidays. Starting salary $16,000.00 to $21,000.00 with year-end bonus and benefits. Excellent growth potential. Salary commensurate with experience. Send resume/references to: Cougar Mountain Zoological Park, 19525 S. E. 54th, Issaquah, WA 98027. Fax (425) 392-1076. Position open until filled. The Birds of North America, Life Histories for the 21st Century This is what one zoo keeper says about the series: "Wow! Ornithological facts at your fingertips... This is a wonderful series and will answer many questions without searching for a dedicated textbook... An excellent piece of work," Animal Keepers' Forum, 1997 Shouldn't your library have a copy? Flexible payment plans available. Order yours today: RO. Box 1 897, Lawrence, KS 66044 rwalker@allenpress.com,www.acnatsci.org/bna 800-627-0629 424 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 9, 1997 AA7K Membership Application check here if renewal [ ] Name _ Address City State/Province Zip □ U.S. Members $35.00 Professional Full-time Keepers □ Canadian Members $40.00 Professional Full-time Keepers □ $30.00 Affiliate Other staff & volunteers □ $35.00 AffiUate Other staff & volunteers □ □ $30.00 Associate Those not connected with an animal facility $60.00 or up - Individuals Contributing/U.S. □ □ $35.00 Associate Those not connected with an animal facility $60 or up - Individuals Contributing/Canada □ □ $100.00 or up Institutional/U.S. Organizations /Institutions (requires Board approval) International Members $50.00 International All members outside US. & Canada regardless of category □ $100.00 or up Institutional/Canada Organizations / Institutions (requires Board approval) □ Library Only 35.00 Library Available only to public & university libraries Zoo Affiliation (if any) Zoo Address Title Work Area □ My check is enclosed (AAZK, Inc.) □ Please charge my credit card MASTERCARD Name on card _ VISA Card # -Expiration date Signatiure Mail this application to: AAZK Administrative Offices, Topeka Zoo, 635 S. W. Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606-2066. Make checks/money orders payable to AAZK, Inc. Must be in U.S. FUNDS ONLY. Membership includes a subscription to Animal Keepers' Forum. The membership card is good for free admission to many zoos and aquariums in the U.S. and Canada, PRINTED IN U.S.A © 1997 AAZK, INC. Dedicated to Professional Animal Care m "V •o Mn __ M. 09 KN srcs s U3 cr 01 ^ rt ^ § !; N ^*< o o o X -J •» m :» X o a> tn Ji ANIMAL KEEPERS’ FORUM. 635 S.W. Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606-2066 OCTOBER 1997 Phone: 1-800-242-4519 (U.S.) 1-800-468-1966 (Canada) FAX (785) 273-1980 xt in Vol. 24, JNo. lU Managing Editor; Susan D. Chan • Associate Editors/Enrichment Options Coordinators: Kayla Grams, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum & Gretchen Ziegler, Sequoia Park Zoo • Book Review Coordinator: Andrea Bemee, Chaffee Zoological Garden • Legislative Outlook Column Coordinator: Georgann B. Johnston, Sacramento, CA. • ABC’s Column Coordinator: Diana Guerrero, San Diego, CA • Reactions Column Coordinator: William K. Baker, Jr., Lufkin, TX Animal Keepers’ Forum (ISSN 0164-9531) is a monthly journal of the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. Ten dollars of each membership fee goes toward the annual publication costs of Animal Keepers’ Forum . Third Class postage paid at Topeka, KS. Postmaster - Please send address changes to: American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc., Administrative Offices, 635 S.W. Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606-2066 - attn: Barbara Manspeaker, Administrative Secretary AAZK Executive Director: Ed Hansen, AAZK, Inc., Topeka KS BOARD QF PIRECXQRS Ric Urban, Houston Zoological Garden, Houston, TX 77030 Diane Callaway, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, Omaha, NE 68107-2200 Janet McCoy, Metro Washington Park Zoo, Portland, OR 97221-2799 Marilyn Cole, Box 335, Pickering, Ontario, Canada LI V 2R6 Lucy Segerson, North Carolina Zoological Park, Asheboro, NC 27203-9416 David Luce, Chaffee Zoological Gardens of Fresno, Fresno, CA 93728-2891 Michael Illig, Metro Washington Park Zoo, Portland, OR 97221-2799 President Vice President Immediate Past President COMMITTEES Nominations& Elections Chair - Sheri Leavitt, Houston Zoo Conservation. Preservation & Restoration Grants Chair - Brett Sellers, Metro Washington Park Zoo Annual Conferences Coordinator - Ed Hansen, AAZK, Inc. Aw^d$ Chair - Janet McCoy, Metro Washington Park Zoo MEMBERSHIP SERVICES L.l.N.K, Coordinator Mark de Denus, Assiniboine Park Zoo Asst. L.l.N.K, Coordinator Wayne Hazlett, Milwaukee County Zoo AAZK Historian Mark Levin, Philadelphia Zoo International Outreach - Jeanette Beranger, Roger Williams Park Zoo (Chair/Coordinator Internationsl Assistance); Martha Turnbull - Co-Chair); Kathy Kelly, Silver Springs, MD - Project M.A.R.C. (Making A Realistic Contribution); Lynda Roberts, Riverbanks Zoo (Materials Assistance) By-laws Jeffrey Phillips, North Carolina Zoo Ethics Janet McCoy, Metro Washingto Park Zoo Research/Grants Farshid Mehrdadfar, Disney Animal Kingdom Marketing Resources/Development David Luce, Chaffee Zoological of Fresno Animal Data Transfer Form Bemie Feldman, Bumet Park Zoo Zoo University List Mike Illig, Metro Washington Park Zoo Enrichment Committee Dianna Frisch, Columbus Zoo PRESIDENTIAL ADVISORS/LIAISONS AZA Liaison Janet McCoy, Metro Washington Park Zoo Bowling for Rhinos Patty Pearthree, Indianapolis, IN Zoo Registrars Association Terry Fisher, San Antonio Zoo AZAD Liaison Mary Jo Binkley, Franklin Park, IL AZH Liaison Virginia Wall, North Carolina Zoo Elephant Managers Association Liaison Marie Galloway, National Zoo CAZPA Liaison Oliver Claffey, Metro Toronto Zoo Int'l Marine Mammals Trainers Association Dave Force, Sea World of California ALZPA Liaison Alberto Mendoza, Houston Zoological Gardens AAZK PUBLICATIONS - CONTINUING DATA COLLECTION Zoo Infant Development Project - Teri Maas-Anger/Maggie Liguori, Philadelphia Zoo (Birds/Nonpasserines); Jennifer Hackshaw, Lowry Park Zoo and Suzanne Chacon, Zoo Aves (Birds/passerines); Jeanne Walsh, Newark Museum Mini- Zoo (Reptiles); Linelle Smith, Denver Zoo (Amphibians) Incubation Notebook Project - Scott Tidmus, Disney Animal Kingdom printed on recycled paper with vegetable-based ink products ^able of Contents Information for Contributors/About the Cover. 426 Scoops & Scuttlebutt 427 - 428 Coming Events 429 1997 AAZK/AKF Awards Announced 430 - 432 Reactions: Effect of Scents on Captive Animals & Its Impact on Personal Safety. 434-435 AAZK Announces New Members 436 ABC's Column: Bridge/Bridging Criteria/Questions 437 - 439 Legislative Update 440 - 442 Husbandry and Management of the Southern Black Rhino at White Oak Conservation Center. 443 - 448 Book Reviews (Nature's Keepers; Sparrows and Buntings; Mitsuaki Iwago's Penguins) 449 - 451 1998 AZA Regional Conference Schedule 451 Enrichment Options (Small Primate Enrichment Center) 452 - 455 Maximum Intensity: The Hand-Rearing of a Kinkajou 456 - 464 Chapter News Notes 465 - 466 Opportunity Khocks 467 - 468 JJ About the Cover, .... This month 's cover features an original graphite design of the Rodrigues fruit hats (Pteropus rodricensis). Entitled “Monlight”, it was drawn by Helen LeBlanc for The Luhee Foundation, Gainesville,FL. The Rodrigues fruit bat is endemic to the island of Rodrigues in the Republic of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. These bats play an important role in the ecology of the island by serving as pollinators for the fruit they consume. The Luhee Foundation, Inc. currently houses 31 Rodrigues fruit bats. Thanks, Helen! Information for Contributors Animal Keepers Forum publishes original papers and news items of interest to the animal keeping profession. Non-members are welcome to submit articles for consideration. Articles should be typed or hand-printed and double-spaced. Authors are encouraged to submit their manuscripts on a disk as well as in hard copy form. Acceptable formats include: for Macintosh users - Microsoft Word or Works; IBM users - Word for Windows, WordPerfect or Wordstar. All illustrations, graphs, charts and tables should be clearly marked, in final form and should fit in a page size no greater than 5.5” x 8.5” (14cm x 22cm). Literature used should be cited in the text (Brown, 1 986) and alphabetically in the final bibhography. Avoid footnotes. Include scientific name (as per ISIS) the first time an animal name is used. Thereafter use common name. Use metric system for weights and measurements (standard equivalents may be noted in parenthesis). Use the continental dating system (day-month-year). Times should be listed as per the 24-hour clock (0800, 1630 hrs. etc.). Glossy finish black and white photos only are accepted. Color slides should be converted to black and white prints (minimum size 3” x 5” [8cm x 14cm] ) before submission. Clearly marked captions should accompany photos. Please list photo credit on back of photo. Articles sent to Animal Keepers ' Forum will be reviewed by the editorial staff for publication. Articles of a research or technical nature will be submitted to one or more of the zoo professionals who serve as referees forAKF. No commitment is made to the author, but an effort will be made to publish articles as soon as possible. Lengthy articles may be separated into monthly installments at the discretion of the editor. The editor reserves the right to edit material without consultation unless approval is requested in writing by the author. Materials submitted will not be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed, appropriately-sized envelope. Telephone and FAX contributions of late-breaking news or last-minute insertions are accepted as space allows. However, long articles must be sent by U.S. mail. Phone 1-800-242-4519 (US); 1-800-468- 1966 (Canada); FAX (785) 273-1980. Deadline for each regular issue is the 10th of the preceding month. Dedicated issues may have separate deadline dates and will be noted by the editor. Articles printed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the AKF staff or the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. Publication does not indicate endorsement by the Association. Items in this publication may be reprinted providing credit to this publication is given and a copy of the reprinted material is forwarded to the editor. Reprints of material appearing in this journal may be ordered from the editor. Back issues are available for $3.00 each. 426 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 10, 1997 Scoops <0. Scuttlebutt New AAZK Officers Announced Ric Urban, Houston Zoological Gardens, and Diane Callaway, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo, have been re-elected to their respective positions as President and Vice President of the Association. They will each serve a second, two-year term which begins at the 1997 Houston Conference and will be completed at the close of the 1999 Conference in Portland, OR. 1997 AAZK Research Grant Recipient Announced John J. Piazza, Dallas Zoo, is the successful recipient of this year’s zoo keeper- initiated research grant. The proposed emphasis of this project, ’’Creation of an African Rhinoceros Video Ethogram”, will hopefully provide important tools to further understanding of the behaviors exhibited by this endangered species, and to unify the future behavioral studies. For further information about this project and to inquire about the Research Grants Committee’s annual granting process, please address your questions and comments to: Farshid Mehrdadfar, Chair/AAZK Research Grants Committee, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, P. O. Box 10000, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-1000. E-mail: farshid@spr5n1et.com Conservation Grants Submission Process Initiated The American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. announces the availability of two $500 conservation grants for the benefit of local and global conservation efforts. AAZK members in good standing interested in appl5dng for these grants should direct their inquiries by 31 March 1998 to: Brett Sellers, Chair, AAZK Conservation, Preservation and Restoration Committee, Metro Washington Park Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Rd., Portland, OR 97221. APT Forms Available for Animal Shipments Animal Data Transfer Forms (ADT) for use whenever an animal is shipped to a new location are available free as a professional courtesy from AAZK, Inc. These forms help provide vital information on an animal’s medical, dietary and reproductive history to the receiving institution’s staff and veterinarian. We hope you will encourage the use of ADT forms at your facility whenever an animal is shipped. To order a supply of ADT Forms, contact Bernie Feldman, Burnet Park Zoo, One Conservation Place, Syracuse, NY 13204. Milwaukee AAZK Donation Recognized The AAZK Board of Directors and the Administrative Office staff would like to thank the members of the Milwaukee County Zoo AAZK Chapter for their recent donation of $256.25. The Chapter held a very successful bake sale and then added an additional $100 to assist the Association in its budgetary needs. They Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 10, 1997 427 have designated the donation for the AAZK General Operating Fund. Such support of AAZK’s projects and programs is very much appreciated. This amoimt equates to approximately three-quarters of the domestic postage costs for mailing a month’s issue of Animal Keepers’ Forum. NOTICE; Enrichment Books No Longer Available We are currently sold out of the AAZK Enrichment Notebooks and cannot fill any orders at this time. Should the AAZK Board decide to reprint this popular resource notebook, we will announce its availability in AKF. Long-time AAZK Member Retires Judie Steenberg, long-time AAZK member and contributor/participant in many of AAZK’s projects and programs, retired effective 23 July 1997 from the Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle, WA. During her zoo career, Judie has also worked at the Como Zoo in St. Paul, MN; The Dakota Zoo in Bismarck, ND; and the Topeka and Sedgwick County Zoos, located in Topeka, KS and Wichita, KS respectively. Judie was one of those instrumental in the early years of Animal Keeper’s Forum’s evolution and served on the AAZK Education and Videotape Project Committees, as well as being involved in many other national and local AAZK activities. She was the recipient of the 1983 Excellence in Zoo Keeping Award and the 1990 Meritorious Achievement Award from AAZK. Judie has been actively involved in the Tree Kangaroo SSP for many years and co-authored its Husbandry Manual. Anyone wishing to contact Judie may reach her at 3020 118th Ave. SE, Apt. B-204, Bellevue, WA (425) 401-6632. AAZK/AKF Announcements; Members Please Note AAZK members are asked to note the following: • The area code for AAZK Administrative Offices has changed from 913 to 785. While this does not affect the 800 numbers, it does impact the Fax line. The AAZK Fax is now (785) 273-1980. • The deadline for submissions for Animal Keepers Forum is the 10th of the month preceding the month in which you wish your information to appear. This applies only to announcements. Chapter News, job placement listings. Information Please submissions and the like. Regular-length manuscripts and research papers, once accepted, are published as soon as possible, but authors need to keep in mind that the editor strives for a balance of subject matter in each issue and therefore there may be several months delay in articles being published. Authors are encouraged to submit their manuscripts on disk along with a hard copy. For Macintosh users, submit in Microsoft Word or Works; IBM users submit in Word for Windows, WordPerfect or WordStar. • Postage costs for mailing AKF are continuing to rise and we anticipate a 5-9% increase in this expense over the next year. Each time we receive an AKF back from the Post Office due to an unreported change-of-address, it costs the Association 50 cents. Help keep this cost down by reporting your change-of-address as soon as you know it. AKF is sent bulk-mail rate and is not automatically forwarded, so you may miss issues if you do not advise AO of address changes. These missed issues will not be sent gratis anymore. 428 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 10, 1997 Coming events Third International Conference on Environmental Enrichment - October 12-17, 1997 in Orlando, FL. For further information contact: Thad Lacinak, Sea World, Inc., 7007 Sea World Dr., Orlando, FL 32821 (407) 363-2651. 13th Annual Midwest Herpetological Symposium - October 17-21, 1997 in Shakopee, MN. Hosted by the Minnesota Herpetological Society. For further information contact: Bill Moss (612) 488-1383 or Liz Bosman (612) 476- 0306 or e-mail MNHERPSOC@AOL.COM American Association of Zoo Veterinarians Annual Conference - October 26-30, 1997 in Houston, TX at the Sheraton Astrodome. For conference information contact: Dr. Wilbur Amand, VMD, Executive Director/AAZV, 6 North Fennel Rd., Media, PA 19063; Phone (610) 358-9530; Fax (610) 892-4813. The 25th Annual Conference of the International Marine Animal Trainers Association - October 26-3 1 , 1997 in Baltimore, MD. Hosted by the National Aquarium at Baltimore. For information contact: Tim Sullivan, Brookfield Zoo, Seven Seas, 3300 Golf Rd., Brookfield, IL 60513; (708) 485-0263 ext. 464; Fax (708) 485-3532 e-mail: tsulli@manta.nosc.mil 18th Annual Elephant Managers Association Workshop - November 1-4, 1997 in Fort Worth, TX. For further information contact: Steve Clarke, Fort Worth Zoo, 1989 Colonial Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76110; phone (817) 871-7415; Fax (817) 871-7012. ChimpanZoo Annual Conference - November 15-19, 1997 in Little Rock, AR. For further information contact: Mark Hartmann, Ph.D., Dept, of Sociology/ Anthropology, LFniversity of Arkansas, 2801 So. University Ave., Little Rock, AR 72204; phone (501) 569-3176; or e-mail M AH ARTM ANN @ UALA.EDU The Second Biennial Zoos Committing to Conservation Conference - December 11-14, 1997 in Tampa, FL. Hosted by Busch Gardens. Topics to include program development, biodiversity issues, case reports, and the creation of a database from existing in situ programs. For further information contact: Beth Grayson at (8 1 3) 987-5548. AZA Schools - February 2-7, 1998 at Oglebay Park, Wheeling, WV. Courses include: Professional Management Development for Zoo and Aquarium Personnel, Applied Zoo and Aquarium Biology, Conservation Education Training, Principles of Elephant Management, Studbook I, Population Management, and Institutional Records Keeping. For further information contact; AZA Office of Membership Services, Oglebay Park, Wheeling, WV 26003, (304) 2160. 18th Biennial Pronghorn Workshop - March 23- 27, 1998. Hosted by the Arizona Game and Fish Dept., in Prescott, AZ. For information contact: 18th Biennial Pronghorn Antelope Workshop, Richard A. Ockenfels, Chair, P. O. Box 41716, Phoenix, AZ 85080-1716; Phone: (602) 789- 3379; Fax: (602) 789-3918; e-mail - rockcenfels @ gf . state . az.us C^THE GOURMET RODENT V RATS AND MICE BiU & Marcia Brant 6119 SW 137th Avenue Archer. FL 32618 (352) 495-9024 FAX (352) 495-9781 e-mail: GiTntRodent9aol.com 0 All Rights Reserved Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 10, 1997 429 1997 AAZK and Animal Keepers’ Forum Awards The following awards were presented at the 24th National AAZK Conference held in Houston, TX from 5-9 October 1997. The Certificates of Recognition and Appreciation are given by the AAZK Board of Directors. The Excellence in Journalism Awards are selected by the editorial staff oi Animal Keepers' Forum. Certificates of Appreciation Given to individuals or institutions outside of the Association in appreciation for their efforts and contributions to AAZK projects and programs. Houston Zoological Gardens, Houston, TX For serving as the Host Institution for the 1997 AAZK Conference Zoo Partners, Houston, TX For their financial assistance for the 1997 AAZK National Conference Pat Arnold, Takoma Park, MD For her financial assistance with Project M. A. R. C. (Making a Realistic Contribution - AAZK International Outreach) Columbus Zoo, Powell, OH For sponsoring the printing of the AAZK Enrichment Notebook and For sponsoring the printing of the 1997. Animal Data Transfer Forms Stan Mays, Houston Zoological Gardens For serving as Zoo Registrars Association Chair for the 1997 AAZK/ ZRA National Conference Certificates of Recognition Given to individuals within the Association in recognition of their service to AAZK and their efforts on behalf of its projects and programs. Ric Urban, and Christine Smith - Houston Zoological Gardens For serving as Co-Chairs of the 1997 AAZK /ZRA National Conference Jay Christie, Cohanzick Zoo, Bridgeton, NJ For serving as the AAZK Chapter Products Coordinator Todd Cleveland, Denver Zoological Gardens For serving as the AAZK Keeper Accommodations List Coordinator Mike Demlong, The Phoenix Zoo For serving as the AAZK Exhibit Design Resource Notebook Chair 430 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 10, 1997 Mark de Denus, Assiniboine Park Zoo, Winnipeg, Canada For revision of the L. I. N. K. Bulletin Dale Frerking, Kansas City Zoological Gardens For serving as Coordinator for theAAZK Staff Exchange Project Lois Johannes, Los Angeles Zoo For serving as Foreign Member Sponsorship Coordinator Lesa Scheifele, Norwich, CT For serving as AAZK International Affairs Coordinator Kathy Kelly, Silver Springs, MD For serving as the Coordinator for Project M. A. R. C. (Making A Realistic Difference - AAZK International Outreach) Janet McCoy, Metro Washington Park Zoo, Portland, OR For her service from 1990-1997 on the AAZK Board of Directors Michael Illig, Metro Washington Park Zoo, Portland, OR For his service from 1996-1997 on the AAZK Board of Directors Distinguished Service Plaque was presented to The Greater Houston Chapter of AAZK For serving as the AAZK! ZRA 1997 National Conference Host Chapter Excellence in Journalism Awards Outstanding Recognition: 'Hand-rearing Scarlet Ibis at Moody Gardens'' October 1996 Animal Keepers' Forum Jim Dobber Stine and Pat Sharkey Moody Gardens, Galveston, TX Outstanding Recognition: "The Drop-Chute Hoofstock Restraint as an Alternative to Chemical Immobilization at San Diego Wild Animal Park" December 1996 Animal Keepers' Forum Adam Petrovsky and Andy Blue San Diego Wild Animal Park, Escondido, CA Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 10, 1997 431 Outstanding Recognition: ^'Nectar Feeding as an Enrichment Technique with Island Flying Foxes” January 1997 Animal Keepers' Forum Dana LaBlanc The Lubee Foundation, Gainesville, FL Outstanding Recognition: ''Conditioning a Greater One-Horn Rhino to Accept Foot Treatment without Anesthesia” June 1997 Animal Keepers' Forum Jim Gregory and Veronica Watkins Whipsnade Wild Animal Park, United Kingdom Outstanding Recognition: "Inhlovudawana or Little Elephant: Managing Warthogs through Operant Conditioning” 1996 AAZK Conference Proceedings Victoria Cloninger and Jeffrey Phillips North Carolina Zoological Park, Asheboro, NC Outstanding Recognition: "Creation of an Age-Diversified Gorilla Group Through Alternative Means” 1996 AAZK Conference Proceedings Elizabeth Armstrong, Charlene Jendry, Dianna Frisch, Susan White, Debbie Elder and Adele Absi Columbus Zoological Gardens, Powell, OH Gail Laule, Active Environments, Inc. , Lompoc, CA Outstanding Cover Art for 1997 Western Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla g. gorilla) June 1997 Animal Keepers' Forum Dean Simonson Zoological Society of San Diego, San Diego, CA 432 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 10, 1997 Quality exotic animal diets O T Tim ^w^*'*^*o”^**y balanced 1. IVwiVl Fixed formulation • Economical When you need a complete line of high-quality dry and frozen animal diets for your feeding program, call Animal Spectrum. NKBRASKA BRAND h i SPECTRUM BROOD-RITE HEATERS Frozen feline diets Frozen bird of prey diets Frozen canine diet Chunk and chopped horsemeat, hearts, livers, rib, shank, knuckle bones, and tailbones Banana flavored psittacine/primate, 20% protein dry Banana flavored primate. Pro-Plus 25% protein dry Leaf Eater primate dry Omnivore dry Marmoset/T amarin dry Polar Bear dry Ratite dry Bulbless heaters—nothing to break Safe around alt animals and bedding material. Even heat distribution in 240. 500, or 750 wattages. One call does It all FREE 1-800-228-4005 FAX 308-534-7015 Animal Spectrum, Inc. P.O. Box 721 North Platte, NE 69103-0721 ^ £ /i C r / 0 £ £ A(liie5tioiin(IAi5Hrfomfortlietoofnfe55ioMloiCri5i5lf(iiS. Members $35.00 Professional Full-time Keepers Canadian Members I I $40.00 Professional Full-time Keepers □ $30.00 AffiUate Other staff & volunteers □ $35.00 AffiUate Other staff & volunteers □ □ $30.00 Associate Those not connected with an animal facility $60.00 or up - Individuals Contributing/U.S. □ □ $35.00 Associate Those not connected with an animal facility $60 or up - Individuals Contributing/Canada □ □ $100.00 or up Institutional/U.S. Organizations /Institutions (requires Board approval) International Members $50.00 International All members outside US. & Canada regardless of category □ $100.00 or up Institutional/Canada Organizations /Institutions (requires Board approval) □ Library Only 35.00 Library Available only to public & university libraries Zoo Affiliation (if any) Zoo Address Title Work Area □ My check is enclosed (AAZK, Inc.) □ Please charge my credit card MASTERCARD Name on card _ VISA Card # -Expiration date Signature Mail this application to; AAZK Administrative Offices, Topeka Zoo, 635 S. W. Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606-2066. Make checks/money orders payable to AAZK, Inc. Must be in U.S. FUNDS ONLY. Membership includes a subscription to Animal Keepers' Forum. The membership card is good for free admission to many zoos and aquariums in the U.S. and Canada. PRINTED IN U.S.A ©1997 AAZK, INC. ''Dedicated to Professional Animal Care i»S„g3 $ S % The Journal of the American Association of loo Keepers, Inc. NOVEMBER 1997 ANIMAL KEEPERS^ FORUM. 635 S.W. Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606-2066 t. Phone: 1-800-242-4519 (U.S.) 1-800-468-1966 (Canada) FAX (785) 273-1980 MOVEMBEK 1997 VoL24,No.ll Managing Editor: Susan D. Chan • Associate Editors/Enrichment Options Coordinators: Kayla Grams, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum & Gretchen Ziegler, Sequoia Park Zoo • Book Review Coordinator: Andrea Bemee, Chaffee Zoological Garden • Legislative Outlook Column Coordinator: Georgann B. Johnston, Sacramento, CA. • ABC's Column Coordinator: Diana Guerrero, San Diego, CA • Reactions Column Coordinator: William K. Baker, Jr., Lufkin, TX Animal Keepers’ Forum (ISSN 0164-9531) is a monthly journal of the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. Ten dollars of each membership fee goes toward the annual publication costs of Animal Keepers’ Forum . Third Class postage paid at Topeka, KS. Postmaster - Please send address changes to: American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc., Administrative Offices, 635 S.W. Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606-2066 ■ attn: Barbara Manspeaker, Administrative Secretary AAZK Executive Director: Ed Hansen, AAZK, Inc., Topeka KS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ric Urban, Houston Zoological Garden, Houston, TX 77030 Diane Callaway, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, Omaha, NE 68107-2200 Marilyn Cole, Box 335, Pickering, Ontario, Canada LIV 2R6 Lucy Segerson, North Carolina Zoological Park, Asheboro, NC 27203-9416 David Luce, Chaffee Zoological Gardens of Fresno, Fresno, CA 93728-289 1 Jacque Blessington, Kansas City Zoological Gardens, Kansas City, MO 64132-4200 Scott M. Wright, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH 44109 Janet McCoy, Metro Washington Park Zoo, Portland, OR 97221-2799 President Vice President Immediate Past President COMMITTEES Nomination$& Elections Chair - Sheri Leavitt, Houston Zoo Conservation. Preservation & Restoration Grants Chair - Brett Sellers, Metro Washington Park Zoo Annual Conference? Coordinator - Ed Hansen, AAZK, Inc. Awards Chair - Janet McCoy, Metro Washington Park Zoo MEMBERSHIP SERVICES L.I.N.K. Coordinator Mark de Denus, Assiniboine Park Zoo Asst. L.I.N.K. Coordinator Wayne Hazlett, Milwaukee County Zoo Enrichment Committee Lee Houts, Folsom City Zoo International Outreach - Jeanette Beranger, Roger Williams Park Zoo (Chair/Coordinator Internationsl Assistance); Martha Turnbull - Co-Chair); Kathy Kelly, Silver Springs, MD - Project M.A.R.C. (Making A Realistic Contribution); Lynda Roberts, Riverbanks Zoo (Materials Assistance) PRESIDENTIAL ADVISQRS/LIAISONS AZA Liaison Ed Hansen, AAZK Executive Director Elephant Managers Association Liaison By-laws Jeffrey Phillips, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Ethics Janet McCoy, Metro Washingto Park Zoo Rese^ph/Qrqnts Farshid Mehrdadfar, Disney's Animal Kingdom Marketing Resources/Development David Luce, Chaffee Zoological of Fresno Animal Data Transfer Form Bemie Feldman, Burnet Park Zoo AAZK Historian Mark Levin, Philadelphia Zoo Zoo University List Administrative Office Marie Galloway, National Zoo Bowling for Rhinos Patty Pearthree, Indianapolis, IN Zoo Registrars Association Terry Fisher, San Antonio Zoo AZAD Liaison Mary Jo Binkley, Franklin Park, IL CAZPA Liaison Oliver Claffey, Metro Toronto Zoo Int'l Marine Mammals Trainers Association Dave Force, Sea World of California AMAZOO Liaison Alberto Mendoza, Houston Zoological Gardens AZH Liaison Virginia Wall, North Carolina Zoo AAZK PUBLICATIONS - CONTINUING DATA COLLECTION Zoo Infant Development Project - Teri Maas-Anger/Maggie Liguori, Philadelphia Zoo (Birds/Nonpasserines); Jennifer Hackshaw, Lowry Park Zoo and G. Suzanne Chacon, Zoo Aves (Birds/passerines); Jeanne Walsh, Newark Museum Mini-Zoo (Reptiles); Linelle Smith, Denver Zoo (Amphibians) Incubation Notebook Project - Scott Tidmus, Disney's Animal Kingdom printed on recycled paper with vegetable-based ink products ^able of Contents Information for Contributors/About the Cover. 470 Scoops & Scuttlebutt 471 - 472 Coming Events 473 AAZK Announces New Members 474 ZIDP/Reptile/Amphibian UPDATE 475 1997 Conference Proceedings Information and Order Form 476 - 477 ABC Column: Gorilla Evaluation 479 - 482 Enrichment Options (N. A. River Otters) 483 - 485 Spotlight on the AAZK Ethics Committee 486 Breeding Lesser Green Broadbills at Lincoln Park Zoo 487 - 491 Results of an Effective Conditioning Program for Rhinos 492 - 493 Legislative Update 494 - 496 Reactions: Keeper Footwear and Personal Safety. 497 - 498 Book Reviews {Lizards, Vol. I & II; Large Animal Anesthesia - Principles and Techniques; The Natural History of Inbreeding and Outbreeding; Wild Kittens & Wild Puppies 499 - 501 Red Data Book Explained 502 - 503 Currently Available Videos/Recent Publications 503 Zoos, Aquariums, Reserves, and Other Natural Attractions in the Jakarta Region 504 - 507 Chapter News 508 - 509 Opportimity Knocks 510 - 512 About the Cover..... This month's cover features the Baird's Tapir (Tapirus hairdii) drawn hy Mary Deckert, a Docent at the Los Angeles Zoo. Thai legend tells how, when the world was made, God put together the tapir with parts borrowed from other animals. This would explain why the tapir has the shape of a pig, the feet of a rhinoceros, hoofs like those of cattle, and a snout like a small elephant trunk. There are four species of tapir: Baird's , Brazilian, Mountain, and Asiatic Malayan. These herbivores are shy animals that usually stay hidden during the day, coming out at night to feed on leaves, grasses and roots. They like to bathe and are never far from water where they may hide when threatened. They live in family groups and the young have longitudinal spots and streaks on their coats which disappear as the animal matures. Thanks, Mary! Information for Contributors Animal Keepers' Forum publishes original papers and news items of interest to the animal keeping profession. Non-members are welcome to submit articles for consideration. Articles should be typed or hand-printed and double- spaced. Authors are encouraged to submit their manuscripts on a disk as well as in hard copy form. Acceptable formats include: for Macintosh users - Microsoft Word or Works; IBM users - Word for Windows, WordPerfect or Wordstar. All illustrations, graphs, charts and tables should be clearly marked, in final form and should fit in a page size no greater than 5.5” x 8.5” (14cm x 22cm). Literature used should be cited in the text (Brown, 1 986) and alphabetically in the final bibhography. Avoid footnotes. Include scientific name (as per ISIS) the first time an animal name is used. Thereafter use common name. Use metric system for weights and measurements (standard equivalents may be noted in parenthesis). Use the continental dating system (day-month-year). Times should be listed as per the 24-hour clock (0800, 1630 hrs. etc.). Glossy finish black and white photos only are accepted. Color slides should be converted to black and white prints (minimum size 3” x 5” [8cm x 14cm] ) before submission. Clearly marked captions should accompany photos. Please list photo credit on back of photo. Articles sent to Animal Keepers ’ Forum will be reviewed by the editorial staff for publication. Articles of a research or technical nature will be submitted to one or more of the zoo professionals who serve as referees for AKF. No commitment is made to the author, but an effort will be made to pubhsh articles as soon as possible. Lengthy articles may be separated into monthly installments at the discretion of the editor. The editor reserves the right to edit material without consultation unless approval is requested in writing by the author. Materials submitted will not be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed, appropriately-sized envelope. Telephone and FAX contributions of late-breaking news or last-minute insertions are accepted as space allows. However, long articles must be sent by U.S. mail. Phone 1-800-242-4519 (US); 1-800-468- 1966 (Canada); FAX (785) 273-1980. Deadline for each regular issue is the 10th of the preceding month. Dedicated issues may have separate deadline dates and will be noted by the editor. Articles printed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the AXF staff or the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. Publication does not indicate endorsement by the Association. Items in this publication may be reprinted providing credit to this publication is given and a copy of the reprinted material is forwarded to the editor. Reprints of material appearing in this journal may be ordered from the editor. Back issues are available for $3.00 each. 470 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 11, 1997 Scoops dZ Scuttlebutt Houston's Historv...but what a Conference! Thanks go out to all of the members of the Greater Houston AAZK Chapter, the staff and volunteers of the Houston Zoological Gardens, and the Houston Zoo Friends for making the 24th National AAZK Conference such a great event. Approximately 330 delegates representing! 17 institutuions from 36 States and four Canadian Provinces as well as six delegates from overseas descended on Houston the week of October 5-9. The Conference included great paper sessions and workshops, onsite visits to the Houston Zoo and Moody Gardens, two highly successful auctions, beachfront Zoolympics, pre- and post-conference trips, as well as a variety of social activities offering both great food and music! Hosting a National Conference is a challenging task, requiring planning, attention to details, cooperation and a lot of hard work. But the opportunity to bring together zoo keepers from across the country and around the world to one spot to spend an intense week learning from each other and exchanging information vital to the zookeeping profession may just well make it all worthwhile! Special thanks go to Co-Chairs Ric Urban and Christina Smith as well as Program Chairs Stan Mays and Terry Fisher. Greg Whittaker and the staff at Moody Gardens in Galveston also deserve special recognition for providing a wonderful time at their facility. While the Texas weather and the remanants of Hurricane Pauline conspired to keep a good part of the week wet and rainy, delegates plunged ahead through day after day of dynamic Conference activities. It takes a lot to slow down an AAZK member. We will all look forward to gathering in Indianapolis, IN from Sept. 27-30 for the 1998 Conference; in Portland, OR from Sept. 12-17 for the 1999 Conference; and in Columbus, OH (dates to be announced) for the year 2000 National AAZK Conference. Where will we be in 2001? Stay tuned! Chapters Acknowledged for Continuing Support The Board of Directors and the staff of the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. would like to sincerely thank the Philadelphia Chapter for their donation of $500.00 designated for AAZK’s International Outreach projects; and the Columbus Chapter of AAZK for their generous donation of $550.00 raised during an April fundraiser and designated for the general operating fund of the Association. It is this kind of support which allows the Association to move forward with its many programs and projects in the fields of conservation, continuing education and the promotion of the highest quality standards for the zookeeping profession. Chapters are indeed the backbone of this Association and it is through their support that AAZK, Inc. continues to grow and mature into an international professional association for all those involved in captive animal husbandry. We salute the Philadelphia and Columbus Chapters for their commitment to AAZK’s future. Zoo Infant Development Project/Passerines Update The ZIDP/Passerines Survey was mailed out in mid-September to over 85 institutions. Each facility has been asked to complete the survey on passerines for Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 11, 1997 471 which ISIS records indicate they have had successful breedings. If you have not received the survey or have any questions, please contact Jennifer Hackshaw at (813) 935-8552, ext. 221. Correction of Note Under the “Enrichment Committee Seeks Workshop Topics” published in the September 1997 Scoops and Scuttlebutt, Lee Houts was noted as being at the Sacramento Zoo. Lee Houts is now at the Folsom City Zoo, 50 Natoma St., Folsom, CA 95630; phone (916) 351-3527 and fax (916) 35-7227. Lee has recently succeeded Dianna Frisch, now retired from the Columbus Zoo, as Chair of the AAZK Enrichment Committee. A Few Items from the AKF and AO Staff 1. Please check out the 1997 Conference Proceedings Order Form found elsewhere in this issue of AKF. Orders are now being taken for early 1998 delivery. 2. Chapter are reminded that Recharter Packets will go out the first week in January and are due back at Administrative Offices by 1 March 1998. (See deails under Chapter News) 3. After much discussion and deb ate, the AKF editorial staff has decided not to revive the Births & Hatching column in this publication. It was decided that much of this information is available elsewhere; a really workable format was never found for this type of information; and we felt the space could be better utilized for husbandry or enrichment materials. We will be pleased to highlight a significant birth or hatching at your facility, but we ask that you submit such with a photo and a brief description of the event, its significance to your facility, the zoo community, etc. 4. In reply to the comments and calls we receive concerning the time of the month when you receive your Animal Keepers' Forum; the AKF is usually mailed between the 26th and 28th of each month and it is sent nonprofit, bulk rate. Depending on how busy the sub-station post offices are with first class mail, your AKF could end up being held for several days at each sub-station through which it passes on its way from Topeka to you. Once the AKF leaves the mailing service, we have no control over how fast it moves through the mail. The majority of members usually receive their copy by the second week of the month, but we know that there are members who do not receive their issue until nearly the end of the month, and sometimes several days or a week later than other members at the same zoo. We cannot explain this anomaly, but we do sympathize with the frustration of late delivery — especially for those interested in closing deadlines on job listings. If you have consistently late delivery, please contact AO for alternative mailing options. 5. PLEASE send in your change of address as soon as possible! It costs the Association 50 cents for each AKF returned because of an unreported address change. Since AKF is sent bulk-rate it is not automatically forwarded to your new address and is, in fact, often discarded by the P. O. Keeping us up-to-date on your correct and current address will help alleviate this problem. Just call on the 800 numbers listed in the journal to advise us of any changes. Issues missed because of failure to notify AO of an address change will not be sent gratis, but may be purchased for $3.00 each. Your cooperation is most appreciated. 472 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 11, 1997 Coming events 18th Annual Elephant Managers Association Workshop ■ November 1-4, 1997 in Fort Worth, TX. For further information contact: Steve Clarke, Fort Worth Zoo, 1989 Colonial Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76110; phone (817) 871-7415; Fax (817) 871-7012. ChimpanZoo Annual Conference - November 15-19, 1997 in Little Rock, AR. For further information contact: Mark Hartmann, Ph.D., Dept, of Sociology/ Anthropology, University of Arkansas, 2801 So. University Ave., Little Rock, AR 72204; phone (501) 569-3176; or e-mail M AH ARTM ANN @ UALA.EDU 3379; Fax: (602) 789-3918; e-mail - rockcenfel s @ gf. state . az . us Regional Conference Schedule The Second Bienniai Zoos Committing to Conservation Conference - December 11-14, 1997 in Tampa, FL. Hosted by Busch Gardens. Topics to include program development, biodiversity issues, case reports, and the creation of a database from existing in situ programs. For further information contact: Beth Grayson at (8 1 3) 987-5548. AZA Schools - February 2-7, 1998 at Oglebay Park, Wheeling, WV. Courses include: Professional Management Development for Zoo and Aquarium Personnel, Applied Zoo and Aquarium Biology, Conservation Education Training, Principles of Elephant Management, Studbook I, Population Management, and Institutional Records Keeping. For further information contact; AZA Office of Membership Services, Oglebay Park, Wheeling, WV 26003, (304) 2160. Sixth Annual Conference of the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators - February 6-9, 1998 in Minneapolis, MN. Hosted by the Minnesota Zoological Gardens. For information contact: Joaima Eckles, Bird Show Zoologist, Minnesota Zoological Gardens, 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley, MN 55124. Phone: (612) 431-9356; or fax (612) 431-9300. 18th Biennial Pronghorn Workshop - March 23- 27, 1998. Hosted by the Arizona Game and Fish Dept. , in Prescott, AZ. For information contact: 18th Biennial Pronghorn Antelope Workshop, Richard A. Ockenfels, Chair, P. O. Box 41716, Phoenix, AZ 85080-1716; Phone: (602) 789- AZA Western Regional Conference - 11-14 March 1998 - Monterey, CA. For further information, contact Ginger Hopkins, Monterey Bay Aquarium, 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940-1085 (408)648-4925. AZA Central Regional Conference. - 1-4 April 1998 - Grand Rapids, ML For further information, contact Brenda Stringer, John Ball Zoological Society, 1300 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids, MI 49504-6100 (616) 336-4301. AZA Eastern Regional Conference - 22-25 April 1998 - Boston, MA. For further information, contact Elizabeth Coleman, New England Aquarium, Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110- 3399 (617)973-4925. (V)THB GOURMET RODENT RATS AND MICE BiU & Marcia Brant 6115 SW 137th Avenue Archer. FL 32618 (352) 495-9024 FAX (352) 495-9781 e-mail: GrmtRodent9aol.com <0 All Rights Reserved Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 11, 1997 473 New & Renewing AAZK Professional/Institutional/Contributing Members New Professional Members New Institutional Members Tracy Gartland, Seneca Park Zoo (NY); Tony Schauer, Conneaut Lake Park (PA); Patricia Walsh, Baltimore Zoo (MD); Kelts C. Gordon, Santa Fe Teaching Zoo (FL); Ralph P. Williams, Caribbean Gardens (FL); Lanni Hall, Birmingham Zoo (AL); Alex Sansone, Perry Sellars, and Kim Wolfe, Gatlinburg Municipal Black Bear Habitat (TN); Christy A. Cliett, Jackson Zoological Park (MS); Stacy Lester, Michelle Wise, and David A. Hodge, Louisville Zoological Gardens (KY); Alicia C. Giesecke, Columbus Zoo (OH); Jennifer S. Roesler, Toledo Zoo (OH); Dana N. Moris, Columbian Park Zoo (IN); Brenda Gunder, Rolling Hills Refuge (KS); Jack Hetherington, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo (NE); Lindy Wickliffe, Louisiana Purchase Zoo (LA); Betty L. Thomas, Tulsa Zoo (OK); Jim McCauley, Maria Browning, Alina Stallman, Stephanie Junker and Dimas Dominguez, San Antonio Zoo (TX); Don Dasinger, Denver Zoological Gardens (CO); Nicole Beougher, Tropicana Wildlife Department (NV); Robert Cisneros, San Diego Zoo (CA); David Gribes, Moonridge Zoo (CA); Kristin Evans, Sacramento Zoo (CA); Stuart Camps, Fear-No-More Zoo (CA). Tracy Aviary, Salt Lake City, UT The Emperor Valley Zoo, Trinidad, West Indies (Ken Caesar) Drusillas Park Ltd., Great Britain Renewing Institutional Members Salisbury Zoo Commission, Inc., Salisbury, MD Santa Fe Community College Teaching Zoo, Gainesville, FL (Jack Brown, Director) The Larson Company, Tucson, AZ (Don Kohl, Vice President) Chaffee Zoological Gardens, Fresno,CA (Ralph Waterhouse, Director) Renewing Contributing Members Bruce R. Thomas, Takoma Park, MD William H. Disher, Volunteer, San Diego Zoo &Wild Animal Park San Diego, CA Richard Block, Vice President of Scientific and Program Development Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis, IN Need to Reach AAZK? 1-800-242-4519 (U. S.) 1-800-468-1966 (Canada) FAX: (785) 273-1980 or write AAZK, Inc. 635 S. W. Gage Blvd. Topeka, KS 66606-2066 Administrative Office Staff Barbara Manspeaker - Administrative Secretary Susan Chan • Managing Editor AKF Orca - Office Cat 474 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 11, 1997 ZIDP/Reptiles/AmphilDians UPDATE Co-Coordinators for the Zoo Infant Development Project for Reptiles and Amphibians, Jeanne Walsh (Newark Museum Mini-Zoo) and Linelle Smith (Denver Zoo), would like to personally thank Jose Ruiz for all of his help on this project — he has been a tremendous help to us! Also, if anyone is interested in aiding us in gathering information, please feel free to contact us at the addresses listed at the end of this article. We wish to acknowledge these recently returned species surveys: Donald Heimall, private breeder, - Florida striped mud turtle {K. hauri) Teryl Nolan, Lowry Park Zoo, - yellow-footed tortoise (G. denticulate); spotted turtle (C. guttata); prehensile-tail skink (C. zehrata); and eastern diamond- back rattlesnake (C. adamanteus). Andy Snider, Detroit Zoo - Solomon Island’s leaf frog (C. guentheri) New Jersey State Aquarium (passed on to us from Sue Kenney, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo) - green frog {R. clamitans melanota); musk turtle (S'. odoratus); spotted turtle (C. guttata); northern diamondback terrapin (M. terrapin). Randy Smith, Birmingham Zoo - beaded lizard {H. h. horridum) Diane Callaway, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo - Homes hingeback tortoise {K. homeana) John Whitehead, Knoxville Zoological Gardens - Phillipine pit viper (T. mcgregori) Bob Johnson, Metro Toronto Zoo - Surinam toad {Pipa pipa); Puerto Rican crested toad (P. lemur); New Guinea tree frog (L. infrafrenata); White’s tree frog (L. caernulea); and arrow poison frog {D. tinctorius, D. leucornelas, D. auratus). Thank you from AAZK for your greatly needed contributions everyone! Please keep filling out those data sheets and sending them in to us — your information is invaluable. If you have questions or need additional forms, please contact us. Jeanne Walsh Newark Museum Mini-Zoo 49 Washington Street, R O. Box 540 Newark, NJ 07101-0540 Linelle Smith Denver Zoological Gardens 2300 Steele Street Denver, CO 80205-4899 Animal Keepers* Forum, VoL 24, No. 11, 1997 475 1997 Conference f^roceedings Order Information If you are interested in obtaining a copy of the Proceedings containing the papers presented at the 24th National AAZK Conference held in Houston, TX, you will need to fill out and return the form on the next page no later than 31 January 1998. All orders must be prepaid in U.S. Funds ONLY. Allow 4-6 weeks following deadline for receipt of publication. Prices are as follows: AAZK Member $25.00 Non Member $40.00 Postage for U. S. orders is included. Canadian and overseas orders should add $5.00 for Air Mail postage to Canada and Surface postage elsewhere. Overseas orders wishing Air Mail service should add $10.00. Make checks payable to AAZK, Inc. Note: Individuals who presented papers at the conference and submitted a manuscript in time for inclusion in these Proceedings will receive a gratis copy. If a manuscript was not submitted, a gratis copy will not be sent, and those individuals will need to order a copy if they want one. Cost of the Proceedings was NOT part of the Conference Registration Fee & delegates wishing a copy will need to order one. The following papers are among those included in the Proceedings: A Cooperative Recovery Program for a Vanishing Species ~ How Old Was That Pregnant Elephant? - Management of a Rhinoceros Medical Problem Without Behavioral Conditioning - Coral Propagation and Exhibition at the Pittsburgh Aqua Zoo ~ Environmental Enrichment for Captive Raptors in Training ~ Penguin Water Interaction for Advanced Careers Camp at Sea World of Texas ~ Project Puffin - Seabird Conservation is an Attitude - Reintroduction of an Infant Southern Black Rhinoceros 68 Hours Past the Current Standard Limit ~ Bowling for Rhinos/A Visit to Lewa Downs ~ Okapi Husbandry at White Oaks Conservation Center ~ Bowling for Rhinos Conservation Areas ~ First Class Fostering: Bald Eagle Conservation at the Salisbury Zoological Park ~ Successful Reproduction in a Small Flock of Chilean Flamingos ~ The Weaning, Socialization and Reproductive History of Caribbean Flamingos at the San Antonio Zoo ~ Displacement Aggression in Captive Long-tailed Green Magpies ~ Introduction of Female Francois Langur to an Existing Group - Kansas City Zoo Semen Collection in the Afncan Elephant ~ Routine Milk Collection from Crate Conditioned Bongo at the Denver Zoo ~ Protected Contact: Beyond Elephants ~ No More Knockdowns: Indian Rhino Footcare Without Anesthetic ~ Native Wildlife Veterinary Care at the North Carolina Zoological Park ~ Physical Therapy with a Female Afncan Lion ~ Injection Training of a Female Lowland Gorilla ~ Introduction to the World Wide Web ~ Synthesis of Zoos and Aquariums ~ Whose Beach Is It? ~ Ecological Habitats on a Budget ~ Red Panda Husbandry Training ~ Early Socialization of Hand-Reared Neonates at San Diego Zoo ~ Our Time is Running Out to “Save the Colobus” ~ Benefits of Urine Collection in Determining Cyclic Behavior and Reproductive Success in Owl Faced Monkeys. These are the papers which had been submitted as of this month’s press time. We also plan to include any other papers, workshop summaries and poster session abstracts that become available to us by our publication deadline. Feel free to photocopy the form on the next page to place your order. Phone orders may be placed at 1-800-242-4519 (U. S.) or 1-800-468-1966 (Canada) when using either a Mastercard or VISA credit card. 476 Animal Keepers' Forum, VoL 24, No. 11, 1997 1997 Proceedings Order Form (Please Type or Print) I wish to order _____ copy(s) of the 1997 Houston Conference Proceedings. # of copies X price per copy = $ Additional postage is $ (if applicable) Total payment for this order is $___. Make checks or money orders payable to: AAZK, Inc. (U.S. Funds ONLY) My check is enclosed Please charge my VISA or Mastercard (please circle) Card # ____ - _______ - ______ - ______ Expiration Date: Name on card: Signature : Please mail to me at the following address: N ame : Address: City: State/Province: Country: Zip/Postal Code: Send this Order Form along with check, money order or payment authorizationvia credit card to: AAZK, Inc., 635 S. W. Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606-2066 U. S. A. Attn: Proceedings Orders Must 5e Received by 31 January 1990 Proceedings are only available by sending in your order form now. A very limited number of copies beyond prepaid orders will be printed. Once these are sold, complete sets of proceedings will no longer be available. After this, copies of individual papers will be available for $3.00 each. So ORDER NOW ! Animal Keepers* Forum, Vol 24, No. 11, 1997 477 SreCTRUM Quality exotic animal diets Nutritionally balanced Fixed formulation • Economical When you need a complete line of high-quality dry and frozen animal diets for your feeding program, call Animal Spectrum. NEBRASKA BRAND S \ Frozen feline diets Frozen bird of prey diets Frozen canine diet Chunk and chopped horsemeat, hearts, livers, rib, shank, knuckle bones, and tailbones SPECTRUM BROOD-RITE HEATERS Banana flavored psittacine/primate, 20% protein dry Banana flavored primate. Pro-Plus 25% protein dry Leaf Eater primate dry Omnivore dry Marmoset/T amarin dry Polar Bear dry Ratite dry Bulbless heaters— nothing to break Safe around all animals and bedding material. Even heat distribution in 240. 500, or 750 wattages. One call does it all 1-800-228-4005 FAX 308-534-7015 Animal Spectrum, Inc. P.O. Box 721 North Platte, NE 69103-0721 ABC ^ Animal Behavior Concerns & Solutions A Question and Answer Forum for the Zoo Professional Diana Guerrero, Independent Dehavior Consultant, Ark Animals of California, San Die^o, CA Gorilla (Gorilla g. gorilla) Evaluation, Zoo QUESTION We would like to integrate our male silverbacks (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) into a bachelor grouping. What kind of input do you have regarding this? BACKGROUND This particular type of strategy had been discussed and attempted in both the United States and in Europe. The Species Survival Plan® (SSP) would best dictate some of the concerns and issues on this matter. A chapter was planned for inclusion in the Gorilla Husbandry Manual on this topic as well; it should be available about the time this column appears. As of the time this column was written, there are several bachelor groups in captivity across the USA. These groups include: Birmingham, St. Louis, St. Paul, Zoo Atlanta, Cleveland, Memphis and Knoxville. Contacting these resources and conducting a search for literature will assist you further in preparation to do this work. In Europe/England at Howletts and Cologne, there are males housed in this type of grouping. Cologne's animals were scheduled to move into the UK last year, but I am not certain of the reasons behind this. The Species Survival Plan® (SSP) is interested in looking toward creating future groups of this sort to assist with management and is investigating the processes, and the successes and failures of attempts to date. This is an ideal situation since the genetic base is a valuable component in captive collections. OTHER NOTES The specifics of this situation involves three male gorillas {Gorilla g. gorilla). Ages of all animals in this group are over 13 years old and they are classified as silverbacks. The cursory animal history shows a hand-reared individual with little socialization (hand-reared in the nursery for two years), history of aggression to female conspecifics, and high aggression of one animal in his prime (teens) to another male in the group (not quite twice his age). Other relevant information is that these animals were out together on exhibit previously, and altercations occurred. No history on introduction or integration was given. Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 11, 1997 479 CONSIDERATIONS Since there is some negative history in this group already, it would be advantageous to clearly delineate the future plans of your facility and the long- term goals and needs of the SSR At the very least, I would encourage you to implement some serious conditioning with the animals in your care. Given the current exhibit size and the brief history gathered, some revamping to the existing area would be needed. Without complete history and additional information, I cannot properly assess this situation and could only say that the obstacles you face are serious challenges. My impression of the animals is that it would be worth a try if the groundwork is properly laid. However, the complications of working against the natural history of the animal, in integrating older animals, is a hurdle you may not be able to surmount. So, the level of commitment and degree of complexity of the situation may be more than you or your facility is willing to attempt. ANIMAL HISTORY History of the animals is going to be one of the most critical components for assessment. Reactions to new stimuli and other animals, stability in a group, mother-reared or hand-reared, and other factors will play an important role in assessing this. A wide variety of individuality is apparent in any species and paying attention to this will help in the evaluation of suitability. As we are evolving in our animal keeping skills and the increased complexity of managing our animals, it is necessary that we also start to add behavioral notes to our daily record keeping. Noting who is more receptive to new stimuli, changes in dynamics, and other nuances can lend to more successful management strategies when these behavioral components are added. These notes do not have to be long and complex, and they can be easily gleaned from observing interactions during the morning routine, upon release, and lock up, or other opportunities for viewing the activities of the group you are caring for. Noticing who is forming a coalition, changes in proximity, location dispersal within the exhibit, and any other changes are vital to long-term success. Body tension, avoidance, and other nuances can be noted in advance to avoid escalation. Many times keepers can glean valuable information from tracking down the primary caretakers of animals in their collection that would not be available elsewhere. In two of the evaluations that appeared in this column (with primates) over the last year, it was possible to locate important sources of information — the importer and hand-rearing staff This helped to piece together a more complete picture to assist in devising faster more appropriate strategies for those particular individuals. Additionally, there is literature and there are individuals out there (with particular experience in this matter) who could further assist with progress in this matter. 480 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 11, 1997 SPECIES NATURAL HISTORY & INTERACTIONS Noting small behavior changes is critical to safe integration. If this is not done, or if shortcuts are taken to try and force the issue, more harm is done than good. In many cases shortcuts end up costing valuable time in the long run. Many times counter conditioning and desensitization have to be done to overcome the aversive situation that has occurred. Everything becomes more time and labor intensive if you do not do the job right the first time. Looking at the natural history of the animals and how bachelor groups form and when, can help you take advantage of naturally occurring windows of time to assist with a successful integration. Combined with the proper steps to integration, without rushing the situation, successful integration has been accomplished in several cases. Further experience and research has shown that some stability can be gained by the introduction of properly socialized animals into a group. Integration has seemed to work best with groups if they are formed as black backs or yoimger. . . .as is shown by looking at the natural history of this species. Groups will change over time, and especially of note is that there seems to be no case known of where a breeding male leaves a family group to join a bachelor group. Bachelor groups also tend not to have animals in their prime since they usually are off forming family groupings of their own. EXHIBIT SPACE & DESIGN One of the more critical factors will be the space and design factors of an exhibit. Areas to provide for controlled introductions and escape are critical here. To sustain a proper introduction, there should be provisions for visual contact and withdrawal without physical contact, mesh areas for controlled and limited contact (also with withdrawal options), and a complete strategy on how to introduce each animal to the other in a neutral manner. Once the group is starting to form, strategic methods of introduction involving social considerations is important. It has been foimd that coalitions with younger animals can be used to help avoid problems in the introduction of older animals. However, complete strategies and contingency plans should be delineated prior to implementation. Important factors in design will combine the following: escape areas, multiple tiers, temporary barriers, visual barriers, strategic feeding and foraging strategies, complex and variable enrichment activities, variety of substrates and mobile exhibit “furniture” and other such factors. Bi^RIERS & OCCUPATION Barriers and escape areas of various sorts can be constructed and changed. Boulders, bodies of water, ropes, logs, trees, and other components can help to deter or provide diffusion of some aggressive moves between animals. Mental occupation and multiple strategies to introduce preferred food items. Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 24, No. 11, 1997 481 browse, and other foraging tactics are also critical to avoid confrontations. Separate resting areas, multiple shade areas, and feeding strategies that incorporate complete separation should be considered imperative. BEHAVIOR ACUITY Sensitivity to gorilla behavior and social relationships is crucial to success in this matter. Knowing the day-to-day patterns and noticing slight changes or differences will be critical to avoiding and preventing serious conflicts. Relief keepers should also be astute and alert to be able to note normal patterns, changes in behavior, or any slight altercations. CONTINGENCY PLANS Having strategies in place to separate and control aggression, before it occurs (ideally) and after escalation, is imperative. Husbandry conditioning for separation and medical treatment will be necessary and should be firmly established prior to integration, or at least be in process during the early stages. Stress s3anptoms such as changes in dietary consumption, hair loss, weight loss, changes in elimination (fecal), changes in positioning, coalitions, movements, or activity should be noted immediately since they could be symptoms of escalating situations that may not be apparent upon cursory observations. Next Month: Further Views on Bachelor Groupings and a Suggested Reading list. If you would like to submit a behavior question/scenario for discussion in this column, please use the guidelines published in the Aug. 1997 AKF (pg. 348-350). Requests for behavior evaluations should be sent to Diana Guerrero at Ark Animals, Inc., P. O. Box 1154, Escondido, CA 92033-1154 or directed to her e-mail address listed below. About the Author: Since 1978 Diana has been active both in the U S. and England working with zoos, private collections, an oceanarium, a marine aquarium, and other animal-related organizations involving captive wildlife. She has a broad base of animal experience involving movie & television training, zookeeping, show performances with live animals, education, behavior management, modification and enrichment, rescue and rehabilitation as well as captive breeding and management of endangered species. She is currently working as an Animal Behavior Consultant and Trainer with both exotic and domestic animals, she has authored numerous articles on animal behavior and training. If you have questions for Diana, you may contact her at 1-800-818-7387 or via the email listed below. NOTE: The Ark Animals' Website has completed the change to Electronic Magazine Format. The “Ezine" features articles related to captive animal behavior, enrichment, conservation, and similar topics. The publisher welcomes electronically submitted articles (previously published or new work). Deadline is the 10th of the month previous to publishing. Interested parties may contact the publisher at arkabc@arkanimals.com Site address is http:/ / www.arkanimalS.com 4^2 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 11, 1997 icjmmmumtiohA ^Behavioral Enrichment Activity Manipulation Ji ^ Occupational Husbandry ^ iiA By Kayla Grams, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Gretchen Ziegler, Sequoia Park Zoo Not a Barrel Full of Monkeys, But a Bucket 0’ Laughs! By Amy K. Maehler Illustrated by Chris Mascrarella Phillips Park Zoo, Aurora, IL Community Enrichment One of our most recent additions are two North American river otters {Lontra canadensis). As part of the promotion for our new otter exhibit, we invited the community to help name the otters. The names, Teeter and Totter, won the contest. What a great description for these long-bodied, fluid-like mustelides! Visitors are amused just contemplating which is which. When the contest winner, an eight-year-old girl, was asked “Which is which?”, she replied confidently, “Teeter is the one with teats!”. Over a year has past and the otters continue to do very well. Their exhibit is now one of our most popular. In Illinois, otters are an endangered species and these animals have a special value as part of our collection. They have become central in our mission to promote education, conservation and recreation. The exhibit successfully entertains and educates our visitors. Our visitors discover that viewing these rare, illusive creatures and learning more about them can be more fun than a barrel of monkeys. Animal Enrichment Permanent features inside the exhibit which measures 4m x 6 m (13' x 20') are: a pool 2m x 2.5m x .3m (6.5' x 8.2’ x 11.8”); a slide Im x Im x Im (3.28’ x 3.28’ x 3.28’); two sand boxes of 1 m (3.28’) diameter; a PVC tube 3m x .33m, diameter (9.8’ X 1’, diameter); a .33m (!’) hanging tractor tire; a hanging bucket (20 L); and various trees and logs for cover. Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 11, 1997 483 The off-exhibit area measures 2m x 4m (6.5’ x 13.1’) with a box measuring .75m X .33m x .25m (2.5’ x 1’ x 9.8”) which they use for napping. Enrichment has taken a variety of shapes and styles. Buoyant food items like carrots, and other non-food items are offered regularly. The otters do enjoy pushing items around the pool and/or carrying them into tunnels. Visual Enrichment Beyond the features available inside the exhibit, we have taken enrichment a step further. By locating their exhibit on a knoll, adjacent to our fowl exhibit, the otters can survey the birds. The amount of time spent tracking the activities of the fowl occupies a significant portion of their day. This visual stimulus has helped to prevent any undesirable habitual behaviors. Out with the Old, In with the New Changing the structures inside the exhibit, by placing new log rounds (some large enough to use as tunnels) and creating blinds of vegetation enhances their exhibit and helps to eliminate monotony. Otters in the wild are known for traveling 100-120km (62-75 miles) along streams, and in some cases over land (Ingles, 1965). Their ability to adapt quickly and enjoy new terrain is part of their nature. 484 Animal Keepers' Forum, VoL 24, No. 11, 1997 Fun for Everyone One of the longest-lasting, most successful items introduced into the exhibit, is what we call THE BUCKET O’ FUN. It is a common plastic bucket (20 L) with a handle. It hangs on a heavy rope over the base of the slide and pool. The simple movement of the swinging bucket instantly interested the otters. We put food items inside a dry bucket. Our otters push it around and inspect it, regardless of its contents. The harder the push, the more dramatically it swings away - usually with the animal in hot pursuit. Placing different amounts of water inside changes reaction time, weight and response of the bucket. With a water line overhead, water can be added to the bucket. Simply allowing the bucket to fill and spill over is an option. To limit the contents of the bucket, holes can be drilled along the sides. Tipping or inverting the bucket full of water can produce a stimulating wave. Depending on the length of rope/height of the bucket, the otter can tip the bucket and climb inside. As the bucket teeters and totters, so do Teeter and Totter, our river otters. A bucket swinging to and fro holding an otter, quickly overflows. And so, shortly following the success of lifting themselves up into the bucket they are poured out as fluid as the water itself, sending the bucket off in one direction and the otter in another. This is followed by a roar of laughter from the crowd! Cost - Benefit Although a basic plastic was inexpensive and easy, the reward to the otters and the visitors has been priceless. It has been a Bucket O’ Fun for everyone. At facilities that object to the appearance of non-natural materials in the exhibits, a wooden pail could work as well. One with tapered sides, not straight, may give you more of a bang for your bucket. (Ideas appearing in this column have not necessarily been tested by the editors for safety considerations. Always think ahead and use good judgment when trying new ideas. Eds.) 32514 Nc 77tl St. PUh« 1425) 861-7944 Cj.i'hUioh. WA. 98014-470] . . ' Fix 1425) 333-4205 GinpUtf LihC of QvIkItfyRfrftiU ^ Sinkll A^fci&l » We ih froytUjhj wtk , { profcsstoh^l, i;l W«t sit« <-h\Jkil us kt: l>«\hf»it'h»@».cc«SS»M.eol^’ ‘'I' T ' * hr fri( c2st2^lo^. VISA, Mjkster Cxr r~ Cl sb 3 3 >K U3 €T IW ♦ "3 * a W 3 T ISI * •< o * O a itl o ><«■ o 10' N> U3 t« O »»• o n »)«: o 61 * cc* •ff T3 W T #: 3C ;r. »«« »l* i4> ♦ 4: ’JZ X -H tl m aa ea 3>- *n •C 3> fca •jJ “sl CTI O' O' ANIMAl KEEPERS' F O R U ]VI The Journal of the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. DECEMBER 1997 ANIMAL KEEPERS’ FORUM. 635 S.W. Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606-2066 /fDUO Phone; 1-800-242-4519 (U.S.) 1-800-468-1966 (Canada) FAX (785) 273-1980 DECEMBER 1997 Vol. 24, No. 12 Managing Editor: Susan D. Chan • Associate Editors/Enrichment Options Coordinators: Kayla Grams, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum & Gretchen Ziegler, Sequoia Park Zoo • Book Review Coordinator: Andrea Bemee, Chaffee Zoological Garden • Legislative Outlook Column Coordinator: Georgann B. Johnston, Sacramento, CA. • ABC's Column Coordinator: Diana Guerrero, San Diego, CA • Reactions Column Coordinator: William K. Baker, Jr., Lufkin, TX Animal Keepers’ Forum (ISSN 0164-9531) is a monthly journal of the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. Ten dollars of each membership fee goes toward the annual publication costs of Animal Keepers’ Forum . Third Class postage paid at Topeka, KS. Postmaster - Please send address changes to: American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc., Administrative Offices, 635 S.W. Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606-2066 - attn: Barbara Manspeaker, Administrative Secretary AAZK Executive Director: Ed Hansen, AAZK, Inc., Topeka KS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ric Urban, Houston Zoological Garden, Houston, TX 77030 President Diane Callaway, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, Omaha, NE 68 107-2200 Vice President Marilyn Cole, Box 335, Pickering, Ontario, Canada LIV 2R6 Lucy Segerson, North Carolina Zoological Park, Asheboro, NC 27203-9416 David Luce, Chaffee Zoological Gardens of Fresno, Fresno, CA 93728-2891 Jacque Blessington, Kansas City Zoological Gardens, Kansas City, MO 64132-4200 Scott M. Wright, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH 44109 Janet McCoy, Metro Washington Park Zoo, Portland, OR 97221-2799 COMMITTEES Nominations«fe Elections Chair - Sheri Leavitt, Houston Zoo Conservation, Preservation & Re$toraU.Q.n-G.rMtS Chair - Brett Sellers, Metro Washington Park Zoo Annual Conferences Coordinator - Ed Hansen, AAZK, Inc. Awards Chair - Janet McCoy, Metro Washington Park Zoo Immediate Past President By-laws Jeffrey Phillips, Disney's Animal Kingdom Ethics Janet McCoy, Metro Washingto Park Zoo Research/Grants Farshid Mehrdadfar, Disney's Animal Kingdom Marketing Resources/Development David Luce, Chaffee Zoological of Fresno MEMBERSHIP SERVICES L,.1,N,K.. Coordinator Mark de Denus, Assiniboine Park Zoo Asst,.L,,I,N,K, epordinator Wayne Hazlett, Milwaukee County Zoo Enrichment Committee Lee Houts, Folsom City Zoo Animal Data Transfer Form Bemie Feldman, Burnet Park Zoo AAZK Historian Mark Levin, Philadelphia Zoo Zoo University List Administrative Office International Outreach - Jeanette Beranger, Roger Williams Park Zoo (Chair/Coordinator Internationsl Assistance); Martha Turnbull - Co-Chair); Kathy Kelly, Silver Springs, MD - Project M.A.R.C. (Making A Realistic Contribution); Lynda Roberts, Riverbanks Zoo (Materials Assistance) PRESIDENTIAL ADVISORS/LIAISONS AZA Liaison Ed Hansen, AAZK Executive Director Elgphant.Managgr$ A$$oqiati.Qn, Liaison Marie Galloway, National Zoo Bowling for Rhinos Patty Pearthree, Indianapolis, IN Zoo Registrars Association Terry Fisher, San Antonio Zoo AZAD Liaison Mary Jo Binkley, Franklin Park, IL CAZPA Liaison Oliver Claffey, Metro Toronto Zoo Int'l Marine Mammals Trainers Association Dave Force, Sea World of California AMAZOO Liaison Alberto Mendoza, Houston Zoological Gardens AZH Liaison Virginia Wall, North Carolina Zoo AAZK PUBLICATIONS - CONTINUING DATA COLLECTION Zoo Infant Development Project - Teri Maas-Anger/Maggie Liguori, Philadelphia Zoo (Birds/Nonpasserines); Jennifer Hackshaw, Lowry Park Zoo and G. Suzanne Chacon, Zoo Aves (Birds/passerines); Jeanne Walsh, Newark Museum Mini-Zoo (Reptiles); Linelle Smith, Denver Zoo (Amphibians) Incubation Notebook Project - Scott Tidmus, Disney's Animal Kingdom printed on recycled paper with vegetable-based ink products Table of Contents Information for Contributors/About the Cover. 514 Scoops & Scuttlebutt 515 - 516 Message from the President 517 AAZK Announces New Members 519 ABC's Column: Gorilla Bachelor Groups 520 -522 1997 Conference Proceedings Ordering Information/Form 524 - 525 Reactions: Safety Precautions Prior to Animal Restraint 526 - 527 The Challenges of Caring for One of the World's Most Intelligent Birds 528 - 531 Legislative Update 532 - 533 Information Please 534 Bowling for Rhinos Update 535 - 536 Blood Sampling in 0.2 Bornean Orangutans at Kansas City Zoological Gardens 537 - 540 Cryptosporidium at the Infant Isolation Unit 541 - 542 The Nature of the Beast 543 - 548 Chapter News Notes 549 - 551 Book Reviews {Softhills: Care, Breeding and Conservation; The Last Stand: The War Between Wall Street and Main Street Over California's Ancient Redwoods) 552 - 553 Opportimity Knocks...* 554 - 556 About the Cover..... This month 's cover features a Bald Eagle (Haliaetus leucocephalus) named Leah drawn by Scott Schiller, a keeper in the Bird Department at the Brookfield Zoo, Chicago, IL. Scott worked with Leah in the birds of prey demonstration at the zoo. Bald eagles live mostly near the ocean, rivers and lakes from Arctic Canada and Alaska to the Gulf of Mexico. The live primarily on fish which they use their strong talons to catch as they skim across the surface of the water. They tear their food apart with their powerful hooked peaks. They may have a wingspan up to 7 1 12 feet. Bald eagles build their nests high in a tree top and construct it of branches, twigs and dry grasses. They add to the nest each year until it may be well over four feet deep. Bald eagles mate for life and usually produce two chicks after an incubation period of 1-1 1/2 months. Thanks, Scott! Information for Contributors Animal Keepers' Forum publishes original papers and news items of interest to the animal keeping profession. Non-members are welcome to submit articles for consideration. Articles should be typed or hand-printed and double-spaced. Authors are encouraged to submit their manuscripts on a disk as well as in hard copy form. Acceptable formats include: for Macintosh users - Microsoft Word or Works; IBM users - Word for Windows, WordPerfect or Wordstar. All illustrations, graphs, charts and tables should be clearly marked, in final form and should fit in a page size no greater than 5.5” x 8.5” (14cm x 22cm). Literature used should be cited in the text (Brown, 1986) and alphabetically in the final bibliography. Avoid footnotes. Include scientific name (as per ISIS) the first time an animal name is used. Thereafter use common name. Use metric system for weights and measurements (standard equivalents may be noted in parenthesis). Use the continental dating system (day-month-year). Times should be listed as per the 24-hour clock (0800, 1630 hrs. etc.). Glossy finish black and white photos only are accepted. Color slides should be converted to black and white prints (minimum size 3” x 5” [8cm x 14cm] ) before submission. Clearly marked captions should accompany photos. Please list photo credit on back of photo. Articles sent to Animal Keepers ’ Forum will be reviewed by the editorial staff for publication. Articles of a research or technical nature will be submitted to one or more of the zoo professionals who serve as referees iovAKF. No commitment is made to the author, but an effort will be made to publish articles as soon as possible. Lengthy articles may be separated into monthly installments at the discretion of the editor. The editor reserves the right to edit material without consultation unless approval is requested in writing by the author. Materials submitted will not be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed, appropriately-sized envelope. Telephone and FAX contributions of late-breaking news or last-minute insertions are accepted as space allows. However, long articles must be sent by U.S. mail. Phone 1-800-242-4519 (US); 1-800-468- 1966 (Canada); FAX (785) 273-1980. Deadline for each regular issue is the 10th of the preceding month. Dedicated issues may have separate deadline dates and will be noted by the editor. Articles printed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the AKF staff or the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. Publication does not indicate endorsement by the Association. Items in this publication may be reprinted providing credit to this publication is given and a copy of the reprinted material is forwarded to the editor. Reprints of material appearing in this journal may be ordered from the editor. Back issues are available for $3.00 each. 514 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 11, 1997 Scoops (£ Scuttlebutt Tree Kangaroo Husbandry Part I Videotape Now Available A copy of the Tree Kangaroo SSP’s (TK-SSP) keeper training videotape entitled “Tree Kangaroo Husbandry -Part One” was recently mailed to all TK-SSP institution representatives. This videotape is the first in a series being produced by the TK-SSP. This video covers the subjects of identification, housing, nutrition, health and shipping. The cover letter accompan3dng the videotape requested that it be viewed by everyone involved with the captive management of tree kangaroos. If you are involved with the management of tree kangaroos and have not yet seen this video, contact your TK-SP representative and ask to see it. Part Two “Behavior and Reproduction” and Part Three “Joey Development” are currently in production. Until Part Two is completed, a “rough edit” on the subject of pouch checking is available for short-term loan. If you wqould like to have your own copy of Part One, copies are available for a cost of $15.00. Please make checks payable to the TK-SSP Husbandry Videotape Project, and mail to the attentionof Judie Steenberg, Woodland Park Zoo, 5500 Ohinney Ave., North, Seattle, WA 98103. Center for Ecosystem Survival Receives Disney Award Walt Disney Attractions has presented a $10,000 Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund award to the Center for Ecosystem survival. The grant will support CES’s Coral Reef Conservation Leadership Workshops. The Workshops were developed to enhance direct conservation action from stuidents, teachers and the public for the preservation of threatened and endangered coastal and marine ecosystems. The Disney Fund was established to promote and enable global wildlife conservation through partnerships with scientists, educators and organizations committed to preserving the earth’s biodiversity. For more information contact the Center for Ecosystem Survival, Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Ave., San Francisco, CA 94132; (415) 338-3393/Fax (415) 338-2295, e-mail: gershenz@sfsu.edu. Australian Zoo Official Dead at 51 Dr. John Kelly, the Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Zoological Parks Board of New South Wales died on 25 October at his home in Sydney. Dr. Kelly had been Chief Executive Officer of Taronga and Western Plains Zoos since October of 1987. Dr. Kelly’s commitment to the zoos’ vital role in environmental education was Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 12, 1997 515 demonstrated by a wide-reaching program of redevlopment beginning with the opening of the famous Taronga Centre in 1987 and recent projects like the McDonald’s Orangutan Rainforest, Western Lowland Gorilla breeding facility and Energy Australia’s Taronga NightZoo. He also initiated projects designed to insure the future of wildlife. These included the Genome Storage Bank joint venture with Monash University in Melbourne and the Australian Marine Mammal Research Centre with the University of Sydney. Taronga and Western Plains Zoos appearance changed dramatically during Dr. Kelly’s tenure, presenting animals to visitors in ways that set international benchmarks in the display of wildlife. Displays incorporating demonstrations of animals’ natural behaviors brought wildlife closer to people, encouraging understanding at new levels. The most recent was the Kodak Free Flight Bird Show in which birds from Taronga’s collection demonstrated their natural abilities in free flight without aviaries or mesh. Dr. Kelly had contracted cardiomyopathy in the early 1990s and undergone a heart-lung transplant in May of 1993. Despite ongoing treatment and periods of hospitalization for maintenance of his health. Dr. Kelly continued active development of the Taronga and Western Plains Zoos in the areas of exhibitry, research and conservation. He is survived by his wife and four children. AAZK Zoo Keeper Grant in Research The American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) has developed the Zoo Keeper Grant in non-invasive research to promote and support keeper and aquarist efforts in behavioral research. The $750.00 research grant is for the benefit of North American zoological research efforts. The next deadline for applications is 1 March 1998. AAZK members in good standing should direct their inquiries to: Farshid Mehrdadfar, Chair AAZK Research Grant Committee, Disney's Animal Kingdom, P. O. Box 10000, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-1000; e-mail: farshid@sprynrt.com AKF Columnist Relocates William “Bill” K. Baker, Jr., author of the Reactions column in AKF, and co- editor of the AAZK Crisis Management Resource Notebook, has completed his research sabbatical and taken a position as the managing Zoo Curator at the Frank Buck Zoo. He may now be contacted at: Frank Buck Zoo, Leonard Park, 1000 W. California, Gainesville, TX 76240; phone/(940) 668-4533. Questions or suggestions for topics in the Reactions column may still be directed to Bill through AAZK Administrative Offices, 635 S.W Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606-2066. S16 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 12, 1997 JVlessage from the [^resident Greetings from The Lone Star State! I am sorry for being a bit late on a letter to the membership. I am just awakening from the post-conference coma that is very common among AAZK Conference Chairpersons. Another AAZK Conference has been placed on the shelves in history. Christina Smith and I would like to thank everyone who attended and participated in making the conference a success. We would like to also thank the Houston Zoo staff and docents for showing the delegates the Texas version of southern hospitality. Our organization has made some remarkable strides over the past year. Most importantly we are beginning to recover financially and are strong. We do have to continue being prudent in spending to support the membership needs. This year the membership approved the proposed Five-Year Long Range Plan that will give us direction into the year 2002. The Board of Directors set short-term goals as well to serve as milestones on the road towards AAZKs future.. AAZK and its members have been active in educational programs in 1997. The Junior Keepers' Forum h^s done considerably well this past year. Thank you to the many Chapters that made a financial commitment to the project. The Junior Keepers' Forum will begin publishing six issues a year in 1998. The International Outreach Committee has been very active this year. Jeannette Beranger and her committee worked with the Mexican Zoo Association (AZCARM) and the Meso American FIG to develop a Keeper Training curriculum. A workshop was held in August at the Morelia Zoo in Morelia, Mexico. This project received great Chapter and institutional support. It was a great success and other regions want training workshops of their own. With good planing such partnership with related zoological organizations lead to success. I wish to thank everyone for their support during my last two years as President, and hope that I will continue to have your support. We are building new relationships and taking a more prominent role among our peers in the zoological community. AAZK hopes to expand our combined efforts with AZA and other conservation organizations to insure success in programs both at home and abroad. AAZK is an organization of strong and dedicated individuals. We are committed to raising the standards of quality animal care in all aspects of the profession. We have a commitment to conservation and education, while continuing to provide the latest information on husbandry and enrichment available to the membership. Together we can accomplish anything. Remember this is your professional Association. What you do as an individual member can make a difference. Happy Holidays. Ric Urban President, AAZK, Inc. Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 12, 1997 517 New & Renewing AAZK Professional, Insti-tutlonal, and Contributing Members New Professional Members Kathy Clabeau, Utica Zoo (NY); Susan DeFalco, Seneca Park Zoo (NY); Leslie Downey and James Ronemus, Trexler Game Preserve (PA); Amy E. Cutting, The Philadelphia Zoo (PA); Carolyn Beverly, Natural Bridge Zoo (VA); Laura Pizza, Santa Fe Teaching Zoo (FL); Julianne Stidham and Christy Timbrook, Akron Zoo (OH); Jeff Krenner, Underwater World/Mall of America (MN); Kelsie Weaver, Bozeman, MT; Jessi Krebs, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo (NE); Tara Malta, Carole Satterlee, and Steve Jensen, Louisiana Purchase Zoo (LA); Gail Fox, Critterland Zoological Park (TX); Kristine McCue, Tracy Aviary (UT); Danyelle Jung, Wildlife World Zoo (AZ); Robin Senecal, San Diego Zoo (CA); Thomas Nakayama, Robert Flaherty and Lara Kirkendall, Sacramento Zoo (CA); Stacey McCaffree, Pt. Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (WA). Renewing Institutional Members Dickerson Park Zoo, Springfield, MO Moody Gardens, Inc., Curatorial Dept., Galveston, TX New Contributing Members Lynn Johnson, Willow Street, PA A. J. Higginbottom HMS Zoo Diets, Inc., Buffton, IN Renewing Contributing Members William Hamilton, Volunteer The Philadelphia Zoo Philadelphia, PA Steve H. Taylor, Director Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Cleveland, OH John Tobias, Director, Miller Park Zoo, Bloomington, IL Need to Reach AAZK? 1-800-242-4519 (U. S.) 1-800-468-1966 (Canada) FAX: (785) 273-1980 or write AAZK, Inc. 635 S. W. Gage Blvd. Topeka, KS 66606-2066 U. S. A. Administrative Office Staff Barbara Manspeaker - Administrative Secretary Susan Chan - Managing Editor AKF Orca - Office Cat Office Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. CDT 518 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 12, 1997 Coining events The Second Biennial Zoos Committing to Conservation Conference - December 11-14, 1997 in Tampa, FL. Hosted by Busch Gardens. Topics to include program development, biodiversity issues, case reports, and the creation of a database from existing in situ programs. For further information contact: Beth Grayson at (813) 987-5548. AZA Schools - February 2-7, 1998 at Oglebay Park, Wheeling, WV. Courses include: Professional Management Development for Zoo and Aquarium Personnel, Applied Zoo and Aquarium Biology, Conservation Education Training, Principles of Elephant Management, Studbook I, Population Management, and Institutional Records Keeping. For further information contact; AZA Office of Membership Services, Oglebay Park, Wheeling, WV 26003, (304) 2160. Sixth Annual Conference of the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators - February 6-9, 1998 in Minneapolis, MN. Hosted by the Minnesota Zoological Gardens. For information contact: Joanna Eckles, Bird Show Zoologist, Minnesota Zoological Gardens, 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley, MN 55124. Phone: (612) 431-9356; or fax (612) 431-9300. 11th Non-demestic Neonatal Symposium & Poster Session - March 3, 1998 in San Diego, CA. Hosted by the San Diego Wild Animal Park and San Diego Zoo. For more information contact: Karla Michelson, Veterinary Services Dept., San Diego Wild Animal Park, 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd., Escondido, CA 92027; phone (760) 735-5530. For poster session info contact Debi Espinoza-Bylin at (760) 735-5530. 18th Biennial Pronghorn Workshop - March 23- 27, 1998. Hosted by the Arizona Game and Fish Dept., in Prescott, AZ. For information contact: 18th Biennial Pronghorn Antelope Workshop, Richard A. Ockenfels, Chair, P. O. Box 41716, Phoenix, AZ 85080-1716; Phone: (602) 789- 3379; Fax: (602) 789-3918; e-mail - rockcenfels@gf.state.az.us Animal Berhavior Society Annual Meeting - July 18-22, 1998 at Carbondale, IL. To be held at South Illinois University, along with contributed talks and posters, the meetings will include symposia on 'Spiders in Behavioral Ecological Research' and invited papers on 'Proximate and Ultimate Causation of Behavior'. Plenary speakers include Sydney Gauthreaux, Jane Brockman, and Jeff Galef. For further information contact: Lee Drickamer, Dept, of Zoology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale,IL 62901, (618) 536-2314, Drickman@zoology.siu.edu;http:// loris.cisab.indiana.edu/animal_behavior.html AZA Western Regional Conference - 11-14 March 4998 - Monterey, CA. For further information, contact Ginger Hopkins, Monterey Bay Aquarium, 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940-1085 (408)648-4925. AZA Central Regional Conference - 1-4 April 1998 - Grand Rapids, MI. For further information, contact Brenda Stringer, John Ball Zoological Society, 1300 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids, MI 49504-6100 (616) 336-4301. AZA Eastern Regional Conference - 22-25 April 1998 - Boston, MA. For further information, contact Elizabeth Coleman, New England Aquarium, Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110- 3399 (617)973-4925. THE GOURMET RODENT TM RATS AND MICE Bill & Marcia Brant 6115 SW 137th Avenue Archer. FL 32618 (352) 495-9024 FAX (352) 495-9781 e-mail: GrmtRodentQaol.com V 0 All Rights Reserved Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 12, 1997 519 ABC ^ Animal Behavior Concerns & Solutions A Question and Answer Forum for the Zoo Professional 3y Diana Guerrero, Independent Dehavior Consultant, Ark Animals of California, San Die^o, CA Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla) Evaluation, Zoo Part Two QUESTION We would like to integrate our male silverbacks {Gorilla gorilla gorilla) into a bachelor grouping. What kind of input do you have regarding this? BACKGROUND Please see Animal Keepers’ Forum, Volume 24, No. 11, 1997 As of the time this column was written, there are several bachelor groups in captivity across the USA. These groups include the following zoos: Birmingham, St. Louis, St. Paul, Zoo Atlanta, Cleveland, Memphis, Knoxville, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Walt Disney Animal Kingdom, and another is in process at Kansas City. Contacting these facilities and conducting a search for literature will assist you further in preparation to do this work. OTHER NOTES When evaluating any situation it is a good idea to consider other alternatives and motives. Back in 1990, Nicholas Gould, Editor for International Zoo News, voiced some of his concerns regarding discussions related to forming bachelor groups of gorillas. Cutting to the core issue — what do we do with the surplus of genetic material (male gorillas) created through captive breeding? Gould mentions four options: isolation, euthanasia, bachelor groups, and (perhaps someday) reintroduction. Recently Gould raised the issue of “..making the best of a bad job.” Whether or not you agree with him is not the point. As professionals it is our responsibility to be aware of all that we are doing and to be open to change. In many cases, we have had to correct some bad mistakes. This is especially true with primates, just look back at hand-rearing techniques and compare it to the current focus on responsive care and mother-rearing infants. Private institutions have some good information to share and there are many good ones. Old attitudes of “us and them” that still surface, have no place in our consciousness, especially if we are working toward the same conservation and education goals. Working together to move our profession forward, and to motivate the general public to appreciate and take action will help make a 520 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 24, No. 12, 1997 difference. These efforts are more critical than they have ever been. Currently, acquisition of semen can be done through training and manual collection rather than electro-ejaculation. Many find this distasteful, but the world moves forward anyway. Now with success in insemination and in freezing techniques (of both sperm and eggs) there are more alternatives available. Are we using these methods to the best of our ability? Are we working with primatologists from other industries to accomplish success? Recent work with an animal cryobank has alerted me to just how unique the science of reproduction is. As zoo professionals, it is going to be necessary to evolve in our management to accommodate those advances in science to enable us to manage those species in our care - especially when we begin looking at addressing sex ratio issues. So, as the zoo industry and technologies move forward, the management of species may be best directed into socially correct groups, tighter restrictions of breeding and distribution, and a focus on what each facility wants to present as their specialty or theme. We also need to ask ourselves, if a facility cannot provide the space that an animal group needs, should it house them at all? Understanding that every collection has their related struggles, my personal opinion is that we need to become specialists in managing collections of animals that have adequate space, and whose psychological, social, and physical needs are met. When considering all the needs to be met in forming a bachelor group, these items are of extreme importance. Quality collections with a specific focus is something I see as the wave of the future. When addressing special animal needs and groupings, it may indeed be making the best of a bad situation. SUGGESTED READING Gorilla Workshop Proceedings, the Gorilla Husbandry Manual, and Zoo Atlanta (standardized behavioral data collection) are other resources available to zoo personnel. Each of the papers listed below has excellent references related to this topic. Gould, N.: (1990) Editorial. International Zoo News. 37 (5): 2-3. Gould, N.: (1997) Editorial. International Zoo News. 44 (6): 326. Harcourt, A. H. (1987): Behavior of wild gorillas and their management in captivity. International Zoo Yearbook. 26: 248-255 Harcourt, A.H. (1988): Bachelor groups of gorillas in captivity: The situation in the wild. Dodo, Journal of the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust 25:54-61. Johnston-Scott, R. A. (1984): Integration and management of a group of lowland gorillas at the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust. Dodo, Journal of the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust 21:67-79. Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 12, 1997 521 Johnston-Scott, R. A. (1988): The potential for establishing bachelor groups of western lowland gorillas {Gorilla g. gorilla). Z)o(io, Journal of the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust 25:61-66. Porton, I. and White, M. (1996): Managing an all-male group of gorillas: Eight years of experience at the St. Louis Zoological Park. Paper presented at the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. Conference, Denver, CO. Robbins, M. (1992): Social relationships among an all male group of mountain gorillas. Paper presented at the Gorilla Workshop, Milwaukee County Zoo. Milwaukee, WL Yamagiwa, J. (1987): Intra and inter-group interactions of an all-male group of Virunga mountain gorillas {Gorilla gorilla heringei). Primates 28:1-30. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Thanks to all those who assisted me in this project. My special thanks to Richard Johnston-Scott, Reese Lind, Dan Wharton, Ken Gold, Ingrid Porton, Tara Stoinski, and Kristen Lukas. Next Month: Common Training Errors 101/Moving Forward Before a Behavior is Stabilized If you would like to submit a behavior question/scenario for discussion in this column, please use the guidelines published in the Aug* 1997 AKF (pg. 348-350). Requests for behavior evaluations should be sent to Diana Guerrero at Ark Animals, Inc., P. O. Box 1154, Escondido, CA 92033-1154 or directed to her e-mail address listed below. About the Author: Since 1978 Diana has been active both in the U S. and England working with zoos, private collections, an oceanarium, a marine aquarium, and other animal-related organizations involving captive wildlife. She has a broad base of animal experience involving movie & television training, zookeeping, show performances with live animals, education, behavior management, modification and enrichment, rescue and rehabilitation as well as captive breeding and management of endangered species. She is currently working as an Animal Behavior Consultant and Trainer with both exotic and domestic animals, she has authored numerous articles on animal behavior and training. If you have questions for Diana, you may contact her at 1-800-818-7387 or via the email listed below. NOTE: The Ark Animals' Website has completed the change to Electronic Magazine Format. The 'Ezine” features articles related to captive animal behavior, enrichment, conservation, and similar topics. The publisher welcomes electronically submitted articles (previously published or new work). Deadline is the 10th of the month previous to publishing. Interested parties may contact the publisher at arkabc@arkanimals.com Site address is http:! / www.arkanimalS.com 522 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 12, 1997 Quality exotic animal diets Cl Tl?! TIUI Nutritionally balanced Fixed formulation • Economical When you need a complete line of high-quality dry and frozen animal diets for your feeding program, call Animal Spectrum. NEBRASKA BRAND S V SPECTRUM BROOD-KITE HEATERS Frozen feline diets Frozen bird of prey diets Frozen canine diet Chunk and chopped horsemeat, hearts, livers, rib, shank, knuckle bones, and tailbones Banana flavored psittacine/primate, 20% protein dry Banana flavored primate. Pro-Plus 25% protein dry Leaf Eater primate dry Omnivore dry Marmoset/Tamarin dry Polar Bear dry Ratite dry Bulbless heaters— nothing to break Safe around all animals and bedding material. Even heat distribution in 240. 500, or 750 wattages. One call does It all FREE 1-800-228-4005 FAX 308-534-7015 Animal Spectrum, Inc. P.O. Box 721 North Platte, NE 69103-0721 1997 Conference Proceedings Order Information If you are interested in obtaining a copy of the Proceedings containing the papers presented at the 24th National AAZK Conference held in Houston, TX, you will need to fill out and return the form on the next page no later than 31 January 1998. All orders must be prepaid in U.S. Funds ONLY. Allow 4-6 weeks following deadline for receipt of publication. Prices are as follows: AAZK Member $25.00 Non Member $40.00 Postage for U. S. orders is included. Canadian and overseas orders should add $5.00 for Air Mail postage to Canada and Surface postage elsewhere. Overseas orders wishing Air Mail service should add $10.00. Make checks payable to AAZK, Inc. Note: Individuals who presented papers at the conference and submitted a manuscript in time for inclusion in these Proceedings will receive a gratis copy. If a manuscript was not submitted, a gratis copy will not be sent, and those individuals will need to order a copy if they want one. Cost of the Proceedings was NOT part of the Conference Registration Fee & delegates wishing a copy will need to order one. The following papers are among those included in the Proceedings: A Cooperative Recovery Program for a Vanishing Species ~ How Old Was That Pregnant Elephant? ~ Management of a Rhinoceros Medical Problem Without Behavioral Conditioning ~ Coral Propagation and Exhibition at the Pittsburgh Aqua Zoo - Environmental Enrichment for Captive Raptors in Training ~ Penguin Water Interaction for Advanced Careers Camp at Sea World of Texas ~ Project Puffin - Seabird Conservation is an Attitude ~ Reintroduction of an Infant Southern Black Rhinoceros 68 Hours Past the Current Standard Limit ~ Bowling for Rhinos/A Visit to Lewa Downs - Okapi Husbandry at White Oaks Conservation Center ~ Bowling for Rhinos Conservation Areas ~ First Class Fostering: Bald Eagle Conservation at the Salisbury Zoological Park ~ Successful Reproduction in a Small Flock of Chilean Flamingos ~ The Weaning, Socialization and Reproductive History of Caribbean Flamingos at the San Antonio Zoo ~ Displacement Aggression in Captive Long-tailed Green Magpies ~ Introduction of Female Francois Langur to an Existing Group ~ Kansas City Zoo Semen Collection in the African Elephant ~ Routine Milk Collection from Crate Conditioned Bongo at the Denver Zoo ~ Protected Contact: Beyond Elephants ~ No More Knockdowns: Indian Rhino Footcare Without Anesthetic ~ Native Wildlife Veterinary Care at the North Carolina Zoological Park ~ Physical Therapy with a Female African Lion - Injection Training of a Female Lowland Gorilla " Introduction to the World Wide Web ~ Synthesis of Zoos and Aquariums ~ Whose Beach Is It? - Ecological Habitats on a Budget ~ Red Panda Husbandry Training ~ Early Socialization of Hand-Reared Neonates at San Diego Zoo ~ Our Time is Running Out to “Save the Colobus” ~ Exhibit Use and Social Behavior of Black & White Ruffed Lemurs in a Multi-Species Lemur Exhibit - Benefits of Urine Collection in Determining Cyclic Behavior and Reproductive Success in Owl Faced Monkeys ~ The Calming of Bison During Routine Handling. These are the papers which had been submitted as of this month’s press time. We also plan to include any other papers, workshop summaries and poster session abstracts that become available to us by our publication deadline. Feel free to photocopy the form on the next page to place your order. Phone orders may be placed at 1-800-242-4519 (U. S.) or 1-800-468-1966 (Canada) when using either a Mastercard or VISA credit card. 524 Animal Keepers' Forum, VoL 24, No. 12, 1997 1997 Proceedings Order Form (Please Type or Print) I wish to order copy(s) of the 1997 Houston Conference Proceedings. # of copies X price per copy = $ Additional postage is $ (if applicable) Total payment for this order is $ Make checks or money orders payable to: AAZK, Inc. (U.S. Funds ONLY) My check is enclosed Please charge my VISA or Mastercard (please circle) Card # - - - Expiration Date: Name on card: Signature: Please mail to me at the following address: N ame : Address: City: State/Province: Country :_ Zip/Postal Code: Send this Order Form along with check, money order or payment authorizationvia credit card to: AAZK, Inc., 635 S. W. Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606-2066 U. S. A. Attn: Proceedings Ordere Must Be Received by 31 January 1993 Proceedings are only available by sending in your order form now. A very limited number of copies beyond prepaid orders will be printed. Once these are sold, complete sets of proceedings will no longer be available. After this, copies of individual papers will be available for $3.00 each. So ORDER NOW ! Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 24, No. 12, 1997 525 ^ £ /i cT r / tp jV ^ /f (^ue5ffog(78(f;\ii5KerForuM^ortkZoo Fn/essma/ot Crisis By Wiliams K. Baker, Jr., Zoo Curator Frank Buck Zoo, Gainesville, TX Question What type of safety precautions should staff members take in advance of animal restraint situations? Comments Animal restraint situations can be stressful for both the animal managers and the animals. However, this can be avoided through advance planning and the development of safety procedures specific to animal restraint situations. Animal restraint situations fall into two classes: physical and chemical, and while each situation is different from the next, it is possible to construct a few basic guidelines. Safety Precautions 1. Animal managers should plan the technical aspects of an animal restraint situation in advance. All staff members should be trained and clearly understand their individual roles. A secondary plan should also be prepared in case of problems. 2. The staff members directly involved with the restraint procedures should inspect the capture equipment prior to its use at the site and perform repairs if needed. Also, all equipment should be on site before starting the procedure. 3. Whenever possible animal(s) should be separated from the main group or herd for either physical or chemical restraint. This can be accomplished by using a shift in the nighthouse or a holdover adjacent to an exhibit. 4. Whenever possible animal(s) should be separated from a group or herd 24 hours in advance of a restraint situation. This gives an animal time to acclimate to its surroundings and reduces stress and capture myopathy. 5. In certain cases, consideration should be given to shifting a familiar “companion” animal with the animal that is to be restrained or sedated in order to reduce stress or “separation anxiety”. The companion animal is then shifted out before restraint procedure is implemented. Physical Restraint 1. Shields and control poles are recommended when working larger animals without chemical anesthesia. Leather gauntlets, nets, and eye protection should be a consideration when working with smaller animals. Also, pens, keys, and radios should be removed before working- in direct contact with animals. 2. Directed visual barriers can be utilized to great effect to move animals towards holding areas or restraint devices. 3. Physical restraint chutes can be extremely effective for controlling larger terrestrial S26 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 12, 1997 mammals such as hoofstock. Animals should be conditioned to enter restraint devices in advance of use. 4. Special attention should be given to removing objects in the restraint area, and to public and staff foot traffic in the area to prevent animal stress and impact injuries. 5. When netting smaller animals it is possible to increase “netting success” by using one zoo keeper to flush an animal, while a second zoo keeper attempts to net the animal. This reduces animal stress by decreasing capture time. Chemical Restraint 1. Always insure that the dart rifle is never pointed toward another staff member and that the antagonist is on hand for emergency situations. Personal protection gear such as gloves, goggles, or face shields are advised when prepping darts. 2. Always wear gloves when retrieving a dart that has been used in an animal sedation to avoid contamination and mark the strike zone so that it can be identified. 3. Always wear gloves when handling an animal that has been sedated. This will reduce possible chemical or zoonotic contamination. 4. Always wait until an animal is lateral to enter the animal containment area and avoid sharp noises, unnecessary movement, and minimize talking during the procedure. Avoid flash photography at all times. 5. When handling hoofstock, it is advisable to stay clear of the “strike zone” created by a lateral animal. Also, when dealing with ruminants, the animal should be placed in a sternal position to prevent aspiration. The use of a visual barrier such as a towel can reduce capture myopathy. Hoods can be effective for raptors and other small animals. Conclusion The capture and restraint of an animal need not be a traumatic experience. Through the use of planning and preparation the procedure can be accomplished with minimal difficulty. Also, it’s important to plan for the animal husbandry needs of your particular section. Whenever the opportunity presents itself, staff members should always try to record pertinent data such as body weight, temperature, physical measurements, and draw blood for analysis. Once the procedure has been completed staff members should continue animal observations in the event of capture myopathy, “re-narc”, or hierarchal fighting. Also, never, ever forget to positively identify your animal through the use of ear tags, tattoos, bands, or identifying features. NEXT MONTH: What t3^e of safety precautions should staff members take into consideration when renovating an animal exhibit or bringing a new exhibit on line? If you would like to submit a question for this column or have comments on previously published material, please send them to: Reactions/AKF, 635 S. W. Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606-2066. (About the Author: Since 1985 Bill has been active in the fields of science, zoology and wildlife management. His education and expereince include a B. S. in wildlife management and post-graduate work in zoology; Lab and Museum Assistant; Shoot Team leader, ERT Member, and Senior Keeper and Large Mammal Keeper at various AZA facilities. His area of research is crisis management in zoological institutions, which draws upon practical experience and training as a Rescue Diver, Hunter Safety Instructor, NRA Firearms Instructor, and Red Cross CPR/ First Aid Instructor.) Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 12, 1997 527 The Challenges of Caring for One of the World’s Most Intelligent Birds By Carol Fiore, Bird Keeper Sedgwick County Zoo, Wichita, KS The kea (Nestor notahilis) has been called many names including pest, clown, charmer, thief, and killer. The amount of information available about these New Zealand parrots is scarce and conflicting, and depending on the source, they are seen as likable comics or as dangerous pests. Sparks and Soper (1990), in their popular parrot book, refer to the kea as a vandal. One point is generally agreed upon; keas are incredibly intelligent and adaptable birds. They engage in elaborate play (Keller 1974, cited in Tebbich et al. 1996) and are very social creatures. The kea’s status in the wild is not certain, but in 1991 the New Zealand Department of Conservation estimated about 5,000 existed in New Zealand’s Southern Alps (Mathewson 1991). The challenges of caring for and preserving this unique bird pose special problems for zoos. To those who love the kea, he can be an endearing character. Investigating objects from cars to camping equipment to toilet paper, these ever curious birds examine everything. There have been numerous reports of keas destroying windshield wipers, car molding, antennas, and the like. Tourists are likely to tell you never to leave your vehicle unattended and never ever leave groceries inside. Diamond and Bond (1991) have suggested that the kea’s intense curiosity is due to the harsh conditions under which they live. This investigative behavior allowed Tebbich, Taborsky, and Winkler (1996) to conduct studies into the social cooperation of captive keas. At the Konrad Lorenz-Institute in Vienna, Tebbich et al. (1996) observed the behavior of captive keas with a mechanical device containing a food treat. The apparatus required one kea to operate a lever while only the kea (or keas) at the other end could receive the treat. The test showed that there is a dominance hierarchy among keas and that social manipulation does occur. Keas, because of their inquisitive nature, are very adept at operating and investigating objects. 528 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 24, No. 12, 1997 Unfortunately the kea's intelligence and ability to adapt to changing conditions have also gotten it into serious trouble with humans and have given it a reputation as a killer. As long ago as 1907 the kea was accused of killing sheep (Oliver 1955). The information has been scattered and perhaps a bit exaggerated. Certainly there have been isolated incidents of keas eating meat from dead sheep and attacking some, but there has been speculation that farmers and shepherds are only too willing to blame every death on a kea attack. The keas were never a real problem in the harsh climate of the Southern New Zealand Alps until shepherds started grazing their flocks in what had previously been kea territory, moving their herds farther and farther up the slopes. Perhaps a few keas learned that this was a potential food source and exploited it (not unlike how we as intelligent humans learn to exploit new situations). According to a source from Kanze (1992), New Zealand ornithologist Dick Jackson found no evidence of widespread sheep killing by keas, and neither did kea expert J.R. Jackson in a 30 year study (Mathewson 1991). Some farmers would like nothing more than to shoot the “pests,” but the kea gained protection in 1986. Prior to that Mathewson (1991) reports that between 1860 and 1970 at least 150,000 of the birds were killed, some by putting fiberglass insulation out for them to eat. Fortunately for the keas, they have become quite popular with tourists in recent years, and this of course helps to foster a much more favorable environment for them. In March of 1997, the Sedgwick County Zoo (SCZ) in Wichita, Kansas acquired 1.2 keas from the Honolulu Zoo. After approximately four weeks of quarantine the older female was moved to an adjoining but separate cage next to the other two in the zoo’s bird barn. The cages were laid with a laminated Formica® plastic flooring rather than having the typical wire bottoms of the other large parrot cages. The kea has very strong walking legs and our three frequently pace, so bumblefoot was a concern. Their pacing is best described as a run, hop, head twist, and swift turn. We do have some limited success in distracting them from this behavior through the use of various enrichments, mainly food treats. We sometimes give them empty grain sacks with plastic and ties removed, and they relish attention from keepers and visitors. At the SCZ we feed our birds a mixture of dog chow soaked in a finely chopped psittacine fruit mix, hard-boiled eggs (peeled), celery, kale, parrot pellets, seeds, peanuts, apple biscuits, monkey biscuits, and fresh fruit (apples, bananas, oranges, melon, etc.) Our birds particularly love kiwis and we use it as an enrichment. We occasionally give them a small bit of bird of prey diet as a treat. Tebbich et al. (1996) comment on the keas attraction towards small balls of cooked yolk and margarine. The new outdoor exhibit was recently completed, and the keas were moved in June of this year. We converted what was formally a tree kangaroo enclosure that is located in our free flight outback exhibit. Needless to say, the keas will not be free flight, but will be housed in an enclosure complete with a waterfall. The maintenance crew has been ever mindful of the lock-picking abilities of our Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 12, 1997 529 threesome in designing and building the exhibit. We do plan to leave the keas outside in the winter since they are naturally adapted to conditions even worse than our Kansas winters. The enclosure is unique and includes some unusual features. The kea enclosure has three separate units; the largest front cage is 4.98m long by 2.74 m wide (16' 4" x 8' 11"). The two smaller units are in the back and will allow us to separate the three birds. Presently the older female is separated in one of the back units (it has a small pool). The larger front enclosure has a three-tiered waterfall which flows into a pool. There are three planters on various sides of the pool, and the artificial rockwork was designed to simulate the mountainous area in which the keas live in the wild. The rocks extend outside of the enclosure on both sides and give a more realistic appearance to the exhibit. Various holes have been punched into the rocks to encourage foraging behavior, and there are two nest boxes which are entered from crevices in the rocks (keas are ground nesters). There are a total of four enrichment tubes; one tube can deliver items directly into the water. Our keas make “soup” of practically everything they are given so a basket will be installed to prevent bits of food and other items from flowing directly into the main pool for the free-flight exhibit. Recently completed outdoor Kea exhibit at Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita, KS. (Photo by Ken Fluke) Our keas look forward to seeing you at the SCZ, and we invite you to view them in their new home. No need to bring any lamb with you. 530 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 12, 1997 Acknowledgments I would like to thank Bird Curator Jon Seitz for enduring my many questions and months of pestering about the arrival date of the keas, and a special thanks to Mick Hilleary and all the people at the SCZ who worked so hard on the kea project. Another big thanks to talented photographer Ken Fluke and to Education Curator Brad Batdorf for reviewing this article. References Diamond, J. and A. B. Bond. 1991. Social behaviour and the ontogeny of foraging in the kea (Nestor notabilis). Ethology 88: 128 - 144. Kanze, E. 1992. Notes from New Zealand. Henry Holt and Company, Inc. NY. Keller, R. 1974. Das Spielverhalten des Keas (Nestor notabilis Gould) des Ztiricher Zoos. Zool. Beitr 22: 111 - 156, Mathewson, W, 1991. Coping with the “killer kea”. International Wildlife 21:36 - 37. Oliver, W. R. B. 1955. New Zealand Birds. 2nd ed. A.H. & A. W. Reed, Wellington (New Zealand). Sparks, J. and T. Soper. 1990. Parrots a Natural History. Facts on File. NY. Tebbich, S., M. Taborsky, and H. Winkler. 1996. Social manipulation causes cooperation in keas. Animal Behavior 52: 1- 10. The Birds of North America, Life Histories for the 21st Century This is what one zoo keeper says about the series: "Wow! Ornithological facts at your fingertips... This is a wonderful series and will answer many questions without searching for a dedicated textbook... An excellent piece of work." Animal Keepers' Forum, 1 997 Shouldn't your library have a copy? Flexible payment plans available. Order yours today: P.O. Box 189 7, Lawrence, KS 66044 rwalker@allenpress.com, www.acnatsci.org/bna 800-627-0629 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 12, 1997 531 Cegislative Update Compiled by Georgann Johnston Legislative Advisor Sacramento^ CA 1-800-338-7348 Bog Turtles Receive ESA Protection The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service has decided to extend protection under the Endangered Species Act to bog turtles {Clemmys muhlengergii). Currently, the turtles are found from New York and Massachusetts down to Maryland and from Virginia to Georgia. The Service has documented less than 200 sites in the northern range where the turtles can be found and only 35 of those sites have the potential for maintaining the current population into the future without intervention to protect, maintain and restore the habitat. Bog turtle populations have declined in part because they are very popular in both the national and international pet trade. The species is subject to trade restrictions under CITES but a spokesperson on behalf of the USFWS stated that a significant illegal trade in bog turtles exists. Likewise, suburban development has modified the species’ wetland habitat, resulting in a reduction of their range. Currently, most of the land supporting bog turtles is owned by private individuals and entities. The USFWS has stated that representatives from that federal agency, plus state wildlife agencies and conservation groups, will try to work with private landowners to preserve the remaining habitat. All of the 12 states in the turtle’s range already provide var3dng levels of protection to the species under state laws. Source: USFWS Press Release 4 November 1997 African Nations Fighting Rinderpest in Giraffe, Wildebeest, Other Ruminant Species The Kenya Wildlife Service in conjunction with the Pan-African Rinderpest Campaign (PARC), is attempting to gain control over a serious and growing outbreak of the disease in the ungulates of Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania. Since 1993, the Tsavo National Park in Kenya has lost 90 percent of its buffaloes to rinderpest and more than 50 percent of the park’s giraffes, wildebeests, kudus, gazelles, and antelopes. Similar losses have occurred at Kenya’s Meru National Park and the problem seems to be moving into Tanzania and possibly the Serengeti. 532 Animal Keepers’ Forum, VoL 24, No. 12, 1997 Veterinarians and epidemiologists studying the disease believe that it came from Somalia, most likely from infected domestic cattle. The disease can be eradicated in all ruminants via vaccination but nomadic cattle herders are mistrustful and suspicious of the vaccination program, believing that the government is “marking” their herds to later confiscate the animals. Education of the nomadic cattle herders as well as increased government funding for supplies and staff is the main goal of the current project. Source: Natural History Magazine October 1997 Fund Established to Support Polar Bear Research The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Fish and Wildlife Foimdation have established a fund to finance research regarding the conservation and management of polar bears in Alaska and Russia. The initial money in the fund will come from the $1,000 fee charged for a permit to import polar bear trophies from Canada under the 1994 amendments to the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The fund will be managed jointly by the Foundation and the Service’s Alaska Region. The USFWS reports that it “works with Federal, state, and international governments and organizations to coordinate measures for polar bear conservation, sustainable use, habitat protection, and to study Alaska-Chkotka (Russia) shared polar bear populations.” These entitles include the U. S. Department of State, the Marine Mammal Commission, the U. S. Geological Survey, the State of Alaska, the Alaska Nanuuq Commission, the North Slope Burrough, and the Russian Federation. The USFWS plans to use permit fees for other activities including the development of a “harvest monitoring management program” and possible surveys of bear populations. Source: USFWS Press Release 17 October 1997 Peace Park Proposed to Protect Mountain Gorillas Reuters reported 9/16 conservation groups propose the creation of a three-nation "peace park" for the Great Lakes area between Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The 150 square-mile region is home to half the world's remaining 650 mountain gorillas. Human encroachment, armed conflict and the presence of refugee camps threaten the region. The International Gorilla Conservation Program said the park's creation would serve the double purpose of conservation and conflict resolution. The IGCP cited the impact of 700,000 refugees on the border of Parc National des Cirungas, which resulted in the destruction of 58 square miles of forest cover. Source: GreenLines M70 10/2/97 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 24, No. 12, 1997 533 Information Please We would like to hear from any institutions housing African black-footed penguins that have had any problems with their chicks hatching with splay leg or other disabilities. Please contact: Audrey Adams, c/o Pueblo Zoo, 3455 Nuckolls Ave., Pueblo, CO 81005. I have a question to pose for anyone who has a similar situation and problem that we are currently experiencing on the African Veldt section of the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. We have a mixed-species exhibit of hoofstock and birds on our veldt. We also have a cheetah exhibit with only a fenceline between them and the veldt. No problems have occurred with this set-up until this year. We introduced 2.0 sable antelope (Hippotragus niger) to our veldt this season and have since formd our fenceline sliced through with a vertical motion! We would like to keep these magnificent animals on our veldt and also leave our cheetahs {Acinonyx jubatus) with 24-hour access to their exhibit. They have been kept out of this yard at night since no one is on grounds to observe an escape. Anyone with ideas to help us resolve this issue, please respond to: Renee Vachon, Assistant Supervisor/African Veldt, Fort Wa3me Children’s Zoo, 3411 Sherman Blvd., Fort Wa3me, IN 46808. The Frank Buck Zoo is inthe process of developing a Zoo Keeper Training Program amd is in need of reference materials on animal behavior, husbandry and management. If any individuals or institutions have materials they can donate, please send them to: Educational Resources, Frank Buck Zoo, Leonard Park, 1000 W. California, Gainesville, TX 76240. Fetch. . . The Seattle Times reports that a University of Washington biologist has trained a dog to sniff-out feces of endangered species. Biologist Sam Wasser re-trained a drug-sniffing dog to locate scat, which reveals information such as DNA on elusive endangered species. “I'm always thinking about how you can get more poop out of the woods,” Wasser said. “Then it hit me: dogs... [t]hey give you awesome sampling power. This could smoke everything else we're using. It could revolutionize field work.” -GREENlines Issue #343 534 Animal Keepers' Forum, VoL 24, No. 12, 1997 Bowling for Rhinos submitted by Patty Pearthree National BFR Coordinator Please send in your 1997 event money ASAP so we can include your Chapter/organization in our 1997 totals. If you are waiting on a few stray checks, send what you have and then I can always add the rest later. If you have questions about “Bowling for Rhinos” please contact: Patty Pearthree, P. O. Box 199026, Indianapolis,IN 46219-9026, call (317) 322-8723 or e-mail ppear3@aazk.ind.net. You can also get info on the AAZK Web Page - http://aazk.ind.net AAZK’s Bowling for Rhinos (BFR) fundraiser has raised over $970,000.00 since 1990, entirely through volunteer efforts. One hundred percent of all funds go directly to three areas of conservation. The first is Lewa Wildlife Conservancy (LWC) in Kenya which has grown to 65,000 acres protected with a two meter tall electric fence that is home to 20 black and 33 white rhinos along with their ecosystems. Starting in 1994, AAZK expanded its funding efforts to include Ujung Kulon National Park in Java, Indonesia which is home to the last 47 Javan rhinos on earth (with a few recently discovered in Vietnam). AAZK again expanded its efforts in 1997 to include Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park in Sumatra, Indonesia where one of the largest populations of Sumatran rhinos now live. These efforts protect ecosystems enabling the protection of hundreds of endangered plants and animals. 1996 BFR Results • 49 Chapters or institutions turned in money in 1996 with a total of $149,250.00. A total of $96,000 was sent to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, $4,000 was retained for 1997expenses, and $49,250 was sent to Ujung Kulon in 1997 from the 1996 event. • 46 Chapters or institutions have stated they are holding ‘97 events. As of 2 Nov. 1997, 39 have turned in their money with a total of $121,671.00. I estimate the total to be approximately $130,000 when all monies have been turned in. BFR 1997 Top Individual Money Raisers Thanks to everyone for the outstanding effort this year! Here are the Top Ten: 1. Janet Wiard, Oklahoma City Zoo (Oklahoma City, OK) $6,256.00 - wins trip to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya (most individual money raised in BFR history!) 2. Mary Wykstra-Ross, Hogle Zoo (Salt Lake City, UT) - $5,240.00 - wins trip Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 12, 1997 535 to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya. 3. Judyth Lessee, “Really Rhinos” - $2020.57 4. Jennifer Howard, Indianapolis Zoo (Indianapolis, IN) - $1,967.49 5. Lisa Fitzgerald, Dallas Zoo (Dallas, TX) - $1,530.00 6. Brad Range, Greater Baltimore Chapter (Balitmore, MD) - $1,385.00 7. Betty Janner, Chinook Chapter (Calgary, AB, Canada) - $937.00 8. Patty Pearthree, Indianapolis Zoo (Indianapolis,IN) - $915.00 9. Linda Strass-Buruen, Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago, IL) - $705.50 10. Paul Bermudez, Miami Metrozoo (Miami, FL) - $615.00 Top Money Raising AAZK Chapters 1. Dallas Zoo Chapter, Dallas, TX - $10,865.06 2. Chinook AAZK Chapter, Calgary Zoo - $9,535.69 3. Lincoln Park AAZK Chapter (Chicago, IL) - $8,500.00 Metro Washington Park Zoo (Portland AAZK Chapter) has raised the most since Bowling for Rhinos began with the total of $82,747.00!! 19 9 7 First Annual Bowling tow Rhinos (5 5 . Imerican Association of Zoo Keepers Rio Grande Chapter The Rio Grande AAZK Chapter would like to offer our BFR T-Shirts to all AAZK members. They are white with a black design and are available in Lg. and X-Lg. and sell for $12.50 each. If you are interested please call Rhonda Saiers at (505) 254-7833. 536 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 12, 1997 3lood Sampling in 0.2 Sornean Orangutans at the Kansas City Zoological Gardens By Beth A. Moore, Orangutan Keeper and Wm. Kirk Suedmeyer, DVM, Sr. Staff Veterinarian Kansas City Zoological Gardens, Kansas City, MO Introduction In 1993, 0.1 Bornean orangutan {Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus) at the Kansas City Zoological Gardens (KCZG) was determined to be hypothyroid. A conditioning process was developed to teach her to allow the veterinarians to routinely collect blood samples without anesthesia. The benefit of conditioning quickly became apparent and although we currently only draw blood on the two females, all four of our orangutans participate in conditioning sessions. This paper reviews the history and challenges of our blood-draw procedure. History/Methods Training sessions began in November 1993 with 0.2 Bornean orangutans named Uracca and Jill. Uracca, a wild-caught orangutan was 29 years old when the training program was initiated. Jill was captive-born, mother-raised, and 17 years old. The animals were asked to perform simple behaviors such as touching a target, and hold and let-go commands. The target was a flashlight. At first the trainer would give a verbal command such as “touch”, touch the flashlight to the animals’ hand, and present a reward. The animals soon learned the verbal command and would touch the flashlight themselves upon hearing it. Diet soda, cheese, and grapes were used as rewards. Both the orangutans learned quickly and seemed to enjoy the extra attention. Sessions were held one to two times weekly for 10-15 minutes. The orangutans were not separated during these sessions. Approximately one month later the blood sleeve was introduced. The sleeve was a 10.2cm (4”) diameter PVC pipe fitted into a collar attached to the bars of a transfer chute. An area was cut out of the pipe to allow the veterinarian access to the back of the orangutan’s hand and interdigital vein. A metal bolt was fitted through the end of the PVC that the animal was required to grasp. The target was placed at the end of the sleeve and the orangutans were asked to “target”. This necessitated the animal reaching through the sleeve in order to target. A piece of cheese or a grape was placed on the target to encourage the orangutans the first few times. Both Uracca and Jill quickly caught on and were comfortable reaching into the sleeve without the reward on the target. Their hands were then manipulated around the bolt until they learned to grasp it. Finally they learned to immediately grasp and hold the bolt upon being asked to insert their arm into the sleeve. The veterinarians were not present at Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 12, 1997 537 this time. Training was discontinued in March 1994 due to several staff changes. At the end of October 1995, more than a year later, the training program was renewed. Sessions were increased to twice daily for about 20 minutes, using juice as a reward. The juice was originally given from a squirt bottle but it was found that a bottle such as those used for ketchup worked better. Again the training began with asking the animals to target the flashlight and training progressed rapidly. By the beginning of December 1995 the blood sleeve was being used during training sessions. The decision was made to modify the sleeve by shortening it, placing it lower to the floor, and moving it to the sleeping stalls. As before, the animals were not separated during training sessions. Veterinary and keeper staff conduct a blood draw on a 0.1 Bornean orangutan at the Kansas City Zoological Gardens. (Photo: Janel Moeller) After a few days of reintroducing Jill and Uracca to the sleeve, the veterinarians began observing training sessions in order to desensitize the animals to their presence. The keepers also began pinching the animals to simulate a needle prick. The animals were then introduced to a capped needle, progressed to a blunted needle, and finally were poked lightly with an unaltered needle. Both Jill and Uracca were very tolerant of the needle and only a few sessions at each stage were necessary before the keepers could progress to the next type of needle. By the middle to the end of December, the veterinarians were able to apply a topical anesthetic and insert a needle during the training sessions. Jill never withdrew when the veterinarians began attempting blood draws. She had previously offered her shoulder to a veterinarian for an injection so probably had some history of desensitization. Uracca initially retreated when pricked 538 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 12, 1997 with a needle by the veterinarian, but could be enticed back with heavy rewards in the same session. The veterinarians were successfully able to draw blood within two weeks on Uracca, and three weeks on Jill. Current training sessions are held three times a week although it is not necessary to work with the blood sleeve more than once a week, and the veterinarians draw blood only about once a month. Jill and Uracca will both work for their usual juice reward, but special rewards such as yogurt are reserved for blood sampling sessions to ensure that it continues to be a positive experience. The veterinarians and technicians also take a few minutes at the end of each session to interact with the animals and give them treats. This ends the session on a positive note. In addition, to lessen distractions, the animals are now separated for their conditioning sessions. Considerations and Difficulties Safety Factors in Our Ape House The Ape House where the orangutans are currently kept is an older building. The stalls have bars rather than a grid t3T}e mesh. This means the orangutans can easily reach out and grab a trainer. For this reason, it is our policy to always have another trainer on hand as a “spotter” during training sessions. This individual also records which behaviors are being worked during each session. During blood sampling sessions the arm that is in the blood sleeve is lightly held in place by a trainer. Another trainer has the responsibility of rewarding the animal and watching the orangutan’s other hand. This trainer alerts the rest of the staff to any movement that maybe interpreted as dangerous or aggressive. Any inappropriate movement by the animal results in the veterinarian withdrawing. Interference from Other Animals It often became a problem that one animal would become overly curious or jealous of the attention being paid to the other. Uracca, the dominant animal, would often interfere when the keepers were working with Jill. It was not always possible to separate the animals during a training session. Because of the design of the building it would have been necessary to lock one animal in with the adult male housed there. Both females were fearful of this situation and would not transfer easily. In order to keep Uracca busy, another keeper would feed her during Jill’s conditioning session. However, having Uracca in close proximity would make Jill tense and “grabby”. She would take the flashlight and attempt to dismantle it. The trainers switched to a piece of PVC pipe that was too wide to fit trough the cage bars. The target was given to Jill to play with through the bars for an afternoon. She quickly determined that it had no “value” and became bored with it, thus alleviating the grabbing behavior. Jill has since been moved to another area of the building to be housed with a different male. Because she can now be separated for conditioning, and is the dominant animal in the new area, she is no longer tense during conditioning sessions. Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 12, 1997 539 Modifications of the Blood Sleeve The transfer chute in which the blood sleeve was originally located is the space used for the immobilizations and other medical procedures. The stress associated with this area made the orangutans reluctant to approach the sleeve. Thus the trainer had two situations to overcome at once. When training was renewed in October 1995, the blood sleeve was relocated to the sleeping stalls and now the orangutans regard it as another standard fixture. The sleeve was also placed lower to the floor to allow the orangutans to remain seated during the procedure. More recently the sleeve was modified again. The bolt was removed to allow the orangutans to reach further out to expose the superficial branches of the cephalic vein. The animals now simply grasp the end of the sleeve. Staffing Currently four to five staff members are required to accomplish a blood sample: one keeper to target the animal and position the arm; one keeper to continuously reward the animal during the procedure and watch for aggressive movement; a veterinarian to draw blood; a veterinary technician to process the blood sample during the procedure; and a person to hold and direct a supplementary light source during the procedure. This process is not likely to change in the near future and blood draws continue to be scheduled when there is enough staff on hand. Male Orangutans We are currently unable to draw blood on our adult male orangutan because his size prevents him from being able to fit his arm through the bars. Our sub- adult male is responding well to conditioning for this procedure, but it is apparent that he will soon be too large for the current set-up. We are exploring other locations in the building that might be used for these two animals. Conclusions The time and effort put into this program has been well rewarded. We are now able to easily monitor Uracca’s hypothyroidism. Once the orangutans accepted the veterinarian it was an easy step to condition them to allow hand injections as well. The veterinarians are now able to carry out more thorough and stress- free evaluations of conditions that are not serious enough to warrant immobilization. We are also exploring the possibilities of conditioning our male orangutan to allow manual semen collections. Acknowledgements Thanks to past and present Orangutan staff: John Holcomb, Susan Averil, Doug Willis, Clay Simmons, Theresa Clark, and Jennifer Shillcox. Special thanks to Heidi Fisher and Penny Cramm for their assistance with this article. Also thanks to management at KCZG, especially Jerry Matthews, Zoo Area Supervisor, for continued support and encouragement of the orangutan conditioning program. 540 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 12, 1997 Cryptosporidium at the Infant Isolation Unit By Katherine Fulkerson, Senior Keeper Infant Isolation Unit - Veterinary Services San Diego Wild Animal Park, Escondido, CA The spring of 1996 baby season was a busy one for the crew at the WAP Infant Isolation Unit. The seasonal influx of hoofstock neonates kept us at maximum capacity. A number of the neonates being hand-raised developed liquid stools. Cryptosporidium oocysts were isolated in fecal samples from four of the affected neonates. Three of the neonates with cr5q)tosporidiosis recovered, but one with concurrent infections did not. A thorough cleaning and isolation regime has thus far prevented further cases. Cryptosporidium Cryptosporidium, a protozoal parasite, is the smallest coccidian oocyst measuring between 4-5wm in diameter. Cryptosporidiosis can infect a variety of animals including mammals, birds, fish and reptiles. Infections in immunocompetent individuals are usually subclinical or self-limiting (Stewart & Soil, 1994). Immunodeficient or immunocompromised individuals and neonates are most at risk for developing clinical infections (Stewart & Soli, 1994). An infection in the gastrointestinal tract causes: hypersecretion of fluids leading to dehydration and electrolyte loss, a nonspecific inflammatory response, malabsorption and maldigestion in the small intestine, malabsorption in the large intestine, resulting diarrhea (Cohen & Snowden, 1996). Infections can also affect the pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and respiratory system. Cryptosporidia shed in the feces of infected animals are immediately infective (Cohen & Snowden, 1996). Infections have been reported in neonates as early as two days post- partum (Linklater & Smith, 1993). The oocysts can be shed two to four days before the onset of diarrhea, and are shed intermittently once diarrhea develops and up to 19 weeks after its resolution. The shedding of oocysts appears to decrease with age. Treatment More than 100 agents have been tested for treatment of cryptosporidial infections, but none have proven convincingly effective. Infections in immunodeficient animals are not easily treated and there is a high mortality rate. Infected immunocompetent animals typically recover following supportive care including supplemental fluids and a clean environment. Preventive treatments such as feeding hyper-immune or pooled bovine colostrum or administering IV plasma have not been uniformly successful. In suspected cases, multiple fecal samples should be submitted for testing in case an infected animal is not actively shedding. It is important to note that despite a positive test result, cryptosporidiosis might not be the primary disease process infecting an animal. In hand-raising situations diarrhea can be a result of simultaneously infections. A primary bacterial or viral infection could suppress the immune system of a previous immunocompetent animal predisposing it to a concurrent cryptosporidial infection. Alternatively, a primary cryptosporidial infection could predispose an animal to infection by other enteropathogens. Our Cases at IIU Four hand-raised neonates at the Infant Isolation Unit were diagnosed with cr5q)tosporidiosis in May 1996 after an outbreak of diarrhea. Positive results of Bova-S Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No 12, 1997 541 tests taken 24 hours post-partem indicated a good immune status. They all were good nursers with good weight gain and stools. In each case, loose stools followed a day or two of the animal being “off” - taking only partial bottles or being unusually fussy. The first animal, a northern gerenuk (Litocranius walleri sclateri) was nearly a month old when she developed loose stools. Two weeks later three additional animals, all between one and two weeks of age, exhibited the same symptoms: first a Central Chinese goral {Nemorhaedus goral arnouxanus); next a Turkomen markhor {Capra falconeri heptneri); and finally a Roosevelt’s gazelle {Gazella granti roosevelti). At the onset of the diarrhea each animal was offered Pedialyte® bottles offered for 24 hours to give the gut a rest, and then 50% Pedialyte®/50% formula for the following 24 hours. The gut rest and calorie deficit seemed to improve nursing. Pysllium or Kaopectate® was added to the bottles to help firm stools. Subcutaneous fluids were administered as necessary. An intermittent appetite and diarrhea continued for another week or two following the initial bout. Treatments as prescribed by the veterinarians were also administered. Of the three animals that recovered, two were placed on the antibiotic Naxcel® while another was given a single dose of Butorphanol® (GI pain relief). The gerenuk received numerous treatments during the three weeks she was sick: Butorphanol®, Banamine® (analgesic effect). Pediatric Gentamicin (antibiotic), Tagamet® (stomach acid inhibitor), IV fluids, Claforan® and Humatin® (antibiotics). Her case was complicated by behavioral problems once she became sick. She began dirt-eating and responded poorly to being isolated. Necropsy results reported that in addition to sand in her reticulum and omasum, she had a smoldering omphalophlebitis (umbilical infection). Prevention, Control & Cleaning As there is no proven effective medical treatment prevention, timely identification and control of an outbreak are crucial. There can be up to ten million immediately infective oocysts shed in one gram of feces (Linklater & Smith, 1993). These oocysts are able to survive for months in moderate environmental conditions. They are resistant to many disinfectants, even with prolonged contact. They can be killed with steam, and prolonged exposure (18 hours in the study cited) to 10% formalin, 5% ammonia and undiluted bleach (Campbell et al, 1982). Rigorous cleaning, removal of contaminated bedding and fecal material, and uncontaminated food and water are all important to decrease the oocyst load in the environment. Isolation of infected animals is important to prevent further infections. Our cleaning regime included bleaching and scrubbing stalls and replacing the dirt in outside yards followed by steam cleaning and bleaching. We also washed bottles and nipples used for infected animals in a separate bottle washing area. Two of our infected animals were isolated together, one was isolated singly, and one was isolated singly but given visual access to the group. Zoonosis Human keepers are vulnerable to infection since cryptosporidiosis is a zoonotic disease. In immunocompetent humans, infection is generally a self-limiting GI disturbance. In immunodeficient humans (which includes pregnant women) infection can develop into life-threatening diarrhea and invade other organs beside the intestine (Acha & Szyirez, 1987). In order to decrease the human health risk keepers should wear protective clothing while working with infected animals. Masks should be worn during disinfection. Fecal samples being sent for screening should be clearly marked “suspected cyrptosporidosis”. Continued on page 556 542 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 12, 1997 The Mature of tfie Beast By Patricia M. Hainley, Zoo Keeper Ellen Trout Zoo, Lufkin, TX and William K Baker, Jr, Zoologist, Lufkin, TX Introduction Webster’ s defines zoology as “the biological science that deals with animals”, but for those of us in the profession it means so much more. The field of zoology encompasses many different schools of thought, including animal management, human relations, and exhibit design. Zoology is not just a science, but rather a state of mind and a way of thinking. Personal experience has shown that it takes a certain t3^e of individual to choose and survive a career in the zoological industry. At times it seems as if zoologists should be classified as a separate species from the rest of the human race. As such, our language has developed into an independent method of communication. Many of the terms and phrases used by zoological professionals on a daily basis developed out of other fields of study and are often used in modified contexts and combinations. It has been our experience that there is no quick reference material available to the average zookeeper that effectively and completely lists such common terms and phrases. This is our effort to facilitate better communication among the professionals in our industry. TERMS AAZK - American Association of Zoo Keepers AAZV - American Association of Zoo Veterinarians Accreditation - the certification of an institution by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) ADT Form - Animal Data Transfer Form AI - artificial insemination Albinism - an inherited condition that results in total lack of pigmentation Animal Keepers’ Forum - the monthly journal of AAZK Antagonistic Species - species that are incompatible in a captive environment Anthropomorphism - to attribute human qualities and emotions to animals Antivenin - an antidote for a venomous animal bite APHIS - Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service ARKS - Animal Records Keeping System AWA - Animal Welfare Act (1970) AZA - American Zoo and Aquarium Association (formerly AAZPA) AZAD - Association of Zoo and Aquarium Docents AZH - Association of Zoological Horticulture Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 12, 1997 543 AZMA - Aquarium and Zoo Maintenance Association AZVT - Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians Bacteria - microorganisms that have the potential to cause disease Behaviorism - the psychological study of behavior Biome Exhibits - an animal exhibit that is based on a cross-section of a specific terrestrial or marine community Breach of Containment - a situation in which an animal has bypassed the primary containment of an exhibit Breeding - confirmed mating behavior Breeding Loan - the temporary loan and transfer of an animal to another zoological institution for reproductive purposes Browse - supplemental vegetation provided for enrichment or dietary purposes Browser - an animal that eats vegetation above ground level Cannibalism - a situation in which an animal feeds on others of its own kind Capture Myopathy - the physiological response that occurs as a direct result of stress during the capture and restraint of an animal Carnivore - a predatory, mostly flesh-eating animal CAZPA -Canadian Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums Catch Pole - capture and restraint equipment consisting of a pole with an adjustable snare CBSG -Captive Breeding Specialist Group CDC - Centers for Disease Control CITES - Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (1973) CMT - Crisis Management Team Communique - the monthly newsletter of the AZA Conservation - to maintain the environmental balance of a planet through the manipulation of natural resources Containment - physical barriers that hold an animal in an exhibit Contamination - to expose and infect species with a hazardous material or organism Crisis Management Situation - a situation or event that occurs in or near a zoological institution that disrupts normal operations and poses a threat to the safety of the public, staff, or animal collection Culture - the laboratory growth of microorganisms from a collected sample Dart Gun - a firearm designed to deliver chemical darts Dehydrated - a medical crisis due to lack of water Disinfect - the removal of harmful microorganisms through cleaning Docents - trained and certified zoological volunteers Dx - a term for discontinuing medical treatment of an animal Ecology - the scientific study of organisms and their relationships to the environment Ecosystem - a natural unit of interacting living and nonliving parts Ectoparasite - a parasite that lives on the surface of an animal Ectotherm - an animal whose body temperature is dependent on environmental factors; cold-blooded Elephant Hook - an elephant training tool used in free contact; also known as ankus 544 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 12, 1997 EMA - Elephant Managers Association Endoparasite - a parasite that lives inside an animal Endotherm - an animal whose body temperature is not dependent on environmental factors, but is internally regulated; warm-blooded Enrichment - any variable introduced into an animal’s environment that stimulates mental and/or physical activity Entomology - the scientific study of insects EPA - Environmental Protection Agency ‘ ERT - Emergency Response Team ESA - Endangered Species Act (1973) Estrus - the period of time when a female animal is receptive to breeding Ethology - the scientific study of animal behavior Euthanasia - to humanely terminate an animal’s life Exhibit - an animal display area Fecal Test - a laboratory test to detect internal parasites by examination of feces Feral - a domestic or wild animal that is not part of a zoological collection FIG - Fauna Interest Group (AZA) Fight or Flight - a defense mechanism in which an animal will stay and fight or flee in a stressful situation Free Contact - a t5^e of training that uses negative targets and requires trainers to come into direct physical contact with the animals Geographic Range - the area of natural distribution of an animal Gestation Period - the time from conception to birth Graphics - signage that provides information on animals and exhibits Grazer - an animal that eats vegetation at ground level Habitat - the natural home of an animal Health Certificate - a certificate signed by a veterinarian insuring animal health prior to shipment Herbivore - an animal that eats mostly plant material Heredity - traits passed from generation to generation through genetic transmission Herpetology - the scientific study of reptiles and amphibians Hierarchy - the social order of an animal group Histology - the scientific study of microscopic anatomy Home Range - the area within which an animal spends the majority of its time Horticulture - the science of cultivating plant life Hot Snakes - venomous reptiles Hyperthermia - a medical condition caused by above normal body temperature Hypothermia - a medical condition caused by below normal body temperature Ichthyology - the scientific study of fish IM - a term for administering medications; intramuscular injection IMATA - International Marine Animal Trainers Association Imprinting - the process by which an animal develops a lasting attachment to a person or object Inbreeding - the breeding of an animal with a genetically close relative Infection - a medical condition caused by exposure to a disease producing agent Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 12, 1997 545 Ingest - the intake of a foreign object or compound Insectivore - an animal that eats mostly insects ISIS - International Species Information System Jab Stick - a pole mounted chemical delivery device Knock-Down - a sedation Life Expectancy - the average length of life for a given species Life Span - the longest lives example of a species Limited Contact - a system of training that uses elements from both Free Contact and Protected Contact Mammalogy - the scientific study of mammals MEDARKS - Medical Animal Records Keeping System Melanism - a genetic aberration resulting in excessive accumulation of dark brown or black pigments in an animal’s skin and tissues Metabolic Rate - the rate at which an animal turns food into energy MMPA - Marine Mammal Protection Act (1972) Molting - the natural process by which an animal sheds and replaces its outer covering Mortality - the rate of death for a specific species or population Mustb - the period of time when a male elephant is ready to breed Mutation - a genetic deviation which can be transmitted to offspring MVP - minimum viable population Natural Selection - the process nature uses to select animals with favorable traits for survival, resulting in the production of new types and species through successive generations Necropsy - an autopsy on an animal Necrotic - dead tissue Neonate - a newborn animal Neurotic Behavior - self-destructive behavior(s) exhibited by an animal in captivity NPO - a medical term; nothing by mouth OJI - On the Job Injury Omnivore - an animal that eats plant and animal material Operant Conditioning - a method of modifying behavior using positive reinforcement Ornithology - the scientific study of birds Outbreeding - the breeding of imrelated animals to increase genetic diversity Pathogen - a disease causing organism Paturation - birth Perimeter - the outer barrier or fence line that surrounds a zoological institution PO - a term for administering medication; by mouth Primary Signs of Aggression - an animal’s innate use of verbal and non- verbal cues to communicate a highly agitated state; species specific Props - interactive physical structures placed in an animal exhibit Protected Contact - a system of training using positive reinforcement in which trainers work animals from behind protective barriers Put-Down - to euthanize QID a term for administering medication; four times a day QOD- a term for administering medication; every other day 546 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 12, 1997 Quarantine - the period of isolation that occurs before an animal is allowed to interact with the current collection Regional Exhibit - an animal exhibit that is based on a cross-section of a specific geographic region Reinforcement - a way of manipulating the frequency of an animaFs behavior Restraint - the immobilization of an animal by physical and/or chemical means SAG - Scientific Advisory Group (AZA) Sedate - to chemically immobilize an animal Septic - a medical crisis due to severe infection and/or shock SID - a term for administering medications; once a day SPARKS - Single Population Analysis and Record Keeping System Squeeze - an animal restraint structure in which the walls of the cage move inward to physically immobilize an animal SSP - Species Survival Plan (AZA) Stereotypic Behavior - frequently repeated behavior(s) by an animal in captivity due to boredom or stress Stress - an animaFs physiological response to a situation Studbook - a compilation of past and present members of a specific animal species Sub-Q - a term for administering medication; subcutaneous injection Substrate - the material covering the floor of an animal exhibit Systemic Infection - an infection that has spread through the circulatory system an animal TAG - Taxon Advisory Group (AZA) Target - a point of reference used in training Territoriality - defensive behavior exhibited over an inhabited area by an individual, mated pair, or group of animals Thermoregulation - the maintenance of a constant body temperature regardless of environmental conditions TID - a term for administering medication; three times a day Transponder - a method of animal identification in which a computer chip is inserted under the skin of an animal Trauma - a sudden physical injury or psychological shock Tx - a term for denoting medical treatment of an animal USDA - United States Department of Agriculture USDI - United States Department of the Interior USFWS - United States Fish and Wildlife Service Vaccination - administering medication to an animal wit the intent of preventing disease Vaccine - the specific medication administered in a vaccination Vector - an organism that transports a pathogen Virus - any of a variety of submicroscopic pathogens that can cause disease WCMC - Wildlife Conservation and Management Committee (AZA) Zoology - the study of animal sciences Zoological Institution - a facility that maintains a collection of animals for the purpose of conservation, education, and exhibition Zoological Society - a financial support organization associated with a specific zoological institution Zoonotic - a disease that can be transmitted between humans and animals Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 24, No. 12, 1997 547 Conclusion This is not meant to be a complete or official list of zoological terms, but rather an easy reference or quick reminder of those terms and phrases used daily by zoologists. It is a given that some of these terms may or may not apply at every zoo, and that each institution will develop its own facility-specific terminology However, by compiling this information and presenting it in a keeper-friendly form, we have attempted to give something tangible back to the industry that has given us so much! Bibliography Alberts, Jeffrey R., et al. The Dictionary of Ethology and Animal Learning. Ed. Rom Harre and Roger Lamb. Cambridge: MIT Press, 1986. Allaby, Michael., et al. The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Zoology. Ed. Michael Allaby. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1992. Steen, Edwin B. Dictionary of Biology. New York: Barnes & Noble- Harper & Row, 1971. Webster’s II New College Dictionary. Boston: Houghton-Mifflin Company, 1995. Currently Available Videotapes NEW! Now available from the Zoo Nutrition Center: training tape modules covering Basic Nutrition and Commissary Management. Basic Nutrition (5 units) covers water, energy, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. Commissary Management (2 units) covers topics such as food safety, building layout, equipment, pest control, etc. Each tape has a 15-20 minute run-time and can easily be incorporated into short meetings. Basic Nutrition - $200.00; Commissary Management - $100.00 or get both modules for $250.00. For more information, contact Dr. Wendy Graffam, ZNC, Wildlife Conservation Society, 185th and Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY 10460; (718) 220-5891; e-mail: wgraffam@wcs.org RHINO TAPE - This 19-minute video chronicles the operant conditioning training techniques used with rhino at the Rolling Hills Refuge in Salina, KS. Training program allowed animal care staff and veterinary staff to work with these rhinos for medical procedures/daily husbandry protocols without use of anesthesia. This video demonstrates the training techniques used. Copies of this video are available for $12.00 by sending your request to: Steven C. Kaup at Sunset Zoological Park, 2333 Oak St., Manhattan, KS 66502. Please make checks/money orders payable to: Sunset Zoological Park Education Fund/Rhino Training Tape. 548 Animal Keepers’ Forum, VoL 24, No. 12, 1997 Chapter ^ews piotes Cleveland Chapter This year has been busy for our Chapter. In March we held our Second Annual Reverse Raffle. We hosted about 200 people who enjoyed a pig roast and reverse raffle. This event raised $3,000.00 for the International Snow Leopard Trust. In mid- April we held our Bowling for Rhinos raising an additional $3,000.00. For Easter we sold ostrich eggs. We put a small ad in the zoo's membership publication, selling eggs for $25.00 each. The response was overwhelming! We sold 30 eggs and have had to establish a waiting list! The eggs are selling as fast as the birds are la)dng them. Special thanks to Nick Zarlinga, aquatics keeper, for fiberglassing the eggs. All the proceeds will be divided between the Lake Erie Science & Nature Center and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Endangered Species fund. Our Chapter has purchased a complete series of Zoo Books in Spanish to be donated to our zoo’s sister zoo in Meridia, Venezuela. The books will be some of the first materials for the Meridia Zoo’s emerging education program. During our June meeting we voted to donate $250.00 for sun bear education and $500.00 to a local raptor rehabilitation center for the construction of a new flight cage. We soon hope to install our ‘"homemade” coin drop in front of our rhino exhibit. Cleveland’s public transportation donated an old fair box and our maintenance department gave it an African look. Graphics will soon be in place, explaining the plight of the rhinos in the wild. We will donate all monies collected to rhino conservation programs. /EkASK A ME RIGAN ASSOCIATION o/ZOOKEEPERS Greater Cleveland C H A IP T E R Our Fall event was the Boo Cemetery. This educational event takes place at our zoo’s week-long “Boo at the Zoo”. We have made an endangered species cemetery, highlighting the endangered species in our collection. AAZK members staff the cemetery and provide the public with information on conservation. Following “Boo” we began preparations for our annual pictures with Santa which takes place during the zoo’s month-long “Holiday of Lights Festival”. This event is very time- consuming, but is a big money maker and is great public relations for our Chapter. On a personal note, our Chapter has lost two valued members, Jim Naelitz and Tracy Sorenson who have taken positions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. We wish them luck in their new endeavors. They will be greatly missed! — Cleveland AAZK Chapter Animal Keepers* Forum, Vol 24, No. 12, 1997 549 Western New York Chapter The Western New York Chapter of AAZK was pleased to co-host a presentation by Andy Lodge, coordinator of the Ngare Sergoi Support Group, with Niagara County Community College and the Buffalo Zoo Docents. Andy spoke at three different facilities to over 150 people bringing them up to date on the rhino reserve and the people in Kenya who work there. A silent auction with lots of interesting items rounded out the evening and resulted in $800.00 being raised to further conservation at the African preserve. — Western New York AAZK Roger Williams Park Zoo AAZK The Roger Williams Park Zoo AAZK Chapter recently donated funds to conservation projects in this country and overseas. A contribution of $400.00 went to the Black-Footed Ferret Recovery Program. This program is involved in population management and reintroduction of the black-footed ferret in Wyoming and in neighboring states. A contribution of $400.00 went to the Tree Kangaroo In-situ Conservation project. This project will study population status, work with the local population on land management, and train conservation biologists in Papua, New Guinea. Our AAZK Chapter has donated an additional $200.00 towards the production of tree kangaroo notecards. The proceeds from the sale of these cards go to Tree Kangaroo SSP Ex-Situ projects. These projects include the development of an updated Tree Kangaroo Husbandry Manual, and the continued research into testing and treatment of avian TB. They make the Perfect Pouch Stuffer! A pack of four notecards includes photos of Matschie’s, Doria’s and Goodfellow’s tree kangaroos. To order cards, contact Adrienne Miller, Roger Williams Park Zoo, Elmwood Ave., Providence, RI 02905 or call (401) 785- 3510, Ext. 310. — Jonathan Shine, Chapter Liaison 550 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 12, 1997 Bumet Park Zoo AZK Chapter Our Chapter has been busy this year. The activities of this Chapter have included sponsoring a keeper to the Enrichment Conference; sponsoring a speaker from Defenders of Wildlife for a presentation on wolves; providing lunches for in-house workshops; a successful Bowling for Rhinos event; selling cider during the Zoo's Zoo Boo at Halloween; and selling hot chocolate and gingerbread cookies during the Zoo's Christmas program known as Celebration at the Zoo. Our chapter has also donated funds to the World Wildlife Fund and supplies film for the Zoo's video camera. —Bernie Feldman, Chapter Liaison ^ Recharter Packets Are Coming ! All AAZK Chapters are reminded that rechartering with the Association on an annual basis is a requirement of being an AAZK Chapter. Such rechartering allows Chapters to function under the nonprofit 501(c)(3) Group Exemption tax umbrella. Recharter Packets, which will include activity and financial report forms, will be mailed from Administrative Offices the first week in January 1998. They will be due back in AAZK Administrative Offices by 1 March 1998. Chapters failing to return their recharter materials by this deadline will be assessed a late fee of $50.00 in addition to their regular recharter fee. The Recharter Packets will be sent to the attention of the Chapter President. If you need assistance in filling out the forms or have questions about the recharter process, please feel free to contact Barbara Manspeaker at Administrative Offices in Topeka. Call at 1-800-242-4519 (U. S.) or 1-800-468- 1966 (Canada). , Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 12. 1997 551 Book Review SOFTBILLS - Care. Breeding and Conservation by Martin Vince Hancock House Publishers 1431 Harrison Avenue, Blaine WA 98230-5005 Softcover, 278 pgs.. Price: $24.95 Review by Michael Davis, Animal Keeper Miller Park Zoo, Bloomington, IL SOFTBILLS - Care. Breeding, and Conservation is a comprehensive guide to the care and breeding of softbills. I would highly recommend this book for beginning avian keepers and private collectors. It would also be a good reference book for the experienced person because of the detail with which he covers softbill care. There are 45 pages of color pictures to help illustrate equipment, ideas, and birds. The first five chapters covers the various aspects of acquiring a bird, from the differences between captive-bred and wild-caught birds to types of aviaries in which to handle them. This section includes an acclimation schedule and a list of plants considered safe or not safe for use in aviaries. Chapters six and seven deal with the wide variety of dietary needs which softbills need. There are several different diets suggested and a detailed description of many minerals and vitamins are included here. The next three chapters cover breeding, incubation, and record keeping ideas and suggestions. The remainder of the first half is devoted to bird ailments. In this twenty pages the author lists symptoms, probable causes, and treatments for many bird problems. The second portion of the book is devoted to the color pictures and a section for each family of birds in the softbill category. I found the book very easy to read and will consider it a valuable part of my collection. The wide variety of suggestions and ideas all come from the author’s years of experience and are such that I think anyone who reads it will find at least one or two things they can use. The addresses for different items or products which the author uses would also be useful to any one setting up an aviary. The Last Stand: The War Between Wall Street and Main Street Over California’s Ancient Redwoods by David Harris. 1996 Sierra Club Books, 85 Second Street, San Francisco, CA 94105 (374 pp., paperback) Review by Jorie Moran (former Senior Keeper at Brookfield Zoo, Illinois) 552 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 12, 1997 Although Wall Street, junk bonds, and corporate takeovers in the 1980s are subjects that may not hold the interest of many readers, especially zookeepers. The Last Stand turns these topics into a horrifying and fascinating account of the effects of corporate lust on the environment. David Harris, the author, gives new and meaningful life to the much publicized events of the northwest’s lumber harvesting industry The Last Stand is based on interviews with the main characters, meeting notes, and legal documents. Far from being a dry archival account, Harris paints colorful pictures of flannel shirted loggers fighting for their jobs and heritage, dred-locked hippies protesting logging, and greedy tycoons of Wall Street destroying remaining virgin stands of California redwoods. The story is even more intriguing, drawing in readers, because it is the story of a small family-owned lumber company committed to sustainable harvest. For generations, the Pacific Lumber Company had logged responsibly to insure income and emplo3nnent for future generations. Texan Charles Hurwitz’s hostile takeover of Pacific Lumber and subsequent increase in logging destroyed that security. It created a three way war between loggers, environmental activists, and Hurwitz’s corporation. A car bomb, threats of spiked trees, and death threats make it a serious and potentially dangerous battle. The troops include great grandsons of the honorable Mr. Murphy who founded Pacific Lumber, far out Earth First! members who stage sit-ins while dressed like Tarzan, Australian John Campbell who turned on the company which treated him like family, Mr. Murphy’s naive widow, slick haired lawyers in expensive suits, a dedicated lawyer in cowboy boots, and family loggers who want to realize the American dream. Although The Last Stand does not describe flora and fauna of redwood forest, it does describe the role of California Department of Forestry and the proceedings that are enacted to protect species of the redwoods. It piques the readers’ interests in financial proceedings in large brokerage firms. It elicits anger at corporate greed and astonishment that corporations find legal loopholes. It creates empathy for loggers. Harris’ novel achieves and important goal in telling a story largely unheard by the public. It is important reading for policy makers and environmental studies students. In truth it would bore no one. Because The Last Stand is well written, it is easy and fascinating reading. The inside interviews with key players give it validity; however, the failure to capitalize the “s” in the genus Sequioa is distracting. Harris objectively covers the hostile takeover of an economically and ecologically responsible company and epitomizes the American tragedy of conflict between the environment and a big business. The fact that The Last Stand is non-fiction make it a compelling story. Because Hurwitz and the Pacific Lumber Company continue to appear in the news. The reader anticipates a sequel detailing who will win the war. Excepting the anger it creates toward environmentally irresponsible corporations. The Last Stand is a pleasure to read. Animal Keepers’ Forum, VoL 24, No. 12, 1997 553 Institutions wishing to advertise employment opportunities are asked to send pertinent data by the 10th of each month to: Opportunity Knocks /AKF, 635 S. W. Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66606-2066. Please include closing date for positions available and when setting these dates keep in mind that because of bulk-mail, most readers do not receive the AKF until the middle of the month or later. There is no charge for this service and fax listings of positions which become available close to deadline are accepted. Our fax is (785) 273-1980. ZOOKEEPER (HoofstocklPachyderms)..,^^!^. Park Zoo. Requires high school diploma and one year paid experience in the management of exotic hoofstock/ pachyderms. Experience with elephants in a protected contact situation preferred. Responsible for husbandry of animals, exhibit maintenance in assigned area, animal observation, medical treatment, capture/restraint and public contact. Starting salary: $23,040.00 plus excellent benefits. Submit letter of interest with detailed resume relative to the requirements and three work-related references to: Irene Wong, City of Tucson, Human Resources, P. O. Box 27210, Tucson, AZ 85726-7210 by 31 December 1997. Fax: (520) 791-4236 Phone: (520) 791-4244 Ext. 121. ZOOKEEPERIAsian Domain. ..requires good written/oral communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a tea-oriented environment. Associate’s degree in biology or related field and three years’ zoo experience preferred in the care of mammals, preferably carnivores and ungulates. A minimum of six month’s experience working elephants is required. Responsibilities will include daily care and management of a diverse collection of Asian species. Duties will include behavioral observations, record keeping, assisting in veterinary procedures, capture and restraint, exhibit maintenance and interacting with the public. Will work elephants as a back-up in a free-contact program. Salary commensurate with experience. Send resume to: Rhonda Votino, Assistant Curator of Mammals/Asian Domain, Audubon Institute, P. O. Box 4327, New Orleans, LA 70178. EOE. ZOOKEEPERIAsian Domain (second position) ,..rec\mYQ^ good written/oral communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment. Associate’s degree in biology or related field and three years' zoo experience preferred in the care of mammals, preferably carnivores and ungulates. A minimum of five years experience working elephants in free contact is required. Primary responsibilities will include daily care and management of 0.2 Asian elephants in a free-contact program. Also, will assist in the development of the program under the direction of the Assistant Curator. Other responsibilities will include assisting in carnivore/ungulate routines. Duties will include behavioral observations, record keeping, assisting in veterinary procedures, capture and restraint, exhibit maintenance and interacting with the public. Salary commensurate with experience. Send resume to address listed in ad above. ZOOKEEPER /...requires high school diploma and experience in the care/feeding/ handling of exotic animals. Experience with rhinos preferred but not required. Starting salary $9. 92/hr. plus benefits. For more information and to request an application, contact Personnel Department, 103 N. Perry, Montgomery, AL 36104; phone (313) 241-2675. INTERN SHIP, Kentucky Reptile Zoo, a nonprofit organization, is seeking a student intern for the 1998 spring, summer, and fall seasons. The zoo is an educational exhibit, reptile breeding and venom research facility located near 554 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 24, No. 12, 1997 I Kentucky’s Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge State Park. The intern will assist in the captive maintenance of the zoo’s reptile collection, collect admissions to the exhibit, give interpretive talks and interact with the public, assist with educational outreach programs, and perform other duties as assigned. In addition, the intern will be responsible for the completion of at least one research project related to the field of herpetology. The intern will not be involved in the handling of any venomous reptiles. Desirable qualifications include a willingness to handle snakes and other reptiles on a daily basis, ability to communicate effectively with people, writing skills, orientation to details, and self-motivation. Students majoring in the biological : or natural sciences are preferred. Former interns have arranged for academic credit with their colleges or universities. Benefits include experience with the most extensive and diverse collection of snakes in the area, housing, and $55/week to ■ cover expenses. Personal transportation is recommended. Starting dates are flexible, 1 1 but a minimum commitment of three (3) months covering SPRING (March-May), or I SUMMER (June- August), or FALL (September-November) is required. To apply i send a cover letter and resume to: Jim Dykes, Internship Coordinator, Kentucky Reptile Zoo, 1275 Natural Bridge Road, Slade, KY 40376. Deadlines for I applications are:: SUMMER - 1 March 1998; FALL - 1 June 1998. I CHIMPANZEE CAREGIVER.. .one full-time position. Requires two (2) years of f college-level course work, two years experience in the care of exotic animals; OR an ; J; equivalent combination of experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and ability. Primate experience a plus. Assist in the responsibility for caring for i approximately 80 chimpanzees {Pan troglodytes) in a breeding colony. Must be willing [ to make at least a two-year commitment. Excellent benefits. EOE. Applicant ' must have a negative TB skin test, negative hepatitis B surface antigen test, and j evidence of a measles booster or natural disease prior to employment. Send letter of interest (with requested salary), resume and three letters of reference to: Jo Fritz, Director, Primate Foundation of Arizona, P. O. Box 20027, Mesa, AZ 85277-0027. Position open until filled. p SENIOR KEEPERIMammals (PampaslOutback and Apes). ^requires Bachelor's I i degree in biology, wildlife management, or other related field and two years paid experience in the care and management of animals in a zoological park or aquarium. Skills in supervision of personnel required and experience with great apes preferred. Responsible for supervision required to facilitate husbandry/management of a diverse collection of mammals. Starting salary $21,510.00 with regular merit increases and excellent benefits. Offer of employment contingent upon drug test. Send cover letter/resume by 31 December 1997 to: Mike Quick, Curator of Mammals, Sedgwick County Zoo, 5555 Zoo Blvd., Wichita, KS 67212-1628. An application will be sent to you to complete and return. ASSISTANT CURATOR OF MAMMALS...principal functions include assisting the curator in planning, directing and coordinating the care, diet, record maintenance and propagation of an extensive mammal collection. Will also supervise full-time and seasonal staff and coordinate maintenance of exhibits. Requires a degree in zoology, biology or a related field with a minimum of three years experience in exotic animal care and a minimum of one year of supervisory experience. Must also have a valid driver's license. Starting salary $35,000.00 per year with benefit package. I Resumes will be accepted through 31 December 1997 and should be directed to: Nancy Foley, Director of Human Resources, The Toldeo Zoo, R O. Box 4010, Toledo, OH 43609. £ i Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 12, 1997 555 AVICULTURE INTERN „.\\m.ior. senior or graduate student with interests in avian management/zoo biology to work with our animal care staff. 10-12 weeks. Winter, spring and summer positions available. On-site housing provided. Send resume and three references to: Scott Barton, Curator,Tracy Aviary, 589 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84105. Positions open until filled. CURATOR OF BIRDS. ..requires Bachelor's degree in biology, zoology or related field; minimum of three years professional experience in a supervisory capacity in a zoo/aviary with a variety of birds. Salary: $37,000.00, plus excellent benefits. Send letter/resume to: Richard Bayer, 1513 M. MacGregor, Houston, TX 77584. KEEPERS (2)„.the Zoological Society of San Diego is seeking two qualified keeoers for the San Clemente Island Loggerhead Shrike Project. These positions are for 9- 12 months beginning January 1998. Room and board included for the five-day work week onthe island. Knowledge of artificial incubation and hand-rearing of baby birds, experience in aviculture and a degree in the Life Sciences or equivalent specialized training is preferred. Salary $13.75 per hour. Send resume or apply at San Diego Zoo/Human Resources Office/Otto Center, P. O. Box 551, San diego, CA 92112 (ATTN: San Clemente KPR #382902). Applications are accepted M-F 1:00- 4:00 p.m. Deadline is 30 December 1997. EOE. ANIMAL RECORDS ASSISTANTILIBRARIAN,„^Yoc,e^^es and maintains animal records, prepares division reports and shipping documents, coordinates animal shipments and oversees the Zoo’s sci-tech library. The qualified candidate will have a degree, three (3) years related experience and demonstrated competency in data entry and database management in a Windows environment. General knowledge of animal taxonomy, scientific nomenclature, animal husbandry and behavioral data collection, experience with animal records systems (ARKS) and/or knowledge of library science and general library experience is preferred. Internet experience helpful. Mid to high $20,000. Send letter or interest and resume to: Human Resources, The Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 West Girard Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19104. References Cited (continued frompage 542) Acha, P. N. & B. Sz3drez. 1987. Zoonoses and communicable Diseases Common to Man and Animals, second edition. Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC. Campbell, J., S. Tzipori, G. Hutchinson & K. W. Angus. 1982. Effect of Disinfectants on Survival of Cryptosporidium Oocysts. The Veterinary Record, 111:414-415. Cohen, N. D. & K. Snowden. 1996. Cryptosporidial Diarrhea in Foals. Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian, 18(3)298-305. Linklater, K. A. & M. C. Smith. 1993. Color Atlas of Diseases and Disorders of the Sheep and Goat Wolfe Publishing, Aylesbury, England. Stewart, C. G. & M. D. Soil. 1994. Cryptosporidiosis. In: Infectious Diseases of Livestock with Special Reference to Southern Afnca. Ed: J. A. W. Coetzer, G. R. Thomson and R.C. Tustin. Oxford University press. Cape Town. Please note: This article was originally presented as a poster at the annual Zoological Society of San Diego’s Neonatal Symposium in March 1997. For information on attending or presenting at the next Neonatal Symposium, please contact Karla Michelson, IIU Lead - Wild Animal Park Veterinary Services, (760) 735-5530. 556 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 24, No. 12, 1997 AAZK Membership Application check here if renewal [ ] Name _ Address City State/Province Zip U.S. Members [ I $35.00 Professional Full-time Keepers □ Canadian Members $40.00 Professional Full-time Keepers □ $30.00 AffiUate Other staff & volunteers □ $35.00 Affiliate Other staff & volunteers □ □ $30.00 Associate Those not connected with an animal facility $60.00 or up - Individuals Contributing/U.S. □ □ $35.00 Associate Those not connected with an animal facility $60 or up - Individuals Contributing/Canada □ □ $100.00 or up Institutional/U.S. Organizations / Institutions (requires Board approval) International Members $50.00 International All members outside US. & Canada regardless of category □ $100.00 or up Institutional/Canada Organizations /Institutions (requires Board approval) □ Library Only 35.00 Library Available only to public & university libraries Zoo Affiliation (if any) Zoo Address Title Work Area □ My check is enclosed (AAZK, Inc.) □ Please charge my credit card MASTERCARD Name on card - VISA Card # -Expiration date Signature Mail this application to: AAZK Administrative Offices, Topeka Zoo, 635 S. W. Gage Blvd., Topeka, ICS 66606-2066. Make checks/money orders payable to AAZK, Inc. Must be in U.S. FUNDS ONLY. Membership includes a subscription to Animal Keepers' Forum. The membership card is good for free admission to many zoos and aquariums in the U.S. and Canada. PRINTED IN U.S.A ©1997 AAZK, INC. '‘Dedicated to Professional Animal Care e o) e » mS M 5 bS ^|g|s c. S S « Sell ac as SE w * n* M HI ♦ W “O ,* lit rr 1-.. Oa ifc !«*• r* a 3 3 U3 cr a* ^ "5 — )fC O 01 4s 3 T fSj Sfl *< O S ° o — 4t o w UJ o ii o n S ® a> i~< Ht 5C m o 3> O ^ 2 -JO 5**^ >■ jn cr* -c rj tn S *43 O'- O :'1' , ■ f ' 1 ( X J HECKMAN BINDERY INC. AUG 98 -To-pfeas^ N. MANCHESTER, INDIANA 46962