.1 I 1 J :< ,v j 1 The Journal of the American Association of Zoo Keepers. Inc. JULY 2001 ANIMAL KEEPERS’ FORUM. 3601 S.W. 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614 jj.j ^ Phone: 1-800-242-4519 (U.S.) 1-800-468-1966 (Canada) FAX (785) 273-1980 J ZUUl Vol.28,No.7 Managing Editor: Susan D. Chan • Associate Editors/Enrichment Options Coordinators: Kayla Grams, Lovell, WY & Jan Roletto, Columbus Zoo • Legislative Outlook Column Coordinator: Georgann B. Johnston, Sacramento, CA. • ABC's Colunm Coordinator: Diana Guerrero, San Diego, CA • Reactions Column Coordinator: William K. Baker, Jr., Gainesville, TX • The Water Column Coordinators: Dan Conklin and Kevin Shelton, The Florida Aquarium and Bruce Elkins, Indianapolis Zoo 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., 3601 S.W. 29th Street, Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614 - attn: Barbara Manspeaker, Administrative Secretary AAZK Executive Director: Ed Hansen, AAZK, Inc., Topeka KS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Scott M. Wright, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH 44109 Jacque Blessington, Kansas City Zoological Gardens, Kansas City, MO 64132-4200 Jan Reed-Smith, John Ball Zoological Garden, Grand Rapids, Ml 49504-6100 Kevin Shelton, The Florida Aquarium, Tampa, FL 33602 Linda King, Dallas Zoo, Dallas, TX 75203 Bruce Elkins, Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis, IN 46222-0309 Ric Urban, Prospect Park Wildlife Center, Brooklyn, NY 11225-3707 President Vice President Immediate Past President COMMITTEES Nominations& Elections Chair - Sheri Leavitt, Galveston, TX Conservation. Preservation & Restoration Grants Chair - Jan Reed-Smith, John Ball Zoo Annual Conferences Coordinator - Ed Hansen, AAZK, Inc. Conference Program Chair Jeffrey Phillips, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Awards Chair - Janet McCoy, The Oregon Zoo MEMBERSHIP SERVICES L.I.N.K. System Kevin Shelton, The Florida Aquarium (Board Oversight) Asst. L.I.N.K. Coordinator Wayne Hazlett, Milwaukee County Zoo Enrichment Committee Chair -Lee Houts, Folsom City Zoo By-laws Chair - Gisela A. Wiggins, North Carolina Zoo Ethics Chair - Ric Urban, Prospect Park Wildlife Cntr. Research/Grants Chair - Jan Reed-Smith, John Ball Zoo Bowling for Rhinos Chair - Patty Pearthree, Cary, NC Marketing Resources/Development David Luce - San Diego Wild Animal Park ADTForms and EDTForms AAZK Administrative Offices/Topeka AAZK Historian Mark Levin, Philadelphia Zoo Animal Behavior Management Beth Stark, Toledo Zoo International Outreach - Jeannette Beranger, Roger Williams Park Zoo (Chair/Coordinator International Assistance); Kathy Kelly, Silver Springs, MD - Project M.A.R.C. (Making A Realistic Contribution) Website Coordinator/Editor Junior Keepers’ Forum - Diane Callaway, Omaha, NE PRESIDENTIAL ADVISORS/LIAISONS AZA Liaison Ed Hansen, AAZK Executive Director Elephant Managers Association Liaison Marie Galloway, National Zoo Zoo Registrars Association William K. Baker, Jr., Frank Buck Zoo AZAD Liaison Mary Anne Lefevre, The Phoenix Zoo CAZA Liaison Oliver Claffey, Toronto Zoo Int'l Marine Mammals Trainers Association Meg Hudson-Dye, Animal Management Resources AMAZOO Liaison Gilberto Gomez, Portland Zoo AZH Liaison Virginia Wall, North Carolina Zoo AAZK PUBLICATIONS - CONTINUING DATA COLLECTION Zoo Infant Development Project - Nell Bekiares, Cincinnati Zoo (Birds/Passerines) Biological Values for Selected Mammals. 3rd Edition - Jan Reed-Smith, John Ball Zoo AAZK Enrichment Notebook - Lee Houts, Folsom City Zoo O printed on Recycled Paper ^abte of Contents About the Cover/Information for Contributors 258 Scoops & Scuttlebutt 259 From the President 260 Coming Events 261 ABC’s Column: Training Aggression 262 - 264 Binturong Photos Sought 264 AAZK Announces New Members 265 Browse CD Available 265 Conference 2001 (Travel Information, Deadlines to Remember, Tentative Conference Schedule, Pre-/Post-Conference Trip Form, Footnotes 266 - 269 Reactions Column: Influence of personal interests on crisis management 270 - 271 Resources for Crisis Management Book - Info and Order Form 272 AAZK Book Sale 273 The Water Column: Biological Filtration Part 2 274 -■ 275 Book Review {Amphibians and Reptiles of Madagascar and the Mascarene, Seychelles, and Comoro Islands) 276 Environmental Enrichment of Yurumi (anteater) 277 ”281 Enrichment Options Column: Macaw Foraging Unit 282 - 284 Chapter News Notes 284 AAZK Enrichment Notebook - Info and Order Form 285 Legislative Update : 286 - 288 Effective Care of Orphaned Baby Elephants (Pinnewela Elephant Orphanage) 289 - 291 San Diego Zoo Offers Koala Research Opportunity 292 Pedicure for A Dragon 293 - 294 Opportunity Knocks 295 - 296 S^bout the Cover This month’s cover features “Lena”, a 0.1 Great Indian hornhill (Buceros bicornis) drawn by Susan Haddocks, a keeper in the bird department at the Audubon Nature Institute, New Orleans, LA. This is one of the largest hornbill species in the world (60” in length). They inhabit the canopy of tall evergreens and deciduous forests of Southeastern Asia. Non-breeding birds form flocks ofbetwen 6-21 individuals. Hornbills are monogamous and mated pairs may return to the same next site year after year. They have peculiar nesting habits. The female nests in hollow trees and seals herself behind a wall that she, and in some cases, her mate, build at the entrance to their tree cavity. The wall protects the young from monkeys and serpents until they are ready to leave the nest. The eyes of the hornbill look like those of a mammal because they have lids with lashes. This species of hornbill is listed as “vulnerable” due to hunting and deforestation pressures. Thanks, Susan! 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 black and white or color prints (minimum size 3” x 5” [8cm x 14cm] ) are accepted. 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 (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 AATF 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. E-Mail Addresses: You may reach Barbara Manspeaker at AAZK Administrative Offices at: aazkoffice@kscable.com< You may reach Susan Chan and Animal Keepers' Forum at: akfeditor@kscable.com< AAZK Website Address: www.aazk.org Bulletin Board Access: type “aazk” in member name box; type “Elvis” in password box. BFR Website: http://.bfr.aazk.org 258 Animal Keepers ’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 7, 2001 Scoops & Scuttlebutt 2001 Election Results Announced The following individuals have been elected to serve on the AAZK Board of Directors: Denise C. Wagner, San Diego Zoo, San Diego, CA; Bruce Elkins, Indianapolis Zoo; Robert J. Hayes, Jr., San Diego Zoo, San Diego, CA. They will serve four-year terms from the close of the 2001 AAZK Conference in Toronto to the conclusion of the 2005 National AAZK Conference. Continuing their terms on the AAZK Board of Directors are: Jan Reed-Smith, John Ball Zoological Gardens, Grand Rapids, MI; Kevin Shelton, The Florida Aquarium, Tampa, FL; and Linda King, Dallas Zoo, Dallas, TX. Diane Callaway resigned her position from the Board during the Mid-Year meeting held in March in Topeka. The Board has appointed Jacque Blessington, Kansas City Zoo, Kansas City, MO, to fulfill Diane’s unexpired term of office. Donations Acknowledged The AAZK Board of Directors and the staff of Administrative Offices would like to thank the following for their generous donations to the Association: Greater Baltimore Chapter of AAZK, Baltimore, MD, $200.00 [general operating account); and Alice Schellenberger, Ochsner Park Zoo, Baraboo, WI, $100.00 [AAZK Endowment Fund]. Dallas Zoo Offers Research Opportunity The Dallas Zoo offers a Wildlife Research Expedition (WRE) two times each year at Los Ebanos Ranchin rural Mexico as part of a study of endangered cats and raptors. These trips offer participants an opportunity to be actively involved in this research. The trip is open to 5-7 individuals and costs $ 1700.00 to cover costs from Harlingen, TX to the study site and all meals, the next trip is scheduled for 17-30 November 2001. For further information contact Todd R. Bowsher,PhD., Dallas Zoo, 650 S.RL Thornton Frwy., Dallas, TX 75203; phone (214) 670-6833. North American River Otter Husbandry Notebook. 2^ Edition Published The 2"‘‘ Edition of the North American River Otter Husbandry Notebook is now available. This updated and expanded 283 page volume contains contributions from several authors. Information is divided into 17 chapters on: Taxonomy; Distribution; Status; Identification & Description; Behavior, Social Organization & Natural History; Reproduction; Captive Management; Hand-Rearing; Feeding & Nutrition; Health Care; Behavioral & Environmental Enrichment; Training or Behavioral Modification; North American River Otters in European Institutions; Rehabilitators and Otter Resources; Websites, On-Line Education and Useful Addresses; Otter Tales and Legends; General Bibliography. This volume is available at a cost of $20.00 plus $2.50 shipping (U.S.), $5.00 (Canada), $12.00 (overseas). All funds raised will be contributed to the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Otter SSP. For additional information contact: Jan Reed-Smith, irsotter@isei~v.net or send a check made payable to John Ball Zoo Society, Attn. Otter Husbandry Notebook, John Ball Zoo, 1300 W. Fulton, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. News from the International Elephant Foundation Recently, representatives of the International Elephant Foundation conducted a two-week mission to aid the Sumatran elephant. Not only did they deliver advice and training, but had discussions with the local authorities and handed over approximately $25,000.00 worth of medical supplies. The trip was made possible by the co-sponsorship of Fauna and Flora International and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Foundation is made up of the following facilities: Fort Worth Zoo, Indianapolis Zoo, The Columbus Zoo, African Lion Safari (Ontario, Canada), Reproductive Resources/Southwest Missouri State University, Florida’s Peace River Refuge, the Ringling Bros, and Bamum & Bailey Circus, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Have Trunk Will Travel in California. For more information contact the International Elephant Foundation, P.O. Box 366, Azle, TX 76098; phone (817) 444-7381; website www.elephantconservation,org< Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 28, No. 7, 2001 259 From the President . Welcome to Summer ! I hope you all are recovering from school bus season and now are into the swing of the summer crowds. I am always amazed at the crowds of people that visit our parks and are able to enjoy all of the hard work that each one of us puts into our day. I try to get out from behind the scenes everyday and speak with the public and share some of the enjoyment that I have working with animals . I would encourage each of you to do the same . Share your knowlege and your experiences with the public, and you may be suprised how much you really do love your job. Although the AAZK Election count is not yet completed as I write this, I do believe that there is one result that I can project without much chance of being wrong. The 2003 National AAZK Conference will most likely be hosted by the Cleveland Chapter of AAZK and the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. I would like to thank the Cleveland Chapter for stepping up and offering to host the conference even though it means they are already behind in planning. To avoid the hassle of planning time cut short I would like for all chapters that may be interested in hosting the 2004 AAZK National Conference to talk about it now and please send your bid in as soon as possible. The sooner you get it in and accepted, the sooner you can look into all the great things that your chapter, zoo and or aquarium, your city, and your region of the country or the continent can offer delegates to your proposed conference. I look forward to seeing many bids for the 2004 Conference . Last month’s AKF had a letter from AAZK’s Executive Director Ed Hansen to the membership. If you read it please send him your thoughts and ideas. If you did not read it please go back and read it now. I encourage each and everyone of you to become a part of this organization and by letting your voice be heard you truely do show that you have an interest in the future of this organization. We want your opinions and ideas not your silence. Please respond. I wish you all a pleasent and productive summer. 260 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 28, No. 7, 2001 Coming Events Animal Behavior Society’s 13th Annual Meeting - 14-18 July 2001 at Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR. Plenary speakers include Eliot Brenowitz, Harry Greene and Ellen Ketterson. Symposia include “Aggression and Group Organization in Animal Societies”, “Behavioral Genetics for the Next Decade”, “Detecting and Measuring Mating Preferences”, and “Song Learning”. For further information see: http:// www.animalbehavior.org/ABS/Program, or you may contact the local hosts Andy Balustein (blaustea@bbc.orst.edu) or Lynne Houck (houck@bcc.orst.edu). Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAVJ Conference & Expo - 21-25 August 2001 in Orlando, FL. AAV has issuesd a Call for Papers for this meeting. Theme of the conference is “200| : An Avian Odyssey”. Call (303) 756-8380, fax (303) 759-8861 or submit via Internet at www.ConferenceOffice.com/aav. American Association of Zoo Veterinarians - September 18-23, 2001. Joint meeting in conjunction with the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians, the American Association of Wildlife Veterinarians and the Nutrition Advisory Group. Sessions include reptilian, avian and aquatic animal medicine, environmental activism, clinical pathology, anesthesia, behavior/escapes, megavertebrates, small mammals, nutrition, field project reports, and case reports. There will also be a poster session, veterinary student paper competitions, and workshops/wet labs. For more information contact Wilbur Amand, DVM, Executive Director/AAZV, 6 North Pennell Rd., Media, PA 19063; phone (610) 892- 4812; fax (610) 892-4813; e-mail aazv@aol.com< International AAZK Conference - 30 Sept. - 4 Oct. 2001 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. See this issue of AKF for Call for Papers, Registration/Hotel Forms, Pre- and Post-Conference Trip Details, etc. or visit the AAZK Conference website at: http://aazktoronto.tripod.com 5th International Conference on Environmental Enrichment - 4 - 9 November 200 1 at the Taronga Zoo, Australia. For further info contact: Mhawkins@zoo.nsw.gov.au Or visit http:// www.zoo.nsw.gov.au International Wildlife Rehabilitation CounciFs 24th Annual Conference -14-17 November, 200 1 in Lake Buena Vista, FL. For more information check the website at iwrc-online.org< Fourth Annual Zoos & Aquariums; Committing to Conservation Conference - 28 November to 2 December 2001 in Cocoa Beach, FL. Hosted by the Brevard Zoo, our goal is to bring field researchers and zoo personnel together in an informal setting in order to promote a greater involvement of zoos and aquariums supporting in situ work. This conference in particular will focus on a practical common-sense approach on how zoos and aquariums can become involved in supporting field research and conservation. The conference will be a mixture of sessions, panel discussions and round-tables. Conference registration fee ($175) will include sessions, some meals and social activities. Orlando Conference Committee - Schedule of Events, Papers, Abstracts, Speakers: Beth Armstrong - (321) 454-6285; Registration Chair: Michelle Smurl - (321) 254- 9453 ext. 17; Registration/Post Conference Tour: Peggy Sloan - (321) 254-9453 ext. 14; Conference Chair: Margo McKnight - (321) 254-9453 ext. 23. The Animal Behavior Management Alliance (ABMAI will be holding the 2nd Annual Conference “Enhancing Animal Welfare through Positive Reinforcement”, 26 Febmary - 2 March 2002 in San Diego, CA. This conference is hosted by the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Wild Animal Park, and Sea World San Diego. For information, contact Gary Priest at gpriest@sandiegozoo.org or at (619) 231-1515. Dgfgndgr^ qf Wildlifg Fourth National Conference - 17-20 November 2002 in Monterey, CA. Theme is Carnivores 2002: From the Mountain To The Sea. Will focus on the biology and conservation of a full range of marine and terrestrial predators. Proposals for 1 1/2 to 2 hour sessions, individual papers and posters are being accepted until 29 March, 2002. For more information or to receive a conference brochure, contact: Yvonne Borresen, Defenders of Wildlife, 1101 14thSt.,NW, Ste. 1400, Washington, DC 20005 or call (202) 789-2844, ext. 315. You can also e-mail carnivores2002@defenders. org or visit wvv^.defenders.org/camivores 2002< CK)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 C) All Rights Reserved Animal Keepers’ Forum, VoL 28, No. 7, 2001 261 ABC's A^nimal Behavior Concerns & Solutions A Question and Answer Forum for the Zoo Professional ©2001 by Diana Guerrero, Independent Behavior Consultant Ark Animals of California, San Diego, CA BEHAVIOR EVALUATION: American Zoo Educational Training Department. Training Aggression. QUESTION We are currently undergoing behavior training with some of our captive wildlife and have begun mapping out a training schedule to teach an animal to show aggressive behavior. If a naturally negative or aggressive behavior is reinforced, are we asking for trouble later on? Or is it as simple as letting the animal know that it is only good to do if asked? ANSWER This is an excellent topic for discussion. Instead of discussing any one animal or species, I thought it best to dialog about this in general. Let me stress that if you are a beginning trainer, I would be leery about having you engage in any type of training that involves dealing with, putting aggression under a discriminative stimulus or extinguishing aggression. This is something for advanced or experienced trainers; aggression is not something to play with and can result in severe injury to an animal, you the trainer, a member of the audience or another trainer. If you review the training literature you will find a vast number of articles on how to avoid aggression and how to extinguish it. This should be an indicator about where the focus and primary opinion is regarding animal aggression. Foremost in any trainer's mind is how to avoid eliciting this undesirable behavior and then how to extinguish it if it does arise. It is not a good idea to train animals to be aggressive. Nor is it a good idea to train them to show aggressive traits in order to educate the public about those behaviors. Most people cannot even identify the difference between an aggressive tail wag and a friendly tail wag in a domestic canine. Would it be vital to show them another animal's aggressive traits if they don't even know those of a companion animal encountered almost daily in some respect? You might consider using/ training play behavior since it can closely simulate aggressive activities. You could take these behaviors, educate and then safely segway into a narration about how aggressive behavior is similar without working with the aggression at all. In my view, this the most ideal situation. Imprinting and habituation to humans can often complicate training matters with any animal, especially captive wildlife. Hand-reared animals will often relate to humans as they would to another of their own species. There are many stories out there of those who thought certain behaviors would be interesting to train. I put these activities under the "trainer error" category. The trainers were often not aware of or did not identify the low-level precursors to aggressive activities nor were they familiar with the actual acts of aggression that they could encounter from the species. As a result many accidentally set up some dangerous situations. 262 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 7, 2001 So, in answer to your question: If I reinforce a naturally negative or aggressive behavior, am I asking for trouble later on? Yes, it is always a possibility. Look at the following examples. There are more but these are a few of the ones that stuck out in my mind over the years. A deer taught to wave and rear up later, due to hormonal influences, began pummeling the trainer. If you have never seen a deer attack in this manner you would be amazed at the strength and intensity behind it. Wild cats were allowed to grab and jump on trainers as cubs. When full grown this can become an issue for those not trained to be "hit" cats (cats used for fake attacks) In several cases, these cats (lions, tigers, leopards) jumped up and bit their trainer on the neck or head. These activities occurred for a variety of reasons: in response to territorial invasion, because they interpreted the trainer's activity as a threat or as support of another animal involved in an altercation. Would these events have occurred anyway? Possibly, however being an astute and safe trainer means that you naturally look forward and try to avoid getting into dangerous situations or avoid training an animal behaviors that could get it or another trainer mto trouble later down the road. Maybe you have heard about putting aggression under stimulus control? It has been done in a few select situations. However, this technique was not developed with aggression in mind. Under stimulus control the behavior frequency drops since it is now a trained behavior. The trick is you don't ask for it. So is it as simple as letting the animal know that it is only good to do if asked? No, it isn't that simple. Protection dogs are a good example of the exception to the rule. (But you won't find many more.) You must remember that wild animals are wired differently from domestic animals. Our domestic companions have been selectively bred for thousands of years in order to perform specific tasks and for their cooperation with humans. In most cases you will find that animals that have the opportunity to aggress will do so more often. There are psychological and physiological changes that occur in the prior to and during the aggressive state and they will escalate as time passes. If you talk to any trainer that has had to work an aggressive animal you will find that once an animal becomes aggressive, they will move more quickly and easily into that state. It is also very difficult to extinguish. Are you already seeing aggressive displays toward you from the animal you are interested in training? If so, then there are some other things you will need to do in order to address the situation safely. But this is a topic for another colurrm. Let me leave you with a few questions to consider: 1 . Why do you feel it is important or a good idea to train this behavior to exhibit to the public? 2. What would you be accomplishing by training this behavior in the short-term and long-term scheme of things? 3. Have you found any other trainers or facilities that have intentionally trained aggression in an animal? 4. How would this training benefit the animal? 5. Are you prepared to deal with the risks and liability that may result from your efforts to train aggressive behaviors? Animal Keepers ’ Forum, VoL 28, No. 7, 2001 263 Remember that no matter what the species you are working with, the goal is to maintain a healthy, safe and stable environment for your animals, staff and visitors. Look for other novel behaviors to train and avoid working with aggressive precursors or more escalated aggressive behaviors. About the Author: Since 1978 Diana Guerrero has worked professionally in a variety of animal facilities. She has been certified by a variety of educational organizations such as the Moorpark College Exotic Animal Training & Management Program, The Gentle Jungle Affection Animal Training School, The International Training Centre at the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Tmst in England, and program extensions with Marwell Zoological Park and Kent University. Her unique adventures with animals of all types give her unrivaled experiences and insights. Information on seminars, training, courses, animal careers and publications are available at her website: or via regular mail to ARKANIMALS.COM, P.O. Box 1 1 54, Escondido, CA 92033 USA. Binturong Photos Sought Craig Schultz, editor of the Binturong Husbandry Manual for the Small Carnivore Taxonomic Advisory Group, is seeking photographs from anyone that is interested in submitting them for publication in the Binturong Husbandry Manual. He is looking for photographs that highlight enrichment activities, husbandry training, veterinary procedures, restraint, binturongs engaging in natural behaviors, conspecific and multi -species interaction, physical descriptor photographs etc... Please submit color or black and white photographs with your name and institution on the back of the photo and a letter granting permission for the Small Carnivore TAG to use the photographs in the husbandry manual. If you would like your photographs back please include a self-addressed envelope for their return. Please mail them to: Craig Schultz Editor of the Binturong Husbandry Manual C/o Disney’s Animal Kingdom RO. Box 10000 Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830-1000 or E mail them to Craig. A. Schultz. -CO@,disney.com 264 Animal Keepers’ Forum, VoL 28, No. 7, 2001 Browse CD Available AAZK Announces New Members Amy Messbauer, New York Aquarium (NY); Carrie Castiglia, Utica Zoo (NY); James Musselwhite III and Sarah Di Fiore, Reston Zoo (VA); Gene Peacock, Zoo Atlanta (GA); Heather Banta, Yerkes Regional Primate Research Center (GA); Beebe Waldo , Wild Animal Safari (GA); Thomas Condie and William Christopher, Miami Metrozoo (FL); Jennifer L. Nappo and Stephanie G. Smith, Lion Country Safari (FL); Dawn Herndon and Diana G. Edwards, Disney’s Animal Kingdom (FL); Gary G.W. Robinson, Great Plains Zoo (SD); Janice McNemie and Kelly McBrien, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo (NE); Brandy L. McCall, Moody Gardens (TX); Melodic Meldrum, The Phoenix Zoo (AZ); Jim Lloyd, Alameda Park Zoo (NM); Marika S. Redding, Cat Tales Zoological Park(WA); James Rutkowski, Alaska Zoo (AK); and Kim Meehan, Toronto Zoo (Ontario). Renewing Contributing Members The Federation of Zoos of Britain and Ireland has just produced a CDROM of browse used in Federation Collections, together with a list of links to poisonous plant sites on the web. This database of browse use in Federation Zoos includes a web-enabled poisonous plants list. It was compiled by Amy Plowman and Ian Turner, Paignton Zoo Environmental Park for The Research Group and The Plant Group, Federation of Zoological Gardens of Great Britain and Ireland, e-mail: fedzoo@zsl.org Peter Dickinson of ZooNews Digest and Coordinator for the ZooBiology listserve had this to say about the CD: “Browse is such an important part of enrichment that a comprehensive list has been needed for some time. This is the best I have seen to date. In my experience many CD’s are a pain to navigate through. This one isn’t. It is simplicity itself to find just what you are looking for, quickly and easily. Printing out is both neat and easy. If your zoo has not yet got a copy, they should, they need one.” Fran Olson Elgin, IL Renewing Institutional Members Racine Zoo, Racine, WI Jay Christie, Executive Director The Phoenix Zoo Library Phoenix, AZ For more information, please contact: Mairead Farrell, Conservation Coordinator The Federation of Zoological Gardens of Great Britain and Ireland Zoological Gardens, Regent’s Park, London NWl 4RY United Kingdom Telephone +44 (0)20 7586 0230 Direct Dial +44 (0)20 7449 6350 Fax +44 (0)20 7722 4427 E-mail fedzoo@zsl.org Direct E-mail conservation.fedzoo@zsl.org New Institutional Members EATM Program Moorpark College Moorpark, CA Animal Keepers ’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 7, 2001 265 Conference 2001 Toronto, Ontario, CANADA Sept. 30 to Oct. 4, 2001 TRAVEL INFORMATION American Airlines is the official airline for the 2001 AAZK conference. There is a 5-10% discount depending on how early you reserve. Contact them at 1-800-433- 1790. (Quote the Authorization # A7991AQ). Air Canada is the co-official airline for the 2001 AAZK Conference. Again the discount amount depends on how early you book. Contact them at 1 -800-361 -7585 (Quote the Convention # CVOOl 141). NB: Your travel agent must enter the above numbers in the Tour Code Box. Our travel agent is Carolyn Hofauer (Harry’s wife) who negotiated these contracts for us and would be glad to assist delegates with queries or bookings. Call her at (905) 946-8077 or e-mail her at Chofaue@sears.ca. Avis is the official car rental company. They are offering special discounts to conference delegates. Call 1-800-331-1600 (Quote the special # J868962). DEADLINES TO REMEMBER August August 2T^ August Conference registration (with no late fee) Hotel reservations (at conference rate) Paper Submission 266 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 7, 2001 TENTATIVE CONFERENCE SCHEDULE Sunday September 30“* а. m... state of association/open session p.m... committee meetings 7 p.m.~l a.m... ice-breaker 9 p.m. -whenever... hospitality suite Monday October 7.30- 8-30 a.m.. .welcome breakfast 8.30- 5 p.m.. .paper sessions 7-10 p.m... workshops 9 p.m- whenever... hospitality suite Tuesday October 2"** 8.30-5 p.m.. .sessions early evening... possibly workshops 7:30 p.m... fireworks at Ontario Place 8:30 p.m-late... planned night out (dancing, etc.) 9 p.m- whatever... hospitality suite Wednesday October 3*^*^ 7.30 a.m.. .first bus leaves for zoo. 8 a.m- 10 a.m... breakfast at zoo 10 a.m-5 p.m... tour zoo/behind the scenes/workshops 7 p.m-9.30 p.m.. .silent auction 9 p.m-however... hospitality suite Thursday October 4*** 8.30 a.m-11.45 a.m... sessions 11 a.m-1 p.m.. .poster sessions 1 p.m-4.30 p.m... awards lunch/general meeting б. 30-7. 30p.m.. .cocktail hour 7 p.m.-l a.m... banquet dinner/live auction/dance 9 p.m. -Whoever... hospitality suite Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 28, No. 7, 2001 267 PRE AND POST CONFERENCE TRIP REGISTRATION FORM Name: Address: City: State/Province: Zip/Postal Code: E-mail: Institution: PRE-CONFERENCE TRIP HALIBURTON FOREST $ 1 50.00 Cdn September 28^'' and 29“' We will leave the Toronto Colony Hotel at Sam on September 28^'' and return to the hotel at 4pm on the 29“\ POST-CONFERENCE TRIP NIAGARA FALLS EXCURSION $60.00 Cdn October 5“' and 6“^ NB: Registration fee DOES NOT include cost of the hotel. You must book your own hotel room with the Days Inn Clifton Hills at (905) 358-0277. The room rate is $89 Cdn for a double room accommodating one to four people. We will leave the Toronto Colony Hotel at 9am on October 5“^ and return to the hotel at 4:30pm on the 6“'. NB: Payment is required to reserve a spot on the pre and post conference trips. Note: Details on these trips may be found in the green insert in the June 2001 issue ofAKF. Send this registration form and all fees to: Oliver Claffey, AAZK Registration Toronto Zoo, 361 A Old Finch Ave. Scarborough, Ontario, Canada MIB 5K7 For further details leave a message at (416) 392-9112, Lesya Pedden at aazk@zoo.metrotor.on.ca OR visit our website at aazktoronto.tripod.com. 268 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 28, No. 7, 2001 Conference Foot Notes.... and here s some ‘leaked’ information you may or may not wish to retain: • The CN tower (twice as tall as a giraffe, according to the logo) is the tallest freestanding structure in the world. • With three million households, Toronto is Canada’s largest city. Niagara Falls is the product of all of their toilets flushing. • If all the American delegates came armed, the Canadian army would soon surrender the entire country. There’s your 5P‘ state. • Toronto Zoo is the only zoo successfully breeding the Sasquatch. • It’s taken us since 1986 in Winnipeg to recover from a Canadian AAZK conference. Amazingly, some of the organizers of that are still knocking about. You will meet some of these ‘living fossils’ in Toronto. • Any profit raised from this conference will go to the Home for Bewildered Keepers. • The main reason we’re hosting the AAZK conference this year is BECAUSE WE’RE IDIOTS. /XmoelDas to Zeb ms AS peciGS Od IJSSGIJ Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 7, 2001 269 £ /i C r / 0 £ £ /i ^itestioiaid^ssHrFom/ortktoo Frofessioialoi Crisis ffaia^euit By William K, Bakery Jn, Curator of mammals Little Rock Zoo, Little Rock, AR Question Can personal interests, influence crisis training? Comments Without falling into the age-old argument of “nature vs. nurture”, it is human nature to be influenced by our environment and by the events of our lives. Every day our perspective, skills, and intellect is altered, influenced, or challenged by the training and practical life experience we acquire. Still, the question remains, can these events influence crisis training? With this thought in mind, let,s review several different examples Firearms, training is one of the obvious choices for review. They are an integral part of an emergency response and dangerous animal crisis management. Shooting as a recreational activity can take many forms from the basics of airgun and smallbore rifle through the more advanced skeet, trap, combat pistol matches, three gun matches, and even tactical competitions. All of which have common characteristics, which can be viewed as positive traits. These would include spatial acuity, dexterity, ergonomics, multi-tasking, not to mention the associated skill levels which leads to familiarity and confidence. The technical ability of gunsmithing is also an invaluable skill when confronted with the need for in-house or on the spot repairs of firearms. Hunting, while not politically correct, can offer a variety of applicable skills to a crisis manager. Once again, the previously mentioned traits come into play and are applicable to this particular area. In addition, the skills of stalking and the associated psychology are not to be underestimated, as they require a functional understanding of animal ethology. While, there are a number of individuals in the zoological profession that have hunting experience, there are only a handful that have dangerous animal hunting experience. Needless to say, an extremely valuable skill to have in a crisis management situation. Mountain climbing like many sports has numerous differing components including technical climbing, free climbing, rock climbing, scree running, and talus scrambling. Each of which definitely has an application within the realm of crisis management. Aside from the practical aspects of being able to climb fences and trees in a tight situation, many zoos use professional climbers to test new exhibits for escape routes. This is especially true for primate exhibits. The ability to run a 3.0 free-climb route is definitely a good skill to have in your repertoire. Enhanced dexterity is a definite plus as well. Backpacking and hiking definitely have a place in this article. Aside from the obvious health aspects and physical development, they also provide an opportunity to develop the lost art of listening and 270 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 7, 2001 patience. Being “in-tune” with nature can provide valuable insight into animal ethology in the wild. Thereby providing a wider view of animal behavior and experience for the crisis manager to draw upon. Scuba diving has long been a part of the zoological profession. From more, traditional pinniped exhibits to the truly expansive exhibits found in aquatic parks, which duplicate entire ecosystems, diving is a daily ritual for the professional. Diving like so many other technical interests requires training, patience, and skill to perform. The skill level is a function of the time dedication of an individual. In other words, you get out of it what you put into it. Basic open-water course training can allow a professional to perform the basic tasks in an aquatic environment. But, advance diver training can enhance the spectrum of environments including deep water, night, navigation, and search and recovery dives. Rescue diving provides the diver with an enhanced awareness of strengths and weaknesses in daily operations, plus the ability to not only take care of themselves, but to assist others in times of need or emergencies. Dive masters can coordinate multiple diver operations, while Instructors have the ability to teach others. Technical divers can function in a multitude of hazardous environments depending on their specialties and skill levels, which may include mixed-gas, cave, or search and recovery dives. Still, technical equipment specialty training can provide the ability to maintain and repair equipment in-house, while tank inspection courses can provide the ever-needed on-going safety maintenance. Hyperbaric chamber operators and dive medics are always a great resource in larger aquatic operations, which generate multi-diver situations in a repetitive dive profile. The skills associated with professional underwater salvage and commercial dive repair operations are an asset as well in the aquatic environment. Being able to weld on land is great, being able to weld and conduct repairs underwater is even better. Martial arts training can in rare instances become an essential skill. The most note worthy applications would be in free-contact training and animal attack situations. The martial arts provide the practitioner with enhanced coordination, dexterity, depth perception, and patience. From a free-contact animal training point of view these would be assets. While, from an animal attack point of view, they would enhance survival. And no, I am not proposing hand-to-hand combat with an animal, but rather saying that any extra cards that can be played in a crisis situation are raising your chances for safety and survival. Simply being able to move quickly and in the right direction when the time comes is a major plus when your life is in danger while working animals in captivity. In closing, I would like to remark that these thoughts should be taken in the context of increasing professional perspective or “thinking outside of the box”. Also, if it sounds to the reader that I’m tapping personal experience for this month’s column, that would be an accurate assumption. Next Month: Where can we pursue off-site crisis management training? If you would like to submit a question for this column or have comments on previously published materials, please send them to AAZK, Inc., 3601 S. W. 29th St, Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614 - 2054 Attn: Reactions/AKF (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, Large Mammal Keeper, Senior Keeper, and Zoo Curator at various zoological 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 28, No. 7, 2001 271 Resources for Crisis Management in Zoos and Other Animal Care Facilities Resources for Crisis Management in Zoos and Other Animal Care Facilities - edited by S.D. Chan, W.K. Baker, Jr. and D.L. Guerrero. ©1999 ISBN #1-929672-02-0 This reference work is an anthology of articles by authors from zoo keepers to veterinarians to zoo directors to public relations specialists. The works of 56 authors from these diverse zoological per- spectives brings together information and resources for planning a crisis management program for your facility or for augmenting an existing program. The 424-page volume includes a foreward by Sydney J. Butler, Executive Director of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association. The book’s chapters are arranged by the following subject topics: Factors That Influence Crisis Man- agement in a Zoological Setting; Developing An Emergency Preparedness Plan; Emergency Response and Crisis Management Teams; Public Relations and the Crisis Situation; Animal Restraint and Ani- mal Identification Techniques; Dealing with A Crisis Situation (Zoological Crisis, Natural Disasters, and Manmade Disasters); Injury and Death at the Zoo; and Taxon-Specific Crisis Management Pro- tocols. This important work also includes an extensive Appendix and a listing of suppliers and equip- ment vendors. AAZK has gathered the best of existing articles on crisis management and expanded the text with originally solicited materials on Zoonotic Disease: Risk Appreciation and Biosafety, Meterological Aspects of Disaster Planning, The Weapons Response to a Zoological Crisis Situation, The Process of Exhibit Design and Constmction: How It Affects Crisis Management, etc. The book includes the results of the first-ever North American Crisis Management Survey as well as Case Studies showing how zoos reacted in various crisis situations and what was learned from their expe- riences. A must for every zoo professional! To order fill out the form below and return with your payment to: AAZK, Inc,, CMR, 3601 S.W. 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka,KS 66614 U.S.A. Checks and money orders should be made payable to: “AAZK, Inc.” (U.S. FUNDS ONLY). If using a credit card, make sure to complete all re- quested information on form. Prices are: AAZK Members $45.00 Non Members $60.00. Prices include domestic Book Rate Postage, Orders outside the continental U. S. should add $15.00 for parcel post surface shipping. Crisis Management Book Order Form I wish to order copy (ies) of Crisis Management Resources (Please Circle) Name: AAZK Member Non Member Address: City: State/Province: Zin/Postal Code: Country: I wish to pay by: (Please circle) Credit Card# Check/money order MasterCard Expiration Date: VISA Name as it appears on credit card (please print) Signature: TOTAL ENCLOSED $ This Form may be photocopied to facilitate order. Credit card orders may be placed by calling 1-800-242-4519 (US) or 1-800-468-1966 (Canada) 272 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 7, 2001 AAZK Book Solo Sale price is 20% off the Suggested Price Previous books may still be available, with some price increases Sugg.S Sale S Item Title/Description $30.00 $24.00 $25.00 $20.00 $39.95 $31.96 $29.95 $23.96 $12.00 $9.60 $13.00 $10.40 $59.95 $47.96 Track of the Tiger: Legend and Lore of the Great Cat - Maurice Homocker, Editor - Follow the lives of tigers through steamy dense jungles and high mountain forests as they hunt, play and care for their young. A powerful state- ment for the preservation of these magnificent creatures. Full-color photo graphs. 120 pgs. Hardcover. A Primate’s Memoir - Robert M. Sapolsky - This non-traditional account of the author’s baboon reseaerch is the culmination of over two decades of experience in the field. The author’s primary observations study the relation- ship between stress and disease in a baboon troop in Kenya. “An original and insightful memoir.” 304 pgs. Hardcover. Behavioral Ecology of Tropical Birds - Bridget J.M. Stutchbury & Eugene S. Morton - This book illustrates where, how and why tropical birds are so different from temperate birds. It examines behavioral adaptations in regards to life history, mating, parental care, territoriality, and communication. 179 pgs., B&W illustrations and tables. Paperback. Turtles of the World - Carl H. Ernst & Roger W. Barbour - Presented in logical and systematic order, this book discusses each family separately with keys to genra and species. It summarizes the classification of every known turtle species, including descriptions and illustrations of anatomy, origin, reproduction and ecological information. 3 14 pgs., full color and B&W photographs, maps. Paperback. Last Chance to See - Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - follow the authors on an around the world odyssey in search of exotic endangered creatures. From the Komodo dragon of Indonesia to the white rhinos of Zaire. What they will find will amuse, fascinate and touch you. 218 pgs., color photographs. Paperback. A Natural History of Parenting. A Naturalist Looks at Parenting in the Animal World and Ours - Susan Allport - This book explores maternal and paternal instincts among a broad range of species in their natural world, brilliantly extrapolating to human parenting behavior. 238 pgs., B&W illustrations. Paperback. Ecology and Management of the Wood Duck - Frank C. Bellrose & Daniel J. Holm - THE reference volume on wood ducks from the leading experts in the field. 624 pgs., 400 photographs (170 in color), 131 figures, 8 color maps, 1 1 appendices, 1400 references, and a glossary. Hardcover. To Order: List the items you are ordering along with your name and complete mailing address. Include a shipping fee of $3.00 for the first item and $2.00 for each additional item. Checks payable to: “AAZK Book Sale” (U.S. Funds Only - No Cash or COD’s, please). Outside the continental United States please call, write, e-mail, or fax your request before sending any money; we will help to find the best form of shipment and lowest shipping fees. Mail requests to: AAZK Beardsley Chapter, Attn: Linda Tomas, 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06610-1600 USA; Phone (203) 394-6563; Fax (203) 394-6566; e-mail - beardsleyz@aol.com Animal Keepers ’ Forum, VoL 28, No. 7, 2001 273 By Dan Conklin, Senior Biologist, Florida Aquarium Bruce Elkins, Curator of Waters, Indianapolis Zoo Kevin Shelton, Associate Curator, Florida Aquarium Biological filtration Part 2 Last month I talked about the process of biological filtration and how it works. This month, I would like to give a quick recap and then discuss the practical applications of different types of biological filters. Biological filtration is the a natural process (Nitrogen Cycle) by which fish waste, leftover food, and other organic wastes are converted from strongly toxic ammonia (NH ) to the relatively nontoxic nitrate (NO ). There are two species of bacteria involved. Nitrosomas^oxidizes ammonia to nitrite (NO ). While nitrite is less toxic than ammonia it is still very unhealthy for a system. Nitrite is then used^as an energy source by Nitrobactor bacteria, which oxidizes it to nitrate (NO ). Nitrate is the least toxic of the primary nitrogen compounds in the Nitrogen cycle. Nitrates are 6ien removed by water changes, algae or plant growth, and occasionally denitrifying filters. So what makes up a biological filter? Well, in simplest terms, a biological filter is any surface that bacteria can grow on that has a supply of oxygen rich, ammoniated water flowing over it. This can be the walls of a tank, the gravel in the tank, or a dedicated filter mechanism. The most common biological filter in use for small tanks is the undergravel filter. An undergravel filter is a device that creates a space under the gravel (hence the name) in an aquarium. It has a plastic plate that covers the bottom of a tank. Vertical tubes penetrate the plate to allow water flow. Water is pulled up through the tubes from under the gravel forcing water to flow down through the gravel. The gravel acts as the surface for the bacteria to grow on. It also doubles as a mechanical filter, catching any detritus in the water. An airlift, powerhead, or other type of pump is used to facilitate water movement. I have always preferred an airlift due to its simplicity and added oxygenation. Another simple form of biological filter is the filter sponge. The filter sponge is a sponge with a plastic disk mounted in its center. The disk has a slot around it facing into the sponge and a tube mounted vertically for an airlift. Sponge filters are totally submerged into the aquarium. The airlift tube is connected to the slot and when air is pumped into the tube, water is pulled through the sponge, into the slot and up the tube with the air. The sponge surface is now the substrate for the bacteria to grow. Sponge filters are true workhorses for holding systems. They function as mechanical filters and can be used in otherwise bare tanks. Sponge filters can also be used to seed new tanks. After allowing a filter to be colonized by bacteria from a healthy tank it can be moved to a new tank to give it a jump-start on the break-in period. We frequently will also use sponge filters in hospital and quarantine tanks as well. They are very inexpensive (< $5.00) and can be thrown out when the medical treatment period is over. A variation on the sponge filter is the box filter with filter floss. The box filter is a plastic box filled with floss which has an air lift tube running almost to its bottom inside. Generally the top is perforated to allow water to flow into the box when the airlift is running. Most people tend to think of box filters as mechanieal filters only, but the floss inside makes an excellence bacteria substrate. 274 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 7, 2001 One note on sponge, box, and undergravel filters; since all will also act as mechanical filters as well as biological, they will need to be periodically cleaned. When cleaning you will want to remove the detritus without killing the bacteria also. With the sponge filter it is best to move it into a bucket of clean water and gently squeeze it till it is clean. For box filters change out only the dirty floss (instead of all) or better yet use the same method as for the sponge filters. With the floss of course since squeezing the box will only lead to a trip to the store to replace the filter you just broke! Undergravel filters should be hydro cleaned (a special siphon used to clean gravel) but not taken apart completely since that will kill your bacteria colony as well. A type of filter specially designed for biological filtration is the wet/dry bio filter or trickle filter. The trickle filter works to optimize the amount of oxygen and surface area available for bacteria growth. This filter is not meant to double as a mechanical filter so the problems of cleaning discussed above do not apply. (It also helps to reduce the maintenance of the filter, a real benefit to the busy keeper). In general, it consists of a watertight box filled with an inert rnedia. Water is then sprayed over the top of the media and cleaned water removed from the bottom of the box. The water is maintained at a level that does not cover the media but does keep air from being pumped out with the clean water. Looking at the individual pieces: The box is to keep water from running just all over the place. The inert media provides the surface area for the bacteria to grow on. Numerous types of media are available commercially. They range from biorings (which look like hair curlers) to ceramic tubes. All try to maximize surface area while minimizing total volume and still maintaining good water flow. They also should not load up with detritus. In simple terms, how much surface area can we get in the smallest space? Your choice for media should be based on getting the most surface you can afford. More surface, more bacteria possible. If you are working on a real shoestring budget, I have even seen cut up plastic soda straws and PVC shavings used effectively. Water is sprayed over the media to increase the oxygen dissolved in the water and to wet as much of the media as possible. The media is keep above water level so water will flow down the media in thin streams which increase gas exchange helping promote the biological activity. A second type of dedicated biological filter is the fluidized bed filter. This filter consists of a closed tube filled with a fine grain media, such as silica sand. Water or water and air are pumped up through the sand causing it to lift and stir. The stirring sand provides a large amount of surface area for bacteria growth. Fluidized beds have the benefit of very low maintenance. One last type of filter I would like to mention is not a “true biofilter” but may be one of the better options for nitrogen waste removal in marine systems. This is the protein skimmer or foam fractionator. The protein skimmer removes organic waste by binding it in the foam they create. This foam is then skimmed away and the organics removed before they can convert to ammonia. While the protein skimmer maybe very effective at removing most organics they still do not eliminate the need for a biofilter. We will discuss protein skimmers, in depth in a later issue. Next month: More practical applications of biofiltration. Each month we will also be answering a few questions from you. We will try to pick questions that are pertinent to that month's topic. We also welcome feedback from the readers. Questions and comments can be submitted to us by email at: Dan: dconklin@flaquarium.org/ Kevin: kshelton@flaquarium.org/ Bruce: belkins@indyzoo.com/ Or by mail at: Kevin Shelton,The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 28, No. 7, 2001 275 Book Amphibians and Reptiles of Madagascar and the Mascarene, Seychelles, and Comoro Islands By Friedrich-Wilhelm Henkel and Wolfgang Schmidt - 2000 Kreiger Publishing Company, RO. Box 9542 Melbourne, Florida 32950 324 pgs. $64.50 Review By Sandra C. Wilson, DVM, MS Veterinarian, Sedgwick County Zoo, Wichita, KS As stated in the preface, the authors have attempted to write a book that would be of interest to naturalists, herpetologists, and hobbyists, and also provide enough detailed information to be useful in field identification. The authors have certainly succeeded in attaining this goal with the publication of this book. The pictures are exceptional, and the text clearly laid out, to allow the reader to quickly locate the needed information. The introduction includes a concise description of the topography, climate, vegetation and fauna of Madagascar and the islands, beautifully depicted in photographs and maps. The impact of deforestation and grazing by livestock on the fragile ecosystem is discussed. The majority of the text is devoted to species accounts, organized by family. Each account includes a color photograph, and a description of the type locality, distribution, habitat, size, distinguishing features, biology and vivarium care. The paucity of common names might be a minor annoyance to the hobbyist. Following the species accounts is a brief description of selected national parks and reserves in Madagascar, as well as a checklist of the herpetofauna found in the areas covered by this book. This text was originally published in German in 1995; the publishers have updated the taxonomy, listing both old and new versions, with cross-referencing in the index. Anyone even faintly interested in herpetology will find this book enjoyable for browsing or serious reading. Anyone traveling to Madagascar or the islands would certainly want to have this reference to take along. 276 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 28, No. 7, 2001 Environmental Enrichment: Yurumi (Mynnecophaga tridactyla) By Rocio Zabala, Biology Student Environmental Enrichment Area Buenos Aires Zoo Buenos Aires, Argentina Yurumi or Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is a mammal belonging to the Endentata and is the only member of this group having no teeth. It is one of our native species in Argentina and is on the borderline of extinction here because of loss of its natural habitat. It is listed in CITES Appendix II. The Buenos Aires Zoo exhibits three specimens of this species. During May of 2000 we decided to implement an enrichment program for the anteaters. We chose one solitary male that lives in an enclosure of approximately 300 sq. m. (3239 sq. ft.) with a shape very similar to a half moon (see Fig. 1). The main objective was to try and create a challenge to the animal in obtaining its food and thus facilitate the display of some of the natural behaviors of this species. We also hoped to physically and psychologically stimulate the animal Fig. 1 - Location of anthill in exhibit Front of enclosure To achieve these objectives, we constructed a giant anthill or tacurundu, a typical element found in the natural Argentinian habitat of this species. The anthill would replace the current exhibit feeder, a steel plate measuring Im x 0.5m x 0.35m (3.3ft. x 1.6ft. x Lift.) Constructing the Anthill A conical and irregular structure was made measuring about 1 .5m in length and Im in diameter. The material used for the framework was flexible bamboo stems of 3cm diameter (1.18 in.) (see Fig. 2). Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 28, No. 7, 2001 277 Three carton tubes measuring between 25-40cm in length (9.8in-15.75 in.) were attached to the framework. Leaves of com were used as a cover to where the food was put inside the carton tubes. The entire stmcture was covered with cardboard egg cartons and fixed together with sisal thread. See Fig. 3) Fig. 2 - Anthill Framework Fig. 3 - Egg Carton Covering Approximately 40kg (88 lbs.) of clay was then plastered over the framework in a irregular coat of about 3cm (1.18 in.) The irregular surface of the cardboard egg cartons allowed the clay to be molded to the frame. We did not apply any clay in the area where the three eating holes were left open. (See Fig. 4). Fig. 4 - Clay covering is applied to anthill frame (Photo by Leandro Barrios) 278 Animal Keepers' Forum, VoL 28, No. 7, 2001 The artificial anthill was left to dry in the open air for three days and was then put inside the anteater enclosure, in an area where the animal was not previously active. Apart of an old, dead tree was used as support and the base was shored up with earth, (see Fig. 5). Then the keepers put a portion of the daily diet inside the new anthill feeder (see Fig. 6) Fig. 5 - Setting up the Anthill in the exhibit (Photo by Leandro Barrios) Fig. 6 - Filling the feeder tubes with anteater diet (Photo by Leandro Barrios) Conclusion The animal was stimulated by this new device to display some typical activities of this species such as looking for food inside the anthill, using his claws, and assuming the characteristic posture to get at the food (standing up on his hindlimbs and using his claws to open the nest) (see Fig. 7). The animal’s behavior noticably changed, showing a decrease in stereotypic movements. Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 7, 2001 279 Fig. 7-1.0 Anteater feeding from the artificial anthill constructed by staff at the Buenos Aires Zoo. (Photo by Leandro Barrios) The materials were resistent to damage, the bamboo stems supported the weight of the clay, and the animal and its clay “anthill” gave a very naturalistic aspect to the exhibit. This endeavor was a pilot effort, considering that the animal is old, there had been an absence of any enrichment for years, and we had little experience with endentata. Due to the uncertain outcome of this first effort, this enrichment device was made with recycled and very cheap materials. The suggestion is that the anthill should be made of more permanent materials such as a steel base, use of synthetic material in place of the egg cartons, and concrete instead of clay. The concrete exterior would be finished in a natural looking manner in both color and texture. Having this artificial anthill in the anteater exhibit also shows our visitors how this animal looks for its food, gives the enclosure a more naturalistic appearance and so is both aesthetically and educationally effective. Bibliography Chebez, Juan Carlos. Los que se van. Ed. Albatros. 1999 Dotmunt Zoo, Intemacionales Zuchtbuch Fur den Groben Ameisenbaren Mvrmecophaga tridactvla. register and Studbook 1997-1998. Flint, Michael. Estandares de Zoologicos para el mantenimiento de Xenarthrans fEndeados) en cautividad. North American Regional Studbook for Giant Anteater, Myrmecophaga tridactyla for Reid Park Zoo. Tucson, Arizona. Published 1 September 1992. 280 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 28, No. 7, 2001 Libro de resumenes, XII Jomadas Argentinas de Mastozoologia. Puerto Iguazu, Misiones, Argentina. 1998. Gil, Guillermo, Terroba, Ariel, “Que especies miramos?, Mamiferos de valor especial de los Parques Nacionales del Noroeste Argentine” Hernandez, Marcela, Fernandez, Francisco, “Efectos de la Quimosina sobre la leche del Myrmechophaga tridactyla” Valle Jerez, Sara del, “Patrones de crecimiento y pautas de independizacion en un juvenil de Myrmechophaga tridactyla” Mares, Michael. Guia de mamiferos de Salta. Argentina First Editiron 1989. University of Oklahoma Press. Merret, P.K., Edentates, Provect for City and Guilds Animal Management Course. Published 1983. Nowak. Ronald. Walker’s Mammals of the World. Fifth Edition, Vol. II. London 1991. El gran libro de la naturaleza argentina. fasc. 2 y 6, revista Gente, Editorial atlantida SA, Buenos Aires, Argentina 1993. Sassaroli, J.C., “El yurumi, historia y alimentacion”, Isondu Anteater Environmental Enrichment Group Rocio Zabala, Coordinator Ruben Moine, Anteater Keeper Observations: Valeria Botte Dolores Claps Jimena Alonso Leandro Barrios, Chief of Environmental Enrichment Area General Support: Santiago Santoandre Marcia Saban Juliana Rosa Fernando Veron Patricia Deptala Marcela Liliana Diaz, V.M., Head of Environmental Enrichment Area Acknowledgement: The author would like to thank the following - Nadia Boscarol, Bio. Manager; Luis Jacome, Bio., Chief of Biology; Margarita Mas, V.M., Chief of Veterinary Department; Enrique Resting, Veterinary Assistant; Daniel Bonada, Chief of Keepers; Keeper Area; Guillermo Perez Gimeno, Med. Vet. Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 28, No. 7, 2001 281 HMBNT^ TIONS jf ^i^Behuvioral Enrlchmcn ,Av Activity ManipuJation Occupittoxul Husbandry By Kayla Grams, USGS, Lovell, WY and Jan Roletto, Columbus Zoo S?' Species Specific Fomqinq Uni t for Bl ue an d Gold M acaws (A PQ ararauna. By Andrea Kingsbury, Zoo Keeper York s Animnal Kingdom, York, ME The goal of our staff at York’s Wild Kingdom in Maine is to maximize the foraging time of all the animals under our care through enrichment. This is important because animals in the wild may spend up to 80% of their daily activity time foraging. Competition for food has driven evolutionary processes to yield extremely diverse niche specific foragers. It makes sense, then, to utilize species specific foraging devices that allow an animal in captivity to maintain levels of foraging time similar to those seen in the wild. For five years the various hookbills (psittacines) at our zoo have had the opportunity to use foraging units manufactured specifically to meet their daily foraging requirements (courtesy of Fauna-Tek). The goal is to test the effectiveness of these units on different birds to determine if the foraging units do increase foraging time compared to open dish feedings, providing an optimal enrichment opportunity for the hookbills. This was tested by comparing the time it would take a psittacine to fill its crop from an open dish to the time it would take to fill its crop from a species specific foraging unit. The crop is an expanded sac-like section of the esophagus used to store food before digestion. Birds swallow small pebbles and sand that lodge in their crop where they remain to assist in grind- ing grain and seed (Randall et al., 1998). Psittacines may fill their crop an average of 4-6 times per day. It is important to note that psittacines may not fill their crop completely at every feeding. One of our Blue and Gold macaws (Ara Macao) was given a stainless steel dish full of sunflower seeds near his perch. He Figure 1 - Large hookbill foraging unit showing two spinning disks (two more on opposite sides), three slidingdrawers, and three threaded pegs. (Photo by Matt Holbrook) 282 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 7, 2001 was then timed from the moment he started taking the seeds until he finished filling his crop. The entire time he spent collecting seeds from the dish was 16 minutes. The crop was estimated to be full when the macaw stopped actively accumulating seeds from his dish. On the day following the first observation, the same macaw was given a species specific foraging unit with sunflower seeds placed only in the four chambers concealed by the rotating disks (Figure 1 ). The unit was hung from the top of the enclosure within reach of the macaw’s perch. It took the macaw 50 minutes to fill his crop. The increased time spent foraging was generated by the complexity of the unit. Previously, the macaw had learned how to manipulate the spinning disks with his beak and prehensile tongue so the disks align with the hole in the chambered unit containing seeds (Figure 2). By positioning the spinning disks with his beak and tongue to the appropriate seed gathering point, the macaw occupied significantly more time foraging for seeds than by removing them from an open dish. The macaw also occupies his time with the unit for intentions other than foraging. He has been observed sliding empty drawers in and out, pulling and twisting the hanging attachments of the unit, and physically hanging from the unit in various positions. These actions increase overall foraging time, since they are commonly observed between crop fillings. This specific foraging unit is designed for large hookbills such as macaws and cockatoos. It has rotating disks blocking seed chambers on each of its four sides. It also has three double- ended sliding drawers and three double ended threaded pegs where food items can be placed oneither end for increased foraging time. The structure of the unit is made of plated aluminum and measures 12" high X 4" wide x 4" deep (30.5cm x 10.2cm x 10.2cm). The unit has a lid with a hanging attachment so it can be suspended in a variety of places. Figure 2 - Blue and Gold Macaw (Ara amrauna) using its beak and prehensile tongue to manipulate the spinningdisk. (Photo by Matt Holbrook) The unit is versatile in its design. It is useftil for keeping rodents and seed stealing birds from invading the hookbills food source, reducing the spread of disease and parasites. The unit also allows for a dry environment to store the food as it is being consumed, since the structure of the unit prevents moisture from entering. As the psittacines at our zoo become increasingly accustomed to their foraging units, measures are taken to challenge them to their frill foraging capabilities. Placing larger food items into the chambers Animal Keepers* Forum, VoL 28, No. 7, 2001 283 maximizes time spent removing food, as well as creating vertical perches using hanging pegs or chains that must be used to reach the unit. Also, placing a unit completely out of reach from perches requires the psittacine to forage exclusively upside down (a feat commonly seen in wild birds of the same species). Reference Randall, D., Burggren, W., and K. French. 1998. Animal Physiology (fourth edition). New York. W.H. Freeman and Company. Contact Andrea Kingsbury - zookeeper, York’s Wild Kingdom, ME - e-mail: mimo4@rcn.com Products Mentioned Fauna-Tek (207) 646-7173 www.fauna-tek.com (Ideas appearing in this column have not necessarily been tested by the editors for safety considerations. A Iways think ahead and use good judgement when trying new ideas. You are invited to submit materials for the Enrichment Options Column. This might include recipes, toys, puzzle feeders, olfactory enrichment ideas, etc. Drawings and photos of enrichment are encouraged. Send to: AKF/Enrichment, 3601 SW 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614-2054. Eds.) Chapter News Notes AAZK Milwaukee Chapter Several months ago, we held our annual bake sale. Goodies were baked by both zoo keepers and zoo volunteers. We raised about $367.00, most of which will be donated to the Charles Darwin Foundstion. More recently though, we had our annual Bowling for Rhinos event. Much fun was had by all, and $1,233.00 was raised for our rhino friends. As in previous years, some of the keepers from the Racine Zoo joined us. One of our members spent some time working on the Chiapas Ocelot Project which is run by the Dallas Zoo Research Department. There, she helped to relocate confiscated and rehabilitated ocelots from the Chipas Zoo in Mexico. Our Chapter decided to donate $250.00 to help them in their efforts. The theme for our Conservation Weekend this year was cats. Just like last year, our $1.00 grab bags were a hit. The funds we raised this year will be donated to the International Snow Leopard Trust. -Earl Conteh-Morgan, ChapterLiaison 284 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 7, 2001 AA.ZK Enrichment Notebook Second Edition Revised The AAZK Enrichment Notebook, 2nd Edition, was designed to be user friendly and to provide the kind of information needed to build a comprehensiveenrichment program. The AAZK Enrichment Notebook, 2nd Edition, is a tabbed, 3-inch binder with 213 pages (many of them duplexed) of enrich- ment information (plus an index) which includes an overview of enrichment, a resources and suppli- ers list, links to enrichment information, sample enrichment forms in use at various institutions, guide- lines for enriching various taxa (reptiles, birds, primates, carnivores, ungulates and bats), risk assess- ment and safety issues, a browse plant list, a toxic plant list, cookbook recipes, an enrichment idea catalog that includes all entries from the original AAZK EnrichmentNotebook plus new submissions, and institutional contacts. The AAZK Enrichment Committee will be working on a bibliography and a tab has been provided for this ftiture project. A Table of Contents and Index make it easier to access the information. You may purchase the entire binder or just the notebook “guts” to update a previously purchased AAZK En- richment Notebook. The AAZK Enrichment Notebook was designed to be a “living document” with ample space for future AAZK Enrichment Committee projects and/or other information gathered by you or your institution. To order, fill out the form below and return with your payment to: AAZK, Inc., Enrichment Notebook, 3601 S.W, 29th St, Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614 U. S. A. Checks and money orders should be made payable to “AAZK, Inc.” (U. S. FUNDS ONLY). Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. If using a credit card, make sure to complete all requested information on form. Prices include Domestic Book Rate Postage. Orders outside the continental United States should add $15.00 for parcel post surface shipping. Prices are; AAZK Members: Complete Binder $45.00 “Guts” only $25.00 Non-Members: Complete Binder $60.00 “Guts” only $40.00 ENRICHMENT NOTEBOOK ORDER FORM I wish to order binder(s)of the AAZK Enrichment Notebook, 2nd Edition $45/$60 I wish to order “guts only” for AAZK Enrichment Notebook, 2nd Edition $25/$40 (Please Circle) AAZK Member Non Member Name: Address: Citv: State/Province: Zio/Postal Code: Country: I wish to pay by: Check/money order Mastercard VISA Credit Card# Expiration Date: Name as it appears on credit card (please print). Signature: TOTAL ENCLOSED $ This Form may be photocopied to facilitate order. Credit card orders may be placed by calling 1-800-242-4519 (US) or 1-800-468-1966 (Canada) Animal Keepers’ Forum, VoL 28, No. 7, 2001 285 LegisCdtive 'UjycCdte Compiled by Georgann Johnston Legislative Advisor nr^nl jfiiiiiii\ himhl 1 A li Sacramento, CA | [IlInlE a-- Ml 1 INI III lllllllllll ImliHi 1 INI 1 II ll Zambia Commits Funds for Wetland Conservation Zone The world Wide Fund for Nature - Zambia, a governmental conservation agency (WWF-Zambia), has committed 700 Krugerands over the next two years for the establishment of a wetland conservation zone in an area of the Kafue Flats. The coordinator for the WWDF-Zambia office stated in a press release that the conservancy of nearly 50,000 hectares would have to be self-sustaining financially and that the initial start up funds would be committed towards physical demarcation of the area, reintroduction of native animals and rehabilitation of an infrastructure for tourism promotion. The wetlands area has undergone degradation due to unrelenting fishing, commercial farming and community activities. The government hopes that the restoration project will begin to turn this problem around and make the area more a hospitable habitat for lechwe, zebra, and numerous bird species that were once found in abundant supply in the area. Source: South African Post 25 May 2001 Coelacanth Diving Expedition Halted by South African Government The coelacanth, a fish thought to be extinct for millions of years but which surfaced again in the 1960s, is found in the ocean off the eastern coast of South Africa. A deep see fishing expedition by a group of South African divers was recently undertaken and images of the rare fish were posted to an Internet Web site. However, following a breach of the agreement between the dive teams and the death of two divers during previous coelacanth hunts, the South African government, via the Kwa Zulu-Natal Wildlife Agency, put a halt to any further expeditions at the present time. Government officials stated that further details concerning the decision to stop the expeditions would be released at a later date. A leader of the dive teams, however, stated that the expeditions were being frustrated by bureaucracy and vested financial interests by other commercial divers. Source: Pretoria News 16 May 2001 Namibia Donates Cheetahs to United States Ten cheetahs from Namibia have been donated to the United States in recognition of the support given by the U.S. to the cheetah conservation program in Namibia. The ten cheetah, who were all rescued from the wild by the Cheetah Conservation Fund, left Namibia in April this year and have found new homes at the Cincinnati Zoo in Ohio and the White Oak Conservation Center in Florida. The CCF provides a home for young orphaned cheetah whose mothers have been killed on farmlands. A spokesperson for the CCP stated that the cats would be integrated into well-established captive breeding programs in the United States. Cheetahs in captivity are not allowed to breed in Namibia to avoid inbreeding among the country’s 2,500 cheetah that could lead to genetic mutations and other problems. Source: The Namibian News 21 May 2001 Rhino Conservation Strategy in Kenya The Kenya Wildlife Service has launched a campaign to rebuild the country’s black rhino population. According to KWS director Nehemiah Rotich, the black rhino has almost been driven to extinction with the population dropping from 20,000 to only 500 between 1970 and 1994. The new strategy involves the development of an integrated standardized monitoring system, biological 286 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 28, No. 7, 2001 management intended to maintain an overall population growth rate of 5 percent a year and a protection strategy to minimize poaching. Other measures include the implementation of an effective coordination framework for decision-making and action involving stakeholders in that country. Source: WildNet Africa News Archive 21 May 2001 Critical Habitat Designated for Threatened Butterfly The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has designated 24,000 acres of critical habitat for the threatened bay checkerspot butterfly in California’s Bay Area. The butterfly is one of more than a dozen subspecies of checkerspot butterflies found in California. It is a colorful, medium-sized insect that inhabits sunny, open grasslands in the San Francisco Bay Area. The butterfly was granted threatened status under the Endangered Species Act in 1987. However, a designation of threatened or endangered does not set up a preserve or refuge for the species. That action comes only upon further action by Congress or a federal agency suych as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designating funding and developing specifically designated critical habitats for the species in question. The new critical habitat for the checkerspot butterfly is actually made up of fifteen separate units, many of which include developed areas such as shopping centers, roads and similar features. However, the presence of significant grasslands within the 15 units is enough to justify including them in the critical habitat plan. Of the approximately 700 species of butterflies found in North America, 225 are present in California. Fourteen California butterfly species are protected by the Endangered Species Act. Source: USFWS News Release 30 April 2001 “Alaska Wilderness Bill” Pending in Congress On February 28, U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman (D-Conn.) and U.S. Representatives Nancy Johnson (R-Conn.) and Edward Markey (D-Mass.) introduced legislation to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Reftige from oil drilling. Referred to as the “Alaska Wilderness Bill,” (bill number H.R. 770 in the House of Representatives and S.411 in the Senate) designates the coastal plain of the Refuge as a wilderness area, and thus off-limits to oil drilling and exploration. It’s the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge that’s threatened. The Refuge’s coastal plain is the area where oil companies, with backing from the Bush Administration, want to drill, and it’s the focus of H.R.39 and S.388 - legislation introduced earlier this year that seek to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas drilling. H.R.770/S.41 1, the Alaska Wilderness Bill, designates the coastal plain of the Arctic Refuge as a “wilderness area.” Such designation would give the area permanent protection from any oil and gas drilling, or other disruptive activity. The coastal plain is 1 ,5 million acres that has enormous ecological and cultural significance in the area. It provides habitat for more than 125 species of migratory birds, such as the tundra swan and king eider. The coastal plain also serves as the central calving grounds for the 130,000- member Porcupine Caribou herd, upon which the native Gwich’in people rely for their subsistence. Updated information about pending legislation concerning the arctic refuge can be viewed at an Audubon Society Web site www.protectthearctic.com. Additionally, free information concerning the arctic drilling plans can be had by contacting Audubon Action at audubonaction@audubon.org to receive their free PROTECT THE ARCTIC Kit - a packet of materials and 10-minute video tape that will give you plenty of information on the Arctic, it’s history, the threats, and let you know how you can help get others involved in the fight to protect the Arctic. Source: Audubon Advisory 13 May 2001 Animal Keepers' Forum, VoL 28, No. 7, 2001 287 GREENlines Issues- reports from the grassroots network of the Endangered Species Collation Extinction Rider 0, Species 1 The House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee has unanimously decided to drop President Bush’s rider to gut the ESA by negating citizen enforcement and making it an essentially voluntary statute say ESC sources 6/7. Unfortunately, the subcommittee only allocated the totally inadequate $8.5 million requested by the administration for the all-important listing and critical habitat line item. Scientists and even the USFWS admit that $24 million over the next 5 years is needed to effectively address the backlog and extend the Act’s protective umbrella over the some 319 species desperately waiting for ESA listing. Source: GREENlines Issue #1398 6/8/01 Miners Push Gorillas to Extinction Miners in search of a mineral used in “mobile phones, micro-chips and nuclear reactors” are “quickly driving the eastern lowland gorillas closer to the precipice ofextinction” says Reuters News Service. The miners are killing the gorillas for bushmeat and are destroying habitat in several of the Congo’s national park. The number of gorillas in the highland section of Kahuzi-Biega National Park, “home to one of the world’s few remaining population,” have been “halved to between 110 and 130 now from 250 in 1996.” Source: GREENlines Issue #1394 6/4/01 Rhino Deaths Down in Nepal Nepal has confirmed the deaths of 19 one-horned rhinos in the last year, down from 40 that died in 1 999 says Environmental News Service. Only 1 ,800 of the rhinos remain in Nepal, India and Bhutan and 13 of the deaths were attributed to natural causes. Thanks to increased anti-poaching efforts the number killed illegally for their horn droppedfrom 12 to six. Source: GREElines Issue #1390 5/29/01 “Viagra Deflates Demand for Animal Parts” Demand in Asian markets for“aphrodisiacs made from animal parts is wilting in the face of stiff opposition” from Viagra says the UK’s Independent 5/13. Conservationists are hopeful that the impotency drug will continue to curb the demand for “traditional medicines” made from “tiger bones and penises, monkey heads and hands, whale foetuses and penises from wolves,” sea lions, seals and stags. Source: GREENlines # 1392 5/31/01 Condor Eggs Found in Wild Biologists have found two California condor eggs in a remote canyon near Santa Barbara says the LA Times 5/19. They are the “first intact eggs found in the wild” since a captive-breeding program was instituted 1 5 years ago and with two female condors “incubating one egg,” biologists are optimistic that “this is a sign the bird is on its way to recovery, and is a strong step toward reproduction without human help.” Source: GREENlines Issue# 1387 5/23/01 In a later report, one of the condor eggs had been replaced with a dummy ceramic egg and the natural egg had been taken for artificial incubation. It was not known whether “double-clutching” was likely to occur. Source: GREENlines Issue #1387 5/23/01 A One Woman Goddess Squad? A proposal by President Bush to giveinterior Secretary Norton discretion over listing new species is of “particular concern in California, which has the largest number of endangered species of any state except Hawaii - - 22% of the nation’s total or about 300 species” says the Boston Globe 5/16. Combined with another proposal to negate citizen lawsuits on listing deadlines, the administration rider would leave imperiled species in the state especially vulnerable since “92% of all species listed during the last nine years” were the result of citizen lawsuits or petitions. According to the Center for Biological Diversity, “If these lawsuits disappear. Gale A. Norton turns into a one-woman god squad.” Source: GREENlines Issue #1384 5/18/01 288 Animal Keepers’ Forum, VoL 28, No. 7, 2001 Effective Care for Orphaned Baby Elephants By Jayantha Jayewardene, Managing Trustee Biodiversity & Elephant Conservation Trust (BECT) Sri Lanka The Pinnewela Elephant Orphanage in central Sri Lanka plays an important and significant role in elephant conservation. This institution has mastered the art of bringing up the many baby elephants that are orphaned in the wilds in that country. Most of these babies are orphaned as a result of the escalating human-elephant conflicts. Sri Lanka is an island where land available for development is limited. An increasing human population, for whom more land is needed, together with ad hoc utilization, has meant a reduction in the elephant’s jungle habitat. Elephants, that have had their habitats reduced, come out of the jungles and get into conflict with the humans who are now occupying their former habitats. These conflicts have led to the death of a number of elephants and humans. In the process many baby elephants are orphaned. In addition some mothers die due to accidents like falling into unused pits, wells, etc., and their babies too are orphaned. The wildlife conservation authorities in the country have battled for a long time to save these babies and bring them up successfully to adulthood. An orphanage, started on a small scale elsewhere, was brought to Pinnawela in 1975. The orphanage is on a 25-acre coconut property bordering the Maha Oya River. At the time it was shifted, the orphanage had five baby elephants which formed its nucleus. The elephants at The Pinnewela Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka live in a naturalistic herd structure with their daily activities including bathing in a local river. (Photo by Niegel Bilimoria) The care taken at Pinnewela has now seen these babies through adulthood. In 1978 the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage was taken over by the National Zoological Gardens from the Department of Wildlife. At Pinnawela an attempt has been made to simulate, in a limited way, the conditions in the wild. Animals are allowed to roam freely during the day and a herd structure allowed to form. At night they are herded into stalls. The elephants continue to be bathed for two hours each morning and afternoon. A captive-breeding program was launched in 1982. Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 28, No. 7, 2001 289 Births at Pinnawela Height at birth ts IN m VO r' OJ f— H .1 > 1 > Z .1 > 1 > i3 5J :z; o :! 1 5J2h’ > :! jcg o o z O o a> :! i3 1 Ji o o :z; iS o :! Age (Years) o CN cn ON CN CN 00 CN cn fn r-H CN cn 00 00 00 o cn Name of mother 1 iS J .§ CO 1 J 1 , 1 is 1 1 PQ iS i Date 00 Os o oo a^ Q 5 00 On 00 Os fl r-H OV oo ON } s ON 00 a^ ob cn On ON O ON ON > € VN o\ r—t D. < 5 o ON On (2 tr) ON ON "Hh o CO 5 CN VO ON ON U o 6 CN r- ON Os JO o Pm 6 o 00 ON ON 1 5 as CN 00 ON ON 1 B o On ON CJN Pm B ON o Os ON On i 8 ON On o> l-H o O o o 0 CN 1 6 (N cn to VO r- 00 ON O F-H CN cn wn VO r— ^ 00 290 Animal Keepers ’ Forum, VoL 28, No. 7, 2001 The above table gives details of the births under the captive-breeding program at the Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawela. Captive breeding becomes very important when a species faces extinction. Successful captive breeding experiences ensure that it would be possible to keep the species alive in zoos and other institutions and facilities, untill it is possible to reintroduce them to the wild from which they have been extirpated or become extinct. Pinnawela has successfully bred 1 8 baby elephants from the females there. The first birth at Pinnawela was in 1 984 when a female calf was bom to Vijaya and Kumari, then ages 2 1 and 20 years respectively. Initially the breeding animals consisted of males Vijaya and Neela and females Kumari, Anusha, Anuradha, Mathalie, Komali and Sukumali. The father of the first three calves bom at Pinnawela was Vijaya. He has now sired six offspring. It is not possible now to determine directly the father of the new calves since many males have the opportunity of mating with the females in estrous. Vijaya and Kumari have each sired three calves at intervals of five and four years. Now Vijaya and Kumari are 37 and 36 years old respectively. Neela, another male, presently aged 35 years, has sired 1 1 offspring. In February 1997 the first baby from the second generation of Pinnawela elephants was born. Sukumali, the first baby elephant born at Pinnawela, gave birth to Arjuna. The father was Neela. Up to the end of October 2000, there have been 1 8 births at Pinnawela, 1 1 males and seven females. There are only a few elephant orphanages in the world. Pinnawela has now become one of the bigger orphanages and is quite well known worldwide. It is now necessary to continue the captive-breeding program on a more scientific basis. It is necessary to keep accurate and comprehensive records of all tests carried out and observations made. The data gathered during this breed- ing program should be analyzed and turned to usefiil information. All information on the breeding experiences with respect to the Asian elephant that other institutions have should be gathered. Some of these experiences, where relevant to the program at Pinnawela, should be adopted. It is also very important that the captive breeding experiences at Pinnawela be documented. The Biodiversity & Elephant Conservation Tmst (BECT) is a non-govemmental organization (NGO) engaged in a number of elephant conservation activities including a Schools Awareness Program. For this program they have produced a video, posters and a handout. The schools program is conducted in rural schools, especially those in the human-elephant conflict areas. The author may be contacted at 615/332 Rajagiriya Gardens, Nawala Road, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka; e- mail: romalijj@eureka.lk Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 28, No. 7, 2001 291 San Diego Zoo Offers Koala Researcli Participation Opportunity Since 1 994, the Zoological Society of San Diego, in conjunction with the Australian Koala Foundation (AKF), has been organizing teams of representatives from interested zoos to assist in collecting field data in Australia with regard to koala habitat utilization and tree species preferences. The data gathered will be analyzed to develop regional models for habitat use by koalas and to subsequently complete further computerized Geographic Information System based mapping specific to koalas called the ‘Koala Habitat Atlas’. Two 2001 field expeditions are currently being offered to zoo representatives interested in participating in this koala conservation effort. Proposed dates for the expeditions are as follows: 1. August 12 to 25 (Noosa. Queensland): This trip will continue investigation of the impacts of habitat fragmentation in this area, to refine the identification of Habitat Linking Areas and Habitat Buffers, and to prepare for the production of a Shire-wide Koala Plan of Management. Participants will be charged US$1,000 for room, board and transportation for the duration of the field work. Participants will fly in to Brisbane, and will be transported by the AKF to field work locations in Noosa. 2. November 4 to 17 (New South Wales South Western Slopes/South Eastern Highlands): This trip will incorporate the ABCF’s “Status of the Koala” conference, being held in Canberra from 5 to 7 November. The field trip following the conference will be the first to this region of New South Wales, and will aim to collect initial data on tree species preference and habitat use, as well as population distribution. Participants will be charged US$ 1 ,200.00 to attend both the full conference and the field trip (all room, board and transportation costs covered for the duration of the conference and field work), or US$800.00 to attend the field trip component alone. The field trip will focus on a number of target areas within anapproximately 150km radius of Canberra and will depart from Canberra on the morning of 8 November. Participants will fly in to Canberra and will be transported by the AKF to field work locations. Accommodation during the field work may be in dormitory type facilities with participants helping to prepare group meals. Total costs incurred by each participant include the prices above, plus airfare and any extra costs incurred outside of the actual field work, such as hotel and meal expense before or after the field work is complete. Spaces are limited and will be filled on a first come first serve basis. Interested participants should contact Valerie Thompson by mail, fax, phone, or e-mail as listed : Valerie Thompson, Associate Curator ofMammals, San Diego Zoo, P.O. Box 120551, San Diego, CA 92 1 1 2-055 1 ; phone (6 1 9) 685-3226, fax (6 1 9) 232- 4117, e-mail vthompson@sandiegozoo.org 7, 2001 292 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 28, No. -from ZooNews Digest #145 Ped ICUPG For A D raqon By Dawn Herndon, Animal Keeper Disney s Animal Kingdom Walt Disney World Company RO. Box 10,000 Lake Buena Vista, FI 32830 The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is one of the largest monitors in the world. It was discovered in the 1920’s, and some of the information about their natural history has only recently been published. They have been in captivity in the United States since the 1930’s but were difficult to keep successfully. They are becoming more common in zoos worldwide. In May of 1988, former President Ronald Reagan took a trip to Bali, and was presented ^vo komodos as a gift from Bali’s President (Lutz 1997). Later, President Bush accepted dragons for the National Zoo in Washington D.C. These two animals have bred several times producing offspring that can be seen in zoos today. To improve the success that zoos have had in keeping komodos in captivity, it is important that keepers manage them causing as little stress as possible. Something as simple as scale training with them will provide a great deal of information in a non invasive way. It will provide information to researchers on their growth rate. The two komodos that we house are Step one: Cueing males about six feet long. Males can grow up to ten feet, and females can grow up to eight feet. They are siblings, they have the same parents, but they are from different clutches. The exhibit is all natural substrate made up of grasses and shrubs. Three quarters of the exhibit is surrounded by a water moat. The water is about four feet deep, and the outer wall is about nine feet tall. The remaining quarter of the exhibit is where they come on and off exhibit via a door behind rockwork. There is a heat rock in the middle of the exhibit that is about five feet wide by seven feet long. Step two: Offering mouse fuzzies It came to our attention that these komodos need to have their nails trimmed on a routine basis because they don’t wear them down naturally. This is especially true for one of our komodos. When he was younger and smaller, the keepers were able to trim his nails by going in with him to do this. Now that he’s older and larger, we had to come up with a way to do this without going in with him and without stressing him. Training was the answer. Animal Keepers ' Forum, VoL 28, No. 7, 2001 293 We have exhibited these animals since November of 1 998; during that time we began to train them to respond to an audible cue and to scale train them. Weighing is done on a monthly basis. After seeing that the animals were trained to a cue and scale trained, we came up with the idea of trimming their nails through the wire mesh. We began this process by giving the komodo access to the chute, and letting him walk around a bit to investigate. After a few minutes we cue him down to one end of the chute. When he comes down there, he gets rewarded with a mouse fuzzie. Then another mouse fuzzie is moved slowly up on the outside mesh. He follows it to the point he will actually start climbing the mesh. At this point we would touch the nails that were poking out through the mesh. This was done to desensitize him to having his nails touched. He showed no signs of stress during this step three: climbing mesh the pressure of having his nails trirnmed. While he’s in this position one keeper continues to feed him fuzzies, and the other keeper applies pressure. If he gets down from the mesh, we just re-cue him back again. When we thought that he was ready for the veterinarians to come down and do a couple of nails, we called them and they brought down a portable cauterizing tail docker. This was used so that if there was any bleeding, it would cauterize the spot immediately. We were pleased and astonished that he let the vets trim four front nails, and two of his back nails as well, the very first time they tried. We have successfully done this training several times with one of the Komodos and feel that it’s a safe way to accomplish a nail trim without stressing the animals, the vets or the keeper. (Photos by Danielle Decker, Disney s Animal Kingdom) Step four: nail trimming 294 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 28, No. 7, 2001 Institutions wishing to advertise employment opportunities are asked to send pertinent data by the 10th of each month to: Opportunity Knocks /AKF, 3601 SW 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614-2054. 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 ore-mail listings of positions which become available close to deadline are accepted. Our fax is (785) 273-1980; e-mail is akfeditor@kscablexom< We are no longer located at the Topeka Zoo, so please note new address! ANIMAL KEEPER..,pcvfoTms duties in the maintenance of a healthy environment for animals at the zoo. Requires at least one (1) year of experience in the care of elephants, great apes, reptiles or other exotic animals in a controlled environment; OR equivalent experience and training. Annual salary range: $19,196.00 to $27,238.00, depending on qualifications. Send detailed resume by 2 August 2001 to: City of Little Rock, Human Resources Department, 500 W. Markham, Little Rock, AR 7220 1 - 1428; (501) 371-4590; e-mail - HR~Employment@littlerock. state. ar.us< ANIMAL KEEPER..,I\ZA-^ccr^ditQd institution now conducting interviews for two (2) entry level keeper positions. Degree and/or experience preferred. 40-hour work week, full benefit package. Duties include feeding and caring for the zoo’s collection of North and South American animals. Some exhibit and general maintenance required. Base salary: $22,000.00, commensurate with experience. Send cover letter, resume and references to: Bergen County Zoological Park, 216 Forest Ave,, Paramus, NJ 07652. ASSISTANT TRAINEWKEEPER,,.EduAd(mm.mt show at Deertown Wildlife Park and Zoo, Park Rapids, MN. Requires two (2) years hands-on experience with large primates. Position from June- September 2001. Assist in show with chimpanzees, mini-pig and black bear cub. Please e-mail Josh at junglejosh@hotmaiLcom< ZOO KEEPER...xc^pom\h\c for the care, feeding, maintenance, and observation for health and reproduction of a variety of zoo animals at the Chaffee Zoological Gardens of Fresno. Requires one (1) year experience in the care, handling and feeding of animals in a zoo setting. Twelve semester units of accredited college level course work in aninal science, zoology, biology, wildlife management, or closely related field may be substituted for six (6) monthsof required experience. Knowledge of behavioral enhancement of exhibits, setting up breedingconditions, and specialized requirements of young. Applications may be obtained from the Fresno City Human Resources, 2600 Fresno St., Fresno, CA 93721; (559)498-1575. Filing deadline is 5:00 p.m., Friday, 17 August 2001. Postmarks are not accepted. AA/EOE. PRIMATE FOUNDATION OF ARIZONA BEHAVIORAL RESEARCH INTERNSHIP ...The Primate Foundation of Arizona is currently accepting applications for their Behavioral Research Internship program. PFA is a private, non-profit, corporation devoted to the preservation, propagation, and study of the chimpmzct {Pan troglodytes). It is currently home to more than 70 socially-housed chimpanzees and conducts behavioral research with a goal of improving captive management, environmental enrichment, and well-being of the chimpanzees. The research is conducted on site. The Behavioral Research Internship provides college students in the behavioral and biological sciences the opportunity for behavioral research experience. It includes three basic components: 1) an introduction to chimpanzee behavior and behavioral observation data collection, 2) chimpanzee psychological wellness program and environmental enrichment training, and 3) research support tasks such as data entry. The introduction to chimpanzee behavioral observation is the primary component of the internship and includes data collection on an assigned project, entering the data into a spreadsheet program, conducting preliminary analysis and completion of a background literature review. Results of the intern project are presented at the end of the internship to the full staff to provide presentation experience. Animal Keepers ' Forum, Vol. 28, No. 7, 2001 295 The internship is on a volunteer basis and provides no stipend. Students should have completed at least two years of a four-year program (Junior level standing) in the behavioral or biological sciences. Both undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to apply. Previous course work and/or experience in primatology/animal behavior is required for all students. Applications are accepted for three internship periods: Summer, Fall, and Spring. Each internship is three months in duration: Summer - June 1 to August 31; Fall - September 1 to November 28; Spring: March 1 to May 30. Applications should be submitted at least six weeks in advance of the internship start date. Please submit your application ASAP as we receive as many as 100 applicants per position. For further information and application materials, please send a letter of request including your full name and mailing address to: Sue Howell, Ph.D., Research Director, Primate Foundation of Arizona, P.O. Box 20027, Mesa, AZ 85277-0027; email: suehpfa@qwest.net AVICULTURE //VTE/?A^...interns receive intensive hands-on training in the care and maintenance of a large bird collection. They will experience all aspects of bird husbandry including general cleaning, handling, incubation, record keeping, public education, etc. Seeking college students or recent graduates with an interest in avian management/zoo biology. Interns will work with aviculturists for a minimum three-month period. This is a volunteer position with on-site housing provided. Possible stipend. Internships are available year-round. Our interns receive the same training as any new staff member, and most have gone on to paid positions in large AZA accredited institutions. Send cover letter and resume with references to: Tracey Aviary, 589 E. 1300 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84105. Fax to: (801) 596-7325. ATTN: Kim Sorensen/Jennifer Morris. Positions posted with AAZK, Inc. may also be found on our website at www.aazk.org Also, you may want to check out the AZA Member Institution job listings at http://www.aza.org For the most up to date links to sites advertising zoo work go to http://members.tripod.com/~Sciurus/index.html MOVIIVG? Please let us know when you change your address! It costs AAZK 99 cents every time an AKF is returned because of an incorrect address. Call 1-800- 242-4519 (U.S.) or 1-800-468-1966 (Canada) or e-mail aazkoffice(@kscable.com to report your new address. THANKS! 296 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 7, 2001 AAZK Membership Application check here if renewal [ ] Name ; Address City State/Province Zip Canadian Members $35.00 Professional Full-time Keepers $35.00 Affiliate Other staff & volunteers $35.00 Associate Those not connected with an animal facility $60 or up - Individuals C ontributing/ Canada $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 MASTERCARD Name on card . Signature Mail this application to: AAZK Administrative Offices, 3601 S.W. 29th, Suite 133 Topeka, KS 66614. 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 © 2001 AAZK, INC. is enclosed (AAZK, Inc.) □ Please charge my credit card VISA Card # -Expiration date U.S. Members □ $35.00 Professional Full-time Keepers □ □ $30.00 Affiliate Other staff & volunteers □ □ $30.00 Associate Those not connected with an animal facility □ □ $60.00 or up - Individuals Contributing^.S. □ □ $100.00 or up Institutional/U.S. Organizations / Institutions (requires Board approval) □ □ International Members □ $50.00 International All members outside U.S. & Canada regardless of category animal Ixeepeps I opum I25tli Annivcpsapij 1974 - 1999 o’ S ® X 0 D u 0 n G 0 a 0 a iSiiil ff e« ® s i G W H 0 W »: i gj O 6> 3 \ MC m o rJ- H* o ;t: i :r H- rf w sc H* 0 T W i 3 n 3 :« 1 U3 0 §» 0 *4“ 3 3 ^ 1 0 3 i**' 3 0 N ?> n 0 3 « : O *4- 0 n H- W s: ! n » 3 I c ^ i O i^’T} U1 2» 3 »; Ov 3> 1 • s 1 o < r »: { 0 ^ r s: o » 3 cn m c* M tn H a 3 X I-* G « g? m 3 W H- r-« 0 3> O. in us H n > 3? < t: CN O »aI t-i -fe. -nJ !-• O sSfiS ^ M -r S. Vi ^ 6S W The Journal of the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. AUeUST2001 ANIMAL KEEPERS^ FORUM. 3601 S.W. 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614 A 9001 Phone: 1-800-242-4519 (U.S.) 1-800-468-1966 (Canada) FAX (785) 273-1980 AULrUM ZUUl Vol. 28, No.8 Managing Editor; Susan D. Chan • Associate Editors: Gretchen Ziegler, Sequoia Park Zoo and Kayla Grams, Lovell, WY • Enrichment Options Coordinators: Kayla Grams, Lovell, WY & Jan Roletto, Columbus Zoo • 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., Little Rock, AR • The Water Column Coordinators: Dan Conklin and Kevin Shelton, The Florida Aquarium and Bruce Elkins, Indianapolis Zoo 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., 3601 S.W. 29th Street, Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614 - attn: Barbara Manspeaker, Administrative Secretary AAZK Executive Director: Ed Hansen, AAZK, Inc., Topeka KS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Scott M. Wright, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH 44109 Jacque Blessington, Kansas City Zoological Gardens, Kansas City, MO 64132-4200 Jan Reed-Smith, John Ball Zoological Garden, Grand Rapids, Ml 49504-6100 Kevin Shelton, The Florida Aquarium, Tampa, FL 33602 Linda King, Dallas Zoo, Dallas, TX 75203 Bruce Elkins, Indianapolis ZoO, Indianapolis, IN 46222-0309 Ric Urban, Prospect Park Wildlife Center, Brooklyn, NY 11225-3707 President Vice President Immediate Past President COMMITTEES Chair - Sheri Leavitt, Galveston, TX Conservation. Preservation & Restoration Grants Chair - Jan Reed-Smith, John Ball Zoo Annual Conferences Coordinator - Ed Hansen, AAZK, Inc. Conference Program Chair Jeffrey Phillips, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Awards Chair - Janet McCoy, The Oregon Zoo MEMBERSHIP SERVICES L.l.N.K. System Kevin Shelton, The Florida Aquarium (Board Oversight) Asst. L.l.N.K. Coordinator Wayne Hazlett, Milwaukee County Zoo Enrichment Committee Chair -Lee Houts, Folsom City Zoo International Outreach - Jeannette Beranger, Roger Williams Park Zoo (Chair/Coordinator International Assistance); Kathy Kelly, Silver Springs, MD - Project M.A.R.C. (Making A Realistic Contribution) Website Coordinator/Editor Junior Keepers’ Forum - Diane Callaway, Omaha, NE By-laws Chair - Gisela A. Wiggins, North Carolina Zoo Ethics Chair - Ric Urban, Prospect Park Wildlife Cntr. Research/Grants Chair - Jan Reed-Smith, John Ball Zoo Bowling for Rhinos Chair - Patty Pearthree, Cary, NC Marketing Resources/Development David Luce - San Diego Wild Animal Park ADTForms and EDTForms AAZK Administrative Offices/Topeka AAZK Historian Mark Levin, Philadelphia Zoo Animal Behavior Management Beth Stark, Toledo Zoo PRESIDENTIAL ADVISORS/LIAISONS AZA Liaison Ed Hansen, AAZK Executive Director Elephant Managers Association Liaison Marie Galloway, National Zoo Zoo Registrars Association William K. Baker, Jr., Little Rock Zoo AZAD Liaison Mary Anne Lefevre, The Phoenix Zoo CAZA Liaison Oliver Claffey, Toronto Zoo Int'l Marine Mammals Trainers Association Meg Hudson-Dye, Animal Management Resources AMAZOO Liaison Gilberto Gomez, Portland Zoo AZH Liaison Virginia Wall, North Carolina Zoo AAZK PUBLICATIONS^CQNTINUING DATA COLLECTION Zoo Infant Development Project - Nell Bekiares, Cincinnati Zoo (Birds/Passerines) Biological Values for Selected Mammals. 3rd Edition - Jan Reed-Smith, John Ball Zoo AAZK Enrichment Notebook - Lee Houts, Folsom City Zoo O printed on Recycled Paper of Contents About the Cover/Information for Contributors 298 Scoops & Scuttlebutt.. 299 Coming Events 300 From the Executive Director 301 Conference 2001 (Program Topics, Hotel Registration, Airport Info, Sponsorships, Weather, Currency) 302 - 303 Pre- and Post-Conference Trip Registration Form 304 ABC’s Column (Aggression) .....305 - 307 The Water Column (Biological Filtration/Practical Applications) 308 - 310 Input Sought on European Zoo Keeper Training Website 310 Book {Elephant Memories) 311 AAZK Announces New Members 312 Africa’s Last “Eden” to Become National Park 312 Cincinnati Zoo Anxiously Awaits Birth of Sumatran Rhino ............313 - 316 Legislative Update 317 - 320 Chapter News Notes..... 321 Enrichment Options (Enrichment Graphics as Educational Tool) 322 - 323 Reactions Column (Crisis Management Training Resources) 324 - 325 Rare Silverback Gorillas Killed and Eaten 325 A Non-Intrusive Diet Program for Milky Eagle Owls.... 326 - 330 Edible Dinnerware Becomes Animal Food 330 Opportunity Knocks...... 331 - 332 J^Bout the Cover This month’s cover features a young Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) drawn hy Geoff Creswell who has worked on several primate rehabilitation projects involving both chimpanzees and lowland gorillas in Africa. Chimps live in medium to large -sized groups where hierarchy and status dictate the day-to-day life of the colony. Chimpanzees have a social organization in their bands, with chiefs, sub-chiefs, subjects and submissive females. A great occupation of chimpanzees is mutual grooming, the essential bond that holds the band together. Mating is casual. All males of a band, even the adolescents, will mate with a female in estrus. There is thus no sexual rivalry. Adult males may reach a height of 5.5 ft. (1.67m) and a weight of 175 lbs. (79 kg) They are omnivores who sometimes use group hunting tactics to bring down small mammals. Thanks, Geoff! 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 black and white or color prints (minimum size 3” x 5” [8cm x 14cm] ) are accepted. 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 (785) 273-1980. Deadline for each regular issue is the 10th of the preceding month. Dedicated issues may have separate deadline dates and w^ill 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. E-Mail Addresses: You may reach Barbara Manspeaker at AAZK Administrative Offices at: aazkoffice@kscable.com< You may reach Susan Chan and Animal Keepers’ Forum at: akfeditor@kscable.com< AAZK Website Address: www.aazk.org Bulletin Board Access: type “aazk” in member name box; type “Elvis” in password box. BFR Website: http://.bfr.aazk.org 298 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 8, 2001 Scoops & Scuttlebutt New Committee Members Needed The AAZK, Inc. Conservation, Preservation and Restoration (CPR), and Zoo Keeper Research Grant Committees are looking for two (2) new members for each committee. Committee members review all grant applications once a year. They also may be asked to research other grant programs and/or write articles for the Forum regarding the AAZK Grant programs. Anyone interested in getting involved please send a resume and letter of interest to Jan Reed-Smith, AAZK Grant Committees Chair, John Ball Zoo, 1 300 W. Fulton, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. If you have any questions contact Jan at: jrsotter@iserv.net. Delegates Encouraged to Participate in Enrichment/Animal Management Video Session The AAZK Enrichment and Animal Behavior Management Committees would like to invite delegates to the 2001 National AAZK Conference in Toronto, Canada to share during an informal video session, videotapes they have taken of training or enrichment techniques. To ensure there is time to view some of all presented videos, please limit your video segments to 10 minutes. Additional footage can be shared at the end of the session or at another time TBA at the conference. Please also bring a short written description with an institution/contact name and product information (with enough copies to distribute) so delegates can follow up on interests and inquires. Example: Columbus Zoo Carnivore Enrichment Video: 1. Wolverines - pile of plain ice cubes and rat ice block 2. Timber wolves - 2 small Boomer Balls®, 1 had pheasant urine on it, the other had allspice (both preferred urine). For more info, contact “name & phone” 3. Bobcat-box with frozen mice, box tied with grapevine... took 20 minutes to open 4. Cheetah chasing battery powered lure with a paper towel end Injoy Lure Coursing Equipment P.O. Box 21 Charlotte, VT 05445-0021 Phone: (802) 425-3691 5. Perfume sprayed on a stick for White tiger for more info, contact “name & phone” French Zoo Keeper Seeks Tree Roo Information “Hello, my name is Mickael and I’m a mammal keeper at Branfere Animal Park located in France. My facility intends to incorporate tree kangaroos into our collection in the coming years. In our park we normally give to our animals big natural enclosures and in order to build a suitable exhibit for tree kangaroos, I am asking if you could send me a few pictures and/or information on your tree kangaroo exhibit showing the following views : outside exhibit, inside pens, trees and plants species exhibited in the enclosure, water source position, food given, enrichment provided, browse holders, system of doors used between the outside and inside accommodations, point of views from visitor’s path, etc... The only source of information about tree kangaroos comes from your country so I sincerely hope to hear from you soon. Thank you very much in advance for your help. Send materials to: Mickael Michault, Mammal Keeper, Branfere Animal and Botanical Park, 56 190 Le Guemo ( France ). Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 28, No. 8, 2001 299 Coming Events Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV) Conference & Expo - 21-25 August 2001 in Orlando, FL. AAV has issuesd a Call for Papers for this meeting. Theme of the conference is “2001 : An Avian Odyssey”. Call (303) 756-8380, fax (303) 759-8861 or submit via Internet at www.ConferenceOffice.com/aav. American Association of Zoo Veterinarians - September 18-23, 2001. Joint meeting in conjunction with the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians, the American Association of Wildlife Veterinarians and the Nutrition Advisory Group. Sessions include reptilian, avian and aquatic animal medicine, environmental activism, clinical pathology, anesthesia, behavior/escapes, megavertebrates, small mammals, nutrition, field project reports, and case reports. There will also be a poster session, veterinary student paper competitions, and workshops/wet labs. For more information contact Wilbur Amand, DVM, Executive Director/AAZV, 6 North Pennell Rd., Media, PA 19063; phone (610) 892- 4812; fax (610) 892-4813; e-mail aazv(@aol.com< International AAZK Conference - 30 Sept. - 4 Oct. 2001 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. See this issue of for Call for Papers, Registration/Hotel Forms, Pre- and Post-Conference Trip Details, etc. or visit the AAZK Conference website at: http://aazktoronto.tripod.com 5th International Conference on Environmental Enrichment - 4 - 9 November 200 1 at the Taronga Zoo, Australia. For further info contact: Mhawkins(^zoo. nsw.gov.au Or visit http:// www.zoo.nsw.gov.au International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council’s 24th Annual Conference - 14-17 November, 200 1 in Lake Buena Vista, FL. For more information check the website at iwrc-online.org< Fourth Annual Zoos & Aquariums: Committing to Conservation Conference - 28 November to 2 December 2001 in Cocoa Beach, FL. Hosted by the Brevard Zoo, our goal is to bring field researchers and zoo personnel together in an informal setting in order to promote a greater involvement of zoos and aquariums supporting in situ work. This conference in particular will focus on a practical common-sense approach on how zoos and aquariums can become involved in supporting field research and conservation. The conference will be a mixture of sessions, panel discussions and round-tables. Conference registration fee ($ 1 75) will include sessions, some meals and social activities. Orlando Conference Committee - Schedule of Events, Papers, Abstracts, Speakers: Beth Armstrong - (321) 454-6285; Registration Chair: Michelle Smurl - (321) 254- 9453 ext. 17; Registration/Post Conference Tour: Peggy Sloan - (32 1 ) 254-9453 ext. 1 4; Conference Chair: Margo McKnight - (321) 254-9453 ext. 23. The Animal Behavior Management Alliance (ABMA) will be holding the 2nd Annual Conference “Enhancing Animal Welfare through Positive Reinforcement”, 26 February - 2 March 2002 in San Diego, CA. This conference is hosted by the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Wild Animal Park, and Sea World San Diego. For information, contact Gary Priest at gpricst@sandiegozoo.org or at (619) 231-1515. Defenders of Wildlife Fourth National Conference - 17-20 November 2002 in Monterey, CA. Theme is Carnivores 2002: From the Mountain To The Sea. Will focus on the biology and conservation of a full range of marine and terrestrial predators. Proposals for 1 1/2 to 2 hour sessions, individual papers and posters arc being accepted until 29 March, 2002. For more information or to receive a conference brochure, contact: Yvonne Borresen, Defenders of Wildlife, 1101 14thSt.,NW, Stc. 1400, Washington, DC 20005 or call (202) 789-2844, ext. 315. You can also e-mail carnivores2002(^defendcrs. org or visit www.dcfenders.org/camivores 2002< THE GOURMET RODENT V RATS AND MICE Bill & Marcia Brant 6115 SW 137th Avenue Archer. FL 32618 (352) 495-9024 FAX (352) 495-9781 e-mail; GrmtRcxlentdaol.com C All Rl^ts Reserved 300 Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol 28, No. 8, 2001 From the Executive Director First and foremost, I would like to thank all of the members who took the time to respond to my June column which touched upon apathy in the AAZK membership. Yes, I would like to thank all six of you who responded. Overall, not a bad response considering we have almost 2500 members. To be fair, one of the responses was distilled from a Chapter discussion so truthfully, more than six of you responded. However, to say I was disappointed in the response is an understatement. However, each of the respondents was quick to point out that keepers have a full plate and most are content in their current paths in the professional arena. In short, everyone seems content, so why rock the boat? A good friend and colleague pointed out that most zoo keepers depend upon routine. No matter what happens in their professional life, AKF still appears monthly and that is constant. Don’t make any drastic changes. My take - upset the status quo, upset the membership. Interesting. So what will it take to stimulate interest in the Association? What makes this Association attractive to the newly hired keeper who has just been handed his or her keys to the animal kingdom? Survey says, the average AAZK member has been a member for eight years. Why do you keep renewing your membership? I’d like to know. AAZK will continue to explore new partnerships in the field of professional animal care. We will develop resources for our membership to tap into, that will enable you to further your professional career. That is a promise. We, your Board of Directors and I, are committed to finding ways of improving the quality of this Association or we will go extinct. Last week, I wrote 1 0 letters effectively begging selected Chapters to host the 2004 National Conference. This is the second year in a row we head towards the National Conference without a Chapter willing to serve the membership as a future conference host. Yes, I know this is an enormous commitment to ask Chapters to undertake. But it can be done, and has been done every consecutive year for the past 25 years. If your Chapter is willing, we have the resources to help. Please contact me and we’ll make it work. See you in Toronto. I look forward to hearing what you have to say. Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 8, 2001 301 Conference 2001 Toronto, Ontario, CANADA September 30"' to October 4"*, 2001 Program Topics While training and enrichment will again feature strongly at this conference, husbandry aspects of all vertebrate and invertebrate classes will be represented through presentations. There are quite a few keeper-driven conservation projects submitted as well. These serve to inspire by showing how we, as keepers, can make a real difference. Workshop topics include old favorites such as' Bowling for Rhinos and Australasian Rap, as well as: training for specific taxa; the bushmeat crisis; restraint of venomous reptiles; rope work and hay nets; animal initiated showers. ..the list goes on. The full schedule is on our website. Hotel Registration If you have not registered with the hotel, please do so before the 2T^ of August. After that date you will not receive the conference rate, or worse, you may not even get into the hotel, and that would be a complete disaster, because the conference hotel will be where all the action is. The hotel can be reached at 1 -800-3 87-8687or consult the July AKF for details. Help We have still not received much in the way of sponsorships. Conferences are very expensive to put on, and although we have been fund-raising our icy little butts off, at this rate it’s going to be tight, with the prospect of three ragged co-chairs serving time for bad-debts looming on the horizon. Any amount your Chapter can spare would be appreciated. If you’re interested in helping or sponsoring an event, or renting a table in the Exhibitors Hall and receiving recognition in our program, contact Lesya at aazk2001@zoo.metrotor.on.ca or leave a message at (416)-392-9112. Airport Info Delegates flying into Toronto will arrive at Pearson International Airport, which is located 20 miles from the downtown area. To avoid the cost of a cab, you should take the shuttle 302 Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol 28, No. 8, 2001 bus (Airport Express) that services a handful of downtown hotels including The Toronto Colony. The ride costs $14.25 Can ($10 US) and leaves from all three temiinals every 20 minutes. Tickets are purchased from the Airport Express booth just outside the Arrivals level. For airline and travel info, please see the July AKF. At this late stage, expect only a 5% discount off flights if you go the “official” route. Weather Early October in Toronto may still be T-shirt weather. Then again, it might be miserable, cold and wet. Chances are it will be nice - not too hot during the day and cool at night. On the other hand, a blizzard is not completely out of the question. As you see, being in the vicinity of a polar ice cap plays havoc at weather predicting with any accuracy. To be on the safe side, bring some fall clothes. Currency Experts tell us you will get the best rates of exchange if you bring your U.S. money to Canada and change it at a bank, rather than buying Canadian dollars in the States. Currently, for $100 U.S. you will get $151 Canadian. Most businesses, including hotels and restaurants, will accept U.S. dollars, but they will not give as good a rate as a bank. Traveler’s cheques are an option as well, especially for those of you who worry. Not that there’s much cause to worry in a safe city like Toronto, but just so you know, there is a movement that’s recently sprung up whose sole purpose is to separate American Zookeepers from their money. Forewarned is forearmed as we say, so here’s a few signs to watch out for.... • People who say “I heard your money all looks the same... can I see what a ‘twenty’ looks like?” • Panhandlers sporting the latest fashions from Wal-Mart. • Anyone who tries to fob you off with ‘Canadian Tire’ money, instead of this country’s legal tender. • Hookers who give less than 140%... exchange rate, that is. • Immigration officers who offer you citizenship for cash. (You can probably get it for free). • Pet stores with “Two for the price of one” specials on Polar Bear cubs. Animal Keepers 'Forum, VoL 28, No. 8, 2001 303 PRE AND POST CONFERENCE TRIP REGISTRATION FORM Name: Address: City: State/Province: Zip/Postal Code: E-mail: Institution: PRE-CONFERENCE TRIP HALIBURTON FOREST $ 1 50.00 Cdn ($ 1 00 US) September 28*^ and We will leave the Toronto Colony Hotel at Sam on September 28‘^ and return to the hotel at 4pm on the 29*. POST-CONFERENCE TRIP NIAGARA FALLS EXCURSION $60.00 Cdn ($40 US) October 5* and 6* NB: Registration fee DOES NOT include cost of the hotel. You must book your own hotel room with the Days Inn Clifton Hills at (905) 358-0277. The room rate is $89 Cdn for a double room accommodating one to four people. We will leave the Toronto Colony Hotel at 9am on October 5* and return to the hotel at 4:30pm on the 6*. NB: Payment is required to reserve a spot on the pre and post conference trips. Note: Details on these trips may be found in the green insert in the June 2001 issue ofAKF. Send this registration form and all fees to: Oliver Claffey, AAZK Registration Toronto Zoo, 361 A Old Finch Ave. Scarborough, Ontario, Canada MIB 5K7 For further details leave a message at (416) 392-9112, Lesya Pedden at aazk2001@zoo.metrotor.on.ca OR visit our website at aazktoronto.tripod.com. 304 Animal Keepers 'Forum, Vol 28, No. 8, 2001 j\BC2 s Animal Behamor Concerns & Solutions A Question and Answer Forum for the Zoo Professional ©2001 by Diana Guerrero, Independent Behavior Consultant Ark Animals of California, San Diego, CA Question: Can you discuss aggression? American Zoo. Answer: Aggression is a broad category. There are numerous types of aggression called by a variety of names depending on the industry you are in. The aggression most commonly encountered by trainers involves social, hormonal, or training error related situations. However there are a variety of others you can encounter. The most common situations seen in a training environment involve aggression that is: Fear-induced: where the aggression is triggered by fear or insecurity. Possessive: object or food guarding (which can also be territorial). Protective: defense of people, territory, or other (like a litter). Dominance-related: a hierarchical problem that can cross into another species. Psychotic or phobic: roots usually in genetics, injuries, or escalation of another type of aggression. Inter-specific: same species/type of animal or same sex aggression. Intra-specific: predatory aggression or aggression directed at other animals or people. Pain induced: which can also be illness induced. Hormonal or seasonal: breeding season and hormone level shifts that can trigger or increase aggression. Other: redirected, situational, reactionary, retaliatory, defensive, learned or trained, etc. Aggression serves a purpose in an animal’s life. During an animal’s social development it learns how to recognize warning signals from conspecifics so that aggression can be avoided. During this time an animal learns just how rough play can get before that aggression terminates playful interactions. Restraint and warning signals (or precursors to aggression) are learned. In training interactions, the most commonly exhibited aggression usually involves social interactions and other training errors. Social groupings of animals are more difficult to work with due to the dynamics involved between the trainer and a group of animals. Displacement activity might occur, breeding or hormonal influences might come into play, new animals or new trainers might come into the situation and complicate matters, and aggressive behavior can be learned through the observation of other animals aggressing. In mixed exhibits or performances there might even be some predatory behavior. In social situations animals might struggle to establish a hierarchy, for a specific location or prime area, for food, for attention and other similar things. Trainer error can cause confusion and frustration, which creates an environment ripe for aggression. Some examples of how this can happen are: Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 28, No. 8, 200 J 305 • if too large a variable reinforcement schedule is used where there might be too much time in between reinforcements or in the amount; • in group situations, where the reinforcement between animals might be sloppy and create grabbing or competition which can escalate into displacement and more; • moving the criteria too quickly beyond the animal’s capability to perform; • accidental reinforcement to an aggressing animal or during a low-level aggressive move from a dominant animal; • giving an unclear discriminative stimulus; • failure to reinforce properly and quickly after successful performances; Trainer awareness about the animal and its condition is critical to successful training and safety. Knowing what types of situations trigger aggression helps, but taking action by not putting the animal in those situations is what prevents injury or aggression. A good example of how simple this can be (and how accidents can happen when simple steps are avoided) occurred when keepers were concerned with avoiding overtime; Two animals had been fighting through the barriers that separated them. One animal was housed alone while the other was in a herd. Instead of locking up the solitary animal in the adjacent yard first, the keepers went ahead with shifting operations. The animal that had been fighting with the other predictably went over to start an altercation. The result was that one animal was injured and lock-up was delayed even further. Weeks of therapy could have been avoided if the staff had taken 15 minutes and endured some inconvenience to prevent the situation. This incident is an example of poor separation control and group dynamic difficulties. Strong separation cooperative training and protocol can prevent many problems. In group situations it is important to make sure that the dominant animals are rewarded for tolerating the presence of other animals and for not interfering with them or the training efforts involving them. But many new trainers fail to understand that controlling a dominant animal will often help prevent loss of control over the group and also assist in curtailing aggression. Frustrating an animal is another area of trouble. This can occur if a trainer gives an unclear signal and the animal performs incorrectly. If the trainer tries again and again without success, it is likely that the animal will become frustrated. Frustration leads to aggression. Skilled trainers will give clear signals or identify the trouble and move to a different behavior, get success and move on before the situation escalates. Multiple animal situations require awareness of the social dynamics outside of training that may enter into a training session: courtship and breeding influences may create problems; rewarding one animal over the others will create problems; and placing an animal into a vulnerable situation with a more dominant animal can compromise that animal’s safety and performance. Making sure the animal is secure and not fearful is also important. If the animal becomes fearful it is necessary to address that situation before it escalates. Trainers and animals should also be in good health and not injured or sick. Many accidents occur when the trainer is a bit off due to illness, injury or medication. Likewise, when the animal is not feeling well or injured, it is not advisable to have it work. There are occasions when the animals seem to have “off’ days. One example I can think of occurred in a group of elephants. In the morning the air in the bam was tense. Keepers knew something was wrong and the day proved to be difficult at best. All the elephants were behaving abnormally. Under management directives, two of the animals were required to perform in the daily show. During the shift into the show stall one of the elephants began screaming and 306 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 8, 2001 spinning - and trying to climb out of the show stall. This could have been disastrous. Fortunately she was released before she injured herself or anyone else. The animal’s health and safety were compromised even though the animals’ abnormal and uncooperative behavior were noted. A good training program will avoid putting an animal into a compromising situation when it is exhibiting signs of duress or behaving abnormally. Ignoring warnings or gut feelings contributes to risk and circumstances under which serious accidents happen. So, how can you avoid aggression? Sometimes you can’t. However you can reduce aggression with a few simple steps. 1 . Understand your animals and their particular nuances. 2. Be aware of the situations in which aggression can occur. 3. Be sensitive to group dynamics and learn how to work successfully with a group of animals. 4. Be able to identity warning signals or precursors to aggression. 5. Terminate a session before the situation escalates. 6. Communicate with other trainers about your animals daily and weekly through records, conversations & meetings. 7. Read up on aggression and how to avoid it — including alternative response training and desensitization. 8. Continue to work at fine-tuning your training skills. 9. Have and know emergency and safety protocols. 10. Honor your gut feelings and any signals your animals give you prior to any training interactions. About the Author: Since 1978 Diana Guerrero has worked professionally in a variety of animal facilities. She has been certified by a variety of educational organizations such as the Moorpark College Exotic Animal Training & Management Program, The Gentle Jungle Affection Animal Training School, The International Training Centre at the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust in England, and program extensions with Marwell Zoological Park and Kent University. Her unique adventures with animals of all types give her unrivaled experiences and insights. Information on seminars, training, courses, animal careers and publications are available at her website: or via regular mail to ARKANIMALS.COM, P.O. Box 1 1 54, Escondido, CA 92033 USA. Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 28, No. 8, 2001 307 10 J-' 0'" ^ ' \ ^ ' yf / The Water Column By Dan Conklin, Senior Biologist, Florida Aquarium Bruce Elkins, Curator of Waters, Indianapolis Zoo Kevin Shelton, Associate Curator, Florida Aquarium Biological Filtration - Practical applications. Although Biological Filtration is key to the art and science of fish keeping, there are two applications I would like to discuss. They tend to give the new (and sometimes not so new) fish keeper trouble. First is starting a new system. Second, adding new animals to an established system. When starting up a new system it is critical to understand the nitrogen cycle. The most important thing to remember is that the biological filter needs time and food to grow. The chart below will give you some idea of why. Ammonia concentration Relative Bacteria Growth In a new tank there is not yet any source of ammonia so there is no bacterial filter available either. When you first start to add fish (plants, or invertebrates) they begin to produce waste products (ammonia) but the filter needs time to increase its growth and hence its ability to convert ammonia to the less toxic nitrogen products. It is this lag time that most often gets fish keepers into trouble. Frequently, too many animals are added too quickly leading to very toxic ammonia spikes. Keep in mind every new system will experience some ammonia increase but the key is to keep the spikes as low as possible. So how do we do that? First try to give the new system a couple of days to condition without any animals. This will allow any chlorine from tap water to dissipate. Check your pH daily. New tank decorations or gravel can have adverse effects on pH, luckily, the effects are generally apparent rather quickly. Next, if possible seed the tank water with water from an established system. I like to add ~10 % by volume from a healthy older system. You can also use a sponge or box filter from the older system to seed the new tank. This seeding process will give the new tank a kick-start of bacterial growth. If you are planning to have live plants, this is a great time to add them. Plants will help to condition the water and they act as a source of ammonia for the bacteria to digest. After seeding and/ or adding plants, add one or two animals, depending on the size of the tank. The old rule of thumb for an established tank is “one inch 308 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 28, No. 8, 2001 of fish for every gallon of water in the system.” I try to start a new system at approximately 10 % of that rule. So, for a twenty-gallon tank I would add two one-inch fish. If you cannot seed your new tank (and I highly recommend it, even if you have to beg tank water from a friend) then start by adding just one small fish. I don’t recommend using a prized animal for the break-in period! Public aquariums frequently will add ammonium chloride as a source of ammonia rather than use live animals. We will add 1 .0 parts per million ammonium chloride to a system and then test the water daily until the level drops. After two weeks of this treatment, a system will have a strong biological filter ready for fish. Even with this set up, we are very careful not to add animals too quickly. In either case, let the system run with no other additions for ~ two weeks. Check ammonia levels every day if you can. If you are unable to check ammonia levels, plan to change ~25% of the water every other day for the first week. Don’t clean the filters during the break in period. You want the filters undisturbed so bacteria can colonize fully. Once the ammonia levels drop back to near zero (or after two weeks, if you can’t check ammonia) and if the fish look normal, a few more fish can be introduced. Adding fish to an established tank is the second topic I wanted to touch upon. An established system is always af equilibrium between the amount of nitrogen waste produced and the population of bacteria available to break it down. Any increase in waste will cause an ammonia spike. Once again the goal is to keep the spike to a minimum. Fish should be added just a few at a time allowing the bacteria time to increase to meet the new demand. Generally following the guidelines above will keep losses low. If ammonia levels do begin to get out of control (i.e. approaching 1-2 parts per million, less for invertebrates, and all depending on the species) there are a few things you can try. Number one is water changes. Water changes dilute the amount of ammonia (or nitrate and nitrite) currently present in the tank. This will buy time for the bacteria colony to catch up to the new demands, as well as lower the stress on your fish. This is a stopgap method though. You will need to continue water changes until the biological filtering will carry the new load. Another emergency method is to lower the pH of the system to neutral. Lowering the pH causes the ammonia/ammonium equilibrium to shift toward the nontoxic ammonium side. pH can be returned to normal after the biological filter has caught up. Thirdly, for freshwater systems, zeolites (ammonia absorbers often called ‘white carbon’) can be added in a box filter to help remove some of the ammonia pressure on your fish. Please note: Zeolites do not work in seawater. There is too much much chemical interference from the salts in seawater. Lastly, reduce your feedings. Less food going into a system means less ammonia waste produced. A good rule is to feed slowly and when the fish begin to show signs of being full, stop feeding. Make sure to remove any uneaten food promptly. Overfeeding is also one of the leading causes of ammonia buildup in a system. A little time and patience will go a long way in making your system stable for the long run. References: Gratzek, John B. et al. 1992. Aquariology: the science of fish health management. Tetra Press. Morris Plains, NJ 330 pp. Moe, Martin A. 1989. The Marine Aquarium Reference: Systems and Invertebrates. Green Turtle Publications. Plantation, FL 507 pp. Escobal, Pedro R. 1996. Aquatic Systems Engineering: Devices and How They Function. Dimension Engineering Press. Oxnard, CA 206pp. Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 28, No. 8, 2001 309 Piper, Robert G.; McElwain, Ivan B.; Orme, Leo E.; McCraren, Joseph R; Fowler, Laurie G.; Leonard, John R. 1989, 4th printing Fish Hatchery Management. US Dept, of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service. Washington, DC. 517 pp. Each month we will also be answering a few questions from you. We will try to pick questions that are pertinent to that month’s topic. We also welcome feedback from the readers. Questions and comments can be submitted to us by email at: Dan: dconklin@flaquarium.org/ Kevin: kshelton@flaquarium.org/ Bruce: belkins@indyzoo.com/ Or by mail at: Kevin Shelton,The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602 Input vSouqht on European Zoo Keeper Training Website For the past year staff from five European Zoos - Paignton (UK); Dublin (Ireland); Dresden (Germany); Decin (Czech Republic) and Budapest (Hungary) have been working on a pilot project to produce on- line training for Zoo Keepers. This project named EZITT (European Zoo keeper Information TechnologyTraining), financed by the EU’s Leonardo da Vinci program is now coming to an end. However there is one important part of this project that we need help to complete - evaluation. This is a request for anyone involved in zoos, the care of exotics or animal care training to look at the website and then complete the online evaluation form. The more forms we can analyze, the better. When looking at the site please bear a couple of things in mind: 1 . It is a pilot project - the site holds a couple of sample chapters, NOT a complete course 2. It is aimed at people with little or no formal keeper training and is therefore quite basic. It was intended to be that way. If you are an experienced keeper try to remember what you knew or rather didn’t know when you first started. 3. The site was built piecemeal and is not an all-singing, all-dancing professional website. 4. The feedback forms are anonymous, however it would help us if you included the name of your institution in the comments box at the end of the form. The web address is http://ezitt.caiia-star.net The password is ezitt The link for the feedback form can be found in the first paragraph of the first page that opens once you have entered the password. Your help really is appreciated. Karen McDonnell Tel: 01677 1425 Technical Education Officer/Marketing Officer, Fax: 01 677 1660 Dublin Zoo, Mobile: 01 819 6435 Phoenix Park, Dublin 8, Ireland —from ZooNews Digest 162, 1-8 July, 2001 310 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 8, 2001 Book Review Elephant Memories, Thirteen Years in the Life of an Elephant Family, With a New Afterword By Cynthia Moss The University of Chicago Press, 2000 ^ 5801 South Ellis Ave., Chicago, IL 60637-1496 ISBN: 0-226-54237-8 $18.00 Paperback 364 pgs. Review by Elizabeth Larsen, Primate Keeper Utah ’s Hogle Zoo, Salt Lake City, UT In 1972, Cynthia Moss started the Amboseli Elephant Research Project in Kenya. One of the world’s greatest authorities on elephants. Moss shares her knowledge and experiences of thirteen years of research in her book. Elephant Memories . The book focuses on the lives of one extended family of elephants, the T-family led by matriarchs Teresia, Slit Ear, Tom Ear, Tania, and Tuskless. Chapters mn in a chronological fashion, highlighting a family. She incorporates her studies of mating, migration, social relationships and more, focusing on one of these aspects of an elephant’s life in each chapter. Moss weaves stories based on events and individuals with scientific data and relationships between family members. She covers the challenges elephants face during drought and the struggle to share the earth with people. Moss has continued her research and since the original publication, has recently re- published Elephant Memories to update us on the T-families and the conservation pressures now facing these elephants. This book pulls you into the saga of the elephants: the complex relationships with family members, how they deal with adversity and the choices they make, death, dominance, and changes in their environment. As Moss is discussing social relationships, she transposes the reader into the elephants life, “Both elephants raised their heads up into the air and clicked their tusks together, wound their tmnks around each other’s while rumbling loudly, and holding and flapping their ears in the greeting posture.” She unveils her passion for the elephants as she is describing the scene, “After 1 8 years of watching elephants I still feel a tremendous thrill at witnessing a greeting ceremony. Somehow it epitomizes what makes elephants so special and interesting. I have no doubt even in my most scientifically rigorous moments that the elephants are experiencing joy when they find each other again.... it is elephantine joy and it plays a very important part in their whole social system.” Through her vignettes she lets the reader develop a relationship with the elephants while following their lives. When they are killed, or injured it gives you a glimpse at the horror of poaching and the inevitable tension when elephants coexist with man. As an animal lover and an environmentalist, I gained from Elephant Memories a greater understanding of elephant’s behavior, a new respect for their species, and a deeper commitment to conservation. Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 28, No. 8, 2001 311 AAZK Announces New Members Krista Carter, Baltimore Zoo (MD); Nicole Porter and Donna Bear-Hull, Jacksonville Zoological Gardens (FL); Stephanie Willard, ZooWorld (FL); Michael D. Crocetti, Gatorland (FL); Lori Miller, Sea World Orlando (FL); Rose Tremblay, Tracy Pope, Karen Jasmin, Jill Rohrbacher and Wendy Crofut, Disney’s Animal Kingdom (FL); Katherine Sweeney, Brevard Zoo (FL); Christine H. Cummings and Sherri Garz, Lion Country Safari (FL); Deborah Bond, Busch Gardens (FL); Kate James, Jackson Zoological Park (MS); Tammy Root, Indianapolis Zoo (IN); Tina R. Kachold, Lincoln Park Zoo (IL); Ginger Haynes and Shane Nelson, Grant’s Farm (MO); Margaret F. Parr, Audubon Nature Institute (LA); Debra Horvath, Reid Park Zoo (AZ); Aiesha A. Ridgeway, Los Angeles Zoo (CA); Debbie Richardson, Moonridge Animal Park (CA); Maureen O’Keefe, Pt. Defiance Zoo and Aquarium (WA); Todd Byard, The Alaska Zoo (AK); Cindy Kam, Calgary Zoo (Alberta); A. Zoe Miller, Crystal Gardens Conservation Center (British Columbia). Renewing Contributing Members Joan Diebold, Keeper Franklin Park Zoo, Boston, MA Vernon N. Kisling, Jr. High Springs, FL Marilyn R. Lemrow, Patron San Diego Zoological Society San Diego, CA Yoshikatsu Mochizuki, Keeper Takarazuka Zoological Park & Botanical Garden Japan Renewing Institutional Member Busch Gardens Tampa, FL At last - Some Good News..,. Africa’s Last “Eden” to Become National Park In an unprecedented agreement with Wildlife Conservation Society and Congo Republic, a timber company has given up its right to log a haven for chimps, gorillas, and elephants. The Minister of Forestry Economy of the Republic of Congo has announced the protection of what scientists are calling the most pristine rain forest left in Africa. With a troop of lowland gorillas watching from the Bronx Zoo’s Congo Gorilla Forest exhibit. Minister Henri Djombo was joined by officials from the Wildlife Conservation Society - the zoo’s parent organization - and CIB, a private timber company. The agreement marks the first time a timber company working in Africa has voluntarily turned over virgin forest in the name of conservation. WCS President, Dr. Steven Sanderson, hailed the Republic of Congo’s government for their vision, and CIB for its courage. Known as the “Goualogo Triangle,” the 100- square-mile rain forest contains some of the highest densities of gorillas, chimpanzees and forest elephants in central Africa. According to WCS, which along with CIB conducted intensive wildlife surveys of the region, it also contains vast tracts of mahoganies and other valuable hardwoods. After learning of the Goualogo’s biological richness, CIB gave up its legal rights to harvest the forest, which were leased from the government. Instead, the government of Congo will add the Goualogo Triangle to the already existing NouabalJ-Ndoki National Park, which WCS helped create in 1993. “The Republic of Congo depends on forest resource use for economic development, but it is also deeply committed to biodiversity conservation and sustainable forest management. It has already set aside an estimated 1 1 percent of the country’s surface area as protected areas, 90 percent of which is tropical forest. Protecting the Goualogo Triangle, an area rich in biodiversity, but originally part of the Kabo Forest Management Unit [logging concession] allocated to CIB, reaffirms this commitment,” said Henri Djombo, Minister of Forestry Economy for the Republic of Congo. Source: ZooNews Digest #162 1-8 July 2001 312 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 8, 2001 c incinnati Zoo A nxiouslt) Awaits Birth o fS umatran Rh ino With an estimated month or so until delivery, the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden's 11- year-old Sumatran rhino {Dicerorhinus sumatrensis), Emi, is set to rewrite the history books. And, just as doctors take every precaution with human pregnancies to ensure that all goes well when the big day arrives, so too is the zoo staff carefully considering each detail in preparation for the birth of the Sumatran rhino calf. Despite facing the challenges of an estimated due date that ranges over a three-month period and the fact that Emi is a first-time mother, the Cincinnati Zoo staff and volunteers are committed to doing everything possible to ensure a healthy delivery. On delivery day, the staff may be faced with one of four different scenarios; 1 . A healthy mother and calf 2. Mother rejects the calf because she is a first-time mom 3. A healthy mother and unhealthy calf 4. A healthy mother and calf, but the mother cannot provide colostrum — ^the first milk that flows from the mother, which contains all the antibodies that the baby must absorb within the first 24 hours. "Not knowing the precise gestation for the species adds a major variable, and increases the tension level among staff. It necessitates monitoring for a longer period of time in order to ensure that even the slightest indication of pending parturition is detected," said Associate Veterinarian Dr. Ken Cameron. Obviously, the zoo's staff hopes that none of the preparation work for all of the worst-case scenarios is put into place, but the rarity of this birth (last successful breeding and birth of a calf in captivity dates back 112 years to 1889 in the Calcutta Zoo) makes it critical to plan ahead. "It is a major event and many eyes will be watching, " said Dr. Cameron. "We want to do everything possible to see that mother and calf come through this in good health." Within many departments, additional efforts are in progress. At CREW (Center for Research of Endangered Wildlife), Emi's hormone levels are monitored closely to evaluate the progress of the pregnancy and to look for any hints of pending parturition. In addition to collecting blood samples from Emi, the veterinary staff has collected and stored rhino plasma just in case an emergency occurs. This plasma was obtained by collecting blood during a routine foot trim on an Indian rhino at a local breeding and research facility in central Ohio. This blood was then spim in a centrifuge and separated into plasma. Two liters of rhino plasma have been banked and are ready, if needed to supplement the calf. "In the event that the mother cannot or will not raise the calf on her own, we will be intimately involved in the hand-rearing of the calf," said Dr. Cameron. The nursery staff is prepared for the remote possibility that Emi does not produce enough milk. Because milk from each species differs, data on rhino milk have been collected and will be used as a basis for matching any supplemental milk that may be needed for the calf. For the past six moths, the staff has collected, analyzed and stored an extra 210 gallons of colostrum from several local facilities, including the horse industry, since horses are the closest living domestic relative of the rhinoceros. The colostrum is then processed at a low heat to kill bacteria, but not too hot to kill the antigens, which are necessary in immune defense. In 1976, the zoo's nursery staff had the experience of raising a female black rhino, named Danielle, but each case is different and more information is now available. "If our assistance Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 8, 2001 313 is needed, there will be no time to prepare," said Head Nursery keeper Dawn Strasser. "Neonatals have a very small window of opportunity to turn around a problem. When most animals might have days, neotatals have only hours." Ultimately Emi's keepers are the individuals responsible for alerting the staff about any changes that might suggest labor is near. Every day, Emi is inspected for changes in mammary development and milk production, her temperature is taken and weight recorded. Even her appetite and behavior throughout the day is noted. "We are ready for this wondrous event, but are hopeful that many of the 'just in case' preparations will not be necessary," said CREW Director Dr. Terri Roth. "An uncomplicated labor resulting in the birth of a healthy calf that is cared for by a doting mother would be just what the doctor ordered." Head Keeper Paul Rhinehart has worked with rhinos for 20 years and has been very instrumental in the zoo's Sumatran rhino project. He is responsible for the daily maintenance and care of the rhinos and since the confirmation of the pregnancy, it has been Paul who has monitored Emi's weight and fed her the daily dose of hormones given to ensure a healthy pregnancy. The veterinarians rely heavily on Paul for input on Emi's behavior and appetite. "All births are significant to me, but this one carries a lot more with it," said, Paul. "Rhino calves are awesome to begin with, but this being the first in over 100 years make it more so." Paul records Emi's weight every morning and provides her daily requirement of six slices of bread, soaked with hormone supplement, five pounds of ficus browse, five bananas, seven apples and fresh water. In the afternoon, she receives approximately 30 pounds of ficus browse, one flake of orchard grass hay, two pounds of grain, seven bananas and eight apples. The Sumatran rhinoceros is considered one of the most endangered mammalian species on the planet. In the last 10 years, more than 60% of the Sumatran rhino population has been lost, resulting in fewer than 300 left in the wild and 15 in captivity. Habitat loss has been one factor in the decline but the much more serious problem is poaching for the horn, used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine. Two of the only three Sumatran rhinos in the U.S. reside at the Cincinnati Zoo. In March the zoo's other female rhino, Rapunzel, returned to the Bronx Zoo to make room for the expected baby. The calf's wild-caught sire is Ipuh, age unknown, that came to Cincinnati in October of 1991 from San Diego where he first arrived in April of that same year. According to Dr. Thomas Foose, Program Director for the International Rhino Foundation, protection of the Sumatran rhino in the wild is a formidable challenge. Not only is the animal secretive and elusive, but their tropical forest habitat renders it more difficult to protect them. The task is getting even more difficult as human populations expand while the political and economic condition deteriorates in the countries where the Sumatran rhino still survives... Indonesia and Malaysia. The goal of conserving species in the wild is sometimes so difficult or uncertain that additional methods are needed. The conservation strategy for the Sumatran rhino is diversified and is comprised of three main components: 1 . Protection of rhinos in the wild from poachers by anti-poaching teams known as Rhino Protection Units (RPUs). 2. Propagation of rhinos in captivity; also not an easy task. 3. A combination of the two in the form of very large managed breeding centers, known as sanctuaries, in the rhino's native habitat, where more space and natural conditions, especially diet, can be provided. The Cincinnati Zoo is involved and contributing to all three. 314 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 8, 2001 0.1 Sumatran rhino Emi at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. (Photo by Ron Austing) The standard method for poaching Sumatran rhinos is with snares, traps, or sometimes pits that are placed along the trails that the rhinos use through the forest. The RPUs ' main job is to patrol the forests and destroy or confiscate the snares and traps. Each RPU consists of 4- 5 rangers who have much experience and training in tropical forest work. In areas where RPUs have been operating since 1995, there have been almost no rhinos lost to poachers. While there are about 40 RPUs operating in southeast Asia, at least twice as many are needed. As the amount of encroachment and exploitation of rhinos and their habitats intensifies, the job of the RPUs has become even more difficult. In April 2001, a rhino was lost to poachers in Bukit Barisan Selatan (BBS) National Park in Sumatra even though the area was being intensely patrolled by RPUs. Just a week after the RPUs had passed the area, poachers placed a snare along a rhino trail. A week later, the RPUs discovered a rhino, still alive and struggling, in a snare. There was a desperate and valiant effort to rescue the young male rhino, but by the time field conservationists and veterinarians could get to the remote forest site, it had died from a combination of suffocation, dehydration and stress. There are currently Rhino Protection Units operating in all of the main areas where the Sumatran rhino still survives: four major National Parks in Sumatra, Indonesia; four Parks and Reserves in Peninsula Malaysia; and two Reserves in Sabah on the island of Borneo. The RPU programs have been developed, supported and coordinated by the International Rhino Foundation (IRF) in partnership with the Wildlife Departments in Indonesia and Malaysia and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) like the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, the Asian Rhino Specialist Group (AsRSG), World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and SOS-Rhino. The Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Fund (RTCF) of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has also been a critical supporter and partner in the RPU program. Funds raised from AAZK's Bowling for Rhinos has also gone toward the support of the RPUs through the IRF. Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 8, 2001 315 Attempts to maintain and reproduce the Sumatran rhino in traditional captive situations have also proven very difficult. Since only seven Sumatran rhinos actually moved to the U.S, this provided a very small number to work with to try and determine dietary requirements, reproductive cycles, physiology, etc. In addition, the Sumatran rhino is essentially a solitary animal, coming together only when the female is in estrus. Determining the estrus cycle was a task taken up in the 1990s by CREW Director Dr. Terri Roth. It was therefore decided in the early 1990s to establish the third component of the conservation strategy for this species and create large areas (10 to 250 acres) in the native habitat of the Sumatran rhino. Rhinos that were not breeding in zoos would be moved to these ''sanctuaries". To date, three major sanctuaries have been created: 1) The Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary (SRS) in Way Kambas, where there are 250 acres behind electric fence in a National Park. There is a pair of Sumatran rhino within this enclosure; the male has been in a zoo in England for 15 years after being rescued in Sumatra and the female was in a zoo in Indonesia. The National Park where the sanctuary is located also contains an estimated 30-40 wild rhino. 2) The Sumatran Rhino Conservation Center (SRCC) at Sungai Dunsun in Peninsula Malaysia maintains two males and five female rhinos that had been in Malaysian zoos. 3) Sepilok Rhino Center in Sabah, also contains a pair of rhino. Over the last several years, the efforts to reproduce the Sumatran rhino under managed conditions at both the Cincinnati Zoo and the sanctuaries in Indonesia and Malaysia have intensified. Communication, collaboration and coordination among all the facilities with Sumatran rhino have intensified as well. In 1999 and 2000, the International Rhino Foundation and the lUCN/SSC Asian Rhino Specialist Group (AsRSG) sponsored major workshops in Indonesia and Malaysia that assembled all of the primary rhino managers and researchers involved with Sumatran rhino reproduction to conduct animal-by-animal assessments and formulate recommendations to enhance reproduction. A Global Management Group wad formed for Sumatran rhino. The Cincinnati Zoo has been a major contributor to, and participant in, these workshops and the Global Management Group. There have been important exchanges of personnel involving the Cincinnati Zoo: 1) The head and other staff of Sungai Dunsun and Sepilok have been to Cincinnati; 2) Dr. Terri Roth has been to Way Kambas twice and to Sungai Dunsun three times, most recently in March of this year; 4) Steve Romo, who was head rhino keeper at Cincinnati when the break-through of getting Emi pregnant occurred, has been on an extended technical mission to Sungai Dunsun to help transfer the methodology that has worked at Cincinnati to the breeding center in Malaysia. There is a global and urgent campaign in progress to prevent the extinction of the Sumatran rhino. It is probably the most endangered large mammal on our planet, and we will all be waiting for a positive outcome of Emi's pregnancy as a positive sign for the future of this species. {Information for this article was excerpted from several news releases from the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. Our thanks to Greg Hansen, Communications Ccoordinator, and his staff for their assistance. Editor) 316 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 8, 2001 LegisCdtive 'LLjscCdte Compiled by Georgann Johnston Legislative Advisor Sacramento, CA Cheetah Study Seeks Additional Funding We reported in an earlier column that the AfriCat Foundation in Namibia is collecting data about that country’s cheetah populations. According to Lise Hanssen, a spokesperson for AfriCat, the cheetah is the most high profile carnivore in Namibia but remains the most elusive. Even though AfriCat and other organizations have spent many years working with these animals, very little significant information has been gathered. The goal of the AfriCat research is to gather information on population density, predation, mortality, reproduction, hunting behavior and group structure in this species. Ms. Hanssen stated in an interview that “Many cheetahs are killed every year in conflict with livestock farmers and we have no idea how sustainable this loss is to the cheetah population.” Currently, three organizations in Namibia have teamed for the next three years to gather data on the cheetahs. AfriCat, Okatumba Wildlife Research (both private organizations) and the Namibia Ministry of Environment and Tourism (a governmental agency) are working together to establish four study sites in which all cheetahs will be captured, radio-collared and released. They will then be tracked from the air every week and locations will be followed up on the ground. Ms. Hanssen stated that “This will be the largest effort in cheetah conservation every undertaken in Namibia. At present we are looking for conservation partners that would like to contribute financially to this study.” Ms. Hanssen can be contacted at 264067 304566 (telephone) or by email at africat@natron.net. Source: WildNet Africa News Archive 20 June 2001 Government Sponsored Large Carnivore Management Forum in Namibia Now a Formal Organization The AfriCat Foundation has issued another press release stating that a Large Carnivore Management Forum (LCMF) in Namibia has been transformed into a formal organization. The LCMF consists of a group of organizations that are active in various aspects of large carnivore conservation. The Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism (NMET) initiated the Forum about four years ago as a means of encouraging all parties to discuss ideas and issues and to potentially act together as a joint force. It was recently decided that the LCMF should become an association on its own - separate from control by the NMET. The new Large Carnivore Management Association of Namibia (LCMAN) has a binding constitution to which all parties agreed and uphold. Founding members include AfriCat Foundation, Affileo Foundation, Cheetah Conservation Fund, Hamas, Namibian Professional Hunters Association, Namibian Animal Rehabilitation, Research and Education Centre, and Oakatumba Wildlife Research. Information and updates about the plans and goals of this newly formed organization may be obtained by contacting Lise Hanssen can be contacted at 264067 304566 (telephone) or by email at africat@natron.net. Source: WildNet Africa News Archive 20 Jun^ 2001 Increased Demand for Sport Hunting in Kenya A powerful sport-hunting lobby is pressing the government of Kenya to grant more concessions for game hunting in that country. The Kenyan government has issued a statement that “should lucrative Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 28, No. 8, 2001 317 game hunting be authorized, only a few large-scale game ranchers and tour operators would reap the benefits while local communities would still go empty-handed.” A special report, developed on behalf of the government, said that the establishment of a formal agency — Game Conservation and Management Authority (GCMA) - would benefit only game ranchers and tour operators. The development of the GCMA is supported by a group of ranchers from two Kenyan states that want to establish a bird conservation board that would license and manage bird shooting in Kenya. The government’s initial response was to say that before the establishment of a self-regulating GCMA, local community authorities need to participate in order to create their own institutions to protect their interests. The issue remains up in the air as of this latest report from allAfrica.com, an African news reporting system. Source: allAfrica.com citing The Nation Newspaper 21 June 2001 Funding for Electric Fence to Reduce Human-Animal Conflicts in Zimbabwe Various private and governmental agencies in Zimbabwe have worked together to fund the installation of a solar-powered electric fence to ensure that elephants will no longer destroy crops in many rural communities of this African country. A spokesperson for the Communal Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources (CAMPFIRE) stated in a recent interview that a single elephant can cause extensive damage, destroying the fields of up to 20 families in a village at a time. Therefore, CAMPFIRE, utilizing funding provided by the Zimbabwe government, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and private sector parties to co-finance a Z$50 million fence project in eleven districts throughout the country. USAID will pay Z$20,000 and each household will contribute towards paying the balance over a three-year period, using revenue generated from the sale of their maize or cotton crops. Another spokesperson, this one from the World Wildlife Fund for Nature - Southern Africa Regional Programme Office, stated that although the fence would increase crop production through the reduction of crop destruction, it was not going to prevent crop destruction caused by smaller animals such as wild pigs. However, the WWF representative pointed out that the fence will help to prevent large- scale disruption of the ecosystem as people will now confine their activities to areas meant for farming, while wildlife can roam freely in adjacent areas not suitable for agriculture. Source: WildNet Africa News Archive citing an article from the SADC NRMO Bulletin 26 June 2001 Law Enforcement News; The following is just a brief selection of recent law enforcement actions taken to protect animals, particularly endangered species, from those who would exploit them for financial gain. Canada Intercepts Ivory Shipment: In November 2000, Canada Customs officials made one of the largest ever Canadian seizures of carved ivory. The illegal shipment was discovered by accident on board a container ship from Germany coming into a port in Nova Scotia. More than 4,000 pieces of elephant ivory carved into jewelry were found in a briefcase belonging to a Toronto resident. The items, valued at approximately CA$75,000 (US $50,026), were destined for Ontario. The carvings were believed to have initially come from China. Charges of violating Canada’s Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and interprovincial Trade Act were issued against the smuggler. If convicted, he faces a maximum fine of CA $25,000 (US$16,675) or six months in jail. Source: The Globe and Mail (Canada) 1 December 2001 Big Game Hunter Arrested in Chicago: In late 1998 a U.S. Custom’s agent at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport inspected the bags of big game hunter Paul Asper and found two horns from a black rhino, the lower jawbone of an Argali sheep and 1 5 Beanie Babies. “Asper was not charged with smuggling the hard-to-find stuffed animals, but faces up to 16 months in prison for failing to declare the horns and bones of the real endangered animals”. He was arraigned and released on bond and in early 1 999 he was indicted by a federal grand jury in Chicago related to his smuggling activities. This is not the first time Asper has been charged with illegally importing parts of endangered animals into the U.S. His 318 Animal Keepers’ Forum, VoL 28, No. 8, 2001 Fin, Fur and Feather Wildlife Museum, set up in a warehouse to showcase hundreds of animal trophies from around the globe, was raided and he was convicted of felony violations of the Endangered Species Act and sentenced to 30 months in prison and a fine of $190,000. The Chicago case is still pending. Source: The Federal Wildlife Officer Spring 1999 vol. 11, no. 4 Alaskan Hunting Guides Shut Down: On 2 February 200 1 , two Alaska pilots who operated as hunting guides, along with 14 of their clients, pled guilty to various state and federal wildlife violations. These included shooting moose, caribou, and bear on the ground soon after they were spotted from the air. Alaska law forbids killing game the same day a hunter is airborne or chasing game animals by aircraft. The two pilots also pled guilty to violating the Lacey Act, which prohibits interstate transport of illegally obtained wildlife. They agreed to pay a $50,000 fine, they forfeited their aircraft, were placed on four months of home confinement and two years of probation. Most of the hunters received fines of $500 and probation of one to two years along with forfeiting their guns and trophies. Source: Traffic North America published by the World Wildlife Fund March/April 2001 vol. 4, no. 1 Guilty Pleas in Hawaiian Coral Case: Two California residents and one person from Hawaii recently pled guilty to one count of conspiring to traffic in coral and live rock that was unlawfully harvested from the Hawaiian coast and later sold on the mainland. Coral and live rock are protected by Hawaiian law and the federal Lacey Act. The defendants would swim out to coral reefs located on the north shore of Oahu and break off chunks of the reef with hammers. Working primarily at night, they also collected coral rubble from the sea floor. The live rock and coral were then transported to California where they were sold and distributed through the U.S. primarily to aquarium supply businesses. During the course of their conduct, the defendants moved approximately 1 00 tons of coral/rock with a wholesale value well over $1 million. Source: Traffic North America published by the World Wildlife Fund March/April 2001 vol. 4, no. 1 Cayman Island Tries to Stop Smuggling: Three German nationals were arrested in the Cayman Islands in January 2001 and charged with attempting to smuggle over 1,250 endangered animals and plants out of the country. The men were caught just as they boarded a plane to leave the Cayman Island city of George Town and were found with lizards, frogs, orchids, and other animals in their luggage. Some of the illegal bounty came from the Cayman Islands and some from other islands in the Caribbean. The arrests followed an intensive investigation by the Cayman Islands Department of Environment and the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, with World Wildlife Fund’s TRAFFIC providing trained staff to assist in the investigation. Source: TRAFFIC International Press Release 8 February 2001 Attempts to Stop Culling of Flying Foxes in the Melbourne Royal Botanical Gardens In early April 200 1 , gunmen hired by the Melbourne Royal Botanical Gardens (MRBG) began shooting some of the estimated 1 9,000 rare grey headed flying foxes who have made their homes in the MRGB’S Fern Gully. The MRGB is located in Victoria, one of the largest and most densely populated states of Australia where native habitat for these animals is becoming more scarce as time passes. The grounds for the slaughter of these animals is that their guano is killing the Fern Gully vegetation, including specimens of endangered plants. Approximately two weeks after the shoots started, a contingent of representatives from the Australian Museum, The Australian Environmental Minister’s Office, Deakin University, and the Victoria State Department of Natural Resources began the process of obtaining official protection for the flying foxes as an endangered/threatened species. Moreover, the four participants are also looking for a site so that a sanctuary for these flying mammals can be established. Source: Animal People News, May 2001 vol. 10, no. 4 Euro Parliament Supports Cosmetic Testing on Animals On 3 April 2001 the European Parliament endorsed a series of approximately 30 amendments regarding the regulation of make-up, shampoos and shower gels which, if endorsed by the European Commission Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 8, 2001 319 and the council of ministers representing the 15 EU nations, would ban the sale of new cosmetic products that have been tested on animals. Furthermore, older products that have already been animal- tested would have to be relabeled to reflect that fact. Editorial writers in the London Sunday News stated that the amendments are “likely to face stiff opposition. Several member states, including Britain, fear that a ban on substances tested on animals outside the EU could lead to a confrontation with the World Trade Organization, which just might see it as a barrier to free trade.” Currently the only EU nations that ban cosmetic testing are Britain, Austria and the Netherlands. Additionally, most Italian brand-name products are actually tested and manufactured in France - a country that sacrificed 38,000 animals in the year 2000 alone to the cosmetic and perfume industry. Similar proposals have failed in 1 993 and in 1 998 after industry representatives testified that alternative methods were not yet available to meet the regulatory standards elsewhere in the world. Since then, new animal-safe methods have been developed to satisfy organizations with very strict guidelines - such, as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration - so this claim would be invalid with respect to the new legislation. Source: Animal People News, May 2001 vol. 10, no. 4 Siberian Tiger Sanctuary Established in Russia A ten-million acre Anuisky National Park in the Russian Far East has been established by the governor of the Russian province of Khabarovsky Region. With the support of the Khabarowsky Foundation and the World Wildlife Tmst, a groundwork for the park was put together just five years ago as part of the WWF’s “Year of the Tiger Action Plan”. By the early 1990s it was believed that fewer than 200 Siberian tigers were existing in the wild and that this small population was dwindling due to poaching for tiger parts to be used in traditional Chinese medicine, for trophy hunting, and due to habitat degradation and loss. These losses were aggravated by the breakdown of the former Soviet Union and the loss of governmental support for anti-poaching programs. To remedy this problem the WWF raised emergency funds to provide for anti-poaching brigades throughout the Primorsky and Khabarovsky regions of the Russian Far East. An additional problem that arose following the demise of the Soviet Union was the radical increase in logging timber in the tigers’ habitat. The Anuisky National Park and other geographic spots were identified by the WWF, local agencies, community groups and international conservation organizations as sites to be protected. Since that action, local governments in the Russian Far East have made commitments to protect these designated areas. For example, the governor of the Primorsky region has signed a decree establishing a new national park named “Call of the Tiger” that will protect tiger habitat on about 200,000 acres adjacent to the Lazovsky State Nature Reserve. Likewise, the government of the Jewish Autonomous Republic has added nearly 40,000 acres to the Bastak State Nature Reserve. Overall, since 1990 an additional 26 protected areas for Siberian tigers have been established on 5.6 million acres, including two state nature reserves, two national parks, and several federal wildlife refuges. WWF and the assorted governments, communities, and conservation groups are now trying to work to “craft a bast 'eco-nef that will connect the current protected areas with new wildlife corridors, creating territories dedicated to sustainable nature use and zones or restricted economic development.” Source: Focus, published by World Wildlife Fund, May/June 2001 320 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 28, No. 8, 2001 Association Welcomes New Chapters AAZK, Inc. is please to announce the formation of the following three new Chapters within the Association. The Board of Directors wishes these new AAZK Chapters much success in their activities and programs. Welcome! Texas State Chapter of AAZK This Chapter is made up of members from the Dallas World Aquarium and Zoological Garden, 1801 N. Griffin St., Dallas, TX 75202. Their officers are: President..... Marcus Cook Vice President..... Dr. Jan Raines Secretary..... Jay Pratt T reasurer. .... Gray Lang Cgapter Liaison..... Marcus Cook Snake River Chapter of AAZK This Chapter is made up of members from the Tautphaus Park Zoo and the Pocatello Zoo. The Chapter mailing address is at Tautphaus Park Zoo, P.O. Box 50220, Idaho Falls, ID 83405. Their officers are: President.. ...Joe Probert Vice President..... Linda J. Beard Sec’y/Treas..... Linda C. Ellison Chapter Liaison.. ...Evelyn Childs Lion Country Safari Chapter of AAZK This Chapter is made up of members from Lion Country Safari, 2003 Lion Country Safari Rd., Loxahatchee, FL 33470. Their officers are: President..... Craig VanDerMeid Vice President.. ...Leigh Rickey Sec’y/Liaison.....Mark Hacker Treasurer..... Kelly Greer MOVIIVG? Please let us know when you change your address! It now costs AAZK 99 cents every time an AKF is returned because of an incorrect address. Call 1-800-242-4519 (U.S.) or 1-800-468-1966 (Canada) or e-mail aazkoffice@kscable.com to report your new address. THANKS! Chapter News Nates Tulsa AAZK Chapter The AAZK Tulsa Chapter recently sent $500 to The Lukuru Wildlife Research Project. We had set a goal for this year of $500 to be raised through various fund raisers and events. Thanks to Zoo visitors, employees, and Tulsa Zoo Friends we met this goal by April ! The mission of the Lukuru Wildlife Research Project (LWRP) is to conduct scientific research on, conservation of, and educational actives about fauna, primarily the bonobo ( Pan paniscus ), and the flora within the region corresponding to the administrative Zone Dekese, Province Kasai Occidental, Democratic Republic of Congo Africa. For more info about LUKURU contact: Dr. Jo Thompson LWRP jat434@aol.com For the rest of the year our Chapter will be raising money for the Hombill Research Foundation. For info on this project contact:Hornbill Research Foundation at http://members.nbci.com/hombill/ welcome.htm Our Chapter is also selling its patch (see below) for $5.00 each. To order send check of moeny order to: AZK Tulsa Chapter, 5710 E. 36th St. North, Tulsa,OK 74115. —Ric Kotarsky Animal Keepers ’Forum, VoL 28, No. 8, 2001 321 Enrtchmen By Kayla Grams, USGS, Lovell, WY and Jan Roletto, Columbus Zoo Throughout the year, the column will continue to highlight enrichment displays designed to educate zoo visitors. This display comes from Lee Houts at the Folsom City Zoo, CA. The use of a variety of enrichment posters that are changed and updated on a regular basis provide new experiences for returning visitors. With zoo visitors becoming more educated on enrichment practices, all facilities are encouraged to send in clear photos or computer graphics of displays used throughout your zoo for publication in the EO Column. Let’s make the effort to share creative ideas with fellow keepers! — EO Column Coordinators TOYS 4 US (Below is the text which appears on the enrichment graphic at Folsom Zoo - see photo on next page) The activity of “play” is widespread among birds and mammals. Play during development helps an individual learn about its environment (branches move, mud is squishy), learn about its own body and how to master movements, build stamina and strength, develop social skills and establish social hierarchies, there is evidence that animals which engage in abundant and creative or complex play have more developed brains and better coping skills. Even adults of many species willingly play. Play can take many fornis. Solitary species may cavort, turn somersaults or make spectacular leaps without apparent cause, these games may prove useful in avoiding predators later, but they also appear to be a joyful expression. Many animals engage in play fighting with their own or other species. Often it is a way to “safely” test each other’s strength and skill. But sometimes animals that have clear advantage will play gently or come down on their knees to even the playing field and encourage interactions with a weaker opponent. Our alpha wolf may be seen lying on his back, allowing low ranking pack members to “strangle” him. Social play like wrestling, chase and keep-away help animals build physical strength and social skills. Play is also a powerful tool in social bonding, and the release of tension within a group. Object manipulation involves “toys”. Many animals will toss and chase rocks, sticks or leaves as natural toys. Many child-safe plastic toys or pet products make excellent play items for animals. As with young children, it is important if these toys become destroyed in vigorous play, that there are no sharp edges which might cut, or small pieces that could be swallowed by an animal. 322 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 8, 2001 Educational Enrichment Graphic at Folsom Zoo IMPORTANT NOTES An upcoming issue of AKF will be devoted to Bat Husbandry and Conservation. We are looking for a variety of bat enrichment for the Enrichment Options Column. The deadline to turn in submissions is 20 September, 2001. (Ideas appearing in this column have not necessarily been tested by the editors for safety considerations. A Iways think ahead and use good judgement when trying new ideas. You are invited to submit materials for the Enrichment Options Column. This might include recipes, toys, puzzle feeders, olfactory enrichment ideas, etc. Drawings and photos of enrichment are encouraged. Send to: AKF/Enrichment, 3601 SW 29th Sl, Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614-2054. Eds.) Look for many ‘‘toys” in the exhibits. Some are natural, like branches or pinecones. Many are store- bought “safe and indestructible” toys provided by zoo visitors. Some are designed to be destroyed like pinatas or cardboard-box forts. We encourage all of our visitors to participate in our Behavioral Enrichment (B, E.) Program by collecting and saving items that can become “toys” for zoo animals and enriching for the visitor. If you would like to help, pick up a B. E. Wish List from the front gate. Visit the AAZK Enrichment Website - www.enrich.org/aazk or to join the Enrichment Listserve, emailjackbell@humboldtl.com An archive of past postings may be viewed at www.caza.org/enrich Animal Keepers 'Forum, Vol 28, No. 8, 2001 323 ^ £ A £ r / 0 £ £ /i ^mfioi(ji(l;\i5Urfom/orfktoo Fnfessioidoi Crisis tfaia^mit By William K. Bakery Jr., Curator of Large Mammals Little Rock Zoo, Little Rock, AR Question Where can we pursue off-site crisis management training? Comments There is a very limited selection of schools that provide off-site training applicable to crisis management in zoological facilities. Gunsite Training Center RO. Box 700 Paulden,AZ 86334 (Tactical firearms training; open to the public) Heckler & Koch International Training Division 21480 Pacific Boulevard Sterling, VA 20 166 (Tactical firearms training; restricted access) Safe Capture International, Inc. P.O. Box 206 Mt. Horeb, WI 53572 (Chemical immobilization of animals; open to the public) Tac Pro Shooting Center 35100 North State Highway 108 Mingus, TX 76463 (Tactical firearms training; open to the public) Thunder Ranch HCR l,Box 53 Mt. Home, TX 78058 (Tactical Firearms training; open to the public) Next Month: Who currently manufactures capture equipment for exotic animals? If you would like to submit a question for this column or have comments on previously published materials, please send them to AAZK, Inc., 3601 S.W. 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614 Attn: Reactions/^i^F. 324 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 28, No. 8, 2001 (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, Large Mammal Keeper, Senior Keeper, and Zoo Curator at various zoological 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.) Rare Silverback Gorillas Killed and Eaten Two rare male silverback gorillas have reportedly been killed and eaten by Hutu militiamen in Rwanda. The remains of one of the gorillas was discovered cooked and half eaten in Virunga National Park, after a defecting militiaman reported the killings. The silverbacks are from a sub-species of which there are thought to be only 335 left in the wild. Rwandan Government soldiers have now been deployed across the park to protect isolated groups of the endangered mountain gorillas. Both male gorillas are understood to have recently reached maturity and would have been shunned by the family groups they normally live in. Although killing wild animals for food, known as bush meat, is widespread in central and western Africa, it is extremely rare in the Great Lakes region. Innocent Kaganga, 29, the renegade Hutu militiaman, said he was shocked by the killings. He decided to defect to the Government’s side and report the incident, fearing his companions might kill and eat him as well. ZAIRE • KISORO GAIN] DA RWANDA Mr. Kaganga said: “I heard three shots in the forest before my colleagues came back with gorilla meat. I asked them ‘How could you dare to kill and eat those peaceftil old men of the mountain?’ “They looked almost like human beings. I thought that these people could easily eat me and that is when I began my plot to surrender to the army.” The Times reports that the rebels are understood to have infiltrated the national park from the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwandan Government forces there have been pursuing the remnants of the Hutu militia which carried out the 1994 genocide in which some 800,000 people were massacred. Liz Williamson, an official from the internationally renowned Dian Fosse Gorilla Fund, said: “Because the population of gorillas is so tiny, dny individual is invaluable genetically. Silverback gorillas are so rare it is hard to put even a biological value on them.” Source: June 6, 2001 www.Ananova.com Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 8, 2001 325 A Non-Intrusive Diet Program for Milky Eagle Owls (Bubo lacteus) ; By Tina Sals, SeniorKeeper, Mammal Department Broolrfield Zoo, Chicago, IL Introduction Keepers are often met with great challenges pertaining to routine animal care. Methods of behavioral |! observations are virtually custom-designed and refined for the species under study. For example, ! video recording and time-lapse photography techniques have been previously used in studies of golden | lion tamarins (Leontopithecus rosalia) (Beck et. al. 1994) and mouse deer {Tragulusd napa) i (MacNamara and Kalina, 1979). Nocturnal species can be particularly difficult to observe, unless aided by the use of a video camera. The following is an account of a diet study of 1 . 1 milky eagle owls i (Bubo lacterus) of the Habitat Africa! Exhibit at Brookfield Zoo, via the use of closed-circuit TV and |i time-lapsed photography. Background The milky eagle owls in the zoo’s collection are 1.1 with breeding strongly desired. The male, a wild- hatched individual, brought to captivity in 1 986 and Brookfield Zoo in 1 992, is genetically very valuable for breeding. The female, captive-hatched at the San Diego Zoo in 1 992, arrived at Brookfield Zoo in i 1992, where she was introduced, and later housed with the male beginning in November 1992. The female began egg laying in November 1 997 and has produced infertile eggs to date. One speculation regarding infertility was that the male, who in October 1 998 weighed 2.78kg (6.1 lbs.), was overweight preventing proper positioning and mounting of the female during copulation. A diet program was discussed and keepers were soon faced with the question of how this intense diet program could be implemented in the most non-intrusive way. The exhibit cage dimensions are as follows: 5.03m L x 2.75m W x 5.49m H (16.5’ L x 9’ Wx 18’ H), making it stressful and difficult to net birds out of the cage for a routine weighing program. The holding cage, which lies adjacent to the exhibit cage and is accessible to the birds through an open window, measures 2.2m L x 1 .34m W x 2.29m H (7.2’ L x 4.4’ W x 7.5 ’ H). The Nutrition Department advised that weekly owl weights are desired for diet alteration and program. Considering the accessibility of the holding cage, the only viable option seemed to be to design a non-intrusive, diet- reduction program that could be monitored from this area. The following technique was established and executed for the purpose of video monitoring with closed-circuit TV and time-lapse recording obtaining owl weights and observation of owl compatibility. Materials and Set-Up The basic video equipment used for this project was a closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera with a lens, a video cassette recorder (VCR) time-lapse speed control and a television monitor (MacNamara and Kalina, 1979). Other necessary equipment included a plastic, 32-gallon garbage can with lid, a piece of plywood, and OHAUS DS20L flat scale with digital read box, a custom-built wooden platform to fit on top of the scale, and a plastic food dish. As mentioned earlier, the holding cage is accessible from the exhibit cage via an open window. It was thought that the feeding platform should be as high as the lower edge of the window sill, approximately .915m (3 ft.) from the floor. The following items were installed inside the holding cage (in order from the bottom to the top, and as illustrated in Figure 1): • A garbage can with a flat lid was used as the base for the additional components. • Plywood was placed on top of the can, larger than the scale and garbage can base to offer stability. 326 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 8, 2001 • The scale was placed on the plywood. • The custom-built wooden platform was placed on the scale. • The plastic food bowl was placed on top of the wooden platform. • The digital readout box for the scale was wired to the plywood, away from the wooden platform that housed the scale, so as not to interfere with the accuracy of the weights. • Lastly, the food items were placed in the plastic bowl, which lies on top of the wooden platform. The video equipment was installed outside of the holding cage in the keeper service area. Directly outside the holding cage door was a tripod which supported a CCTV camera with lens. The camera was positioned to record the owl entrance window and the weighing mechanism (with the view of the platform). The camera cables were led down a flight of stairs to attach to the VCR with a time-lapse speed control and a television monitor (see Fig. 1) Figure 1 - Materials and Set-up Methods Initial set-up begins in the afternoon with the following procedure. The keeper, after weighing and logging the thawed food amounts on a consumption log, would bring the food to the holding cage at approximately 1600 hrs. The keeper climbs the flight of stairs to the holding cage, enters the cage, turns on the digital readout box, counts the number of food items and places it in the food bowl. The weight is tared until the digital readout reflects zero. The keeper exits, locks the cage, and ventures down the stairs. The fluorescent light fixture, which is normally off during the day, is manually turned on at 1 600 hrs. in the holding cage to provide video lighting. At the base of the stairs are the TV and VCR. The keeper rewinds the videotape, sets the speed to a 24-hour recording, resets the counter, and Animal Keepers’ Forum, VoL 28, No. 8, 2001 327 then presses “record”. The keeper logs the number of food items given and exits the area. Possessing a computerized exhibit lighting system, the exhibit lights were programmed to turn off at 1800 hrs., and as seen on the video footage, the owls would come in for their meal shortly thereafter. Photo 1 - Full frontal view - Milky eagle owl lands on the platform to obtain food. (Photo credit: Brookfield Zoo Habitat Africa staff and Audio Visual Department) When servicing the exhibit the next day, the keeper reviews the videotape and logs which owl(s) take food items, how many food items they take, and logs actual consumption observed. The keeper j weighs the remaining food and logs the amount of food eaten. Weights were acquired on a weekly , basis for this program and logged for a compilation of weight history. i Methods for watching the video playback were as follows: 24-hour speed - A means to view footage in an actual time mode to capture timing, detail, identification i of individual, weight, number of food items taken or eaten, compatibility, or other behavior. 12-hour speed - A means to view footage in a faster speed to search through unwanted video footage; tape recorded before exhibit lights automatically go out and activity starts. 2-hour speed - A means to view footage in a very fast time frame to speed through video footage, to quickly search to owl activity where you would then stop the tape, rewind slightly, change the time back to a slower speed, either 12- or 24-hour, and then capture the detail. Freeze frame- A means to stop video footage to view detail, animal identification, weight, or perhaps to determine if one animal is feeding the other, etc. 328 Animal Keepers 'Forum, Vol. 28, No. 8, 2001 Photo 2 - Side shot with mouse - Milky eagle obtains food and displays weight. (Photo credit: Brool^eld Zoo Habitat Africa staff and Audio Visual Department) Results As seen in Photograph 2, the owl enters the holding cage via a window, hops onto the feeding platform and displays the digital weight. The installation of the equipment occurred on 18 February 1999. Remarkably, it took one day for the female owl to come into holding so that a weight could be obtained. However, it took three days, until 21 February 1999, for the male to come in and a weight to be taken. Ironically, after the initial installation, the male has been virtually desensitized to the presence of the camera equipment while the female, however, has shown a strong sensitivity when the camera equipment is altered. Virtually every night, the owls have come in to holding between 1900 and 2300 hrs fairly reliably. Predictably, the owls would come in to feed shortly aft.er the computer programmed lighting system would turn off for the exhibit. Exceptions to this statement have shown to be when there is a large disturbance throughout the day, for example, other exhibit work being conducted outside of their exhibit. Another exception would be when the exhibit lighting is changed (primarily being changed to promote bird breeding on exhibit of smaller species), and thirdly, when the video equipment was altered in any fashion. Once the owl leaves the holding area with a food item, it is unknown if it eats the food item itself or offers it to the other owl. Videotaping has shown that the male owl would periodically take the food and feed it to the female who sits in the window still waiting. This reinforced the fact that the owls seemed compatible with each other for breeding. The video information has also shown that the male owl is the dominant feeder the majority of the time in terms of taking the food and weight gain. Once the female is off the nest from egg incubation, she then becomes the dominant feeder for a short time in order to replenish her body stores. Discussion This program has been a tremendous help to the department in understanding the owls’ feeding, body weights, behavior and needs. Improvements have been made in the overall system since the initial Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 28, No. 8, 2001 329 set-up in February 1999 to gather more behavioral information. Addition of a large water pool for bathing, and a second camera with a frontal view of the exhibit are two direct improvements complimenting our study. The frontal view could not be seen from the original camera set-up. Seven months of video filming has provided a good weight history of these individuals. Hopefully we may find that captive owls may have a self-regulating feeding regime, and natural weight fluctuations may be apparent over time. Overall, this program has shown to be an exceptional unveiling of owl behaviors; nocturnal behaviors, and intriguing behaviors that happen in early dusk. I would recommend this technique to other individuals/institutions because I believe that it is beneficial in terms of managing animals that are shy, difficult to weigh, nocturnal species, and intimidated by the presence of people. Weights and behavior can reveal a great deal about animals’ health and welfare, therefore this non-intrusive approach proved to be a useful alternative to hand trapping or other manipulations. Acknowledgements I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Ed Laird, Lead Keeper and supervisor of Habitat Africa, for his support and encouragement on this project. He has done a great job of locating and setting up of the equipment for this project, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Roger Reason/Senior Keeper, Habitat Africa for the review and editing of this paper. I would like to thank Mammal Curator Ann Petrie, and Assistant Mammal Curator Joan Daniels for their support of this project. I would also like to thank all the relief keepers for supporting this project on my days off: Ed Laird, Mary Schollhamer, Roger Reason, Dave Thornton, Diane Bell, Steve Lantrip, and Brandie Gordon; as well as other supportive staff members Ann Kissel and Betsy Karkowski. References Beck, B.B., A.L. Rosenberger. B.J Stafford. 1994. Locomotion of Free-Ranging Golden Lion Tamarins {Leontopithecus rosalia) at the national Zoological Park. ZOO BIOLOGY 13:333-334. MacNamara, M. and J. Kalina. 1979. Time-lapse video recording as a tool in behavioral studies. International Zoo Yearbook 21. Editle Di nriGPwaPG Becomes A nima A Dutch zoo wants thousands of edible dinner plates and cups for its cafeteria which can be eaten by the animals after use. The Northern Animal Park in Emmen is looking for a commercial partner in South America to produce the tableware from banana leaves. The plates and cups would be cleaned before being fed to animals as part of their special diets. The zoo sees the project as an environmentally sound solution. Banana producers would be able to get rid of their waste, jobs would be created in South America, waste would be avoided at the zoo and food provided for its animals. Officials want to use the first banana crockery next year. If the product proves successful, the zoo is considering bringing it on to the market. —from Ananova Ltd., 7/9/2001 330 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 8, 2001 Institutions wishing to advertise employment opportunities are asked to send pertinent data by the 10th of each month to: Opportunity Knocks/AKF, 3601 SW 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614- 2054. 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 or e-mail listings of positions which become available close to deadline are accepted. Our fax is (785) 273-1980; e-mail is akfeditor@kscable.com< We are no longer located at the Topeka Zoo, so please note new address! SENIOR ZOOLOGICAL VETERINARY TECHNICIAN...G\d.&ws, Porter Zoo: on the border by the sea; houses an excellent and varied collection of 1 600 animals 'with limited wildlife rehabilitation; please see our website at www.gpz.org: Animal Health Department recently remodeled; stable working environment, includes staff veterinarian, associate veterinarian, technician assistant, clinic keeper, volunteers, and senior veterinary students. Responsibilities: assist in all aspects of medical care of the animal collection and operation of medical equipment (25%); perform in-house laboratory work (40%); perform MedARKS data entry (20%); and manage the hospital including inventory and equipment maintenance (15%). Will also assist in housekeeping, training and teaching student interns, interactions with clinic and zoo staff and volunteers, and all other duties as assigned. Requirements: registered veterinary technician preferred; exotic animal experience preferred but a strong background in clinical practice can be substituted; proficient in parasitology, hematology (experience in avian and reptile hematology preferred), serum chemistry, c54ology, urinalysis, sampling techniques, and shipment of biological specimens, and have a working knowledge of anesthesia, radiology/ ultrasonography/endoscopy, sugery, pharmacology, necropsy techniques, and animal restraint; computer literacy preferred (MedARKS); must be self-motivated, able to work well alone and with others, and be willing to learn new techniques or procedures; and must be willing to work weekends and holidays. Position is full-time and will be open until filled. Salary will be based on experience, plus benefits package. Please send a cover letter, resume, and three (3) employment references to: Michelle Willette, DVM, Gladys Porter Zoo, 500 Ringgold Street, Brownsville, TX 78520, Fax: 956-546-5703, E- mail: vet@.gpz.org ZOO KEEPER //...performs responsible technical and semi-skilled manual work of a specialized nature in the direct handling, care and feeding of zoo animals. Performs routine feeding functions in accordance with established diets and schedules; cleans and disinfects cages, exhibits, food and water containers, and related facilities and equipment; observes movement and well-being of assigned collection; observes animals in assigned taxonomic grouping on daily basis; assists with setting up, modifying, moving and dismantling animal exhibits; assists in care and medical treatment of injured/sick zoo specimens; assists in protecting zoo specimens, facilities and equipment from mistreatment, vandalism or theft; assists in retrieving escaped animals and protecting the public in such instances; handles various wild creatures, including those of a delicate and/or hazardous species; explains zoo regulations and answers questions from the public; keeps routine records and prepares simple reports; may operate various vehicles; and performs other related functions as assigned. Current vacancy is in aviculture. Requirements: Two years full-time experience in care of zoo animals involving some experience working with the public; college courses in zoology, biology or related. Must possess & retain valid Class C CDL. Rabies pre- exposure inoculations will be required as condition of continued employment in classifications having direct contact with or exposure to wildlife and animals commonly found in zoos. Salary range is $2676 - $34 15/Mo., Plus Excellent Benefits Package. Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m., 10 September 2001. For detailed description of duties requirements, see job flier. For job flier & required City application, contact: City of Santa Ana Personnel Services Department, 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701. Tel: (714) 647-5340. www.ci.santa-ana.ca.us EOE. KEEPERS. Reston Zoo, located on the outskirts of suburban Washington, DC in Vienna, VA, is presently hiring animal keepers. Keepers are responsible for the daily maintenance of an assortment of animals, including primates, reptiles, large hoofed stock and petting bam. Some exhibit and general grounds maintenance isrequired. College degree preferred, animal experience required. Must be able to work weekends. Qualified applicants should be strong team players and career-oriented. $8. 00/hr starting pay with regular reviews for advancement. Send resume and references to: Manager, Reston Zoo, 1 228 Hunter Mill Rd., Vienna, VA 22 1 82. Fax: (703) 757- 1 800. EmaikThe RestonZoo@aol.com Animal Keepers 'Forum, Vol. 28, No. 8, 2001 331 zoo A^£'£'Pi^/?...responsible for the care, feeding, maintenance, and observation for health and reproduction of a variety of zoo animals at the Chaffee Zoological Gardens of Fresno. Requires one (1) year experience in the care, handling and feeding of animals in a zoo setting. Twelve semester units of accredited college level course work in aninal science, zoology, biology, wildlife management, or closely related field may be substituted for six (6) monthsof required experience. Knowledge of behavioral enhancement of exhibits, setting up breedingconditions, and specialized requirements of young. Applications may be obtained from the Fresno City Human Resources, 2600 Fresno St., Fresno, CA 93721 ; (559) 498-1575. Filing deadline is 5:00 p.m., Friday, 17 August 2001. Postmarks are not accepted. AA/EOE. PRIMATE FOUNDATION OF ARIZONA BEHAVIORAL RESEARCH INTERNSHIP ...The Primate Foundation of Arizona is currently accepting applications for their Behavioral Research Internship program. PFA is a private, non-profit, corporation devoted to the preservation, propagation, and study of the chimpanzee {Pan troglodytes). It is currently home to more than 70 socially-housed chimpanzees and conducts behavioral research with a goal of improving captive management, environmental enrichment, and well-being of the chimpanzees. The research is conducted on site. The Behavioral Research Internship provides college students in the behavioral and biological sciences the opportunity for behavioral research experience. It includes three basic components: 1) an introduction to chimpanzee behavior and behavioral observation data collection, 2) chimpanzee psychological wellness program and environmental enrichment training, and 3) research support tasks such as data entry. The introduction to chimpanzee behavioral observation is the primary component of the internship and includes data collection on an assigned project, entering the data into a spreadsheet program, conducting preliminary analysis and completion of a background literature review. Results of the intern project are presented at the end of the internship to the full staff to provide presentation experience. The internship is on a volunteer basis and provides no stipend. Students should have completed at least two years of a four-year program (Junior level standing) in the behavioral or biological sciences. Both undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to apply. Previous course work and/or experience in primatology/animal behavior is required for all students. Applications are accepted for three internship periods: Summer, Fall, and Spring. Each internship is three months in duration: Summer - June 1 to August 31; Fall - September 1 to November 28; Spring: March 1 to May 30. Applications should be submitted at least six weeks in advance of the internship start date. Please submit your application ASAP as we receive as many as 100 applicants per position. For further information and application materials, please send a letter of request including your full name and mailing address to: Sue Howell, Ph.D., Research Director, Primate Foundation of Arizona, P.O. Box 20027, Mesa, AZ 85277-0027; email: suehpfa@,qwest.net A VICULTURE INTERN... interns receive intensive hands-on training in the care and maintenance of a large bird collection. They will experience all aspects of bird husbandry including general cleaning, handling, incubation, record keeping, public education, etc. Seeking college students or recent graduates with an interest in avian management/zoo biology. Interns will work with aviculturists for a minimum three-month period. This is a volunteer position with on-site housing provided. Possible stipend. Internships are available year-round. Our interns receive the same training as any new staff member, and most have gone on to paid positions in large AZA accredited institutions. Send cover letter and resume with references to: Tracey Aviary, 589 E. 1300 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84105. Fax to: (801) 596-7325. ATTN: Kim Sorensen/Jennifer Morris. Positions posted with AAZK, Inc. may also be found on our website at www.aazk.org Also, you may want to check out the AZA Member Institution job listings at http://www.aza.org For the most up to date links to sites advertising zoo work go to http ://members .tripod. com/~Sciurus/index . htm 1 332 Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 28, No. 8, 2001 AAZK Membership Application check here if renewal [ ] Name _ Address City State/Province Zip □ U.S. Members $35.00 Professional Full-time Keepers □ Canadian Members $35.00 Professional Full-time Keepers □ $30.00 Affiliate Other staff & volunteers □ $33.00 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 U.S. & 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 # Signature -Expiration date Mail this application to: AAZK Administrative Offices, 3601 S.W. 29th, Suite 133 Topeka, KS 66614. 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 © 2001 AAZK, INC. c u z 5Sf O 2? m O e* sr H- H' O 3 0 3 U3 0 S5 #4* 3 ^ 0 3 3 {5 N n O O pi- C n s-^ n » M c 0 u cn fii 2> 3 O < ST 1 o c*{ L5| {-i 3 N :« K- o y. r»- JK y y» 0 3 H* HI 3 ® ^. r c K* »; z m cr f-f Hal X C » m 1 o tss H- r-* {& 2> Q. O iis H n « :?? 3> TJ O' < ?; O' Q W H- 0- 1- o 0 D CD 0 2 o' 0 13 0 12 C 0 0 0 a biSii P ■ * 2 X £ A 9 S ^ CD S MS » (O O CO S 9 M = * § UP I Cd GO I f If ANIMAl KEEPERS F O R U IVI The Journal Of the American Association of Zoo Keeners, Inc. September 2001 ANIMAL KEEPERS* FORUM. 3601 S.W. 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614 SEPTEMBER 2001 Phone: 1-800-242-4519 (U.S.) 1-800-468-1966 (Canada) FAX (785) 273-1980 ^ VoL 28, No. 9 Managing Editor: Susan D, Chan • Associate Editors/Enrichment Options Coordinators: Kayla Grams, Lovell, WY & Jan Roletto, Columbus Zoo • Legislative Outlook Column Coordinator: Georgann B. Johnston, Sacramento, CA. • ABC's Colunrn Coordinator: Diana Guerrero, San Diego, CA • Reactions Column Coordinator: William K. Baker, Jr., Gainesville, TX • The Water Column Coordinators: Dan Conklin and Kevin Shelton, The Florida Aquarium and Bruce Elkins, Indianapolis Zoo 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., 3601 S.W. 29th Street, Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614 - attn: Barbara Manspeaker, Administrative Secretary AAZK Executive Director: Ed Hansen, AAZK, Inc., Topeka KS B.QARP^QF.DIRECTQRS Scott M. Wright, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH 44109 Jacque Blessington, Kansas City Zoological Gardens, Kansas City, MO 64132-4200 Jan Reed-Smith, John Ball Zoological Garden, Grand Rapids, MI 49504-6100 Kevin Shelton, The Florida Aquarium, Tampa, FL 33602 Linda King, Dallas Zoo, Dallas, TX 75203 Bruce Elkins, Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis, IN 46222-0309 Ric Urban, Prospect Park Wildlife Center, Brooklyn, NY 11225-3707 President Vice President Immediate Past President COMMITTEES Nominations& Elections Chair - Sheri Leavitt, Galveston, TX Conservation,. Preservation & Restoration Grants Chair - Jan Reed-Smith, John Ball Zoo Annual Conferences Coordinator - Ed Hansen, AAZK, Inc. Conference Program Chair Jeffrey Phillips, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Awards Chair - Janet McCoy, The Oregon Zoo MEMBERSHIP SERVICES L.I.N.K. System Kevin Shelton, The Florida Aquarium (Board Oversight) AssL,L.,I,N..K,.CQordinator Wayne Hazlett, Milwaukee County Zoo Enrichment Committee Chair -Lee Houts, Folsom City Zoo By-laws Chair - Gisela A. Wiggins, North Carolina Zoo Ethics Chair - Ric Urban, Prospect Park Wildlife Cntr. Research/Grants Chair - Jan Reed-Smith, John Ball Zoo Bowling for Rhinos Chair - Patty Pearthree, Cary, NC Marketing Resources/Development David Luce - San Diego Wild Animal Park ADTForms and EDTForms AAZK Administrative Offices/Topeka AAZK Historian Mark Levin, Philadelphia Zoo Animal Behavior Management Beth Stark, Toledo Zoo International Outreach - Jeannette Beranger, Roger Williams Park Zoo (Chair/Coordinator International Assistance); Kathy Kelly, Silver Springs, MD - Project M. A.R.C. (Making A Realistic Contribution) Website Coordinator/Editor Junior Keepers ’ Forum - Diane Callaway, Omaha, NE PRESroENTIALADYlSQRS/LIAIS.C)N$ AZA Liaison Ed Hansen, AAZK Executive Director Elephant Managers Association Liaison Marie Galloway, National Zoo Zoo_Regis.trar$ Association William K. Baker, Jr., Frank Buck Zoo AZAD Liaison Mary Anne Lefevre, The Phoenix Zoo CAZA Liaison Oliver Claffey, Toronto Zoo Int'l Marine Mammals Trainers Association Meg Hudson-Dye, Animal Management Resources AMAZOO Liaison Gilberto Gomez, Portland Zoo AZH. Liaison Virginia Wall, North Carolina Zoo AAZK PDBLICATIQNS - CONTINUING DATA COLLECTION Zoo Infant Development Project - Nell Bekiares, Cincinnati Zoo (Birds/Passerines) Biological Values for Selected Mammals. 3rd Edition - Jan Reed-Smith, John Ball Zoo AAZK Enrichment Notebook - Lee Houts, Folsom City Zoo printed on Recycled Paper ^abU of Contents About the Cover/Information for Contributors. 334 Scoops & Scuttlebutt................. 335 - 336 From the President.. 336 Coming Events................................................................ 337 Conference 2001 (List of Papers, Posters, Workshops; Final Words 338 - 339 AAZK Announces New Members......... ....340 ABC’s Column (Flower Remedies).......... 342 - 343 Letters to the Editor...... 344 - 345 AZA Bear TAG Photo Contest........... 345 Reactions Column (Capture Equipment Manufacturers)..... 346 Legislative Update............ 347 - 350 The Water Column (Chemical Filtration).......... .351 Book Review {The Elephant s Foot)..,..... 352 Chapter News Notes 353 Effects of Enrichment on the Sacramento Zoo Orangutans.. 354 - 364 Opportunity Knocks..... 365 - 368 British Zoo Boasts Three Giraffe Births... 368 Reptile Training Survey TAN INSERT !About tPie Cover This month’s cover features the Common Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) drawn hy Christine McKnight, a Keeper at the Minnesota Zoo on Apple Valley, MN. Widespread throughout the northern part of South America, this species makes its home along the rivers that thread through the tropical forests. This is a large lizard, light green or yellowish in color, with a crest of pointed scales running from its head along its hack. Length can he from 6-7 feet of which about 4 ft. is tail. When the iguana is threatened, it raises its crest, and inflates a pouch that hangs from its throat in order to look more impressive. The female huries her clutch of about 50 eggs in a burrow deep enough to maintain constant temperature. Incubation lasts about three months and the offspring grow quickly, reaching a length of 3 ft. hy their first year. The adults are herbivores, hut the young also eat insects and worms. Thanks, Christine! 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 black and white or color prints (minimum size 3” x 5” [8cm x 14cm] ) are accepted. 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 (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. E-Mail Addresses: You may reach Barbara Manspeaker at AAZK Administrative Offices at: aazkoffice@kscable.com< You may reach Susan Chan and Animal Keepers’ Forum at: akfeditor@kscable.com< AAZK Website Address: www.aazk.org Bulletin Board Access: type “aazk” in member name box; type “Elvis” in password box, BFR Website: http://.bfr.aazk.org 334 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 9, 2001 Scoops & Scuttlebutt Election Chair Announces New Board Officers Sherr Leavitt, Nominations & Elections Chair for AAZK, has announced the reaults of the presidential electionwiththe results as follows: AAZK President will be Kevin Shelton, Florida Aquarium; Vice President willbe Jacque Blessington, Kansas City Zoo. Both will assume their offices at the close of the Toronto National Conference. Orangutan Keeper Listserve Established Carol Sodaro, Orangutan SSP Husbandry Advisorhas begun an AZA listserve for orangutan keepers. If you are interested, please send your name, e-mail address and professional affiliation to Carol at casodaro@brookfieldzoo.org< New Committee Opportunity AAZK, Inc. will be forming a new Professional Development Committee. The general purpose of this committee will be to develop ways to lead our membership forward by providing continuing educational opportunities. This may include such things as organizing regional workshops, developing programs for national conferences, and exploring partnerships with related associations. The goals and objectives will become more defined in the next several months. Anyone interested in helping to shape the future please send a resume and letter of interest to: Linda King, AAZK Professional Development Committee Chair, Dallas Zoo, 650 South R. L. Thornton Frwy., Dallas, TX 75203. Please indicate if you will be attending the Toronto conference. Questions? Contact Linda at Lmking83@aol.com< Grants Committee Members Needed The AAZK, Inc. Conservation, Preservation and Restoration (CPR), and Zoo Keeper Research Grant Committees are looking for two (2) new members for each committee. Committee members review all grant applications once a year. They also may be asked to research other grant programs and/or write articles for the Forum regarding the AAZK Grant programs. Anyone interested in getting involved please send a resume and letter of interest to Jan Reed-Smith, AAZK Grant Committees Chair, John Ball Zoo, 1300 W. Fulton, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. If you have any questions contact Jan at: jrsotter@iserv.net< Delegates Encouraged to Participate in Enrichment/Animal Management Video Session The AAZK Enrichment and Animal Behavior Management Committees would like to invite delegates to the 2001 National AAZK Conference in Toronto, Canada to share during an informal video session, videotapes they have taken of training or enrichment techniques. To ensure there is time to view some of all presented videos, please limit your video segments to 10 minutes. Additional footage can be shared at the end of the session or at another time TBA at the conference. Please also bring a short written description with an institution/contact name and product information (with enough copies to distribute) so delegates can follow up on interests and inquires. Example: Columbus Zoo Carnivore Enrichment Video: 1 . Wolverines - pile of plain ice cubes and rat ice block 2. Timber wolves - 2 small Boomer Balls®, 1 had pheasant urine on it, the other had allspice (both preferred urine). For more info, contact “name & phone” 3. Bobcat-box with frozen mice, box tied with grapevine... took 20 minutes to open 4. Cheetah chasing battery powered lure with a paper towel end Injoy Lure Coursing Equipment P.O. Box 21 Charlotte, VT 05445-0021 Phone: (802) 425-3691 5. Perfume sprayed on a stick for White tiger - for more info, contact “name & phone” Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 9, 200 J 335 IOC Receives Grant for International Congress of Zookeeping Planning The International Outreach Committee of the AAZK is pleased to announce the receipt of a $5000 collaboration grant from the Rhode Island Foundation’s Animal Humane Grants Program funded by the Virginia B. Butler & Abbie A. Brougham Memorial Funds. This money will be used to fund a meeting in Rhode Island for the core committee of the International Congress on Zookeeping (ICZ) that will be held in Holland in 2003. The core committee is made up of two representatives from each of the seven professional zookeeper associations around the world including the AAZK. This meeting will be key to the conference and program development of the ICZ. Along with the core committee, guest consultants will be coming from diverse backgrounds to help the committee with conference strategy and planning. Since all of our organizations are scattered around the globe, the internet has been the primary source of communication. Although much can be accomplished with this format, it has become necessary for the committee to meet face to face and iron out many key issues of the conference. The meeting of the core committee will be held in Providence, Rhode Island from September 24th - 27th. Together we will strive to make the ICZ a success so that it may set precedent for further collaborations between zookeepers around the world. -Jeannette Bernager, IOC Chair ~ In Memorium ~ It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Antonia Mercedes Brough Martin, exotic animal trainer from Miami Metrozoo. She succumbed to cancer and was rememembered at a memorial service held 1 8 July at the Miami Metrozoo Amphitheater. Our condolences to her family and friends. Memorial contributions may be sent to the American Cancer Society. From the President As I sit writing my last formal message to the AAZK membership, I find myself thinking back on the past four years that I have been on the Board , and how much has changed . When I first came onto the Board, email was just becoming a way that we thought would help us communicate. After my first year we all were able to email one another and do away with sending everything via the postal service. How has email changed the ability that we all have to communicate around the world or even just around the comer? How has the world wide web changed how we look for information that we all need or want? Most is now available to us with a click of a mouse and the push of a button. How has this instant communication or availability of obtaining instant information changed how a keeper stays in contact with our peers? Quite a lot. If you look at the AKF from years ago, we asked questions of our peers by asking through the AKF. Today we ask over a website or through a listserve and hope to get our answers as soon as some one reads it at the other end. How much has this new technology affected the importance that AAZK once played as a focal point in the development of the keeper community? Are we losing the keeper camaraderie that we all once shared? Has Pandora’s box been opened up? I do not believe that this is tme, however we all must work together to maintain the bonds that have been developed over the past 30 years and not lose sight of the goals that helped create AAZK. Help us maintain this organization as a source of pride and leadership in the worldwide zoo community. It has been a pleasure to serve as a Board Member and as President of AAZK. I look forward to seeing you in Toronto where I hope to be able to share ideas about how you envision your role in AAZK’s future. Scott M. Wright, AAZK, President 336 Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 28, No. 9, 2001 Coming Events American Association of Zoo Veterinarians - September 18-23, 2001. Joint meeting in conjunction with the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians, the American Association of Wildlife Veterinarians and the Nutrition Advisory Group. Sessions include reptilian, avian and aquatic animal medicine, environmental activism, clinical pathology, anesthesia, behavior/eseapes, megavertebrates, small mammals, nutrition, field project reports, and case reports. There will also be a poster session, veterinary student paper competitions, and workshops/wet labs. For more information contact Wilbur Amand, DVM, Executive Director/AAZV, 6 North Pennell Rd., Media, PA 19063; phone (610) 892- 4812; fax (610) 892-4813; e-mail aazv@aol.com< International AAZK Conference - 30 Sept. - 4 Oct. 2001 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. See this issue of for Call for Papers, Registration/Hotel Forms, Pre- and Post-Conference Trip Details, etc. or visit the AAZK Conference website at: http://aazktoronto.tripod.com< 29th International Marine Animal Trainers Association (IMATAI Annual Conference - 28 October to 2 November, 2001 in Albuquerque, NM. For more information visit www.IMATA.org< 5th International Conference on Environmental Enrichment - 4 - 9 November 2001 at the Taronga Zoo, Australia. For further info contact: Mhawkins@zoo.nsw.gov.au Or visit http:// www.zoo.nsw.gov.au Zoo Registrars Association Conference 2001 - 7-11 November 2001 in Jacksonville, FL at the Riverwalk Radisson Hotel. Program is currently slanted towards legislative and legal issues and there will be two permit workshops. USFWS representatives will speak to our group, as well as one from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Other possible topics include animal shipping, data management and computerized daily keeper reports. If you would like additional information, contact Alan Rost at: rostaf@iaxzoo.org or visit the ZRA website at: http:// www.zra.homestead.com< Those wishing to attend should remember to tell the hotel that they will be attending the Jacksonville Zoo Registrars Conference. International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council’s 24th Annual Conference - 14- 17 November, 2001 in Lake Buena Vista, FL. For more information check the website at iwrc-online.org< Fourth Annual Zoos & Aquariums: Committing to Conservation Conference - 28 November to 2 December 2001 in Cocoa Beach, FL. Hosted by the Brevard Zoo, our goal is to bring field researchers and zoo personnel together in an informal setting in order to promote a greater involvement of zoos and aquariums supporting in situ work. This conference in particular will focus on a practical common-sense approach on how zoos and aquariums can become involved in supporting field research and conservation. The conference will be a mixture of sessions, panel discussions and round-tables. Conference registration fee ($175) will include sessions, some meals and social activities. Orlando Conference Committee - Schedule of Events, Papers, Abstracts, Speakers: Beth Armstrong - (321) 454-6285; Registration Chair: Michelle Smurl - (321) 254- 9453 ext. 17; Registration/Post Conference Tour: Peggy Sloan - (321) 254-9453 ext. 14; Conference Chair: Margo McKnight - (321) 254-9453 ext. 23. International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators Annual Conference - 14-17 Febmary 2002. Hosted by the Denver Zoo, Denver, CO. For more information visit the website at www.iaate.org or contact Ryan Knight by phone at 303-376-4833 or by email at shows@dcnverzoo.org. The Animal Behavior Management Alliance (ABMAJ will be holding the 2nd Annual Conference “Enhancing Animal Welfare through Positive Reinforcement”, 26 February - 2 March 2002 in San Diego, CA. This conference is hosted by the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Wild Animal Park, and SeaWorld San Diego. For information, contact Gary Priest at gpricst@sandiegozoo.org or at (619) 231-1515. Defenders of Wildlife Fourth National Conference - 17-20 November 2002 in Monterey, CA. For more information or to receive a conference brochure, contact: Yvonne Borresen, Defenders , of Wildlife, 1101 14th St.,NW, Ste. 1400, Washington, DC 20005 or call (202) 789-2844, ext. 315. You can also e-mail carnivores2002@defenders. org or visit www.defenders.org/camivores 2002< 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: GrmtRodent9aol.com 0 All Rl^ts Reserved Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 28, No. 9, 2001 337 ConfePGnce 2001 Toronto, Ontario, CANADA September 30“* to October 4‘^ 2001 Toronto Conference Professional Program Papers Keepers In Education It Won't Kill You - Keepers Can Do Effective Public Speaking In Our Backyards: How Keepers have helped with Local Conservation A'Case Study: Keeper Involvement in Husbandry and in situ Conversation of a Threatened Amphibian, the Puerto Rican Crested Toad {Peltophryne lemur) Beyond BFR: Why AAZK Needs Lewa Wildlife Conservancy as Much as They Need Us Where's The Beef? Supplemental Carcass Feedings Scavengers in the Zoo : A How-To Guide for Making Something from Nothing WHEN KEEPERS GRIEVE Ostrich Husbandry, A Team Effort Twin Gorillas at the Oklahoma City Zoo Innovative Training and Environmental Enrichment for Show Animals: Case Study of Skunks Used in Shows at Disney's Animal Kingdom Using a Touch-Screen to Test the Conceptual Abilities of Orangutans {Pongo pygmaeus abelli) and Gorillas {Gorilla gorilla gorilla) Formation of a Critical Incident Stress Team at the Dallas Zoo, The Keeper's Role A New Approach to Desentization for Avians Is It Time for Commercial Bat Enrichment? A Novel Approach to Mother Rearing of a Western Lowland Gorilla {Gorilla gorilla gorilla) Adventures in Argentina, Eagles in the Andes Aquarium Dietary Planning: The Meat of the Matter Reproductive Biology and Behavior in Tree Kangaroos With Applications For Captive Management and Conservation Completing the Picture of BioDiversity: Exhibiting Butterflies in the High Desert Developing Learning Tolls to Support Animal Training At Disney's Animal Kingdom Separation Training of Mother and Infant Gorillas GROUND ZERO Training Three Juvenile Indochinese Tigers from Scratch Ethical Private Exotic Ownership Fecal Sampling of Reproductive Hormones in Five Female Polar Bears Monitoring Levels of Aggression Over Time in a Group of Six Female Tigers {Panthera tigris) in a Captive Environment Investigating the Effects of the Estrous Cycle Phase on Behaviour and Cortisol Levels in African Elephants Random Organization: Organizing a Random Enrichment Program at Lincoln Park Zoo Bowling For Rhinos 338 Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol 28, No. 9, 2001 Posters Breeding Warblers Successfully at the Biodome de Montreal The Conservation Station Consistency Committee (CCC): A Keeper Driven Regulatory Initiative at Disney's Animal Kingdom Using a Variable Feeding and Training Schedule and How It Affects Asian Small-clawed Otters, Keepers and Guests Howlers Really Howl! Hand Raising of an Infant Tamandua {Tamandua tetradactyla) at the Memphis Zoo & Aquarium Growing Herbs For Behavioral Enrichment Behavioral Enrichment For Zoo Avians Establishing a Comprehensive Database of Training Projects Conducted at Zoological Institutions Through the Development and Distribution of a Survey by AAZK's Animal Behavior Management Committee Workshops Animal Behavior Management Committee -Training for Specific Taxa Training / Enrichment Video Session Australasion Rap Session Bowling For Rhinos Animal Behavior Management Committee - Problem Solving Workshop Enrichment Rap Session The Bushmeat Crisis in Africa - What WE can do about it! The Pause That Refreshes; a self-initiated shower An Enrichment Workshop from the AAZK Enrichment Committee Working With Rope. . .Nets, Knots and Splicing Most relevant conference information, including the scheduling of these presentations, can be found on our website at aazktoronto.tripod.com. You can also link to this site through the AAZK National website. Just click on Committees, then on Annual Conferences. There is also a message board on our site where you can post questions or other communications. If you need to contact us urgently, leave a message, the old-fashioned way, at our office at (416) 392-9112 and weTl get back to you ASAP. So, until the end of the month, when we hope to see you in your hundreds, we leave you with a final word from our Zoo-Day Committee... ... to all the silly people who’ve been jamming our lines with requests for behind- the-scenes tours of our Sasquatch Breeding Facility. You are wasting your time, as that particular facility has been declared off-limits/quarantine due to the worldwide Foot and Mouth scare. Apparently, in the eyes of the bureaucrats of Agriculture Canada, Sasquatch are now classified as hoofstock as you might say in The States, go figure. I Animal Keepers ’Forum, VoL 28, No. 9, 2001 339 AAZK Announces New Members New Professional Members Michael Hudon, David P. Martini and John F. Panos, Roger Williams Park Zoo (RI); Kelly Lauer and Tamara Myhal, Turtle Back Zoo (NJ); Judith Kirwin, Cape May County Zoo (NJ); Nichole Bouwens, Zoo Atlanta (GA); Thomas Carmack and Jamie M. Clouse, Miami Metro Zoo (FL); Johnnie Durham, Monkey Jungle (FL); Robin Cain, Sarasota Jungle Gardens (FL); Pilar Hicks, Disney’s Animal Kingdom (FL); Sarah Finke, African Safari Wildlife Park (OH); Tina Kautzer, Menominee Park Zoo (WI); Krista Webber, Como Zoo (MN); Alexandra M. Lucas, Lincoln Park Zoo (IL); Kim Carlson, Niabi Zoo (IL); Jodi Brockway, Lee Richardson Zoo (KS); Diane LaBarbera, Mindy Miller, Kelly Hoffmann, Matthew Akel and Jeff Rouse, Caldwell Zoo (TX); Richard A. Oliver, Hogle Zoo (UT); Rayne M. Williams, Santa Ana Zoo (CA); Marilyn V. Small, Oakland Zoo (CA); Debra Hahn, Wildlife Safari (OR); Carla Rentz, John Olfert and Lisa Jones, Assiniboine Park Zoo (Winnipeg, MB); Kati Hrynewich, Calgary Zoo (Calgary, AB). Renewing Institutional Member ZuPreem Mission, KS David R. Morris AZA Laiinclies Global Opinion Poll for Kids The American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) has launched a Global Opinion Poll for kids at http:// www.azasweb.com The poll is designed to invite children to share their thoughts and feelings about nature. It also introduces “Aza” (Ay-Zah) the “spokescritter” for the AZA. The goal is for hundreds of thousands of kids to respond to the poll. The results of the poll will be used to create future programming, including the next phase of Aza’s Web site, which will be a highly interactive, entertaining and educational site that will be a resource for nature science content. American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums Please feel free to check out this site and guide children from around the world to check it out. The Flash version is in 11 different languages. In addition, AZA is very interested in having sites which draw children to link to http://www.azasweb.com To make links easy and consistent. Proprietary Media, AZA’s partner in this campaign, has designed a logo for AzasWeb.com that comes as either an animation or a still. For more information and to receive the link language and logos, please contact Liza Herschel at Proprietary Media at Lherschel@proprietarymedia.com or (301)249-0283. Source: ZooNews Digest #165 22-29 July 2001 340 Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol 28, No. 9, 2001 nutritional components ♦ milk replacer system for neonates I Easy-to-read Comprehensive data sheets tell you each product’s typical nutritional analysis. Specific recipe pages provide exact mixing instructions. The most complete nutritional component system for over 140 common & exotic species. c ABC's Animal Beha'vior Concerns & Solutions A Question and Answer Forum for the Zoo Professional ©2001 by Diana Guerrero, Independent Behavior Consultant Ark Animals of California, San Diego, CA CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS TO PROVIDE CASE STUDIES & TO SUPPORT GRASSROOTS PROJECT This month I am going to forego the normal column discussion to ask for assistance with a project that will provide data on the use of alternative therapies on animal behavior problems and to request support for a research project in Brazil Addressing Animal Behavior Problems With Alternative Therapies Animal behavior problems can be addressed by a variety of methods that include behavior modification and training, change of environment, change in diet, veterinary medical intervention through pharmacological agents such as elavil, buspirone, anafranil, acepromazine, beta blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, etc. , and more recently through alternative therapies. One such therapy involves the use of flower remedies. There are many different product lines and at least one has been used successfully in Europe and the homeopathic field (with humans) since the 1930's. Over the past five years these remedies have been becoming more popular in the domestic animal field and have been gaining global acceptance in progressive clinics for both humans and animals. One benefit is that these remedies are non-toxic and cannot be overdosed. Another benefit is that these remedies are easy to use and/or apply. Since I have worked with wild and domestic animals using this form of therapy, I have agreed to become involved in an effort to expand remedy formulas for captive wildlife. An American company, already successfully working with a wide variety of behavior problems in domestic animals, has approached me for help in obtaining data to document the results and to further expand their line of products for problems specific to captive wildlife. To accomplish this I would like to ask for your help. If you would like to participate in this study please contact me via email or my number below. Til need to have the following information: Your name Your institution Contact information for official authorization Species of animal Photograph of the animal Behavioral problem(s) Duration and severity Summary of previous attempts at corrections 342 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 9, 2001 Once pern\ission is obtained I may need to collect a more comprehensive case history on the animal and the problem. (Some examples of such problems are: uncooperative behavior, fearfulness, aggressiveness, stereotypic behaviors, self-mutilation, etc.,) . Participants will be selected at the sole discretion of the company and myself based on the nature of the problem, severity of the problem, the species and cooperation of the staff. Screening of applicants will begin October 15, 2001. A specific program will be outlined that may last for up to eight weeks. A checklist for documenting application and changes (or lack of changes) in behavior will also be provided. I hope you will join me in this unique effort. Armchair Conservationists Can Help Support Grassroots Projects On another note, my website has started fundraising for small grassroots behavior studies and related conservation work. If you would like to read about such efforts and donate to them online please visit arkanimals.com and click into the "Armchair Conservationist" link. If you have a program that you would like to have us support please contact me with the details. This quarter I am happy to support Patricia Medici with her Brazilian Lowland Tapir Conservation Project. Patricia is part of the lUCN/SSC tapir specialist group and is a well-published conservation biologist from Brazil. She works for a Brazilian non-profit NGO called IPE (Institute for Ecological Research) and coordinates a ground breaking long-term research project on lowland tapirs, Tapirus terrestris. One of the most critical findings of this project is that the Park AND the remaining forest fragments are needed to maintain a genetically and demographically viable population of these ungulates and the other animals inhabiting the region. Here is a portion of one of her letters: "It has been extremely difficult to raise the necessary funds to keep this project alive. It seems that funding agencies and donors in general do not see tapirs, especially lowland tapirs, as a conservation priority. Much of the information needed to develop effective conservation strategies for the four tapir species is still unknown. Basic facts of biology, behavior, ecology, range and the use of the landscape are uncertain and we still have a lot of work ahead of us. So, I use this opportunity to ask for your help. Please, help me to keep this project alive and to work for the survival of this amazing key tropical species.... " Thanks for indulging me this month. Be sure to keep those animal behavior questions coming and join me for the regular column again next month! About the Author: Since 1978 Diana Guerrero has worked professionally in a variety of animal facilities. She has been certified by a variety of educational organizations such as the Moorpark College Exotic Animal Training & Management Program, The Gentle Jungle Affection Animal Training School, The International Training Centre at the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Tmst in England, and program extensions with Marwell Zoological Park and Kent University. Her unique adventures with animals of all types give her unrivaled experiences and insights. Information on seminars, training, courses, animal careers and publications are available at her website: or via regular mail to ARKANIMALS.COM, P.O. Box 1 1 54, Escondido, CA 92033 USA. Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 28, No. 9, 2001 343 Letters to the Editor Readers are welcome to comment upon material published in Animal Keepers* Forum through a Letter to the Editor. We welcome a free exchange of ideas benefiting the zoo keeping profession. Dear Editor: I have enjoyedy^ATF very much over the years and frequently extract information from it to pass on the Indian zoo colleagues, particularly on emergencies, behaviour and enrichment. I have to comment on a mistake in the otherwise excellent book review by Phil King on the book Zoo and Aquarium History. In his final paragraph Phil told of a “zoo” in India which kept an insect room in which a humanbeing was employed to allow insects to feed on his blood. In fact, the institution which kept an insect room was not a zoo, but an animal shelter called a pinjarapole, which kept all kinds of animals, both domestic and wild. The mandate we had for the zoo book was that we could include unusual and interesting information about animal collections as such so I added this bit. Definitely unusual and interesting! The existence of the insect room is reported in more than one source but the source for this particular reference was the report written by Mr. S.S. Flower, then Superintendent of the Giza Zoo, who toured India for months to get ideas for how to better manage the Egyptian zoos. He toured all facilities which kept animals and reported in detail. S.S. Flower himself was incredibly ahead of his time and it was just not known to anybody what all marvelous innovations he did in the Giza Zoo. This is all explained in the book which I hope all of you will have an opportunity to read. If anyone finds that they are very interested in Indian and Asian zoo history they are welcome to join the Society for Promotion of the History of Zoos*and Natural History of India and Asia (SPoHoZaNHIA) of which I am the founder and secretary. You get a newsletter, membership card and sticker ... Life members get a SPoHoZaNHIA nightgown. Write to SPoHoZaNHIA c/o ZOO, Box 1683, Peelamedu, Coimbatore 4, TN, India. Email «zooreach@ vsnl . com» Website : www.zooreach.org With my very best wishes, Sally Walker Zoo Outreach Organisation Dear Editor: The article in your July 2001 issue, “Pedicure for a Dragon” presented serious safety concerns that should be brought to the immediate attention of your readers. The barehanded method using a short tweezer to feed young mice to a Komodo Dragon during a “procedure” put keeper Dawn Herndon’s hand and fingers at risk of a serious bite. Her technique also cues the Vamnus komodoensis that human odor is associated with rodent odor - a bigger “accident waiting to happen” when this lizard grows larger. The correct method to accomplish large monitor nail trimming would be for the keeper (Dawn) to use 344 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 9, 2001 a standard-sized (10-12 inch) reptile feeding tongs to present the mice to the Komodo or other large monitor. In addition, she should be using disposable surgical gloves throughout the procedure to reduce human scent during feeding and to protect her fingers from unwanted bacteria. The accompanying vet is also demonstrating improper technique by not wearing flexible lightweight leather gloves, as his hand could be inadvertently scratched and become infected. Also, in order to obtain better background information than what was presented in the “Komodos in Captivity in America” section, readers are referred to the following article: “Dragon Tales: The History, Husbandry, and Breeding of Komodo Monitors at the National Zoological Park.” 1 993 . Trooper Walsh, Roger Rosscoe, and Geoffry F. Birchard. The Vivarium. May/June, 4(6):23-26. Respectfully, Sean McKeown, Retired Curator of Reptiles at the Honolulu Zoo, Chaffee Zoological Gardens and large monitor specialist AZA/BEARTAG PHOTO CONTEST Enter your best bear photos in the First Annual AZA/Bear TAG Photo Contest. Winning photos could be featured in the First Annual Bear TAG Calendar-Grand Prize winning photo is destined to become the cover photo for the calendar and will be selected by professional photographer Kennan Ward. Prizes will include equipment from LowePro Camera Bags and Accessories, and also items from the famous Bear TAG merchandise selection. The contest is open to amateurs only. General Public. Members of Bear TAG Steering Committee are not eligible for this contest. Entry fees are as follows: 1)1-2 photos $5.00 2) 3-5 photos $10.00 or 3) 6 or more photos $ 1 0.00 plus $2.00 per photo after the first 5 photos. Fee is non-reftmdable. Entering contest constitutes agreement to allow photo(s) to be used exclusively by AZA Bear TAG for education and fund-raising purposes only. Photo credit will be given to photographer per usage of photo. All other rights of entered photo(s) will remain intact with the photographer. The contest entry period will run from now through October 20, 2001. All photos entered in the contest will remain in the Bear TAG library. Contestants must own rights to each photo entered. It is the responsibility of each contestant to insure that any entered photo(s) publication by Bear TAG raises no legal claim. Previously published photos are not eligible for this contest. Eligible photo type and catagories: 5x7 inch black/white or color photographs, no mount/mat. No digitals, digitally manipulated photos or laser copies will be accepted. Photo categories are: 1) Zoo Bears and 2) Wild Bears. Each photo must be tagged on the back, using a Sharpie® or soft felt-tip pen, (do not use hard-tipped pens) with the following information: photographer’s name, address, phone number, e-mail address, where photo was taken, photo depicts. A signed waiver form is required with each entry. Waiver Form may be obtained by contacting Susan Ewing, San Diego Zoo, Sun Bear Forest Dept., P.O. Box 1 2055 1 , San Diego, CA 92 1 1 2-055 1 . Photo entries, including appropriate fees and waiver form are returned to Susan at this same address. A panel of three Bear TAG Steering Committee members will select the top 20 photos, plus Kennan Ward and his wife Karen will then determine the winning photos. Photos will be judged on aesthetic appeal, impact and originality in regard to above stated categories. Animal Keepers ‘Forum, Vol 28, No. 9, 2001 345 ^ £ A £ r / 0 £ £ /f ((mstioi aid Ulster fornt for fktoo FrofessioialoiQ'hhffaia^euit By William K. Baker, Jr., Curator Little Rock Zoo, Little Rock, AR Question Who currently manufactures capture equipment for exotic animals? Comments There is a very limited selection of exotic animal capture and, or restraint equipment manufacturers that is applicable to our profession. Animal Restraint Company 1940 Northwestern Drive El Paso, Texas 79912 LGL Animal Care Products, Inc. 1 520 Cavitt Street Bryan, Texas 77801 Midwest Animal Capture Equipment, Inc. P.O. Box 1799 Lee,s Summit, Missouri 64063 Chemical Restraint: Telinject USA, Inc. Wildlife Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 93 1 6 Soledad Canyon Road 1 40 1 Duff Drive Saugus, California 91350 Fort Collins, Colorado 80524 Next Month: Do you have any safety recommendations for cat training? If you would like to submit a question for this column or have comments on previously published materials, please send them to AAZK, Inc., 3601 S.W. 29th St, Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614 Attn: Reaetions/AKF r (About the Author: Sinee 1985 Bill has been active in the fields of scienee, 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, Large Mammal Keeper, Senior Keeper, and Zoo Curator at various zoological facilities. His area of research is crisis management in zoologieal institutions, which draws upon practical experience and training as a Rescue Diver, Hunter Safety Instructor, NRA Firearms Instructor, and Red Cross CPR/First Aid Instruetor.) Fuhrman Diversified, Inc. 2912 Bayport Boulevard Seabrook, Texas 77586 Margo Supplies Ltd. P.O. Box 5400 High River, Alberta Canada, TIV 1M5 346 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 9, 2001 LegisCdtvve "Up) Compiled by Georgann Johnston Legislative Advisor Sacramento, CA Record Numbers of Canada Geese Return Through Atlantic Flyway The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is anticipating that record numbers of the Atlantic population of Canada geese will return to the Atlantic Flyway in the fall of 2001, continuing an ongoing resurgence in the population of this species of over 57 percent in the last 20 years. Recent aerial surveys conducted by USFWS biologists, the Canada Wildlife Service, and the Atlantic Flyway Council on the birds breeding areas of northern Quebec have already documented 146,000 nesting pairs, up from just 29,000 pairs less than ten years ago. “The resurgence of the Atlantic population of Canada geese is a true success story, and a testament to what can be achieved when partners work across state, national and watershed boundaries for the benefit of migratory birds. If s exciting to see these birds returning again in such numbers to the eastern Shore of Maryland and other traditional wintering areas across the Atlantic Coast,” said acting USFWS Director Marshall Jones. The Atlantic population of these birds declined dramatically in the late 1980s and early 1990s due to hunting, poor breeding seasons due to late spring conditions, and an increasing number of Canada geese masking the decline of the migratory Atlantic population. Once the reduction in numbers was recognized, governmental agencies and private conservation groups began to work together to rebuild the population as quickly as possible. This was primarily done through stricter limitations on hunting. Thus, since 1995 the average annual spring population of nesting birds has increased by about 23 percent. Now, the USFWS and comparable Canada governmental agencies are being pressured to open a longer hunting season with a bigger “bag” limit (number of birds that can be shot). Moreover, the individual states within the Atlantic Flyway can either opt in or out of the proposed federal guidelines. In effect, a state can impose a more stringent hunting limitation than the federal guideline but not one that is more pro-hunting in its stance. Jones also stated that the Atlantic population should not be confused with nonmigratory or “resident” populations of Canada geese, which have experienced a dramatic increase in numbers in recent years. These resident populations share genetic characteristics with natural migratory populations but live separately year-round on golf courses, parks, and other urban and suburban open spaces across the United States. Source: USFWS Press Release 25 July 2001 “New African Initiative” Proposed by South Africa The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in South Africa has developed a document entitled “A New African Initiative: Merger of the Millennium Partnership for the African Recovery Programme (MAP) and Omega Plan”. The full document can be found at the DFA website www.dfa.gov.za/events/ afrinit.htm#top. The plan is an outline of eight “subthemes” for priority intervention to improve overall environmental conditions in Africa while combating poverty and contributing to socio-economic development. The eight subthemes include (1) combating desertification - including rehabilitating degraded land and addressing factors that lead to such degradation; (2) wetland conservation; (3) control of invasive alien species; (4) coastal management; (5) global warming - through monitoring and regulating the impact of climate change; (6) developing transfrontier conservation areas - seeking partnerships among and between adjoining countries to protect ecologically sensitive areas, promote tourism and Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol 28, No. 9, 2001 347 therefore crate or protect jobs; (7) environmental governance - relating to the securing of the institutional, legal, planning, training and capacity-building requirements that underpin the previous six goals; and (8) financing - developing methods for securing the funds to carry out all of the goals set by the subthemes above. Since Africa will be the host to the World Summit on Sustainable Development in September 2002, Environmental management forms the basis of the issues to be debated at the Summit, and the African Initiative is being submitted as a “target” to give focus and status to the deliberations that occur there. Source: WildNet Africa News Archive 24 July 2001 Knysna Seahorse Now Officially Endangered The Knysna seahorse has recently been classified as endangered based on a study performed by a student, Jackie Lockyear, from Rhodes University in South Africa. The only place where this seahorse is found is the Knysna lagoon and an estuary between two islands off the coast of South Africa. The animals’ breeding ground is being disrupted by development of a marina that opens into the Knysna lagoon. The researcher in charge of the study regarding the seahorses, their habitat, and the development projects stated that it was a condition of approval from the government that the developers ensured that the seahorses were not affected. “But they seem to have got around this and have not done any research on the seahorse,” Ms. Lockyear is quoted as saying. The developer, Chris Mulder, denies that the protection of seahorse habitat was a condition of approval. Moreover, he maintains that neither the South African National Parks nor the public has regarded the seahorse as important enough to suggest that it be studied during the environmental impact assessment some years ago. Mulder further stated in an interview that new canals created on one of the islands will actually create a new habitat for the seahorses but Ms. Lockyear does not agree. As of this writing, the South African government has taken no further action to prevent further construction or protect this species of marine life. Source: Pretoria News 24 July 2001 Crocodiles Culled to Reduce Human Deaths The Environmental Affairs Office of the country of Malawi is planning on slaughtering 200 endangered Nile crocodiles in the country’s rivers and in Lake Malawi because they are killing too many people. The assistant director of research in the Ministry of Tourism, Parks and Wildlife, Roy Bhima, states that up to two people a day are eaten during the rainy season. The government is therefore looking for 10 gunmen to hunt and kill the 200 reptiles. Bhima further stated that international conventions allow Malawi to cull 200 crocodiles each year. In Malawi the reptiles are hunted for their skin and gallbladder, the latter of which is believed to have magical powers. People of that country do not apparently eat the meat. Source: The South African Star Newspaper 11 July 2001 Use of Hunting Dogs Results in Outcry in South Africa In early July 2001, a pilot hunt with dogs in the Impendle area of the KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife Park (KZN Wildlife), resulted in multiple animal deaths. Following the event, the KZN Wildlife Department has been complimented and heavily criticized for its stance in this matter. As a result, the KZN has begin an investigation into options available to reduce the number of illegal “taxi-hunts” or other hunts using dogs that are mauling or killing livestock and game in the areas where they are released. Taxi-hunts are so called due to the fact that a group of mini-bus taxis arrive at private farms at night or in the early hours of the morning to hunt at-will on the unsuspecting landowner’s property. The CEO for KZN Wildlife stated that they are in a “Catch-22 situation” in that they are criticized if they fail to take action to stop these dog hunts and criticized if they do anything to sanction such activities on a limited basis. He further stated that when KZN Wildlife worked with a group of dog- hunters on a single Sunday morning in July, the hunt was well organized and supervised and succeeded in bringing down game without damaging property, crops and livestock. 348 Animal Keepers 'Forum, Vol 28, No. 9, 2001 The hunt in July was facilitated by KZN Wildlife with cooperation of the landowner who allows only three hunts per year on his property and only during the official hunting season. The dogs were required to be on leashes and the hunters were permitted to hunt for adult male reedbuck only. Critics of the event said that the dogs broke away from their handlers and chased both female reedbucks as well as sheep on the farmer’s land. The KZN Wildlife spokesman also stated that controlled hunts presented an opportunity to work positively with their dogs, the possible use of muzzles, development of alternative forms of “running the dogs” and also of developing improved means of controlling hunts. In response, spokespersons on behalf of the agriculture community “expressed grave concern about the proliferation of illegal hunting on private land, as with it goes loss of livestock and other forms of theft, trespassing, damage to crops, arson fires and attacks on farm personnel.” In the meantime, there has been a dramatic increase in private game ranches (not controlled by the government). Owners of the ranches are paying top price for breeding stock and are demanding that the government step in and control hunters using packs of dogs to assist them in their illegal hunting adventures since valuable animals are being lost to these dogs running unchecked across private property. Source: WildNet Africa News Service Media Release 17 July 2001 “Extinction Rider” Defeated by Congress On 7 June 2001 , the House of Representatives Subcommittee on Interior Appropriations unanimously rejected President Bush’s proposal to eliminate many provisions in the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Dubbed the “Extinction Rider”, Bush’s proposal sought to cut citizens and environmental groups out of the endangered species protection process and give the Secretary of the Interior sole discretion over which species to list and when. The defeat of the rider came after thousands of citizens inundated their Congressional Representatives with calls, letters and emails. Moreover, the defeat came in a Republican led House which some feel demonstrates that Bush’s anti-environmental agenda is too extreme for even conservatives to tolerate. The fight is not over yet, however, since the House approved Bush’s budget of only $8.47 million to list endangered species and protect habitat - far short of the $ 1 20 million the USFWS says it needs to manage the growing backlog of species facing extinction. The Department of the Interior also admits that under Bush’s proposed budget, it would take 20 years for the agency to protect the backlog of more than 300 threatened and endangered native U.S. species. Source: Center for Biological Diversity “Summer Action Alert ” Newsletter July 2000 Peregrine Falcon Monitoring Plan Proposed The USFWS has released a proposed monitoring plan for the American peregrine falcon. The bird was removed from the list of endangered species in August 1999 because of an alleged successful recovery. However, once delisted, the ESA requires that the species be monitored for a minimum of five years. The proposed plan recommends that at least 20 percent of the known breeding population be monitored once every three years for at least five generations. American peregrine falcons mature at about three years of age, thus establishing the three-year monitoring interval basis. “This monitoring program for the peregrine falcon is similar to an annual check-up. We want to make sure that our patients, once released from the intensive care provided by the ESA, remain healthy and vital,” said Marshall Jones, Acting Director of the USFWS. The plan designates five geographical regions in the U.S. for surveys. Each territory would be visited twice, once during late courtship, egg laying, or incubation, and once late in the nesting season. The intent of the visits would be to verify the presence of a nesting pair and then, eventually, determine the presence or absence of young. Monitoring would also include the collection of data on population trends and nesting success. At the end of each monitoring period the Service will review all the information to determine if the status of the falcon continues to improve. Should any decline be Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol 28, No. 9, 2001 349 detected, the Service will work with the States and other involved partners to determine what is needed to reverse the decline. In the extreme case where information gathered shows that protective status should be reinstated under the ESA, the USFWS can initiate listing procedures including, if appropriate, an emergency listing. Copies of the proposed monitoring plan from the USFWS website at http://endangered.fws.gov/ recovery/docs/peregrine_monitoring.pdf or by writing to Robert Mesta, Office of Migratory Birds, USFWS, 12661 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85748. Source: USFWS Press Release 1 August 2001 Caribbean Nations Trade Whales for Foreign Aid Japan, with the support of six Caribbean nations was able to turn back a bid by Australia, New Zealand and Brazil to establish whale sanctuaries in the South Pacific and South Atlantic. Amid charges that Japan used “foreign aid to win support” both proposals received substantial majorities although they failed to get the three-quarters needed under IWC rules. Last year the six nations supported Japan’s opposition to protecting whales, and that vote “has attracted millions in aid from Japan” for those nations. Three of the six Caribbean island countries announced in advance they will continue to support Japan, and the Antiguan prime minister has publicly admitted his country is trading its vote for financial aid from Japan, saying, “I am not going to be a hypocrite.” Source: GREENlines Issues §1429 7-24-01 and §1431 7-26-01. New Diseases Threaten Manatees, Dolphins Experts with Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute are finding viruses and cancers “we have never seen before” in Florida’s manatees, dolphins, and killer whales. The diseases are occurring “at an alarming rate” according to a 7/1 1 report in the Miami Herald. Veterinarians at the Institute’s new research hospital are treating six manatees suffering from a rare papillomavirus which causes tumors in manatees. It is the same virus that causes human cervical cancer. Source: GREENlines Issue §1425 7- 18-01 Another Mountain Gorilla Killed in the Virungas The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) has received word from International Gorilla Conservation Program (IGCP) Director Dr. Annette Lanjouw that another endangered mountain gorilla {Gorilla beringei beringei) has lost its life, caught in the crossfire in the Virungas. During the past two months, there has been an increase in fighting between the military of the rebel forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda with militia groups in eastern DRC. Much of the fighting is taking place in the forested Virunga volcanoes, home of the mountain gorillas. Only 350 gorillas can be found in the Virunga Volcanoes, and these endangered animals are coming under increased threat from the fighting. Rugendo, the dominant male silverback of one of the groups on the Congolese side of the border, was shot dead during clashes between the military and Interahamwe militia groups on 15 July 2001. The Interahamwe were the perpetrators of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, where up to a million people were killed. According to Dr. Lanjouw, “The loss of Rugendo is another tragedy for conservation. . .for the efforts being made in Congo, Rwanda and Uganda to protect the gorillas from the consequences of the war, and to protect this endangered species for the future. Personally, the loss of Rugendo is a double tragedy as he was the first gorilla I ever saw in the wild, leading his own family as a young silverback. He had been habituated since 1986 and has, over the years, allowed hundreds of tourists to visit him and approach his family. He had learned to trust people and to accept their presence near his small family. Last week, he found himself too close to the fighting and I do not believe his death was intentional. But it is a sign of how difficult it is to keep the war, and the conflict, away from the forest and the gorillas.” Rugendo’s body was taken to Rumangabo, the park headquarters, for examination, and his remains will be buried there, with those of the other gorillas killed during the war. His son, Sekwekwe, who is also a silverback, has taken over leadership of the family. Source: African Wildlife Foundation (Washington, DC) Press Release July 25, 2001 Washington, DC via electronic AllAfrica.com 350 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 9, 2001 REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ***REPTILE TRAINING SURVEY*** While many institutions incorporate training (operant conditioning) into animal husbandry management, little has been documented on reptile training. The purpose of this survey is to compile and share information on crocodilian monitor training as well as any training programs involving other reptile species. Your institution may already have a formal training protocol (defined by the use of cues, bridges, and rewards). You may use methods that you don’t consider training, such as using the sound of keys or the sight of a food container to acquire an animal’s attention. We are hoping to gather information and create a catalog on all types of training involving crocodilians, monitors and other species of reptiles. Please take a few minutes to complete the provided survey. The results will be shared with all participating institutions. Deadline for completed survey is 15 November 2001. Completed surveys can be mailed to: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Attn./ Vance Alford or Andre Daneault 1200 North Savanna Circle East Bay Lake, FL 32830 If you would prefer to complete the survey electronically please e-mail us at: vance.c.alford@disney.com or andre.j .daneault@disney.com Thank you for your time. REPTILE TRAINING SURVEY General Information 1. Do you think there is a need for training? Yes No 2. Do you use training for husbandry management? Yes No 3. How many of the following species does your institution house? ( Provide species not individuals ) Varanids Crocodilians other reptiles 4. Which of the above species do you train? Please list species below. Species Information ^Instructions : If necessary, please make copies and fill out one survey per species. Species # of individuals 1. In what ways do you use training for this species? (check all that apply) shifting on cue medical (blood draws, radiographs, etc.) crating stationing weighing ^body measurements targeting other (explain) 2. What type of cue is used for this species? visual (i.e. target) auditory (i.e. whistle) other (explain) 3. What rewards do you use for this species? main diet training diet water heat 4. How often do you train this species? every, feed per month other (explain) 5. How long are your training sessions for this species? 5 minutes 10 minutes 15 minutes other (explain) 6. Where do you do training sessions for this species? on exhibit protected contact (limited contact through use of protective barriers) off exhibit ^unprotected contact (no protective barriers used, full contact with animal possible) 7. How is this species housed? in a group individually pairs (male/female) 8. Do you separate animals during training? Yes No 9. Do you do training with any other reptiles? Yes(describe) No Please use space below, or attach other pages, to provide any other details of your training methods for this species. Institution: Survey completed by: Job Title: Phone #: Email: Contacts: Vance Alford and Andre Daneault Email: vance.c.alford@disney.com andre.j .daneault@disney.com Phone # : 407-938-2991 FAX#: 407-939-6391 By Dan Conklin, Senior Biologist, Florida Aquarium Bruce Elkins, Curator of Waters, Indianapolis Zoo Kevin Shelton, Associate Curator, Florida Aquarium This part of the series will discuss the similarities and differences of two common methods of chemical- filtration for removing unwanted organic matter in exhibit water. Typically this organic matter will manifest itself as an accumulation of “gook” at the waterline and/or a slight yellow discoloration of the water. This is a less than pristine condition and is also generally a chronic health issue for the aquatic inhabitants. It can contribute to reduced growth, lowered disease resistance and otherwise unhealthy well being. One method of removal is to simply apply activated carbon to the exhibit. This material simply traps or adsorbs those molecules in the water that make it yellow. It can also remove a variety of other dissolved substances including some toxic metals but has also been implicated in removing essential trace elements for some aquatic and marine invertebrates. For this reason some aquarists use activated carbon only when necessary. Most activated carbons will also release a certain amount of phosphate into the water which algae and plants use to grow. However this is usually not an issue except in reef tanks. Typically the best way to add it to the system is in the mechanical filter or some other chamber. If can be put into a designated container such as a screen basket, mesh bag, or anything else that will contain the carbon and make for easy removal since it has a finite capacity for removing organic molecules before it is disposed of It can also simply be placed in the water, perhaps in a sump or behind some rockwork, out of sight and it may do the job albeit slower. The carbon will be spent when it no longer removes the coloration of the water. A different method of removing unwanted dissolved organic carbon is with the use of a foam fractionator, also known as a protein skimmer. The simplest protein skimmer involves a column of fine air bubbles traveling up a tube above the surface of the water culminating into foam and collecting into a chamber at the top so it is removed from the water and later discarded. There are numerous manufacturers and variations on this concept but all involve the production of foam from tiny bubbles. Also, the production of tiny bubbles works better in saltwater than in freshwater, which is primarily why they are usually not used on freshwater systems. Protein skimmers work because most organic molecules accumulate at the air/water interface due to their polar/nonpolar nature. In other words, at least one end of a particular organic molecule repels the water and will occur more frequently at the surface of the air/water interface. Anyway, the more tiny bubbles produced, the more surface area created, and the more dissolved organic carbon removed. The principle advantages protein skimmers have over activated carbon is that they can remove a longer list of unwanted compounds and they essentially have an unlimited lifespan resulting in a greater capacity to remove organics as long as the walls of the foam column are cleaned periodically. Additionally, protein skimmers can also reduce the accumulation of nitrates by removing organics before they break down into ammonia which becomes nitrate (see part one of this series). This has been intended as only an introduction to chemical filtration. Hopefully it has stimulated some thought and questions and they can be directed to the authors and will be answered in subsequent installments. Next time the topic of discussion will be ozone which is sometimes considered part of the chemical filtration category. Each month we will also be answering a few questions from you. We will try to pick questions that are pertinent to that month’s topic. We also welcome feedback from the readers. Questions and comments can be submitted to us by email at: Dan: dconklin@flaquarium.org/ Kevin: kshelton@flaquarium.org/ Bruce: belkins@indyzoo.com/ Or by mail at: Kevin Shelton,The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602 Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 28, No. 9, 2001 351 Book Review The Elephant’s Foot: Prevention and Care of Foot Conditions in Captive Asian and African Elephants Editors Blair Csuti, Eva L. Sargent, Ursula S. Bechert ISBN 0-8138-2820-1 2001 - Iowa State University Press 2121 South State Ave, Ames Iowa 50014 www.isupress.com 172 pp cloth - $59.95 - illustrations Review by Geoff Creswell Former Elephant Keeper Topeka Zoo, Topeka, KS The Iowa State University Press, publishers of Murray Fowler’s classic Restraint and Handling of Wild and Domestic Animals has again produced an essential resource for the pragmatic animal manager. The book is a compilation of over two dozen papers presented at the 1 998 North American Conference on Elephant Foot Care and Pathology and contributions by invited experts. It will serve competent facilities as a how-to guide on avoidance and resolution of routine and catastrophic elephant foot problems and act as a warning to deficient elephant programs by detailing the intensive care and access that proper elephant foot health care can require. Some major foot problems are caused by neglect and poor substrate, others are inevitable despite superior care. Most can be mitigated through creative, competent husbandry and appropriate facilities. This book details a variety of perspectives on fundamental elephant foot maintenance and ingenious responses, some successful and some less than successful, to an assortment of nightmare splits, punctures, abscesses and overgrowths. There are dozens of excellent photographs of well-executed pedicures and repairs and documentation of some foot care felonies for comparison. The papers cover a wide spectrum of treatments and philosophies from Hohenwald’s efforts to emphasize natural substrate to improve tragic foot health to Omaha and Syracuse’s elaborate custom booties and intensive therapy to address major pad damage. Included are opinions on trimming tools (manual or electric), epoxies (5 minute or 30), pad trimming (to smooth or not too smooth) and various soaks, antibiotics and anti- inflammatories. There isn’t any need to reinvent the wheel with detailed information like this available. Elephant care is such a controversial, misunderstood proposition — even within its own ranks. This book brings to mind the classic saying “The only thing two elephant keepers will agree on is that a third elephant keeper is wrong.” Personally, I find the politically correct neglect as reprehensible as the videotaped abuses that generally grab headlines. The point is to provide superior care to dependent animals - not justify a management system or a deficient facility. This book eliminates excuses and the papers give excellent, even perspectives on what is possible and should be expected from any elephant program. The Elephants Foot should be on the shelf of every elephant manager and would make an excellent and informative resource for USD A inspectors, AZA accreditors and any zoo administrator whose facility maintains elephants. 352 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 28, No. 9, 2001 Puget Sound AAZK Chapter The year 2001 has been a good year for the Chapter, thus far. As this is being written we are busy with preparation for the Chapter’s first Bowling For Rhinos event. Norah Famham chairs the committee that is working on the event, and we are gearing up to raise as much as possible for rhino conservation, while having a great time. The Chapter’s new logo, which was fashioned by Irene Nakata and Min Kang from our graphics department was completed in June, and is included with this submission. The logo includes three animals that typify the Pacific Northwest ecosystem, the orca, eagle and salmon. We’ve been busy spending the money that we raised in last year’s holiday silent auction. The Chapter supported Yok-Yok Hadiprakarsa’s attendance at the International Hombill Workshop in Thailand by paying for his transport, registration and lodging. “Yoki”, a Indonesian researcher who was hand-picked by Dr. Margaret Kinnaird, co-director of the Wildlife Conservation of Indonesia, presented a paper at the conference. The Chapter also made a $2500.00 donation to The Nature Conservancy to help acquire the Ellsworth Creek Drainage of SW Washington. This tract is one of the last remaining in-tact watersheds in the state that contains low elevation Chapter Mews Motes old growth forest. The donation was doubled by a matching grant by the Kresge Foundation. The Chapter also donated $2000.00 to the Center for Ecosystem Survival for a land purchase in the Rincon Rain Forest preserve in Costa Rica. Orangutan conservationist Willie Smits made a presentation at Woodland Park Zoo in April, and the Chapter assisted by providing refreshments and lodging for his stay in Seattle. The lecture raised $900.00 to support Willie’s work at the Wanariset Center in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Chapter member Andy Antilla also made his second trip over to Indonesia to work at the facility for four weeks. The Chapter has also supported attendance of keepers at the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators Conference, and the International Herp Syposium this year. The other big news from Seattle is our new website. Thanks to Chapter member Pete McLane’s graphic design class project, the site became a reality this June. Pete volunteered to maintain the site to keep folks updated on upcoming activities and projects the Chapter is involved in. Go to http://www.pugetsoundaazk.org and check out the Puget Sound Chapter website. — Tom Aversa, Chapter Liason and Secretary MOVIIVG? Please let us know when you change your address! It now costs AAZK 99 cents every time an AKF is returned because of an incorrect address. Call 1-800-242-4519 (U.S.) or 1-800-468-1966 (Canada) ore-mail aazkoffice@kscable.com to report your new address. THANKS! Animal Keepers 'Forum, Vol 28, No. 9, 2001 353 Effects of Enpicfiment Items on tfi Sacramento Zoo Orangutans By Elizabeth Valdovinos Affiliated with CSU, Sacramento, Anthropology Dept, and Sacramento Zoo, CA Contact info: 1 0402 Ambassador Dr. Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 (916) 638-1935 evaldovinos(a)excite. com ABSTRACT.’ This paper explores competition among captive orangutans at the Sacramento Zoo. Novel food and non-food enrichJnent items were introduced into the orangutan exhibit and the resulting competitive behaviors were recorded. Baseline data were compared to the experimental condition. Hypotheses are that: 1) the orangutans would exhibit a higher number of aggressive behaviors during the experimental conditions; and 2) the individual orangutans would differ in both the frequency of aggressive behaviors and the competitiveness of those behaviors in each of the study conditions. Results indicated that the orangutans were not more aggressive in the study conditions; however, there were differences in the level of competitiveness among the individuals, specifically showing a higher level of competitiveness in the food enrichment condition. INTRODUCTION This project examines the effects of enrichment on the three captive Sumatran orangutans {Bongo pygmaeus abelii) at the Sacramento Zoo with the intention of gaining an understanding of aggressive and competitive behavior. Competition occurs when one individual occupies or preoccupies a resource that would otherwise be available to, or appropriated by, another individual (Moynihan, 1998). Competition occurs over limited resources, such as food, mates, territory, or group membership (Colegrave, 1994; Jones, 1980; Maier 1998; Riechert, 1998). When an individual impinges on the interests of another, conflict results and aggression accompanies it (Mason and Mendoza, 1993). Aggression is any overt attack, ranging from violent blows or strikes to simple intention movements, and includes friendly advances toward a rival or opponent (Moynihan, 1998). It is considered an adaptation to cope with competition (Moynihan, 1998). In closed systems, such as zoos, animals have the choice of how to compete, but not of leaving the area, thus they are unable to avoid competition (Colegrave, 1994). In general, game theory predicts behavior for animal groups overall. Game theory evaluates whether an animal will behave as an ally or a traitor (Strier, 2000), and is used to predict optimal outcomes of interactions between animals (Maier 1998). Wild and Captive Orangutan Behavior Orangutans live semi-solitary lives, but come together occasionally for food and mating (Hamilton & Galdikas, 1994; Utami et al., 1997). During periods of food scarcity, orangutans may experience competition for food. Adult males are dominant over all subadult males and adult females (Utami et al., 1 997). Captive orangutans obviously do not need to spend time foraging and are generally restricted from movement. Several researchers have studied activity levels and social behaviors of captive orangutans. While some primate species perform aberrant behaviors in limited captive environments, orangutans are not noted for abnormal stereotypes; however, they exhibit low activity levels and high obesity levels (Wright, 1 995). Orangutans were observed at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, CO, and it was discovered that novel items reduced lethargy in the primates (Wright, 1 995). 354 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 9, 2001 Object manipulation, investigation and play behavior occurred at a high level during the enrichment times for the orangutans, when compared to their activity during baseline and follow-up (Wright, 1995). Idle behavior decreased during the experimental phases, but later increased during follow-up observations. Wright ( 1 995) suggests that “behavioral rebound” could be avoided if novel enrichment is continued. Tripp (1985) found that the orangutans’ activity increased at the Topeka Zoo in Kansas after adding manipulable material to the exhibit. The orangutans were exposed to three conditions. The orangutans were least active during the bare exhibit (baseline) condition, activity increased when manipulable materials were introduced, and the orangutans were most active when edibles were tossed into the exhibit with manipulable items present (Tripp, 1 985). Manipulation and locomotion behaviors increased for most of the orangutans. Perkins (1992) observed captive orangutans in nine zoological parks in the southeastern United States in an attempt to identify and quantify which enrichment items specifically influenced the primates’ activity levels. She discovered that a large enclosure is part of a “set of related variables” that increases orangutan activity. The large space allows for more animals and more “playthings”, or movable objects. Perhaps movable objects are more appealing to orangutans because they resemble branches and vines used in the wild (Perkins, 1992). Wild orangutans are solitary animals, but in captivity orangutans are not required to forage for their food (Perkins, 1 992), thus their social behaviors change in captivity. Perkins ( 1 992) maintains that orangutans are quite capable of forming steadfast social attachments. At the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita, KS, Tobach et al. (1989) observed social interactions among their captive orangutans. The researchers found that with their study group, the adult female orangutans had a complex relationship, and the male was found in a number of social dyads, both of which are contrary to their wild counterparts’ social behavior (Tobach et al., 1989). Given their captive circumstances, the adult animals associated with each other more than in their natural habitat (Tobach etal., 1989). Poole (1987) also concluded that captive orangutans chose to make social relationships different than those they would have in the wild. Orangutans were observed on an artificial island at the Singapore Zoological Gardens in order to examine their social behavior. The island provided for high levels of potential social contact, which are opposite from their wild state. Results were as follows: older male orangutans spent more time alone, but spent more time in proximity to other individuals; social play was exhibited mostly by adult females and juveniles, but rarely by adult males; adult females groomed most often; play relationships were between adolescents and subadults; and there was no obvious dominance hierarchy and no aggression (Poole, 1987). Poole (1987) suggests allowing captive orangutans the opportunity to form social groups if they choose to do so, as it creates an enriched environment. The above studies suggest that orangutans in captivity can be socially flexible compared to their wild counterparts, and that enrichment items appear to promote positive activities. Enrichment Background In order to better understand this project, it is important to know about the background and purpose of introduced items, or enrichment. Early primate research was conducted to understand human psychological processes as well as primate anatomy (Bramblett, 1 994). Concerns about animal welfare emerged from these early primate studies. The Animal Welfare Act, amended in 1985, by the U.S. Congress required primate researchers to promote animals’ psychological well-being (Novak and Suomi, 1988^ Psychological well-being can be assessed from physical health and fecundity (Wright, 1 995). It is difficult to define well-being, but it is generally accepted that non-human animals can experience suffering. Primatologists who study captive groups face ethical issues during research, primarily that the animals are kept in an unnatural, confined environment and may demonstrate behaviors different from those expressed in natural habitats. A number of researchers (Anderson andChamove, 1983; Baker, 1999; Barbiers, 1985; Bitnoff, 1996; Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol 28, No. 9, 2001 355 Dewey, 1989; Markowitz, 1982; Perkins, 1992; Reinhardt, 1993; Tripp, 1985; Wright, 1995) have I shown that enrichment benefits captive primates by reducing abnormal behaviors and increasing normal | activity. Enrichment is “the act of making something better by the addition, or increase, of some i desirable quality, attribute, or ingredient” (Guerrero, 1997:1). i Another purpose of enrichment for captive orangutans is to allow them to behave more like free- ranging orangutans, since they are restricted from their full range of normal behaviors observed in the wild. Thus, it is important to provide a captive environment where animals can choose, even on a limited basis, various aspects of their environment (Cocks et al., 1999; Markowitz, 1982) while increasing activity. Current orangutan enrichment at the Sacramento Zoo includes the following: 1) scatter food (vines, dried nuts and fruits, seeds, puffed wheat or rice, and popcorn), 2) coconuts, or other seasonal fruits/ vegetables, 3) frozen fruit, 4) clothes, 5) boxes, 6) bamboo, and 7) sheets and towels (pers. comm, with Elia and Field). The Sacramento Zoo keepers get enrichment ideas from other keepers and volunteers (pers. comm, with Field). Introducing novel items into captive primates’ enclosures provides a means to enrich captive animals. Although this paper is not addressing well-being, the inclusion of introduced items provides an avenue for observing captive behavior, such as aggression and competition, while enriching the study group’s lives. It is anticipated that because enrichment has been shown to increase activity and manipulation, as well as reduce lethargy in captive orangutans (Tripp, 1 985, Wright, 1 995), that competitive behavior and aggression levels will also increase during the enrichment phase. Hypotheses The effects of competition among the Sacramento Zoo orangutans were studied by introducing enrichment items into their enclosure. The hypotheses are: 1) baseline hypothesis - overall, the orangutans will exhibit a higher number of aggressive behaviors during both the food and nonfood enrichment conditions than during the baseline conditions; and, 2) aggressive and competitive behavior hypothesis - the individual orangutans will differ in both the frequency of their aggressive behaviors, ^ and the competitiveness of those behaviors in each of the study conditions. Enrichment items may | take on a similar meaning that highly prized food items do for wild orangutans because enrichment items are novel and rare. MATERIALS AND METHODS j Subjects i Observations were made on the three orangutans housed at the Sacramento Zoo (see Table 1). The only male in the group is Urban, bom at the Sacramento Zoo in Febmary 1981. He is 20 years old, weighs 252 lbs., and has no chronic health conditions. Ginger is the group’s oldest member and the second oldest female orangutan in captivity in the United States. At approximately 46 years old, it is I estimated Ginger was bom in 1955, as she was wild-caught. Ginger, at 110 lbs., has arthritis for which the keepers give her daily medication. Sayang is the youngest female member, at 1 8 years old. She was bom at the Sedgewick County Zoo in November 1983. She has no chronic health conditions, , and weighs approximately 102 lbs. ' Procedures In order to collect baseline behaviors, the orangutans were observed for 1 5 hours during September 2000. For the experimental phase, I constmcted the enrichment items listed in Table 2, following the Zoo’s guidelines and approved projects. The zoo keepers distributed the items to the orangutans, | usually by throwing the items in the enclosure or by placing them outside before the animals were released, as I observed and recorded the animals’ behaviors. Experimental data were collected for 21 hours during September - November 2000. In order to test the baseline hypothesis, the orangutans were observed using continuous recording of 356 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 9, 2001 specific aggressive behaviors (aggressive display, approach, beg, take, and temper tantrum). Table 1 Sacramento Zoo Orangutan Profiles (pers. comm, with Elia and Field) Name Sex Origin Date of Birth Health Conditions Weight Urban M Sacramento Zoo Feb. 1981 none 252 lbs.* Ginger F wild caught approx 1955 arthritis 110 lbs.** Sayang F Sedgewick County Zoo Nov. 1983 none 102 lbs.*** *December 1999 **February 2000 *’"*January 2000 Table 2 List of Enrichment Items Used Food Enrichment Items: Frozen blocks (water) with grapes Boxes with browse (popcorn and raisins) Frozen peanut butter tubes (in paper towel rolls) Frozen yogurt tubes (In paper towel rolls) Raisin boards (2'’x4’'x6" of Douglas fir with drilled holes and raisins in holes) Frozen blocks (diluted Kool-Aid) with apples Frozen apple sauce tubes (in paper towel rolls) Jell-0 tubes (PVC pipe with caps on ends and holes drilled in pipe, with gelatin inside) Peanut butter "sandwiches" (In square cardboard pieces) Marshmallow "kabobs" (marshmallows skewered on sticks) Unshucked corn cobs Tangerines in socks sprinkled with cinnamon Apple sauce in PVC pipe with raisins plugged in holes Seeds spread on ground outside Wrapping paper tubes with browse items Non-food Enrichment Items: Socks with extract essences in knots Socks with tea inside Flowers in socks Boxes Toilet paper roll "necklaces" (rolls on twine) Pillow cases sprinkled with cinnamon inside boxes Sheet "hammocks" (sheets tied to resemble hammocks) Sombreros Animal Keepers 'Forum, Vol. 28, No. 9, 2001 357 Sayang, Ginger and Urban with their Jell-O® Tubes at the Sacramento Zoo. (Photo by M. McGormley) A scale from 0-4 was used to determine the level of competition and the competitive behavior hypothesis (see Table 3). Levels 0-1 indicate no competition; levels 2-4 indicate competition. Competition began when one orangutan displayed interest in another’s item, and the interaction ended when one orangutan attained the item and left or gave up after unsuccessfully taking the item and moving away a significant distance. When orangutans continued competing for the item, the interactions were continually scored. Table 3 Level of Competition Description Competition Level orang appears to have to interest in introduced item 0 orang looks over at other orang with item and looks away 1 orang approaches other orang with item and looks intently at item 2 orang approaches other orang and tries to take item 3 orang takes item from other orang 4 Data Analysis For the baseline hypothesis (the orangutans would exhibit a higher number of aggressive behaviors during both the food and nonfood enrichment conditions than during the baseline conditions), the independent variable was the study condition with the following three levels: 1) baseline, 2) food enrichment, and 3) non-food enrichment. The dependent variable was the average rate of aggressive 358 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 28, No. 9, 2001 behaviors observed per 30 minutes. The data for this hypothesis were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). For the aggressive and competitive behavior hypothesis (the orangutans would differ in both the frequency of their aggressive behaviors and the competitiveness of those behaviors in each of the study conditions), the independent variable was orangutan, and had the following three levels: 1) Urban, 2) Ginger, and 3) Sayang. The dependent variables were the average competitiveness score of each orangutan (as measured by the level of competition rating scale) and the number (frequency) of initiating aggressive behaviors. A series of three one-way ANOVA’s (one for each study condition) was used to determine if the orangutans differed qualitatively in their competitiveness in each study condition. Tukey multiple comparisons were used for post hoc tests whenever significant ANOVA was found. Similarly, a series of three Chi -Square Goodness-of-fit tests were used to determine if the orangutans differed in the number of aggressive acts each engaged in for each study condition. An alpha level of 0.05 significance was selected a priori. The statistical package SPSS (version 10.0) was used to analyze data. Urban shows interest in Sayang’s Jell-O® Tube, an enrichment item used with the orangutans at the Sacramento Zoo. (Photo by M. McGormley) RESULTS Baseline Hypothesis: The ANOVA results did not indicate a significant difference in the overall rate of aggressive behaviors across the three study conditions, F(2, 72) = 0.39, p > .05, where p = .68. These results do not support the baseline hypothesis that enrichment items would result in significantly more overall aggressive behaviors in the orangutans. Although there appeared to be slightly more aggression during the food enrichment condition than during the other two study conditions, the differences among them did not reach statistical significance and hence cannot be considered “real” differences. Aggressive and Competitive Behavior Hypothesis'. The results of the series of the Chi Square tests for the baseline [t (2, N = 1 1 8) = 80.56, p < .05], food enrichment [t (2, N = 1 39) = 24.09, p < .05], and Animal Keepers ‘Forum, Vol. 28, No. 9, 2001 359 non-food enrichment [x^ (2, N = 60) = 24.30, p < .05] conditions all indicated that at least one orangutan had a higher number of aggressive behaviors than did the other orangutans. These findings support the aggressive and competitive behavior hypothesis. The number of aggressive acts each orangutan engaged in for each study condition is presented in Table 4. Specifically, regardless of the study condition, Sayang engaged in a higher number of aggressive behaviors than did either Ginger or Urban. Ginger and Urban did not differ significantly in their numbers of aggressive behaviors in any of the study conditions. In terms of the frequency of initiating aggressive behaviors, Sayang was consistently more aggressive than either Urban or Ginger. Table 4 Number of Aggressive Acts of each Orangutan for each Study Condition Orangutan Enrichment Baseline Food Non-Food Total Enrichment Urban 12 38 11 49 Ginger 21 27 11 38 Sayang 85 74 38 112 The mean and standard deviation competitiveness ratings of each orangutan for each of the study conditions are presented in Table 5. The results of the ANOVA for the baseline (F(2, 2454) = 21 .77, p< .05), food enrichment (F(2, 2652) = 14.76, p< .05), and non-food enrichment (F(2, 1305) = 3.41, p < .05) conditions indicated that at least one orangutan was more competitive than at least one of the others. Results of Tukey post hoc tests for the baseline indicated that Sayang was more competitive than both Urban and Ginger (ps < .05), and that Urban and Ginger did not significantly differ in their level of competitiveness (p > .05). Tukey post hoc tests for food enrichment showed that Sayang was again more competitive than both Urban and Ginger (ps < .05). However, the results also indicated that Ginger was more competitive than Urban during food enrichment (p < .05). The post hoc tests for non-food enrichment showed that Sayang was more competitive than Urban (p < .05), but was not more competitive than Ginger (p > .05). In addition. Ginger and Urban also did not differ in their level of competitiveness during non-food enrichment (p > .05). The relationship between the means is illustrated in Figure 1. Overall, Ginger was more active in the enrichment conditions than in baseline, Urban’s behavior did not change, and Sayang was always active. Table 5 Mean and Standard Deviation Competitiveness Score of each Orangutan for each Study Condition Baseli Enrichment ine Food Non-Food Orangutan M SD M SD M SD Urban 0.04 0.36 0.08 0.53 0.05 0.42 Ginger 0.05 0.42 0.18 0.64 0.12 0.55 Sayang 0.19 0.74 0.27 0.86 0.15 0.66 360 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 28, No. 9, 2001 Baseline Food Enrichment Non-Food Enrichment Study Condition Figure 1. Mean competitiveness of each orangutan in each study condition. DISCUSSION There were differences in the relative levels of competitiveness of the orangutans across the different study conditions, specifically showing a higher level of competitiveness in the food enrichment condition. Urban never became more competitive, but Sayang was always competitive. Ginger changed her intensity, but not frequency, of competitiveness depending upon the condition. During the baseline condition. Ginger was just as uncompetitive as Urban; however, during the non-food enrichment condition. Ginger’s competitiveness increased, and during the food enrichment condition, her level of competitiveness was significantly higher than Urban’s. But Ginger was still less competitive than Sayang in both frequency and quality in all conditions except non-food enrichment. Perhaps Sayang’s competition scores were always high because her general activity was high, possibly because she is young and energetic. Although Urban is only two years older than Sayang, her activity level was higher than Urban’s, possibly due to other factors, such as sex differences. For example, Tobach et al. (1989) found that among their captive study group, the orangutan males were idle and solitary. Compared to Ginger, Sayang’s youth could possibly be a factor that made her a better competitor. While Ginger is older than Sayang, she is more playful (pers. comm, with Field); however, during my observations, I noticed Sayang was more active and playful than Ginger. It appeared that Sayang’s defensive strategy was to take, steal, and hoard enrichment items (i.e., resources). She collected all enrichment items regardless of what they were, even if she had her own. Sayang did not necessarily try to actively exclude others, rather she accepted the presence of others and competed somewhat passively, because the others allowed her to. Perhaps Sayang was able to assess the character states (e.g., experience, size, age, and sex) of Ginger and Urban and knew when she could take advantage of a situation (i.e., take or steal items). It was Sayang’s lower level of competitiveness, paired with a slight increase in Ginger’s competitiveness that accounts for the fact that the results showed them to be equally aggressive during non-food enrichment. Ginger’s old age could account for her low competition scores; however, her competition increased relative to the others during both of the enrichment conditions. Ginger employed a different competitive strategy than Sayang. In the hawk and dove strategies of competition. Ginger is a dove. The dove’s strategy is to back off, even if it costs the individual the resource (Maier 1998). Ginger cannot afford to lose energy and time struggling over a resource, so she generally succumbed to the others. She Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol 28, No. 9, 2001 361 1.0 Bornean orangutan Urban inspecting a hanging box enrichment item at the Sacramento Zoo. (Photo by Elizabeth Valdovinos) There were other behaviors that occurred during the observation sessions that could not be scored, but were noted, such as walking, climbing, playing, foraging, etc. Since this study is only about aggressive competition, only specific behaviors were recorded. Readers should not be biased that Urban and Ginger are usually idle just because their aggression and competition scores were low in this particular study; all orangutans performed active behaviors. There were also aggressive and competitive behaviors that occurred but could not be scored because they were not occurring during the timed interval. Another subject to consider is sharing, which occurred but was not recorded. The act of taking an item was scored, but some instances could have been considered sharing. Tobach et al. (1989) and Poole (1987) found the orangutans’ were capable of being socially flexible compared to their wild counterparts, as I also noted. While Urban is mostly solitary, he has contact seemed to know when to back off, especially when there was a chance of losing. When it came to food, however. Ginger’s competition level increased because it was in her own evolutionary interests to behave more competitively. Urban can also be considered a dove as he was generally passive. In some instances, he was overtly aggressive, hovering over the females or charging for the items, but it was not a significant amount to affect his competition score. Urban spent a large amount of time idle and solitary, which is typical of J both wild and captive orangutans. Thus his low competition level should not be surprising. Perhaps | the items were not sufficiently enticing or complicated to increase his competition scores in the enrichment conditions. Urban was more interested in the food enrichment items, although it is not reflected in his scores. He generally came out from under his box in the cave just to eat or inspect the I items, then usually returned to his former position. Perhaps Urban has not had to deal with other males who were competing with him for female attention (pers. comm. Casper-Denman), which may i account for his general idle behavior. ! 362 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 28, No. 9, 2001 with Sayang and Ginger, which would not generally happen in the wild. Females are also solitary in the wild, yet Ginger and Sayang have almost constant interactions. The enrichment items seemed to provide an avenue for which the orangutans could interact, and for which their flexible social behavior could be observed. It is difficult to describe primate behavior, especially without anthropomorphizing - a common issue in anthropology. However, there is substantial information that the emotional physiological states of other primates are homologous to humans (Harlow, 1958 & 1979). It is safe to say from the data at hand that while the enrichment items did not significantly increase aggressive behavior among the orangutans, their competitiveness was affected, especially for food enrichment. Food enrichment may have indeed taken on a similar meaning that highly prized food items do for wild orangutans. Their resulting competitive behavior for the enrichment could have itself been enriching. Acknowledgements I would like to thank my thesis committee. Dr. Samantha Hens and Kristina Casper-Denman for I could not have completed this project without them. I also want to thank Leslie Field, the lead keeper/ supervisor over mammals, Robbie Flaherty, Lynette Elia and the other primate keepers at the Sacramento Zoo for their cooperation and assistance. Scott Masten was instrumental in assisting me with statistics in this project. Thank you to Dr. Gerrell Drawhom for giving me the idea to explore competition and game theory. And finally, I would like to thank Michael McGormley for helping me create the enrichment items. References Anderson, J.R. and A.S. Chamove. 1983 Allowing Captive Primates to Forage. http://www.animalwelfare.com/Lab_animals/biblio/ufaw-2~l.html. Electronic document. Baker, K. C. 1 999. Straw and Forage Material Ameliorate Abnormal Behaviors in Adult Chimpanzees. Zoo Biology 16:225-236. Barbiers, R. B. 1985. Orangutans’ Color Preference for Food Items. Zoo Biology 4:287-290. Bitnoff, J. A. 1996. The Effect of Physical Environment on the Behavior of Captive Chimpanzees: A Comparison of Three Northern California Zoos. M.A. Thesis. San Jose State University. Cocks, L., C. Baker, G. Harris, andF. Butcher. 1999. Behavioral Enrichment for Nonhuman Primates. Laboratory Primate Newsletter 38(1): 14-15. Colegrave, N. 1994. Game theory models of competition in closed systems: asymmetries in fighting and competitive ability. Oikos 1 1 :499-505. Dewey, R. A. Jones. 1989. Assessing the Cost-Effectiveness of Specific Enrichment Items for Captive Chimpanzees. M.A. Thesis. University of Colorado. Guerrero, Diana. 1997. Enrichment 101 : A Basic Overview. Electronic document. http://www/arkanimals.com/E/Enrichl 01 .html. Hamilton, R. A. and B. M. F. Galdikas. 1994. A Preliminary Study of Food Selection by the Orangutan in Relation to Plant Quality. Primates 35:255-263. Jones, C. B. 1 980. The Functions of Status in the Mantled Howler Monkey, Alouatta palliata Gray. Instraspecific Competition for Group Membership in a Folivorous Neotropical Primate. 21:389-405. Maier, R. 1998. Comparative Animal Behavior: An Evolutionary and Ecological Approach. Boston: Allyn and Bacon. Animal Keepers 'Forum, Vol 28, No. 9, 2001 363 Sayang in her “typical” position in the orangutan exhibit at the Sacramento Zoo. (Photo by Elizabeth Valdovinos) Markowitz, H. 1982. Behavioral Enrichment in the Zoo. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co. Mason, W. A. and S. R Mendoza. 1993. Primate Social Conflict: An Overview of Sources, Forms, and Consequences. In Primate Social Conflict. William A. Mason and Sally P. Mendoza, eds. Pp. 1-11. New York: New York Press. Moynihan, M. 1 998. The Social Regulation of Competition and Aggression in Animals. Washington: Smithsonian Institution Press. Novak, M. A. and S. J. Suomi. 1988. Psychological Well-Being of Primates in Captivity. American Psychologist 43:765-773. Perkins, L. A. 1992. Variables That Influence the Activity of Captive Orangutans. Zoo Biology 11:177-186. Poole, T. B. 1987. Social Behavior of a Group of Orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus) on an Artificial Island in Singapore Zoological Gardens. Zoo Biology 6:315-330. Reinhardt, V. 1 993. Enticing Nonhuman Primates to Forage for Their Standard Biscuit Ration. Zoo Biology 12:307-312. Riechert, S. E. 1998. Game Theory and Animal Contests. In Game Theory and Animal Behavior. Lee Alan Dugatkin and Hudson Kern Reeve, eds. Pp. 64-93. New York: Oxford University Press. Strier, K. 2000. Primate Behavioral Ecology. Boston: Allyn and Bacon. Tobach, E., G. Greenberg, P. Radell, and T. McCarthy. 1998. Social Behavior in a Group of Orang- Utans {Pongo pygmaeus abelii) in a Zoo Setting. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 23 : 14 1 - 1 54. Tripp, J.K. 1985. Increasing Activity in Captive Orangutans: Provision of Manipulable and Edible Materials. Zoo Biology 4:225-234. Utami, S., S. A. Wich, E. H.M. Sterck, and J. A.R.A.M. van Hoof 1997. Food Competition Between Wild Orangutans in Large Fig Trees. International Journal of Primatology 18:909-927. Wright, B. W. 1995. Novel Item Enrichment Program Reduces Lethargy in Orangutans. Folia Primatol 65:214-218. 364 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 9, 2001 Institutions wishing to advertise employment opportunities are asked to send pertinent data by the 10th of each month to: Opportunity Knocks/AKF, 3601 SW 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614- 2054. 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 or e-mail listings of positions which become available close to deadline are accepted. Our fax is (785) 273-1980; e-mail is akfeditor@kscable.com< We are no longer located at the Topeka Zoo, so please note new address! A DMINISTRA TTVE ASSISTANT. . .Conservation Breeding Specialist Group (CBSG/SSC/IUCN) International wildlife conservation organization has full-time position available. The Conservation Breeding Specialist Group offers the opportunity to contribute to the preservation of our planet’s biodiversity in a flexible, friendly work environment. Duties include: publications production and distribution, maintenance of membership and donor data files; assisting with financial aspects; newsletter production; a variety of clerical duties such as mail distribution, copying, faxing, filing, answering telephones; and other unique tasks as needed. May involve some domestic/ international travel. Applicants should be: cheerful, highly organized, able to work independently and as part of a team, with the Microsoft Office 97 application suite, willing to learn new computer software programs, interested in endangered species conservation, and able to work well in a small but fast-paced, highly productive organization. Start date: September/October. CBSG is located on the Minnesota Zoo grounds. Starting salary low $20,000 ’s plus excellent benefits. Send letter and resume to: Dr. Onnie Byers, Breeding Specialist Group, 12101 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Apple Valley, MN 55124. Application deadline: 20 September 2001. Interviews will be conducted thereafter. ZOOKEEPER/VE T TECH. . .the candidate will have paid experience in a zoo setting. We are looking for a self-starter who is interested in both learning and gaining additional experience and conjributing their own knowledge to an established private zoo in its 28*’’ year of operation. Besides the normal keeper chores, the person(s) selected will be responsible for daily live animal presentations. A background in the basic veterinary tech procedures is a plus. We offer a competitive salary and benefits. Send or e-mail resume to: Vince Hall, Claws ‘N’ Paws Wild Animal Park, RD 6, Lake Ariel, PA 18436; vincehall@echoes.net ZOO COLLECTION SUPERVISOR...C\\}j of El Paso, Texas; Salary: $12.71 - $18.45 per hour. Entry salary for new employees will be set at the beginning of the salary range. Minimum qualifieations: Graduation from high sehool or equivalent and six (6) years experience in the care of various classes of zoo animals, including two (2) years supervisory experience. This position oversees animal care operations, feeding and handling of zoo animal collection, and supervise and participate in associated exhibit maintenance. For applications materials contact Leo Ceniceros at (9 1 5) 54 1 -408 1 . Mailing address is: City of El Paso, Personnel Department, #2 Civic Center Plaza, El Paso,TX 79901 . Fax No: (915) 541-4221. Email: CenicerosLX@ci.el-paso.tx.us< Deadline is 28 September 2001. HEAD ZOOKEEPER ...available with the City of Lafayette, IN (Columbian Park Zoo). Provides daily care to animals and exhibits. Maintains a healthy environment for animals by feeding, watering, cleaning cages and exhibits and monitoring animals for signs of ill-health or disease. Supervises and directs assigned personnel, including interviewing applicants, making work assignments, evaluating performance, providing training and corrective instruction. Communicates daily with department personnel to coordinate activities and resolve problems as needed. Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent. Ability to administer minor medical treatments to animals and to monitor their health. Keep daily records related to animal care and inventory. Knowledge of universal health precautions, high risk environments and blood-borne pathogens. Ability to apply safety policies and procedures. Effective communication skills. Valid driver’s license required. Hours are flexible (may vary and include evenings and weekends. Pay range $22,789.00 - $26,382.00. Position available with the Lafayette Parks and Recreation Department. If you are interested in being considered for this position, applications are available in the Human Resources Office, 20 N. 6th Street, Lafayette, IN 47901. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position has been filled. Please contact Human Resources, at (765) 476-4477 with any questions you may have or email: amaxwell@city.lafayette.in.us. EOE/. Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol 28, No. 9, 2001 365 AREA SUPERVISOR... coox6m2iiQS daily operations of the Children’s Zoo and Farm-in-the-Zoo. Responsible for supervising keeper staff and regularly performing keeper duties, extending to all animal husbandry and exhibit maintenanee functions. Oversees adherence to department and institutional policies and procedures. Manages work assignments, schedules, and coordinates staffing of area personnel. Prepares and tracks timekeeping, creates performance evaluation, and participates in selection process for area personnel. Observes, documents and reports on animal behavior, physical condition, reproduction and geneaology. Advances mission of the zoo through leading and coordinating conservation programs. Graduation from high school or the equivalent is required. Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or closely related discipline preferred. Three to five (3-5) years experience in routine animal husbandry as in a zoo or aquarium desired. Supervisory experienced preferred. Please send resumes to: Lincoln Park Zoo, Human Resources Dept., PO Box 14903, Chicago, IL 60614; Fax (312) 742-2299. No phone calls please. EOE/M/F/D/V. Closing date 30 September 2001 . ANIMAL KEEPER-PRIMA TES. . .full-time position with benefits. The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is offering a rare opportunity to work with our collection of 3.8 western lowland gorillas. Responsibilities include all aspects of animal husbandry (cleaning, feeding, observation, enrichment, training etc.), as well as building maintenance. In addition to gorillas, this position will care for several other primate and non-primate species. Requirements include, at minimum, two (2) years of full-time experience working as a primate keeper, operant conditioning/training background preferred. Good communication skills and willingness to work in a team-oriented environment is highly desired. High school graduate, college degree preferred. Send resume with cover letter (including references and salary requirement) to: The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Attention Ron Evans - Primate Center, 3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45220 ANIMAL KEEPER...T\\q Birmingham Zoo is working to grow and diversify its applicant pool for Animal Keeper positions. A degree in biology, or related field is preferred. Potential applicants are needed for future openings in the Primate, Predator, Hoofed Stock, Elephant, Bird, and Reptile departments. Please send cover letter and resume to: Marcia Riedmiller, Mammal Curator, The Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham, AL 35223. E- mail:mriedmiller@birminghamzoo.com Resumes will be kept on file for one year. EOE KEEPERS...lhQ Reston Zoo, located on the outskirts of suburban Washington, DC in Vienna, VA, is presently hiring animal keepers. Keepers are responsible for the daily maintenance of an assortment of animals, including primates, reptiles, large hoofed stock and petting bam. Some exhibit and general grounds maintenance isrequired. College degree preferred, animal experience required. Must be able to work weekends. Qualified applicants should be strong team players and career-oriented. $8. 00/hr starting pay with regular reviews for advancement. Send resume and references to: Manager, Reston Zoo, 1 228 Hunter Mill Rd., Vienna, VA 22182. Fax: (703) 757- 1 800. EmaihThe RestonZoo@aol.com AVICULTURE //V7’£'/?W...intems receive intensive hands-on training in the care and maintenance of a large bird collection. They will experience all aspects of bird husbandry including general cleaning, handling, incubation, record keeping, public education, etc. Seeking college students or recent graduates with an interest in avian management/zoo biology. Interns will work with aviculturists for a minimum three-month period. This is a volunteer position with on-site housing provided. Possible stipend. Internships are available year-round. Our interns receive the same training as any new staff member, and most have gone on to paid positions in large AZA accredited institutions. Send cover letter and resume with references to: Tracey Aviary, 589 E. 1300 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84105. Fax to: (801) 596-7325. ATTN: Kim Sorensen/Jennifer Morris. ZOO KEEPER //...performs responsible technical and semi-skilled manual work of a specialized nature in the direct handling, care and feeding of zoo animals. Performs routine feeding functions in accordance with established diets and schedules; cleans and disinfects cages, exhibits, food and water containers, and related facilities and equipment; observes movement and well-being of assigned collection; observes animals in assigned taxonomic grouping on daily basis; assists with setting up, modifying, moving and dismantling animal exhibits; assists in care and medical treatment of injured/sick zoo specimens; assists in protecting zoo specimens, facilities and equipment from mistreatment, vandalism or theft; assists in retrieving escaped animals and protecting the public in such instances; handles various wild creatures, including those of a delicate and/or hazardous species; explains zoo regulations and answers questions 366 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 28, No. 9, 2001 from the public; keeps routine records and prepares simple reports; may operate various vehicles; and performs other related functions as assigned. Current vacancy is in aviculture. Requirements: Two years full-time experience in care of zoo animals involving some experience working with the public; college courses in zoology, biology or related. Must possess & retain valid Class C CDL. Rabies pre- exposure inoculations will be required as condition of continued employment in classifications having direct contact with or exposure to wildlife and animals commonly found in zoos. Salary range is $2676 - $34 15/Mo., Plus Excellent Benefits Package. Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m., 10 September 2001. For detailed description of duties requirements, see job flier. For job flier & required City application, contact: City of Santa Ana Personnel Services Department, 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701. Tel: (714) 647-5340. www.ci.santa-ana.ca.us EOE. PRIMATE FOUNDATION OF ARIZONA BEHAVIORAL RESEARCH INTERNSHIP ...The Primate Foundation of Arizona is currently accepting applications for their Behavioral Research Internship program. PFA is a private, non-profit, corporation devoted to the preservation, propagation, and study of the chimpanzee {Pan troglodytes). It is currently home to more than 70 socially-housed chimpanzees and conducts behavioral research with a goal of improving captive management, environmental enrichment, and well-being of the chimpanzees. The research is conducted on site. The Behavioral Research Internship provides college students in the behavioral and biological sciences the opportunity for behavioral research experience. It includes three basic components: 1) an introduction to chimpanzee behavior and behavioral observation data collection, 2) chimpanzee psychological wellness program and environmental enrichment training, and 3) research support tasks such as data entry. The introduction to chimpanzee behavioral observation is the primary component of the internship and includes data collection on an assigned project, entering the data into a spreadsheet program, conducting preliminary analysis and completion of a background literature review. Results of the intern project are presented at the end of the internship to the full staff to provide presentation experience. The internship is on a volunteer basis and provides no stipend. Students should have completed at least two years of a four-year program (Junior level standing) in the behavioral or biological sciences. Both undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to apply. Previous course work and/or experience in primatology/animal behavior is required for all students. Applications are accepted for three internship periods: Summer, Fall, and Spring. Each internship is three months in duration: Summer - June 1 to August 31; Fall - September 1 to November 28; Spring: March 1 to May 30. Applications should be submitted at least six weeks in advance of the internship start date. Please submit your application ASAP as we receive as many as 100 applicants per position. For further information and application materials, please send a letter of request including your full name and mailing address to: Sue Howell, Ph.D., Research Director, Primate Foundation of Arizona, P.O. Box 20027, Mesa, AZ 85277-0027; email: suehpfa@,qwest.net SENIOR ZOOLOGICAL VETERINARY TECHNICI AN. ..G\2idv?, Porter Zoo: on the border by the sea; houses an excellent and varied collection of 1 600 animals with limited wildlife rehabilitation; please see our website at www.gpz.org: Animal Health Department recently remodeled; stable working environment, includes staff veterinarian, associate veterinarian, technician assistant, clinic keeper, volunteers, and senior veterinary students. Responsibilities: assist in all aspects of medical care of the animal collection and operation of medical equipment (25%); perform in-house laboratory work (40%); perform MedARKS data entry (20%); and manage the hospital including inventory and equipment maintenance (15%). Will also assist in housekeeping, training and teaching student interns, interactions with clinic and zoo staff and volunteers, and all other duties as assigned. Requirements: registered veterinary technician preferred; exotic animal experience preferred but a strong background in clinical practice can be substituted; proficient in parasitology, hematology (experience in avian and reptile hematology preferred), serum chemistry, cytology, urinalysis, sampling techniques, and shipment of biological specimens, and have a working knowledge of anesthesia, radiology/ ultrasonography/endoscopy, sugery, pharmacology, necropsy techniques, and animal restraint; computer literacy preferred (MedARKS); must be self-motivated, able to work well alone and with others, and be willing to learn new techniques or procedures; and must be willing to work weekends and holidays. Position is full-time and will be open until filled. Salary will be based on experience, plus benefits package. Please send a cover letter, resume, and three (3) employment references to: Michelle Willette, DVM, Gladys Porter Zoo, 500 Ringgold Street, Brownsville, TX 78520, Fax: 956-546-5703, E- mail: vet@gpz.org Animal Keepers 'Forum, Vol 28, No. 9, 2001 367 Nashville Zoo at Grassmere has the following two (2) full time positions available. Responsibilities include all areas of animal husbandry, exhibit maintenance, record keeping, enrichment and training programs. Applicants should have excellent verbal and oral communication skills and a willingness to interact positively with the public. Both positions are full-time with benefits. PRIMARY BIRD KEEPER.. . Immediate opening. Qualified applicants should have experience and a good working knowledge in aviculture as well as general animal husbandry. Will be responsible for avian and mammal areas on a daily basis. High school diploma required with some college preferred. Some mammal experience is also preferred but not required . Resumes must be received by 30 September 2001 and may be sent to: Joe DeGraauw, Bird Curator, Nashville Zoo, 3777 Nolensville Road, Nashville, TN 37211. or email to Picifore@aol.com ZOOKEEPER.. .Historic Farm. Prefer experience with both exotic and domestic mammal species. Responsible for overall care of domestic farm animals in an historic setting. Position also includes aspects of historical interpretation, horticulture, minor maintainence, public interaction, and educational programs. Qualified applicants will have a minimum of one (1) years experience with exotic and /or domestic mammals in a zoo setting, and a college degree in zoology, biology, or a related field (or an equivalent combination of both). Some bird experience is preferred, but not required. Resumes must be received by 30 September 2001 and may be sent to: Tori Mason, Nashville Zoo, 3777 Nolensville Road, Nashville, TN 37211. LEAD ZOOKEEPER... YYiQ Las Vegas Zoo (lasvegaszoo.org) is seeking a self-starter with good management skills to work with and supervise a small zookeeping staff and a 75+ species animal collection in our 3 -acre zoo. A college degree in zoology, biology, or related and at least three (3) years of paid zookeeping experience required. Salary range $9. 00-$ 1 1.00 per hour. Please submit resume and cover letter to: Southern Nevada Zoological-Botanical Park, Attn: Dara Hall, Curator, 1775 N. Rancho Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89106 or to nvzoolv@aol.com (no attachments please). Positions posted with AAZK, Inc. may also be found on our website at www.aazk.org Also, you may want to check out the AZA Member Institution job listings at http://www.aza.org For the most up to date links to sites advertising zoo work go to http://members.tripod.com/~Sciuius/index.html British Zoo Boasts Three Giraffe Births The Marwell Zoo is celebrating the rare births of three giraffes in less than three months. Stephen, Richard and Jane were bom healthy after pregnancies of 1 5 months at the facility near Winchester, England. Stephen is the eldest and came along on 24 May. His dame is eight-year-old Mary. Next was Richard on 28 June, bom to four-year-old Matilda. Finally Jane was bom on 14 July to 1 8-year- old Glendower. Zoo spokeswoman Gaynor Worman said all the mothers were feeding their babies themselves so relieved staff did not have to get out the bottles. She said: “It is the first time the zoo has had so many baby giraffes bom so close together. It’s also a rare occurrence in zoos.” But the births are tinged with sadness because the father of all three calves, Bmce, died of an illness last year. Giraffes at the zoo are traditionally given the names of English royalty. The three newcomers have been named after the medieval king Stephen, Richard the Lionheart, and Jane Seymour, the third wife of Henry VIII. The zoo has a connection with Jane Seymour and Henry VIII because Jane’s brother Sir Henry Seymour owned Marwell Hall on the zoo’s site in the 16th century and it is possible that Henry visited. From Ananova 7/25/01 368 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 9, 2001 AAZK Membership Application check here if renewal [ ] Name _ Address City State/Province Zip □ U.S. Members $35.00 Professional Full-time Keepers □ Canadian Members $35.00 Professional Full-time Keepers □ $30.00 AffiUate Other staff & volunteers □ $35.00 AfTrliate 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 U.S. & 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 # Signature -Expiration date Mail this application to: AAZK Administrative Offices, 3601 S.W. 29th, Suite 133 Topeka, KS 66614. 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 © 2001 AAZK, INC. C 5^ S CO 14 ® O 3 \ S o o w. 3* H- f+ JK H- 0 T 3 n 3 tf! »: ; U3 0 $f 0 IK f4' 3 «"• 3 3K 0 3 ^ : 3 0 N 35 V n 0 3 M 13 ^ 0 W. n H* i»** M % n • 3 w. C b*. ■*. : O 'T? rS" S C« 2J 3 :k 0* > 3 » 1^. O < r »: 1 0 •* r sc O * r-** 3 ^ cn rn O' M 01 H G. 3 X J-* C « 05 m 3 o W H- l-i <5 3> a v5 t5 U3 H n » :n 2> U 0^ <7i 1> {*■* O 5^ -vi N? O H 0 c -n D 0) 0 2 o 0 13 0 JOt c 0 0 0 a CO ANIMAl KEEPERS' F o R. u The Journal of the American Association of loo Keepers, Inc. ANIMAL KEEPERS’ FORUM. 3601 S.W. 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614 OCT/NOV 2001 Phone: 1-800-242-4519 (U.S.) 1-800-468-1966 (Canada) FAX (785) 273-1980 y^i 2g IQ/H Managing Editor: Susan D. Chan • Associate Editors • Gretchen Ziegler, Sequoia Park Zoo & Kayla Grams, Lovell, WY • Enrichment Options Coordinators: Kayla Grams, Lovell, WY & Jan Roletto, Columbus Zoo • Legislative Outlook Column Coordinator: Georgann B. Johnston, Sacramento, CA. • ABC’s Column Coordi- nator: Diana Guerrero, Big Bear Lake, CA • Reactions Column Coordinator: William K. Baker, Jr., Little Rock Zoo • The Water Column Coordinators: Dan Conklin and Kevin Shelton, The Florida Aquarium and Bruce Elkins, Indianapolis Zoo 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., 3601 S.W. 29th Street, Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614 - attn: Barbara Manspeaker, Administrative Secretary AAZK Executive Director: Ed Hansen, AAZK, Inc., Topeka KS also serves as AAZK Liaison to the American Zoo & Aquarium Association BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kevin Shelton, The Florida Aquarium, Tampa, FL 33602 President Jacque Blessington, Kansas City Zoological Gardens, Kansas City, MO 64132-4200 Vice President Jan Reed-Smith, John Ball Zoological Garden, Grand Rapids, MI 49504-6100 Linda King, Dallas Zoo, Dallas, TX 75203 Bruce Elkins, Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis, IN 46222-0309 Denise Wagner, San Diego Zoo, San Diego, CA 92112 Robert Hayes, San Diego Zoo, San Diego, CA92112 Scott M. Wright, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo , Cleveland, OH 44109 Immediate Past President COMMITTEES Nominations& Elections Chair - Sheri Leavitt, Galveston, TX Conservation. Preservation & Restoration Grants Chair - Jan Reed-Smith, John Ball Zoo Annual Conferences Coordinator - Ed Hansen, AAZK, Inc. Conference Program Chair Jeffrey Phillips, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Awards Chair - Janet McCoy, The Oregon Zoo By-laws Chair - Gisela A. Wiggins, North Carolina Zoo Ethics Chair - Scott M. Wright, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Research/Grants Chair - Jan Reed-Smith, John Ball Zoo Bowling for Rhinos Chair - Patty Pearthree, Cary, NC Marketing Resources Bob Hayes- San Diego Zoo MEMBERSHIP SERVICES APT EDT and ATP Forms AAZK Administrative Offices/Topeka Enrichment Committee Chair -Lee Houts, Folsom City Zoo AAZK Historian Mark Levin, Philadelphia Zoo Animal Behavior Management Beth Stark, Toledo Zoo International Outreach - Jeannette Beranger, Roger Williams Park Zoo (Chair/Coordinator International Assistance); Kathy Kelly, Silver Springs, MD - Project M.A.R.C. (Making A Realistic Contribution) Junior Zoo Keeper Program Junior Keepers’ Forum Editor: Mark de Denus, Reid Park Zoo AAZK PUBLICATIONS - CONTINUING DATA COLLECTION Biological Values for Selected Mammals, 3rd Edition - Jan Reed-Smith, John Ball Zoo AAZK Enrichment Notebook - Lee Houts, Folsom City Zoo printed on Recycled Paper ^ ■ ■ ■■ ^ ^abCt of Contents About the Cover/Information for Contributors 370 Scoops & Scuttlebutt 371 - 372 From the President 373 AAZK Announces New Members 374 Coming Events ......375 From the Executive Director......... 376 AAZK Founder Richard Sweeney Dies at 71 378 - 379 2001 AAZK/AKF Award Recipients ...380 - 383 ABC’s Column: Training Animals in Groups , 384 - 385 Gorilla Haven Announces the Debbie McGuire Grant... 386 In Memorium: Betty J. Burchem-Schmitt 386 2001 Toronto Conference Proceedings Info and Order Form 387 - 388 AAZK’s Grant Programs and You: CPR Grant........................ ...389 Reactions Column: Cat Training Safety Recommendations 390 - 391 AAZK Book Sale 392 The Water Column: Ozone in Aquatic Systems 393 Viewpoint: Telepathic Communication with Animals - Fact of Fiction? 394 Chapter News Notes 395 Monumental Birth at Cincinnati Zoo 396 - 399 The Effects of a Laminated Bird Spotting Guide on Stay Time in Two Mixed Species Walk-through Aviaries 400 Legislative Update.... 401 - 403 Enrichment Options Column: Enrichment for Storks.. 404 - 405 AAZK Enrichment Notebook Order Form 406 Eggs Take Flight: An International Effort to Save Endangered Cranes 407 - 410 Elephants and TB ........411 - 412 Results of the North American Captive Duiker Diet Survey 413 - 421 Elephant Keeper Killed at London Zoo 421 Resources for Crisis Management Book Info/Order Form 422 Vermicomposing at the Lake Superior Zoo ..........423 - 424 Book Reviews: (Life Underground: the biology of subterranean rodents and Longevity Records: Life Spans of Mammals, Birds, Amphibians and Fish 425 - 426 Opportunity Knocks ......All - 428 S^.Bout the Cover This month’s cover features the African Elephant (Loxodonta africana) drawn by Mary Deckert, a Docent at the Los Angeles Zoo, Los Angeles, CA. This species live in kinship herds of females and young led by a older female known as the matriarch. This pachyderm loves baths and gives itself long showers with its trunk. To get rid of parasites under its skin, it rolls in the mud and sprinkles itself with dust before lying in the sun. Elephants are vegetarians and sometimes can be very hard on their ecosystem, stripping bark from trees and sometimes knocking down the trees altogether. The female bears one calf at a time (twins are highly unusual) after a gestation period of 20 months. The young grown up under the watchful and caring eyes of the herd and are not really considered an adult until about the age of 18 years. Unlike the Indian elephant, the African elephant is not easily trained to work for man. Thanks, Mary! 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 black and white or color prints (minimum size 3” x 5” [8cm x 14cm] ) are accepted. 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 (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. E-Mail Addresses: You may reach Barbara Manspeaker at AAZK Administrative Offices at: aazkoffice@kscable.com< You may reach Susan Chan and Animal Keepers’ Forum at: akfeditor@kscable.com< AAZK Website Address: www.aazk.org Bulletin Board Access: type “aazk” in member name box; type “Elvis” in password box. BFR Website: http://.bfr.aazk.org 370 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 10/11, 2001 Scoops & Scuttlebutt A Note from the Editor As most of you are probably now aware, the Association went without an October issue of Animal Keepers ’Forum. I believe this is a first— at least in my 20+ year tenure as AKF Editor. Unfortunately, because of two surgeries and a 22-day hospital stay, I just was not able to get an issue together. One of the drawbacks of being a small organization with limited financial resources, and thus a limited staff, is that there just isn’t anyone around to put the AKF together if I am not in the office. So, we offer in this issue, an expanded Oct/Nov edition of AKF. In December we plan to run the special dedicated issue on the Husbandry and Conservation of Bats. And hopefully, in 2002 we will be back on schedule with a regular issue each month. We will also soon be working on the 2001 Conference Proceedings which we hope to have in the mail by the first of the new year. I would like to thank the many people who have sent me get-well wishes and who have kept me in their thoughts during my illness. I feel so very fortunate to have so many caring friends and colleagues. I so missed seeing everyone at Toronto, but was glad to hear that it was a very successful conference. I would like to thank all the conference committee folks for their hard work and especially a big “Thank You” to Eric Cole for sending me the great conference T-shirt which had been signed by so many of the attending delegates. It will remain among my treasured possessions. -Susan Chan IOC Receives Grant to Plan International Zookeeping Congress The International Outreach Committee of the AAZK is pleased to announce the receipt of a $5000 collaboration grant from the Rhode Island Foundation’s Animal Humane Grants Program funded by the Virginia B. Butler &Abbie A. Brougham Memorial Funds. This money was used to fund a meeting in Rhode Island for the core committee of the International Congress on Zookeeping (ICZ) that will be held in Holland in 2003. The core committee is made up of two representatives from each of the seven professional zookeeper associations around the world including the AAZK. This meeting was be key to the conference and program development of the ICZ. Along with the core committee, guest consultants came from diverse backgrounds to help the committee with conference strategy and planning. Since all of our organizations are scattered around the globe, the Internet has been the primary source of communication. Although much can be accomplished with this format, it has become necessary for the committee to meet face to face and iron out many key issues of the conference. The meeting of the core committee was held in Providence, Rhode Island from 24-27 September. Together we will strive to make the ICZ a success so that it may set precedent for further collaborations between zookeepers around the world. AAZK Again Receives ADTForm Underwriting from Columbus Zoo We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Conservation and Collection Management Committee of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium for once again underwriting the cost of printing 5000 copies of the Animal Data Transfer Form (ADT). The ADT Form has become an important informational tool within the zoo community and is currently used by hundreds of zoos and other animal care facilities in the U.S., Canada and in a number of foreign countries. The ADT Form allows important information about an animal, its health history, breeding history, etc. to be transferred to the new keeper and veterinary staff when an animal is shipped from one institution to another. The ADT Forms are provided free to zoos as a professional courtesy of AAZK, Inc. Forms are available from the AAZK Administrative Offices by calling 1-800-242-4519 (US) or 1-800-468-1966 (Canada); by e-mailing Barbara Manspeaker at aazkoffice(^kscable.com; or writing to her at 3601 SW 29th St, Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614. Also available from AAZK are the Enrichment Data Transfer Form and the new Animal Training Data Transfer Form. Gorilla Haven Steps in to Continue Publication of Gorilla Gazette After thirteen years of publishing Gorilla Gazette the Columbus Zoo has decided to discontinue publication. Since 1987 there have been over twenty-five issues published, the last being December 2000. Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 28, No. 10/11, 2001 371 Gazette was conceptualized, initiated and edited by the keepers at the Columbus Zoo and as such served as a networking forum for such topics as alternative husbandry, introduction protocol, diets, differing husbandry philosophies, enrichment, socialization of “older” animals, birth protocol, reports from the field and collection updates. Another intent of Gazette was to highlight the important role of keepers in the decision making process and to recognize the incredible knowledge base that keepers possess. Fortunately, Jane and Steuart Dewar, founders of the Dewar Wildlife Trust and builders of Gorilla Haven have committed to sponsoring the continued publication of Gorilla Gazette. Jane and Steuart recognized the continuing need for some form of printed material that can be distributed to all interested parties most especially those in other countries that may not have access to email. An electronic edition will also be published and distributed via e-mail. Gorilla Gazette will be published once a year, the length will be approximately forty pages. Co- editors, Beth Armstrong and Pete Halliday will oversee the gathering of articles from keepers as well as reports from our colleagues in the field. We are looking for articles (text) of one to two pages in length accompanied by two to three photos or slides with captions and photo credits. We would also welcome shorter announcements as well as appropriate artwork by keepers. Some of the topics we will be looking for are: bachelor group updates, exhibit designs that really work (and what doesn’t work) field reports from Mbeli Bai and elsewhere, collection updates from Canadian and European zoos as well as US zoos, the role of ape sanctuaries in Africa, how to support field projects and/or in situ education projects and husbandry innovations. The deadline for the next issue is Dec 3P‘ 2001 and we will publish as soon after that as possible in 2002, we should then be able to produce another issue at the end of 2002. Please send articles and photos as e-mail attachments to: Beth Armstrong, Elynn57 @aol.com and Pete Halliday, pete@gorilla-haven.org i or mail to Pete Halliday, 203 1 Lowery Road, Morganton, GA 30560, USA j Margay Research Expedition Planned The Oklahoma City Zoo would like to invite the zoo community to participate in a new and exciting research project. Zoo professionals will be given first consideration for available positions in the expedition. | Participants will join field biologist Arturo Caso in the Sierra Madre mountain range in Tamaulipas, ! Mexico for the first behavioral and ecological study of the margay {Felis weidii) in its northernmost j range. Field research techniques will include live trapping, radio-telemetry, data collection, and remote- ! trip camera setup. ; The first field date is 16 February 2002 to 1 March 2002. Cost per person is $1500.00 to cover food, j lodging and transportation in Mexico. Participants are responsible for lodging and travel expenses to and from Harlingen, TX. Further information is available at Margayresearch@okzoo.com or at www.okzoo.com< Correction to Note | Please note that in the September issue of AKF (pg. 362) the male orangutan Urban was incorrectly |! identified as being Bornean, when in fact he is Sumatran. This was in the article entitled “Effects of j; Enrichment on the Aggression and Competition Levels of Captive Orangutans by Elizabeth Valdovinos. The orangutans who were subjects of this paper reside at the Sacramento Zoo, Sacratemto, CA. We j apologize for the error. 372 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 28, No. 10/11, 2001 From the President As I sit writing my last formal message to the AAZK membership, I find myself thinking back on the past four years that I have been on the Board , and how much has changed . When I first came onto the Board email was just becoming a way that we thought would help us communicate. After my first year we all were able to email one another and do away with sending everything via the postal service. How has email changed the ability that we all have to communicate around the world or even just around the comer? How has the world wide web changed how we look for infomiation that we all need or want? Most is now available to us with a click of a mouse and the push of a button. How has this instant communication or availability of obtaining instant infomiation changed how a keeper stays in contact with our peers? Quite a lot. If you look at the AKF from years ago we asked questions of our peers by asking through the AKF. Today we ask over a website or through a listserve and hope to get our answers as soon as someone reads it at the other end. How much has this new technology affected the importance that AAZK once played as a focal point in the development of the keeper community? Are we losing the keeper camaraderie that we all once shared? Has Pandora’s-box been opened up? I do not believe that this is true, however we all must work together to maintain the bonds that have been developed over the past 30 years and not lose sight ofthe goals that helped create AAZK. Help us maintain this organization as a source of pride and leadership in the worldwide zoo community. It has been a pleasure to serve as a Board member and as President of AAZK. I enjoyed seeing many of you in Toronto where we were able to share ideas about how you envision your role in AAZK’s future. Become involved and keep AAZK strong. Scott M. Wright Outgoing AAZK President Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 10/11, 2001 373 AAZK Announces New Members New Professional Members Tina Marote, Butonwood Park Zoo (MA); Jennifer Sadoski, Zoo New England (MA); Debi Willoughby, no zoo listed, Uxbridge, MA; Judy McCullough, Vernard Alexander, Lenore Raffle, Jessica S. Hampton, Mark P. Bremer, and Teri Grendzinski, The National Aviary (PA); Erin Hain, Erie Zoological Society (PA); John I. Hendricks III, Lisa Fox and Jodi Kissinger, Miami Metrozoo (FL); Heather Mueller, Brevard Zoo (FL); Marc Kirkpatrick and Maria Cristina Portilla, Disney’s Animal Kingdom (FL); Rick Lambert and Jennifer Pennington-Houha, Busch Gardens (FL); Andrea Worrall, Wildlife Care Center (FL); Andrea Doherty, Caribbean Gardens (FL); Stephanie White and Marilyn K.Aurand, Knoxville Zoo (TN); Pamela Bowman^ Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (OH); Kathryn Krahn, Detroit Zoo (MI); Laura Grosse, Washington Park Zoo (IN); Jill Oswald, Lake Superior Zoo (MN); Patricia J. Johnson, Schlitz Audubon Nature Center (WI); Christina Shemian, Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary (WI); Cassandra A. Kutilek, Cosley Zoo (IL); Jan Nelson and Rebecca Droegemueller, Sedgwick County Zoo (KS); Vicki Sigle, Topeka Zoo (KS); Sarah Dunker, Kansas City Zoo (MO); David Illig, Dickerson Park Zoo (MO); Brittany Riley, Folsom Children’s Zoo (NE); Christy Brigham and Aaron Goodwin, Tulsa Zoo & Living Museum (OK); Jennifer M. Meyers, Hogle Zoo (UT); Rick Daley, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (AZ); Dara Hall, Southern Nevada Zoological Park (NV); Karen Scott and JoAnne Simerson, San Diego Zoo (CA); Jared Walker, Santa Ana Zoo (CA); Kathy Edwards, San Francisco Zoo (CA). Renewing Contributing Members Debra Burch Miami, Florida William H. Disher San Diego Zoo San Diego, California Renewing Institutional Members Zoo New England Boston, Massachusetts Brian A. Rutledge, President South Florida Prosimian Enrichment Center Miami, Florida Jason Abels, Director Cedar Cove Feline Conservation Park Louisburg, Kansas William D. Pottoroff, Director Prospect Park Wildlife Center Brooklyn, New York Lewis Greene, Director Micke Grove Zoo Lodi, California Moody Gardens, Inc. Galveston, Texas Jim Prappas, Animal Husbandry Manager New Institutional Members Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo Monroe, Louisiana MOVING? Please let us know when you change your address! It now costs AAZK 99 cents every time an AKF is returned because of an incorrect address. Call 1-800-242-4519 (U.S.) or 1-800-468-1966 (Canada) or e-mail aazkoffice(gkscable.com to report your new address. THANKS! 374 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 28, No. 10/11, 2001 Coming Events Zoo Registrars Association Conference 2001 - 7-11 November 2001 in Jacksonville, FL at the Riverwalk Radisson Hotel. Program is currently slanted towards legislative and legal issues and there will be two permit workshops. USFWS representatives will speak to our group, as well as one from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Other possible topics include animal shipping, data management and computerized daily keeper reports. If you would like additional information, contact Alan Rost at: rostaf@,iaxzoo.org or visit the ZRA website at: http:// www.zra.homcstead.com< Those wishing to attend should remember to tell the hotel that they will be attending the Jacksonville Zoo Registrars Conference. International Wildlife Rehabilitation CouncIFs 24tli Annual Conference - 1 4- 1 7 N ovember, 200 1 in Lake Buena Vista, FL. For more information check the website at iwrc-onlinc.org< Fourth Annual Zoos & Aquariums: Committing to Conservation Conference - 28 November to 2 December 2001 in Cocoa Beach, FL. Hosted by the Brevard Zoo, our goal is to bring field researchers and zoo personnel together in an informal setting in order to promote a greater involvement of zoos and aquariums supporting in situ work. This conference in particular will focus on a practical common-sense approach on how zoos and aquariums can become involved in supporting field research and conservation. The conference will be a mixture of sessions, panel discussions and round-tables. Conference registration fee ($175) will include sessions, some meals and social activities. Orlando Conference Committee - Schedule of Events, Papers, Abstracts, Speakers: Beth Armstrong - (321) 454-6285; Registration Chair: Michelle Smurl - (321) 254- 9453 ext. 17; Registration/Post Conference Tour: Peggy Sloan - (321) 254-9453 ext. 14; Conference Chair: Margo McKnight - (321) 254-9453 ext. 23. International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators Annual Conference - 14-17 February 2002. Hosted by the Denver Zoo, Denver, CO. For more information visit the website at www.iaate.org or contact Ryan Knight by phone at 303-376-4833 or by email at shows@denverzoo.org. The Animal Behavior Management Alliance (ABMAt will be holding the 2nd Annual Conference “Enhancing Animal Welfare through Positive Reinforcement”, 26 February - 2 March 2002 in San Diego, CA. This conference is hosted by the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Wild Animal Park, and ScaWorld San Diego. For information, contact Gary Priest at gpriest@,sandicgozoo.org or at (6 1 9) 23 1 - 1 5 1 5. American Association of Zoo Veterinarians - 6-10 October 2002 in Milwaukee, WI. Program sessions include Reptiles and Amphibians, Avian Medicine, Hoofstock, Carnivores, Primates, Case Reports, Aquatic Animals, Pathology, Conservation Medicine, Emerging Diseases, Reproduction and Contraception, Behavior, Enrichment and Conditioning, and Biomatcrial Banking. There will also be a poster session, veterinary and graduate student paper competitions, anfd workshops/ wet labs. For information regarding presentations of papers, please visit our website at www.aazv.org or contact Randy Jungc, DVM, St. Louis Zoo, Forest Park, St. Louis, MO 63110; Phone (314) 768-5487; Fax (314) 768-5454; E-mail rejunge@aol.com< For additional conference infomiation, please contact Wilbur Amand, VMD, Executive Dircctor/AAZV, 6 North Pennell Rd., Media, PA 19063; Phone (610) 892-4812; Fax (610) 892-4813; E-mail 75634. 235@compuserve.com< Defenders of Wildlife Fourth National Conference - 17-20 November 2002 in Monterey, CA. For more information or to receive a conference brochure, contact: Yvonne Borresen, Defenders of Wildlife, 1101 14thSt.,NW,Ste. 1400, Washington, DC 20005 or call (202) 789-2844, ext. 315. You can also c- mail carnivorcs2002@dcfendcrs.org or visit www.dcfcndcrs.org/camivorcs 2002< THE GOURMET RODENT RATS AND MICE BUI & Marcia Brant 6115 SW 137th Avenue Archer. FL 32618 1352J 495-9024 FAX (352) 495-9781 e-mail: GrmtRodentSaolxom € All Rights Reserved Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 10/11, 2001 375 From the Executive Director By the time you read this column, Toronto will be a memory for around 300 animal care professionals. As busy as I get preparing for the conferences, 1 always look forward to renewing old acquaintances. There are good and bad things about conferences. Every waking moment usually brings a new problem. However, the worst part of conference is that the Board is usually meeting by Friday, but there are keepers around exploring the nearby zoos and hanging out in the hotel. But for the first three days Tm there, nobody has as name tags yet. I’m okay with faces, terrible at names. Another bad thing, it has been about five years since anybody asked me an animal question, not that I’d know the answer anyway. The good things; I have friends in this Association who have worked at the same zoo for almost 30 years and I have friends that seem to bounce from zoo to zoo like the proverbial pinball. The stories though, remain the same. The longer we stay in the bar, the better the stories become. I have spent my last two columns talking about apathy in some aspects of the membership, but when I go to an AAZK Conference, I don’t see apathy. In fact, it is just the opposite. I see keepers who are so juiced regarding their profession and what they do on a daily basis that I sometimes forget to look at the bigger picture. I talk with keepers who have literally been in the profession for months and they are driven. I talk with keepers who have been in this profession for 20 years and they are driven. AAZK is about infonnation exchange. We do it far better than any other facet of this profession and I know we will always make that priority one. Each individual has a different set of priorities in their lives. The older I get, the more the priorities shift. My daughter Kendall has a way of looking at me that immediately brings my priorities into focus. Every AAZK member deals with wants and needs on a daily basis. Ours is a profession built upon providing essential, but critical needs, constant stimulation and enrichment for our charges and interaction with public that possess only the faintest of clues. Then we all go home to menageries and families (or both) and start the process again. Talk about stress! Looking at the big picture, in a volunteer association where most keepers are not afforded work time for AAZK obligations, I have to be content with the role AAZK plays. Those of you who wish to explore a bigger role, send me an e-mail and we’ll find something for you to do in your spare time. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the hard working keepers at Toronto for their efforts in hosting the National Conference. I shouldn’t name names, because I’ll leave somebody out, but Eric, Andrea, Vernon, Charles, Nicole, Harry and all the rest, even Ollie, you guys fulfilled every promise and you make me laugh. I guess that all you can do is maintain a sense of humor. It has been great working with you. The delegates owe you big time in Kansas City. Take advantage of it. Ed Hansen, AAZK Executive Director Zked9@cs.com Til see you there. 376 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 10/11, 2001 How do you formulate life-saving milk replacers to meet each species’ special nutritional needs? The answer — Milk Matrix from Zoologic® Nutritional Components. Milk Matrix is a line of 7 milk replacers that can be used alone or blended to closely simulate the protein, fat, and carbohydrate content of the milk you’re substituting. With the Zoologic Milk Matrix System you get complete easy-to-read milk matrix formulations, nutritional analyses, species specific data sheets and exact mixing instructions. Everything you need for optimal health. Find out more about the Milk Matrix system. Call 1-800-323-0877 and make saving lives a little easier to handle. Because saving lives can be a bear. nutritional components pa L..M o - 20 i Questions? Call 1 -800-323-0877 for answers. A product of PetAg, Inc. AAZK Founder Richard Sweeney Dies at 71 The driving force behind the formation of the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc., Richard George “Dick” Sweeney, died on 17 September 2001 in Van Buren, AR. He is survived by his wife, Ginny; two daughters, a son, two brothers, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. The Board of Directors of AAZK, Inc. and the entire AAZK membership extend their heartfelt sympathies to the Sweeney family. The following is a remembrance of Dick by Marvin L. Jones, Registrar Emeritus of The Zoological Society of San Diego. RICHARD GEORGE ‘‘DICK’’ SWEENEY 1930 - 2001 H^ememSrance Richard Sweeney began his zoological career at Catskill Game Farm in his home state of New York. In the early 1960’s, a young man preparing to go to Europe to secure his advanced degree came to the farm to aquire some practical experience working with equines. Dick was the man chosen to show the young man the ropes. Three years later the same young man returned to the fann with his degree from the University of Kiel, and his thesis was on what are called goat-antelopes, gorals, serows and the like. In a few months this young man. Dr. James M. Dolan, Jr., was chosen by the late Dr. Charles R. Schroeder to serve as Assistant Curator of Birds at the San Diego Zoo. Dick Sweeney came to San Diego in 1964 to work in the Mammal Department. In due course. Dr. Dolan was given the task of collecting the species for the new San Diego Wild Animal Park, later became its General Curator, and today is the Director of Living Collections. In the late 1960’s, with the help of several other interested San Diego Zoo Keepers, Dick began to fonn a group which would become the American Association of Zoo Keepers. I was preparing in the last years of my days in the U.S. Arniy to go to Vietnam, and had my first contact regarding AAZK with Dick in May of 1968. Dick was interested in being allowed to talk about the infant group at that year’s meeting of the then American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums (AAZPA - now the American Zoo and Aquarium Association - AZA). Fortunately my good friend Clayton Freiheit was the President and he made it possible to add Dick to the program where he did a good job of laying to rest rumors that AAZK was to be a union. Of course, it was not, but was perceived as such by many. Dick removed those thoughts with his timely presentation. I thus began a very busy correspondence with Dick from Vietnam, and upon my return to the USA, I was able to help a bit financially and offer advice on who to contact to further the goals of the fledgling organization. At every opportunity I presented AAZK in a good light to my many worldwide zoo friends such as Dr. Grzimek in Frankfurt and Dr. Hediger in Zurich. I recall spending hours, along with Gary K. Clarke, helping to ensure a good first meeting for the AAZK early on in Topeka. And Dick saw to it that I was made an honorary Life Member, which took place just a few years after the Zoological Society of San Diego did the same, and I treasure both. 378 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 10/11, 2001 The organization had its difficult early years, as any new group does, but Dick never waivered in his determination and efforts. It was due largely to him that this organization did succeed, and I am sure he will be missed by many of his zoological friends. Marvin L. Jones Registrar Emeritus The Zoological Society of San Diego October 2001 Art Goodrich, another longtime zookeeper at the San Diego Zoo and now retired, said of Sweeney: “Dick started the AAZK for the purpose of “better communications” among zookeepers. It was to create an atmosphere where zookeepers could discuss different methods of taking care of our charges, thus expanding the base of knowledge. Hopefully we still take this beginning to heart.” “I often talked with Dick about how a cook didn’t want anyone else in the kitchen — but the zookeeper wanted all the input possible to make things work out the best for the animal. Dick was a great “animal-man” with the Przewalski's horses being his favorites.” AAZK’s Magnificent Seven - the Founders of AAZK were all keepers themselves at the San Diego Zoo in 1967. From 1 to r: Walt Bromley, Carl Pyle, Dennis Melvin, Ken Willingham, Richard Sweeney, Conrad Grayson and Gerald “Red” Thomas. {Photo ©Zoological Society of San Diego by Ron Garrison) Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 10/11, 2001 379 2001 AAZK/AKF Award Recipients The following are recipients of awards presented at the 2001 AAZK National Conference held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada from 30 September through 4 October. The Lifetime Achievement, Certificate of Merit for Zookeeper Education and Certificate of Excellence in Exhibit Design Renovation are awarded throughthe AAZK Awards Committee from nominations received from the AAZK membership. Recipients of the Certificates of Appreciation and Recognition as well as the Distinguished Service Plaque are determined by the AAZK Board of Directors. The Excellence in Journalism Awards are given by the AKF editorial staff Nancy King began her 30-year zoo eareer working three summers as a gate attendant. Zoo Guide, and Children’s Zoo Keeper. She became a full-time keeper in 1972. While she has worked in most areas of the zoo, she gravitated to those where attention to detail was of paramount importanee. Among her many aecomplishments has been her dedication to raising a wide variety of baby animals and the successful breeding and husbandry of numerous significant or endangered species. Also outstanding were her efforts in developing reeord keeping systems and standards for the training and presentation of several hoofstock species. Nancy was selected to lead a team of keepers to care for Koalas that were on loan from the San Diego Zoo. This involved learning training and handling techniques and the responsibility of accompanying the Koalas back to San Diego at the exhibit’s end. She has enjoyed working with the public by giving talks to schools and senior citizen groups about the details of life in the zoo using live animals as props. Nancy represented the zoo on television or in the newspaper numerous times. She volunteered many hours to support the Zoological Society sponsored events such as Lights in the Wild, Zoo Camp and animal fundraisers. She is famous for never showing up in the same costume twice during a run of Boo at the Zoo. Naney has been a professional member of AAZK sinee 1982. She served on the exeeutive board of the local Chapter for several years and was a member of the 1986 National Conference Committee when the conference was held in Winnipeg. She also was a member of the host committee for the 1 987 Canadian Association of Zoological Parks and Aquarium conference. Nancy King has been an outstanding zoo keeper who was willing to spend whatever time and effort it took to ensure the best possible care for her zoo eharges. For this, along with her many accomplishments, the AAZK Awards Committee is honored to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to her. 380 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 10/11, 2001 .wara o xcGiiGnce for Service and Oed ication Xo the A merican Association of Zoo I^godops In c. -Gepe. The Board of Directors of the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. hereby present this award to Kat^ KgII^ in recognition of her service as Coordinator ~ Project M.A.R.C. Since the inception of the project, Kathy Kelly has dedicated her volunteer time to the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. As the Coordinator for Project M.A.R.C., Making A Realistic Contribution, Kathy has been responsible for gathering books, magazines and research data for distribution to needy keepers and institutions. Kathy has collected, catalogued and mailed zoological publications to facilities around the world. Through her efforts zoo libraries in 42 countries have been initiated and thousands of zoo keepers have obtained and utilized information they would not be able to otherwise obtain or afford. On behalf of the Board of Directors we offer our heartfelt thanks and respect for your dedication to the profession of animal care. Through your efforts, worldwide recognition of the Association is attained for every member. From this day forward, the AAZK Award of Excellence shall hereby be named in your honor and shall now be recognized as the "Kathy Kelly Award of Excellence" . This award is presented at the discretion of the Board of Directors of the American Association of Zoo Keepers to members who have unselfishly dedicated their time to improve the quality and professionalism of the Association. Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 10/11, 2001 381 ion Presented to The Lubee Foundation, Ine., Gainesville, FL, for the development of a three-fold training course: Captive management. Conservation and Research Methodologies of Megachiroptera; Chiropterology Internship; and specifically the Old World Fruit Bat Husbandry training course for zoo keepers in the captive management of Megachiroptera. ertiticate ot txccllence in txhibit Design Denovation for the renovation of an exhibit to house the “Lemurs of Madagascar”. The keepers and staff have been distinguished for their outstanding efforts to provide an enriching experience not only for the lemurs, but the public as well. for the renovation of an exhibit to house the Wetlands Aviary. The keepers and staff have been distinguished for their outstanding efforts to provide an enriching experience not only for the aviary inhabitants, but the public as well. Lynn Bell-Hampp, Nassau Bay, TX for tabulating the results for the National 2001 AAZK Board of Directors Election Toronto Zoo, Scarborough, Ont., Canada for serving as the AAZK 2001 National Conference Host Institution Eric Cole - Toronto Zoo, AAZK 2001 National Conference co-Chair Andrea Drost - Toronto Zoo, AAZK 2001 National Conference co-Chair Vernon Presley - Toronto Zoo, AAZK 2001 National Conference Co-Chair presen ted to Southern Ontario Chapter of AAZK AAZK 2001 National Conference Host Chapter 382 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 10/11, 2001 Lxceiience in journalism r^waras ppesentcd to Jose ph R oteptia, Zoologist Wildlife S urviva 1C enter - St. Catlie rines Island, Ndidwau), GA Guidelines for Estatlisk inq Training and Conditioning Protocols for Captive Duikers Movember TOGO A nimal Keepers Forum Ndark J. Pefiling, Aquarist Cleveland Ndetroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH C)ctopus Enpicfimcn t Tech niques F ebruarg 12001 A nimal Keepers F ( orum Diane (DIsen, ^Sr. Biologist and Paula Kolvig, vSr. Biologist Xbe Painforest at Ndoodg Cardens, Gal veston, TX Raising Penguins from vScratcb TOGO tAAZK Conference Proceedings Jeanne F. Tinsman, Animal Fncounter Trainer Jacksonville Zoo, Jacksonville, FF Observation of Captive Breeding in Yell ow- tilled St ork? M arc U 2001 A nimal Keepers Forum Judg Loeven, Anima 1C are Specialist VCIf Haven International, Tenino, WA Pseudopregnancg in G reg Wol ves 2000 tAAZK Conference Proceedings Outstanding Cover Art 2001 Paul Kmiotek, Keeper Queens VC^ildlife Center, Flushing, MY Tortuga Island Rattlesnake December 2000 A nimal Keepers Forum Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 10/11, 2001 383 A.BC's ALfiimal Behavior Concerns & Solutions A Question and Answer Forum for the Zoo Professional ©2001 by Diana Guerrero, Independent Behavior Consultant Ark Animals of California, San Diego, CA Question: American Zoo. We are having trouble training animals in a group. Can you discuss how to get a better working situation? Answer: To get into the nitty gritty I need more specific infonnation from you. Lacking this information, I can only give you some guidelines here. Group situations and animal separations can be a tricky thing to accomplish. I recommend you have an advanced trainer or consultant help you to accomplish this task. Back to Basics Make sure that your animals know the basics, i.e., what the bridge means, how to target how to stay focused on their trainer, and how to station (hold a target area position or location). Knowing how to move from “A to B” is another necessity to working groups of animals. These behaviors make up the firm foundation that will allow you to be successful in working a group of animals. Behavior Goals Setting goals about what you want to accomplish and outlining the steps to get there are important. In separation or group training situations the two basic goals you will have are: • separating out an animal by moving that animal from one location to another. This will involve desensitizing an animal to the movement of gates, the movement of trainers, the movement of other animals and deciding on stationing locations or target strategies. • keeping animals in their specific target area or station unless they are asked to move. The animals are always reinforced for maintaining their positions despite what is going on around them. Target/Stationing Options Stationing is an important behavior and there are many types of stationing strategies that you can use. Being aware of youe options can be valuable when you are having challenges moving animals or working in groups. Here are a few delineations for you to consider: • Targeting or stationing to a specific location. This is where the animal always stations in a specific area of the exhibit or working area. • Targeting or stationing to a specific position in relation to the other animals. This is where the animal will align itself in a consistent position in relation to the other animals in the group or training situation regardless of the location you put them in. 384 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 10/11, 2001 • Targeting or stationing to a particular target. This is the strategy where a specific visual cue is used only for a specific animal. Specific shapes, colors or a combination of the two are used to train the animal to seek out and position to that specific target. • Moving the animals after the session has started to a more desirable target or station. This is where the animals initially pick where they station and then the trainers move them to where they want. Sometimes this works well if you are working at sorting out the most comfortable spot for the animal(s) initially; once the session starts you can move them into an area you find more optimal once they are more secure within the training process. (This is not one of my favorite choices.) This situation is more commonly seen in release or lock-up situations where an animal is not comfortable in close proximity to others or to the more dominant members of the group. Training Finesse If you are working more than one animal it is important that you be skilled in what animal you reinforce (when and how). Many new trainers forget to reinforce an animal for cooperating or for not responding negatively to another animal. Competitive situations between animals can arise if you are not skilled in handling multiple animals. Dominance or Hierarchical Concerns Animals should not be reinforced for low-level aggressive behavior. Again, in group situations the more dominant animals are usually controlled first and rewarded for cooperative behavior and tolerance behavior toward other group members. Newer trainers often fail to reward animals for cooperation. Understanding the social influences within a group training situations can often clarify uncooperative behavior. The secret is to control behavior so that it does not escalate to behavior breakdown, uncooperative behavior or aggression. One Trainer or Two Animals ean work with one trainer or they can be sent off to another trainer. Using a stimulus (like their name) can help direct the animal. Maintaining an unpredictable schedule is important otherwise the animals may just respond through rote and not to directives. If you’d like to give me more specifics on the problems you are having I’d be happy to give you some more in depth guidelines to help you move forward. In the meantime, keep those questions coming! About the Author: Since 1978 Diana Guerrero has worked professionally in a variety of animal facilities. She has been certified by a variety of educational organizations such as the Moorpark College Exotic Animal Training & Management Program, The Gentle Jungle Affection Animal Training School, The International Training Centre at the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust in England, and program extensions with Marwell Zoological Park and Kent University. Her unique adventures with animals of all types give her unrivaled experiences and insights. Information on seminars, training, courses, animal careers and publications are available at her website: or via regular mail to ARKANIMALS.COM, P.O. Box 1989-215, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315. Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 28, No. 10/11, 2001 385 Gorilla Hauen Rnnounces the Debbie DIcGuire Grant Debbie McGuire was a long-time gorilla keeper at the Pittsburgh Zoo, who helped organize the Third International Gorilla Workshop in 1 997. In June 200 1 Debbie died suddenly at her home at the age of 41. Her death was a shock and great loss to everyone who knew her. Background: As a new-comer to the “gorilla world,” Jane Dewar had a strong desire to learn more about gorillas and their caregivers. Debbie McGuire was consistently friendly, open and enthusiastic, encouraging Jane to learn more about gorillas, which eventually lead to the creation of Gorilla Haven, a project of the DWT (for more information, see our website at www.gorilla-haven.org) . It is in honor of Debbie, and generous keepers like her, that Jane and her Irusband Steuart decided to fund this award - as a small way of saying ‘thank you’ for sharing the love, knowledge and enthusiasm for this wonderful animal and the people who work with them. And so, it is in recognition of Debbie McGuire’s generosity of spirit, professionalism and commitment to the welfare of gorillas and sharing her enthusiasm and knowledge with others that we announce The Debbie McGuire Gorilla Keeper Grant. The Grant itself will total $ 1 ,000 annually, given to any gorilla keeper, anywhere in the world, for use to travel to other zoos, to attend conferences, visit gorillas in Africa, promote keeper exchanges, etc - as long as it will benefit gorillas and their caregivers. Depending on the merits of the applications received, the grant will either be awarded as one individual for $1,000 grant or to two individuals as $500 grants. Any gorilla keeper - including former gorilla keepers still active in the welfare of gorillas - is qualified to apply. The first grant will be given for the year 2003, based on applications received by 1 September 2002. The recipients will be announced on 2 November 2002, which would be Debbie’s birthday. While the first grant is set for 2003, applications received in 2002 might be able to be granted, based on merit and timing. Application forms are available by email fromjdewar@gorilla-haven.org or by mail to Gorilla Haven, P.O. Box 210, Morganton, GA 30560. Additional information on Gorilla Haven can be found at www.gorilla-haven.org . In tMemorium In memory of Betty J. Burchem-Schmitt, who passed away on 5 August, 2001, after an extended illness. Betty was a dedicated animal keeper for more than 16 years. Along with her keeper duties, Betty was very active in the Virginia Chapter of AAZK, serving as Treasurer and Secretary. Betty will be greatly missed by those of us who have had the pleasure of knowing and working with her. —submitted by Grant R. Gregory, Secretary Virginia Ghapter AAZK 386 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 10/11, 2001 If you are interested in ordering a copy of the Proceedings containing the papers presented at the 200 1 NationalAAZK Conference which was held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, you will need to fillout and return the form on the next page with the appropriate payment. All orders must be prepaid in U.S. Funds ONLY. Conference Proceedings are planned to begin shipment in January 2002. Once shipped, domestic orders should take about two weeks; overseas orders take longer by surface post. Prices are as follows: AAZK member $25.00 Nonmember $40.00 Postage for U.S. orders is included. Canadian and overseas orders should add $8.00 for airmail postage in Canada and surface postage elsewhere. Overseas orders wishing airmail service should add $12.00. Make checks or money orders payable to: AAZK, Inc. Note: those presenters who correctly submitted their manuscripts for inclusion in ther 2000 Conference Proceedings will receive one gratis copy. All others wishing a copy must place an order. The following papers are included in the Proceedings: Eagles in the Andes - Adventures in Argentina ~ Using a touch screen to test the conceptual abilities of Orangutans and Gorillas ~ Exotic Animals as Pets: The Role of Animal Care Professionals - Bowling for Rhinos, orchids, sea turtles, dung beetles...- Reproductive Biology and Behavior in Tree Kangaroos with Applications for Captive Management and Conservation - Breeding Warblers Successfully at the Biodome in Montreal - Ground Zero: Training Three Juvenile Indochinese Tigers from Scratch - Where’s the Beef? Supplemental Carcass Feeding - Formation of a Critical Incident Stress Management Team at the Dallas Zoo, The Animal Keeper’s Role - Private Ethical Ownership of Exotics - Investigating the Effects of Estrous Cycle Phase on Behavior and Cortisol Levels in African Elephants - A Case Study: Keper involvement in husbandry and in situ conservation of a threatened amphibian, the Puerto Rican Crested Toad - A Novel Approach to Mother Rearing of a Western Lowland Gorilla - When Keepers Grieve - Aquarium Dietary Planning: The Meat of the Matter - Completing the Picture of Biodiversity: Exhibiting Butterflies in the High Desert - It Won’t Kill You - Keepers Can Do Effective Public Speaking - Assessing Reproductive Hormone Levels in Five Captive Female Polar Bears Through Fecal Sampling - Separation Training of Mother and Infant Gorillas at Lincoln Park Zoo - Monitoring Levels of Aggression for a Group of Six Female Tigers in a Captive Environment - Ostrich Husbandry: a Team Effort - A New Approach to Desensitization of Avians - In Our Backyards: What Keepers Can Do to Help with Local Conservation - Random Organization: Organizing an Enrichment Program at Lincoln Park Zoo - Twin Gorillas at the Oklahoma City Zoo - Is it Time for Commercial Bat Enrichment? - Establishing a Comprehensive Database of Training Projects Conducted at Zoological Institutions Through Development and Distribution of a Survey - Poster Presentations: Using a Variable Feeding and Training Schedule and How It Affects Asian Small-clawed Otters, Keepers, and Guests - Hand Raising a Baby Tamandua at the Memphis Zoo and Aquarium - Howlers Really Howl! - Raising Bigfoot - African Jacana Hand-Rearing at Disney’s Animal Kingdom - Enrichment Options for Zoo Avians - An Herbal Enrichment Garden: Growing Botanicals for Behavioral Enrichment - A Conservation Station Consistency Committee (CCC): A Keeper Driven Regulatory Initiative at Disney’s Animal Kingdom - - Workshop Summaries: Australasian Workshop 2001 - Rope Work for Dummies: A Hands-on Workshop - The Pause That Refreshes: a self-initiated shower (Enrichment Committe Workshop) - Behavioral Problem Solving in the Zoo Using the Principles of Problem Based Learning - Animal Behavior Management Committee, Taxon-Specific Training: An Interactive Roundtable Discussion - AND MUCH MORE ! Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 28, No. 10/11, 2001 387 :200i P> r^oceed i ncg s Or^der^ Form (Please Type or Print) I wish to order copy (s) of the 2001 AAZK Conference Proceedings # copies X price per copy = $ Additional postage (if applicable) $ Total payment for this order is $ Make checks or money orders payable to: AAZK, Inc. (U.S. FUNDS Only) Please charge my VISA or MasterCard (please ciele eard type) Card# - - - Exp. Date: Name on card: Signature: Please mail to me at the following address: Name: Address: City: State/Province: Zip/Postal Code: Country: Send this Order Fonn along with check, money order or payment authorization via credit card to: AAZK, Inc. 3601 S.W. 29th St., Ste. 133, Topeka, KS 66614-2054 USA Attn: Proceedings Feel free to photocopy this form for order placement. Phone orders may be placed at 1-800- 242-4519 (US) or 1-800-468-1966 (Canada) using either a VIS A or MasterCard credit card. Once 2001 Proceedings copies are sold out, photocopies of individual papers will be available for $3.00 each by contacting the AAZK Administrative Offices. Ord er Mow I 388 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 28, No. 10/11, 2001 Conservation, Preservation, Restoration, and Research! AAZK’s Grant Programs and You Zoos, aquariums, zoo keepers and aquarists are all players on the field of conservation. Everyday each one of us works in one way or another to further the goals of preserving our planet and the fauna and flora inhabiting it. Some days it seems an impossible task, other days are full of highs and great ideas. Next time you have one of those great ideas write it down! Refine it. Discuss it with co- workers, friends, and experts, then DO SOMETHfNG ABOUT IT. It is possible - we can, each of us, make a difference, and AAZK has a program that may be able to help you. There are two grant programs available to AAZK members. Zoo Keepers in Conservation (Conservation, Preservation and Restoration or CPR) and Zoo Keepers in Research. These grant programs are funded by AAZK specifically to enable keepers to become involved in conservation and research; the programs’ goals are to help you make those good ideas become reality. Don’t hesitate. Take the leap. Small ideas can lead to great things. The application deadline for this years grant has passed, but it is never too soon to start planning. This is the first in several short articles that will appear over the next few months on the AAZK grant program. We start with CPR - What is it? Conservation. Preservation, and Restoration Grant The purpose of the AAZK CPR grant is to encourage and support efforts in conservation conducted by keepers and aquarists in zoological parks and aquariums around the world. The grant is designed to lend support to a broad range of conservation endeavors. All appropriate applications are considered as to their beneficial impact on species of flora and fauna within defined ecosystems “in situ”, or “ex situ” for captive-bred species. Although the primary goal of this grant is to promote conservation in the United States, programs outside of the U. S. also are eligible. AAZK, Inc. Board of Directors will award a grant, or grants (currently $ 1 ,000.00 is available annually), to selected members, who are actively involved in a project that creates advancements in conservation, preservation, or restoration. Proposals for the next year’s projects are accepted for review through 1 June of the current calendar year. Applicants will be notifiea of the committee’s decision within 30 days, or by 1 November; whichever is earlier, of the same calendar year. Grant cycles mn 1 January to 3 1 December . Some of the previous recipients of the CPR grant include a program to promote recycling in the local community near Wildlife Safari in Winston, OR (Judy Harkleroad and gang) and an ongoing project to construct frog loggers for monitoring Puerto Rican Crested toads (Eli Bryant-Cavazos). If you have an idea that you think might fit this program contact me. I am here to answer questions, help you develop an idea, or just lend moral support. V Jan Reed-Smith AAZK Grants Committees Chair irsotter@.iserv.net 616-902-2401 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 28, No. 10/11, 2001 389 /f (lije5tios(}iid;\i5ierforiiiifortktoo Frofessioialoi Crisis tfm^euit By William K. Baker, Jr., Curator Little Rock Zoo, Little Rock, AR Question Do you have any safety recommendations for cat training? Comments In this particular instance I will field the question two ways, protected contact and free contact training styles. Protected Contact Training Always control the training environment. By that I mean, remove as many distractions as possible. This would include on-lookers, background noise, other cats, and anything else, which could have an impact on the training experience and result in misinterpreted cues. Be cognizant of your body language. Ask yourself, “Am I sending mixed signals? In other words, are your actions and commands in synch? What is your body position in relation to the cage or enclosure? Simply put, if you want to keep all of your body parts, don’t allow anything to drift too close to the primary containment. Especially be aware of the potential for strikes under the enclosure wall. Telegraph your actions. Basically, move slowly and deliberately whenever you are working in or around cats. But, this must be tempered with a sense of calm. If you are tense, chances are the cat will pick up on a variance in your behavior and react accordingly. The work area should be equipped with basic animal management equipment such as nets, CO, fire extinguishers, firearms, and OC pepper spray. High-pressure water hoses have also been historically used in crisis situations, but I wouldn’t recommend its effectiveness when compared to the previously mentioned items. Also, don’t forget to maintain first aid and trauma kits in the event of a problem. Free Contact Training (Following and previous points) Always maintain eye contact between you and the cat, no exceptions. Clearly define the difference between work and play. Essentially, be sure that your command schedule includes a cue or verbal command to delineate when the session begins and ends. Conversely, it only makes sense to establish the same level of communication for play sessions. Realize that having both hands free is a plus and you may want to consider using a whistle or verbal 390 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 10/11, 2001 bridge, over a clicker or electronic bridge in this type of training, but it really is a personal preference. Always establish a “break” and a “recall” cue to effectively control undesirable behavior. Think of these two as “fail-safe’ controls, which will override all other behaviors. The “break” stops the behavior in progress and the “recall” brings the animal back to a predetermined station in relation to your body, not the environment. Say for instance, your right side in a sitting position. Always have a distraction toy in the event of a real problem. When the cat is tense, it can calm, and when behavior is “out there” it can redirect. But, be careful that it isn’t perceived as a reward for undesirable behavior, otherwise what are you reinforcing? When grooming the cat it is important to brush with the fur and not against it. In theory this sounds easy when based on domestic cat experience, but it’s not. Exotic felids tend to have shorter fur on average and slightly coarser. As a result, there are certain places where the fur breaks in two different directions, A prime example of this would be the forearm of a exotic medium sized cat, on top the fur tends to fall downward, but the underside breaks upward along the longitudinal plane. Brush the wrong way and the cat will point it out in no uncertain terms. Abdominal areas and the inside of the thighs are especially sensitive to tactile activity. Always inspect all collars, leads, and harnesses prior to leaving an enclosure. This should also include the safety equipment that travels with you to the presentation site of an outreach program. Always double lead and work in pairs whenever possible to provide maximum control. This is especially true for outreach work. Always introduce the cat to a new environment prior to an outreach engagement. When conducting the outreach engagement, especially before larger groups, always have one trainer present the talk, while the other trainer actually cues the behaviors. There is nothing worse than having a presentation go south because you’re trying to talk and control the cat at the same time. The level of control associated with one cat, one presenter/trainer, only happens when there is complete communication, trust, and a lifetime training relationship has been established. In short, there are only a handful of zoological professionals and trainers who can do it successfully. Conclusion As I have mentioned before, free contact training is extremely effective, but it is also extremely dangerous. It doesn’t constitute a crisis management situation, but under the right circumstances a training session can easily degrade into a life-threatening crisis event. Having been a free-contact cat trainer for some time, I can say that it has been the most rewarding experience of my career. But, that is always tempered with the consideration of the inherent danger. For January 2002: What is relevant when establishing emergency procedures? If you would like to submit a question for this column or have comments on previously published materials, please send them to AAZK, Inc., 3601 S.W. 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614 Attn: Reactions/AKF (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, Large Mammal Keeper, Senior Keeper, and Zoo Curator at various zoological 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. 28, No. 10/11, 2001 391 AAZK Book Solo Sale price is 20% off the Suggested Price Previous books may still be available, with some price increases Sugg.S Sale S Item Title/Description $12.95 $10.36 The Great Work: Our Wav Into the Future - Thomas Berry - offers a comprehensive guide for the healing of the Earth. 256 pgs. Paper. $23.00 $18.40 Owls Aren’t Wise & Bats Aren’t Blind: A Naturalist Debunks Our Favorite Fallacies About Wildlife - Warner Shedd - Dispels generation-honored fallacies from backyard species to wilder species. 304 pgs. Hardcover. $24.95 $19.96 Hone is the Thing With Feathers: A Personal Chronicle of Vanished Birds - Christopher Cokinos - A compelling blend of science, history, politics, and memoir which brings long-vanished birds alive. 352 pgs. Hardcover. $25.95 $20.76 The Lvine Stones of Marrakech: Penultimate Reflections in Natural Historv - Stephen Jay Gould - “Gould illuminates the puzzles and paradoxes that have fueled the enterprise of science and opened our eyes to a world of unexpected wonders.” 368 pgs. Hardcover. $16.95 $13.56 Life in the Balance: Humanitv and the Biodiversitv Crisis - Niles Eldredge - Examines the imperative of human and wildlife resolution worldwide. Paper. $13.00 $10.40 Mind of the Raven: Investigations and Adventures with Wolf-birds - Bernd Heinrich - Explores the science and anecdote behind the celebrated intellect of these remarkable creatures. Paper. $14.00 $11.20 The Eighth Continent: Life. Death and Discoverv in the Lost World of Madagascar Peter Tvson - This book brings home Madagascar’s remarkable nature and human life. 304 pgs. Paper. Full-color photos. $22.00 $17.60 Wild Nights: Nature Returns to the Citv - Anne Matthews - Deer in Manhattan. Wild Turkeys on Broadway.. .among America’s most urban terrain wildlife abounds! 224 pgs. Hardcover. To Order: List the items you are ordering along with your name and complete mailing address. Include a shipping fee of $3.00 for the first item and $2.00 for each additional item. Checks payable to: “AAZK Book Sale” (U.S. Funds Only - No Cash or COD’s, please). Outside the continental United States please call, write, e-mail, or fax your request before sending any money; we will help to find the best form of shipment and lowest shipping fees. Mail requests to: AAZK Beardsley Chapter, Attn: Linda Tomas, 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06610-1600 USA; Phone (203) 394-6563; Fax (203) 394-6566; e-mail - beardsleyz@aol.com 392 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 10/11, 2001 The Water Column By Dan Conklin, Senior Biologist, Florida Aquarium Bruce Elkins, Curator of Waters, Indianapolis Zoo Kevin Shelton, Associate Curator, Florida Aquarium Ozone In Aquatic Systems Ozone is commonly misunderstood by people who work with it. It is one of the strongest oxidants known to humankind. That means it can oxidize (burn the heck out of) organic matter including animals and should be handled with care. It can also destroy inorganic material given enough time. This oxidizing characteristic is what makes ozone so useful for aquatic exhibits. It helps keep water clean by oxidizing organic molecules, bacteria, and waterborne algae to create a flocculent that precipitates out of the water and is then removed by the mechanical filter. Many aquarists also claim that it improves the performance of protein skimmers (see last issue) when applied directly to the apparatus at relatively low non-disinfecting dosages. It also has the benefit of acting as a disinfectant by killing bacteria, fungi, and viruses at proper application rates. Ozone is ozone no rhatter how it is generated. There are types of pollution that produce ozone but they are outside the scope of this discussion. Ozone is naturally and constantly being produced predominately in the stratosphere where high energy ultraviolet rays from the sun collide with oxygen (O ) to form ozone (O ). It is also naturally produced when lightning strikes via sheer 2 3 electrical energy. In fact, these are the two ways ozone is typically produced for exhibit application. Smaller generators usually have a bulb that produces ultraviolet rays (not as strong as the sun). Larger generators use an electrical field (like contained lightning) called a corona to produce larger quantities of ozone. Air or sometimes pure oxygen is passed by the bulb or through the corona and ozone is produced. Ozone is applied to the water with a venturi injection system or an air stone in a separate contact chamber of the exhibit. In either case maximum contact with the water is desired. Before entering the exhibit, this water passes through a degas chamber to release any excess ozone to make it safe for exhibit inhabitants. This is the usual scenario in most freshwater systems. However in systems using natural seawater or artificial seawater with bromine in the formula, something else happens. The bromide ions (about 50ppm in natural seawater) are oxidized by ozone into a very strong bleach-like compound (hypobromite/hypobromous acid) which is more stable than ozone and cannot be easily degassed. Ozone exists for only minutes while hypobromite/ hypobromous acid can be stable for hours. This presents the potential problem of accumulating a high enough concentration of residual oxidants (hypobromite/hypobromous acid) to be dangerous to aquatic inhabitants. Other similar elements such as iodide and fluoride are also susceptible to oxidation by ozone but are usually not present in high enough concentrations to present a problem. Chloride, while abundant, is generally unaffected by oxidation and consequently not an issue. The take home message here is to understand that if your water has bromine in it, high dosages of ozone can react with it and create a strong oxidizing compound that cannot be easily degassed and must be monitored closely. We will be spending more time on this subject in later issues. Look for a survey of aquatic systems soon that we will use to answer specific concerns about the use of ozone and other cleaning systems. As always, questions are welcomed. Questions and comments may be submitted to us by e-mail at: Dan; dconklin(^flaquarium.org/ Kevin: kshelton@flaquarium.org/ or Bruce: belkins@indyzoo.com; or by mail at: Kevin Shelton, The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Dr., Tampa, FL 33602. Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 28, No. 10/11, 2001 393 \^CeM^po£4 a id iC M n . * ?5 , 3? ch < ffi 1*4 ui ^ o i ANIMAl KEEPERS' F O R U IVI The Journal of the American Association of Zoo Keepers. Inc. DECEMBER 2001 ANIMAL KEEPERS’ FORUM. 3601 S.W. 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614 DECEMBER 2001 Phone: 1-800-242-4519 (U.S.) 1-800-468-1966 (Canada) FAX (785) 273-1980 Vol. 28, No. 12 Managing Editor: Susan D. Chan • Associate Editors • Gretchen Ziegler, Sequoia Park Zoo & Kayla Grams, Lovell, WY • Enrichment Options Coordinators: Kayla Grams, Lovell, WY & Jan Roletto, Columbus Zoo • Legislative Outlook Column Coordinator: Georgann B. Johnston, Sacramento, CA. • ABC’s Column Coordi- nator: Diana Guerrero, Big Bear Lake, CA • Reactions Column Coordinator: William K. Baker, Jr., Little Rock Zoo • The Water Column Coordinators: Dan Conklin and Kevin Shelton, The Florida Aquarium and Bruce Elkins, Indianapolis Zoo 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., 3601 S.W. 29th Street, Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614 - attn: Barbara Manspeaker, Administrative Secretary AAZK Executive Director: Ed Hansen, AAZK, Inc., Topeka KS also serves as AAZK Liaison to the American Zoo & Aquarium Association BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kevin Shelton, The Florida Aquarium, Tampa, FL 33602 President Jacque Blessington, Kansas City Zoological Gardens, Kansas City, MO 64132-4200 Vice President Jan Reed-Smith, John Ball Zoological Garden, Grand Rapids, MI 49504-6100 Linda King, Dallas Zoo, Dallas, TX 75203 Bruce Elkins, Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis, IN 46222-0309 Denise Wagner, San Diego Zoo, San Diego, CA 92112 Robert Hayes, San Diego Zoo, San Diego, CA92112 Scott M. Wright, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo , Cleveland, OH 44109 Immediate Past President COMMITTEES Nominations& Elections Chair - Sheri Leavitt, Galveston, TX Conservation. Preservation & Restoration Grants Chair - Jan Reed-Smith, John Ball Zoo Annual Conferences Coordinator - Ed Hansen, AAZK, Inc. Conference Program Chair Jeffrey Phillips, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Awards Chair - Janet McCoy, The Oregon Zoo By-laws Chair - Gisela A. Wiggins, North Carolina Zoo Ethics Chair - Scott M. Wright, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Research/Grants Chair - Jan Reed-Smith, John Ball Zoo Bowling for Rhinos Chair - Patty Pearthree, Cary, NC Marketing Resources Bob Hayes- San Diego Zoo MEMBERSHIP SERVICES APT EDT and ATP Forms AAZK Administrative Offices/Topeka Enrichment Committee Chair -Lee Houts, Folsom City Zoo AAZK Historian Mark Levin, Philadelphia Zoo Animal Behavior Management Beth Stark, Toledo Zoo International Outreach - Jeannette Beranger, Roger Williams Park Zoo (Chair/Coordinator International Assistance); Kathy Kelly, Silver Springs, MD - Project M.A.R.C. (Making A Realistic Contribution) Junior Zoo Keeper Program Junior Keepers’ Forum Editor: Mark de Denus, Reid Park Zoo AAZK PUBLICATIONS - CONTINUING DATA COLLECTION Biological Values for Selected Mammals, 3rd Edition - Jan Reed-Smith, John Ball Zoo AAZK Enrichment Notebook - Lee Houts, Folsom City Zoo printed on Recycled Paper of Contents About the Cover/Information for Contributors .430 Introduction - Real Mammals Fly! 431 AAZK Announces New Members 432 AZA Bat TAG Small Grants Program 432 Coming Events 433 Use of Chiroptera in Multi-Species Exhibits 434 - 438 Guidelines for Using Live Bats in Educational Programs: Recommendations by the AZA Bat Taxon Advisory Group... 440 - 443 Adoption of a Lesser Short-nosed Fruit Bat in Captivity 444 - 447 Husbandry of Rodrigues Fruit Bats; A New Exhibit to Marwell Zoological Park 448 - 449 First Announcement: Symposium on the Medical Management and Captive Care of Chiroptera 449 Book Reviews {Bat Conservation and Walkers Bats of the World) 450 Hammocks as a Management Tool for Bats 451 - 452 Colonial Roosting Requirements of Captive Microbats 453 - 455 Instructions for Making Roosting Pouches 456 - 457 Toronto Conference “Keeper Video” Available 457 Enrichment Options: Wheel of Fortune for Bats 458 - 459 Rousettus aegypticus - An Overview: Exhibition, Infant Mortality and Colony Management... 460 - 464 Conservation Takes Flight: Sharing the importance of bat conservation with our guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.. ...465 - 472 2001 AAZK Conference Proceedings Information and Order Form ......473 - 474 Browse Consumption and Preference in the Rodrigues Fruit Bat......................... 475 - 482 Rodrigues Fruit Bat Conservation in Action .483 - 485 Endangered Philippine Fruit Bat Captive Breeding Project 486 - 489 Rodrigues Fruit Bat Poster/Crinkles Bat Toy 489 Is It Time for Commercial Bat Enrichment? 490 - 493 Observation of Cooperative Pup-rearing in Straw-colored Fruit Bats 494 - 495 Opportunity Knocks 496 !A6out the Cover This month's cover features two bat species drawn by Sylvia Bouchard, a Biologist-Curator at the Zoo “sauvage” de St-Felicien, Quebec, Canada, The top drawing is of the Wrinkled- faced Bat (Centurio senex), one of the most bizarre looking bats. It is frugivorous and roosts in tree foilage. This bat uses its chin leaf like a blind by pulling it up over its eyes when sleeping. Centurio occurs from northern Mexico to Venezuela and on Trinidad. The lower drawing is of the Common Vampire Bat (Desmodus rotundas), one of three blood- feeding bats in the New World. Contrary to popular belief, these animals do not suck the blood of their prey, but actually drink it. Each bat will consume the equivalent of one teaspoon of blood per night, a small amount for any domestic animal such as a cow. Nonetheless, these bats can carry rabies and therefore are perceived as a threat to Latin America's livestock owners. Thanks, Sylvia! 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 black and white or color prints (minimum size 3” x 5” [8cm x 14cm] ) are accepted. 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 (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. E-Mail Addresses: You may reach Barbara Manspeaker at AAZK Administrative Offices at: aazkoffice@kscable.com< You may reach Susan Chan and Animal Keepers' Forum at: akfeditor@kscable.com< AAZK Website Address: www.aazk.org Bulletin Board Access: type “aazk” in member name box; type “Elvis” in password box. BFR Website: http://.bfr.aazk.org 430 Animal Keeper 's Forun, Vol. 28, No. 12 Real Mammals Fly! . . .or at least 950 species of them can. Bats are among the most diverse and geographically dispersed kinds of mammals, being absent only from the polar regions and a few isolated oceanic islands (Kunz and Pierson, 1994) and are only surpassed in the number of species for a mammal by the order Rodentia. There are approximately 40 species of bats maintained in North American zoological institutions and with them come a large number of management and husbandry issues. Over the last five years, the AZA Bat Taxon Advisory Group has begun to develop husbandry manuals for the many varieties of bats housed in captivity including fruit bats, vampire bats, insectivorous and nectarivorous bats. With this came the many complicated issues of understanding the different needs of each group and how to address them. As with many TAG’S, committees have been formed to look into Nutrition; Pathology, Reproduction, Enrichment, Veterinary, Exhibition and Management of these species. What a better format for disseminating that information then to the membership of the AAZK. Spurred on by a successful and informative dedicated issue on Duiker Management and Conservation (November 2000, AKF), members of the AZA Bat TAG felt it would be beneficial to both the TAG and institutions managing bats to develop a dedicated issue to bat management and conservation. The continued growth and success of the AZA Bat TAG is due not only to the dedication of all the participating members and institutions over the last 8 years but also to The Lubee Foundation, Inc. and their staff who host the mid-year meetings every year at their facility, offer their support and endorsement to our programs and continue to lead the field in the management of these species. We would also like to thank Susan Chan for all her work on this edition, Dana LeBlanc for his input and review of the articles, and the contributors to this special issue for their time and effort. I hope you find this issue informative and the AZA Bat TAG looks forward to the continued development of programs for bats in captivity. Remember, only real mammals fly. —Pete Riger Nashville Zoo, Nashville, TN Kunz, T. and Pierson, E. 1994. Bats of the World: An Introduction. In Walker’s Bats of the World. Editor: Ronald Nowak. The Johns Hopkins University Press. Baltimore and London, pp. 1-46 (A special thank you to Pete Riger and Dana LeBlanc for serving as co-editors for this special issue of Animal Keepers ’Forum. We hope you will enjoy it and be able to use it as a reference in the years to come. Bats are truly amazing animals and we hope this issue helps you learn a whole lot more about them, their husbandry requirements, their role in conservation education, etc. —Susan Chan, Managing Editor AKF) Animal Keeper s Forun, Vol. 28, No. 12 431 AAZK Announces New Members New Professional Members Miranda Hillyard, Zoo New England (MA); Eric A. Syversen, Baltimore Zoo (MD); Amanda Schwab and Jami E. Burke, Santa Fe Community College Teaching Zoo (FL); Harry G. Locker, Williston Elephant Retirement Facility (FL); Tanya Schneidegg, Central Florida Zoo (FL); Oscar Roussett, Disney’s Animal Kingdom (FL); Kimberly Boyer, Birmingham Zoo (AL); Damon Roman, Nashville Zoo at Grassmere (TN); Andrea Dailey, Cincinnati Zoo (OH); Angela Marie Evink, The Organization for Bat Conservation (MI); Kasey Krum, Zoo Montana (MT); Scott Newland, Sedgwick County Zoo (KS); Rachel Alvarez, El Paso Zoo (TX); Molly Maloy, Denver Zoo (CO); and Keely Walsh, Cougar Mountain Zoo (WA). Renewing Institutional Members Salisbury Zoo, Salisbury, MD Sea World Orlando, Orlando, FL HMS Zoo Diets, Inc. , Blufton, IN Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, Fort Wayne, IN Michigan State University Library E. Lansing, MI Chaffee Zoological Gardens, Fresno, CA Renewing Contributing Members Bruce M. Thomas, Cambridge, MD Steve H. Taylor, Director Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH Bear Taxon Advisory Group, Houston, TX New Contributing Member Dr. Jane M. Packard Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences Texas A& M University College Station, TX The AZA Bat Taxon Advisory Group Small Grants Program Beginning in 1 998, the AZA Bat TAG has offered a number of grants to help support zoo and aquarium staff who are engaged in scientific efforts related to bat management, in situ biological conservation, conservation education, veterinary health, nutrition, zoological research and reproduction, especially those from threatened and endangered species. Programs supported in the past have included: • Rodrigues fruit bat SSP Environmental Educator Program (a number of AAZK Chapters have supported this project see http:// www.aza.org/action/view.cfm?id=123 • Bulmer’s fruit bat (Aproteles bulmarae) Population Habitat Viability Assessment Workshop • Survey of Oral Aerobic and Anaerobic Bacterial Flora of the Fruit Bat {Pteropus giganteus) • Bat Use of Bat Houses in Tucson, Arizona Two $500 grants are being offered this year with an application deadline of 1 January 2002. Proposal application and program guidelines may be received from Steven M. Wing, Riverbanks Zoo, PO Box 1060, Columbia, S.C. 29202-1060 MOVING? Please let us know when you change your address! It now costs AAZK 99 cents every time an AKF is returned because of an incorrect address. Call 1-800-242-4519 (U.S.) or 1-800-468-1966 (Canada) or e-mail aazkoffice(gkscable.com to report your new address. THANKS! 432 Animal Keeper s Forun, Vol 28, No. 12 Coming Events European Symposium on Turtles and Tortoises - 15-20 January 2002 in Vienna, Austria. For further info contact Dr. Harald Artner at e-mail: 1131 42.3232@compuserve.com International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators Annual Conference - 14-17 February 2002. Hosted by the Denver Zoo, Denver, CO. For more information visit the website at www.iaate.org or contact Ryan Knight by phone at 303-376-4833 or by email at shows@.denverzoo.org. The Animal Behavior Management Alliance tABMAJ will be holding the 2nd Annual Conference “Enhancing Animal Welfare through Positive Reinforcement”, 26 February - 2 March 2002 in San Diego, CA. This conference is hosted by the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Wild Animal Park, and Sea World San Diego. For information, contact Gary Priest at gpriest@sandiegozoo.org or at (619) 231-1515. National Wildlife Reahbilitators Association 20th Annual Symposium - 5-9 March 2002 in St. Louis, MO. CE hours available, sessions and workshops cover many native animal care topics. For more information, please contact the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association, 1 4 North 7th Ave., St. Cloud, MN 56303. Phone: (320) 259-4086; e-mail: nwra@nwrawildlife.org or visit the NWRA website at www.nwrawildlife.org< ASZK (Australasian Society of Zookeeping) "Back to Basics'* Conference - 15 - 17 March 2002 Australia Zoo, Queensland, Australia. Contact Liz Romer on slromer@bigpond.com Riddle’s Elephant and Wildlife Sanctuary Fourth Elephant Ultrasound Workshop - 20 - 24 March 2002. For further info please contact them at e-mail: elephantsanctuary@alltel.net< 19th Congress of the International Primatological Society - 4-9 August 2002 in Beijing, China. More information on the congress: http://www.ips.ioz.ac.cn American Association of Zoo Veterinarians - 6-10 October 2002 in Milwaukee, WI. Program sessions include Reptiles and Amphibians, Avian Medicine, Hoofstock, Carnivores, Primates, Case Reports, Aquatic Animals, Pathology, Conservation Medicine, Emerging Diseases, Reproduction and Contraception, Behavior, Enrichment and Conditioning, and Biomaterial Banking. There will also be a poster session, veterinary and graduate student paper competitions, and workshops/ wet labs. For information regarding presentations of papers, please visit our website at www.aazv.org or contact Randy Junge, DVM, St. Louis Zoo, Forest Park, St. Louis, MO 63110; Phone (314) 768-5487; Fax (314) 768-5454; E-mail rejunge@aol.com< For additional conferenee information, please contact Wilbur Amand, VMD, Executive Director/AAZV, 6 North Pennell Rd., Media, PA 19063; Phone (610) 892-4812; Fax (610) 892-4813; E-mail 75634. 235@compuserve.com< Defenders of Wildlife Fourth National Conference - 17-20 November 2002 in Monterey, CA. For more information or to reeeive a conference brochure, contaet: Yvonne Borresen, Defenders of Wildlife, 1101 14thSt.,NW,Ste. 1400, Washington, DC 20005 or call (202) 789-2844, ext. 315. You can also e- mail carnivorcs2002@defenders.org or visit www.defenders.org/camivores 2002< First International Conference on Zookeeping in 2003 - The Netherlands (Details when available) 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 <0 All Rights Reserved Animal Keeper s Forun, Vol. 28, No. 12 433 Use ef Cliiniptera in Multi-Species Exhibits By Pete Riger, Lead Keeper, Nashville Zoo Donna Bear-Hull, Curator of Birds, Jacksonville Zoo Liz Harmon, Curator of Mammals, Omaha s Henry Doorly Zoo Zoos have been using mixed-species exhibits for many years; either to develop an exhibit based on a geographic theme or to help alleviate a shortage of space. With the evolution of exhibits to incorporate species natural habitats, animal managers are utilizing the mixed-species approach more regularly. Although mixed and multi species exhibits containing primates, ungulates, avian and reptile species are common; bat species have not been attempted as frequently. Due to the bat’s ability to use specific areas within an exhibit, such as roosting in trees and clinging to cave walls, this order should be a very good candidate for multi-species exhibition. The simple fact that a bat is a flying mammal that normally will not go to the ground can open them to being mixed with many animals. Typically little or no interaction would occur with the other species unless initiated by the bats themselves. We feel that by developing a list of recommendations, facilities may be more likely to attempt to use bats in mixed species exhibits. This in turn may help to educate the public, offer a more dramatic exhibit and possibly free up space in facilities with surplus bats in their collection. A survey was developed to determine the number of multi-species exhibits using Chiropterans. The survey asked which species had been mixed with bats and whether or not the exhibit was successful. We received responses from 16 facilities on 21 exhibits. When creating a multi-species display 28% of the institutions noted that developing a “natural exhibit” around a geographical theme was their primary reason. Another 28% noted a need for housing space. Other factors included space utilization in the exhibit and activity levels of the various species. The positive aspects of mixed species exhibits have been noted by Thomas and Maruska (1996) as: 1) The same physical facility can be used for multiple species, thus reducing the necessity for and expense of separate enclosures for each individual species. 2) Combining species in the same enclosure presents a more interesting and educa- tional display to the public. Mixed-species exhibits provide an opportunity for direct comparisons of the sizes and adaptations of different species, and often the movements and dynamics of the different species together create a much more appealing, exciting exhibit. 3) The combination of multiple species within a single enclosure can provide a stimulus to the animals through their contact with each other. The level of activity increases, and as long as the activity is not antagonistic, this can have a positive effect on the physical and mental health of animals. Due to their nocturnal nature, most bat exhibits in zoological institutions have been developed around the use of a noetumal theme utilizing a reversed light cycle. Although the public gets a view of the bat’s natural behavior they rarely get a very good look at the bats themselves. Many visitors will quickly move on to the next exhibit if they cannot view the animal clearly, and once the exhibit is 434 Animal Keeper’s Forun, Vol. 28, No. 12 passed, the graphics and any conservation message they offer is missed as well. Offering a diurnal exhibit for bats can greatly enhance our ability to grab the visitor’s attention. We can hold them at the exhibit long enough to get a good look at the animals, to find them attractive or even more unattractive than they had originally imagined. This in itself affords the institution the time to have their graphics viewed and hopefully pass along their conservation message. The fact that bats are nocturnal greatly increases the ability of the public to view them, as they will normally roost quietly throughout the daylight hours. A common complaint among many visitors is that “the animals are not doing anything.” Utilizing bats in a multi-species exhibit with diurnal animals may help to alleviate this. Exhibits that house both nocturnal and diurnal species, as well as species that will utilize different areas of their habitat, offers an opportunity to create an educational message. The diversity of various habitats, how the species interact with each other and the tools they have developed to keep from competing for food sources within these habitats can all be discussed. Displaying bats in diurnal exhibits opens a whole new realm of possibilities. Fifty-six percent of the survey respondents indicated their mixed displays were diurnal or used natural outdoor lighting. Bats have been mixed with a wide variety of species. The data from all survey respondents has been compiled into three charts, figures 1 , 2, and 3. Twenty-two species of non-chiropteran mammals were listed as being exhibited with bats as well as 12 chiropteran species, 21 avian species and 6 species of reptiles. Bats have also been successfully housed in large multi-species rain forest habitats where they are free to fly among the other exhibits. With the exception of interactions with gibbons, binturongs and armadillos, there were no major difficulties. The problems concerning the aiTnadillos were relatively minor, but should be considered. Armadillos were found to have hamied or eaten any newborn bats that were dropped to the ground. Gibbons were observed harassing the bats when they flew low enough for the gibbons to reach, again just a minor problem. The binturongs presented a more serious problem. There were considerable interactions when both the bats and the binturongs were active and the binturong killed a number of bats. The belief in this instance was that some of the bats were overweight and may have had difficulty flying when approached by the binturongs. This is an integration that should be considered carefully before introducing these animals to an exhibit. The only other concerns noted from the survey were related to diet. Providing enough food for all species solved most of these concerns. Some facilities had to watch that their bats did not get too much food and become overweight. Since one of the goals of a zoological institution is to educate the public, we need to grab their attention, hold it long enough for the visitor to view the species and offer them the opportunity to enjoy the animal itself Only at this point will the visitor take the time to read the adjacent graphics and learn about the animals they are seeing. By utilizing mixed-species display we maximize the number of animals that can be exhibited and provide a more natural, entertaining display. Bats should be a natural choice for many mixed-species exhibits as they rarely compete for space and provide activity at different times of the day. Animal Keeper ’s Forun, Vol 28, No. 12 435 FIGURE 1: Chiroptera with non-chiropteran Mammals Pteropus rodricensis Rodriguez Flying Fox Giant Asian squirrel Small clawed otter Amblonvx cinereus Bav Duiker Ceohalophus dorsalis Prevost sauirrel Callosciurus prevostii Matchies T ree Kanaaroo Dendrolaaus matschieri Northern Lesser Bushbabv Galaao seneaalensis Brush tailed Bettona Bettonaia penicillata Brush-tailed oorcuoine Atherurus africanus Malayan Taoir Taoirus indicus White-handed aibbon Hvlobates lar ‘Binturong Arctictis binturona Pteropus giganteus Indian Flying Fox Acouchl Mvoprocta acouchv Malayan Taoir Taoirus indicus Rina-tailed lemur Lemur catta Indian Crested oorucuoine Hvstrix indica Preyost sauirrel Callosciurus orevostii Ruffed lemur Varecia varieaata White-handed aibbon Hvlobates lar Reeve's Muntiac Muntiacus reevesi Pteropus bypomelanus Island Flying Fox Greater Malayan Chevrotain Traaulus naou Northern Lesser Bushbabv Galaao seneaalensis Eidolon hetvum Straw-colored Fruit Bat African crested oorcuoine Hvsfnx africaeaustralis Rock hyrax Procavia caoensis Rousettus aeavDticus Egyptian Fruit Bat Nine-banded Armadillo Dasvous novemcintus Northern Lesser Bushbabv Ga/acjfo seneaalensis Rousettus lanosus Ruwenzori Long-haired Fruit Bat African crested oorcuoine Hvstrix africaeaustralis Rock hyrax Procavia caoensis Artibeus Jamaicensis Jamaican Fruit-eating Bat Two-toed sloth Choloeous so. Nine-banded Armadillo Dasvous novemcintus Strioed Skunk Meohitis meohitis Northern Lesser Bushbabv Galaao seneaalensis Northern Lesser Bushbabv Galaao seneaalensis Caroltia perspiciflata Seba's short-tailed Fruit Bat Two-toed sloth Choloeous so. Nine-banded Armadillo Dasvpus novemcintus Striped Skunk Mephitis mephitis * Binturongs were the only species where serious problems. 436 Animal Keeper’s Forun, Vol. 28, No. 12 Figure 2: Chiroptera with Avifauna and/Of Herpetofauna Pteropus rodricensis Rodriguez Flying Fox BoobookOwl Ninox novaeseelandiae sp. Red-billed hombill Tockus erythrorhynchus *Jungle World Pteropus giganteus Indian Flying Fox Crested wood partridge RoHulus roulroul Bali Mynah Leucospar rothschildi *Sedgwick County *Leid Jungle Water dragon Physignathus cocincinus Eidolon helvum Stra\AKX)lored fruit bat Grey-winged trumpeters Psophia^sp. White-vented bulbul Pycnonotus baitatus Lilac-breasted roller Coracias caudate Gold breasted starling Cosmopsarua regius Red and Yellow barbets Trachyphonus erythrocephalus Speckled mousebirds Colius striatus Abdim stork Ciconia abdmii Green Heron Butorides virascens Hottentot teal Anas punctata Black crake Limnocorax fJavirostra Livingstone's turaco Tauraco corythaix IMngstoni Mandarin duck Aix galericulata Kenya-crested guineafowl Gutters pucherani White-bellied go-away bird Corythaixoides leucogaster White-crowned robin chat Cossypha albicapilla Red-footed tortoise Geochelone carbonaria African Mud turtle Pelusios subniger subniger Leopard tortoise Geochelone pardalis Bell's Hingeback tortoise Kinixys belliana Rousettus aegypticus Egyptian Fruit Bat ^Leid Jungle Rousettus lanosus Ruwenzori long-haired Fruit Bat Lilac-breasted roller Livingstone's turaco White-vented bulbul Kenya-crested guineafowl Bell's Hingeback tortoise Carollia perspiclllata Seba’s Short-tailed Fruit Bat Hanging parrots Loriculus sp. Black-cheeked lovebirds Agapronis nigrigenis White-vented bulbul Kenya-crested guineafowl Glossophaga soricina Falla's long-tongued bat *Biodome * Large free flight mixed species exhibit Animal Keeper’s Forun, Vol 28, No. 12 437 FIGURE 3: Chiroptera Housed with Chiroptera Pteropus vampyrvs Large Flying Fox Pteropus rodricensis Rodriguez Flying Fox 1 Pteropus rodricensis Rodriguez Flying Fox P. vampyrus Large Flying Fox Artibeus jamaicensis Jamaican Fruit Bat Carrollia perspicillata Short-tailed Fruit Bat Rousettas aegypticus Egyptian Fruit Bat Eidolon helvum Straw 00 K CD CD / CO si|}B0a P jeqiunN 464 Animal Keeper’s Forun, Vol. 28, No. 12 Age in Days CONSERVATIOIV TAKES FLIGHT: Sharing the importance of hat conservation With onr gnests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom By Mark Chag, Animal Keeper Disney s Animal Kingdom, Lake Buena Vista, FL Bat conservation is not a new image on the horizon. People from all levels in the zoological field have dedicated themselves to this concept for years, teaching people about bats, stressing their importance to ecology, and trying to dismiss the destructive myths bats have carried for as long as they have been flying. Zoo educators invite children to classrooms, bat rehabiltators take their messages (and even their bats) to the schools, and researchers spend long dark hours, deep in the woods documenting that small plots of land are habitats crucial to species survival. Together we try to shine a little appreciat- ing light on an animal so important to us all, yet traditionally so neglected, exploited, and feared. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom (DAK), we’re working, at various levels, to emphasize the importance of bats and their habitats. With the bat exhibit, staff training, classes, and through the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund, we hope to spread the wings of bat conservation a little further. HiWhifiBniflfata Bats are hardly a rarity in zoos. According to re- cent ISIS listings, nearly 3000 individuals and over 35 species are held at dozens of AZA- accredited facilities. Two styles of exhibits are generally used to display bats for the public. The inverted light exhibit is an indoor habitat that reverses daylight/ nighttime hours so zoo guests may view the bats in a more active state. In contrast, outdoor open-air exhibits tend to be larger and are used, often in mixed species scenarios, to allow ample flight space for larger bats. Both variations of exhibits provide guests a chance to see otherwise elusive animals, and an opportunity to learn more about them. At DAK our bats are housed in an outdoor free-flight habitat known as the ‘Cliffs of Anandapur’ on the Maharajah Jungle Trek. When the Trek opened in the Spring of 1999 at DAK, tigers were at center stage, but the bats stole their share of the show. MM I &r.PRS-.6ET'fc kmWlHE bats wr UElN OUR U£Sg Bps of= Tfi£ fo5^st ^ pm The trek is a walking tour in the Asia-themed area of DAK. Be- fore entering the trek, guests pass by two primate habitats, with temple ruins displaying white- cheeked gibbons and siamangs. As the guests continue to the trek, the winding narrow path leads past the Komodo dragon and Malayan tapir habitats. Be- fore reaching the sprawling tiger area, and walk-through aviary, guests arrive at a one-room vil- lager-meeting hall where they encounter our bats. From this Animal Keeper s Forun, Vol 28, No. 12 465 room guests have an unobstructed view into the Cliffs of Anandapur. The cliffs are 30-ft. tall rocky ledges encircling the bats. The lowest level of a double-mesh roof suspends 24 ft. from the ground. With 4000 ft.^ of ground space, the bats have 96,000 cubic feet of flight space; ample flight space for bats with five-foot wingspans. The collection includes 1 8.0 Malayan flying foxes {Ptewpus vampyrus) and 8.0 Rodrigues fruit bats {P. rodricensis). Visibility of the bats is high. Within the meeting hall, three different wall graphics show guests a few important facts about bats while they visit. The first graphic emphasizes the key role bats play in seed dispersal. The second describes their agricultural importance as insect eaters. The third is a description of the species seen in the exhibit, comparing the size difference between the Malayan flying fox and the Rodrigues fruit bat. Guests learn more about bat anatomy from other props including a fruit bat skull and skeleton. Furthermore, while standing in the meeting hall, looking out at the bats, the guests can get all their bat questions answered by our staff. j V/*- n j/ Oft liife of cur Of mmrnM: Sunup to Snndown From park opening to closing each day, host/hostesses are available in the meeting hall to answer questions guests have about the bats. In addition, they conduct frequent “bat talks” over a sound system in the hall, ensuring that every guest in the room hears at least a few fun facts about the species. Host/hostesses attend a four-day training module, during which they learn about all the animals on the Maharajah Jungle Trek. The training in- cludes natural history and conservation of each species on display. After the staff works on the Trek for 60 to 90 days, they return to the classroom for an eight-hour ses- sion, providing more in-depth information on conserva- tion issues. During this second module, the Rodrigues fruit bat is featured as an example of a vulnerable island species that is affected by habitat destruction. These train- ees comprise an extremely important team of educators. They have the ability to teach literally thousands of people every day. In addition, many of the host/hostesses along the Maharajah Jungle Trek come here from many coun- tries throughout Asia. They are members of the Cultural Representative program, which brings staff from all over the world to work at Walt Disney World for a year. The Trek’s staff therefore can I share experi- ences they may have had with bats at home in Southeast Asia with the guests. Weekly ‘Trek-talks’ give the host/ hostess the opportunity to meet with keepers and receive updated information, or discuss any new topics guests bring to them. Should a guest have a particularly difficult ques- tion, a phone in the viewing area enables the host/hostess to call an animal keeper directly to find the answer. Keep- ers also make themselves available to the guests directly through their own presentations in the exhibit. Talking With Bats Using a sound system and microphone, keepers conduct bat talks from inside the exhibit, where the bats can be in- cluded in the presentation. Bats are not handled during the 466 Animal Keeper ’s Forun, Vol. 28, No. 12 talks. Instead, keepers describe any bat behaviors occurring during the talk, as well as draw attention to anatomy by approaching and pointing to the bats. Conducting a talk inside the exhibit near the bats also demonstrates to our guests that bats are non-aggressive and will not “attack” people without provocation (a common misconception). Keeper talks include a brief overview of the two species at DAK, natural history, myths, and their agricultural importance (see the Sample Keeper 7h/^ below for more). One topic we avoid during the keeper talks is rabies. Despite the popular misconception that bats carry rabies and infect people with a simple fly-by, we choose not to discuss the matter on the microphone. This is to prevent the possibility of a guest passing through the viewing area and hearing only two words, bats and rabies, together in the same sentence and moving on. They’ve probably heard that before, and we prefer to save the topic for one-on-one interactions to ensure that they receive the facts in the message. Our guests can ask about rabies, or any other bat question following each talk when the keeper, off the microphone, answers any remaining questions they may have. SSampIfl Animal Keeper Talk Namaste! Welcome to the Cliffs of Anandapur, my name is Doug and I care for the bats that you see here at the cliffs, and I’m here to tell you a few interesting things about the bats here. When I’m done. I’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have. As you take a look around, you’ll see two different species of bats here in front of you today. The first and easiest to spot is the Malayan flying fox. The common name is flying foxes, but it’s important to remember that they are not foxes at all and foxes do not fly. Flying fox is a nickname that we give to more than 200 different species of Old World fruit bats because their facial features somewhat resemble that of a fox or a dog. So remember that a flying fox is simply a large species of bat, and the largest species in the world is right here in front of you. The Malayan flying fox is unquestionably the world’s largest bat, weighing several pounds, with a wingspan up to six-feet wide when they’re fully grown. The second species that you’ll see is Rodrigues fruit bat. It is easy to tell the difference between the two simply by the size. The Rodrigues fruit bat is only about 1/3 the size of the Malayan flying fox when fully grown. Now keep this species in mind later when I get back to bat conservation, because the Rodrigues fruit bat is a highly endangered species. In fact, in the 1 970s, a cyclone swept most of the population off the only island in the world that they’re found, decimating the species. At that time, less than 100 individuals remained and it was one of the most endangered mammals on the entire planet. As you look around, you may notice that neither species is attacking me, right? That’s the first myth I’d like to dispel. People have the impression that bats are aggressive and that they attack people. This myth is completely false. As you can see I’m quite safe standing here with the bats, if they wanted to attack me they certainly could, but bats do not attack people. Bats are very gentle, docile animals in their nature. The only time a bat will bite you is if you try to hold one or pick one up. Like any wild animal, if you try to handle it, it may bite in self-defense to get you to let go. So if you do find a bat, it’s best to just leave it alone. But remember that bats do not attack people. The next myth is that they all drink blood. Again, completely incorrect. There are nearly 1000 different species of bats in the world and they eat a variety of things. Some bats eat bugs, some like the bats here eat fruit, some even eat other bats, and only three, three out of 1000, drink blood. Two of those species are extremely rare, and the third, the common vampire bat, will drink the blood of mammals, usually cattle or horses. Also, vampire bats are tiny compared to the bats you see here in front of you. In fact, the vampire bat is only about the size of a Malayan flying fox’s head. Vampire bats are found only in Central and South America, so you will not see them here at the Cliffs of Anandapur. Animal Keeper s Forun, Vol. 28, No. 12 467 Moving on to the third myth you’ve probably heard, bats are blind. You’re all familiar with the expression ‘blind as a bat.’ Nothing could be further from the truth. All bats have a pair of eyes just like we do, all bats can see, even in the dark. Now most bats use a sense called echolocation, some people call it radar, that enables them to see with their ears. Echolocation is a very effective sense that allows bats to navigate to and find food without having to use their eyes. However, the bats that you see here do not and cannot echolocate. So how do they find their way around at night? They simply open their eyes and see, even on the darkest of nights. If you look closely you’ll see that they all have large brown eyes that enable them to see much better than we can after dark. So just remember, if someone tells you that bats are blind, they’re incorrect. All bats can see and can do so particularly well at night. The last myth I’m going to mention is the worst myth of all, that bats will get caught in your hair. This is a strange myth that is completely false. It has never happened and it never will. Bats do not get caught in people’s hair. There has never been a reported incident of a person arriving at a hospital asking to have a bat removed from his or her hair. So you can all rest assure that this will never happen. Hopefully I was able to bury a few myths surrounding these animals, but we still get a lot of questions here about them. One of the most popular questions is; Why are these bats hanging in the sunlight, shouldn’t they be in the dark? Well it is true that many species of bats do remain in dark areas like caves throughout the day. However, fruit bats like these live in trees, and hang in the sun all day long. The sun doesn’t bother them at all, it’s perfectly natural for them to be in the sunlight. If you look at some of them, you’ll see that they are fanning their wings slowly back in forth, which is a thermoregulatory behavior which helps keep them cool on warm days. Now I mentioned that the bats hang from the tree branches. This is another popular question that we get here; Why do bats hang upside down? All bats do hang from what we consider to be an inverted position. However, for a bat, it is a perfectly comfortable and natural position to be hanging by their feet. In fact, the tendons in their toes enable them to cling tightly to branches in a completely relaxed state. They need to use muscles to straighten their toes in order to let go. When they do let go, they fall and take flight. This process by which they fall into flight requires little energy, which partly explains why they hang upside down in the first place. Falling into flight requires much less energy than say, getting a running start to generate enough speed to fly, which a bat couldn’t do since it couldn’t walk on the ground in the first place. When a bat does fly, it moves its wings, or hands, in circular motions to sustain flight. I mention hands because bats do in fact have hands very similar to our own. Bats have thumbs, just like we do, and they have four fingers. The fingers of a bat however are elongated, with thin elastic skin between them. This skin makes up the wing web, which enables them to fly. If you had fingers like a bat, you could reach up over your head, and tie your shoes without bending over. Having said so much about bats, let me tell you the most important fact of all, why bats are crucial to us and to the environment. Bats help us in many ways. Insect-eating bats help control bug populations by preventing infestations that could be harmful to people or crops. Nectar-eating bats pollinate plants, many of which would cease to exist if not for the bats. And fruit bats, like the ones you see here, disperse seeds as they eat, which contributes to the growth of forests that not only the bats depend on, but which many people depend on as well. You can help bats by sharing their important role in nature with friends or by hanging a bat house in your own backyard. Thanks for listening and feel free to ask me any questions you may have. 468 Animal Keeper’s Forun, Vol. 28, No. 12 Presenting Bats DAK’s Education Presenter team consists of specialized group of wildlife educators. They are trained and tested for two weeks on virtually every animal species at DAK. Interpretation is the key to the animal presenter team, conveying education and conservation topics to guests of all ages. Through the use of small animal (invertebrates and reptiles) presentations and prop talks, the presenter team interprets and shares information with guests throughout the entire park. A bat puppet prop is used to explain the physical characteristics of bats, and encourage questions. Among many topics, the presenter team emphasizes the importance of bats to the environments in which they live and explain the advantages of guests building bat houses to attract them in their own backyards. When guests want more information on how to build a home for bats, the presenters direct them to the Ecoweb at DAK’s Conservation Station. Batjg ranght in the EcoWeb Guests journey on a train from the Africa- themed area of DAK to Rafiki’s Planet Watch and Conservation Station. Rafiki’s Planet Watch is an educational walking tour that, among other things, teaches our guests how to build their own backyard habitat for local wildlife and encourages them to get involved in helping wildlife and wild places. Among the many displays, a bat house and educational bat graphics share the importance of bats in our neighborhoods. At the end of the walk is Conservation Station, DAK’s showcase to its commitment to worldwide wildlife eonservation. Here, guests can visit the EcoWeb desk for more detailed information on how to get involved with whatever wildlife interests they may have. Staff at the desk provide guests with free printouts of bat information including blueprints to build their own bat houses, as well as how to get involved with other organizations that help support bat conservation. Earning a “Bat-Chelora” Degree College students come to Walt Disney World for semester-long work-programs. During their stay, they earn college credit by attending classes provided by Disney’s Center of Excellence. Classes cover topics including resume building and interviewing skills. Bats became part of this curriculum through a keeper-taught bat class elective. The class aims toward presenting conservation information, natural history, and a bat behavioral repertoire. In addition, emphasis is placed on dismissing the negative image bats tend to receive from various media sources. The goal is to help explain to students how to separate bat myths from truth. The class is offered four times per year, and has proven to be quite popular. This program enables us to send students back to universities all over the country with a better understanding of the importance of bat conservation. What’s more, the class is not restricted only to the students. Staff from any area of DAK are encouraged to attend as well. In addition, anyone working at DAK can also learn all about our bats by signing up for the RE.A.C.E. Core. Bats iH the P JJLC A Corp The RE.A.C.E. (Reople Excited About Conservation Education) Corp is a class designed to teach virtually everyone at DAK about all the animals in our collection. The classes are assembled and taught by both our education and Animal Care staff It enables cast members from all areas to become Animal Keeper’s For un, Vol 28, No. 12 469 educators for our guests, regardless of what their role may be. By attending P.E.A.C.E. Core sessions, they can share what they have learned with their teams and, in turn, pass that information on to guests. The bat section of this program includes a brief natural history on bats in general, but focuses primarily on the bats we have here at DAK. This allows our staff to familiarize themselves with our animals’ natural history, training, and husbandry. Teaching Our Pups Through the Kid*s Explorer's Clob Our younger guests gather their share of bat information at DAK through the Kid’s Explorer’s Club. The club is an educational activity that takes children on a six-stop learning journey of the park. Formatted for children between ages three and eight, each of the six locations provide interactive lessons about the plants and animals at DAK. In Asia, for example, a megabat skull {P. poliocephalus) is used in a scent activity. Drawing attention to the long snout. Presenters explain how fruit bats use their keen sense of smell to find food. Stretchiug Our Wiugs Our commitment to bat conservation certainly isn’t limited to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Our staff down at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, nearly 80 miles southeast of Walt Disney World, have a significant bat education program of their own. Guests at the resort can attend a free hour-long evening education and activity session that teaches them about various environmental topics. One session informs guests of all ages about the importance of saving bats and their habitats. In addition to discussing natural history and extinguishing popular myths, the session includes an overview on the 18 species of bats found in Florida. Following the session, guests can take a tour of the resort’s lake where bat houses are hung. Here they learn how such homes for bats can help their own neighborhoods by encouraging the presence of bat populations that will consume millions of insects every night. The Disuey Wildlife Couservatiou Fuud The Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund promotes and enables wildlife conservation through relationships with scientists, educators, and organizations committed to preserving the earth’s biodiversity. Financing for the fund comes in-part from our guests through the ‘add-a-dollar’ program. Merchandise staff ask guests if they would like to make a commitment to conservation by contributing a dollar to the fund when they make purchases at the park. In turn, the money is awarded to non-profit organizations that protect and study endangered and threatened animals and their habitats. Among the many groups supported by the fund are a number of organizations committed to bat awareness and conservation. With the species on display at DAK, the story of the Rodrigues fruit bat is one we can share with our guests in order to demonstrate how the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund works to save such endangered animals. 470 Animal Keeper s Forun, Vol. 28, No. 12 A cyclone in the 1970s brought a tragic climax to years of deforestation on the island of Rodrigues when it carried most of the population of Rodrigues fruit bats out to sea. The species teetered on the very edge of extinction with less than 100 individuals remaining. Reforestation was the key to the very survival of the island, for both the bats and the natives. Years of public education explaining how crucial the bats are to seed dispersal resulted in a gradual increase of the bat population and likewise local flora. The Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund played a key role in this plan by assisting in the startup of a project placing a conservationist, native to the island, in a full-time year-round role of public education and awareness of local conservation. Through the guidance of the Rodrigues Species Survival Plan (SSP), this person continues today to share important environmental messages with the residents across the island. In addition, the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund provided funding for two Rodrigues bat educators’ kits for the island’s schools to ensure the future success of the species. Other organizations helping bats that are supported by the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund include but are not limited to the following: 1) Wildlife Conservation Society: Bats as Ecological Indicators of Forest Health Using and improving acoustic survey techniques to identify 37 bat species in Belize by their voices. Information will eventually be used to determine conservation priorities as well as train bat researchers in other countries. 2) University of Florida: Nutritional Landscape Ecology of Samoan Fruit Bats Monitoring foraging preferences of the endangered Samoan fruit bat to better understand its basic energetic and nutritional needs. 3) Wildlife Preservation Trust International: Bat Diversity and Abundance on Shade Coffee Plantations in Ouetzaltenango. Guatemala Providing baseline data needed to launch a bat conservation program on agricultural lands in Western Guatemala and studying differences in biodiversity among types of shade coffee systems in order to create important sanctuaries for bats. 4) Bat Conservation International: Global Grassroots Bat Conservation Fund Working with partners in-country to create targeted educational activities and awareness to protect bats which play essential pollination, pest control, and seed dispersal roles. 5) Bats Northwest: Townsend’s Big-eared Bat Conservation Project Protecting the only known maternity colony of these rare bats east of the Cascades by constructing an additional colony structure (bat house). So where can we fly from here? Indeed, we have plans to spread our wings even further. Disney’s Youth Education Series (Y.E.S.) is an in-depth educational program that teaches children about a variety of conservation issues. The classes are conducted both on and off Disney property, as well as onstage and backstage. Though not incorporated to date, bats will be included in the future curriculum taught by the Y.E.S. program educators. Bats will also soon be included in a somewhat more global festivity. With staff journeying from around the globe to join DAK’s team, a monthly program known as Cultural Celebrations will bring our staff and guests together to learn more about heritage and traditions from overseas. Each celebration extends two days, and focuses on a wide range of peoples and countries including; Thailand, Indonesia, India, Botswana, Nepal, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. In the past, these Animal Keeper s Forun, Vol. 28, No. 12 471 celebrations included both food and activities, such as song and dance, from the host country. Now, the Animal Programs team will contribute with a display of information and conservation messages pertinent to the wildlife in each locale. Since bats are found throughout the world (with the exception of the polar regions) we plan on participating in every Cultural Celebration. Oflt Of Many. One Colony So many messages, so many programs, and so many people involved. Bats are included virtually everywhere at DAK. Even the majestic centerpiece, the Tree of Life, with 300 hand-carved animal sculptures, dons a larger than life bat, peering out over our guests in the park. The key to the success of Disney’s bat conservation effort is our ability to partner with one another and share information with each other, in order to deliver the bat conservation message to our guests. Keepers teach the guests, as well as the staff. Presenters, and hosts/hostesses teach guests throughout the day. Our staff at Conservation Station print bat house blueprints, while our staff in the gift shops provide the backbone for the ongoing success of the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund. Students staying here temporarily on the College Program, as well as those who have watched our world grow from one theme park to four, can attend bat classes while at work. From every level, and every team, we can share the importance of bat conservation with our guests in virtually every comer of the park. On any given day, we have the ability to engage in educational conversations with thousands of people. Last year over 2.5 million educational conversations were recorded. That means thousands of guests per week can learn that all bats don’t suck blood, and millions of guests per year may discover that bats can actually see. Who knows how many bat houses could go up, and how many people will stop and watch, instead of mn, when they see bats in their backyards. Out of many, we come together to create a single colony. We hope to make a difference, for our guests, for the bats, and for the environments that together we share. Acknowledgments: For their contributions to compiling information for this paper, and their ongoing dedication to bat conservation, I would like to thank the following people: Brian Pope, Bryan Quick, Allia Aurora, Rebecca Spaziante, and Cheryl Leeming. 472 Animal Keeper ’s Forun, Vol. 28, No. 12 2001 Conference Proceedings Ord er Informafi ion If you are interested in ordering a copy of the Proceedings containing the papers presented at the 200 1 NationalAAZK Conference which was held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, you will need to fillout and return the form on the next page with the appropriate payment. All orders must be prepaid in U.S. Funds ONLY. Conference Proceedings are planned to begin shipment in January 2002. Once shipped, domestic orders should take about two weeks; overseas orders take longer by surface post. Prices are as follows: AAZK member $25.00 Nonmember $40.00 Postage for U.S. orders is included. Canadian and overseas orders should add $8.00 for airmail postage in Canada and surface postage elsewhere. Overseas orders wishing airmail service should add $12.00. Make checks or money orders payable to: AAZK, Inc. Note: those presenters who correctly submitted their manuscripts for inclusion in ther 2000 Conference Proceedings will receive one gratis copy. All others wishing a copy must place an order. The following papers are included in the Proceedings: Eagles in the Andes - Adventures in Argentina ~ Using a touch screen to test the conceptual abilities of Orangutans and Gorillas ~ Exotic Animals as Pets: The Role of Animal Care Professionals ~ Bowling for Rhinos, orchids, sea turtles, dung beetles...- Reproductive Biology and Behavior in Tree Kangaroos with Applications for Captive Management and Conservation - Breeding Warblers Successfully at the Biodome in Montreal - Ground Zero: Training Three Juvenile Indochinese Tigers from Scratch - Where’s the Beef? Supplemental Carcass Feeding - Formation of a Critical Incident Stress Management Team at the Dallas Zoo, The Animal Keeper’s Role - Private Ethical Ownership of Exotics - Investigating the Effects of Estrous Cycle Phase on Behavior and Cortisol Levels in African Elephants - A Case Study: Keper involvement in husbandry and in situ conservation of a threatened amphibian, the Puerto Rican Crested Toad - A Novel Approach to Mother Rearing of a Western Lowland Gorilla - When Keepers Grieve - Aquarium Dietary Planning: The Meat of the Matter - Completing the Picture of Biodiversity: Exhibiting Butterflies in the High Desert - It Won’t Kill You - Keepers Can Do Effective Public Speaking - Assessing Reproductive Hormone Levels in Five Captive Female Polar Bears Through Fecal Sampling - Separation Training of Mother and Infant Gorillas at Lincoln Park Zoo - Monitoring Levels of Aggression for a Group of Six Female Tigers in a Captive Environment - Ostrich Husbandry: a Team Effort - A New Approach to Desensitization of Avians - In Our Backyards: What Keepers Can Do to Help with Local Conservation - Random Organization: Organizing an Enrichment Program at Lincoln Park Zoo - Twin Gorillas at the Oklahoma City Zoo - Is it Time for Commercial Bat Enrichment? - Establishing a Comprehensive Database of Training Projects Conducted at Zoological Institutions Through Development and Distribution of a Survey - Poster Presentations: Using a Variable Feeding and Training Schedule and How It Affects Asian Small-clawed Otters, Keepers, and Guests - Hand Raising a Baby Tamandua at the Memphis Zoo and Aquarium - Howlers Really Howl! - Raising Bigfoot - African Jacana Hand-Rearing at Disney’s Animal Kingdom - Enrichment Options for Zoo Avians - An Herbal Enrichment Garden: Growing Botanicals for Behavioral Enrichment - A Conservation Station Consistency Committee (CCC): A Keeper Driven Regulatory Initiative at Disney’s Animal Kingdom - - Workshop Summaries: Australasian Workshop 2001 - Rope Work for Dummies: A Hands-on Workshop - The Pause That Refreshes: a self-initiated shower (Enrichment Committe Workshop) - Behavioral Problem Solving in the Zoo Using the Principles of Problem Based Learning - Animal Behavior Management Committee, Taxon-Specific Training: An Interactive Roundtable Discussion - AND MUCH MORE ! Animal Keeper s Forun, VoL 28, No. 12 473 :200i poceed i n willow > elm. The consumption data was compared by amount consumed and by the percent consumed of the amount offered. From both analyses it is clear that the bats chose to eat mulberry browse. (Although it is important to note that the mulberry consumption was not significantly different than willow.) The following attempts to explain why the bats consumed more mulberry than elm and willow. The bats may choose the mulberry browse because it has a higher ash content than the other two browse types. Therefore it is possible that the bats are selecting for a higher mineral composition in the browse that they consume. This is significant considering the base diet they were consuming was slightly low in magnesium, potassium, sodium and iron when compared to the probable diet requirements (Table 2). Cmde protein was highest in the elm browse and it is interesting to note that the browse with the highest CP content was the least favorite for the bats to consume. It has been suggested that bats eat leaves in order to fulfill their protein requirements (Zortea and Mendes, 1993). As mulberry had the second highest amount of protein, perhaps it was adequate for the nutritional needs of the bat. The bat diet in this trial was slightly deficient in CP when compared to the Old World Primate requirements and perhaps they chose the browse type with the lower protein because they did not need additional CP to aid in meeting their requirements. It has been shown in protein deficient rats (Heinrichs, 1 990) and growing pigs (Bradford and Gous, 1992) that animals deficient in protein can select foods to meet their requirements and perhaps the bats are also able to do this. But it is not clear from this study. 480 Animal Keeper s Forun, Vol. 28, No. 12 In general, fruits ean supply frugivorous bats with suffieient nitrogen (Herbst, 1986); however, ripe fruits are rich in calories but poor in protein (Milton, 1980; Thomas 1984). Therefore a bat consuming mainly ripe fruits could be deficient in CP and need the extra protein from the browse leaves. It has been suggested that folivory by leaf fractionation is more energetically advantageous than the ingestion of low-protein fruit (Thomas, 1984; Kunz and Ingalls, 1994). Fruit bats have longer intestines and stomachs than insectivorous bats (Richardson et al., 1987 as cited in Kunz and Ingalls, 1994) and it was suggested by Tedman and Hall (1985) that the fruit bat required the elongated tract in order to absorb the protein from the soluble components of the fruits and leaves that they consume. Although the bats in this paper did not chose to eat the leaves containing the highest amount of CP, it is still possible that they are consuming the browse that best meet their nutritional needs. The mulberry browse also had the lowest dry matter composition (although not significantly different from elm). Therefore, the bats may be selecting for a diet that provides adequate nutrients at as low a density as possible. It is also a possibility that the bats are preferring the browse that has the highest moisture fraction. It has already been noted that the bats only consume the moisture fraction and therefore may chose the browse types that provide the most water. When fiber was analyzed, there were no significant differences in ADF content, mulberry was lower than the other two browse types in hemicellulose content and all three browses differed in their NDF content. It is possible, that the bats are selecting against the higher hemicellulose content of the elm browse. The browse samples were not analyzed for cellulose or lignin; however, the digestibility of hemicellulose is directly related to that of cellulose and inversely related to lignin (Van Soest, 1994). Therefore, the bats could be selecting against both cellulose and hemicellulose and selecting for lignin. This theory, however, it not logical considering that lignin is relatively indigestible in most mammals. Popular thought reports that bats consume very little of the fiber they ingest because the moisture fraction is separated from the fiber before ingestion takes place (Thomas, 1984; Kuntz and Diaz, 1995). This careful mastication allows the bat to ingest only fluids, leaving the fiber behind and permitting food transit times as low as 20 minutes (Thomas, 1 984). With transit times this low, the bat can eat multiple low protein fruits and browse that will eventually add up to the daily nutrient requirements needed. Previous research has shown that bats are quite efficient at extracting nutrients and energy from fruit (Herbst, 1982) and therefore the additional nutrients from the browse may help provide an adequate diet. Therefore, the fiber content of the browse the bats ingest is most likely not a selection parameter. The bats seemed to choose their browse by the ash, possibly crude protein, and dry matter values instead. Although not discussed in the research presented, other leaf components may play important roles in the health of the Rodrigues Fruit Bat. Plant leaves may contain tannins that could possibly hinder protein digestion; therefore bats may select against plants the contain tannins (Kunz and Ingalls, 1994). Plant leaves may also contain phytoestrogens that mimic estrogens and it has been suggested that they are important for the successful reproduction of the bat (Kunz and LeBalnc, 1996). These phytoestrogens may help or hinder the reproductive process depending on the amount actually ingested by the bat. Conclusion Continuing research into the reasons behind why fruit bats consume leaves is needed. The Rodrigues Fruit Bat is an endangered animal and the more that is known about its diet; the better the species will be maintained both in the wild and captivity. From the research presented, it is clear that the Brookfield Zoo Rodrigues Fruit Bat consumes browse and that it prefers some browse types to others. It appears that the fruit bats select their favorite browse according to the mineral, crude protein and moisture content they need to meet their requirements via. Future studies will hopefully detail and clarify the reasons that these mammals eat leaves. Animal Keeper ’s Forun, Vol. 28, No. 12 481 Acknowledgements We are most grateful for the nutrient analysis support from Brookfield Zoo nutritionist Kerri Slifka and Memphis Zoo nutritionist Mike Maslanka. We also thank the mammal keepers in the Fragile Kingdom department at Brookfield Zoo who assisted in data collection. Most notable: Margaret Gonio, Karissa Hejza, Carolyn Hunt and Jason Photiades. Literature Cited AO AC. 1963. Use of detergents in the analysis of fibrous feeds. II. A rapid method for the determination of fiber and lignin. AO AC. 1995. Official Methods of Analysis (16''' Ed.). Association of Official Analytical Chemists, Arlington, VA. Bradford, M.M.V. and Gous, R.M. 1992. The response of weaner pigs to a choice of foods differing in protein content. Animal Production. 55(2):227-232. Dempsey, J.L. 1999. Advances in fruit bat nutrition. In Zoo and wild animal medicine: Current therapy 4:354-360. Fowler, M.E. and Miller, R.E. (eds). Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Company. Heinrichs, S.C., Deutsch, J.A., and Moore, B.O. 1990. Olfactory self-selection of protein- containing foods. Physiology and Behavior. 47(3):409-413. Herbst, L.H. 1982. Nutritional analyses and digestibility of the wet season fruits consumed by Carollia perspicillata in Parque Nacional Santa Rosa, Costa Rico. Bat Research News. 23(4):71. Herbst. L.H. 1986. The role of nitrogen from fruit pulp in the nutrition of the frugivorous bat Carollia perspicillata. Biotropica. 18(l):39-44. Kunz, T.H., and Ingalls, K.A. 1994. Folivory in bats: an adaptation derived from frugivory. Functional Ecology. 8:665-668. Kunz, T.H., and Diaz, D.A. 1995. Folivory in fruit-eating bats, with new evidence from Artibeus jamaicensis (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae). Biotropica 27(1): 106- 120. Kunz, T.H., and LeBlanc, D.M. 1996. Leaf-eating habits of “Fruit Bats”. Pteropus. March The Lubee Foundation. Pp. 2. LeBlanc, D., Field, A. and Roberts, J. 1993. Browsing: Encouraging folivory in flying foxes. The Shape of Enrichment. Vol.2, No. 4. Pp. 12. LeBlanc, D. 1999. Bat Enrichment Survey. The Lubee Foundation, Inc. Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 26, No.7, Pp. 267-285. Lowry, J.B. 1989. Green-leaf fractionation by fruit bats: Is this feeding behavior a unique nutritional strategy for herbivores. Aust. Wild. Res. 16: 2. 203-206. Milton, K. 1981. Food choice and digestive strategies for two sympatric primate species. American Nature. 117: 496-505. Nowak, R.M. 1999. Walker’s Mammals of the World Vol. I (6“' Ed.). The John Hopkins University Press. Baltimore and London. Pp. 264-271. National Research Council. Nutrient requirements of nonhuman primates. Number 14. Washington, D.C., National Academy Press, 1978. Pettigrew, J.D. 1986. Are flying foxes really primates? Bats. 3:2: 1-2. Richardson, K.C., Stuebing, R.B. and Normah, H.K. 1987. Alimentary tract morphology and digesta transit of some Malaysian chiropterans. Indo-Malayan Zoology. 4:399-412. Tedman, R.A. and Hall, L.S. 1985. The morphology of the gastrointestinal tract and food transit time in the fruit bats Pteropus alecto and P. poliocephalus. Australian Journal of Zoology. 33:625-640. Thewissen, JG and Babcock, S.K. 1991. Distinctive cranial and cervical innervation of wing muscles: new evidence for bat monophyly. Nature. 251:934-936. Van Soest, P. 1994. Nutritional Ecology of the Ruminant. 2nd Ed. Cornell University Press. Ithaca. Pp.156-195. Whitman, K. 1999. American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) conservation and science annual report for the Rodriguez Fruit Bat. Zortea, M. and Mended, S.L. 1993. Folivory in the big fruit-eating bat, Artibeus lituratus (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in eastern Brazil. Journal of Tropical Ecology. 9:117-120. 482 Animal Keeper’s Forun, Vol. 28, No. 12 Rod riquGS F ruit Bat C onservaiion in ti By Kim Whitman, Rodrigues fruit bat SSP Coordinator Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, PA Rodrigues fruit bats, Pteropus rodricensis, are an endangered species found only on the tiny island of Rodrigues in the Western Indian Ocean. In 1976 when this species was considered one of the rarest bats in the world, a captive colony was established to ensure against possible extinction in the wild. Rodrigues fruit bats at Black River Aviaries, Mauritius, site of one of the original captive colonies. Loss of forest cover is one of the primary causes for the bats’ decline. Deforestation also results in erosion that destroys farm land and suffocates surrounding coral reefs. In order to have more information on which to base captive management decisions, in 1 995 Philadelphia Zoo staff organized a field study to assess genetic diversity in the wild population of bats. We captured bats in mist nets and took a small tissue sample for genetic analysis. While on Rodrigues, Philadelphia Zoo staff used a bat education trunk created by AZA’s bat TAG to teach children about bat biology, natural history, and conservation. The bat education lessons were both popular and effective. Animal Keeper s Forun, Vol. 28, No. 12 483 The photo above shows the topsoil erosion on a Rodrigues farm. Such erosion | is caused by deforestation which in turns wipes out bat habitat. ' In 1998 Mary Jane Raboude was hired by a local NGO with funding provided by AZA’s Conservation Endowment Fund and Disney’s Wildlife Conservation Fund to continue environmental education on Rodrigues. V Raboude encourages and supports local environmental initiatives such as replanting native | tree species, cleaning up streams and beaches, and sustainable use of local resources. ; I ? 484 Animal Keeper s Forun, Vol. 28, No. 12 filWt IIIIAMHS O 1 1 0 O N WnmllMfirl Frirl* Raboude is an information conduit for Rodrigues. Her twice monthly radio presentationsd have covered solid waste management, endemic species, water conservation, and recycling, to name a few. Since 1999, the Rodrigues environmental educator has been funded by grants and donatiuons from many zoos and other organizations (including the Portland AAZK Chapter). Donors receive monthly reports of Raboude ’s activities and are recognized in all presentations and publications. To help support environmental education on Rodrigues, contact the author at whitman. kimberly@phillyzoo.org< Animal Keeper ’s Forun, Vol. 28, No. 12 485 End anqere dPkil ippine Epuit Bat Captive Breedina Project rojec By Fred Swengel, Tropics Keeper Minnesota Zoo. Apple Valley, MN The Philippines has been described as the Galapagos Islands times ten: more than 500 species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians exist nowhere else than this 7000 island archipelago (Heaney & Regalado, 1998). Unfortunately, this fauna is considered by some to be the most seriously threatened on earth and the once vast old growth forests now cover only 3 % of the nation (Mittermeier et. al, 1 999; Conservation International, 2000). Among the many spectacular species unique to the Philippines is the world’s largest bat, the golden-crowned flying fox (Acerodon jubatus). This endangered bat has been selected as the flagship species for a captive breeding project for several threatened fruit bats at the Center for Tropical Conservation Studies (CenTrop) in Dumaguete City on the Philippine island of Negros. The project is collaboration between CenTrop and The Lubee Foundation, the Minnesota Zoo, and the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau. Fruit bat enclosures at CenTrop ’s breeding facility. The Breeding Project CenTrop was created in 1 989 at Silliman University focussing on research and conservation of terrestrial ecosystems in southern Negros. As an outgrowth of a study on bat demography and ecology by Ruth Utzurrum, a Silliman University student, one of CenTrop’s first projects involved the construction of bat enclosures at Camp Lookout on the slopes of Mt. Talinis. The Lubee Foundation has helped fiand 486 Animal Keeper s For un, Vol. 28, No. 12 the breeding project since 1991. Early breeding successes included white-winged flying fox (Pteropus leucopterus) and little golden-mantled flying fox {P. pumilus). A dozen little golden-mantled flying foxes were exported to the Lubee Foundation in 1992 where they had increased to 35 in 2000. An attempt to establish a captive population of the endangered Philippine tube-nosed fruit bat {Nyctimene rabori) was unsuccessful. Golden-crowned flying foxes have not yet successfully raised young at the facility. Logistic problems related to the remoteness of the Camp Lookout site and the need to replace the existing bat enclosures led to the transfer of all bats to two new outdoor flight cages at CenTrop’s captive breeding facility on the campus of Silliman University in Dumaguete City in 2000. These dome-shaped flight cages measure approximately 8m x 4m x 3m high. Fruit trees are in an early stage of planting inside the trees and should reach the roof in about a year. In December 2000 the bat collection consisted of 2. 1 golden-crowned flying fox, 1.1 giant flying fox {P. vampyrus), 2.2.2 white-winged flying fox, 6.2 little golden- « crowned flying fox, and 2.1.1 island flying fox (P hypomelanus). The ultimate goal of the project is to release animals back into the wild in habitats that are protected by local communities. Additional Golden-crowned flying fox goals include conducting field studies on wild (Acerodon jubatus) at the populations of threatened bats and the development CenTrop facility of conservation education programs focussing on communities located next to existing or former fruit bat colonies. The Bats Nine species of fruit bat with a range restricted to the Philippines are considered threatened (Wildlife Conservation Society of the Philippines, 1997). The primary threats are habitat destruction and heavy hunting pressure (fruit bats are widely eaten in rural communities). The golden-crowned flying fox once had a population numbering in the millions with some colonies having as many as 150,000 individuals (Heaney & Regalado, 1998). The bat’s current habitat has been greatly reduced in size and only one very large (~ 50,000 in the Sierra Madre wilderness of Luzon) and several small colonies containing a few thousand individuals each remain. A colony in the former naval base at Subic Bay has even become a tourist attraction. These bats with a wingspan of up to 1 550 mm and a weight of up to 1 200 g (Kunz & Jones, 2000) play Animal Keeper ’s Forun, Vol. 28, No. 12 487 The Future In addition to supporting the captive breeding project at CenTrop, future projects will likely focus on providing small grants to Philippine bat surveys and other field research projects. Many areas have never been scientifically explored with several new bat species being discovered in the last few years and another being rediscovered after long being feared extinct. The fauna of the Philippines faces an uncertain future as the battle continues to preserve the last remnants of original forest. The important ecological role and the charismatic presence of these giant flying mammals may aid in preserving this Galapagos times ten. a key role in the maintenance of rain forests. The seeds of figs that they have eaten pass rapidly through their bodies and are excreted as they fly. Fig trees play a crucial role in colonizing denuded landscapes since the seedlings can withstand full sun (Heaney & Regalado, 1998). Tourists (above) view the fruit bats at Subic Bay in The Phillipines. At left, flying fox colony roosting in trees at Subic Bay. 488 Animal Keeper’s Forun, Vol. 28, No. 12 References Conservation International (2000) Conservation International Philippines. Conservation International - Philippines, Quezon City. Heaney, L.R. & J.C. Regalado (1998) Vanishing treasures of the Philippine rain forest. The Field Museum, Chieago. Kunz, T.H. & D.P. Jones (2000) ''Pteropus vampyrus." Mammalian Species 642: 1-6. Mittermeier, R.A., N. Myers, & C.G. Mittermeier (1999) Hotspots: Earth ’s biologically richest and most endangered terrestrial ecoregions. Cemex, Mexieo City. Wildlife Conservation Soeiety of the Philippines (1997) Philippine red data book. Bookmark, Makati. Rodrigues Fruit Bat Poster '^NEVW*’ Original Rodrigues fruit bat full color photo and design with island set in the background. Conservation message at the bot- tom: Found only on Rodrigues Is- land in the Indian Ocean, the golden bat (Pteropus rodricensis) is one of the most endangered bat species in the world. As a result of habitat destruction, there are only about 2,000 bats left in the wild. Bat organizations in North America are helping to ensure the survival of this species by support- ing conservation efforts on Rodrigues. All proceeds go to sup- port the Rodrigues SSP Environ- mental Educator Program. Cost is $2.25 for one poster plus $2.00 for postage. For each additional poster up to 6 there is no additional charge for post- age. Please contact: Pete Riger, Nashville Zoo, 3777 Nolensville Road, Nashville, TN 37211 or priger@msn.com Crinkles "Crinkles" The Bat Little Knottie Toy for infants and young children. Crinkles is 5" inches long with a 9" wingspan is made of bright colors, multiple textures, and fabric knots to stimulate little fingers! Made by LaMaze Infant Development System. Cost is $5.00 which includes postage. Please contact: Pete Riger, Nashville Zoo, 3777 Nolensville Road, Nashville, TN 37211 or priger@msn.com Animal Keeper s Forun, Vol. 28, No. 12 489 Is It Time for Commercial Bat Enrichment? By Dana LeBlanc, Animal Manager, The Lubee Foundation, Inc. \ And Robin Shewokis, Director, The Leather Elves ! 1309 NW 192"^ Ave. Gainesville, FI. 32609 \ The order Chiroptera represents almost one quarter of all known mammal species in the world | with approximately 950 species (Kunz and Pierson, 1 994). In North America, zoos and aquariums ! are placing a higher priority on exhibiting bats and using them in education programs (Mickleburgh j and Carroll, 1994; Fascione, 1996). This expansion means that a greater number of bats will be | cared for in a greater number of zoological and educational institutions in a wider variety of enclosures and holding areas. The need for bat enrichment will also expand to minimize i boredom, to stimulate natural behaviors ^nd to better their welfare. Bat enrichment traditionally i has been invented or adapted from other taxa by bat workers and managers. This exploration into what makes successful bat enrichment has taken time, a dedicated staff, and a budget for ! materials. New institutions that house just a few bats will have restraints on their time and of course a limited budget. For these institutions, an off the shelf commercial enrichment device may even save money once you factor in time, supplies, animal safety and mistakes. Commercial enrichment also offers the benefit of using a variety of materials that can provide a more finished product than homemade enrichment devices. A variety of commercial products have been utilized to provide enrichment for bats such as I mirrors, bells, parrot “toys,” cat “toys,” wooden baskets. Gummy Bones®, Kong Toys®, and Boomer Balls® (Atkinson, K. 1993; LeBlanc, 1999). Bats initially show interest in these novel objects, but if they are left in the enclosure habituation occurs (Kuczaj et. al. 1997). Other commercially available items are excellent platfonns for dietary enrichment such as suet cake holders, triple-tier fruit baskets, plastic chains with shower curtain rings, and fruit kabobs. Audiotapes of nature sounds, human perfume, hunting lures, cooking extracts and ground spices have also been utilized to provide acoustic or olfactory enrichment for bats. The enrichment value of these items certainly varies with each bat species, but they will increase the complexity of the captive environment, which can be a key to behavioral improvements (Carlstead, 1996). A variety of zoo animals such as primates, carnivores and birds have benefited from commercial enrichment devices that were specifically designed for them. Many of these devices such as puzzle feeders for primates are now common in zoos and aquariums and even laboratories. This evolution from keeper-invented enrichment to a commercially produced product has the final benefit that it gives zoo animals more enrichment options. Bats as a taxonomic group should also be able to benefit from this type of enrichment evolution. The Lubee Foundation, Inc. (Lubee), a private non-profit zoological institution dedicated towards captive management and conservation of Old World fruit bats, initiated a search to find a company that would be willing to develop bat enrichment ideas. The Leather Elves showed interest in this concept, which paralleled their primary business in marketing bird enrichment. They were also dedicated towards developing enrichment items for zoo animals at a reasonable price and had a solid record of working with keepers to fine tune homemade enrichment devices into a commercial product. Lubee had invented several enrichment devices for Old World fruit bats, which have been published in keeper journals such as the Shape of Enrichment, Animal Keepers ’Forum and the AAZK Enrichment Notebook, with the intent that these ideas would spread to other institutions with bats. For those who can build these devices the ideas are in print. For keepers who would like a commercially prepared product, the Leather Elves are now marketing several of these 490 Animal Keeper’s Forun, Vol. 28, No. 12 devices. They are also donating 5% of their sales on these devices back to the AZA Bat Taxon Advisory Group as a way to support bats in captivity. This article will highlight three enrichment devices: the nectar feeder, the browse tube and the gravity feeder. The nectar feeder is a special device that encourages foraging for fluids (LeBlane, 1997a; LeBlanc, 2001). New and Old World fruit bats feed on a variety of nectars during pollination and several species have elongated tongues for nectar feeding. This device stimulates this activity and can be utilized with a variety of fluids such as bottled water, herbal teas, maple sap, diluted gator-aid, and fruit juices. The special design of this feeder will also allow keepers to add ice or warm water to the basin below the feeding tubes to heat fluids in winter or to keep them cool in summer in outdoor exhibits. The nectar feeder can be utilized to encourage flight and climbing, which are enrichment priorities for fruit bats (LeBlanc and Seyjagat, 2000). Rodrigues fruit bat (Pteropus rodricensis) feeding at a nectar feeder. (Photo by Dana LeBlanc) The browse tube is a simple multi-task PVC feeder that can be utilized for feeding browse and flowers. Since browse can be limited in a zoo setting this device offers the alternative of using smaller cuttings. It also has the additional benefit of serving as a source of non-food enrichment (Stevens et. al. 1996; Pope et. al. 1997; LeBlanc, 1997b; LeBlanc, 2001), Dowels can be placed Animal Keeper ’s Forun, Vol. 28, No. 12 491 in the tube as simple objects that encourage play and manipulation. Olfactory scents can be placed on muslin bags, and put inside of the tube to safe guard from incidental ingestion since several refined olfactory products such as human perfume, hunting lures and plant extracts may have some toxicity if consumed. The browse tube encourages manipulation, exploration and natural foraging. The gravity feeder is a vertical PVC puzzle feeder, which encourages the animal to work for its food (LeBlanc, 2000; LeBlanc, 2001). The bat must lift a short sliding PVC tube that covers a feeding port in order to get a liquid reward. This tube will fall with gravity once the bat releases it, thus covering the feeding port. The device can be filled with a variety of liquids such as herbal teas, maple sap, diluted Gatorade® or fruit juices. Several species of flying foxes at the Lubee Foundation, Inc. have quickly learned to use this device. The gravity feeder encourages manipulation and foraging. j This initial step from homemade enrichment to commercial product will hopefully increase i opportunities for bat enrichment in captivity. With over 44 species Malayan flying fox (Pteropus vampyrus) and Rodrigues of bats kept in approximately 100 fruit bat (Pteropus rodricensis) foraging on a browse tube, zoological institutions worldwide, (Photo by Dana LeBlanc) certainly, I believe it is time for commercial bat enrichment (ISIS, 1 994). Hopefully this project will encourage others to invent and document enrichment ideas | for these unique mammals. i References i Atkinson, K. 1993. Environmental enrichment iox Pteropus at the Lubee Foundation, Inc. AZA ! Regional Conference Proceedings, pp. 195-200. | Carlstead, K. 1996. Effects of captivity on the behavior of wild mammals. In Wild Mammals in ' Captivity. Editors: D. Kleiman, M. Allen, K. Thompson, and S. Lumpkin. The University of Chicago Press. Chicago and London, pp. 317-333. Fascione, N. 1996. The evolving role of American zoos in bat conservation. BATS, Vol. 14, No. 1, Spring issue, Pp. 8-14. ISIS Mammal Abstract. 1994. International Species Information System. Apple Valley, MN. USA. 492 Animal Keeper s Forun, Vol. 28, No. 12 Kunz, T. and Pierson, E. 1994. Bats of the World: An Introduction. In Walker’s Bats of the World. Editor; Ronald Nowak. The Johns Hopkins University Press. Baltimore and London, pp. 1-46. Kuczaj, S., Lacinak, C., Tompkins, C. and Fad, O. 1997. Why do environmental enrichment devices become less enriching? 3'^^’ International Conference on Environmental Enrichment. Sea World: Orlando, Florida. LeBlanc, D. 1997a. Nectar feeding as an enrichment technique with island flying foxes (Pteropus hypomelanus). Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 24, No. 1. Pp. 18-26. LeBlanc, D. 1997 b. Gift of flowers to a bevy of megabats. The Shape of Enrichment. Vol. 6, No. 4. November issue. LeBlanc, D. 1999. Bat Enrichment Survey. Animal Keepers” Forum. 26(7): 267-285. LeBlanc, D. and Seyjagat, J. 2000a. Ten enrichment priorities for bats in captivity. AZA Annual Conference Proceedings. In print. Orlando, Florida. LeBlanc, D. 2000. Gravity feeders for Old World fruit bats. The Shape of Enrichment. Vol. 9, No. 3. August issue. LeBlanc, D. 2001. Fruit bat enrichment at the Lubee Foundation, Inc. Published by the Lubee Foundation, Inc. Gainesville, Florida. Mickleburgh, S. and Carroll, J.B. 1994. The role of captive breeding in the conservation of Old World fruit bats. In: Creative Conservation: Interactive Management of Wild and Captive Animals. Edited by P.J.S. Olney, G.M. Mace and A.T.C. Feistner. Chapman Hall, London, pp. 352 - 364. Pope, B., Kirkpatrick M. and LeBlanc, D. 1997. Fruit bats, sticks, and non-food enrichment. The Shape of Enrichment. Vol. 6, No. 3. August issue. Stevens, B., LeBlanc, D., and Gutman, R. 1996. The nose knows: Olfactory enrichment for fruit bats. The Shape of Enrichment. Vol. 5, No. 2. May issue. Contact Information: Leather Elves - Phone: (781) 331-8557; website:www.leatherelves.com Malayan flying fox (Pteropus vampyrus) utilizes a gravity feeder. {Photo by Dana LeBlanc) Animal Keeper s Forun, Vol 28, No. 12 493 Oh >f c [five Pup- servaiion oi v_^oopGraiive t-^up-rearinq in vSt raw- colored Fruit Bats {Eidolon helvum) By Pamela Lewis, Bird Keeper Jacksonville Zoological Garden Jacksonville, FL With their large eyes, tawny fur, and long, narrow wings, the straw-colored fruit bats {Eidolon helvum), exhibited in the Seronera Overlook region of the Jacksonville Zoological Gardens, are one of the favorite animals for guests of the park to visit. Native to the forests and savannas of sub-Saharan Africa, these close relatives of the “flying foxes” (family Pteropodidae) are members of the Old World fruit bats (Nowak, 1991). Incapable of echolocation as found in the microchiropterans, the group relies upon enlarged eyes, good hearing and a keen sense of smell to locate ripened fruit and for predator avoidance (Kingdon, 1974). Active and vocal at times throughout the day, the species naturally prefers to roost in trees, but may also be found in caves (Nowak, 1991). To this end, our bats generally have access to roosting sites in the trees of the primary exhibit as well as a darkened, climate-controlled indoor night house. Gregarious and social in nature, our breeding population currently consists of 13 (5.8) individuals. They are housed in a mixed-species exhibit and coexist with a female group of Ruwenzori long-haired fruit bats {Rousettus lanosus), as well as Livingstone’s turacos {Tauraco corythaix linigstonii), lilac-breasted rollers {Coracias caudata), Kenya-crested guinea fowl {Guttera pucherani), white-vented bulbuls {Pyconotus barbatus) and Bell’s hingeback tortoises {Kinixys belliana nogueyi). Fruits, including apples, oranges, bananas and melons, are hung throughout the exhibit to encourage active foraging and natural behavior and to discourage food competition. Aside from the apparent anatomical differences, adult males of the colony may be distinguished somewhat from the females due to the orange cast of the ruff, the region pertaining to the foreneck and sides of the neck (Nowak, 1991). Breeding activity in our colony may occur throughout the year, but seems to peak in fall, with births occurring between January and May of the following year. Females are capable of breeding by two years of age and following a gestation period of approximately four months, will typically give birth to one young per year. The gestation period may be lengthened by three to five months due to the species ability to delay implantation. Overall gestation periods then range between seven and nine months, perhaps the longest of any bat (Yalden and Morris, 1975). The neonate nurses from one of two mammae located at the sides of the mother’s thorax. Generally within two weeks prior to birth, our expectant females segregate themselves from the bulk of the colony into a nursery. Complete with “guards” and “helpers”, the areas are effectively sealed from the rest of the colony. During the winter months, this area is located in the back comer of the night house. Three guards are usually positioned to form a dividing line. While the nursery is typically “females only” (neonates excluded), individual males are allowed entrance on occasion. An adult male was observed assisting one of four females with the afterbirth process, consuming placenta and the remains of the umbilical cord. Although assistance from other females had been documented in some cases beginning with the birth of our second pup, this was the first observation of male assistance. Aside from its primary purpose, the nursery may also function as an infirmary, given that an injured 494 Animal Keeper’s Forun, Vol. 28, No. 12 male with a facial abscess remained in the area for over a week until recovery was complete. Although mild quarrels are common, we have been fortunate thus far in having few injuries. Following four births in 1999 and seven in the year 2000, our colony has nearly doubled in size. No evidence of “pup-swapping” was documented until “Avon”, one of our younger females, gave birth to the fourth pup of the year in April 2000. Although not hand-reared, she is quite “friendly” towards the staff. Within a few hours after giving birth, the new pup was being carried and nursed by “Mama i Cass”, a veteran that had given birth in 1999. The ’’surrogate mother” had left her two-month-old baby in the night house in order to nurse the newcomer. Although carried and nursed primarily by the birth mother, the new pup was observed on several occasions to be carried by other lactating females. It soon became a daily challenge for keepers to load up the transponder reader and to determine which mother had each pup. Later in the month, we experienced our first loss when an experienced mother named “Gaia” dropped a newborn pup. This event was most likely stress-induced and related to activities surrounding the exhibit. An attempt was made to reunite the infant with the mother, without success. The keepers and hospital staff then resorted to hand rearing, but she succumbed to pulmonary congestion within the week. The infant was also plagued with injuries sustained from the fall. After the loss, “Gaia” became the primary surrogate for “Avon’s” pup. The chain of events continued with “Camille” giving birth in May 2000. “Camille” was physically unmistakable with a large bare patch on her neck. Within a couple of hours, the new infant was also being carried and nursed by “Gaia”. Due to time constraints and a lack of surveillance equipment, our observations have been intermittent at best. Thanks should be given to the staff of the Lubee Foundation, who assisted us in color-banding the thumbs, allowing ease in discerning individuals. Possible future plans include purchase and installation of video equipment to increase the number of observations and to capture the birthing process without human interference. Given that our colony is growing “by leaps and bounds”, there will likely be some form of segregation (either split into two breeding groups or separation of gender) in the near future. Although “pup-swapping” has not been documented in the literature for this species in the past, our observations provide evidence that such behavior does occur. The underlying reasons and whether the behavior occurs naturally are unknown. Observations will continue into the next birthing season to possibly determine if this was a “one-time” event, induced by a young, inexperienced mother needing assistance and followed by the loss of a pup to another. A more scientific approach when we enter that upcoming time period will hopefully allow us to ascertain many of these variables. Literature Cited Kingdon, Jonathan. 1974. East African Mammal; an Atlas of Evolution in Africa, Volume II, Part A (Insectivores and Bats). Pgs. 146-152. The University of Chicago Press. Nowak, Ronald M. 1991. Walker’s Mammals of the World; Fifth Edition, Volume I. Pgs. 195-197 The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore and London. Yalden, D.W. and P.A. Morris. 1975. The Lives of Bats. David and Charles. Animal Keeper s Forun, Vol 28, No. 12 495 Institutions wishing to advertise employment opportunities are asked to send pertinent data by the 10th of each month to: Opportunity Knocks/AKF, 3601 SW 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614- 2054. 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 their AKF until the middle of the month or later. There is no charge for this service and fax or e-mail listings of positions which become available close to deadline are accepted. Our Fax is (785) 273-1980; e-mail: alrfeditor@kscable.com< We are no longer located at the Topeka Zoo, so please note new address to avoid delays in processing. GORILLA FOREST SUPERVISOR...l\iQ Louisville Zoological Garden is seeking a Gorilla Forest Supervisor that will provide excellent leadership skills in training , administrative and computers with the following MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in Biology or Zoology including course work in behavioral science. Two years experience working with animals in an institutional setting. One year experience in a supervisory capacity. An equivalent combination of training and experience may be substituted, (i.e. Associate’s Degree with 1 2 semester hours in Biology or Zoology and four years of documented experience working with animals in an institutional setting plus the required supervisory experience). DESIRABLES: Knowledge of PC usage and various software. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license. Willingness to participate in a prophylactic health care program. Must obtain certification of shotgun training classes. Willingness to work overtime. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS: Lifts and carries materials weighing up to 100 pounds. Sufficient mobility, vision and hearing are needed to ensure a safe work environment. Spends prolonged periods of time sitting, standing, walking, climbing, carrying, stooping, bending, reaching and stretching . Must be able to tolerate inclement weather. Jefferson County Residency is a Requirement. Applications (including resume, letters of reference, transcripts) must be received by Friday, 14 December lOOland sent to: City of Louisville, Department of Human Resources, 609 W. Jefferson Street, Louisville, KY 40202. We are an equal opportunity employer. ZQOKEEPER/ASIAN DOMAIN. ..requires 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 as a back-up handler in a free-contact program. All candidates must have the ability to lift 80 lbs. and a willingness to work outdoors. A willingness to work weekends, holidays and/or overtime is also required. Salary commensurate with experience. Send resume and three professional references to: Recruitment/ Zookeeper- Asian Domain, Audubon Nature Institute, P.O. Box 4327, New Orleans, Louisiana 70178; fax (504) 866-4236 or e-mail to mbumett@.auduboninstitute.org SENIOR ZOO KEEPER - A7’5'...Responsible for providing lead direction, overseeing and participating in the feeding, care and maintenance necessary for the health and well-being of zoo animals at the Chaffee Zoological Gardens of Fresno. The current vacancy includes responsibility for the elephants and a variety of other exotic animals in a protected contact program. Requires: Thirty units of accredited college level course work in animal science, zoology, biology, wildlife management, or related field; and two years of journey level paid experience in protected contact with elephants in a zoo setting which included care, handling, and feeding. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on the basis that fifteen semester units equals one year of experience. Salary range $2,304 - $2,804/mo. City application and supplemental form required and may be obtained from: City of Fresno Human Resources, 2600 Fresno Street, Fresno, CA 93721, (559) 498- 1 575. Job announcement and employment applications are also available on City of Fresno Website at: www.ci.fresno.ca.us. Filing deadline is 5:00 p.m., Friday, 4 January 2002. POSTMARKS ARE NOT ACCEPTED. EOE Positions posted with AAZK, Inc. may also be found on our website at www.aazk.org Also, you may want to check out the AZA Member Institution job listings at h ttp://www. aza. org 496 Animal Keeper’s For un, Vol. 28, No. 12 AAZK Membership Application check here if renewal [ ] Name _ Address City State/Province Zip U.S. Members Canadian Members □ 1 $35.00 Professional 1 Paid Animal Care Professional □ 1 $35.00 Professional 1 Paid Animal Care Professional □ j $30.00 Affiliate 1 Other staff & volunteers □ 1 $35.00 Affiliate 1 Other staff & volunteers □ 1 $30.00 Associate Those not connected with an animal facility □ 1 $35.00 Associate Those not connected with an animal facility □ 1 $60.00 or up - Individuals \ Contributing/U.S. □ 1 $60 or up - Individuals \ Contributing/Canada □ j $100.00 or up 1 Institutional/U.S. Organizations / Institutions (requires Board approval) □ 1 $100.00 or up 1 Institutional/Canada Organizations ! 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