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The  Journal  of  the  American 
Association  of  Zoo  Keeners.  Inc. 


JUIy2006 


ANIMAL  KEEPERS’  FORUM.  3601  S.W.  29th  St.,  Suite  133,  Topeka,  KS  66614-2054 
Phone:  1-800-242-4519  (U.S.)  1-800-468-1966  (Canada)  FAX  (785)  273-1980 


July  2006 
Vol.  33,  No.  7 


AKF  Managing  Editor:  Susan  D.  Chan  • Associate  Editors  • Kayla  Grams,  Grand  Junction,  CO;  Mark  de 
Denus,  Reid  Park  Zoo;  Jolene  Hamrick,  Tucson,  AZ  • Enrichment  Options  Coordinators:  Dawn  Neptune, 
Utah’s  Hogle  Zoo  & Rachel  Daneault,  Disney’s  Animal  Kingdom  • Legislative/Conservation  Outlook  Column 
Coordinator:  Georgann  B.  Johnston,  Sacramento,  CA.  • ABC’s  Column  Coordinator:  Diana  Guerrero,  Big 
Bear  Lake,  CA  • Reactions  Column  Coordinator:  William  K.  Baker,  Jr.,  Little  Rock  Zoo 

Animal  Keepers’  Forum  is  published  monthly  by  the  American  Association  of  Zoo  Keepers,  Inc.,  3601  S.W.  29th 
Street,  Suite  133,  Topeka,  KS  66614-2054.  Ten  dollars  of  each  membership  fee  goes  toward  the  annual  publication 
costs  of  Animal  Keepers’  Forum  . Postage  paid  at  Topeka,  KS. 

AAZK  Executive  Director:  Ed  Hansen,  AAZK,  Inc.,  Topeka  KS 

also  serves  as  AAZK  Liaison  to  the  American  Zoo  & Aquarium  Association  (AZA) 

AAZK  Administrative  Secretary:  Barbara  Manspeaker,  AAZK,  Inc.,  Topeka,  KS 


BOARD  OF  DIRECTORS 

Denise  Wagner,  The  Phoenix  Zoo,  Phoenix,  AZ  85008 

Shane  Good,  Cleveland  Metroparks  Zoo,  Cleveland,  OH  44109 

Jacque  Blessington,  Kansas  City  Zoological  Gardens,  Kansas  City,  MO  64132-4200 

Andy  Henderson,  Lincoln  Park  Zoo,  Chicago,  IL  60614-4712 

Norah  Famham,  Woodland  Park  Zoo,  Seattle, WA  98103-5858 


President 
Vice  President 


COMMITTEES/COORDINATORS 

By-laws 

Chair  - Gisela  A.  Wiggins,  North  Carolina  Zoo 
Grants  Committee 
Chair  - Shelly  Roach,  Columbus  Zoo 
Enrichment  Committee 
Co-Chairs  - Dawn  Neptune,  Utah’s  Hogle  Zoo 
and  Amy  Burgess,  Disney’s  Animal  Kingdom 
Annual  Conferences 
Coordinator  - Ed  Hansen,  AAZK,  Inc. 

Professional  Development 

Chair  - Tammy  Schmidt,  Peoria  Zoo 

International  Outreach 

VACANT 

Interim  Contact  - Shane  Good,  Cleveland  Metroparks  Zoo 


Ethics 

Chair  - Denise  Wagner,  Phoenix  Zoo 
Awards 

Chair  - Janet  McCoy,  The  Oregon  Zoo 
Marketing  Resources 

Chair  - Kristen  Wolfe,  Disney’ s Animal  Kingdom 
Animal  Training  Committee 
Co-Chairs  - Angela  Binney,  Disney’s  Animal 
Kingdom  & Kim  Kezer,  Zoo  New  England 
Bowling  for  Rhinos  - 
Coordinator  - Patty  Pearthree,  Cary,  NC 
IZC  Coordinators 

Shane  Good,  Cleveland  Metroparks  Zoo  and 
Norah  Farnham,  Woodland  Park  Zoo 


MEMBERSHIP  SERVICES 

APT.  EDT  and  ATP  Forms 
AAZK  Administrative  Offices/Topeka 
AAZK  Website  - Liaison  to  Webmaster 
Denise  Wagner,  The  Phoenix  Zoo  and 
Kevin  Shelton,  Tampa,  FL 


AAZK  Historian 

Mark  Levin,  Plymouth  Meeting,  PA 
AAZK  Publications/Logo  Products 

AAZK  Administrative  Offices/Topeka 


AAZK  PUBLICATIONS  - CONTINUING  DATA  COLLECTION 

Resources  for  Crisis  Management  in  Zoos  & Other  Animal  Care  Facilities,  Vol.  2 - Susan  D.  Chan,  Topeka,  KS; 
William  K.  Baker,  Little  Rock  Zoo,  AR;  Diana  Guerrero,  ArkAnimals,  Big  Bear  Lake,  CA 


printed  on  Recycled  Paper 


r 


Table  of  Contents 


f 

About  the  Cover/Information  for  Contributors........... .....266 

Scoops  & Scuttlebutt.. 267  - 268 

j Coming  Events.... 269 

From  the  President 270 

I Loss  of  Global  Icon  for  Rhino  Conservation  - Tom  Foose  (1945-2006) .....271  - 272 

AAZK  Announces  New  Members 273 

i Conference  2006  - Zoo  Volution  - Notes  and  Updates ...274  - 275 

i Live  Wild!  Paw  Magnet  Order  Form 276 

I Enriching  Lives  One  Slice  at  a Time 278 

: Reactions  Column  {Exhibit  Landscaping  & Safety).. 279  - 280 

li  Scale  Training  the  Malayan  Flying  Fox 281  - 287 

Enrichment  Options  {Goeldi’s  Monkey  Puzzle  Feeder) 288  - 289 

Chapter  News  Notes.. 290 

The  Ups  and  Downs  of  Hand-Raising  Precocial  and  Allotricial  Birds  in  Zoos 291  - 298 

j AAZK  Data  Transfer  Forms  Available  Online 298 

What’s  in  a Name?  Su  Lin:  Past  and  Present 299  - 300 

AAZK  Chapter  Fundriaisng  Efforts  Support  The  Northern  Rangelands 

Endangered  Species  Program  for  Grevy’s  Zebra  in  Kenya 301  - 304 

Legislative/Conservation  Update 305  - 308 

Book  Reviews  {Practical  Wildlife  Care,  2nd  Edition  and 

Essentials  of  Disease  ibn  Wild  Animals)).. 309  - 310 

Opportunity  Knocks 311  - 312 


30th  Anniversary 
1974  - 2004 


J 


S^bout  tfie  Cover 

This  month ’s  cover  features  the  Ring-tailed  Lemur  (Lemur  catta)  drawn  by  Timothy  Jones,  a zoo  keeper 
from  the  Parks  at  Chehaw  in  Albany,  GA.  Like  all  primates  of  Madagascar,  the  lemurs  of  the  family 
Lemuridae  evolved  in  isolation  from  the  monkeys  and  apes  of  Africa.  The  Parks  at  Chehaw  is  home  to  the 
world ’s  first  free-ranging  lemur  exhibit.  The  staff  used  natural  and  existing  South  Georgia  woodland 
fenced  with  a hotwire  and  open-air  stream  barrier  to  perimeter  the  enclosure.  Sharing  the  exhibit  with 
the  Ring-tailed  are  Black  and  white  and  Red-ruffed  lemurs  (Varecia  variegatas  and  Varecia  variegata 
ruber),  and  also  Crowned  lemur  (Eulemur  coronatus).  All  have  long  bushy  tails  with  longer  hindlimbs 
than  forelimbs.  The  Ring-tailed  lemur  habitually  travels  on  the  ground  and  when  in  the  trees  prefers 
broad  horizontal  limbs  to  thin,  less  stable  branches.  It  is  the  only  primate  in  Madagascar  to  make  extensive 
use  of  the  ground.  Today  Madagascar  is  home  to  nearly  60  "taxa”  of  lemurs  (species,  sub-species,  and 
populations  from  33  species  across  5 families  and  14  genera)  ranging  in  size  from  the  2 5 -gram  pygmy 
mouse  lemur  (Microcebus  myoxinus)  to  the  indri  (Indri  indri  indri).  All  these  species  are  endemic  to 
Madagascar  giving  the  country  the  second  highest  number  of primate  species  after  Brazil.  Lifespans  for 
the  Ring-tailed  lemur  averages  16-19  years  in  the  wild.  The  oldest  Ring-tailed  lemur  in  captivity  died  at 
age  27.  Lemurs  are  considered  opportunistic  omnivores  eating  ripe  fruits,  leaves,  leaf  stems,  flowers, 
flower  stems,  exudates,  spiders,  spider  webs,  caterpillars,  cicadas,  insect  cocoons,  birds,  chameleons, 
cicadas,  grasshoppers,  and  even  dirt  from  termite  mounds.  Thanks,  Timothy! 

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.  Manuscripts  submitted  either  on  disk  or  electronically  as  attachments  to  an  email  should  be  submitted 
in  Microsoft  WORD.  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.  Photographs  may  be  submitted 
electronically  as  either  JPEG  or  TIFF  file  attachments. 

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,  fax  or  email  contributions  of  late-breaking  news  or  last-minute 
insertions  are  accepted  as  space  allows.  Phone  1-800-242-4519  (US);  1-800-468-1966  (Canada);  FAX 
(785)  273-1980;  email  is  akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com< 

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.  If  an  article  is  shown  to  be  separately  copyrighted  by  the 
author(s),  then  permission  must  be  sought  from  the  author(s).  Reprints  of  material  appearing  in  this  journal 
may  be  ordered  from  the  editor.  Back  issues  are  available  for  $4.00  each.  Special  issues  may  cost  more. 

E-Mail  Addresses:  You  may  reach  Barbara  Manspeaker  at  AAZK  Administrative  Offices  at: 
aazkoffice@zk.kscoxmail.com<  You  may  reach  Susan  Chan  and  Animal  Keepers’  Forum  at: 
akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com< 


AAZK  website  Address:  www.aazk.org 
BFR  Website:  http://aazkbfr.org 


266  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33,  No.  7 


Scoops  & Scuttlebutt 

Canadian  Chapter  Makes  Donation 

The  Southern  Ontario  Chapter  AAZK,  whose  members  are  from  the  Toronto 
Zoo,  have  made  a very  generous  $700.00  donation  to  AAZK,  Inc.’s  general 
operating  fimd.  This  donation  represents  their  profits  from  the  sale  of  their 
“Keeper  Profiles”  DVD.  The  Board  of  Directors  and  the  AAZK  Administrative 
Office  staff  would  like  to  thank  the  Toronto  keepers  for  their  support. 

And,  it  is  not  to  late  to  purchase  your  own  copy  of  this  hilarious  look  at  zoo  keepers  and  the  zookeeping 
profession.  The  DVD  also  features  seven  short  videos  made  especially  for  the  International  Congress 
of  Zookeeping.  The  cost  per  DVD  is  $15  (shipping  included).  You  may  order  a copy  by  sending  a 
check  made  out  to  “AAZK”  to:  AAZK/DVD,  c/o  Toronto  Zoo,  361 A Old  Finch  Ave.,  Scarborough, 
Ont.,  MIB  5K7,  Canada.  Include  your  name  and  mailing  address  and  an  email  address  if  you  would 
like  to  be  notified  of  when  the  item  is  shipped.  This  DVD  is  sure  to  be  a hit  at  your  next  zoo  gathering. 

Contact  Update  for  Professional  Development  Committee  Chair 

Please  be  aware  that  Tammy  Schmidt,  chair  of  the  AAZK  Professional  Development  Committee  has 
taken  a new  position  at  the  Peoria  Zoo,  Peoria,  IL.  Her  email  contact  there  is  tschmidt@peoriazoo.org< 

Bear  Keepers  TJstserv  Instituted 

The  bear  keepers’  forum  (bearkeepers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ) is  a listserv  for  bear  husbandry 
professionals  around  the  world.  We  invite  anyone  working  with  bears  in  zoological  parks  (public  & 
private),  sanctuaries,  rehabilitation  facilities,  as  well  as  academic  laboratories  to  join.  We  also  invite 
bear  enthusiasts  interested  in  husbandry  and  health  programs  for  captive  ursids.  In  addition  to  the 
links  available  on  the  group  page,  there  are  also  resources  available  on  http://www.bearkeepers.net> 
which  cater  to  husbandry  & training  professionals,  conservation  managers,  conservation  educators, 
wildlife  health  practitioners  and  field  researchers. 

Although  we  address  primarily  husbandry,  training,  enrichment  (behavioral  & environmental), 
propogation,  exhibit  design,  clinical  medicine,  preventive  medicine,  nutrition,  hand-rearing  and  ex 
situ  conservation  research  initiatives,  we  invite  field  researchers,  naturalists,  conservation  educators 
and  wildlife  managers  to  join  this  forum,  submited  by  Jordan  Schaul 

Opportunity  for  Keepers  to  Participate  in  Grevy’s  Zebra  Field  Conservation 

We  are  excited  to  offer  a fantastic  opportunity  for  keepers  to  participate  in  field  research  and 
conservation  for  the  endangered  Grevy’s  zebra  {Equus  grevyi).  Earthwatch  Institute  is  a non-profit 
organization  which  was  founded  in  1971.  Volunteers  can  choose  from  a list  of  over  125  research 
expeditions  which  are  ongoing  in  49  countries.  For  several  years,  Earthwatch  Institute  has  offered 
an  expedition  to  Kenya  and  an  opportunity  to  volunteer/participate  in  a scientific  research  project 
which  is  studying  competition  between  the  endangered  Grevy’s  zebra  and  livestock.  Eight  to  ten 
volunteers  participate  in  each  expedition  and  actively  take  part  in  wildlife  and  vegetation  data 
collection  for  the  project.  Expeditions  will  spend  one  week  each  in  Lewa  Wildlife  Conservancy  and 
in  the  town  of  Wamba  to  evaluate  and  compare  wildlife/livestock  competition  inside  and  outside 
protected  areas.  For  more  information  on  this  expedition  and  other  Earthwatch  trips,  you  may  visit 
www.earthwatch.org 

The  first-ever  zookeeper-only  Earthwatch  expedition  in  Kenya  took  place  this  spring  and  five  zoo 
staff  members  from  three  zoos  (Saint  Louis  Zoo,  San  Diego  Zoo  and  Minnesota  Zoo)  participated  in 
important  Grevy’s  zebra  field  research  in  Kenya.  All  five  gave  extremely  positive  feedback  about 
the  trip,  the  people  and  their  experiences  upon  their  return. 

This  is  not  only  a great  opportunity  for  keepers  to  become  directly  involved  in  field  conservation  for 
an  important  species  in  our  zoo  collections,  but  also  a tremendous  opportunity  for  zoo  staff  members 
to  experience  field  research  and  conservation  first-hand  and  return  to  their  jobs  to  enthusiastically 
share  their  newly-learned  knowledge  with  our  visitors.  While  traveling  through  northern  Kenya, 
the  keepers  who  participate  on  this  expedition  also  have  an  opportunity  to  study  and  see  many  other 


Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  7 267 


species  of  Kenyan  wildlife  - a vast  array  of  mammals,  birds,  reptiles  and  invertebrates  too  long  to  ! 
list  here.  They  also  have  opportunities  to  interact  with  members  of  the  Kenyan  communities  as  they  ! 
conduct  their  research.  Good  professional  development  is  offered  for  participants  as  they  learn  field 
research  skills  and  data  collection/management  techniques  and  as  they  actively  participate  in  an 
ongoing  research  project  in  the  field.  This  program  has  already  proven  to  be  a great  way  to  strengthen 
peer-relations  among  our  zoos  and  increase  information  sharing  among  zookeepers  in  North  America,  i 

Another  Grevy’s  Zebra  Keeper  Expedition  is  in  the  planning  stages  for  Spring  of  2007.  Included 
here  are  some  details  of  timing,  costs,  etc: 

Dates:  March  2007  (exact  dates  not  yet  known)  - trip  lasts  ~ 2 weeks  + travel  time. 

Cost:  Total  cost  $3,204.00/person,  airfare  not  included,  accommodations/meals  included 
(Earthwatch  has  kindly  reduced  their  rates  for  this  Keeper  expedition.  Cost  includes  $3,165.00  | 
expedition  & membership  cost  and  $39.00  mandatory  medical  insurance;  airfares  this  time  of  year 
are  usually  -$1500  if  you  buy  early) 

Team:  Limited  to  10  keepers  - Five  keepers  on  each  sub-team  (each  sub-team  will  spend  one  week 
in  Wamba  and  one  week  on  Lewa  Wildlife  Conservancy).  Spots  are  limited  to  10  and  these  spots 
will  be  filled  on  a first-come,  first-served  basis.  Already  seven  of  the  spots  have  been  reserved.  So, 
if  you  are  interested  in  reserving  a space  on  the  March  2007  expedition,  contact  Martha  Fischer  as 
soon  as  possible  at  fischer@stlzoo.org. 


If  you  have  questions  about  Earthwatch  or  about  this  particular  expedition,  Ms.  Fischer  can  put  you 
in  touch  with  an  Earthwatch  representative  who  can  answer  your,  questions  and/or  give  you  contact 
information  for  the  zoo  staff  members  who  participated  in  the  Earthwatch  trip  this  spring  for  more 
information. 


dpi 

If  you  are  someone  who  shops  for  your  books,  CDs,  DVDs,  etc  at  amazon.com,  you  have  a great 
opportunity  to  help  put  some  money  into  AAZK’s  bank  account  as  you  shop.  All  you  need  to  do  is 
go  to  the  AAZK  website  (www.aazk.org)  and  click  on  the  amazon.com  logo  on  the  righthand  side  of 
the  AAZK  home  page  and  you  are  ready  to  shop.  And  remember  a minimum  of  4%  of  your  purchase 
price  will  come  back  to  AAZK,  Inc.  For  any  nonprofit,  “passive  income”  a 7 AitH  Am* 
(income  which  costs  you  nothing  in  manpower  or  resources  to  generate)  ^ i.wUI  I f 

is  a wonderful  way  to  secure  extra  funds  to  help  support  AAZK’s 

programs  for  continuing  education,  conservation,  resource  publications,  etc.  So  the  next  time  you 
plan  to  shop  online  at  amazon.com,  please  enter  through  the  AAZK  home  page  - it’s  just  another 
way  you  can  help  your  professional  association  prosper  and  grow. 


Have  You  Sent  AQ  Yaur JE--mail  Address  Yet? 

In  order  to  better  communicate  with  our  members,  and  also  save  the  Association  the  rising  costs  of 
mailings/postage,  we  are  working  to  establish  an  AAZK  member  e-mail  database.  With  such  a 
database  we  would  be  able  to  send  out  electronic  membership  renewal  notices,  information  about 
upcoming  conferences,  and  other  Association  news.  In  order  to  make  this  work,  we  need  your  help. 
Please  send  an  e-mail  to  Barbara  Manspeaker  at  aazkoffice@zk.kscoxmail.com  with  the  words  “AAZK 
Email  Database”  in  the  subject  line.  Please  be  assured  that  your  e-mail  address  will  not  be  shared  with 
any  other  group  or  individual  without  your  express  permission.  We  are  simply  looking  for  ways  to 
stay  in  touch  with  you  as  a member  and  to  also  help  cut  the  costs  of  mailings  and  postage  for  the 
organization.  Thanks  in  advance  for  helping  us  achieve  this  cost-cutting  goal. 


Are  You  Moving? 

Make  sure  to  notify  AAZK  National  of  your  change  of  address.  Don’t  miss  a single  AKF  issue! 
Call:  1-800-242-4519  (US)  or  1-800-468-1966  (Canada)  or  you  can  email  change  of  address 
information  to:  aazkoffice@zk.kscoxmail.com< 


268  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol  33  No.  7 


Coming  Events 


AZAD  Regional  Conference  #1  - 2 1 -23  July,  2006 
at  Columbus  Zoo  & Aquarium,  Powell, OH.  Annual 
delegate  meeting  on  20  July.  Conference  capacity  is 
300  people.  For  info  contact  Joyce  Talkowski,  Co- 
chair, ohioregional@abc.net.  or:  Jim  Bartos,  Co- 
chair, j b a r t a z a d @ c o 1 u.in.bii.s.. xr.^c o.m;  or  see 
www.AZADocents.org 

Association  of  Avian  Veterinarians  - 6-10  August 
2006  in  San  Antonio,  TX.  For  information  please  visit 
www.conferenceoffice.com/aav  or  you  can  email 
aav@conferenceofFice.com:  phone  (303)  756-8380 

Turtle  Survival  Alliance  4th  Annual  Conference  - 

10-13  August  2006  in  St.  Louis,  MO.  Hosted  by  the 
St.  Louis  Zoo,  this  will  be  a joint  conference  with  the 
lUCN  Tortoise  and  Freshwater  Turtle  Specialist  Group. 
More  info  available  at  http://www.turtlesurvival.org 

The  Association  of  Zoo  Veterinary  Technicians  26th 

Annual  Conference  - 8-11  September  2006  at  the 
Toledo  Zoo,  Toledo,  OH.  If  you  would  like  more 
information  please  visit  www.azvt.org  or  contact 
Debbie  Paperd  at  the  Toledo  Zoo  (419)  385-5721  ext. 
2120. 

AZAD  Regional  Conference  # 2 - 15-17  September 
2006  at  Arizona-Sonora  Desert  Museum,  Tucson,  AZ. 
Conference  capacity  is  200  people.  For  info  contact 
Marge  Drugay,  mdrugay@.msn.com  or  see 
www.desertmuseum.org/azad 

33'^‘‘AAZK  National  Conference  - 15-20  September 
2006.  Hosted  by  the  Lincoln  Park  Zoo  AAZK  Chapter 
and  the  Lincoln  Park  Zoo,  Chicago,  IL.  See 
information  at  their  website  www.aazk2006.org< 

Animal  Training  Seminar  - 18-22  September,  2006 
at  Shedd  Aquarium,  Chicago,  IL.  Five-day  seminar  on 
training  techniques  with  Ken  Ramirez.  For  more 
information  and  questions,  contact  Renee  Birk  at 
rbirk@sheddaquarium.org  or  call  (312)  692-3328. 

AAZV  Annual  Conference  20-24  September  2006  in 
Tampa,  FL.  For  further  informatin  please  visit  http:// 
www.aazv.org 

AZA  Annual  Conference  - 25-30  September  2006. 
Hosted  by  Busch  Gardens,  Florida  Aquarium,  & Lowry 
Park  Zoo,  Tampa,  FL.  See  infonnation  at  their  website 
http://www.aza.Qrg/CQnfWQrk/AbQutAnnualCQnf/#fut 

The  23rd  EAZA  Annual  Conference  - 3 - 7 October 
2006  Hosted  by  Zoo  Aquarium  Madrid,  Spain.  See 
http://www.eaza.net/  For  further  information:  Corinne 
Bos  at  corinne. ho.s@ea7.a. net 

Managing  Animal  Enrichment  and  Training  -7-13 
October,  2006  in  Portland,  OR.  For  more  information 


visit  http://www.aza.org/prodev/  or  email  AZATraining 
@aza.org,  or  call  Geri  Noland  at  (301)  562-0777  ext. 
238. 

The  18th  IZE  Conference  2006  - 9 - 1 4 October  2006 
Hosted  by  The  National  Zoological  Gardens  of  South 
Africa,  Pretoria,  South  Africa.  For  more  infonnation, 
please  visit  http://www.izea.net 

27'**  Elephant  Managers  Association  Conference  - 

15-18  October  2006, in  Albuquerque,  NM.  Hosted  by 
the  Albuquerque  Biological  Park.  Pre-conference  trips 
are  to  the  International  Balloon  Fiesta,  14-15  Oct;  post- 
conference trip  to  Santa  Fe  and  up  the  tram  to  the  crest 
of  the  Sandia  Mountains.  For  more  information  see 
w w w. el eph-aiit-m.an.agers .com  , or  call  Lynn  Tupa  at 
505-764-6216  or  Gwen  Dragoo  at  505-764-6264. 

7th  Annual  Animal  Behavior  Management  Alliance 

(ABMA)  Conference  - 14-21  January  2007. 
Conference  at  Sea:  “Inspiring  Conservation  through 
Behavior  Management”,  . The  Cruise  ship  “Victory” 
sails  from  Miami,  FL  to  Mexico,  Cayman  Islands,  and 
Jamaica.  All  Inclusive  Registration  rate  includes  the 
cruise,  all  conference  costs,  international  site  visits, 
meals,  room,  and  all  taxes  and  port  fees.  Conference 
programming  includes:  Three  keynote  speakers  sharing 
international  conservation  work  with  multiple  species, 
formal  presentations,  seven  workshops,  panel 
discussions,  a poster  session,  and  site  visits  to  animal 
facilities.  All  conference  details,  abstract  submission 
forms,  and  registration  information  are  available  at 
www.theabma.org <http://www.theabma.org/>  Pre- 
Registration  deadline:  15  June  2006.  Registration 
Deadline:  1 August  2006.  Abstracts  due  28  June  2006. 
Please  contact  Michelle  Farmerie  @412-365-2385  or 
Nicole  Begley  @ 412-323-7235  ext.  216  for  more 
information  about  the  conference. 

Zoos  and  Aquariums  Committing  to  Conservation 

26-31  January  2007  - Hosted  by  the  Houston  Zoo, 
Houston,  TX.  ZACC  is  a bi-annual  event  that 
promotes  the  role  of  zoos  and  aquariums  in  supporting 
conservation  activities  worldwide,  both  at  their 
institutions  and  in  the  field.  Registration  and  more 
information  is  now  available  online  at  http:// 
www.houstonzoo.org/ZACC,  you  may  contact 
zacc@hQUStQnzQQ.org  or  phone  713-533-6745. 

International  Conference  on  Environmental 

Enrichment  - 5-10  August  2007.  Hosted  by 
Schonbrunn  Zoo,  Vienna,  Austria. 

, — 

Post  Your  Coming  Events  Here 
email  to:  akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  7 269 


The  summer  months  are  upon  us  and  with  it,  for  some  of 
you  anyway,  your  busy  seasons  are  here.  Summer  in  Phoenix 
is  our  slow  time  (if  you  need  to  ask  why  you’ve  never  been 
to  Phoenix  in  the  summer).  But  for  most  of  you  this  is  when 
you  can  have  your  greatest  impact  on  those  visitors  who 
come  through  your  gates.  Take  this  opportunity  to  reach  as 
many  people  as  you  can  and  make  a positive  statement  about 
our  facilities  and  what  we  do. 


AMERICAN 

ASSOCIATION 
of  ZOO  KEEPERS 


Also  keep  in  mind  that  September  is  fast  approaching  and  that  means  conference  time. 
Chicago  should  be  beautiful  this  time  of  year.  It  will  also  be  good  to  see  many  of  the 
friends  from  around  world  who  get  together  each  year  at  conference.  We  missed  that 
camaraderie  last  year  when  the  conference  was  cancelled.  This  should  be  a great  year  of 
renewal.  So  if  you  haven’t  made  plans  to  attend  I would  do  so  and  quickly.  September  will 
be  here  before  you  know  it. 

AAZK  still  has  a great  many  committees  and  projects  that  are  as  of  yet  not  sponsored.  If 
your  chapter  is  looking  for  something  to  commit  to  on  a yearly  basis  please  consider 
sponsoring  one  of  our  committees  or  projects.  If  you’d  like  more  information  on  how  to 
sponsor  and  what  is  available  please  contact  either  myself  or  Ed  Hansen  and  we’ll  get  you 
started.  Our  emails  are  listed  below: 

denise.wagner@aazk.org 

ed.hansen@aazk.org 

Go  out  and  enjoy  the  summer.  Take  care  and  be  safe. 


Denise  C.  Wagner 
President,  AAZK  Inc. 


Amazon.com  Users — 

Don't  Forget  the  AAZK  Connection 


Just  a reminder  that  if  you  regularly  (or  even  occasionally)  purchase  items  on  amazon.com, 
there  is  a way  you  can  also  help  out  the  Association  while  you  are  doing  your  shopping.  If 
you  go  to  amazon.com  from  the  AAZK  Home  Page  (www.aazk.org),  the  Association  will 
receive  4%  of  the  cost  of  your  purchase.  The  amazon.com  icon  is  at  the  bottom  right  of  the 
AAZK  Home  Page.  And  the  percentage  from  purchase  of  goods  is  on  all  items  you  purchase 
there  - books,  music,  etc.  So  next  time  you  want  to  do  a little  online  shopping  at  amazon.com, 
get  there  through  the  AAZK  website  and  help  out  your  professional  organization. 


270  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  7 


Loss  of  a Global  Icon  for  Rhino  Conservation 

Tom  Foose 

(1945-2006) 

With  great  sadness,  the  International  Rhino  Foundation  (IRF)  announces  the  loss  of  its  most  beloved 
ambassador  for  rhino  conservation.  Dr.  Tom  Foose,  61,  IRF  Program  Director,  died  on  17  May  at 
his  home  in  Waynesboro,  PA.  Tom  was  one  of  the  founders  of  IRF,  which  embodies  his  lifelong 
passion  for  rhino  conservation,  both  in  zoos  and  in  nature.  He  dedicated  his  life  to  bridging  gaps 
among  people  with  diverse  interests  and  perspectives,  as  well  as  using  science  to  foster  national  and 
global  collaborations  for  threatened  species  management. 

Author  of  numerous  scientific  publications,  Tom  received  a BA  from  Princeton  University  in  1969 
and  was  awarded  a Ph.D.  in  biology  from  the  University  of  Chicago  in  1982.  He  served  as  the 
Conservation  Director  for  the  American  Zoo  and  Aquarium  Association  (AZA)  from  1981  to  1990, 
and  along  with  Dr.  Ulie  Seal, 
developed  the  first  Species  Survival 
Plan  program  for  Siberian  tigers  in 
1983.  Species  Survival  Plans  now  are 
a cornerstone  for  captive  species 
management  for  the  AZA,  as  well  as 
other  regional  zoo  associations.  From 
1990  to  1992,  Tom  served  as 
Executive  Officer  of  the  lUCN/SSC 
Conservation  Breeding  Specialist 
Group,  shaping  its  programs  and  focus 
to  include  using  computer  simulated 
modeling  to  examine  the  risks  for 
species  extinction,  as  well  as  global 
risk  assessments  of  broad  taxonomic 
groups  including  identifying  species 
management  and  making  research 
recommendations. 

Over  the  past  20  years,  Tom’s  tireless 
efforts  to  facilitate  cross- 
organizational  and  truly  international 
conservation  efforts  resulted  in  integrated  action  plans  for  species  groups  ranging  from  primates  to 
rhinos  to  tigers,  involving  zoo  experts  and  field  biologists  from  around  the  world. 

Throughout  stints  as  Program  Officer  of  the  lUCN  Asian  Rhino  Specialist  Group  and  the  International 
Black  Rhino  Foundation,  as  well  as  through  his  work  with  AZA,  CBSG  and  IRF,  Tom  touched 
people  across  the  world  and  inspired  them  to  set  aside  their  personal,  national  and  institutional 
agendas  to  focus  on  preventing  species  extinctions.  Over  the  past  ten  years,  his  primary  focus  was 
leading  development  and  implementation  of  global  and  national  conservation  strategies  and  action 
plans  for  rhinoceros  in  Asia  and  Africa.  Most  recently,  Tom  initiated  the  North  American  Save  the 
Rhinos  Campaign  with  the  goal  of  doubling  the  number  of  critically-endangered  rhino  populations 
in  select  protected  habitats  in  the  wild  within  ten  years. 

Due  to  my  involvement  with  “Bowling  For  Rhinos-Sponsored  by  Blue  Rhino”,  I was  fortunate 
enough  to  have  met  Tom  in  1995.  Bowling  For  Rhinos  had  expanded  its  funding  efforts  to  include 
Ujung  Kulon  in  Java,  Indonesia  and  then  Bukit  Barisan  in  Sumatra,  Indonesia.  Tom  organized  the 
Javan  Rhino  Colloquium  in  1997  in  Bogor  Indonesia  that  brought  together  all  groups  working  to 
save  the  Javan  rhino  from  around  the  world.  We  worked  for  three  days  to  prioritize  the  needs  and 
locate  funding  sources  for  those  needs.  Never  have  I been  to  a more  productive  meeting. 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  7 271 


Over  the  years,  I could  always  count  on  Tom  to  keep  me  informed  of  the  highest  priority  needs  for 
saving  rhinos  in  Indonesia.  Tom  was  able  to  put  AAZK’s  BFR  money  to  perfect  use  exactly  where 
it  was  needed.  Tom  was  always  extremely  impressed  with  AAZK’s  BFR  ability  to  raise  funds.  Tom 
often  told  me  that  if  it  had  not  been  for  conservation  organizations  like  AAZK,  the  Indonesian 
rhinos  would  surely  have  gone  extinct.  He  located  a donor  to  fund  the  trip  winners  to  visit  Indonesia 
because  he  felt  it  was  important  for  AAZK  members  to  see  the  conservation  work  being  done  in 
Indonesia  as  well  as  Africa. 

Tom  and  I were  recently  working  together  on  the  North  American  Save  the  Rhinos  Campaign  to  see 
how  we  could  collaborate  our  efforts  and  increase  funding  for  rhino  conservation.  “Bowling  For 
Rhinos”  is  a once-a-year  event,  and  our  goal  was  to  make  rhino  conservation  a year-round  project  at 
zoos  across  the  country. 

There  are  very  few  people  in  this  world  who  have  done  more  for  rhino  conservation  than  Tom  Foose 
did  in  his  lifetime,  short  as  it  was.  My  hope  is  that  we  can  fulfill  Tom’s  dreams  by  increasing  the 
populations  of  all  rhino  species  back  to  a respectable  size. 

For  more  information  about  Tom  and  how  to  donate  to  the  Tom  Foose  Memorial  that  will  go  to  the 
North  American  Save  the  Rhino  Campaign,  visit  www.rhinos-irf  org 

—submitted  by  Patty  Pearthree,  National  Coordinator  Bowling  for  Rhinos 


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272  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  7 


AAZK  Announces  New  Members 


Laura  Charles,  Wildlife  Conservation  Society 
(NY).  Tanya  Pham,  The  Philadelphia  Zoo  (PA); 
Mandy  Hooker,  Metro  Richmond  Zoo  (VA); 
Samantha  Trull,  Duke  Lemur  Center  (NC); 
Karen  O’Donnell,  Disney's  Animal  Kingdom, 

I (FL);  Madelyn  McClean,  Miami  Metrozoo 
(FL);  Kendall  Duncan,  Busch  Gardens  (FL); 
Jennifer  Keirce,  Memphis  Zoo  (TN);  Heather 
Ray,  Boonshoft  Museum  of  Discovery  (OH); 
Sarah  Schoenberg,  Roosevelt  Park  Zoo  (ND); 
Marisa  Elizalde,  Lincoln  Park  Zoo  (IL);  Denise 
Michel,  Cosley  Zoo  (IL);  Megan  Sickels, 
Sedgwick  County  Zoo  (KS);  Jenny  Fortune, 
Brec's  Baton  Rouge  Zoo  (LA);  Susan  K.  Scott, 
Dallas  Zoo  (TX);  Annie  C.  Spillman,  Ft.  Worth 
Zoo  (TX);  Rebecca  Dye,  Downtown  Aquarium/ 
Houston  (TX);  Rebecca  Kobza,  Denver  Zoo 
(CO);  Liz  Hile,  The  Living  Desert  (CA); 
Meghan  Logan,  Six  Flags  Marine  World  (CA); 
Joshua  D.  Kramer,  Maui  Bird  Conservation 
Center  (HI);  Nicole  M.  Zuniga,  Pt.  Defiance 
Zoo  & Aquarium  (WA);  and  Patrick  Owen, 
Woodland  Park  Zoo  (WA). 

New  Institutional  Members 

The  Newark  Museum 
Newark,  NJ 

Oatland  Island  Education  Center 
Savannah,  GA 

Renewing  Institutional  Members 

Catoctin  Wildlife  Preserve  & Zoo 
Thurmont,  MD 
Rick  Hahn,  Director 

Out  of  Africa  Wildlife  Park 
Camp  Verde,  AZ 

Dean  & Prayeri  Harrison,  Owners 


Renewing  Institutional  Members  (cont’d) 

Alaska  Zoo 
Anchorage,  AK 
Pat  Lampi,  Executive  Director 

Alaska  Sea  Life  Center 
Seward,  AK 

Tylan  Schrock,  Executive  Director 

Hillcrest  Park  Zoo 
Clovis,  NM 

Herschel  Arnold,  Director 

Renewing  Contributing  Members 

Richard  A.  Hahn,  Director 
Catoctin  Wildlife  Preserve  & Zoo 
Thurmont,  MD 

Amy  Roberts,  Animal  Curator 
Kansas  City  Zoo 
Kansas  City,  MO 


THE 

GOURMET 
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RATS  AND  MICE 


Bill  & Marcia  Brant 

6115  SW  137th  Ave.,  Archer,  FL  32618 

(352)  495-9024 
FAX:  (352)  495-9781 

e-mail:  GrmtRodeiit@aoLcom 

© All  Rights  Reserved 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  7 273 


Conference  Notes  and  Updates 

AIRLINE  INFO 

United  is  the  official  airline  for  the  conference.  They 
have  offered  a 107o  discount  for  reservations  30  days 
or  more  in  advance,  and  a 7%  discount  for  less  than  that. 

Discount  Code  # is  537TG.  (Discount  rates  in  the 
April  issue  were  listed  incorrectly,  sorry  for  the 
confusion).  Discount  rates  are  available  from  11-24 
September  2006. 

EXHIBITOR'S  TABLES 

There  is  space  in  our  designated  Exhibitor's  Hall  for  AAZK  Chapters  or  groups 
interested  In  selling  or  displaying  their  merchandise  or  causes.  Cost  per  table  will  be*. 
$50  for  AAZK  Chapters;  $100  for  non-profit  groups  such  as  TAGS,  Conservation 
Croups  etc.;  $200  for  profit  groups  such  as  artists,  suppliers,  etc.  Please  contact 
Marie  Perez  at  mperez@lpzoo.org  or  at  312-742-2140 

PRE/POST  CONFERENCE  TRIPS 

The  pre-conference  trip  will  be  to  the  Milwaukee  County  Zoo  on  Thursday,  14 
September.  More  details  to  follow,  www.milwaukeezoo.org 

Our  post-conference  trip  will  take  us  to  Peoria,  IL-151  miles  southwest  of  Chicago. 
This  will  be  an  overnite  adventure  (20^^  A 21=^  September)  featuring  the  Wildlife 
Prairie  State  Park  <&  the  Clen  Oak  Zoo.  Limited  to  20  adventurers.  See 
www.wildlifeprairiestQtepQrkorg  or  www.glenoQkzQQ.org 

More  information  will  be  posted  about  the  trips  soon,  or  go  to  www.aazk2Q06.org  for 
updates.  Questions?  Contact  Cruzanne  Lewis  at  clewis@lpzoo.org. 

CHAPTER  CHALLENGE 

The  Lincoln  Park  Chapter  will  continue  with  the  Chapter  Challenge  that  was  started  by 
the  Greater  Cleveland  Chapter  at  the  2003  conference.  Any  Chapter  donating  $250.00 
or  more  will  be  entered  into  a drawing  with  the  winner  receiving  one  full  registration 
and  one  double  occupancy  room  for  five  nights  at  the  Millennium  Knickerbocker  (Sept. 
15-19).  Total  value  of  this  prize  is  almost  $1200.00!  As  of  June  we  are  at  seven 
Chapters  meeting  the  Challenge  - the  Kansas  City,  Snake  River,  and  the  New  Orleans, 
Greater  Cleveland  (special  thanks  for  sending  2x  the  minimum).  Point  Defiance,  Puget 
Sound  (Woodland  Park),  and  Galveston  (Moody  Gardens).  Thanks  to  those  Chapters 
and  come  join  them!  Questions?  Email  to  mskidmore@lpzoo  org  Hurry!  Deadline  is 
August  PL 

SHEDD  AQUARIUM 

The  Shedd  Aquarium  had  been  kind  enough  to  offer  free  admission  to  conference 
attendees  from  September  11-22,  those  dates  will  cover  anyone  who  Is  coming  early 
or  staying  extra  days.  To  get  free  admission  you  must  show  your  AAZK  membership 


274  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  7 


cards  so  bring  them  with  you.  See  sheddQquQrium.org  The  Shedd  is  eosy  to  reoch 
from  the  hotel.  The  concierge  ot  the  hotel  con  provide  directions. 

AUCTION  ITEMS 

If  you  ore  donoting  on  item  for  the  Quction,  it  would  be  helpful  to  send  It  eorly  to: 
Lincoln  Pork  Zoo,  c/o  AAZK/Hoofstock,  PO  Box  14903,  Chicogo,  IL  60614.  (If  sending 
UPS  send  to  2300  N.  Connon  Drive  insteod  of  the  PO  Box).  One  smoll  chonge  in  our 
progrom,  the  Silent  Auction  will  now  be  held  on  Saturday  night  instead  of  Monday. 

NEED  A ROOAAMATE?  PARKINS  A CAR? 

Looking  for  q roommote  to  shore  costs?  We  ore  helping  to  motch  people  up,  go  to  our 
website  for  more  Informotion. 

In  onother  effort  to  help  with  soving  money  we  will  qIso  be  offering  free  parking  at 
the  zoo  for  a limited  number  of  attendees  during  the  conference.  Parking  downtown 
can  be  high  depending  on  where  you  park,  but  if  you  park  at  the  zoo  you  would  have  to 
take  public  transportation  ($2)  or  a cab  ($6-$7)  to  the  hotel.  For  more  information 
contact  Qnielsen@lpzoo.org  or  mbrownpQlsgrove@lpzoo.org 

MADE  YOUR  HOTEL  RESERVATION  YET?  DO  IT  ONUNE! 

You  can  also  make  hotel  registrations  on-line.  Go  to  www.mil lenniumhotels  com/ 
knickerbocker,  change  the  "Corp/Promo"  button  to  "Group  Code"  and  enter  the  code 
ZOOKE.  Select  the  dates  requested  and  hit  enter  or  click  on  search.  Remember  price 
is  guaranteed  through  August  14^^. 

SETTINS  FROM  AIRPORTS  TO  THE  HOTEL 

Transportation  from  the  hotel:  Continental  Airport  Express  runs  a shuttle  service. 
You  can  make  reservations  on-line  at  www.Qirportexpress.com,  price  for  round-trip 
will  be  about  $50  for  O'Hare  and  $40  for  Midway.  The  price  drops  for  more  than  one. 

Taxi  from  the  airport  would  be  more  expensive  for  one  person  than  the  shuttle,  but  a 
little  cheaper  if  you  share  the  ride  with  at  least  one  person. 

Another  option  is  the  train  system,  the  Chicago  Transit  system  has  train  stops  at 
both  airports  which  you  can  take  to  downtown  Chicago  for 
$2.  The  closet  stop  to  the  hotel  is  about  1 mile  away.  Take 
the  Blue  Line  from  O'Hare  and  the  Orange  Line  from  Midway 
to  the  Clark  d Lake  stop.  Best  bet  to  not  get  lost  is  take  a 
cab  from  here.  Combined  price  would  be  under  $10.  For 
more  information  go  to  our  website  or  contact 
mskidmore@ipzoo.Qrg 

Looking  for  information?  Go  to  our  website,  which  is 
constantly  updated  and  has  links  to  our  sponsors  and 
partners,  and  contact  information  www  QQzk2QQ6  Qrg  Any 
mall  correspondence  should  be  sent  to:  Lincoln  Park  Zoo, 

2006  AAZK  Conference  ,P.O.  Box  14903,  Chicago,  IL  60614 


Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  7 275 


Have  you  purchased  your 
LIVE  WILD  Paw  Magnet  yet? 


Show  the  world  you  live  the  WILD  LIFE! 
Purchase  a Paw  Magnet  TODAY! 
each  or  2 for  $12°°  shipping  included 
Actual  size  is  5 1/2  " x 5 1/2  " 

Proceeds  support  the  2006  AAZK  Notional  Conference 

Hosted  by  the  Lincoln  Park  AAZK  Chapter,  Chicago,  IL 


To  purchase,  complete  order  form  below 
OR  visit  www.aazk2006.org  for  a printable  order  form. 

Quantity  Amount  Enclosed  $ U.S.  funds  only. 

Return  shipping  address: 

Name  

Address^ 

City State/Province 

Zip/Postal  Code 

Make  check  or  money  order  payable  to  “Lincoln  Park  AAZK”  - U.S.  Funds  ONLY 

Send  order  and  payment  to:  Lincoln  Park  Zoo,  ATTN:  AAZK — Marie  Perez,  RO. 
Box  14903,  Chicago,  IL  60614. 

276  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  7 


Working  in  partnership  with  zoos 
and  aquariums,  MAZURr  PhD 
nutritionists  develop  industry 
leading  products  specifically  for 
each  species.  From  aardvarks 
to  zebras,  we  work  hard  to  give 
your  animals  the  most  of  what 
they  need. 

For  more  information  on 
MAZUR!"  products-including 
nutritional  analyses  and  research 
findings-visit  www.mazuri.com 


or  call  1-800-227-8941  for  the 
location  of  your  nearest  dealer. 
Because  when  it  comes  to  great 
nutrition,  we're  committed  to 
the  health  and  longevity  of 
every  animal. 


The  Exotic  Animal  Feedii^  Resource 


www.mazuri.com 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol  33  No.  7 111 


Enrichinq  Lives  O ne  SI  ice  at  a Ti 


me 


By  Jillann  Rawlins,  Enrichment  Coordinator 
Oregon  National  Primate  Research  Center,  Beaverton,  OR 


A major  goal  of  any  enrichment  program  is  to  increase  the  amount  of  time  animals  spend  in  species- 
typical  behaviors,  such  as  foraging.  While  feeding  enrichment  to  nonhuman  primates  living  in 
captivity  is  very  rewarding,  it  can  also  prove  to  be  time-consuming  and  costly,  particularly  if  the 
enrichment  is  produce.  Produce  has  to  be  sliced  precisely;  small  enough  to  fit  through  the  feed  slot, 
but  large  enough  to  ensure  that  it  doesn’t  fall  through  the  bottom  of  the  cage.  This  type  of  cutting 
can  take  a great  deal  of  time.  Although  purchasing  pre-sliced  produce  can  save  time,  it  may  also  be 
very  costly. 

At  the  Oregon  National  Primate  Research  Center  (ONPRC),  we  found  a way  to  save  time  and 
money,  while  still  providing  our  animals  with  a large  variety  of  enrichment.  Our  monkeys  receive  a 
large  variety  of  seasonal  produce  (e.g.,  carrots,  apples,  pears,  turnips)  four  times  a week.  On  the 
other  three  days,  our  animals  receive  enrichment  treats  such  as  trail-mix  (a  mixture  of  cobb,  seeds, 
nuts  and  dried  fruit),  which  increases  foraging  behaviors.  Cutting  produce  for  such  a large  number 
of  animals  (about  3700  monkeys)  is  no  easy  task  and  can  be  very  time-consuming.  In  the  past,  the 

animal  care  technicians  were  responsible  for 
cutting  and  feeding  produce  to  the  animals 
in  their  care  on  any  given  day.  Depending 
on  the  number  of  monkeys  in  their  areas,  this 
process  could  take  30  minutes  to  three  hours 
per  technician. 

Eager  to  decrease  the  time  spent  on  produce 
preparation,  we  decide  to  look  into  a food 
processor.  We  first  looked  at  food  processors 
designed  for  home  use,  but  these  were  not 
able  to  handle  the  capacity  we  needed  in  our 
facility.  We  then  expanded  our  search  to 
restaurant  equipment  and  at  last  found  a 
machine  that  could  cut  the  large  amounts  of 
produce  we  needed  sliced  on  a daily  basis. 
Although  the  machine  was  intended  to  grate 
and  slice  cheese,  rather  than  slice  produce, 
the  company  designed  special  blades  to 
match  our  needs.  The  machine  cost  $2800 
dollars  (including  shipping).  With  this 
machine,  two  people  can  cut  produce  for  all  the  animals  at  the  ONPRC  in  just  about  an  hour,  including 
cleaning  time.’ 

In  the  two  years  since  we  introduced  the  sheer,  we  have  found  it  to  be  a great  asset.  It  is  easy  and 
safe  to  operate,  and  we  have  only  had  to  replace  the  blade  once.  It  has  greatly  reduced  the  cost  of 
providing  produce  to  our  monkeys.  Not  only  has  it  reduced  technician  time  (it  only  takes  two 
technicians  an  hour  a day  to  cut  the  produce,  saving  3,000  hours  in  technician  time/year),  but  because 
the  sheer  is  more  efficient  at  cutting,  we  have  also  reduced  the  amount  of  produce  we  need.  In 
addition,  the  time  technicians  save  by  not  having  to  cut  produce  daily  can  be  spent  enriching  their 
animals,  whieh  increases  the  well-being  of  the  monkeys.  Finally,  in  addition  to  saving  on  time  and 
money,  the  sheer  produces  smaller  and  more  uniform  pieces  of  produce,  which  helps  to  increase 
foraging  and  decrease  fighting  over  food  in  our  group-housed  monkeys.  So,  even  though  the  original 
purpose  of  the  sheer  was  intended  for  slicing  cheese,  with  only  a few  minor  adjustments  this  machine 
now  plays  a vital  part  in  enriching  the  lives  of  all  of  our  animals  here  at  our  center. 

Contact  Information:  Product  Information; 

Jillian  Rawlins,  Enrichment  Coordinator  Food  Equipment  International,  Inc. 

RAWLINSJ@OHSU.EDU  www.food-equipment.com 

Work  phone  (503)690-5227  14404  E.  20th  Court,  Spokane  Valley,  WA  99037 

Fax  (503)690-5264  Phone:  509-924-9242 

(Photo  by  the  author)  Model  #PA14  with  3/16”  blade 


278  Animal  Keepers  'Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  7 


REACTIONS 

A Question  and  Answer  Forum  for  the 
Zoo  Professional  on  Crisis  Management 

By  William  K.  Baker,  Jr,  Curator 
Panthera  Research,  Maumelle,  AR 


Question 

Does  exhibit  landscaping  play  a role  in  animal  and  staff  safety? 

Comments 

As  I have  touched  on  in  the  previous  columns,  it  is  my  belief  that  the  level  of  landscaping  in  an 
exhibit  or  outside  of  an  exhibit  can  play  a significant  role  in  the  level  of  safety.  The  level  of  vegetation 
in  an  exhibit  can  play  multiple  roles  in  application  beyond  the  basic  “dressing  out”  for  a natural 
landscaping  effect  for  the  public’s  benefit. 

From  an  interior  point  of  view  for  the  exhibit,  it  provides  shade  which  can  play  a key  role  in  not  only 
meeting  components  of  the  Animal  Welfare  Act  (AWA),  but  also  it  can  often  preserve  naturalistic 
behavior.  For  example,  cats  like  shade  during  the  heat  of  the  day  and  I’ve  always  subscribed  to  the 
line  of  thought  that  I would  rather  manage  a relaxed  and  comfortable  cat  than  a hot  and  stressed  cat. 
It’s  not  just  good  animal  management,  it’s  good  safety.  Conversely,  where  that  shade  is  placed  will 
not  only  provide  display  access  for  the  public  and  staff,  it  will  also  determine  the  comfort  zone  and 
how  it’s  used.  Too  close  to  the  public  and  the  animal  may  balk  and  choose  another  site  to  seek  shade. 
To  far  away  and  the  public  or  staff  may  have  problems  locating  the  animal  in  a timely  manner. 

Keeping  with  this  topic,  another  facet  that  I believe  is  often  not  taken  into  account  is  the  level  of 
plant  life  in  an  exhibit.  By  that  I mean  the  amount  or  shear  volume  of  plant  life  that  has  been  placed 
in  the  animal’s  enclosure.  Don’t  get  me  wrong,  I love  naturalistic  exhibits.  However,  there  has  to  be 
a balance  between  visibility  and  creating  a natural  effect.  All  too  often  I have  seen  exhibits  where 
it’s  nearly  impossible  to  see  the  back  of  the  exhibit,  much  less  the  animal  or  animals  themselves.  In 
many  cases  this  problem  can  be  solved  entirely  by  trimming  the  under  story  and  creating  not  only 
visual  access,  but  also  pathways  for  the  animals  to  use.  Ideally,  you  should  be  able  to  locate  all  of 
the  animals  in  less  than  60  seconds  when  they’re  on  exhibit. 

When  considering  the  landscaping  around  the  perimeter  of  an  exhibit  it’s  imperative  that  the  balance 
is  preserved  between  naturalizing  the  exhibit,  keeping  the  public  at  bay,  and  animal  visibility  not 
only  for  public  viewing,  but  also  for  the  facility  staff  as  well.  In  many  facilities  the  horticulture 
staff  is  responsible  for  maintaining  the  landscaping  adjacent  to  an  enclosure  and  it’s  beneficial  for 
them  to  be  visually  aware  of  animal  locations  in  proximity  to  the  primary  containment.  Ideally,  the 
animals  should  be  taken  off  display,  (especially  the  dangerous  ones),  but  it  doesn’t  always  happen 
that  way.  Communication  can  address  these  types  of  problems  in  advance. 

Another  component  that  is  often  overlooked  is  the  potential  of  the  introduction  of  toxic  plants  into 
an  animal’s  environment.  It  is  all  too  easy,  when  communication  isn’t  what  it  should  be  in  the 
workplace,  for  the  wrong  plant  to  end  up  in  an  exhibit.  In  my  experience  many  common  ornamental 
plants  used  in  landscaping  are  toxic  to  exotic  animals.  It  is  critical  that  plants  be  carefully  selected 
not  only  by  the  horticultural  staff,  but  by  the  animal  staff  as  well.  Also,  I have  always  believed  that 
the  Staff  Veterinarian  should  also  be  involved  in  the  process.  Plant  life  in  proximity  to  the  primary 
containment  or  near  the  guardrails  should  receive  equal  consideration.  Visitors  often  pick  a plant  or 
flower  to  feed  to  the  animals  in  an  effort  to  connect  with  something  wild.  Unfortunately,  they  rarely 
realize  the  potential  of  accidental  poisoning.  Graphics  can  be  moderately  effective,  but  in  our  society 
of  information  overload,  they  are  often  ignored.  Better  to  err  on  the  side  of  caution  and  not  plant  an 
inherently  toxic  plant  directly  in  front  of  an  exhibit  in  the  first  place,  or  plant  it  out  of  reach  of  the 
animal  or  the  public  entirely. 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  7 279 


Question  1 

Is  there  any  current  information  available  on  satellite  telephones?  1 

Comments  |l 

Yes,  there  is.  I recently  read  an  excellent  article  on  this  topic  and  it  can  be  found  In  the  April/May  i 
2006  issue  of  Sports  Afield  Magazine.  The  article  is  titled  “Calls  from  the  Wild”  and  appears  in  , 
“The  Traveling  Hunter”  Column  by  author  Ron  Spomer.  « 

Question  I 

In  the  past  you  have  written  about  various  knives  and  tools  for  the  zoological  work  place.  Have  | 
there  been  any  new  products  come  out  that  I should  be  aware  of  prior  to  making  a purchase?  | 

Comments 

I still  generally  advocate  the  use  of  multi-tools  in  the  animal  workplace  such  as  those  manufactured 
by  Leatherman®.  They  really  tend  to  be  the  most  flexible  for  the  zoo  environment  and  it’s  a real  plus 
having  a portable  tool  box  on  your  belt  to  go  with  your  blade.  Still,  I’ll  be  the  first  to  admit  that  1 
really  prefer  carrying  a single-blade  folder  on  my  belt  when  I’m  away  from  work  and  doing  something 
else.  This  is  probably  why  some  of  my  friends  still  carry  basic  pocket  knives  like  Old  Timer®  and 
others  carry  Swiss  Army®  knives,  some  people  just  like  having  the  basics  and  I have  to  agree, 
sometimes  simple  is  the  best  way  to  go. 

Most  recently,  the  folks  over  at  the  Leatherman  Tool  Group,  Inc.  apparently  picked  this  up  and  have 
introduced  a new  line  of  products  for  Spring  2006.  Essentially  they  are  true  folding  knives  with  a 
few  basic  tools  cleverly  hidden  on  board  in  case  you  need  them.  This  new  line  has  10  models  and 
they  can  be  viewed  on  their  website.  All  of  the  new  models  have  certain  features  in  common. 
Generally  speaking,  the  blades  have  a spear-point  patterned  design  and  an  unsharpened  false  edge. 
There  is  some  variability  in  the  line  including  straight  edge  and  serrated  blades  as  well.  Some 
models  are  fabricated  from  420  stainless  steel  and  others  are  a 154CM  composition.  Some  of  the 
standard  features  include  a thumb  stud,  removable  pocket  clip,  and  a combination  bottle  opener  and 
carabineer.  Certain  models  in  the  line  are  equipped  with  can  openers,  bit  holders  that  store  extra  bits 
in  the  nylon  handles,  and  there  are  even  accessory  kits  with  additional  screwdriver  bits.  A line  to 
consider  looking  at  prior  to  a purchase. 


Websites  for  edged  products  for  zoological  environments 


A1  Mar  Knives 
Chris  Reeve  Knives,  Inc. 

Emerson  Knives,  Inc. 

Gerber  Legendary  Blades 
Kershaw  Knives,  Inc. 

Leatherman  Tool  Group,  Inc. 

SOG  Specialty  Knives  & Tools,  Inc. 
Spyderco,  Inc. 


www.almarkives.com 

www.chrisreeve.com 

www.emersonknives.com 

www.gerberblades.com 

www.kershawknives.com 

www.leatherman.com 

www.sogknives.com 

www.spyderco.com 


Next  Month:  When  traveling  abroad,  should  I have  any  medical  concerns? 

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/y^A^F 

(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.  Away  from  work  he  operates  Panthera  Research,  which  is 
a research  and  consulting  firm.) 


280  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  7 


(Pteropus  vampypus) 


By 

Victor  Aim,  Keeper  II 
Adam  Fink,  Relief  Keeper 
Oakland  Zoo,  Oakland,  CA 


Abstract 

In  order  to  assist  in  monitoring  the  health  of  the  Oakland  Zoo  s flying  fox  colony,  regular  weights 
need  to  be  obtained.  Before  this  training  program,  our  method  of  obtaining  bat  weights  consisted  of 
catching  each  bat,  placing  it  in  a pillowcase,  and  weighing  each  bat  on  a baby  scale.  This  practice 
leads  to  stress  and  possible  injury  of  both  bats  and  keepers.  Through  the  use  of  a portable  scale 
platform  hanging  from  the  exhibit  ceiling,  a solution  to  our  problems  was  found.  Using  positive 
reinforcement  the  bats  were  introduced  to  the  device  and  then  trained  to  walk  onto  and  hang  from  it 
of  their  own  free  will.  The  bats  ’ active  participation  in  this  program  not  only  enables  keepers  to 
gather  frequent  and  timely  weights  of  the  animals,  but  also  provides  the  bats  with  an  enriching 
mental  stimulus  in  their  captive  lives. 


Introduction 

In  June  2004  the  Oakland  Zoo  acquired  20.0  Malayan  flying  fox  {Pteropus  vampyrus)  from  the 
Lubee  Bat  Conservancy.  The  keepers  responsible  for  the  care  of  these  bats  routinely  gather  weights 
to  monitor  and  annually  update  Lubee  on  the  bats’  health.  The  method  initially  used  to  gather 
weights  involved  the  keepers  suiting  up  in  a face  shield,  long  sleeved  shirt  or  sweat  shirt,  and  thick 
welder’s  gloves.  Next,  the  keeper  would  catch  a bat  from  the 
ceiling  of  the  enclosure  by  pinning  its  head  with  one  hand  and 
gaining  control  of  the  feet  and  thumbs  with  the  other.  To  further 
immobilize  the  bat,  one  would  rest  the  bat  along  their  forearm 
while  pressing  the  bat’s  wings  towards  its  body  (LeBlanc  and 
Barnard,  in  preparation).  Next,  the  bat  was  placed  in  a pillowcase 
and  onto  a baby  scale.  Once  a successful  weight  was  obtained, 
the  bat  was  released. 


During  the  process  of  restraint,  the  bats  had  potential  to  injure 
bones  in  the  wings,  thumbs,  and  toes  along  with  getting  tears  in 
the  ptagium  and  breaking  nails  of  the  feet  and  thumb  (LeBlanc 
and  Barnard,  in  preparation).  Furthermore,  the  process  can  cause 
hyperthermia  and  stress  in  the  individual,  especially  if  restraint 
time  is  not  kept  to  a minimum  (Heard,  1998).  Keepers  also  can 
sustain  injury  in  the  form  of  bites,  scratches,  and  wing  slaps  to 
the  face,  chest,  and  other  parts  of  the  body.  It  was  determined 
that  an  alternative  method  of  weighing  bats  that  was  positive  for 
both  bats  and  keepers  was  needed.  An  operant  conditioning 
training  program  using  positive  reinforcement  combined  with 
an  innovative  scale  design  helped  find  our  alternative  to  the  process  of  physical  restraint 


Malayan  flying  fox  “Tanis’ 

(Photo  by  Adam  Fink) 


The  Training  Process  (From  Scratch  to  Scale) 

Training  History 

Very  few  institutions  in  the  United  States  have  had  sustained  training  programs  with  flying  fox.  The 
training  history  of  our  Malayan  flying  fox  reflects  this,  as  the  Lubee  Bat  Conservancy  has  had  no 
sustained  training  program,  only  training  studies.  None  of  our  20  bats  had  participated  in  these 
training  studies.  Therefore,  we  had  to  start  a training  program  with  our  bats  from  scratch.. 


Animal  Keepers’ Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  7 281 


C.Qnslr.u£.tLQn 

The  first  step  in  developing  a stress-free  option  for  weighing  our  bats  was  to  develop  a scale  design 
that  would  allow  the  bats  to  voluntarily  weigh  themselves  and  harness  the  way  they  naturally  use 
the  exhibit.  This  design  was  found  in  the  form  of  an  inverted  scale  platform  that  hung  from  the 
exhibit  ceiling.  As  our  bats  prefer  to  walk  across  the  exhibit  ceiling  rather  then  fly  to  get  around,  we 
felt  the  bats  would  take  naturally  to  using  such  a device. 

The  construction  of  our  inverted  scale  platform  was  made  up  of  three  main  components;  the  scale, 
the  platform,  and  the  supports.  The  scale  was  not  constructed,  but  purchased.  We  used  the  FG  30K 
platform  scale  by  A&D  Company.  Several  of  these  scales  were  donated  to  our  institution  by  the 
Animal  Funds  Boutique,  a local  zoo  volunteer  group.  The  approximate  cost  of  this  scale  is  $500. 

The  first  step  in  construction  is  to  build  mounting  that  would  attach  the  scale  to  the  exhibit  ceiling 
(Figure  1).  The  supplies  needed  include: 

1.  Two  1.21  m (4’)  lengths  of  3.81  cm  (1  1/2”)  steel  flat  bar 
The  mounting  of  the  scale  supports  to  the  scale  has  several  steps: 

1.  Mark  the  center  of  each  piece  of  flat  bar.  Measure  off  20.95  cm  (8  1/4")  from  the  center 
mark  in  both  directions  and  make  a right  angle  bend  there  in  each  place  to  form  a “U”. 

2.  Measure  13.97  cm  (5  1/2")  from  each  of  the  bends  and  make  another  bend  the  opposite 
direction.  Do  this  on  both  ends. 

3.  Drill  a hole  on  each  end  of  both  supports  so  they  can  be  attached  to  the  ceiling.  Drill  holes 
on  the  bottom  of  the  “U”  that  align  with  the  scale  legs.  This  is  about  13.97  cm  (5  1/2") 
from  the  center  on  both  sides,  but  one  can  also  line  up  the  bar  with  the  actual  scale  and 
mark  off  of  that. 

4.  Attach  the  scale  to  the  supports  by  unscrewing  the  scale  legs,  lining  up  the  holes  drilled  in 
the  bottom  of  the  “U”  with  the  empty  holes  where  the  scale  legs  used  to  be,  and  reattaching 
the  scale  legs,  pinning  the  flat  bar  between  the  scale  and  its  legs. 


Figure  1 - Scale  supports  (Photo  by  Adam  Fink) 


282  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  7 


The  next  step  in  construction  is  to  build  the  platform  from  which  the  bats  can  hang  (Figure  2). 


The  supplies  needed  include: 

1.  Two  pieces  of  1.27  cm  (1/2”)  PVC  pipe  cut  48.26  cm  (19”)  long 

2.  Four  pieces  of  1.27  cm  (1/2”)  PVC  pipe  cut  12.7  cm  (5”)  long 

3.  Six  pieces  of  1.27  cm  (1/2”)  PVC  pipe  cut  22.86  cm  (9”)  long 

4.  Four  pieces  of  1.27  cm  (1/2”)  PVC  pipe  cut  15.24  cm  (6”)  long 

5.  One  piece  of  1.27  cm  (1/2”)  PVC  pipe  cut  58.42  cm  (23”)  long 

6.  Eight  1.27  cm  (1/2”)  PVC  elbows 

7.  Six  1.27  cm  (1/2”)  PVC  T connectors 

8.  One  piece  of  2.54  cm  x 2.54  cm  (l”x  1”)  vinyl  coated  mesh  cut  63.5  cm  x 50.8  cm 
(25”x  20”) 

9.  PVC  glue 


Figure  2 - Scale  platform  (Photo  by  Adam  Fink) 


The  building  of  the  platform  has  several  steps: 

1.  Connect  two  elbows  to  both  ends  of  one  48.26  cm  (19")  PVC  pipe  on  the  same  plane. 

2.  Attach  a 12.7  cm  (5")  PVC  pipe  piece  to  each  of  the  other  ends  of  the  elbows  to  form  a 
“U”.  Make  a second  one.  These  are  the  uprights. 

3.  For  the  platform,  you  will  need  to  assemble  several  parts.  Part  A is  made  by  attaching 
two  22.86  cm  (9")  PVC  pipe  pieces  together  with  a T connector.  Attach  an  elbow  to 
each  end  so  that  the  elbow  faces  in  the  same  direction  of  the  T connector.  Repeat. 

4.  Part  B is  made  by  connecting  a T connector  to  each  end  of  another  22.86  cm  (9")  PVC 
pipe  piece  on  the  same  plane.  Next,  connect  a 15.24  cm  (6")  PVC  pipe  piece  to  each 
end  of  the  22.86  cm  (9")  PVC  pipe  piece  in  a line  (T  connector  end  empty).  Repeat. 

5.  Take  one  of  your  Part  A pieces  and  attach  the  58.42  cm  (23")  piece  in  the  center. 

6.  Connect  each  Part  B pieces  to  the  elbows  of  the  first  Part  A piece  so  that  the  T 
connectors  are  perpendicular  to  the  elbows. 

7.  Connect  the  second  Part  A piece  to  the  open  ends  of  your  combined  Part  A and  Part  B 
pieces  to  form  a rectangle  with  a post  going  down  the  middle. 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  7 283 


8.  Connect  each  upright  into  the  empty  T connectors  sticking  off  the  rectangle. 

9.  Once  the  PVC  platform  is  complete,  disassemble  it  go  back  through  steps  1 through  10 
using  PVC  glue  to  secure  all  parts  into  place. 

10.  Scorch  the  completed  platform  with  a blow  torch  to  give  it  a natural  appearance 

11.  Attach  the  pre-cut  2.54  cm  x 2.54  cm  (Cxi")  mesh  to  the  bottom  of  the  rectangle.  We 
used  zip  ties  to  accomplish  this. 

The  final  step  to  make  your  inverted  scale  platform  complete  is  to  slide  the  scale  that  should  be 
attached  to  the  two  support  bars  by  this  point)  between  the  uprights  and  the  rectangle  portion  of  the 
completed  PVC  platform  (Figure  3).  The  uprights  should  rest  on  the  sensor  portion  of  the  actual 
scale  and  the  rectangle  portion  where  the  bats  will  be  roosting  should  be  below  the  scale.  Using  the 
holes  drilled  on  the  ends  of  each  support  bar,  attach  the  entire  device  to  the  ceiling.  To  get  an 
accurate  weight  on  the  bats,  it  needs  to  be  attached  to  a secure  point  in  your  exhibit/night  house  that 
does  not  flex.  Because  the  scales  work  off  of  gravity,  if  the  attachment  point  flexes,  you  will  get  an 
inaccurate  reading. 


Figure  3 - Completed  scale  platform  (Photo  by  Adam  Fink) 


To  get  a weight  on  a bat,  turn  the  scale  on,  tare  the  scale  to  eliminate  the  weight  of  the  scale  platform, 
and  lead  a bat  down  onto  the  PVC  platform.  The  weight  of  the  bat  once  on  the  platform  will  cause 
the  upright  portions  of  the  platform  to  pull  down  on  the  actual  scale  sensor  resulting  in  correei 
measurement  of  the  bat’s  weight. 

Training  Plan 

Once  our  scale  was  designed  and  its  construction  underway,  we  began  the  training  process  that 
would  ultimately  lead  to  the  bats  getting  on  the  scale.  The  first  step  was  to  develop  a training  plan. 
This  plan  was  to  be  centered  on  operant  conditioning  and  positive  reinforcement.  It  was  our  feeling 
that  this  would  be  an  enriching  process  for  the  bats,  allowing  them  to  experience  choice,  make 
decisions,  and  realize  consequences  like  in  the  wild  (although  not  in  the  same  manner).  The  plan 
included  a progression  that  would  teach  the  bats  a bridge  and  reward  system,  how  to  target,  how  to 
come  to  a target,  and  how  to  come  to  a target  positioned  on  the  scale  platform.  A desensitization 
process  would  also  take  place  with  the  scale  platform  in  various  stages. 


284  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol  33  No.  7 


Teach  the  Bridge 

The  bridge  is  a conditioned  reinforcer  or  natural  stimulus  that  is  paired  with  a real  reinforcer  such  as 
food  (Pryor,  1984).  In  our  case,  a dog  whistle  was  used  as  the  bridge  and  the  reward  was  Kerns®  All 
Nectar  or  whole  grapes.  With  a bridge  established  for  an  animal,  you  have  a way  to  communicate 
and  let  that  animal  know  when  it  is  doing  a behavior  correctly.  For  a couple  of  weeks,  each  member 
of  the  colony  had  daily  training  sessions  that  lasted  approximately  one  to  three  minutes.  In  these 
sessions,  the  bridge  was  sounded  and  the  reward  was  given.  This  was  done  until  every  member  of 
the  colony  reacted  to  the  bridge.  This  was  indicated  by  the  bat  looking  around  when  it  heard  the 
bridge. 

Target 

Once  the  bridge  was  established,  teaching  the  colony  to  target  was  quick.  The  target  chosen  was  a 
Whiffle®  ball  attached  to  a bamboo  stick.  The  target  was  held  up  near  the  bat’s  face.  When  the  bat 
turned  to  look  at  the  target,  the  bridge  was  sounded  and  the  bat  was  rewarded.  This  process  was 
then  altered  so  that  the  bat  would  need  to  sniff  at  the  target  before  receiving  the  bridge  and  reward, 
and  altered  again  so  the  bat  was  touching  the  target  with  its  nose.  After  the  bats  were  targeting  to  the 
Whiffle®  ball  consistently,  a verbal  command  was  worked  into  the  routine  where  one  would  hold  up 
the  target,  give  the  verbal  command  “target”,  followed  by  the  bat  touching  its  nose  to  the  Whiffle® 
ball.  This  was  continued  until  all  the  bats  reacted  to  the  verbal  cue. 


Come,  to  Target 

When  the  colony  was  targeting  consistently,  the  next 
step  was  to  have  them  move  towards  the  target.  This 
was  accomplished  by  first  holding  the  target  just  out 
of  reach  of  the  bat.  This  required  the  bats  to  rock 
their  body  forward  to  touch  the  target.  Further 
modifications  in  the  routine  were  made  as  the  majority 
of  the  colony  progressed.  This  consisted  of  holding 
the  target  further  and  further  away  from  the  bat, 
encouraging  the  animal  to  walk  forward  across  the 
exhibit  caging.  The  walking  process  began  with  baby 
steps  and  moved  into  bats  crossing  longer  and  longer 
sections  of  caging  to  reach  the  target.  The  process  in 
general  was  more  successful  when  the  bats  were  asked 
to  move  across  three  to  four  foot  sections  of  caging 
in  several  steps,  versus  one  long  section.  Once  the 
majority  of  the  bats  were  moving  to  the  target 
consistently,  a verbal  command  “come”  was  worked 
into  the  routine.  This  was  continued  until  the  bats 
would  react  to  the  verbal  cue. 

Desensitization 

While  teaching  the  bats  the  training  steps  listed  above,  they  were  also  being  desensitized  to  the 
platform  portion  of  our  scale  device.  This  consisted  of  rigging  up  four  separate,  evenly  spaced,  and 
nearly  identical  platforms  to  the  exhibit  ceiling.  These  platforms  were  left  in  the  exhibit  24  hours  a 
day  and  routinely  loaded  with  portions  of  the  bats’  morning  diet  and  other  enrichment.  After  a 
seemingly  short  amount  of  time,  most  of  the  bats  were  climbing  either  on  or  around  the  platforms 
with  regularity.  This  process  was  repeated  with  a mock  version  of  the  entire  scale  platform  device. 
The  mock  device  consisted  of  a small  wooden  box  that  replaced  the  actual  scale.  The  real  scale  was 
only  used  in  the  scale  platform  device  when  we  were  conducting  an  actual  weighing  session. 


Keeper  uses  a Whiffle®  ball  target  to 
train  a bat  to  move  into  position  to  be 
weighed. by  Adam  Fink) 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  7 285 


Scale 

When  the  colony  was  desensitized  to  the  platform  portion  of  the  weighing  device,  bats  were  led 
over  to  it  using  the  “come”  behavior.  Once  near  the  platform,  the  target  was  held  under  it  and  the 
“target”  command  was  given.  This  required  the  bat  in  question  to  move  down  onto  the  platform  and 
touch  the  target  before  it  would  receive  any  reward.  At  first,  rewards  were  given  when  the  bat 
moved  any  part  of  its  body  onto  the  platform,  but  later  rewards  were  given  only  when  the  bat  was 
suspended  with  both  feet  on  the  platform.  The  same  process  was  used  with  the  bats  to  climb  onto 
the  mock  and  real  versions  of  the  scale  platform.  Our  first  bat  was  successfully  weighed  on  the 
scale  platform  approximately  one  year  after  the  training  process  began. 


■Challenges 

The  length  of  the  scale  training 
process  was  caused  by  several 
challenges  that  arose  during  the 
training  process.  These  challenges 
included  the  individual  bats’ 
personalities,  the  sheer  number  of 
bats  to  be  trained,  the  natural  behavior 
of  the  species,  training  mobs,  and  the 
timing  of  the  training.  Each  challenge 
presented  a distinct  situation  that 
required  a modification  to  how  the 
training  was  approached. 

The  Malayan  flying  fox  in  our  colony 
have  different  and  unique  personality 
types  that  could  either  aid  or  hinder 
their  progression  through  the  training 
process.  These  personalities  ranged 
from  enthusiastic  to  uninterested.  At 
first,  we  were  bringing  the  whole 
colony  along  as  one  group  and  the 
next  behavior  was  not  taught  until  the  entire  group  had  a handle  on  the  current  behavior.  This 
challenge,  when  coupled  with  the  challenge  of  sheer  numbers  (20  individuals),  slowed  down  the 
training  process  tremendously,  especially  when  we  reached  to  stage  of  teaching  the  bats  to  come  to 
the  target.  This  problem  was  addressed  by  the  formation  of  a training  sub-group.  This  group 
consisted  of  seven  individuals  who  eagerly  participated  in  the  training.  The  sub-group  helped  advance 
the  training  process  and  hone  our  training  techniques  for  when  other  bats  were  ready  to  take  the  next 
step. 

The  territorial  behavior  and  hierarchal  structure  of  the  Malayan  flying  fox  presented  a situation  that 
could  cause  a negative  attitude  towards  the  training  along  with  regression  in  the  training.  This  did 
not  cause  problems  until  the  bats  were  coming  to  the  target.  As  the  bats  were  coming  to  the  target, 
they  often  would  cross  through  the  day  roost  territory  of  another  bat.  If  a subordinate  bat  crossed 
into  a more  dominant  bat’s  territory,  the  dominant  individual  often  would  move  forward  to  displace 
the  subordinate  animal  and  take  the  reward.  This  displacement  could  start  in  several  forms.  These 
forms  included  the  dominant  bat  approaching  the  subordinate  to  cuff  or  try  to  cuff  with  his  wings, 
threatening  with  a wing  or  mouth  display,  biting,  or  just  intimidating  with  a commanding  presence. 
The  subordinate  bat  usually  would  leave  the  area  and  the  situation  rarely  escalated  into  a fight. 
Often,  when  a bat  was  crossing  through  another  bat’s  territory,  even  if  he  was  not  subordinate, 
another  bat  would  approach  and  cause  a distraction.  When  this  issue  became  a problem,  it  was  dealt 
with  by  either  trying  to  train  two  individuals  at  once,  or  cutting  the  training  session  short  (but  on  a 
positive  note). 


Bat  in  position  below  scale.  (Photo  by  Adam  Fink) 


286  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  7 


Once  training  became  a well  established  part  of  the  bats’  day,  it  became  a popular  pastime.  Training 
became  so  popular  that  training  mobs  started  to  become  a problem.  A training  mob  consisted  of  a 
group  of  three  or  more  bats  converging  on  the  trainer  at  the  same  time,  all  wanting  to  participate. 
This  often  led  to  a chaotic  situation  where  several  bats  had  negative  experiences.  These  experiences 
included  frustration,  feeling  threatened,  threatening,  and  fighting.  When  this  became  a problem, 
the  training  session  was  cut  short  (but  on  a positive  note)  with  most  or  all  of  the  bats  involved,  and 
the  trainer  would  move  on  to  another  bat  in  another  area  of  the  enclosure. 

The  time  of  day  in  which  the  training  was  conducted  made  a huge  difference  in  the  way  the  bats 
participated  with  the  trainer.  If  the  training  session  was  conducted  right  during  or  after  a meal,  the 
bats  were  not  very  interested.  Furthermore,  if  the  training  session  was  conducted  in  mid-day  when 
the  bats  were  sleepy  or  sleeping,  they  were  not  very  interested.  This  problem  was  easily  averted  by 
changing  the  training  times  to  early  morning  before  their  breakfast  and  late  afternoon  before  their 
dinner.  These  times  had  the  best  response  from  all  bats. 

Conclusion 

The  training  of  Malayan  flying  fox  to  walk  onto  and  roost  on  an  inverted  hanging  scale  platform  can 
replace  a weighing  method  in  which  the  bats  are  physically  restrained  and  placed  into  pillowcases. 
This  new  process  has  created  a positive  environment  with  many  benefits  for  both  bat  and  keeper. 
For  the  bats,  this  new  system  reduces  stress  and  the  potential  for  injury  while  providing  an  enriching 
activity  in  their  daily  lives.  Also,  for  the  keepers  this  new  system  reduces  stress  and  the  potential  for 
injury  while  creating  a more  efficient  element  in  the  daily  husbandry  of  the  bats.  Although  not  all  of 
our  bats  are  currently  scale-trained,  we  continue  to  work  towards  the  day  when  all  20  bats  are 
walking  onto  the  scale  platform  and  recommend  the  process  to  any  institution  that  houses  mega 
chiropteran  bats.  It  is  important  to  realize  though,  that  when  designing  a scale  platform,  careful 
consideration  should  be  given  to  the  type  of  scale  you  will  use  and  how  it  will  affect  the  way  the  bats 
naturally  interact  with  it.  This  can  play  an  important  role  in  the  training  process. 

Acknowledgements 

I would  like  to  thank  my  co-trainer  Adam  Fink  for  helping  in  the  training  process  on  my  days  off, 
spearheading  the  design  of  our  scale  platforms,  and  providing  the  many  photos  of  this  project  in 
action.  Furthermore  I would  like  to  thank  Olivia  Mendez  for  many  creative  ideas  along  with  Colleen 
Kinzley,  Donna  Why,  Kevin  Lipski,  and  many  other  co-workers  for  their  support  and  encouragement. 
Lastly,  I would  like  to  thank  the  volunteers  and  interns  who  helped  give  me  time  to  train  by  aiding 
in  daily  husbandry  tasks. 

References 

Heard,  D.J.  1998.  Chiroptera:  Medical  Management  of  Megachiropterans.Zoo  and  Wild  Animal 
Medicine.  Current  Therapy  4.  W.B.  Saunders  Company.  Philadelphia.  London.  Pp.  345 

LeBlanc,  D.  and  Barnard,  S.  Handling  guidelines  for  old  world  fruit  bats.  Bats  in  captivity. 
Kreiger  Publishing  Company,  Malabar,  FI.  (In  preparation). 

Pryor,  Karen.  1984.  Don’t  Shoot  the  Dog.  Bantam  Books.  Pp.  13-15 

Products  Mentioned  in  the  Text 

1 . Kerns®  All  Nectar  2.  FG  30K 

Kerns  Beverages,  LLC  A&D  Company,  Ltd 

5994  West  Las  Positas  Blvd.,  Suite  209  3-23-14  Higaski  Ikebukuro  Toshima  Tu 

Pleasanton,  CA  94588  Tokyo,  170-00 13 

http://www.kems.com  JAPAN 

iiifQ@kems.com  http://www.aahdco.jp/eadhome/index.html 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  7 287 


EO  Editors  - Dawn  Neptune,  Utah ’s  Hogle  Zoo 
and  Rachel  Daneault,  Disney  s Animal  Kingdom 


liana  Rosenberg’s  Goeldi’s  Monkey  Puzzle  Feeder 

Presented  by  Dawn  Neptune,  EO  Column  Co-Editor 

In  this  month’s  column  we  would  like  to  highlight  last  year’s  winner  of  The  Leather  Elves’ Annual 
Enriehment  Device  Contest.  liana  Rosenberg,  an  Animal  Unit  Intern  with  the  Tropical  Rainforest  at 
the  Woodland  Park  Zoo,  created  an  innovative  Goeldi’s  Monkey  Puzzle  Feeder.  This  feeder’s  purpose 
was  to  present  food  in  a novel  way,  requiring  the  use  of  their  problem-solving  skills  to  obtain  a food 
reward.  The  goal  was  to  promote  foraging  behaviors  and  provide  challenge. 


This  enrichment  was  designed  because  when  the 
animals  are  in  holding,  food  is  often  presented  in  a 
food  dish  or  a simplified  forage  feeder.  This  device 
offered  more  complexity  than  the  average  feeder  and 
provided  ample  rewards  for  the  obtainment  of  the 
goal.  The  challenge  for  the  monkey  was  to  make  a 
relationship  between  the  feeder’s  function  and  the 
food  reward.  The  prototype  did  not  need  to  be  too 
durable  since  the  monkeys  are  small  and  not  overly 
destructive,  and  aestheties  were  not  a factor  due  to 
its  use  in  an  off-exhibit  area.  The  small  size  (larger 
than  most  yogurt-size  forage  feeders)  was  still  not 
so  large  as  to  be  intimidating.  It  was  lightweight, 
earried  a very  low  safety  risk  and  the  materials 
are  easy  to  find  in  any  hardware  store. 


01.  Goeldi’s  monkey  “Harlee”  checks  out  the 
puzzle  feeder  designed  to  encourage  foraging 
and  problem-solving  skills. 


Materials  Used  for  Project 


Materials  on  the  prototype  included:  4”  drain  cap,  4” 
draft  blocker,  4”  coupling,  4”  atrium  grate,  black  flexi- 
wire  and  a small,  plastic  cat  toy.  When  the  ball  tied  to  the  bottom  of  the  device  is  manipulated  by  the 
monkeys,  it  eauses  the  air  bloeker  to  open,  dropping  food  into  the  bottom  of  the  atrium  grate.  liana 


288  Animal  Keepers’  Eorum,  Voi  33  No.  7 


recommends  making  the  device  easier  to  figure  out 
initially,  as  the  monkeys  like  immediate  reward  from 
their  enrichment  and  often  times  gave  up  too  easily. 
Congratulations,  liana,  on  this  practical,  creative  and 
beneficial  enrichment 
device! 

The  device,  as  our  2005 
contest  winner,  will  now  be 
available  from  The  Leather 
Elves.  For  more  information, 
contact  Robin  Shewokis  at 
(781)  33 1-8557  or  by  sending 
an  email  to  Robin  at  BlRDELVES@AOL.com 


Above  “Harlee”  pulls  on  the  ball 
(cat  toy)  to  release  the  treats  hidden 
in  the  puzzle  feeder. 


At  left,  “Harlee”  retrieves  food 
treats  from  the  puzzle  feeder  basket. 
(all  photos  by  liana  Rosenberg) 


(Ideas  appearing  in  this  column  have  not  necessarily  been  tested  by  the  editors  for  safety  considerations.  Always 
think  ahead  and  use  good judgement  when  trying  new  ideas.  You  are  invited  to  submit  material  for  the  Enrichment 
Options  Column.  Look  in  the  January  2004  issue  of  AKF  for  guidelines  for  articles  acceptable  for  this  column ’s 
format  or  contact  the  editor  at  akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com  for  a copy  of  the  guidelines.  Drawings  and  photos  of 
enrichment  are  encouraged.  Send  to:  AKF/Enrichment,  3601  SfV  29th  St.,  Suite  133,  Topeka,  KS  66614-2054, 
USA.  Eds.) 


Call  for  fkuiGlmient  Videos 

Are  you  planning  on  attending  the  National  AAZK  Conference  in  Chicago?  The 
AAZK  Enrichment  Committee  would  like  to  invite  you  to  bring  videos  of 
enrichment  at  your  facility  to  be  shown  on  Video  Night!  Videos  should  be  no  longer 
than  10  minutes  and  contain  contact  information.  Please  consider  bringing  an  extra 
copy  of  your  video  to  donate  to  the  Shape  of  Enrichment  video  library.  See  you  at 
Video  Night!! 


Animal  Keepers'  Forum,  Vol  33  No.  7 289 


Chapter 

News 

Notes 

California  Desert  Chapter 

We  held  our  first  ever  Bowling  For  Rhinos  at 
Palm  Springs  Lanes  in  March,  a great  time  was 
had  by  all.  Over  a dozen  bowlers  participated 
and  just  over  $2,000  was  raised  for  Rhino 
Conservation.  This  event  could  not  have  been 
successful  without  the  support  and  generosity  of 
everyone  involved  especially  the  staff, 
volunteers,  and  docents  at  The  Living  Desert. 
Thanks  also  to  the  Dallas  Chapter  AAZK  for  their 
donation  of  an  auction  item. 

The  California  Desert  Chapter  also  held  a 
fundraiser  during  the  Zoo’s  Earth  Day 
celebration.  “Adopt  a Keeper”  buttons  and 
conservation  pins  were  sold  to  raise  money  and 
awareness  for  the  Chapter. 

Our  annual  Keeper  Olympics  were  held  on  a 
warm  afternoon  in  May.  The  competition  was 
intense  as  teams  battled  in  the  one-handed 
padlock  relay,  the  wheel  barrow  obstacle  course, 
the  fecalyzer  race,  and  hose-ball.  Team  Trumpet 
won  by  a slim  margin  over  the  PiRATes,  with 
the  Village  WaTuTu  People  slipping  to  third 
despite  having  the  best  team  uniform. 


In  other  news,  we  bid  a fond  farewell  to  Grady 
Beck,  Chapter  President.  Grady  is  leaving  The 
Living  Desert  to  spend  more  time  with  his  family. 
Grady  has  served  as  past  vice-president  and  has 
been  instrumental  in  helping  our  Chapter  grow. 
Jeremy  Konwiser  will  serve  as  interim  president 
until  elections  can  be  held. 

We  also  wish  former  keeper  and  Chapter  member 
Josh  Koenemann  luck  as  he  heads  up  north  to 
Sacramento,  we  will  miss  him  and  the  lovely 

Katrina. — Konwiser,  Chapter  Vice  President 


National  Capital  AAZK  Chapter 

Last  month  we  were  pleased  to  welcome  this  new 
Chapter  - whose  members  come  from  both  the 
National  Zoological  Park  in  Washington,  DC  and 
the  Conservation  and  Research  Center  located  in 
Front  Royal,  VA  - to  the  Association. 

This  month  we  are  very  pleased  to  be  able  to 
introduce  their  newly  adopted  logo  designed  by 
Debi  Tabot,  a Keeper  at  the  National  Zoo  and  a 
frequent  contributor  to  cover  art  fox  AKF. 

The  animals  chosen  for  the  logo  are  the  Giant 
Panda,  Golden  Lion  Tamarin,  Cheetah,  Kori 
Bustard  and  Komodo  Dragon.  The  National  Zoo’s 
first  pandas  were  a gift  from  China  and  in  2005 
they  celebrated  the  birth  of  their  first  surviving 
panda  cub.  Since  the  mid-1980’s,  NZP  has 
spearheaded  the  captive  breeding  and 
reintroduction  of  the  Golden  Lion  Tamarins  into 
their  Amazon  rainforest  home.  In  2005,  NZP 
experienced  the  successful  birthing  of  two  litters 
of  Cheetah  cubs  with  a total  of  nine  healthy  cubs. 
The  Kmodo  Dragon,  the  largest  of  all  lizards,  was 
selected  because  NZP  became  the  first  zoos 
outside  of  Indonesia  to  breed  them  successfiilly 
in  captivity.  Debi  admits  that  the  Kori  Bustard 
was  a personal  choice  to  include  on  the  logo  since 
she  became  a champion  for  koris  since  she  began 
working  with  Kori  Bustard  Studbook  keeper  Sara 
Hallager.  Plus,  she  admits  they  are  fun  to  draw! 

All  of  the  animals  represented  on  this  new  AAZK 
Chapter’s  logo  are  SSP®  species  and  the  success 
in  propagation  at  NZP  represent  milestones  for 
that  facility  and  its  staff  members. 


290  Animal  Keepers  'Forum,  Vol.  S3  No.  7 


The  Ups  and  Downs  of  Hand-raising 
Precocial  and  Allotricial  Birds  in  Zoos 


By  Robyn  Barfoot  & Jamie  Maurer 

Zoo  Keepers  & Hand-raising  Team  members  at  Wildlife  World  Zoo,  Litchfield  Park,  AZ 

(Editor ’s  note:  This  paper  was  originally  scheduled  for  presentation  at  the  2005  AAZK  National  Conference 
in  New  Orleans  which  was  cancelled  due  to  Hurricane  Katrina.  We  are  pleased  to  publish  it  in  AKF) 

Abstract 

Considering  the  lack  of  information  available  to  zoo  keepers  in  regards  to  hand-raising  birds,  we 
decided  to  contribute  our  combined  experiences  to  this  worthy  cause.  We  hand-raised  grey-headed 
chachalacas  (Ortalis  cinereiceps),  red-legged  (crested)  seriemas  (Cariama  cristata),  king  vultures 
(Sarcoramphus  papa)  and  white-throated  magpie  jays  (Calocitta  formosa),  carefully  documenting 
the  feeding,  care,  growth  changes  and  enclosure  needs  in  all  four  species.  In  our  quest  for  knowledge 
and  experience,  we  had  successes  and  failures,  but  learned  a great  deal  from  them  which  inspired  us 
to  write  this  paper. 

In  this  paper  we  compare  and  contrast  in  detail  the  differences  in  hand-raising  birds  - precocial 
versus  allotricial.  The  energy  and  care  required  among  ail  four  species  varied  drastically  but  all 
ended  with  the  same  result;  priceless  experience  and  well-  documented  information. 

Introduction 

In  the  past  six  months  our  hand-raising  team  has  not  had  much  sleep.  In  March  2005  our  General 
Curator  made  the  decision  to  pull  all  eggs  on  white-throated  jays,  king  vultures,  red-legged  seriemas 
and  grey-headed  chachalacas.  This  decision  was  made  due  to  the  following  reasons:  1 )high  mortality 
in  previous  clutches  due  to  parents  cannibalizing  chicks;  2)  increasing  temperatures  [over  100°F/ 
37.7°C];  3)  parents  not  feeding  the  chicks;  4)  and  the  rarity  of  the  species  in  zoo  collections.  The 
hand-raising  team  was  already  in  place  for  mammals  but  had  minimal  experience  with  raising  birds. 
We  gathered  as  much  information  as  we  could  but  found  that  resources  on  certain  species  were 
scarce. 

We  were  excited!  We  had  a variety  of  species  that  ranged  from  allotricial  (highly  dependent  on  the 
parents  for  survival)  to  precocial  (highly  independent).  This  allowed  us  an  opportunity  to  compare 
and  contrast  the  differences  in  how  these  birds  are  raised. 

In  the  beginning,  we  had  the  parents  incubate  the  eggs  for  90%  of  the  time,  then  pulled  them  and 
placed  them  into  our  brand  new  incubator  to  finish  the  incubation  process.  Once  the  Arizona 
temperature  began  to  rise,  we  decided  to  pull  the  eggs  immediately  and  do  the  entire  incubation 

process  ourselves. 

Once  hatched,  the  chicks  were  weighed  daily  and  both  temperature  and  humidity  levels  were  closely 
regulated.  Protocol  on  the  feeding  schedule  and  cleaning  was  established  as  well  as  dietary  needs 
and  supplements. 

In  the  past  six  months  we  have  learned  that  precocial  birds  are  undoubtedly  easier  to  raise  having  a 
75%  survival  rate  and  allotricial  birds  are  far  more  complicated  with  a range  of  10  - 50%  survival 
rate. 

Incubation 

Our  incubation  process  was  mostly  done  in  a newly  purchased  automatic  turner  plastic  incubator 
(manufactured  by  Gmmbach).  The  temperature  was  kept  at  99°F  (37.2°C)  and  55%  humidity.  The 
exception  was  the  second  king  vulture  egg.  It  was  pulled  immediately  and  placed  in  a wooden 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  7 291 


incubator  (Humidaire  Model  # 21)  at  99°F  and  50%  humidity.  The  egg  was  hand-turned  five  times 
a day  by  the  hand-raising  team. 

The  pull  time  varied  on  each  species.  The  first  clutch  of  the  white-throated  magpie  jays  was  90% 
incubated  by  the  parents.  However,  the  following  clutches  were  pulled  after  the  last  egg  was  laid 
and  placed  in  the  new  incubator.  (Incubation  time  is  22  days) 

The  first  king  vulture  clutch  was  left  in  the  nest  until  it  started  pipping.  (Clutch  size  on  king  vultures 
is  only  one  egg.)  The  second  clutch  was  pulled  after  one  week  due  to  a record  breaking  heat  wave 
and  was  incubated  in  our  wooden  incubator.  (Incubation  time  is  53-56  days). 

The  first  red-legged  seriema  clutch  was  left  in  the  nest  to  hatch  but  pulled  by  the  end  of  the  day  after 
the  parents  would  not  feed  the  chick.  The  second  clutch  was  pulled  immediately  after  it  had  been 
laid.  (Incubation  time  is  25-30  days). 

All  clutches  from  the  grey-headed  chachalacas  were  pulled  immediately  due  to  the  rarity  of  the 
species  in  zoos.  (Incubation  time  is  20-25  days).  The  white-throated  magpie  jays  were  the  quickest 
to  pip  out  at  approximately  four  hours.  The  red-legged  seriema  and  grey-  headed  chachalacas  took 
approximately  24-48  hours  to  pip  out  and  the  king  vulture  took  the  longest  at  48-96  hours. 

Diet 

The  diets  for  each  species  are  as  follows: 

• White-throated  magpie  jays  - The  first  threedays  the  jays  were  fed  the  insides  of  live 
mouse  pinkies  only.  After  three  days  they  can  be  on  frozen  pinkies  thawed  but  only 
insides,  no  heads  or  limbs.  At  five  days  of  age  we  changed  to  cut  up  pinky  parts  and 
added  in  Nebraska  Bird  of  Prey®  diet,  hard-boiled  egg,  soaked  monkey  biscuit,  fruit  and 
insects.  By  Day  10  whole  mouse  pinkies  can  be  fed. 

• King  vulture  - Day  1 & 2 we  fed  heated  up  regurgitated  Nebraska  Bird  of  Prey®  diet 
from  the  adult  vultures.  Day  3 we  used  a mixture  of  50%  cut  up  mouse  pinkies  and 
50%  Nebraska  Feline®  diet.  (*Note:  we  found  that  making  the  mixture  ‘soupy’  helped 
empty  out  the  crop  faster). 

• Red-legged  seriema  - Day  1 through  5 we  fed  only  Nebraska  Bird  of  Prey®,  cut  up 
frozen  pinkies  and  insects.  After  Day  5 we  added  soaked  monkey  biscuit,  hard-boiled 
egg  and  cut  up  fruit  to  the  diet. 

• Grey-headed  chachalaca  - Three  times  a day  we  offered  the  chachalaca  a mixture  of 
chicken  crumble,  four  mealworms  and  1/4  hard-boiled  egg  broken  up  into  tiny  pieces. 

The  size  of  the  food  item  varies  depending  on  the  individual  and  increased  as  the  bird  grew.  Mouse 
pinkies  were  fed  usually  in  the  first  1 -2  weeks  but  then  we  switched  to  rat  pinkies.  We  also  added  in 
the  following  supplements  to  the  diets: 

*Cuttlebone  - a shaving  for  the  jays  and  seriemas  at  1000  and  2200  hrs 

*Mouse  limb  - for  the  jays  once  a day  after  three  weeks  of  age 

*Calcium  carbonate  (powder)  - for  vultures  only  - 5%  of  food  weight  amount 

Feeding 

All  birds  were  fed  after  their  first  defecation.  The  jays  and  seriemas  were  fed  using  their  own 
specific  pair  of  surgical  tweezers.  The  vultures  and  chachalacas  were  hand-fed  from  Day  1. 

Each  individual  had  their  own  set  of  feeding  utensils  and  color-coded  bowls.  A feeding  schedule 
was  set  for  six  feedings  a day  - 0600,  1000,  1300,  1600,  1900  and  2200hrs.  Weights  were  taken 
every  morning  before  the  0600hrs  feeding  and  intensive  sterilization  of  the  enclosure  was  done  at 
both  0600  and  1600hrs.  Routine  minor  cleaning  was  done  at  all  other  feedings  as  needed. 


292  Animal  Keepers'  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  7 


To  obtain  a positive  feeding  response,  tapping,  whistling,  or  loud  vocalizations  were  performed 
during  every  feeding.  The  main  key  to  the  positive  feeding  response  is  to  maintain  consistency 
among  the  keepers  who  feed  the  chick.  To  avoid  a bacteria  infection  with  the  king  vultures,  we 
made  sure  we  did  not  feed  unless  the  crop  was  completely  empty.  The  addition  of  increased  water 
levels  in  the  food  for  the  vulture  allowed  them  to  empty  out  the  crop  faster. 

During  the  feedings  most  of  the  chicks  were  taken  out  of  their  enclosures  and  placed  in  confined 
plastic  bowls.  This  allowed  the  keeper  to  maintain  a cleaner  feeding  area  and  assist  the  chick  if 
needed  by  holding  its  head  up  or  opening  its  beak. 

Specific  notes  on  each  species: 

• White-throated  magpie  jays:  Fed  as  much  as  they  wanted.  The  gaping  response 

occurred  instantly  and  stopped  feeding  once  they  stopped  gaping.  After  one  week,  drop 
1900hr.  feeding;  after  three  weeks  drop  2200hr.  feeding;  and  at  four  weeks  feed  at  0700, 
1200  and  1700hrs. 


Photo  1 Excellent  feeding 
response  from  White-throated 
magpie  jay 


• King  vultures:  Only  fed  two 
times  a day.  At  each  feeding, 
we  fed  15%  of  the  body 
weight.  After  one  week,  drop 
1900hr  feeding;  after  three 
weeks  drop  2200hr  feeding; 
and  at  four  weeks  feed  at  0700, 
1200  and  1700hrs. 


• Grey-headed  chachalacas:  Fed  three  times  a day.  (0800,1200  and  IbOOhrs.)  Hand-fed 
first  few  days,  and  then  ate  on  their  own. 


Red-legged  s.eriema:  Fed 
specific  amounts  to  maintain  a 
steady  growth.  After  one  week,  drop  1900hr  feeding;  after  three  weeks  drop  2200hr 
feeding;  and  at  four  weeks  feed  at  0700,  1200  and  1700hrs. 


Major  realizations:  Make  sure  to  turn  on  the  lights  10  minutes  before  you  feed  in  the  morning  to 
wake  up  the  chicks,  otherwise  your  feeding  response  will  be  non-existent.  Most  chicks  will  lose 
weight  between  1-5  days  of  age,  but  don’t  worry  it’s  normal. 


Husbandry 

The  chicks  starting  gaining  weight  after  5-7  days  of  age.  We  tried  to  maintain  an  average  daily 
weight  gain  of  10-15%.  Food  amounts  varied  depending  on  percentage  gained.  Vet  staff  checked 
on  the  chicks  every  Monday,  Tuesday,  Thursday  and  Friday  to  monitor  overall  health  and  growth 
rate. 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  7 293 


After  two  weeks  of  age  the  chicks  were  taken  out  of  their  enclosures  more  often  to  exercise  and 
bond  with  the  keepers.  Vocalizations  became  more  frequent  during  this  time.  The  jays  were  already 
pinning  by  this  time  and  the  vultures  were  walking. 

Housing 

• White-throated  magpie  jays:  Week  1 - Temperature  at  99  - 100°F  (37.2-37.7°C)  and 
50%  humidity.  Housed  in  a 10-  gallon  aquarium  with  lid  open  enough  for  ventilation. 
Heating  pad  underneath  tank  to  regulate  temperature.  A bowl  of  water  with  a paper 
towel  in  it  to  help  with  humidity  levels.  (Used  specifically  in  Arizona  because  of  our  - 
very  dry  climate)  Paper  towels  as  substrate  and  the  chick  itself  was  kept  in  a small 
plastic  bowl  with  paper  towels  as  bedding. 

Week  2 - 3 - Change  the  bowl  to  an  actual  bird’s  nest  and  place  sticks  in  bottom  of  the  I 
nest  for  better  foot  formation.  | 

After  week  3 - Move  to  a wire  birdcage  with  newspaper  substrate  for  easier  cleaning. 

• King  vultures:  Week  1-3  - Temperature  at  99  - 100°F  and  50%  humidity  for  the  first 

few  days,  then  drop  temperature  down  gradually  to  92°F  (33.3°C).  Housed  in  a 10- 
gallon  aquarium  with  lid  open  enough  for  ventilation.  Heating  pad  underneath  tank  to 
regulate  temperature.  A bowl  of  water  with  a paper  towel  in  it  to  help  with  humidity 
levels  is  placed  inside  the  tank.  Paper  towels  are  used  as  substrate  and  shelf  liner  on  top  ^ 
of  paper  towels  to  keep  the  chick  from  sliding.  ^ 

Week  3 - Moved  into  a wire  cage  with  shelf  liner  op  top  of  newspaper  as  substrate  and 
heat  lamp  for  warmth.  | 

• Red-legged  seriemas:  Week  1-3  - Temperature  at  99  - 100°F  and  50%  humidity  for  the 
first  few  days  then  drop  temperature  down  gradually  to  92°F.  Housed  in  a 10-gallon 
aquarium  with  lid  open  enough  for  ventilation.  Heating  pad  underneath  tank  to  regulate 
temperature.  A bowl  of  water  with  a paper  towel  in  it  to  help  with  humidity  levels  is 
placed  inside  the  tank.  Paper  towels  are  used  as  substrate  and  shelf  liner  on  top  of 
paper  towels  to  keep  the  chick  from  sliding.  Week  3-12  - Moved  into  a wire  cage  with 
newspaper  substrate  and  a straw  nest.  Heat  lamp  added  for  warmth. 

Week  12  - Moved  outside  in  a run  on  baby  bird  row  with  a few  perches. 


Photo  2 - Housing  on  Day  6 for  Red-legged 
seriema. 


• Grey-headed  chachalacas:  Week  1 - Housed  in 
a plastic  15-gallon  Rubbermaid®  tub  with  granite 
as  a substrate.  A heat  lamp  placed  above  the  tub 
and  sticks  inside  for  perching.  A 1”  x 1”  (•~2/6cm 
X 2/6cm)  welded  wire  lid  was  made  since  the 
chicks  can  fly  out  at  two  days  old. 

After  5 days  old  - The  chick  was  taken  outside 
from  0800  - 1600hrs  and  placed  into  a brooder 
box  to  get  some  sunshine. 

Week  3 - The  chick  was  placed  outside 
permanently  in  a run  on  baby  bird  row  with  plenty 
of  perches. 


294  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  7 


Photo  3 - Looking  down  into  housing  for 
grey-headed  chachalaca  on  Day  4 


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Growth  Charts: 


White-throated  magpie  jays 


-4—  White-throated 
magpie  jay  1 

■ White-throated 
magpie  jay  2 


Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  7 295 


King  vultures 


King  Vulture  1 
King  Vulture  2 


Age  (Days) 


Red-legged  seriemas 


296  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  7 


Specific  growth  changes: 

• White-throated  magpie  jay:  100%  Allotricial.  Hatch  out  without  any  feathers,  eyes 
closed  and  can  barely  hold  itself  up. 

Day  7-11  Feather  tracts  develop,  vocalize  more  and  eyes  open 

Day  14-21  A lot  of  feather  development,  pin  out,  perching  and  preening  done 

Day  25  Fully  feathered  and  flying 

« King  vulture:  Semi-allotricial.  Hatch  out  with  down  feathers  and  eyes  open  but  not 
mobile. 

Day  1 Vocalize  during  feedings 

Day  5-  14  Walking  around  and  preening 

Day  18-26  Eating  on  own,  standing  and  growling  at  others 

• Red-legged  seriema:  Semi-precocial.  Hatch  out  with  feathers  and  eyes  open  but  need 
help  to  eat. 

Day  7 Vocalizing  and  trying  to  stand 

Day  12-17  Walking  around  enclosure  and  eating  from  bowl  on  its  own 

• Grey-headed  chachalaca:  100%  precocial.  Fully  feathered,  eyes  open  and  can  eat  on 
its  own  after  keeper  demonstrates  where  the  food  is  and  assists  with  feeding  on  the  first 
day. 

Day  1 - Vocalize  for  food  and  eat  on  its  own  when  food  is  presented 
Day  2 - Can  fly  out  of  enclosure 

Hurdles 

As  with  any  new  endeavor,  there  were  some  hurdles  to  overcome.  We  feel  that  sharing  our  stories 
of  obstacles  to  overcome  can  only  help  other  zookeepers.  The  jays  have  been  the  most  difficult  by 
far  whereas  the  chachalacas  were  a walk  in  the  park! 

White-throated  magpie  jays:  (a)  We  noticed  a lot  of  leg  splaying  between  2-3  weeks  of  age.  Most 
were  simply  corrected  by  adding  more  sticks  to  the  nest  and  making  sure  the  nest  was  not  too  large, 
(b)  Toes  curling  inward  was  another  obstacle  but  we  made  sure  the  correct  size  sticks  were  used  and 
did  physical  therapy  on  the  jays  to  aid  in  proper  toe  placement. 

King  vultures:  (a)  Highly  susceptible  to  metabolic  bone  disease.  We  lost  one  to  poor  bone 
development.  Since  then  we  have  added  calcium  carbonate  to  the  diet,  (b)  Overfeeding  was  another 
issue.  The  vulture  was  more  than  happy  to  eat  everything  offered  and  then  some!  He  was  gaining 
weight  too  quickly  and  eventually  was  no  longer  able  to  stand.  We  have  adjusted  the  amount  fed 
and  regulated  daily  weightgain  at  10-15%.  (c)  Toes  curling  inward  also  occurred  on  the  vultures. 
Instead  of  sticks,  we  wrapped  measured  out  pieces  of  drinking  straws  around  the  toes,  taped  them 
and  allowed  them  to  remain  on  the  toes  for  four  days.  This  corrected  the  toe  curling  problem 
immediately,  (d)  We  had  a problem  with  our  second  vulture  taking  a long  time  to  empty  out  her 
erop.  Adding  more  water  to  her  food  amount,  making  it  soupy,  fixed  this  problem  instantly  and  now 
she  is  fed  twice  a day. 

Red-legged  seriemas:  (a)  Highly  susceptible  to  stress.  Our  first  one  broke  with  bloody  stool  after 
being  moved  to  a different  enclosure.  Due  to  this  we  have  added  vitamin  E to  his  diet  three  days 
before  we  move  him  and  also  anti-ulcer  medication.  Our  second  seriema  perished  from  egg  yolk 
sac  infection,  (b)  The  oldest  seriema  had  a difficult  time  weaning.  We  missed  our  window  of 
opportunity  and  had  to  hand-feed  him  up  until  he  was  2 1/2  months  old.  After  that,  it  was  decided 
to  place  live  pinkies  in  his  food  bowl  and  see  what  he  did  with  them.  Two  days  later,  he  was  a big 
bird  eating  on  his  own. 

Grey-headed  chachalacas:  (a)  Predation  in  outside  enclosure.  After  losing  one  to  a predator  we  no 
longer  take  the  chachalacas  outside  until  they  are  one  week  old.  We  have  also  made  sure  to  cover 
any  snake  holes  and  collapse  gopher  holes. 


Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  7 297 


Conclusion 

Throughout  the  past  six  months  we  have  come  to  learn  and  experience  a lot  regarding  birds.  First, 
they  are  fantastic  ambassadors  for  our  conservation  program  and  when  hand-raised,  can  be  a strong 
asset  to  our  education  department.  Second,  we  can  help  increase  the  captive  population  in  zoos  and 
public  awareness.  Third,  they  are  extremely  individualized.  Even  though  we  had  a set  protocol  for 
raising  the  birds,  each  one  had  to  be  altered  to  better  fit  each  individual.  No  two  birds  are  the  same. 
This  is  why  our  data  and  information  given  here  is  so  generalized. 

Finally,  comparing  precocial  bird  species  versus  allotricial,  there  is  NO  comparison.  Precocial 
birds  basically  raise  themselves  and  are  extremely  independent.  (Similar  to  teenagers)  Versus 
allotricial  birds,  who  are  terribly  needy  and  time-consuming.  (Similar  to  human  toddlers) 

If  you  decide  to  hand-raise  birds,  we  highly  recommend  starting  with  precocial  species.  If  you  are 
up  for  a challenge,  do  not  enjoy  sleeping  and  do  not  need  a social  life  of  any  kind,  allotricial  bird 
species  are  the  way  to  go!  Good  luck  and  happy  birding! 

References 

Bum,  Hilary  and  Madge,  Steve.  1999.  “Crows  & Jays.”  Princeton  University  Press  pgs  93-94 

De  Hoyo,  Joseph  and  Elliott,  Andrew  and  Sargatal,  Jordi.  2004.  “Handbook  of  the  Birds  - New 
World  Vultures  to  Guinea  Fowl.”  Lynx  Edicions.  Pg.  40 

Delacour,  Jean  and  Amadon,  Dean.  2004  “Handbook  of  the  Birds-  Curassows  and  Related 
Birds.”  Lynx  Edicions.  Pgs  107-108 


JU  ree  AAZKA  nima  I Data  T ransfcr  F opms  Available  Onli 


ne 


The  American  Association  of  Zoo  Keepers,  Inc.  encourages  all  zoos  and  other  animal  care  facilities 
to  utilize  the  following  data  transfer  forms  whenever  they  are  shipping  an  animal  between  facilities. 
Providing  this  information  to  the  receiving  facility  will  ease  the  transition  of  a new  animal  into  the 
collection  and  provide  vital  information  to  receiving  staff  With  the  greater  emphasis  on  enrichment 
and  training  at  all  AZA-accredited  facilities,  this  information  will  prove  especially  important  in 
providing  continuity  and  consistency  when  an  animal  is  shipped. 

All  three  forms  are  now  available  in  downloadable  pdf  and  Word  format  at  www.aazk.org< 

All  collection  managers  are  asked  to  include  all  three  of  the  forms  where  applicable  whenever  an 
animal  is  shipped.  THREE  copies  of  each  form  should  be  sent  with  the  animal  being  shipped.  At  the 
receiving  institution  these  copies  should  be  distributed  to  the  following  staff; 

a)  Curator 

b)  Keeper  who  will  be  caring  for  the  animal 

c)  Zoo  files  and/or  veterinarian 

1 . The  original  Animal  Data  Transfer  Form  provides  information  on  the  animal,  its  diet,  reproductive 
history,  medical  and  physical  husbandry  information,  etc.  This  form  is  one  page  in  length, 

2.  The  Enrichment  Data  Transfer  Form  provides  infonnation  on  the  animal’s  behavioral  history, 
and  data  on  what  types  of  enrichment  have  been  utilized  and  their  success  or  failure  with  the  particular 
animal.  This  form  is  two  pages  in  length. 

3.  The  Operant  Conditioning  Data  Transfer  Form  provides  background  information  on  any  training 
that  has  occurred  with  the  animal,  training  schedules,  types  of  training,  animal’s  reaction  to  training, 
etc.  This  form  is  two  pages  in  length. 

We  all  seek  to  provide  the  best  and  most  professional  care  possible  for  the  animals  in  our  collections. 
Using  the  three  AAZK  data  transfer  forms  will  help  provide  receiving  institution  staff  with  the  tools 
to  make  this  possible.  Your  cooperation  and  participation  is  encouraged  and  appreciated.  These 
forms  are  provided  as  a professional  courtesy  by  AAZK,  Inc. 


298  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  7 


What's  in  a Name? 

Su  Lin:  Pandas  Past  and  Present 


By  Donald  G.  Lindberg,  Ph.D.,  Head,  Office  of  Giant  Panda  Conservation/San  Diego  Zoo, 
Zoological  Society  of  San  Diego,  San  Diego,  CA 

When  the  President  McKinley  docked  in  San  Francisco  on  18  December  1936,  a New  York  fashion 
designer  named  Ruth  Harkness  disembarked,  bearing  in  her  arms  Su  Lin,  a two-month-old  giant 
panda  cub  that  she  had  captured  in  the  mountains  of  China.  This  was  the  first  live  panda  ever  to 
have  reached  the  United  States.  The  little  cub  - a male  wrongly  sexed  as  a female  - created  the 
sensationalism  usually  reserved  for  celebrities.  Harkness  was  mobbed  by  reporters  at  every  stop, 
and  their  photos  and  stories  made  the  front  pages  in  newspapers  across  the  country.  Named  after  the 
sister-in-law  of  her  Chinese  expedition  leader,  Su  Lin  was  eventually  destined  to  reside  at  the 
Brookfield  Zoo  in  Chicago  where  millions  turned  out  to  see  our  nation’s  most  famous  animal. 


Ruth  Harkness  was  hardly  the  material  that 
early  20‘^-century  explorers  were  made  of. 
When  her  husband  died  unexpectedly,  she  took 
up  his  mission  to  bring  to  the  United  States  the 
first  live  panda.  Quests  of  this  sort  were  not 
something  women  did  in  those  days,  and 
Harkness  was  initially  subjected  to  endless 
ridicule  and  predictions  of  failure.  In  the  end, 
she  attributed  her  success  to  the  genius  of  her 
Chinese  guide,  a 22-year-old  Chinese- 
American  named  Quentin  Young,  Mr.  Young 
resides  today  in  San  Diego. 


As  San  Diego  Zoo’s  latest  giant  panda  cub 
approached  100  days  of  age,  in  the  Chinese 


Ruth  Harkness  arrives  in  U.S.  with  two-month-old  custom  the  time  had  arrived  for  bestowing 
giant  panda  Su  Lin.  ("P/ioto  cowrtoy  o//?oZ?z>i  upon  her  a name.  Using  the  Zoo  s website, 

more  than  70,000  members  of  our  community 
voted  from  a list  of  five  names  to  christen  her  “Su  Lin”  (pronounced  Sue  Lynn).  Comments  from  the 
Weblogs  accompanying  our  Panda  Cam  indicate  that  some  voters  preferred  “Su  Lin”  because  it  is 
easy  to  pronounce  or  because  of  its  meaning  when  translated:  “a  little  bit  of  something  very  cute.” 
A few,  however,  made  the  connection  with  the  first  Su  Lin,  whose  name  was  included  on  the  list 
because  of  “her”  historic  significance. 

Our  Su  Lin  came  to  us  under  very  different  circumstances  from  the  first  one.  She  is  the  product  of 
international  cooperation  between  China  and  zoos  in  our  country  on  projects  designed  to  ward  off 
extinction  of  this  magnificent  creature.  Research  on  giant  panda  (Ailuropoda  melanoleuca)  biology 
is  the  focal  point  of  this  collaboration.  Historically,  the  West  contributed  to  at  least  two  waves  of 
decline  in  pandas  living  in  the  remote  mountains  of  China.  The  first  was  launched  in  1929  when 
Theodore  and  Kermit  Roosevelt,  sons  of  our  26“’  president,  achieved  distinction  by  being  the  first 
known  Westerners  to  shoot  a giant  panda  while  on  an  expedition  sponsored  by  Chicago’s  Field 
Museum  to  western  China.  By  all  accounts,  this  headline  news  touched  off  a wave  of  competition 
by  museums  around  the  world  to  acquire  stuffed  pandas  for  display,  and  many  pandas  fell  to  the 
hunter’s  gun. 

It  was  only  a few  years  later  that  the  distinction  of  being  the  first  to  bring  a live  panda  out  of  China 
fueled  a campaign  that  decimated  entire  giant  panda  ranges,  when  led  to  China’s  first  attempts  to 


Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  7 299 


restrict  their  exportation.  Ruth  Harkness  inadvertently  contributed  to  a second  wave  by  making  it 
appear  to  be  relatively  easy  to  capture  a panda  and  to  keep  it  alive  during  transit.  To  the  disbelief  of 
her  male  competitors  and  with  many  accusations  of  procurement  irregularities,  Harkness  succeeded 
in  1937  in  bringing  yet  a second  young  panda  to  the  United  States.  But  in  the  hunters’  feverish 
pursuit  of  such  a great  treasure,  far  too  many  pandas  were  dying  during  the  journey  from  their 
mountain  homeland  to  points  abroad.  Few  people  realized  that  on  her  third  and  last  expedition  j 
Harkness  reversed  course  and  returned  her  latest  captive  to  its  mountain  range  and  released  it.  She  ; 
had  become  sickened  by  the  quests  for  money  and  fame  that  were  causing  the  deaths  of  so  many  I 
pandas,  and  by  this  act  she  vowed  to  seek  a measure  of  atonement.  | 


The  first  Su  Lin  demonstrated  the  unusual  appeal 
of  the  giant  panda,  becoming  as  much  of  a celebrity 
as  an  animal  can.  In  that  early  period  of  its  history, 
it  seems  not  to  have  entered  the  human  conscience 
that  one  day  even  this  more  charismatic  of 
mammals  would  be  an  eyelash  away  from 
disappearing  forever.  The  new  Su  Lin  evokes 
amusement  and  celebrity  as  did  her  predecessor, 
but  now  she  carries  a starker  message  as  a lucky 
survivor  in  a population  of  only  1600  of  her  kind. 
Linked  by  the  sharing  of  a common  name,  the  two 
Su  Lins  are  bookends  to  an  interim  during  which 
their  numbers  have  spiraled  steadily  downward. 
Our  community  is  privileged  to  be  one  of  only  four 
in  the  United  States  to  participate  in  an  attempt  to 
reverse  that  rend.  As  we  celebrate  a thriving  panda 
cub,  we  must  be  forever  mindful  that  our  modern- 
day  Su  Lin  and  her  kind  will  face  an  uncertain 
world  for  decades  to  come. 


Su  Lin  was  bom  at  the  San  Diego  Zoo  on 
August  2,  2005.  (Photo  courtesy  of  the  Zoological 
Society  of  San  Diego) 


(Reprinted  with  permission  from  the  author  and  the  San  Diego  Zoo  from  the 


, Winter  2005)  \ 


1 


(Editor’s  Note:  Currently  zoos  in  four  U.S.  cities  exhibit  giant  pandas:  Smithsonian’s  National  ' 
Zoological  Park;  San  Diego  Zoo;  Zoo  Atlanta;  and  the  Memphis  Zoo  Each  of  the  zoos  pays  $1  j 
million  a year  to  China  to  help  giant  panda  conservation  efforts  in  return  for  the  loan  of  a breeding  j 
pair  to  exhibit.  If  a panda  pair  produces  a cub,  the  host  zoo  also  gives  China  a one-time  fee  of  [ 
$600,000  to  keep  the  cub  until  it  turns  two  years  old,  after  which  it  is  returned  to  China.  j 

ij 

I 

With  the  birth  of  its  own  panda  cub  August  2,  the  San  Diego  Zoo  now  hosts  the  most  pandas  of  any 

Ij 

U.S.  facility.  The  San  Diego  cub,  a female,  is  the  third  for  its  mother  Bai  Yun  (White  Cloud).  In  |i 
2003  Bai  Yun  produced  a male  cub,  Mei  Sheng  (Born  in  America,  or  Beautiful  Life),  who  currently  || 
lives  at  the  San  Diego  Zoo  with  his  parents  and  new  sibling.  Bai  Yun  also  gave  birth  to  the  first 
surviving  panda  cub  in  the  United  States  in  1999  — a female  called  Hua  Mei  (China- America),  who 
in  turn  had  twin  male  cubs  in  China  in  2004.) 


300  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  7 


AAZK  Chapter  Fundraising  Efforts  Support 
The  Northern  Rangelands  Endangered  Species  Program 
FOR  Grevy’s  Zebra  in  Kenya 


By  Belinda  Low,  NRESP  Coordinator,  Northern  Rangelands  Trust' 
Martha  Fischer,  Saint  Louis  Zoo^ 

Sarah  Christeson,  Saint  Louis  AAZK^ 

Bob  Cisneros,  San  Diego  AAZK* 

Dana  Vinci,  Brookfield  AAZK 


‘Northern  Rangelands  Trust,  Private  Bag,  Isiolo,  Kenya 
^ Saint  Louis  Zoo,  1 Government  Drive,  St.  Louis,  MO  63110  USA 
‘‘San  Diego  Zoo,  po  box  120551,  San  Diego,  CA  92112-0551  USA 
Brookfield  Zoo,  3300  Golf  Road,  Brookfield,  IL  60513  USA 


According  to  population  surveys  recently  condueted  in  Kenya  and  Ethiopia,  the  global  population 
of  Grevy’s  zebra  (Equus  grevyi)  now  numbers  fewer  than  2,300  individuals  and  the  population  is 
still  declining  (Williams  & Low,  2004).  In  Ethiopia,  there  are  fewer  than  1 50  Grevy’s  zebra  remaining, 
representing  a 90%  decline  since  1980  (Williams  et  al.  2003).  In  Kenya,  the  trend  is  similar  with 
1 ,700-2, 1 00  individuals  left,  which  reflects  an  86-89%  decline  over  the  last  20  years  (Nelson,  2003). 
The  threats  facing  this  species  include  loss  of  range,  poaching,  competition  with  domestic  livestock 
for  critical  resources,  and  predation. 

Over  70%  of  Kenya’s  remaining  Grevy’s  zebra  population  resides  within  a few  Samburu  communities 
north  of  Lewa  Wildlife  Conservancy.  Historically,  the  incentive  for  Kenyan  communities  to  protect 
their  wildlife  has  been  low  because  wild  animals  are  considered  property  of  the  Kenyan  government 
and  conserving  wildlife  has,  until  recently,  provided  no  direct  benefits  to  the  communities. 

The  majority  of  the  remaining  wild  population  of  Grevy’s  zebra  occurs  on  community-owned 
property;  therefore  the  long-term  preservation  of  Grevy’s  zebra  depends  upon  the  support  of  local 
communities  and  a productive  partnership  between  many  parties,  ineluding  communities,  government 
organizations  and  non-government  organizations.  If  conservation  efforts  in  this  region  are  to  be 
successful,  these  efforts  must  improve  security  for  the  wildlife  and  the  communities  as  well  as 
enhanee  the  livelihoods  of  the  rural  people. 

Lewa  Wildlife  Conservancy  has  historically  acted  as  a catalyst  for  the  establishment  of  community 
conservation  initiatives  in  Northern  Kenya,  and  is  actively  involved  in  supporting  conservation 
both  within  its  boundaries  and  in  the  ecologically  important  community  areas  to  its  north.  Since  the 
early  1990s,  Lewa  has  aided  in  the  development  of  several  community  conservation  areas  signifieantly 
increasing  the  area  of  land  under  conservation  management  in  the  northern  part  of  Kenya. 

Recently,  individuals  from  private  and  community-based  conservation  initiatives  in  northern  Kenya 
teamed  to  develop  the  Northern  Rangelands  Trust  (NRT).  This  umbrella  organization,  officially 
registered  in  January  2004,  has  the  overall  goal  of  improving  the  livelihoods  of  ten  communities 
and  of  conserving  biodiversity  within  the  NRT  area  (Figure  1)  through  the  management  and 
sustainable  use  of  natural  resourees. 


Animal  Keepers'  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  7 301 


0 


So  Kiel 


1 I .Virr^  %Jtr»rririirif|/  /Vey'i'cf 


Figure'l  rMember  areas  of  the  Northern'Rangelands  Trust 


The  NRT  aims  to  develop  strong  community-led  institutions  as  a foundation  for  investment  and 
promotes  standards  of  good  governance  on  finance,  community  development  and  wildlife 
conservation  through  peer  review  and  training.  What  makes  NRT  different  is  that  it  is  driven  by  the 
real  day-to-day  challenges  facing  pastoral  communities  while  at  the  same  time  addressing  landscape- 
level  issues.  This  holistic  approach  to  environmental  issues  embraces  not  only  wildlife  conservation 
but  also  humanitarian  concerns  including  education,  healthcare,  and  income-generating  activities. 
The  NRT  provides  continuity  through  the  different  cycles  of  growth  of  each  community  project  and 
in  the  long-term  promotes  sustainability  of  individual  projects  through  institutional  strengthening. 
The  Trust  also  links  pastoral  families  directly  to  international  donors  fostering  a tangible  relationship 
between  both  parties. 

The  Northern  Rangelands  Endangered  Species  Program  (NRESP)  is  an  arm  of  the  NRT  whose 
objective  is  to  support  the  in  situ  conservation  of  endangered  species.  One  of  its  flagship  species  is 
the  Grevy’s  zebra. 

The  northern  Kenyan  rangelands  are  critical  to  the  future  survival  of  Grevy’s  zebra,  so  the  NRESP 
is  using  this  unique  species  as  a common  linkage  throughout  the  communities.  Grevy’s  zebras  are 
being  used  to  raise  the  local  awareness  of  conservation  issues  and  of  the  opportunities  and  benefits 
that  can  result  for  communities  through  the  conservation  of  this  endangered  species.  Nationally  and 
internationally,  Grevy’s  zebra  is  the  flagship  species  being  utilized  to  generate  interest  in  the  NRESP 
among  donors  and  conservation  organizations  in  order  to  raise  funds  for  the  different  community 
programs. 

The  NRESP  focuses  on  supporting  those  elements  of  community  operations  that  are  fundamental  to 
the  improved  conservation  of  Grevy’s  zebra  and  other  endangered  species,  including:  Species 
Protection,  Research  and  Monitoring,  Education  and  Awareness,  Operational  Support,  Technical 
Support  and  Alternative  Income  Opportunities. 

302  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  7 


Zoo  Support  of  NRESP 

The  conservation  of  Grevy’s  zebra  and  its  semi-arid  habitat  in  Kenya  and  Ethiopia  will  require 
commitment  and  coordination  among  all  stakeholders  internationally  to  ensure  the  future  survival 
of  this  species  across  its  native  range. 

According  to  the  2003  International  Studbook,  over  600  Grevy’s  zebra  are  held  in  zoos  worldwide. 
Zoos  should  be  considered  key  stakeholders  in  both  captive  and  in-situ  conservation  efforts  for 
Grevy’s  zebra.  Primarily,  zoos  can  offer  financial  support  directly  and/or  provide  fundraising 
assistance  to  raise  capital  to  support  the  conservation  efforts  for  Grevy’s  zebra,  including  NRESP. 
Zoos  can  also  provide  a wide  range  of  technical  support  to  field  conservation  and  research  programs 
in  the  following  disciplines:  veterinary  medicine,  nutrition,  genetics,  reproductive  physiology, 
behavior  and  small  population  management.  Zoo  travel  programs  can  host  tours  to  the  northern 
rangelands  of  Kenya  to  support  community  conservation  and  tourism  efforts.  And  lastly,  zoos  have 
a unique  opportunity  to  reach  visitors  through  informational  graphics,  formal  staff  presentations 
and  media  events  to  raise  global  awareness  of  the  serious  decline  of  the  Grevy’s  zebra  in  the  wild 
and  the  ongoing  community  conservation  efforts  in  northern  Kenya. 

AAZK  Support  of  NRESP 

SL  Louis  AAZK  Grevy^s  Zebra  T-shirt  Sale 

The  St.  Louis  AAZK  Chapter  was  inspired  by  the  birth  of  the  Saint  Louis  Zoo’s  WildCare  Institute, 
an  organization  within  the  Zoo  dedicated  to  supporting  conservation  efforts  around  the  world.  Our 
AAZK  Chapter  decided  to  take  the  opportunity  to  come  in  at  the  ground  level  and  help  build  this 
worthy  organization. 

Grevy’s  zebras  have  been  displayed  at  the  Saint  Louis  Zoo  since  the  1930’s  and  many  members  of 
the  St.  Louis  AAZK  Chapter  work  with  this  amazing  species  every  day.  It  was  not  very  hard  to 
choose  a conservation  initiative  to  support.  The  WildCare  Institute’s  Center  for  Equid  Conservation 
has  made  tremendous  strides  in  helping  to  ensure  the  survival  of  the  Grevy’s  zebra.  Many  people 
think  that  there  are  a great  number  of  zebras  throughout  Africa  but  most  of  these  are  the  common 
Plains  Zebra.  Grevy’s  Zebra  only  number  around  2000  individuals  in  the  wild.  With  the  goal  in 
mind  of  educating  the  public  about  the  plight  of  the  endangered  Grevy’s  zebra  the  St.  Louis  AAZK 
Chapter  made  the  decision  to  assist  the  efforts  of  the  NRESP. 

At  the  time,  our  AAZK  Chapter  had  only  been  established  for  one  year.  As  our  members  considered 
fundraising  options  that  would  lead  to  the  Chapter’s  ability  to  offer  financial  support  to  NRESP,  the 
concept  of  designing  a t-shirt  surfaced.  Our  first  goal  was  to  create  a shirt  design  that  could  educate 
people  about  the  Grevy’s  zebra.  Maria  Scott,  a keeper  intern  in  the  Antelope  Area  of  the  Zoo, 
created  a unique  representation  of  a Grevy’s  zebra  on  a short-sleeved  gray  t-shirt.  The  artwork  was 
displayed  on  the  back  of  the  shirt  along  with  natural  history  information.  The  front  of  the  shirt 
exhibited  our  local  AAZK  Chapter’s  logo. 

The  Chapter  sold  these  shirts  all  year  long  and  was  able  to  raise  enough  money  to  host  Bowling  for 
Rhinos  2004  as  well  as  send  $240  to  the  NRESP.  Our  motto  became  “every  little  bit  helps”.  This 
money  was  directed  towards  purchasing  some  much  needed  research  and  monitoring  equipment 
(GPS,  rain  gauges,  etc)  which  is  being  utilized  in  the  NRESP  community  conservation  programs. 

Supporting  the  NRESP  is  a great  way  to  become  involved  in  community  conservation  efforts  in 
Kenya.  This  is  a worthy  cause  that  every  AAZK  Chapter  around  the  country  should  look  into  backing 
for  the  unique  opportunity  of  directly  affecting  the  conservation  of  Grevy’s  zebras  through  the 
support  of  community  conservation  programs. 

San  Diego  AAZK  Swap  Meet 

Each  December,  the  San  Diego  AAZK  Chapter  collects  donated  items  and  sets  up  a booth  at  our 
local  swap  meet  held  in  the  parking  lot  of  the  San  Diego  Sports  Arena.  The  items  include  zoo 
apparel,  books,  knick-knacks,  and  posters.  In  the  past,  we  have  had  some  very  successful  days  at  the 
swap  meet,  raising  as  much  as  $ 1700  in  a single  day.  However,  when  the  winter  rains  fall  on  a swap 
meet  day  (which  has  been  the  case  for  the  past  two  years),  swap  meet  attendance  drops  and  our  sales 
fall  as  hard  as  the  rain.  Regardless  of  the  weather,  San  Diego  AAZK  board  members  and  volunteers 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  7 303 


from  our  Chapter  share  the  conservation  part  of  our  mission  while  selling  to  hundreds  of  local  I 
bargain-hunters.  After  all,  conservation  is  our  business. 

Normally,  San  Diego  AAZK  takes  the  funds  generated  by  the  swap  meet  and  uses  them  throughout  il 
the  year  to  help  with  deserving  conservation  projects.  This  year  we  decided  to  use  the  swap  meet  !j 
proceeds  and  donate  $500  to  help  Grevy’s  zebra  conservation  through  the  NRESP.  It  is  gratifying  to  f 
think  that  what  we  earned  in  one  day  will  help  sustain  a zebra  for  one  year!  [ 

San  Diego  AAZK  raised  additional  funds  for  Grevy’s  Zebra  during  our  Keeper  Jamboree.  Ten 
volunteers  (managers  and  lead  keepers)  sacrificed  the  comfort  of  their  dry  work  clothes,  donned  j 
swim  wear  and  made  themselves  taunting  targets.  Paying  $5  for  three  throws,  jamboree  participants  II 
hurled  softballs,  hoping  for  a chance  of  dunking  the  “dunkee”  into  the  cold,  wet  chamber  of  water.  [ 
AAZK  raised  enough  money  to  send  the  NRESP  an  additional  $300.  || 

Brookfield  Zoo  AAZK  Bake  Sale  | 

The  Brookfield  Zoo’s  AAZK  chapter  held  a bake  sale  before  one  of  our  employee  meetings  to  raise  j 
money  for  the  Grevy’s  zebra  project.  We  had  tons  of  support  and  ended  up  raising  $305.23!  j 

Summary:  Through  the  NRESP,  donor  support  is  being  provided  to  communities  and  is  essentially  I 
buying  time  for  wildlife  until  the  point  when  all  of  these  community  wildlife  conservancies  are  self-  | 
sustaining.  Although  capacity  building  and  the  maturity  of  community  conservation  initiati  ves 
takes  time,  the  process  being  utilized  within  NRESP  has  proven  to  be  successful.  The  support  of 
zoos  and  zoo  organizations  worldwide  is  essential  if  we  are  to  maximize  the  success  of  these  ^ 
community-based  conservation  efforts. 

Acknowledgements:  We  would  like  to  acknowledge  all  of  the  partners  of  the  NRESP.  First  we 
would  like  to  acknowledge  the  commitment  and  hard  work  of  the  members  of  the  Northern 
Rangelands  Trust  and  the  Lewa  Wildlife  Conservancy.  We  also  wish  to  acknowledge  the  support  of 
the  NRESP  Zoo  and  zoo  organization  partners  who  have  supported  various  conservation  projects 
and  the  recent  anthrax  relief  effort,  including  Albuquerque  Biological  Park,  Amersfoort  Zoo,  Artis 
Zoo,  Brevard  Zoo,  Brookfield  Zoo  AAZK,  Brookfield  Zoo/Chicago  Board  of  Trade,  Busch  Wildlife 
Conservation  Fund,  Chester  Zoo,  Cincinnati  Zoo  AAZK,  Columbus  Zoo  Conservation  Fund,  Dallas 
Zoo,  Denver  Zoo,  Denver  Zoo  Explorer  Post,  Disney’s  Animal  Kingdom,  Dutch  Zoos  Help,  Gilman 
International  Conservation/White  Oak  Conservation  Center,  Houston  Zoo,  John  Ball  Zoo,  Kansas 
City  Zoo,  Knoxville  Zoo,  Leipzig  Zoo,  Living  Desert,  Los  Angeles  Zoo,  Marwell  Preservation 
Trust,  Minnesota  Zoo,  Mulhouse  Zoo,  Oklahoma  City  Zoo,  Oregon  Zoo  Conservation  Fund,  Reid 
Park  Zoo,  Rocky  Mountain  AAZK,  Saint  Louis  Zoo,  Saint  Louis  AAZK,  San  Diego  AAZK,  Sedgwick 
County  Zoo,  Zoo  Atlanta  AAZK,  Zoo  Atlanta,  Zoological  Society  of  London,  Zoological  Society  of 
San  Diego.  The  generous  support  of  other  partners  is  greatly  appreciated  including  Princeton 
University,  Safaricom,  Eden  Trust,  IFAW,  Save  the  Elephant,  Rosie  Woodroffe/WCS,  Tusk  Trust, 
Ford  Foundation  USAID,  FFI,  USFWS,  Biodiversity  Conservation  Program  (EU),  Moi  University, 
Borana  Ranch,  Humane  Society  US,  Mpala  Wildlife  Conservancy,  as  well  as  several  individual 
private  donors.  The  continued  support  of  NRESP  and  of  Grevy’s  zebra  conservation  provided  by 
these  partners  is  greatly  appreciated.  The  endorsement  of  the  AZAEquid  TAG  and  World  Association 
of  Zoos  and  Aquariums  (WAZA)  is  also  greatly  appreciated. 

For  more  information  or  to  find  out  how  you  and  your  AAZK  chapter  can  support  this 
conservation  program,  please  contact  Martha  Fischer,  fischer@.stlzoo.org 

References: 

Nelson,  A.  P.  W.  2003.  Status,  distribution  and  structure  of  Grevy’s  zebra  populations  in 
northern  Kenya.  Oxford:  University  of  Oxford. 

Williams,  S.  D.  2002.  Status  and  Action  Plan  for  Grevy’s  Zebra  {Eqiiiis  ^rcvyi).  In  Equids:  Ztb/as, 

Asses  and  Horses:  Status  Survey  and  Conservation  Action  Plan  (ed.  P.  D.  Moehlman),  pp. 

11-27.  Gland,  Switzerland:  lUCN/SSC  Equid  Specialist  Group. 

Williams,  S.  D.,  Nelson,  A.  P.  W.  & Kebede,  F.  2003.  Grevy’s  Zebra  Survey  - Ethiopia  2003: 

Interim  Report.  Addis  Ababa,  Ethiopia. 

Williams,  S.D.  & Low,  B.  May  2004.  Grevy’s  Zebra  Conservation:  Proceedings  of  a Workshop. 

Mpala  Research  Centre,  Kenya,  22-24  March  2004. 


304  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  7 


Le^gd^lcitX^/e/Cor\4^€^  Update^ 

Compiled  by  Georgann  Johnston 
Legislative  Advisor 
Sacramento,  CA 

Nepal’s  Rhinos  and  Tigers  Show  Alarming  Decline 

Results  released  by  the  World  Wildlife  Fund  of  the  first  assessment 
done  in  two  years  in  one  of  Nepal’s  premier  national  parks  reveal  an 
alarming  decline  in  tiger  and  rhino  populations,  indicating  widespread 
poaching.  The  area  only  became  accessible  for  visits  since  the  ceasefire 
between  the  Maoist  insurgents  and  government  troops  in  late  April. 

Since  1986,  70  rhinos  were  translocated  to  Bardia  National  Park,  but  only  three  were  found  during 
a survey  in  the  Babai  Valley.  Thirteen  tigers  were  reported  in  the  area  between  1998-2001,  but  the 
WWF  team  found  evidence  of  just  three.  This  significant  decline  is  due  to  poachers  who  took 
advantage  of  the  absence  of  antipoaching  patrols  in  this  critical  rhino  and  tiger  habitat,  which  was 
under  the  control  of  Maoist  insurgents. 

“It  became  too  dangerous  to  send  staff  to  that  area  in  2004  when  Maoist  insurgents  detained  and 
assaulted  four  members  of  a rhino  monitoring  team.  The  recent  ceasefire  between  the  government 
of  Nepal  and  the  Maoists  allowed  us  to  enter  the  area  and  conduct  a study  of  the  wildlife  for  first 
time  in  two  years,”  said  Mingma  Sherpa,  director  of  the  Eastern  Himalayas  Program  at  WWF.  “The 
results  are  discouraging,  but  WWF  will  take  advantage  of  a new  climate  of  peace  to  revisit  and 
revamp  strategies  for  antipoaching  operations,  forge  new  partnerships,  and  translate  commitments 
into  action.” 

The  May  2006  assessment,  done  by  a 40-member  team  on  elephant  back  that  included  Bardia  National 
Park  staff,  lUCN  (the  World  Conservation  Union)  and  WWF,  also  apprehended  two  poachers  armed 
with  locally-made  muzzle  guns.  Four  weapons  and  a large  cache  of  ammunition  were  seized  along 
with  more  than  660  pounds  of  smoked  Sambar,  spotted  deer,  barking  deer,  and  four-homed  antelope 
— all  important  prey  species  of  tiger  and  other  carnivores.  Virtually  all  the  guard  posts  inside  the 
Babai  valley  were  found  to  be  destroyed  by  the  Maoists. 

The  Department  of  National  Parks  and  Wildlife  Conservation  and  the  Nepalese  Army  have  committed 
to  conducting  regular  anti-poaching  patrols  in  Bardia  National  Park  before  the  monsoon  rains  begin. 

“This  is  clearly  a very  disturbing  situation,  and  one  that  needs  urgent  action.  But  with  the  strong 
commitments  already  made  by  the  Nepal  government  and  given  the  new  political  climate  of  peace 
we  are  confident  we  can  turn  this  situation  around  like  in  the  remaining  protected  areas  in  Nepal, 
where  tigers  and  rhinos  are  still  doing  well,”  said  Sybille  Klenzendorf,  acting  director  of  WWF’s 
Species  Conservation  Program.  Source:  WWF  June  2,  2006 


Monkey  Find  May  Establish  New  Family  of  Primates 

A rare  and  reclusive  African  monkey  discovered  last  year  is  believed  to  belong  to  an  entirely  new 
family  of  primates  - the  first  such  find  for  83  years.  Scientists  originally  thought  the  monkey,  named 
Rungwecebus  kipunji  after  Mount  Rungwe  in  Tanzania,  was  a type  of  mangabey  from  the  genus 
Lophocebus.  However,  a more  detailed  genetic  analysis  of  the  animal  showed  its  close  connection 
to  baboons. 

William  Stanley,  of  the  Field  Museum  of  Natural  History  in  Chicago,  writes  in  the  journal  Science: 
“This  is  exciting  news  because  it  shows  that  the  age  of  discovery  is  by  no  means  over.” 

Rungwecebus  kipunji  is  mainly  covered  in  light  greyish-brown  fur  with  an  off-white  patch  on  its 
belly  and  at  the  end  of  its  curled  tail.  It  also  has  a crown  of  long,  erect  hair.  It  communicates  by 
making  loud,  low-pitched  honks  and  eats  fruit,  leaves,  shoots  and  insects. 

When  it  was  first  spotted  in  2005,  experts  based  their  classification  of  the  monkey  on  photographs 
alone.  But  soon  afterwards  a specimen  died  in  a farmer’s  trap.  Scientists  therefore  got  a chance  to 
study  the  animal  more  closely,  including  taking  muscle  tissue  samples  to  extract  DNA.  To  study 


Animal  Keepers'  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  7 305 


family  links  with  other  primates,  they  looked  at  the  animal’s  mitochondrial  DNA,  which  is  passed 
from  mother  to  child,  and  the  Y-chromosome,  which  is  passed  from  father  to  son.  The  analysis 
revealed  that  the  kipunji  is  more  closely  related  to  baboons  in  the  genus  Papio,  rather  than  the 
Lophocebus  to  which  it  was  originally  assigned. 

John  Oates,  a primatologist  from  Hunter  College,  New  York,  said:  “To  find,  in  the  21st  century,  an 
entirely  new  species  of  large  monkey  living  in  the  wild  is  surprising  enough.  To  find  one  that  can  be 
placed  in  a new  genus,  and  that  sheds  new  light  on  the  evolutionary  history  of  the  monkeys  of  Africa 
and  Eurasia  as  a whole,  is  truly  remarkable.  The  discovery  also  reinforces  the  view  that  mountains 
in  southern  Tanzania  have  played  an  important,  and  until  recently  unexpected,  role  as  a refuge  for 
many  species  long  extinct  elsewhere.” 

The  monkeys  are  already  endangered,  living  in  16  small  groups  of  up  to  36  animals  each  in  the 
Rungwe-Livingstone  forest  and  the  Ndundulu  forest  reserve.  Their  natural  predators  include  crowned 
eagles  and  leopards.  But  human  activities  such  as  logging,  charcoal  making  and  poaching  are  also  a 
threat  to  the  animals’  long-term  survival.  Locals  have  also  been  known  to  hunt  and  kill  kipunji  for 
food.  Source:  Guardian  Unlimited.com  5/16/06  by  Alok  Jha,  science  correspondent 

Report  of  Last  Male  Columbia  Basin  Pygmy  Rabbit  Death  in  Error 

It  was  recently  reported  that  the  last  male  100%  genetically  pure  Columbia  Basin  pygmy  rabbit 
{Brachylagus  idahoensis)  had  died,  leaving  just  two  females  in  a captive  breeding  program  created 
to  try  to  save  the  endangered  species  from  extinction.  But  our  friends  at  Oregon  Zoo  (via  Pete  Riger 
of  the  Houston  Zoo)  note  that  this  is  not  exactly  true  and  one  of  the  two  remaining  CB  pygmy 
rabbits  is  in  fact  a male  and  the  second  a female.  The  tiny  rabbits  are  only  found  in  Douglas  County 
in  north-central  Washington.  None  are  believed  to  currently  exist  in  the  wild. 

The  Oregon  Zoo,  Northwest  Trek,  Washington  State  University,  and  other  partners  are  to  be  thanked 
for  their  continuing  efforts  with  this  species  recovery  over  the  past  five  years.  The  captive  population 
is  made  up  of  Columbia  Basin  animals  crossed  with  the  closely-related  Idaho  population  with  a goal 

of  maintaining  75%  or  higher  Washington 
genes.  The  breeding  program  now  has  88  Idaho 
and  mixed  Idaho-Washington  rabbits.  They  are 
well  into  their  breeding  season  now  and  are 
expecting  near  to  100  kits  this  year  with  most 
expected  to  be  released  back  to  the  wild  in 
Washington  in  the  fall.  This  will  be  the  first 
release  of  the  Washington  population  and  they 
are  all  looking  forward  to  the  release  of  rabbits 
back  into  their  native  habitat. 

Biologists  captured  16  rabbits  in  a remote  area 
of  Douglas  County  in  2001  to  start  the  captive 
breeding  program.  The  last  of  those  rabbits,  Ely, 
died  March  30  at  the  Oregon  Zoo  in  Portland,  said  Dave  Hays,  an  endangered  species  biologist  who 
oversees  the  program  for  the  state  Department  of  Fish  and  Wildlife.  The  last  two  Columbia  Basin 
rabbits,  both  offspring  of  the  original  captured  rabbits,  are  at  the  Portland  zoo.  Sources:  AP  and 
personnal  communication 


San  Diego  Zoo  Rescues  ‘Bushmeat’  Monkeys 

Four  Allen’s  swamp  monkeys  (Allenopithecus  nigroviridis),  originally  destined  for  sale  in  a 
marketplace  in  the  Democratic  Republic  of  Congo,  have  found  a sanctuary  at  the  San  Diego  Zoo. 
These  monkeys,  along  with  30  other  Congolese  primates  at  five  other  zoos,  will  spend  their  lives  in 
the  United  States  to  highlight  the  illegal  trade  in  ‘ ’bushmeat”  — wildlife  slaughtered  to  feed  hungry 
families  in  poor  countries  — which  is  decimating  populations  of  many  species  in  Africa  and  parts  of 
Asia. 

“All  these  little  monkeys  were  bushmeat  orphans,  their  parents  and  troupes  had  been  killed  for 
bushmeat,”  explained  Karen  Killmar,  San  Diego  Zoo’s  associate  curator  of  mammals,  who  in  an 
unusual  move  bought  the  monkeys  from  a middleman  who  had  acquired  them  at  a market  and  hoped 
to  turn  a profit  by  selling  them  as  pets. 


306  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  7 


Jane  Ballentine,  a spokeswoman  for  the  American  Zoo  and  Aquarium  Association,  which  helped 
coordinate  the  adoptions,  called  the  acquisition  “the  right  thing  to  do  for  the  monkeys.  This  is  a one- 
time-only thing,  and  we  don’t  want  to  perpetuate  the  trade  at  all.” 

At  the  San  Diego  Zoo,  the  shy  young  monkeys,  grayish  brown  and  about  the  size  of  a cat,  took  turns 
exploring  their  new  surroundings.  The  biggest  of  the  group,  a female,  emerged  from  the  cover  of  a 
small  bush  and  briefly  checked  out  a nearby  tree  before  returning  with  a pounce  to  the  safety  of  her 
cohorts.  The  monkeys,  all  less  than  twoyears  old,  debuted  in  early  May  in  the  zoo’s  Ituri  Forest  area, 
an  enclosure  named  for  the  woods  in  Congo  where  the  animals  are  from.  The  remaining  monkeys, 
representing  various  species,  went  to  zoos  in  the  Phoenix  area,  Denver,  Houston,  San  Antonio, 
Texas,  and  Tampa.  Signs  to  educate  visitors  about  bushmeat  will  be  displayed  at  each  of  the  monkey 
enclosures. 

It  took  13  months  and  $400,000  to  cut  through  the  red  tape  and  import  the  orphaned  primates.  The 
decision  was  a difficult  one  for  the  zoos,  but  they  agreed  it  could  raise  awareness  of  the  bushmeat 
problem.  The  trade  will  take  almost  anything  that  moves  for  its  flesh  or  skin,  including  snakes,  big 
cats,  primates  and  even  hippopotamuses.  Animals  are  sometimes  used  to  create  traditional  medicines, 
particularly  those  killed  in  southeast  Asia.  Hunters  also  target  wildlife  to  feed  an  increasing 
international  appetite  for  bushmeat,  as  expatriates  from  the  region  resettle  around  the  globe.  A Liberian 
woman  was  arrested  in  New  York  this  year  on  suspicion  of  importing  smoked  bushmeat,  including 
monkey  skulls,  limbs  and  torsos. 

“It’s  an  enormous  problem  that  is  eliminating  populations  and  whole  species  of  wildlife  across  the 
continent,”  says  Heather  Eves,  director  of  the  Bushmeat  Crisis  Task  Force  in  Washington,  D.C.,  a 
nonprofit  focusing  on  the  illicit  meat  trade.  Source:  Associated  Press  May  31,  2006  by  correspondent 
Thomas  Watkins 


Grizzly-Polar  Bear  Hybrid  Found 

A DNA  test  has  confirmed  what  zoologists,  big-game  hunters  and  aboriginal  trackers  in  the  far 
northern  reaches  of  Canada  have  imagined  for  years:  the  first  documented  case  of  a hybrid  grizzly- 
polar  bear  in  the  wild. 

Roger  Kuptana,  an  Inuit  tracker  from  the  Northwest  Territories,  suspected  the  American  hunter  he 
was  guiding  had  shot  a hybrid  bear  last  April  after  noticing  its  white  fur  had  brown  patches  and  it 
had  the  long  claws  and  slightly  humped  back  of  a grizzly.  Territorial  officials  seized  the  creature’s 
body  and  a DNA  test  from  Wildlife  Genetics  International,  a lab  in  British  Columbia,  has  confirmed 
that  the  hybrid  was  born  of  a polar  mother  and  grizzly  father. 

“It’s  something  we’ve  all  known  was  theoretically  possible  because  their  habitats  overlap  a little  bit 
and  their  breeding  seasons  overlap  a little  bit,”  said  Ian  Stirling,  a polar  bear  biologist  with  the 
Canadian  Wildlife  Service  in  Edmonton.  “It’s  the  first  time  it’s  known  to  have  happened  in  the 
wild.”  He  said  the  first  person  to  realize  something  was  different  about  the  bear  — shot  and  killed 
on  the  southern  end  of  Banks  Island  in  the  Beaufort  Sea  — was  Kuptana,  the  guide. 

“These  guides  know  their  animals  and  they  recognized  that  there  were  a number  of  things  that 
didn’t  look  quite  right  for  a polar  bear,”  Stirling  said.  The  bear’s  eyes  were  ringed  with  black,  its 
face  was  slightly  indented,  it  had  a mild  hump  to  its  back  and  long  claws.  Stirling  said  polar  bears 
and  grizzlies  have  been  successfully  paired  in  zoos  and  that  their  offspring  are  fertile,  but  there  has 
been  no  documented  case  in  the  wild. 

Kuptana,  a guide  from  Sachs  Harbour  in  the  Northwest  Territories,  was  tracking  with  Idaho  big- 
game  hunter  Jim  Martell,  who  had  paid  C$50,000  (US$45,500,  or  euro  35,800),  for  a license  to  hunt 
polar  bears. 

Three  years  ago,  a research  team  spotted  a grizzly  on  uninhabited  Melville  Island,  about  350 
kilometers  (220  miles)  north  of  where  Martell  bagged  his  crossbreed.  Polar  bear  and  grizzly  territory 
also  overlap  in  the  Western  Arctic  around  the  Beaufort  Sea,  where  the  occasional  grizzly  is  known 
to  head  onto  the  sea  ice  looking  for  food  after  emerging  from  hibernation.  Some  grizzly  bears  make 
it  over  the  ice  all  the  way  to  Banks  Island  and  Victoria  Island,  where  they  have  been  spotted  and  shot 
before.  Source:  Associated  Press  May  11,  2006 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  7 307 


Park  Closure  to  Protect  the  Mountain  Gorilla 

Authorities  in  Rwanda  have  announced  that  the  “Parc  national  des  volcans”  (National  Volcano 
Park)  will  be  closed  to  stem  the  killing  of  endangered  mountain  gorillas  (Gorilla  beringei  beringei), 
and  prevent  further  destruction  of  the  park  forest. 

“We  realized  that  there  was  no  other  way  out  of  this  problem. 

But,  we’re  confident  that  the  awareness  campaigns  and  other 
projects  will  enable  communities  to  become  conscious  of  the 
need  to  protect  their  ecological  surroundings,”  said  Rosette 
Rugamba,  director  of  the  Rwandan  Office  of  Tourism  and 
National  Parks. 

About  380  gorillas  live  in  the  reserve,  some  120km  north  of  the 
capital,  Kigali.  Despite  several  initiatives  to  save  the  animals, 
they  are  still  being  hunted  by  poor  communities  living  adjacent 
to  the  forest  — and  also  by  poachers.  The  growing  need  for 
farm  land  and  pasture  often  pushes  local  inhabitants  to  invade 
natural  reserves  and  national  parks. 

“The  exploitation  of  local  resources  is  particularly  evident  in 
the  destruction  of  the  park  by  communities  in  search  of  water 
and  pasture... Combined  with  poaching,  (this)  has  caused  a large 
part  of  the  bamboo  forest  to  be  lost,”  Rugamba  explained. 

Researchers  estimate  that  there  are  only  about  650  mountain  gorillas  remaining  worldwide,  of  which 
some  500  live  in  three  African  national  parks.  These  include  the  reserve  in  Rwanda,  which 
encompasses  part  of  the  Virungas  — a volcanic  mountain  range  that  stretches  from  the  north-east  of 
the  Democratic  Republic  of  Congo  to  the  south-west  of  Uganda.  “Virunga”  means  volcano  in  Swahili. 
The  gorillas  inhabit  the  slopes  of  the  mountains,  in  a dense  tropical  forest  made  up  in  large  part  of 
bamboos. 

“The  mountain  gorillas  are  a threatened  species,  and  the  (need  to)  increase  their  numbers  is  of  great 
importance  for  us  and  the  rest  of  the  world,  especially  as  concerns  the  improvement  of  the  local 
tourism  sector’s  image,”  said  Rugamba.  (Source:  IPS  News.com  May  16,  2006) 


Israeli  Caves  Yeilds  Previously  Unknown  Species 

Discovery  of  eight  previously  unknown,  ancient  animal  species  within  “a  new  and  unique  underground 
ecosystem”  in  Israel  has  been  announced  revealed  by  Hebrew  University  of  Jerusalem  researchers. 
The  researchers  said  the  discovery  came  about  when  a small  opening  was  found,  leading  to  a cave 
extending  to  a depth  of  100  meters  beneath  the  surface  of  a quarry  in  the  vicinity  of  Ramie,  between 
Jerusalem  and  Tel  Aviv. 

The  cave,  which  has  been  dubbed  the  Ayalon  Cave,  is  “unique  in  the  world,”  said  Prof.  Amos 
Frumkin  of  the  Hebrew  University  Department  of  Geography.  This  is  due  mainly  to  its  isolation 
from  the  outside  world,  since  the  cave’s  surface  is  situated  under  a layer  of  chalk  that  is  impenetrable 
to  water.  The  cave,  with  its  branches,  extends  over  some  21  D2  kilometers,  making  it  Israel’s  second 
largest  limestone  cave.  It  is  to  remain  closed  to  the  public  to  permit  further  scientific  research. 

The  invertebrate  animals  found  in  the  cave  - four  seawater  and  freshwater  crustaceans  and  four 
terrestial  species  - are  related  to  but  different  from  other,  similar  life  forms  known  to  scientists.  The 
species  have  been  sent  to  biological  experts  in  both  Israel  and  abroad  for  further  analysis  and  dating. 
It  is  estimated  that  these  species  are  millions  of  years  old.  Also  found  in  the  cave  were  bacteria  that 
serve  as  the  basic  food  source  in  the  ecosystem. 

“The  eight  species  found  thus  far  are  only  the  beginning”  of  what  promises  to  be  “a  fantastic 
biodiversity,”  said  Dr.  Hanan  Dimentman  of  the  Hebrew  University  Alexander  Silberman  Institute 
of  Life  Sciences,  another  of  the  researchers  involved  in  the  project.  He  said  that  he  expects  further 
exploration  to  reveal  several  other  unique  life  forms.  The  animals  found  there  were  all  discovered 
live,  except  for  a blind  species  of  scorpion,  although  Dr.  Dimentman  is  certain  that  live  scorpions 
will  be  discovered  in  further  explorations  and  also  probably  an  animal  or  animals  which  feed  on  the 
scorpions.  Source:  Science  Daily  LLC.com  May  31,  2006 


308  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  7 


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Practical  Wildlife  Care  2"**  Ed. 

By  Les  Stocker,  MBE  2005 
ISBN  1-405-12749-X 

Blackwell  Publishing  Ltd.,  9600  Garsington  Rd. 
Oxford  0X4  2DQ  UK 
320  pgs  paperback  $69.99 


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Review  by  Christine  Clark,  Zoo  Educator 
Connecticut's  Beardsley  Zoo,  Bridgeport,  CT 


Practical  Wildlife  Care.  I was  hoping,  would  be  a book  for  the  average  person  with  a concern  for 
wildlife.  A book  with  information  that  people  who  are  not  licensed  rehabbers  or  veterinarian 
professionals  could  use  as  a reference  for  triage  and  stop-gap  measures  to  help  animals  in  need 
before  they  are  transported  to  the  rehabber  or  vet’s  office.  With  that  in  mind,  I eagerly  awaited  the 
arrival  of  the  book  in  the  mail.  Upon  receiving  the  book  I saw  some  exotic  wildlife  on  the  front 
cover.  Opening  the  book,  I discovered  it  was  written  by  a British  author,  Les  Stocker,  wildlife 
rehabilitator  and  founder  of  the  Wildlife  Hospital  Trust,  St.  Tiggy winkles,  Europe’s  first  wildlife 
teaching  hospital.  I was  disappointed.  Reading  through  the  table  of  contents  I was  bolstered  by  the 
chapter  titles  - many  of  the  species  covered  were  intercontinental,  maybe  everything  would  be  ok. 
My  initial  disappointment,  however,  was  well  founded  - the  book  did  not  appear  to  be  what  I had 
hoped. 

The  forward  to  the  first  edition  suggests  that  the  book  is  written  for  wildlife  rehabbers  who  may 
have  “insufficient  understanding  of  veterinarian  medicine”,  and  veterinarian  staff  who  may  have 
“little  experience  with  wildlife”.  Readers  who  are  neither  licensed  rehabbers  nor  vet  personnel,  I 
am  neither,  will  not  have  an  easy  time  reading  this  book. 

The  first  few  chapters  are  organized  well,  covering  prime  directives  of  wildlife  eare,  first  response, 
fluid  therapy,  wound  and  fracture  management  as  well  as  animal  diseases.  The  information  within 
those  chapters  runs  from  the  most  obtuse,  “Signs  of  death  - lack  of  heartbeat,  the  animal  is  not 
breathing,  rigor  mortis”  to  the  more  complex,  “The  cephalic  veins  are  the  veins  of  choice  for 
intravenous  infusion,  but  just  as  aecessible  are  the  lateral  saphenous  veins.”  I have  to  confess,  I 
personally  have  no  idea  how  or  where  to  find  cephalie  or  lateral  saphenous  veins.  The  book  offers 
no  explanation,  diagrams  or  photos  to  help  with  the  location.  The  author  feels  it  necessary  to  write 
“do  not  give  any  mammals,  or  birds  the  following  for  oral  rehydration:  brandy,  whisky,  bread  and 
milk,  milk  or  blood”,  but  does  not  think  defining  such  terms  as  ankylose,  condylar,  or  epiphyseal  is 
important.  I found  examples  of  this  throughout  the  book.  Many  sentences  and  paragraphs  caused 
me  to  sigh  “Duh!”,  while  others  sent  me  to  medically-trained  friends  for  explanation.  I found  the 
book  inconsistent  in  its  coverage  of  various  topies  and  animals,  and  inconsistent  in  its  explanation 
of  medical  information.  Some  chapters  were  quite  thorough  explaining  in  detail  how  to  care  for  the 
various  maladies  of  the  species  and  others  were  superficial  in  their  coverage  of  the  species. 

If  you  are  a rehabber  who  needs  more  information  on  vet  medicine,  or  a vet,  vet  tech  or  nurse  in 
need  of  information  on  wildlife  you  might  do  well  to  use  this  book  as  a reference.  The  chapters, 
although  inconsistent  in  their  depth,  are  well  organized;  each  species  chapter  covers  natural  history, 
equipment  and  transport,  reseue  and  handling,  common  diseases,  common  incidents  and  injuries, 
admission  and  first  aid,  housing,  feeding  and  release.  A wealth  of  information  is  given  on  many 
speeies  native  to  the  US.  And,  you  will  probably  be  able  to  understand  most  of  the  terms  without 
having  to  stop  to  look  them  up  or  ask  someone.  However,  if  you  are  a person  like  me  looking  for 
general  information  on  how  to  care  for  wildlife  in  order  to  triage  and  stabilize  until  the  animal  can 
be  brought  to  a qualified  care-giver  this  is  not  the  book  for  you. 

The  book  is  not  without  its  merits,  it  just  needs  a different  title;  “Practical  Wildlife  Care  for  the 
English  rehabber  or  veterinary  professional”. 


Animal  Keepers  'Forum,  VoL  33  No.  7 309 


Essentials  of  Disease  in  Wild  Animals 

By  Gary  A.  Wobeser 

Blackwell  Publishing,  2121  State  Ave,  Ames,  Iowa  50014 
ISBN#  0-8138-0589-9 
Hardbound,  243  pages,  $69.99 

Review  by  Jenny  Gordon,  LVT 
Connecticut’s  Beardsley  Zoo,  Bridgeport,  CT 

Essentials  of  Disease  in  Wild  Animals  has  12  major  chapters: 

• What  is  Disease? 

• What  Causes  Disease? 

• How  Disease  is  Detected,  Described,  and  Measured 

• Damage,  Pathogenicity,  and  Virulence 

• Defense,  Resistance,  and  Repair 

• Environmental  Interactions 

• Transmission  and  Perpetuation  of  Infectious  Disease 

• Noninfectious  Disease:  Nutrients  and  Toxicants 

• Effects  of  Disease  on  the  Individual  Animal 

• Effects  of  Disease  on  Populations  of  Wild  Animals 

• Disease  Shared  with  Humans  and  Domestic  Animals 

• Disease  Management. 

These  chapters  reflect  the  book’s  perspective  and  presentation  of  material  beyond  a “traditional” 
disease  definition  and  scope.  This  focus  can  be  a strength  or  weakness. 

Relating  a broad  scope  and  perspective  allows  Wobeser  to  illustrate  the  complexity  of  situations 
involving  disease.  This  approach  also  shows  many  interesting  disease  interactions  and  consequences. 
For  example,  Wobeser  incorporates  how  infectious  and  noninfectious  disease  affects  an  animal’s 
energy  availability.  Evaluating  direct  and  indirect  energy  usage  and  depletion  can  indicate  the 
ultimate  “cost  of  disease”.  Thus,  though  a disease  may  not  traditionally  be  considered  a “cause  of 
death”,  the  high  energy  usage  or  imbalance  caused  by  the  disease  can  kill  the  animal.  Causing 
intense  pruritic  dermatitis,  sarcoptic  mange  interrupts  an  animal’s  normal  functioning.  Weight  loss 
and  emaciation  result.  Wobeser  further  states  many  infected  animals  die  from  starvation  or 
“misadventures”  such  as  being  hit  by  a car,  killed  by  predators  or  humans  because  of  their  deviation 
and  inability  to  maintain  normal  functioning. 

Overall,  good  examples  are  provided  from  a wide  range  of  terrestrial  mammals  and  some  avian 
species.  Several  hypothetical  disease  outbreak  examples  are  also  used  for  illustration  purposes. 
Also,  interesting  connections  were  made  between  “every-day”  material  such  as  people  buying 
insurance  and  an  animal’s  immune  system  focusing  on  the  most  vital  areas  that  most  likely  would 
need  coverage.  Additionally,  the  summary  section  located  at  the  end  of  each  chapter  helpfully 
provides  a synopsis  of  the  chapter’s  major  points. 

Still,  the  broad  focus  means  in-depth  coverage  of  specific  diseases  is  not  provided.  For  instance,  I 
thought  the  Chapter  ''Noninfectious  Disease:  Nutrients  and  Toxicants"'’  would  be  particularly 
interesting  since  some  textbooks  do  not  focus  on  toxicants.  Good  overall  background  toxicant 
information  was  covered.  However,  specific  topics  such  as  rodenticides  were  covered  in  single 
short  paragraphs. 

Furthermore,  Essentials  of  Disease  in  Wild  Animals  does  not  cover  any  disease  treatment. 

I would  recommend  this  book  as  an  informative  background  and  overview  text  with  engaging  and 
informative  tables  and  figures  embedded  throughout  each  chapter.  Essentials  of  Disease  in  Wild 
Animals  is  a good  text  for  exposure  and  review  of  some  less  “traditional”  approaches  to  disease, 
how  it  affects  individual  animals  and  group  populations,  and  how  disease  relates  to  the  environment. 
However,  for  in-depth  coverage  or  specific  disease  information  or  treatment  options,  other  books 
will  most  likely  be  more  helpful. 


310  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  7 


Important  Announcement  - Opportunity  Knocks 

Beginning  with  the  August  issue  of  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  we  will  no  longer  be  publishing  job 
openings  in  this  journal.  We  hope  this  will  allow  us  more  room  to  include  articles  on  animal 
husbandry,  enrichment,  training,  etc.  to  assist  our  members  with  continuing  to  broaden  their 
knowledge  base.  All  keeper  and  internship  positions  will  be  posted  on  the  AAZK  website 
(www.aazk.org).  At  press  time  there  were  28  such  positions  posted.  We  encourage  you  to  go  the 
AAZK  website,  select  Job  Listings  from  the  menu  bar  on  the  left  side  of  the  homepage,  and  take  a 
look  at  the  many  opportunities  available  for  those  seeking  employment  within  the  zoo  field.  To  post 
a position  on  the  AAZK  website,  employers  may  go  directly  to  www.aazk.org,  go  to  Job  Listings, 
register  your  facility,  and  then  you  can  post  your  own  jobs.  Listings  are  subject  to  web  administrator 
approval  before  they  go  “live”. 

Animal  Attendant — Amarillo  Zoo,  Amarillo,  TX 

Applications  are  available  by  visiting  the  City  of  Amarillo  website.  They  can  be  accepted  via  e- 
mail  or  sent  to  City  of  Amarillo  Human  Resources,  Room  207,  509  E.  7“’  Ave.,  Amarillo,  TX  791 05- 
1971.  Resumes  can  be  sent  along  with  the  application.  For  more  information  about  this  position 
contact  Rhonda  Votino,  Zoo  Curator,  Amarillo  Zoo,  Amarillo,  TX,  (806)  381-7911  or  e-mail: 
Rhonda. Votino@ci.amarillo.tx. us.  Candidates  must  be  enthusiastic,  self-motivated,  team-oriented 
and  able  to  interact  with  other  staff  and  the  public.  Closing  date  for  this  position  will  be  August  1 8, 
2006.  Responsibilities:  This  position  will  be  responsible  for  the  daily  care  of  a diverse  animal 
collection  (mostly  mammals,  birds,  reptiles  and  invertebrates)  including  husbandry,  exhibit 
maintenance,  behavioral  enrichment,  diet  preparation/feeding,  record-keeping,  vet  assistance  and 
educational  programs/tours.  Some  zoo  grounds  upkeep  is  also  required  including  mowing,  weeding, 
raking,  watering,  garbage  pick-up,  restroom  maintenance,  etc.  Requirements:  High  school  graduate 
and  some  experience  working  with  exotic  animals  in  a zoo-setting  preferred.  Must  be  able  to  lift 
heavy  objects  up  to  1 00  lbs.  and  work  outside  year  round.  Requires  considerable  amount  of  walking, 
bending,  squatting,  etc.  Must  be  available  to  work  weekends,  some  holidays  and  overtime  as  needed. 
Must  have  a valid  Texas  driver’s  license. 

Environmental  Education  Internship  - Raptor  Educator,  The  Raptor  Center,  St.  Paul,  MN 

Submit  resume,  cover  letter,  and  three  (3)  references  and  photocopy  of  current  U.S.  driver’s  license 
to:  Jennie  Bell,  The  Raptor  Center,  1920  Fitch  Ave.,  St.  Paul,  MN  55108;  Phone:  612-624-8457;  E- 
mail:  bell0288@.umn.edu  Dates  available  Internships  start  on  or  about:  15  January,  15  May,  and  1 
September.  Terms  from  three  months  to  six  months  are  available.  The  Raptor  Center  education 
intern  is  responsible  for  assisting  with  the  care  and  management  of  The  Raptor  Center’s  28  education 
birds  of  prey.  Qualifications  Minimum  two  (2)  years  of  college;  bachelor’s  degree  preferred.  Interns 
must  be  in  excellent  physical  condition  and  be  able  to  lift  and  carry  40  pounds.  Responsibilities: 
This  position  includes  providing  tours  of  The  Raptor  Center  facilities  to  the  public,  providing  support 
for  on-site  presentations,  outreach  programs,  and  The  Raptor  Center  s three-week  summer  camp 
experience  (for  summer  interns).  Daily  duties  include  cleaning  and  maintenance  of  raptor  permanent 
housing,  cleaning  and  repair  of  perches,  cleaning  and  maintenance  of  travel  crates,  food  preparation, 
cleaning  of  public  areas,  administrative  support,  greeting  and  speaking  with  the  public,  and  providing 
educational  programs  and  tours.  This  position  reports  to  the  raptor  program  manager  and  works  as 
part  of  the  raptor  education  team.  Hours:  35-40  hours  per  week;  may  include  weekends  and  holidays. 
Schedule  may  vary.  Salary  $75  stipend  per  week.  No  benefits  provided  with  this  position. 
Miscellaneous  information:  On-campus  housing  may  be  available;  a variety  of  excellent  affordable 
housing  options  are  available  in  the  area.  For  information  about  housing  at  the  University  of 
Minnesota,  visit  http://www  1 .umn.edu/ohr/rap/housing/ 

Credit  for  this  internship  may  be  arranged  through  the  intern’s  current  college  or  university. 
Learning  outcomes  The  Raptor  Center  education  intern  will  learn: 

• In-depth  raptor  biology  and  natural  history,  especially  of  the  common  Midwest  raptors 

• The  basics  of  interpretation  and  education  for  the  general  public 

• How  to  present  and  evaluate  public  programs  for  success 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  7 311 


• Basic  elements  of  developing  environmental  science  lessons  and  curriculum 

• Appropriate  care  and  management  of  captive  raptors  for  education,  including  housing, 
feeding,  training,  and  medical  care 

Deadlines 

• Fall  semester  internship  applications  are  due  by  July  31.  (Internship  runs  from 
September  to  December.) 

• Spring  semester  internship  applications  are  due  by  December  1.  (Internship  runs  from 
January/  to  April.) 

• Summer  internship  applications  are  due  by  April  1.  (Internship  runs  from  May  to 
August.) 


More  Zoo  vacancies  can  be  seen  by  visiting; 

American  Zoo  and  Aquarium  Association  - Job  Listings 
http://www.aza. org/JobListingsi 

American  Association  of  Zoo  Keepers  - Jobs 


European  Association  of  Zoos  and  Aquaria  - News  then  Vacancies 
http://www.eaza.net 


Australasian  Society  of  Zoo  Keeping  (ASZK) 

■au/Zoo%20Positions%20Vacant.htm 


Zoo  Vets,  Technicians  and  interns 
http://www.aazv.org/job_openings.htm 

Bird  Jobs  in  the  Field 

http.://www.b.i.rdin.g.Qnthe...net/majlinglist$/BJQB.html 


ATTENTION 

THOSE  INSTITUTIONS  WISHING  TO  POST 
JOB  OPENINGS  ON  THE  AAZK  WEBSITE 

Institutions  wishing  to  post  job  openings  on  the  AAZK  website  (www.aazk.org)  can  now 
register  online  and  be  able  to  post  your  own  listings  rather  than  having  to  submit  them  to 
AAZK.  From  the  Home  Page  go  to  Job  Listings  and  follow  the  directions  for  registering 
your  facility.  All  jobs  must  be  approved  by  an  AAZK  Web  Administrator  before  they  will  be 
allowed  to  go  “live”.  AAZK  reser\^es  the  right  to  refuse  posting  for  jobs  which  we  do  not 
feel  are  appropriate  or  that  may  be  in  conflict  with  our  purposes  and  mission  statement.  You 
need  to  follow  the  format  protocol  set  up  on  the  site  when  listing  your  job  information.  You 
are  encouraged  to  list  a closing  date  for  applying  for  your  job  postings.  If  you  do  not  include 
a closing  date  for  applications,  the  listing  will  remain  on  the  site  for  60  days  and  then  will 
automatically  be  dropped  off  the  Job  Listings. 

At  this  time  there  is  no  charge  for  posting  a job  opening  on  the  AAZK  website. 


312  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  7 


A AZK  Membership  Application  (Please  Print)  check  here  if  renewal  [ ] 

Name 


Email 


Mailing  Address 

City State/Province Zip/Postal  Code Country 

Canadian  Members 

$40.00  Professional 

Full-time  Keepers 

$40.00  Affiliate 

Other  staff  & volunteers 

$40.00  Associate 

Those  not  connected  with 
an  animal  facility 

$65.00  or  up  - Individuals 

Contributing/Canada 

$125.00  or  up 
Institutional/Canada 

Organizations/Institutions 
(requires  Board  approval) 

Library  Only 

$40.00  Library 

Available  ONLY  to  public  & 
university  libraries  (in  U.S.) 


regardless  of  category 


Zoo  Affiliation  (if  any) 

Zoo  Address 

Title 

I^J  My  check  is  enclosed  (AAZK,  Inc.) 
MASTERCARD  VISA  Card  # 


Name  on  card Expiration  date 

Signature  

Mail  this  application  to:  AAZK  Administrative  Offices,  3601  S.W.  29th,  Suite  133  Topeka,  KS  66614-2054. 
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  or  discounted  admission  to  many 
zoos  and  aquariums  in  the  U.S.  and  Canada. 


□ Please  charge  my  credit  card 


U,S,  Members 

□ 

1 $40.00  Professional 

1 Full-time  Keepers 

□ 

□ 

1 $35.00  Affiliate 

1 Other  staff  & volunteers 

□ 

□ 

1 $35.00  Associate 

1 Those  not  connected  with 

1 an  animal  facility 

□ 

□ 

1 $65.00  or  up  - Individuals 

1 Contributing/U.S. 

□ 

□ 

1 $125.00  or  up 

1 Institutional/U.S. 

□ 

□ 

□ 


Organiza  t ions /I ns  ti  tu  tions 
(requires  Board  approval) 

$125.00  Commercial  Members 

(i.e.Animal-related food  & supplies) 


□ 


International  Members 

$55.00  International  All  members  outside  U.S.  &( 


PRINTED  IN  U.S.A. 
©2006  AAZK,  INC. 


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The  Journal  of  the  American 
Association  of  Zoo  Keepers.  Inc. 


ANIMAL  KEEPERS’  FORUM.  3601  S.W.  29th  St.,  Suite  133,  Topeka,  KS  66614-2054 
Phone:  1-800-242-4519  (U.S.)  1-800-468-1966  (Canada)  FAX  (785)  273-1980 


August  2006 
Vol.  33,  No.  8 


AKF  Managing  Editor:  Susan  D.  Chan  • Associate  Editors  • Kayla  Grams,  Grand  Junction,  CO;  Mark  de 
Denus,  Reid  Park  Zoo;  Jolene  Hamrick,  Tucson,  AZ  • Enrichment  Options  Coordinators:  Dawn  Neptune, 
Utah’s  Hogle  Zoo  & Rachel  Daneault,  Disney’s  Animal  Kingdom  • Legislative/Conservation  Outlook  Column 
Coordinator:  Georgann  B.  Johnston,  Sacramento,  CA.  • ABC’s  Column  Coordinator:  Diana  Guerrero,  Big 
Bear  Lake,  CA  • Reactions  Column  Coordinator:  William  K.  Baker,  Jr.,  Little  Rock  Zoo 

Animal  Keepers’  Forum  is  published  monthly  by  the  American  Association  of  Zoo  Keepers,  Inc.,  3601  S.W.  29th 
Street,  Suite  133,  Topeka,  KS  66614-2054.  Ten  dollars  of  each  membership  fee  goes  toward  the  annual  publication 
costs  of  Animal  Keepers’  Forum  . Postage  paid  at  Topeka,  KS. 

AAZK  Executive  Director:  Ed  Hansen,  AAZK,  Inc.,  Topeka  KS 

also  serves  as  AAZK  Liaison  to  the  American  Zoo  & Aquarium  Association  (AZA) 

AAZK  Administrative  Secretary:  Barbara  Manspeaker,  AAZK,  Inc.,  Topeka,  KS 


BOARD  OF  DIRECTORS 

Denise  Wagner,  The  Phoenix  Zoo,  Phoenix,  AZ  85008 

Shane  Good,  Cleveland  Metroparks  Zoo,  Cleveland,  OH  44109 

Jacque  Blessington,  Kansas  City  Zoological  Gardens,  Kansas  City,  MO  64132-4200 

Andy  Henderson,  Lincoln  Park  Zoo,  Chicago,  IL  60614-4712 

Norah  Famham,  Woodland  Park  Zoo,  Seattle,WA  98103-5858 


President 
Vice  President 


CQMMITTEES/COORDINATQRS 

By-laws 

Chair  - Gisela  A.  Wiggins,  North  Carolina  Zoo 
Grants  Committee 
Chair  - Shelly  Roach,  Columbus  Zoo 
Enrichment  Committee 
Co-Chairs  - Dawn  Neptune,  Utah’s  Hogle  Zoo 
and  Amy  Burgess,  Disney’s  Animal  Kingdom 
Annual  Conferences 
Coordinator  - Ed  Hansen,  AAZK,  Inc. 

Professional  Development 

Chair  - Tammy  Schmidt,  Peoria  Zoo 

International  Outreach 

VACANT 

Interim  Contact  - Shane  Good,  Cleveland  Metroparks  Zoo 


Ethics 

Chair  - Denise  Wagner,  Phoenix  Zoo 
Awards 

Chair  - Janet  McCoy,  The  Oregon  Zoo 
Marketing  Resources 

Chair  - Kristen  Wolfe,  Disney’ s Animal  Kingdom 
Animal  Training  Committee 
Co-Chairs  - Angela  Binney,  Disney’s  Animal 
Kingdom  & Kim  Kezer,  Zoo  New  England 
Bowling  for  Rhinos  - 
Coordinator  - Patty  Pearthree,  Cary,  NC 
IZC  Coordinators 

Shane  Good,  Cleveland  Metroparks  Zoo  and 
Norah  Farnham,  Woodland  Park  Zoo 


MEMBERSHIP  SERVICES 

APT.  EDT  and  ATP  Forms 
AAZK  Administrative  Offices/Topeka 
AAZK  Website  - Liaison  to  Webmaster 
Denise  Wagner,  The  Phoenix  Zoo  and 
Kevin  Shelton,  Tampa,  FL 


AAZK  Historian 

Mark  Levin,  Plymouth  Meeting,  PA 
AAZK  Publications/Logo  Products 

AAZK  Administrative  Offices/Topeka 


AAZK  PUBLICATIONS  - CONTINUING  DATA  COLLECTION 

Resources  for  Crisis  Management  in  Zoos  & Other  Animal  Care  Facilities,  Vol.  2 - Susan  D.  Chan,  Topeka,  KS; 
William  K.  Baker,  Little  Rock  Zoo,  AR;  Diana  Guerrero,  ArkAnimals,  Big  Bear  Lake,  CA 


printed  on  Recycled  Paper 


Table  of  Contents 


About  the  Cover/Information  for  Contributors .314 

From  the  Executive  Director........ ......315 

Coming  Events................................... 316 

AAZK  Announces  New  Members................ 317 

World’s  Oldest  Tortoise  Dies  at  176 317 

Viewpoint..... 318 

Chicago  Awaits  - Conference  Schedule  Update..... 320 

Conference  Notes  & Reminders 321 

Live  Wild!  Paw  Magnet  Order  Form.... 322 

Book  Reviews  {1491:  New  Revelations  of  the  Americas  Before  Columbus  and 

Handbook  of  Primate  Husbandry  and  Welfare).,. ...........309  - 310 

People  Skills  for  Animal  People  (Career  Advancement  in  the  Zoological  Industry 

Part  I - Skill  Development  and  the  Job  Search) 326  - 330 

The  Animal  Training  Committee  Presents:  Training  Tales 331 

A Critical  Evaluation  of  Artificial  Insemination  of  Whooping  Cranes 

at  the  Calgary  Zoo  During  the  2005  Breeding  Season..... 332  - 341 

Enrichment  Options  {Shorebird  Enrichment) ....342  - 344 

Call  for  Enrichment  Videos!.... ....344 

Legislative/Conservation  Update 345  - 348 

The  Life  of  a Baby  Angolan  Colobus  (Colobus  angolensis)....... ....349  - 358 

Reactions  Column  {Stress  & Fatigue  in  the  Workplace).. 359  - 360 


30th  Anniversary 
1974  - 2004 


J 


^bout  the  Cover 

This  month’s  cover  features  an  Impala  (Aepyceros  melampus)  and  her  fawn  drawn  by  Debt  Talbot,  a 
keeper  at  Smithsonian ’s  National  Zoological  Park  in  Washington,  DC.  These  graceful  antelope  are 
inhabitants  of  the  veldt  of  Eastern  and  southern  Africa  where  they  are  adaptable  grazers/browsers.  In 
Swahili  they  are  called  “Swala  Pala  The  males  can  be  surprisingly  noisy  during  the  rut,  with  their 
loud,  hoarse  grunting.  Only  the  males  have  horns  (18-37”  in  length)  and  during  the  breeding  season 
bachelors  compete  for  territory  and  females.  They  are  famous  for  their  high  leaps,  kicking  the  hind  legs 
out  straight  and  landing  on  the  forelegs.  Their  coats  are  a beautiful  two-tone  reddish  tan  color  with  black 
outlines  on  the  hip  and  tail.  Females  give  birth  to  a single  fawn  after  a gestation  period  of  6-7  months. 
When  they  gave  birth,  we  always  used  to  say  the  babies  were  born  with  Nikes®  on  because  they  hit  the 
ground  running.  Impala  have  a lifespan  of  about  12  years.  Natural  predators  include  lions,  leopards, 
cheetah,  hyenas  and  hunting  dogs.  Thanks,  Debi! 


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.  Manuscripts  submitted  either  on  disk  or  electronically  as  attachments  to  an  email  should  be  submitted 
in  Microsoft  WORD.  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.  Photographs  may  be  submitted 
electronically  as  either  JPEG  or  TIFF  file  attachments. 

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,  fax  or  email  contributions  of  late-breaking  news  or  last-minute 
insertions  are  accepted  as  space  allows.  Phone  1-800-242-4519  (US);  1-800-468-1966  (Canada);  FAX 
(785)  273-1980;  email  is  akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com< 

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.  If  an  article  is  shown  to  be  separately  copyrighted  by  the 
author(s),  then  permission  must  be  sought  from  the  author(s).  Reprints  of  material  appearing  in  this  journal 
may  be  ordered  from  the  editor.  Back  issues  are  available  for  $4.00  each.  Special  issues  may  cost  more. 

E-Mail  Addresses:  You  may  reach  Barbara  Manspeaker  at  AAZK  Administrative  Offices  at: 
aazkoffice@zk.kscoxmail.com<  You  may  reach  Susan  Chan  and  Animal  Keepers’  Forum  at: 
akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com< 


AAZK  website  Address:  www.aazk.org 
BFR  Website:  http://aazkbfr.org 


314  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33,  No.  8 


rom 


e 


xGCuTive 


Once  again,  it’s  that  time.  Conference  time.  The  past  eleven 
months  have  been  very  busy  and  have  gone  by  so  fast.  I hope  you 
have  the  opportunity  to  join  us  in  Chicago  next  month.  It  should 
be  a catharsis  for  the  profession.  The  stories  from  New  Orleans, 
pre,  during  and  post  Katrina,  will  be  amazing  to  hear. 


AMERICAN 

ASSOCIATION 


If  you  are  attending  the  Chicago  Conference,  please  mark  your 
calendar  for  two  very  important  workshops  hosted  by  the 
Association.  The  first  workshop  will  be  on  the  financial  history  of  the  Association.  It’s  very  important 
to  the  Board  of  Directors  of  AAZK  that  you  understand  our  financial  position,  and  more  importantly, 
we  gather  your  ideas  for  improving  our  position. 


of  ZOO  KEEPERS 


The  second  event  will  be  a back  to  basics  workshop  on  Bowling  for  Rhinos.  During  this  workshop, 
the  anatomy  of  the  program  will  be  broken  down  so  that  participants  will  understand  where  funding 
is  spent  in  Lewa.  Attendees  will  also  glean  ideas  on  how  Chapter’s  put  together  their  events,  how 
funds  are  generated  and  allocated  during  the  course  of  this  important  event. 

Hope  to  see  you  in  Chicago. 


Ed  Hansen 

AAZK  Executive  Director 
ed.hansen@aazk.org 


A Big  Thank  You 


The  AAZK  Board  of  Directors  and  the  staff  at  the  Administrative  Office  would  like  to  thank  all  the 
members  of  the  Dallas  AAZK  Chapter  for  their  recent  donation  of  $2000.00.  The  Chapter  has 
specified  these  funds  for  the  following  expenditures/underwriting: 

• $500.00  stipend  for  the  AAZK  National  President  (communication/travel  expenses) 

• $500.00  for  the  AAZK-Geraldine  Meyers  Professional  Travel  Grant 

• $500.00  for  Advances  in  Animal  Keeping  Course  Grant 

• $500.00  towards  the  AAZK  pension  fund  for  AAZK  employees 

This  kind  of  support  from  an  AAZK  Chapter  is  greatly  appreciated  and  helps  the  organization 
contiually  strive  to  meet  its  goals  in  projects,  programs  and  services. 


Animal  Keepers’ Forum,  VoL  33  No.  8 315 


Coming  Events 


Association  of  Avian  Veterinarians  - 6-10  August 
2006  in  San  Antonio,  TX.  For  information  please  visit 
www.conferenceoffice.com/aav  or  you  can  email 
aav@,CQnferenceQffice.CQm;  phone  (303)  756-8380 

Turtle-Survival  Alliance  4th  Annual  Conference  - 

10-13  August  2006  in  St.  Louis,  MO.  Hosted  by  the 
St.  Louis  Zoo,  this  will  be  a joint  conference  with  the 
lUCN  Tortoise  and  Freshwater  Turtle  Specialist  Group. 
More  info  available  at  http://www.turtlesurvival.org 

The  Association  of  Zoo  Veterinary  Technicians  26th 

Annual  Conference  - 8-11  September  2006  at  the 
Toledo  Zoo,  Toledo,  OH.  If  you  would  like  more 
information  please  visit  www.azvt.org  or  contact 
Debbie  Paperd  at  the  Toledo  Zoo  (419)  385-5721  ext. 
2120. 

AZAD  Regional  Conference  # 2 - 15-17  September 
2006  at  Arizona-Sonora  Desert  Museum,  Tucson,  AZ. 
Conference  capacity  is  200  people.  For  info  contact 
Marge  Drugay,  md.ru ga.y-@aii m^C-Oiu.  or  see 
WWW.  desertmuseum . org/azad 

33'^**AAZK  National  Conference  - 15-20  September 
2006.  Hosted  by  the  Lincoln  Park  Zoo  AAZK  Chapter 
and  the  Lincoln  Park  Zoo,  Chicago,  IL.  See 
information  at  their  website  www.aazk2006.org< 

Animal  Training  Seminar  - 18-22  September,  2006 
at  Shedd  Aquarium,  Chicago,  IL.  Five-day  seminar  on 
training  techniques  with  Ken  Ramirez.  For  more 
information  and  questions,  contact  Renee  Birk  at 
rbirk@sheddaquarium.org  or  call  (312)  692-3328. 

AAZV  Annual  Conference  20-24  September  2006  in 
Tampa,  FL.  For  further  informatin  please  visit  http:// 
w.ww.aflz.v.Qrg 

AZA  Annual  Conference  - 25-30  September  2006. 
Hosted  by  Busch  Gardens,  Florida  Aquarium,  & Lowry 
Park  Zoo,  Tampa,  FL.  See  information  at  their  website 
http://www.aza.Org/ConfWork/AboutAnnualConf/#fut 

The  23rd  EAZA  Annual  Conference  - 3 - 7 October 
2006  Hosted  by  Zoo  Aquarium  Madrid,  Spain.  See 
http://www.eaza.net/  For  further  information:  Corinne 
Bos  at  c,Qrinng...bQS@eaza.net 

Managing  Animal  Enrichment  and  Training  - 7-13 
October,  2006  in  Portland,  OR.  For  more  information 
visit  http://www.aza.org/prodev/  or  email  AZATraining 
@aza.org,  or  call  Geri  Noland  at  (301)  562-0777  ext. 
238. 


The  18th  IZE  Conference  2006  - 9 - 1 4 October  2006 
Hosted  by  The  National  Zoological  Gardens  of  South 
Africa,  Pretoria,  South  Africa.  For  more  information, 
please  visit  http://www.izea.net 
27"^  Elephant  Managers  Association  Conference  - 

15-18  October  2006,in  Albuquerque,  NM.  Hosted  by 
the  Albuquerque  Biological  Park.  Pre-conference  trips 
are  to  the  International  Balloon  Fiesta,  14-15  Oct;  post- 
conference trip  to  Santa  Fe  and  up  the  tram  to  the  crest 
of  the  Sandia  Mountains.  For  more  infomiation  see 
www.elcphant-managers.CQm  , or  call  Lynn  Tupa  at 
505-764-6216  or  Gwen  Dragoo  at  505-764-6264. 

7th  Annual  Animal.  Behavior  Management  Alliance 

(ABMA)  Conference  - 14-21  January  2007. 
Conference  at  Sea:  “Inspiring  Conservation  through 
Behavior  Management”,  . The  Cruise  ship  “Victory” 
sails  from  Miami,  FL  to  Mexico,  Cayman  Islands,  and 
Jamaica.  All  Inclusive  Registration  rate  includes  the 
cruise,  all  conference  costs,  international  site  visits, 
meals,  room,  and  all  taxes  and  port  fees.  Conference 
programming  includes:  Three  keynote  speakers  sharing 
international  conservation  work  with  multiple  species, 
formal  presentations,  seven  workshops,  panel 
discussions,  a poster  session,  and  site  visits  to  animal 
facilities.  All  conference  details,  abstract  submission 
forms,  and  registration  information  are  available  at 
www.theabma.org <http://www.theabma.org/>  Please 
contact  Michelle  Farmerie  @412-365-2385  dr  Nicole 
Begley  @ 4 1 2-323-7235  ext.  2 1 6 for  more  information 
about  the  conference. 

Zoos  and  Aquariums  Committing  to  Conservation 

26-31  January  2007  - Hosted  by  the  Houston  Zoo, 
Houston,  TX.  ZACC  is  a bi-annual  event  that 
promotes  the  role  of  zoos  and  aquariums  in  supporting 
conservation  activities  worldwide,  both  at  their 
institutions  and  in  the  field.  Registration  and  more 
information  is  now  available  online  at  http:// 
www.houstonzoo.org/ZACC,  you  may  contact 
zacc@hQustQnzQO.Qrg  or  phone  713-533-6745. 

International  Conference  on  Environmental 

Enrichment  - 5-10  August  2007.  Hosted  by 
Schonbrunn  Zoo,  Vienna,  Austria. 


Post  Your  Coming  Events  Here 
email  to:  akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com 


316  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  8 


AAZK  Announces  New  Members  World's  Oldest  Tortoise  Dies  at  176 


Ursula  K.  Ormston,  Cape  May  Zoo  (NJ);  Melissa 
Gillmer,  no  zoo  listed  (Tarrytown,  NY);  Megan 
Silby,  Palm  Beach  Zoo  at  Dreher  Park  (FL); 
Graham  Rooney,  no  zoo  listed  (Wauchula,  FL); 
Dawn  Manigrasso,  Steve  Crews,  Shannon 
Dunaway  and  Gariy  Points,  Naples  Zoo  at 
Caribbean  Gardens  (FL);  Cammie  L.  Stillwell, 
Jackson  Zoological  Park  (MS);  Rachel 
Milkovich,  Central  Park  Zoo  (NY);  Katie  Holt, 
Children’s  Zoo  at  Celebration  Square  (MI); 
Keith  Stevens,  no  zoo  listed  (Wheaton,  IL); 
Lauren  Brown,  Lincoln  Park  Zoo  (IL);  Nancy 
Ream,  Wildlife  Prairie  State  Park  (IL);  Pamela 
Y.  Trueblood,  Kansas  City  Zoo  (MO);  Sarah 
Smolinski,  Henry  Doorly  Zoo  (NE);  Andrea 
Nelson,  no  zoo  listed  (Minature,  NE);  Myria 
Johnson,  Riverside  Zoo  (NE);  Erin  Dauenhauer, 
BREC’s  Baton  Rouge  Zoo  (LA);  Tammy 
McRoberts,  Houston  Zoo  (TX);  Rebecca 
Schwarz,  San  Diego  Zoo  (CA);  Jill  Rode,  CFRE, 
Santa  Barbara  Zoo  (CA);  Andrea  Dougall  and 
Eunice  Hui,  Oakland  Zoo  (CA);  Beth  Carlyle, 
Woodland  Park  Zoo  (WA);  and  Sarah  Gibbins, 
Greater  Vancouver  Zoo  (BC,  Canada). 

Renewing  Institutional  Members 

Busch  Gardens,  Tampa,  FL 

Dan  Brown,  General  Manager  & VP 

Naples  Zoo  at  Caribbean  Gardens,  Naples,  FL 
David  L.  Tetzlaff,  Director 

Alabama  Gulf  Coast  Zoo,  Gulf  Shores,  FL 
Patti  Hall,  Director 

Renewing  Contributing  Members 

Vernon  N.  Kisling,  Jr. 

High  Springs,  FL 

Steven  M.  Wing,  General  Curator 
Louisville  Zoo,  Louisville,  KY 

Kevin  Koch 
Cathedral  City,  CA 

New  Institutional  Members 

Smithsonian’s  National  Zoological  Park 
Washington,  DC 

Columbus  Zoo  & Aquarium,  Powell,  OH 

New  Contributing  Member 

Janet  Wakeland,  Spring  Grove,  PA 


Harriet,  the  world’s  oldest  tortoise,  has  died  at 
the  age  of  176.  Believed  to  be  the  tortoise 
Charles  Darwin  worked  with  to  prove  his  theory 
of  evolution,  she  died  in  the  Australian  Zoo  of 
Queensland  after  suffering  a heart  attack. 


Caught  in  the  Galapagos  Island  in  1830  and 
weighing  150kg,  Harriet  went  into  the  Guinness 
Book  of  World  Records  as  the  world’s  oldest 
living  animal.  Harriet  was  initially  named  Harry 
due  to  the  mistake  about  her  sex. 

Source:  Anadolu  News  Agency  (aa), 
Sidney,  Australia  June  24,  2006 


THE 

GOURMET 
RODENT, 
INC.™ 


RATS  AND  MICE 


Bill  & Marcia  Brant 

6115  SW  137th  Ave.,  Archer,  FL  32618 

(352)  495-9024 
FAX:  (352)  495-9781 
e-mail:  GrmtRodent@aol.com 

© Ail  Rights  Reserved 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  8 317 


Vi  G w p o i n t . 

You  cannot  be  in  the  animal  keeping  profession  and  not  acknowledge  the  impact  of  what  you  do. 
There  is  the  marvelous  act  being  played  out  before  you  each  day  in  the  lives  of  your  animal  charges. 
They  are  not  ordinary  animals  and  they  are  not  ordinary  days.  There  is  the  encounter  with  the  visitor 
- the  ‘teachable  moment’  or  that  remarkable  question.  Your  institution  and  staff  grow  and  evolve 
according  to  the  experiences  and  lessons  of  the  day.  And  you  - yourself  - moving  through  your 
daily  routines  and  practicing  your  particular  style  of  keeping  are  defining  your  own  working  life 
and  its  meaning.  All  of  this  is  stored  and  revisited  in  your  memories. 

Some  of  the  most  important  memories  of  my  career  have  been  through  AAZK.  My  good  friend,  Pat 
Yahiro,  at  Assiniboine  Park  Zoo  in  Winnipeg,  told  me  that  there  were  a number  of  things  you 
needed  to  do  as  a new  keeper  - count  your  fingers  at  the  end  of  the  day,  ask  a lot  of  questions  and 
join  this  organization  called  the  American  Association  of  Zoo  Keepers.  I became  a member  in  1978. 


I have  a lot  of  memories  that,  now,  give  my  career  added  color  and  depth;  moments  of  pride,  revelation 
and  fellowship.  I remember  Norm  Gershenz  and  the  introduction  of  the  Ecosystem  Survival  Plan 
and  Conservation  Parking  Meter  in  1987.  What  an  impact.  I remember  my  first  National  Conference 
in  Seattle  in  1984  - standing  at  the  back  of  the  room  watching  and  listening  to  the  AAZK  Board  of 
Directors.  One  day  I would  be  up  there.  I remember  the  fireworks  and  music  presented  by  Bob 
Debets  over  Lake  Ontario  during  the  2001  Toronto  Conference.  I remember  (Winnipeg  Conference, 
1986)  a guy  named  Andy  Lodge  and  an  obscure  slide  show  about  rhinos  and  how  we  later  passed  a 
hat  for  a sanctuary  in  Ngare  Sergoi  in  Africa.  I remember  hospitality  rooms,  banquet  dinners,  and 
zoo  tours;  innumerable  paper  sessions,  workshops  and  meetings  presented  in  memorable  style  and 
by  likely  friends  and  colleagues  such  as  Rachel  Rogers,  Pat  Sammarco,  Rich  Block,  Jan  McCoy, 
and  Frank  Kohn.  I remember  Harmony  Frazier-Taylor’s  relief  upon  finishing  the  Zoo  Infant 
Development  Notebook.  I remember  Patty  Pearthree  and  her  extraordinary  dedication  to  Bowling 
for  Rhinos.  I remember  Oliver  Claffey  singing  ‘Dedicated  keepers,  keepers  care!  ’ I bought  the 
tape.  I remember  20  AAZK  National  Conferences  and  dancing  at  20  final  banquets  (mostly  with 
women!).  I remember  learning  calmness  from  Barbara  Manspeaker,  directness  from  Susan  Chan 
and  confidence  from  Ed  Hansen.  I learned  grief  with  the  passing  of  colleagues  Elandra  Aum,  Jay 
Jason,  Lee  Houts,  Jean  Hromadka  and  my  friends  Peter  Elliott  and  Pat  Yahiro.  I remember  the 
slow  and  painful  ride  out  of  New  Orleans. 


Member. 

Remember. 


I have  been  (in  the  conference  rooms,  in  the  pages  of  AKF  and  in  the  company  of  fellow  keepers) 
across  the  continent  and  around  the  world  with  AAZK.  I remember 
laughing  a lot.  I remember  crying  hard.  These  are  just  some  of  my  own 
recollections.  Stay  in  and  see  what  you  will  get  out  of  AAZK. 


Mark  de  Denus 


318  Animal  Keepers’ Forum,  VoL  33  No.  8 


0DEf§  kB.  l$t¥ER§i  &y§ 
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the  health  and  longevity  of 
every  animal. 


The  Exotic  Animal  Feeding  Resmwce 


www.mazuri.com 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol  33  No.  8 319 


Chicago  Awaits  - 

Conference  Schedule  Update 

The  city  of  big  shoulders  is  ready  to  welcome  delegates  to  the 
2006  AAZK  National  Conference!  Here  are  some  updates  to  keep 
you  informed  and  assist  in  planning  your  visit: 


The  pre-conference  trip  is  scheduled  for  Thursday,  September  14th  - 
destination  Milwaukee  Zoo.  This  trip  will  include  continental  breakfast, 
a late  lunch,  admission  to  the  zoo  and  special  behind-the-scenes  tours.  Price  is  $50.00 
per  person.  Email  Cruzanne  Lewis  at  clewis@lpzoo.org  to  register.  Payments  must  be 
made  in  advance.  Checks  should  be  payable  to  Lincoln  Park  AAZK  Chapter  and  sent  to 
Lincoln  Park  Zoo,  2006  AAZK  Conference,  attention  C.  Lewis,  P.O.  Box  14903, 
Chicago,  IL  60614. 


• Our  Icebreaker  will  be  held  at  Brookfield  Zoo  on  Friday,  September  15th.  Brookfield 
has  been  cordial  enough  to  invite  attendees  out  early  in  order  to  showcase  their  zoo. 

Free  admission  for  delegates  will  begin  that  morning  and  special  tours  and  events  will 
happen  later  that  afternoon  around  2:00  p.m.  Cocktails  will  begin  at  5:00  p.m.  and 
dinner  is  at  6:30  p.m.  For  early  arrivals  on  that  day,  we  will  be  providing  monetary 
compensation  for  public  buses  that  will  take  you  to  Union  Station  where  the  Metra  rail 
system  (Chicago’s  commuter  trains)  will  take  you  one  block  away  from  Brookfield  Zoo. 
For  others  who  are  less  adventurous,  we  will  have  two  private  buses  leaving  from  the 
hotel  to  Brookfield  at  3:00  and  3:15  p.m.  This  does  not  guarantee  that  you  will  arrive  in 
time  for  the  special  events  - this  will  only  ensure  that  you  will  be  able  to  attend  the 
actual  Icebreaker.  The  next  buses  will  not  be  leaving  the  hotel  until  around  6:00  p.m.  so 
make  those  early  buses!  We  will  have  private  buses  available  that  evening  at  Brookfield 
Zoo  to  get  everyone  back  to  the  hotel  in  time  for  the  first  night  of  the  hospitality  suite. 


• Paper  sessions  will  be  Saturday  and  Sunday  all  day  with  morning  sessions  on  Monday 
and  Tuesday.  Poster  sessions  will  begin  on  Sunday  morning. 


• The  Silent  Auction  will  be  Saturday  early  evening  at  the  hotel. 


Zoo  Day  will  be  Monday  early  afternoon.  Attendees  will  receive  a 1-day  bus  pass  for 
the  Chicago  Transit  Authority.  The  151  bus  leaves  1/2  of  a block  from  the  hotel  on 
Michigan  Avenue  and  has  a stop  at  the  west  entrance  of  the  zoo.  Attendees  are  welcome 
to  come  to  the  zoo  early  or  after  paper  sessions.  Lunch  will  begin  at  1 :00  p.m.  and 
behind-the-scenes  tours  will  follow.  We  are  in  the  process  of  planning  some  sort  of  pub 
crawl  that  evening  in  the  Lincoln  Park  area  - details  will  follow  soon. 

Tuesday  will  be  the  Awards  Luncheon  and  our  fabulous  Banquet! ! 


Post-conference  trip  will  start  Wednesday  morning  at  7:00  a.m,  headed  for  Peoria, 
Illinois  and  returning  to  Chicago  on  Thursday  evening.  This  trip  is  limited  to  20  people. 
Price  will  be  posted  on  our  website  soon.  For  more  information  contact  Cruzanne 
Lewis  at 


See  You  in  Chicago  in  September! 


320  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  VoL  33  No.  8 


Conference  Notes  ond  Reminders 

NEED  A ROOMMATE?  PARKINS  A CAR? 

Looking  for  a roommate  to  share  eosts?  We  are  helping  to  match  people  up.  Go  to  our  website  for 
more  information  or  email  mskidmore@lpzoo.org  for  guys  and  dvillafuerte@lpzoo.org  for  gals. 
Sorry  no  co-ed  rooms.  We  also  aren’t  responsible  for  any  problems  that  might  arise  from  this;  we 
are  just  trying  to  save  people  money  by  being  go-betweens.  We’ll  connect  you  and  you  can  work  out 
the  details. 

In  another  effort  to  help  with  saving  money  we  will  also  be  offering  free  parking  at  the  zoo  for  a 
limited  number  of  attendees  during  the  conference.  Parking  downtown  can  be  high  depending  on 
where  you  park,  but  if  you  park  at  the  zoo  you  would  have  to  take  public  transportation  ($2) 
or  a cab  ($6-$7)  to  the  hotel.  For  more  information  contact  anielsen@lpzoo.org  or 

CHAPTER  CHALLENGE 

As  of  July  P*  we  are  at  eight  Chapters  meeting  the  Challenge:  Kansas  City,  Snake  River  (Tautphaus 
Zoo),  New  Orleans,  Cleveland,  Point  Defiance,  Puget  Sound  (Woodland  Park)  & Galveston  (Moody 
Gardens)  and  Dallas.  Thanks  to  those  Chapters  and  any  others  with  $ on  the  way!  Any  questions? 
Email  to  mskidmore@,lpzoo.org 

TRANSPORTATION  TO  AND  FROM  THE  HOTEL 

Transportation  from  the  hotel:  Continental  Airport  Express  runs  a shuttle  service.  You  can  make 
reservations  on-line  at  www.airportexpress.com.  price  for  round  trip  will  be  about  $50  for  O’ Hare 
and  $40  for  Midway.  The  price  drops  for  more  than  one.  Taxi  from  the  airport  would  be  more 
expensive  for  one  person  than  the  shuttle,  but  a little  cheaper  if  you  share  the  ride  with  at  least  one 
person.  Another  option  is  the  train  system.  The  Chicago  Transit  system  has  train  stops  at  both 
airports  which  you  can  take  to  downtown  Chicago  for  $2.  The  closest  stop  to  the  hotel  is  about  one 
mile  away.  Take  the  Blue  Line  from  O’Hare  and  the  Orange  Line  from  Midway  to  the  Clark  & Lake 
stop.  Best  bet  to  not  get  lost  is  take  a cab  from  here.  Combined  price  would  be  under  $10.  For  more 
information  go  to  our  website  or  contact  mskidmorc@,lpzoo.org. 

EXHIBITOR'S  TABLES 

There  is  space  in  our  designated  Exhibitor’s  Hall  for  AAZK  Chapters  or  groups  interested  in  selling 
or  displaying  their  merchandise  or  causes.  Cost  per  table  will  be:  $50  for  AAZK  Chapters;  $ 1 00  for 
non-profit  groups  such  as  TAGS,  Conservation  Groups  etc.;  $200  for  profit  groups  such  as  artists, 
suppliers,  etc.  Please  contact  Marie  Perez  at  mperez@.lpzoo.org  or  at  312-742-2140 


AUCTION  ITEMS 

If  you  are  donating  an  item  for  the  auction,  it  would  be  helpful  to  send  it  early  to:  Lincoln  Park  Zoo, 
c/o  AAZK/Hoofstock,  PO  Box  14903,  Chicago,  IL  60614.  (If  sending  UPS  send  to  2300  N.  Cannon 
Drive  instead  of  the  PO  Box).  One  small  change  in  our  program,  the  Silent  Auction  will  now  be 
held  on  Saturday  night  instead  of  Monday. 

SHEDD  AQUARIUM 

The  Shedd  Aquarium  had  been  kind  enough  to  offer  free  admission  to  conference  attendees  from 
September  11-22,  those  dates  will  cover  anyone  who  is  coming  early  or  staying  extra  days.  To  get 
free  admission  you  must  show  your  AAZK  membership  cards  so  bring  them  with  you. 
w_ww.sheddaquarium.org 

NEED  MORE  INFORMATION? 

Go  to  our  website,  which  has  all  this  information  and  is  constantly  updated  and  has  links  to  our 
sponsors  and  partners,  and  contact  information,  www.aazk2006.org.  Any  mail  correspondence  should 
be  sent  to:  Lincoln  Park  Zoo,  2006  AAZK  Conference,  PO  Box  14903,  Chicago,  IL  60614 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  8 321 


Have  you  purchased  your 
LIVE  WILO  Paw  Magnet  yet? 


Show  the  world  you  live  the  WILD  LIFEI 

Purchase  a Paw  Magnet  TODAY! 
each  or  2 for  $12°°  shipping  included 
Actual  size  is  5 1/2  " x 5 1/2  " 

Proceeds  support  the  2006  AAZK  National  Conference 

Hosted  by  the  Lincoln  Park  AAZK  Chapter,  Chicago,  IL 


To  purchase,  complete  order  form  below 
OR  visit  www.aazk20Q6.org  for  a printable  order  form. 


Quantity  ____  Amount  Enclosed  $ U.S.  funds  only. 

Return  shipping  address: 

Name 


Address 

City State/Province 

Zip/Postal  Code_ 

Make  check  or  money  order  payable  to  “Lincoln  Park  AAZK”  - U.S.  Funds  ONLY 

Send  order  and  payment  to:  Lincoln  Park  Zoo,  ATTN:  AAZK — Marie  Perez,  P.O. 
Box  14903,  Chicago,  IL  60614. 


322  Animal  Keepers’ Forum,  VoL  33  No.  8 


i E 


1491:  New  Revelations  of  the  Americas  Before  Columbus 

By  Charles  C.  Mann 

New  York:  Alfred  A.  Knopf,  2005 


O 


ISBN#  140004006X 


509pgs.  Price:  $30.00 


Review  by  Brett  Banner,  Keeper 
Stone  Mountain  Park,  Atlanta,  GA 


In  his  eighteenth  century  poem  An  Essay  on  Man  Alexander  Pope  advised:  “Know  then  thyself, 
presume  not  God  to  scan;  The  proper  study  of  mankind  is  Man.”  I think  one  might  also  say  that 
sometimes  the  proper  study  of  animals  is  man.  For  this  reason,  the  well-rounded  zookeeper  is  wise 
to  be  familiar  with  such  anthropological  works  as  Ian  Tatersall’s  Becoming  Human  and  Jared 
Diamond’s  The  Third  Chimpanzee.  Now  thanks  to  Charles  Mann,  here  is  another  book  about  that 
complex  organism  Homo  sapiens  which  those  who  work  with  nonhuman  fauna  will  find  thought- 
provoking. 

1491,  it  should  be  stressed,  is  not  a scientific  treatise.  Charles  Mann  is  a journalist  rather  than  a 
scientist;  he  has  produced  a read  intended  for  a learned  popular  audience.  It’s  the  kind  of  work  that 
makes  one  wonder  why  more  coffee  house  book  clubs  don’t  occasionally  mix  in  discussion  about  a 
nonfiction  volume  now  and  again  between  repetitive  arguments  about  The  Da  Vinci  Code. 

Clearly  the  title  of  the  book  was  intended  as  a mnemonic,  as  the  scope  of  Mann’s  efforts  is  not 
merely  what  life  in  the  New  World  was  like  the  year  before  Columbus  arrived  at  its  shores.  Indeed, 
events  and  peoples  centuries  before  1492  are  chronicled.  A recurring  theme  is  that  far  from  being 
virgin  acres  when  Europeans  colonized,  the  vast  lands  of  the  western  hemisphere  had  a long  history 
of  alteration  and  management  by  the  indigenous  humans.  (By  the  way — Mann  refers  to  these  people 
as  “Indians”  rather  than  “native  Americans”  because,  as  he  sensibly  notes,  all  the  people  he  spoke  to 
in  his  research  called  themselves  “Indians.”  Take  that,  p.c.  police.) 

With  regard  to  pre-Columbian  habitat  modifications,  Mann  devotes  an  entire  chapter  to  recent  studies 
in  Amazonia.  Many  scientists  working  in  that  tropical  “wilderness”  have  concluded  that  it  isn’t 
such  a wilderness  after  all — the  distribution  of  rainforest  plants,  especially  the  trees,  is  determined 
in  large  measure  by  how  useful  they  were  to  the  land’s  human  inhabitants.  Peach  palms,  wild 
pineapple,  sapodilla,  cocoplum,  and  other  edible-fruit  bearing  vegetation  is  so  abundant  in  areas 
with  a long  history  of  human  habitation  that  clearly  the  indigenous  tribes  actively  planted  these 
trees.  Anthropological  botanist  Charles  R.  Clement  exclaimed  to  Mann  “Visitors  are  always  amazed 
that  you  can  walk  in  the  forest  here  and  constantly  pick  fruit  from  trees.  That’s  because  people 
planted  them.  They’re  walking  through  old  orchards.” 

Most  of  us  have  a vague  concept  that  masses  of  Indians  perished  tragically  when  Europeans  arrived, 
not  so  much  from  Renaissance  weaponry,  but  rather  from  Old  World  diseases  such  as  smallpox  and 
measles  to  which  the  New  World’s  inhabitants  had  no  resistance.  Mann  clearly  explains  the 
physiology  of  the  epidemic.  Most  human  cells  contain  HLAs — an  acronym  for  “human  leukocyte 
antigens.”  One  function  of  the  HLAs  is  to  carry  foreign  invaders  such  as  viruses  to  the  surface  of 
the  cell.  Once  a virus,  or  even  a piece  of  one,  is  at  the  cell  surface,  the  white  blood  cells,  ever 
vigilant  for  infections,  are  able  to  discern  that  this  is  a contaminated  cell,  and  they  promptly  destroy 
it.  If  the  HLAs  fail  to  recognize  a foreign  invader,  they  don’t  transport  it  to  the  cell  surface,  and  the 
white  blood  cells  are  unable  to  do  their  duty.  HLAs  are  not  perfect,  however.  Particular  HLAs 
cannot  identify  every  type  of  contagion,  and  much  like  blood,  individual  humans  have  different 
types  of  HLAs.  The  greater  the  number  of  HLA  groups  in  a human  population,  the  greater  the 
chance  that  at  least  some  of  its  members  will  be  resistant  to  an  epidemic. 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  8 323 


Alas,  one  study  cited  by  Mann  showed  that  while  people  of  Old  World  descent  had  at  least  35  main 
classes  of  HLAs,  America’s  indigenous  humans  had  only  17  such  HLA  groups.  The  paucity  of 
HLA  types  in  Indians  is  probably  due  to  the  limited  gene  pool  among  the  founders — those  few 
humans  able  to  trek  from  eastern  Asia  across  Alaska  and  southward  so  many  thousands  of  years 
ago.  Largely  from  lack  of  HLA  diversity,  the  New  World’s  inhabitants  were  decimated  by  disease 
upon  contact  with  Europeans. 

As  I read  1491,  the  description  of  the  susceptibility  of  Indians  to  disease  was  one  of  two  topics  in 
the  book  that  immediately  reminded  me  of  our  profession.  After  all,  this  is  an  object  lesson  as  to 
why  if  we  hope  to  maintain  sustainable  populations  of  snow  leopards,  gorillas,  and  the  like  in  zoos, 
the  captive  population  needs  to  not  only  be  rather  large,  but  also  should  be  genetically  diverse.  An 
animal  present  in  captivity  in  large  numbers,  but  with  few  founders,  might  be  as  vulnerable  to  fatal 
contagions  as  were  the  American  Indians. 

The  other  “Gee,  my  zoo  colleagues  should  all  know  this”  epiphany  came  when  I read  Mann’s  section 
on  the  abundance — or  lack  thereof — of  the  passenger  pigeon  in  pre-Columbian  America.  We’ve  all 
heard  the  sordid  details  regarding  how  this  bird,  so  preposterously  abundant  as  the  nineteenth  century 
began,  rapidly  fell  before  settlers  firearms  and  was  driven  to  extinction  by  1 9 1 4.  Mann  reports  that 
archaeologists  excavating  Indian  villages  have  found  few  passenger  pigeon  bones,  even  in  sites  so 
well-preserved  that  thousands  of  other  bird  remains  are  identifiable.  So  scarce  are  the  passenger 
pigeon  bones,  in  fact,  that  some  scientists  believe  that  this  was  an  uncommon  bird  in  pre-Columbian 
days,  and  that  its  abundance  in  the  nineteenth  century  was  not  the  natural  course  of  things,  but  rather 
a symptom  of  a severely  disrupted  ecological  system.  How  ironic  if  man  drove  the  pigeon  both  to 
superabundance  and  to  extinction! 

Mann  clearly  has  a great  deal  of  respect  for  the  cultures  of  which  he  writes.  For  example,  his  final 
chapter,  “The  Great  Law  of  Peace”  notes  that  the  Haudenosaunee — the  so-called  Five  Nations  of 
Indians  who  inhabited  what  later  became  New  York  State — established  a Constitution,  the  “Great 
Law  of  Peace”  that  embodied  the  same  democratic  spirit  later  embraced  by  the  European  newcomers 
who  formed  the  United  States.  While  Mann  tips  his  cap  to  the  Five  Nations,  here  and  elsewhere  in 
1491  he  wisely  avoids  spewing  vitriol  towards  the  European  based  culture  that  largely  supplanted 
the  Indians.  This  is  in  itself  worthy  of  applause;  one  shudders  to  think  what  kind  of  book  Ward 
Churchill  would  have  written  given  the  same  information.  (Churchill  is,  as  a matter  of  fact,  quoted 
at  one  point;  Mann  responds  to  Churchill’s  anti-European  remarks  by  politely  noting  that  they  are 
simplistic.  Well  done!) 

It  is  high  praise  for  a book  when  reading  it  inspires  one  to  an  action;  in  my  case  perusing7497  led 
me  to  take  a field  trip.  In  one  section  of  the  book,  Mann  focuses  on  the  mounds  erected  as  burial 
sites  and  temple  bases  by  the  Mississippian  cultures  that  inhabited  the  eastern  United  States  roughly 
from  1000  to  1400  A.D.  These  earthworks  were  situated  around  agricultural  villages  in  which  the 
Indians  grew  maize,  beans,  and  squash.  Not  far  from  Atlanta  is  one  such  site,  snuggled  beside  the 
Etowah  River.  When  I ascended  to  the  summit  of  Etowah’s  tallest  mound,  some  63  feet  high,  I was 
rewarded  with  a fine  view  of  verdant  green  hills  and  mountains  in  the  distance.  I found  myself 
hoping  that  800  years  ago,  the  builders  of  the  mound  were  as  impressed  as  I was  by  this  beautiful 
vista. 


Handbook  of  Primate  Husbandry  and  Welfare 
By  Sarah  Wolfenshohn  and  Paul  Honess 
2005,  ISBN  #1-4051-1158-5 

Blackwell  Publishing,  Ltd.,9600  Garsington  Road,  Oxford,  0X4  2DQ,  UK 
168  pgs.  paperback  $69.99 


Review  by  Shea  Cogswell,  Intern 
ChimpanZoo,  Tucson,  AZ 

Handbook  of  Primate  Husbandry  and  Welfare  is  a good  handbook/educational  tool  of  the  well- 
being of  primates  that  are  kept  in  captivity.  The  two  authors,  Sarah  Wolfensohn  and  Paul  Honess, 
have  experience  working  with  primates  and  have  written  this  informative  book  with  caring  expertise. 

The  book  covers  all  areas  of  primate  wellness,  from  enclosures,  to  psychological  well-being,  to  how 


324  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  8 


to  care  for  wounds.  The  book  begins  with  general  descriptions  of  primates  and  legalities  of  keeping 
a primate  in  captivity.  At  first,  the  ideas  in  the  sections  don’t  seem  to  have  an  easy  flow,  perhaps  due 
to  the  amount  and  diversity  of  the  information  the  author’s  are  trying  to  gather  in  a few  pages.  In 
some  areas,  it  reads  like  there  is  too  quick  of  a change  of  ideas  between  paragraphs.  However,  the 
jumpiness  of  the  writing  evens  out  for  the  most  part  and  flows  nicely  into  chapters  that  give  good, 
sound  and  concise  information  about  a primate’s  environmental  conditions  (safety  features  and 
entertainment  values),  nutrition  (including  hand-rearing  of  infants),  health  (physical  and 
psychological),  training,  breeding  and  transporting.  The  chapters  could  have  been  organized  a little 
better  for  an  easier  reading  format,  but  still  the  authors  share  a lot  of  important  information  which 
forces  the  reader  to  think  of  how  the  impacts  of  certain  things  will  affect  a primate.  At  the  end  of 
each  chapter  is  a lengthy  list  of  suggested  reading  materials. 

The  pictures  are  black  and  white  and  are  very  helpful  in  showing  examples  of  handling  techniques 
of  primates  and  symptoms  of  diseases,  including  interesting  x-rays.  The  authors  included  several 
types  of  charts  that  are  easy  to  use  for  assessing  the  general  health  of  animals  to  explaining  the 
different  stages  of  diseases.  Caretakers  of  primates  will  appreciate  the  Nutrition  Tables  that  give 
detailed  nutritional  values  on  a variety  of  food  items.  Also,  the  useful  tables  that  give  biological  and 
breeding  data  on  specific  primates  can  be  handy  for  comparison  measures.  The  book  is  good  for 
making  the  reader  aware  of  regulations  and  codes  for  captive  primates  and  introducing  helpful  and 
knowledgeable  organizations,  such  as  the  World  Conservation  Union  and  International  Primate 
Society  (IPS).  The  book  does  not  give  detailed  information  about  the  organizations,  but  still  the 
reader  is  made  aware  of  certain  resources  that  might  be  useful. 

The  biological  terminology  is  not  well  defined  in  this  book.  It  would  be  best  if  the  reader  had 
scientific  or  hands-on  experience  in  their  background  to  refer  to  for  being  able  to  understand  the 
concepts  of  the  books.  All  in  all,  this  book  is  very  educational  and  highly  recommended  for  adults 
who  are  primate  caretakers.  It’s  stated  in  the  book’s  preface  that  “the  purpose  of  this  book  is  to 
encourage  discussion  and  active  review  of  the  husbandry  of  captive  primates  and  to  assist  with  the 
management  of  changes  to  benefit  their  welfare.”  With  that  in  mind,  this  book  is  a success. 


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Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol  33  No.  8 325 


People  Skills  for 
Animal  People 


By  Guest  Columnist  William  K.  Baker,  Jr.,  Curator 
Panthera  Research,  Maumelle,  AR 


Career  Advancement  in  the  Zoological  Industry 
Part  I - Skill  Development  and  the  Job  Search 


Introduction 

Historically,  individuals  wishing  to  enter  the  fields  of  wildlife  or  zoological  management  have  relied 
on  two  paths  into  the  workforce.  First,  by  attending  a college  or  university  that  has  a strong 
departmental  focus  on  biology,  zoology,  or  wildlife  management.  And,  after  completing  the  necessary 
coursework  for  either  an  Associate’s  or  Bachelor’s  Degree  in  the  Sciences  they  then  proceed  in 
pursuit  of  employment.  However,  finding  a suitable  position  is  often  easier  said  then  done  when 
considering  the  vast  numbers  of  graduating  students  every  year  who  are  attempting  to  enter  the 
workforce  at  the  same  time.  Conversely,  newcomers  often  find  themselves  in  competition  for  not 
only  entry-level  positions,  but  also  positions  at  facilities  that  have  a progressive  reputation  for 
conservation  efforts. 

The  second  method  of  entering  the  workforce  is  the  attainment  of  employment  without  a university 
degree  and  to  start  at  the  bottom  and  work  your  way  up.  This  can  be  accomplished  in  several  ways, 
either  by  starting  in  a part-time  position,  seasonal  worker,  apprentice  keeper,  or  volunteering  on  an 
unpaid  basis,  such  as  a docent.  But  once  again,  these  individuals  may  be  at  a competitive  disadvantage 
when  considering  the  number  of  people  trying  to  enter  the  workforce.  However,  there  is  a point  in 
their  favor.  They  already  have  their  foot  in  the  door  and  the  opportunity  to  prove  themselves  on-site 
at  a facility. 

As  any  Director  or  Curator  can  attest  to,  utilizing  staff  that  you  are  already  familiar  with  to  fill 
vacancies  has  several  advantages.  Foremost  is  that  you  know  who  you  are  getting  in  terms  of 
communication,  reliability,  and  work  ethic.  In  other  words,  you  typically  have  had  the  opportunity 
to  try  them  out  in  other  positions  before  promoting  from  within  at  your  institution.  This  approach 
has  two  positive  aspects.  One,  you  are  hiring  someone  who  is  familiar  with  your  procedures,  which 
reduces  time-in-training.  Two,  by  promoting  from  within,  there  are  the  positive  aspects  of  employee 
morale  and  staff  retention,  which  results  in  a drop  in  employee  turnover  and  the  resultant  re-training 
of  new  staff  members. 

The  key  factor  in  all  of  this  is  that,  with  few  exceptions,  a manager  is  looking  whenever  possible  for 
someone  who  has  practical  work  experience.  It’s  an  approach  that  fills  a position  with  a person  who 
requires  little  if  any  training  and  utilizes  an  individual  who  has  a developed  skill  set  already  in  the 
workplace.  Unfortunately,  this  gives  rise  to  the  old  question,’“How  do  I get  work  experience  when 
no  one  will  hire  me?”  This  has  always  been  the  stumbling  block  for  recent  graduates  and  interested 
parties.  As  surprising  as  this  may  sound,  there  are  a few  ways  to  work  around  this,  and  improve  your 
chances  at  an  interview  and  of  eventually  being  hired. 

Still,  this  paper  isn’t  strictly  focused  on  the  needs  of  the  new  hire,  but  on  the  zoological  professional 
who  is  looking  to  break  into  management  or  potentially  trying  to  refocus  their  career  in  a more 
specific  direction.  Professional  development  in  the  workplace  isn’t  just  trendy,  but  absolutely  essential 
if  you  wish  to  stay  competitive  in  our  field.  Staying  current  on  industry  changes  regarding  master 


326  Animal  Keepers  'Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  8 


planning,  exhibit  design,  animal  husbandry,  and  veterinary  issues  are  a vital  component  of  not  only 
functioning  effectively  in  the  workplace,  but  also  remaining  marketable  in  our  field. 

The  primary  focus  then  is  to  illustrate  the  process  of  career  building  necessary  to  reflect  those 
aspects  from  a standpoint  of  education,  skill  development,  resume  and  vitae  structure,  preparation 
for  the  interview,  interviewing  style,  as  well  as  gaining  practical  experience  to  enhance  employment 
opportunities.  At  the  same  time,  one  must  develop  the  survival  skills  required  to  advance  in  our 
industry. 

Skill  Development 

It  is  the  nature  of  any  business  that  you  want  a skilled  person  to  fill  a vacant  position  and  perform 
their  job-related  duties  to  the  best  of  their  ability.  Conversely,  the  applicant  for  the  vacant  position 
would  like  to  believe  that  they  are  the  best  match  to  fill  said  Job.  In  theory,  this  all  sounds  well  and 
good,  yet  that  is  not  always  the  case.  As  the  applicant,  you  have  a personal  responsibility  to  take  a 
hard  look  at  your  education  and  skills  and  then  objectively  ask,  “Am  I the  best  person  for  this  job, 
have  I prepared  myself  for  this  position,  and  what  can  I do  to  enhance  my  skill  set  and  increase  my 
chances  of  being  hired?” 

In  the  fields  of  zoological  and  wildlife  management  there  are  a lot  of  similarities  to  the  corporate 
world  and  there  are  a several  differences  as  well.  Still,  there  is  one  consistent  theme  for  both  business 
worlds,  education.  Years  ago,  it  was  not  uncommon  to  meet  people  in  our  field  without  higher  levels 
of  education.  They  broke  into  the  industry  by  starting  at  the  bottom  and  working  their  way  up. 
Today,  it’s  a little  different  and  most  applicants  or  active  professionals  have  a college  or  university 
degree  of  some  type.  The  most  commonly  seen  are  an  Associate’s  or  Bachelor’s  Degree  in  the 
Sciences. 

Historically,  there  was  a perception  that  an  Associate’s  Degree  was  somewhat  less  than  desirable. 
No  more.  For  myself  and  many  of  my  peers,  we  recognize  that  there  are  many  schools  that  have 
excellent  two-year  programs.  Many  of  these  schools  even  have  on-site  zoological  facilities  in 
conjunction  with  the  traditional  classroom  and  laboratory  work.  I have  personally  hired  several 
individuals  from  such  programs  and  have  been  extremely  impressed  with  their  performance.  Still,  a 
four-year  degree  is  very  desirable  and  I try  to  encourage  professionals  to  continue  on  and  get  their 
Bachelor’s,  especially  if  they  are  thinking  about  a long-term  career  and  potentially  following  a 
management  track. 

As  a general  rule,  higher  education  in  the  work  force  equates  to  better  pay  and  potential  career 
advancement.  Still,  anyone  who  is  familiar  with  our  industry  knows  that  we  didn’t  get  into  this  for 
the  money,  rather  for  the  conservation  ethic  that  we  believe  in  instead.  However,  I have  noticed  a 
trend  of  late  that  more  upper  level  management  positions  are  seeking  individuals  with  advanced 
degrees  even  to  apply  for  vacancies.  In  some  cases  the  language  in  the  job  posting  may  be  softer 
such  as,  “Individuals  with  a Masters  or  PhD  preferred”,  but  the  message  is  still  loud  and  clear,  this 
is  what  we  are  looking  for  in  regards  to  this  position.  Education  is  still  important  in  the  workplace. 

Having  said  all  of  this,  what  can  students  who  are  still  in  school  or  professionals  considering  returning 
to  school  do  to  advance  their  employment  potential  before  they  graduate?  Involvement  in  activities 
that  relate  to  the  field  of  study  are  always  considered  a plus.  Many  universities  offer  special  work- 
study  projects  to  upperclassman.  Typically,  a faculty  member  at  the  departmental  level  mentors 
these.  In  many  cases  you  become  part  of  an  existing  project  and  in  others  you  may  find  yourself 
developing  your  own  project.  Having  been  through  this  process  myself,  I can  vouch  for  the 
opportunities  it  offers  in  research,  networking,  and  experience. 

For  the  aspiring  biologist  or  seasoned  zoologist  looking  to  diversify  their  career,  one  of  the  most 
valuable  tools  to  have  is  practical  experience  in  the  direction  that  you  want  to  develop.  One  of  the 
best  ways  to  do  this  is  to  pursue  an  internship.  Typically  internships  are  available  through  AZA 


Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol  33  No.  8 327 


member  institutions,  federal  and  state  game  agencies,  non-governmental  organizations,  and  even  a 
few  exotic  wildlife  refuges  and  sanctuaries.  Virtually  all  conservation-based  organizations  maintain 
websites  that  can  offer  resources  and  listings  to  provide  additional  information.  The  key  is  to  select 
a professional  organization  that  reflects  a current  career  specialty  or  a new  direction  in  your  career 
path. 

A few  final  thoughts  on  internships.  It  is  becoming  more  common  for  recent  graduates  to  have  at 
least  one  internship  listed  on  their  resume.  And  while  that  is  a positive  move,  what  is  more  beneficial 
is  to  look  to  two  points.  One,  always  make  sure  that  you  are  pursuing  not  only  a good  match,  but  a 
credible  facility  as  well.  Two,  try  to  do  more  than  one  internship  if  at  all  possible.  It  is  always  a 
positive  to  diversify  your  experience  in  different  work  environments,  as  that  will  make  you  more 
marketable  in  the  workplace.  Another  important  option  is  to  consider  looking  at  Earthwatch  Institute®. 
This  organization  facilitates  internships  on  virtually  every  continent  of  the  world  working  in  a 
multitude  of  environments.  Their  programs  are  viable  for  anyone  looking  to  enhance  or  diversify 
their  skills  at  any  point  in  their  career. 

For  those  individuals  already  in  our  field  it  is  critical  to  become  involved  in  organizations  that  are 
directly  tied  to  our  profession.  The  earlier  that  someone  becomes  a member  of  the  American 
Association  of  Zoo  Keepers  (AAZK)  and  the  Association  of  Zoos  & Aquariums  (AZA)  the  better.  It 
provides  an  excellent  quick  learning  curve  by  accessing  what  is  going  on  in  our  industry.  There  are 
also  several  organizations  that  tend  to  be  more  specific  in  their  scope  that  address  the  issues  of 
behavior,  construction,  and  even  certain  species  that  are  managed  in  captivity.  Notable  examples  of 
this  would  be  the  International  Marine  Animal  Trainers  Association  (IMATA)  or  the  Elephant 
Managers  Association-(EMA).  Any  similar  organization  would  be  an  asset  to  your  career  track. 

The  benefits  of  belonging  to  not  just  one,  but  several  organizations  are  extensive.  First  and  foremost, 
you  are  in  the  loop  on  whaf  s going  on  in  our  field  and  in  your  areas  of  expertise  and  interest.  This 
translates  into  knowledge  and  that  is  power.  You’re  aware  of  who  is  expanding  their  facility,  breaking 
ground  on  a new  cat  complex,  or  receiving  an  extremely  favorable  grant  or  endowment.  The  other 
component  to  this  process  is  the  training  opportunities  that  the  vast  majority  of  these  organizations 
offer  to  their  membership.  For  example,  the  AZA  schools  for  Professional  Development  are  the 
standard  for  personnel  who  want  to  improve  their  skills  and  enhance  their  advancement  potential 
through  continuing  education. 

Another  option  is  to  gain  field  experience  by  volunteering  for  service  with  the  Peace  Corps.  They 
offer  the  ability  to  develop  skills  in  environmental  education,  forestry,  parks  and  wildlife,  and 
environmental  water  resources  engineering.  Not  only  do  you  have  the  opportunity  to  develop  your 
skills  through  practical  application,  you  are  also  developing  your  foreign  language  repertoire  and 
learning  a new  culture  through  the  immersion  process  while  assisting  communities  in  need.  Since 
its  inception,  the  Peace  Corps  has  served  in  a total  of  137  countries  to  date  and  71  at  present. 

Another  important  facet  is  identifying  what  skills  are  in  demand  in  the  marketplace  today.  This  is 
not  always  an  easy  task,  as  some  skill  sets  remain  static,  while  others  change  to  keep  pace  with 
technology  and  the  overall  needs  of  the  workplace.  The  skills  that  you  should  consider  developing 
ideally  will  be  broad-based  in  most  cases  and  developing  them  can  be  facilitated  through  a variety 
of  approaches.  The  U.S.  Department  of  Labor  has  identified  ten  skills  that  employers’  are  looking 
for  these  days. 


1.  Problem  Solving  Skills-  the  ability  to  effectively  identify  problems,  research  potential 
solutions,  and  render  an  effective  decision. 


328  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  8 


2.  Vocational  Technical  Skills  - as  our  society  has  technologically  advanced,  so  has  the  need 
for  electrical  and  engineering  skills. 

3.  Human  Relations  Skills  - understanding  and  being  able  to  manage  communications, 
personnel  issues,  and  human  resources  in  the  workplace. 

4.  Computer  Programming  Skills  - understanding  how  to  use  computer  software  effectively 
in  the  workplace  to  increase  productivity. 

5.  Teaching-Training  Skills  - the  ability  to  provide  in-house  training  in  the  workplace  to 
increase  worker  productivity,  while  reducing  costs. 

6.  Science  and  Math  Skills  - developing  strong  perceptual  and  analytical  thought  skills  to 
keep  pace  with  research  and  development. 

7.  Money  Management  Skills  - developing  and  maintaining  strong  skills  in  areas  of  fiscal 
responsibility,  such  as  cash  flow  and  management. 

8.  Information  Management  Skills  - professionals  who  have  developed  information 
technology  skills  are  invaluable  for  data  management. 

9.  Foreign  Language  Skills-  working  in  an  international  marketplace  requires  effective 
communication  skills,  (watch  for  emerging  markets  and  associated  languages). 

10.  Business  Management  Skills  - understanding  how  to  interpret  consumer  needs  into  staff 
management  and  resource  management  is  imperative. 

[Gonyea,  James  C.  ‘Ten  In-Demand  Job  Skills.”  MSN  Careers  with  Monster.com.  24  Jan.  2002.} 


A final  comment  on  skills,  specifically  on  foreign  language  skills  in  the  workplace.  Ideally  they 
should  reflect  not  only  emerging  markets,  but  also  specific  countries  and  cultures  that  may  host 
species  that  hold  your  interest.  Key  languages  that  I have  observed  in  use  over  the  past  decade  in  our 
profession  include  English,  German,  Russian,  and  Spanish.  I strongly  suspect  Asian  languages  will 
be  on  the  rise  soon. 

Job  Search 

Now  having  said  all  of  this,  if  s invaluable  to  stop  and  do  some  serious  introspective  thought  and  to 
ask  the  question,  “Where  do  1 want  to  see  myself  in  ten  years?”  or  better  yet,  the  ultimate  question, 
“What  do  I want  to  do  with  my  life?”  Be  specific  in  concept  and  context  when  answering  these 
questions.  Actually,  the  ultimate  question  you  should  ask  yourself  is  “What  will  make  me  happy?” 
If  you  can  put  all  of  these  answers  in  perspective,  then  you’re  ready  to  move  on  to  new  territory.  All 
the  same,  I recommend  that  you  take  the  time  to  talk  to  your  close  friends  and  peers  in  our  field. 
Having  a fresh  perspective  is  absolutely  invaluable,  especially  when  it  comes  from  someone  who 
knows  you  and  can  be  totally  honest.  In  reality,  that  kind  of  honesty  is  worth  more  than  any  consulting 
fee  that  you  could  possibly  pay  a career  builder.  The  input  you  receive  will  be  starkly  honest, 
occasionally  painful,  but  usually  highly  constructive.  And,  the  final  result  is  that  you  will  have  an 


Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  8 329 


opportunity  for  serious  introspective  thought  and  the  ability  to  take  a fresh  look  at  yourself;  an 
invaluable  opportunity  that  we  should  all  be  blessed  with  in  life. 

An  additional  component  of  this  process  is  to  decide  where  you  want  to  live.  By  that  I mean,  “Do 
you  know  what  part  of  the  country  you  want  to  live  in?”  This  is  a critical  component  of  the  process. 
It’s  a given  that  we  all  do  this  because  we  believe  in  it.  Still,  the  truth  is  we  all  want  to  feel  comfortable 
in  our  space... our  environment;  some  people  like  big  city  life,  others  prefer  small  town  ease.  Yet 
others  will  feel  at  their  best  in  the  mountains,  while  others  will  prefer  life  in  the  desert.  This  may 
sound  like  a small  point,  but  there  really  is  life  after  work.  We  may  believe  in  conservation,  but  you 
need  to  know  yourself  and  what  makes  you  happy  as  a person.  This  can  be  especially  important  if 
you  have  serious  hobbies  that  make  up  a significant  part  of  who  you  are.  For  example,  mountains 
become  fairly  important  when  you  love  skiing  and  snow  boarding,  conversely  deserts  are  great  for 
cross-country  trekking,  and  cities  are  usually  known  for  their  arts  and  music.  It  really  depends  on 
what  kind  of  person  you  are  and  what  holds  your  interest. 

Now  having  said  this  let’s  take  it  a step  farther.  In  the  course  of  a job  search,  your  goal  is  to  find  the 
best  possible  match  for  your  career.  So,  let’s  assume  the  worst.  You  find  the  job  that  meets  your 
goals  and  then  six  months  to  a year  into  the  process  it  turns  out  to  not  be  the  match  you  had  hoped 
for  and  thought  it  would  be.  The  first  question  that  should  come  to  mind  is’“What  are  my  fall  back 
options?”  This  question  would  also  be  applicable  if  you  like  the  town,  but  the  new  job  falls  short  of 
expectation  and  you  want  more  from  your  career.  Research  on  the  front  end  of  the  search  process 
can  prevent  part  of  this,  but  there  are  no  true  guarantees.  However,  it  is  possible  to  hedge  your  bets 
when  looking  at  the  new  job. 

As  you  conduct  your  job  search,  take  the  time  to  look  at  the  overall  demographic  of  the  city  or 
community  that  you  may  be  considering  as  your  future  home.  Ideally,  everyone  likes  the  concept  of 
home  and  rarely  enjoys  relocation  on  a short-term  basis.  The  fall  back  solution  is  to  have  more  than 
one  zoological  facility  in  town,  state  or  federal  regulatory  agencies,  or  a selection  of  non-governmental 
agencies  (NGO’s)  to  choose  as  potential  options.  The  downside  to  this  equation  is  that  to  achieve 
this  goal  you  will  most  likely  have  to  relocate  to  a larger  metropolitan  city  where  there  are  more 
employment  options.  Still,  it’s  a good  option  to  consider  in  the  course  of  the  job  search.  A key  factor 
of  the  job  search  is  not  only  using  the  Internet  for  surfing  the  job  listings,  but  to  research  the 
demographic  of  your  future  home  with  a good  search  engine.  Remember  to  take  the  time  to  pursue 
your  life  while  your  chasing  your  career  goals. 

In  October  AKF;  Career  Advancement  in  the  Zoological  Industry  (Part  II  - Cover  letters  and 
Resumes) 


If  you  would  like  to  submit  a question  for  this  column  or  have  comments  on  previously  published 
materials,  please  send  them  toAAZK,  Inc,,  3601 S.  W,  29th  St.,  Suite  133,  Topeka,  KS  66614  Attn: 
People  Skills  for  Animal  People/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.  Away  from  work  he 
operates  Panthera  Research,  which  is  a research  and  consulting  firm.) 


330  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  8 


Animal  Training  Committee  AAZK,  Inc. 


The  Animal  Training  Committee  Presents: 


Where  you  can  share  your  training  experiences! 

Submitted  by:  Angela  Binney,  Kim  Kezer  and  Jay  Pratte,  of  the  Animal  Training  Committee 

The  Animal  Training  Committee  is  exeited  to  announce  a new  way  for  keepers  to  share  their  “Training 
Tales”,  or  experiences,  WAh.  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum  readers.  This  opportunity  provides  a convenient 
outlet  for  you  to  exhibit  your  training  challenges,  methods  and  milestones  with  the  AAZK  member 
network. 

With  operant  conditioning  (OC),  training  goals  are  often  met  by  using  successive  approximations. 
Therefore,  every  milestone,  big  or  small,  is  valuable  because  it  illustrates  progress.  Likewise,  zoo 
trainers,  species  and  animals  are  at  varying  phases  of  learning.  It  is  valuable  to  celebrate  even  the 
smallest  of  milestones,  if  they  are  unique  to  the  parties  involved. 

The  goal  of  the  “Training  Tales”  feature  is  to  illustrate  the  diversity  of  existing  training  projects,  the 
variety  of  methods  and  approaches  utilized,  and  the  subsequent  benefits  to  zoo  animal  management 
and  guest  education.  To  submit  an  entry,  please  use  the  following  guidelines: 

a)  Submit  a brief  description  of  a training  project  at  your  zoo  (500  words  or  less,  in  text  or 
bullet  points).  Details  should  include  the  following: 

• Define  the  training  goal 

• List  important  steps 

• Timeline  used 

• Tips  you  learned  along  the  way 

b)  Include  1 -2  digital  photos  that  clearly  depict  the  animal  in  the  learning  process  or  performing 
the  desired  goal  (list  source  and  photographer  of  each  image). 

ATC  members  will  provide  brief  (1  paragraph)  feedback  on  the  training  project,  supporting  applied 
practicality,  complimenting  technique,  etc.  The  ATC  will  attempt  to  provide  advice  or  encouragement 
accordingly.  Now’s  your  chance  to  show  off  all  your  hard  work,  so  send  us  your  Tales!  Please  send 
entries  or  questions  to:  Jay  Pratte  atjpratte@zooatianta.org  (use  Training  Tales  Entry  as  the  subject). 
Entries  will  oe  published  based  on  pertinent  content  and  available  space.  We  look  forward  to  seeing 
your  training  projects  m print! 


Animal  Keepers  'Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  8 331 


A Critical  Evaluation  of  Artificial  Insemination  of 
Whooping  Cranes  (Grus  Americana) 
at  the  Calgary  Zoo  During  the  2005  Breeding  Season 

By  Catherine  Robinson  Ladiges,  B.Sc. 

Calgary  Zoo 

Calgary,  Alberta  Canada 


Abstract 

In  2005,  personnel  at  the  Calgary  Zoo  performed  artificial  insemination  on  four  pairs  of  whooping 
crane  {Grus  Americana)  plus  one  unpaired  male.  The  methods  and  results  are  discussed  in  this 
paper  along  with  recommendations  for  the  2006  breeding  season. 


Introduction 

The  Calgary  Zoo  participates  in  a joint  Canada-US  Whooping  Crane  Recovery  Program.  Since 
1992,  we  have  housed  whooping  cranes  and  Florida  sandhill  cranes  (Grus  canadensis pratensi)s  for 
Canadian  Wildlife  Services  at  our  Nat  Christie  Whooping  Crane  Breeding  Facility.  The  challenges 
of  developing  and  maintaining  our  breeding  flock  began  with  providing  isolated  enclosures  that 
support  and  promote  nesting  behavior,  forming  compatible  breeding  pairs  whose  offspring  would 
either  maintain  or  increase  the  gene  diversity  of  the  population,  stimulating  the  hens  to  produce 
eggs,  discourage  birds  from  breaking  eggs  and  encourage  strong  nesting  behavior  and  parenting 
skills. 

Our  current  breeding  flock  consists  of  eight  pair  plus  one  single  male  whooping  crane  (WC)  and 
four  pair  of  Florida  sandhill  cranes  (FSHC).  They  are  housed  in  wetland  type  enclosures  that  mimic 
a breeding  territory  and  are  isolated  to  reduce  disturbance.  Of  the  eight  pair  of  WC,  one  produces 
fertile  eggs  naturally,  five  produce  infertile  eggs,  one  pair  produces  eggs  but  breaks  them  and  shows 
little  nesting  behavior,  and  one  pair  does  not  produce  eggs.  Artificial  insemination  (AI)  was  initiated 
in  2003  to  increase  the  production  of  fertile  eggs,  increase  genetic  variability  within  the  flock  without 
breaking  and  reforming  pair  bonds  and  allow  unpaired  birds  to  produce  offspring. 

Methods 

Four  pair  of  the  WC  that  produce  infertile  eggs  and  the  single  male  were  chosen  for  AI  because  they 
are  genetically  valuable  and  they  incubate  and  rear  young.  These  birds  are  Cal  and  Nelson,  who 
consistently  lay  multiple  clutches  of  infertile  eggs  and  are  proven  foster  parents;  Ish  and  Christie, 
who  produced  one  egg  in  2002  and  one  egg  in  2004  and  are  proven  foster  parents;  Duncan  and 
Aurora  who  lay  one  or  more  eggs  each  year  and  have  raised  a FSHC  chick;  Nat  and  Guinevere  who 
laid  her  first  (infertile)  egg  in  2004  (which  they  incubated  so  were  given  a fertile  FSHC  egg  which 
they  hatched  and  raised);  and  the  single  male.  Spree,  who  has  a bad  wing  and  has  killed  a mate  so 
will  not  be  paired  again. 

Four  pair  of  FSHC  were  used  as  brooder  pairs  to  incubate  the  WC  eggs.  Fertile  FSHC  eggs  may  be 
given  to  inexperienced  WC  to  incubate  and  rear.  This  gives  the  WCs  valuable  parenting  experience, 
strengthening  the  pair  bond  and  promoting  nesting  behavior.  FSHC  are  used  because  their  breeding 
season  begins  slightly  earlier  than  the  WCs  so  they  should  be  sitting  on  eggs  when  the  whoopers 
start  to  lay.  The  WC  eggs  can  be  substituted  for  the  FSHC,  thus  the  eggs  are  incubated  naturally 
during  the  very  important  first  two  weeks  of  embryo  development.  The  clutch  of  eggs  is  removed 
from  the  WC  to  encourage  them  to  produce  more  eggs. 

Artificial  insemination  was  started  about  two  weeks  before  the  first  egg  was  expected.  This  allowed 
time  for  the  birds  to  get  used  to  being  handled,  and  to  ensure  the  hen  was  well  covered  (had  received 


332  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  8 


several  semen  samples)  for  her  first  egg.  Insemination  must  occur  between  three  and  10  days  prior 
to  oviposition  for  fertilization  to  take  place.  The  sperm  will  remain  viable  for  up  to  eight  days  prior 
to  fertilization.  The  albumen  is  deposited  on  the  egg  two  days  prior  to  laying  and  fertilization  is 
blocked  (Mirande,  1984).  Research  at  the  Patuxent  Wildlife  Research  Center  (Patuxent)  in  Laurel, 
MD  has  shown  that  the  greatest  fertility  is  achieved  when  a female  is  inseminated  three  times  per 
week.  Based  upon  the  previous  laying  history  of  the  individuals,  artificial  insemination  was  initiated 
on  25  March  and  continued  on  Mondays,  Wednesdays  and  Fridays  until  27  May,  when  the  last  WC 
egg  was  laid. 


Guinivere 


Aurora 


17-May-^ 


2-May 


17-Apr-^ 


Christie 


H2005 
■ 2004 

□ 2003 
El  2002 

□ 2001 


Figure  1:  Earliest  egg  laid  by  four  whooping  cranes  {Grus  American)a  at  the  Calgary  Zoo 

from  2001  to  2005. 


An  AI  team  was  assembled  consisting  of  a ‘stroker’,  a ‘collector/inseminator’  and  an  animal  health 
technician  (AHT).  It  was  important  to  keep  the  team  members  and  their  roles  consistent  as  any 
change  negatively  impacts  the  birds’  response.  The  protocols  at  Patuxent  state  that  team  members 
stay  the  same  and  no  unfamiliar  people  or  equipment  enter  the  crane  area  from  1 January  through 
3 1 August.  While  there  are  some  exceptions  to  this,  every  effort  is  made  to  not  admit  new  people  to 
the  area  “until  there  are  NO  whooper  eggs  out  in  the  field”  (pers.  comm.  Jane  Chandler,  2005). 

We  began  the  season  with  one  collector  but  had  two  different  strokers,  one  on  Mondays  and  Fridays 
and  another  one  on  Wednesdays.  We  had  one  AHT  on  Mondays  and  a different  one  on  Wednesdays 
and  Fridays,  After  a period  of  four  weeks  it  became  apparent  that  changing  the  stroker  resulted  in 
poor  response  from  the  birds,  especially  the  males,  and  reduced  semen  sample  volumes.  When  we 
used  one  stroker  consistently  the  birds  responded  more  positively  and  the  semen  sample  size  increased. 

AI  Procedure 

The  team  assembled  at  0900  hrs.  with  an  AI  kit  consisting  of: 

6 “ Icc  syringes  containing  .05ml  semen  extender  (extender  acquired  from 
Patuxent).  This  is  one  syringe  per  male  plus  one  extra. 

6 capillary  tubes  with  labels 
Capillary  tube  sealant 
2 collecting  cups 

1 small  plastic  bottle  of  distilled  water  for  cleaning  the  collection  cup  after  each 
bird 


Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  8 333 


Square  gauze 

A small  cooler  to  store  the  samples  out  of  the  sunlight  and  keep  them  cool 
Smelt  to  reward  the  cranes  after  the  procedure 
A binder  with  record  sheets,  a pencil  and  a black  m 
A first  aid  kit 

The  AI  session  began  by  collecting  from  the  solitary  male,  Spree.  The  stroker  and  collector  entered 
his  yard,  quickly  and  quietly  herding  him  into  his  shelter  building.  The  AHT  closed  the  slide  door  to 
the  building  confining  him  there.  The  stroker  and  collector  then  immediately  entered  the  building 
and  restrained  him.  He  was  positioned  with  his  head  facing  back  between  the  stroker’s  legs  and  his 
wings  open  in  front  of  the  stroker’s  legs.  Generally  the  stroker  captured  the  bird,  the  collector 
helped  to  position  it. 


Once  he  was  properly  positioned,  the  stroker  stimulated  him  by  gently  but  firmly  stroking  his  legs 
from  the  top  of  the  leg  to  just  above  the  tarsal  joint,  firmly  on  the  downstroke  and  lightly  on  the 
upstroke  while  making  a purring  sound  similar  to  a crane  breeding  call.  The  collector  crouched 
behind  the  bird  and  firmly  stroked  his  back  with  thumb  and  forefinger  (nails  trimmed  short)  on 
either  side  of  his  spine  from  his  pelvis  down  onto  the  base  of  his  tail.  Both  team  members  made  the 
crane  purring  sound  and  refrained  from  talking  as  this  would  cause  the  bird  to  tense. 

When  the  bird  began  to  respond  he  would  relax  and  his  tail  would  lift  slightly  or  move  to  one  side. 
The  collector  then  gently  lifted  the  tail  and  placed  the  collection  cup  at  the  base  of  the  cloaca  at  a 45- 
60  degree  angle.  If  there  was  any  fecal  or  urate  matter  present  it  was  gently  wiped  away  with  the 
gauze.  Using  thumb  and  forefinger  the  collector  “milked”  the  semen  ducts  that  run  at  10:00  and 
2:00  toward  the  cloaca  two  or  three  times  then  gently  squeezed  the  cloaca  and  drew  the  collection 
cup  across  it  from  bottom  to  top  to  collect  the  sample.  The  samples  were  generally  small  with  0.04 
ml  being  considered  a good  size. 


334  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  8 


When  the  sample  was  in  the  cup  the  collector  met  the  AHT  outside  the  building  and  the  stroker 
released  the  bird.  The  AHT  held  the  collection  cup  firmly  while  the  collector  drew  a small  portion 
of  the  sample  (approx.  5 ul)  into  the  capillary  tube  for  examination  under  the  microscope.  The  rest 
of  the  sample  was  drawn  into  the  Icc  syringe  containing  the  semen  extender.  The  cup  was  held  out 
of  the  wind  and  sun  while  the  collector  pressed  the  syringe  firmly  onto  the  glass,  then  drew  the 
sample.  This  prevented  any  debris,  such  as  feces,  from  being  drawn  in  with  the  semen.  The  sample 
was  gently  mixed  with  the  extender  and  the  volume  recorded.  Holding  the  syringe  tip  down,  the 
plunger  was  quickly  drawn  back  to  produce  an  airlock  between  the  sample  and  the  plunger.  This 
would  ensure  the  entire  sample  was  expelled  from  the  syringe  during  insemination.  The  syringe  and 
the  sealed  capillary  tube  were  stored  in  the  cooler  to  protect  the  sperm  cells  from  sunlight  and  keep 
cool  during  hot  weather.  The  AHT  then  recorded  information  about  the  collection  on  the  Male 
Semen  Collection  & Evaluation  Data  Sheet  (see  Addendum  Table  1). 

The  stroker  and  collector  rated  the  bird’s  response  to  AI  on  the  following  scale  of  0 to  4 obtained 
from  Patuxent: 


Table  2:  Response  to  Stimulation 


0 - No  positive  response.  Bird  struggles  and  shows  no  sign  of  stimulation. 

1 " Bird  relaxes  briefly  but  struggles  most  of  the  time. 

2 - Bird  relaxes  approximately  half  of  the  time.  Responds  to  stimulation  by  raising 

tail. 

3 - Bird  is  relaxed  through  most  of  the  procedure.  Responds  to  stimulation  by  raising 

tail  and  everting  cloaca.  May  vocalize  (purr). 

4 - Bird  is  relaxed  totally.  Responds  to  stimulation  by  raising  tail,  everting  cloaca, 

vocalizing  (purr),  and  may  collapse  during  climax. 


A plus  (+)  or  minus  (-)  may  be  added  to  these  scores  for  slightly  different  combinations  of  these 
responses. 

The  team  proceeded  to  Cal  and  Nelson’s  pen.  The  male.  Cal,  was  confined  in  his  shelter  building 
for  semen  collection.  Once  the  sample  was  collected,  he  was  left  in  the  building  while  the  female. 
Nelson,  was  caught  in  their  outdoor  pen  for  insemination.  This  was  to  reduce  stress  on  the  birds  and 
prevent  him  from  attacking  the  team  members.  The  stroker  and  collector  entered  the  outdoor  pen 
with  the  extended  semen  sample  and  a square  of  gauze.  The  female  was  caught  and  positioned  in 
the  same  manner  as  for  the  male.  The  inseminator  gently  palpated  the  female’s  abdomen  to  determine 
whether  it  was  thick  and  spongy  or  thin  and  empty  feeling.  Then  the  inseminator  measured  the 
width  of  the  pelvic  bones  and  cloaca  using  finger  widths.  This  was  to  have  an  indication  of  breeding 
condition  and  proximity  to  laying.  As  the  hen  nears  oviposition  her  abdomen  becomes  thicker  and 
spongier  and  her  cloaca  and  space  between  pelvic  bones  widens. 

To  stimulate  the  female  the  stroker  massaged  her  legs  up  and  down  while  “purring”  and  the 
inseminator  stroked  her  back.  As  she  responded,  she  would  relax  and  lift  her  tail.  The  inseminator 
gently  inserted  the  syringe  at  about  10:00  then  pointed  it  downward.  When  it  entered  the  oviduct 
there  was  no  resistance  and  the  syringe  could  be  inserted  about  one  third  of  the  way  in.  The  plunger 
was  quickly  depressed  to  inject  the  semen,  then  removed,  the  plunger  pulled  back  again  to  get  any 
remaining  semen  to  the  tip,  reinserted  and  injected  again.  At  this  point,  the  stroking  was  stopped 
and  the  hen  would  usually  draw  on  the  syringe,  drawing  the  semen  in.  The  syringe  was  withdrawn, 
the  hen  released  and  the  team  quietly  exited  the  pen.  The  male  was  given  access  to  the  outdoor  pen 
and  the  smelt  reward  given.  Nelson’s  measurements  and  insemination  information  was  recorded  on 
the  Female  Insemination  and  Egg  Production  Data  Sheet  (see  Addendum  Table  3)  and  her  response 
was  rated  using  the  same  scale  as  for  the  male. 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  8 335 


This  procedure  was  repeated  for  Ish  and  Christie,  Duncan  and  Aurora  and  finally  Nat  and  Guinevere. 
Spree’s  sample  was  given  to  Nelson,  Christie  or  Guinevere,  depending  on  whose  mate  did  not 
provide  an  adequate  sample.  If  all  of  the  males  produced  good  samples  then  one  female  would 
receive  her  mate’s  and  Spree’s  sample.  This  sequence  was  consistent  each  day.  When  the  AI  was 
completed,  the  team  returned  to  the  lab  where  the  samples  in  the  capillary  tubes  were  assessed 
under  the  lOx  objective  of  a microscope.  The  sperm  cells  were  observed  along  the  meniscus  and  the 
concentration  and  motility  of  each  sample  were  determined  and  recorded.  Concentration  was 
determined  by  comparing  the  sample  with  a standard  obtained  from  Patuxent. 

An  estimate  of  concentration  was  made  with  a score  chart  from  0-4: 


Table  4:  Concentration  Score  for  Sperm  Cells 

0 No  sperm 

1 Few  sperm  with  large  empty  spaces 

2 Many  sperm  with  moderate  spacing 

3 Numerous  sperm  with  little  space  between 

4 Packed  sperm,  hard  to  detect  individual  sperm 


Motility  was  determined  using  the  following  chart: 


Table  5:  Rating  Sperm  Motility  (%  of  sperm  moving) 

1 

0%  - 25% 

2 

26%  - 50% 

3 

51% -75% 

4 

76%  - 100% 

When  an  egg  was  laid,  AI  was  stopped  for  that  pair  until  their  clutch  was  completed  and  the  eggs 
removed.  A Whooping  Crane  clutch  usually  consists  of  two  eggs  laid  several  days  apart.  If  left 
alone  the  pair  would  incubate  the  eggs  for  approximately  30  days  until  hatching. 

To  increase  egg  production,  each  clutch  was  removed  as  it  was  laid  and  the  eggs  placed  under  a pair 
of  nesting  FSHC  or  WC  to  incubate  for  at  least  10  days.  The  eggs  could  then  be  moved  into  an 
incubator  or  under  a pair  chosen  to  foster-rear  the  chicks.  After  the  clutch  of  eggs  was  removed  AI 
would  be  resumed  on  the  next  scheduled  day 

Results 

Spree:  The  first  three  attempts  at  obtaining  semen  were  unsuccessful,  however  his  response  was 
quite  good  (1+  to  2).  It  was  noticed  that  the  primary  feathers  of  his  problem  wing  were  in  the  way 
and  interfering  with  our  collection  attempts,  so  on  Day  4 these  primaries  were  clipped  off  at  their 
base.  On  Day  5,  Spree’s  response  was  good  (2)  and  he  produced  a good  sample  of  .04  ml.  He 
continued  to  be  a good  semen  donor  most  days  for  the  rest  of  the  season.  The  concentration  and 
motility  of  his  sperm  were  very  good,  usually  ranging  from  3 to  4. 

Cal:  Scored  a good  response  of  2+  or  3 but  the  volume  of  his  semen  was  inconsistent  and  it  was 
often  contaminated  with  feces  or  urates.  The  quality  of  his  sperm  was  also  inconsistent  ranging 
from  0/0  concentration/motility  to  4/4.  Five  of  his  eight  samples  showed  0 motility. 

Nelson:  Responded  very  well  (2  to  4).  She  produced  her  first  eggs  on  1 1 April  and  14  April.  She 
had  been  inseminated  four  times  with  Cal’s  semen  between  three  and  13  days  prior  to  laying  but 
neither  of  these  eggs  was  fertile.  This  clutch  was  removed  on  18  April. 


336  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  8 


Nelson’s  abdomen  felt  thick  and  spongy  on  27  April  and  her  second  clutch  was  laid  on  28  April  and 
1 May.  She  received  three  good  samples  from  Spree  (rated  3/3, 4/4  and  3/4)  and  two  samples  from 
Cal  (rated  unknown  and  1/2-3)  between  two  and  nine  days  before  the  first  egg  and  four  samples  (?/ 
0,3/3 ,4/4, 3/4)  from  Spree  and  three  samples  from  Cal(?/?,  1/2-3, 4/4)  between  two  and  1 1 days  before 
the  second  egg  of  Clutch  2.  The  first  egg  was  infertile  but  the  second  was  fertile.  This  second 
clutch  was  removed  on  2 May. 

Her  third  clutch  was  laid  on  13  May  and  15  May.  She  received  two  small  semen  samples  from  Cal 
(2/2,unknown)  on  4 May  and  6 May  and  two  samples  from  Spree  (4/4,  3/4)  on  9 May  and  1 1 May. 
Both  eggs  were  fertile. 

Nelson’s  first  fertile  egg  was  hatched  and  reared  by  Nat  and  Guinevere,  her  second  fertile  egg  was 
hatched  and  reared  by  Hope  and  Chinook  and  her  last  fertile  egg  was  left  with  her  and  Cal  to  hatch 
and  rear. 

Ish:  Responded  very  well,  usually  scoring  2-3  and  consistently  produced  .01  ml-. 05ml  of  good 
quality  semen  (4/4).  His  response  and  performance  improved  as  the  season  progressed.  He  is  a very 
good  semen  donor. 

Christie:  Her  response  to  AI  was  very  good  (2+  to  4).  Her  abdomen  began  to  feel  thickened  and 
spongy  on  27  April  and  her  first  and  only  egg  was  laid  on  6 May.  She  received  five  samples  from 
Ish  between  two  and  1 1 days  prior  to  laying  and  her  egg  was  fertile.  She  and  Ish  incubated  and 
hatched  this  egg.  The  weather  at  this  time  was  very  wet  and  cool  so  she  kept  the  chick  inside  the 
building  but  it  died  at  four  days  old. 

Duncan:  Was  very  aggressive  and  took  nearly  every  opportunity  to  attack  the  team.  His  response 
ranged  from  0 to  2+,  his  sample  ranged  in  volume  from  0.0  to  .02ml  but  the  quality  of  his  semen  was 
usually  very  good  (4/4).  Early  in  the  season  when  the  stroker  on  the  team  was  changed,  Duncan’s 
response  was  very  poor  and  he  did  not  produce  semen.  When  the  stroker  remained  consistent  his 
response  improved.  His  best  samples  were  produced  between  1 1 April  and  25  April  then  the  volume 
dropped  dramatically. 

Aurora:  Her  response  on  the  first  day  was  a 2 and  improved  steadily  as  the  season  progressed.  Her 
response  was  consistently  rated  a 4 from  25  April  until  she  laid  her  only  egg  on  26  May.  Her  abdomen 
became  thickened  and  spongy  on  20  May.  She  received  two  samples  from  Duncan  and  two  samples 
from  Spree  between  six  and  13  days  prior  to  laying.  The  egg  was  infertile. 

Nat:  Showed  very  positive  responses  of  between  2+  and  4.  He  produced  some  good  samples  (.01 
to  .02ml)  with  good  sperm  concentration  (3  to  4)  and  motility  (1  to  4)  from  4 April  to  20  April.  After 
20  April,  his  sample  size  dropped  to  negligible  or  0,  although  his  response  remained  2+  to  4. 

Guinevere:  Her  response  was  consistently  3 to  4.  She  received  .02ml  of  3/4  quality  sperm  from 
Nat  on  4 April,  then  laid  her  first  egg  on  5 April  and  second  egg  on  7 April.  This  was  much  earlier 
than  anticipated  as  her  first  egg  of  2004  wasn’t  laid  until  May.  This  clutch  was  left  with  them  until 
1 3 April,  as  there  were  no  other  pairs  of  birds  ready  to  incubate  them.  AI  was  resumed  and  Guinevere 
received  samples  from  Spree  (0.03ml,  3/3)  and  Nat  (0.02ml,  3/1)  on  15  April;  from  Nat  (.02ml,  3/1) 
on  18  April  and  .01ml,  4/3  on  20  April;  and  Ish  (.03ml,  4/4)  on  22  April.  She  laid  her  third  egg  on 
24  April.  This  egg  was  also  infertile.  Guinevere  did  not  lay  a second  egg  for  this  clutch  so  this 
single  egg  was  removed  on  29tApril  and  AI  resumed  on  2 May.  She  received  three  samples  from 
Spree  (.04ml,  3/3,  .05ml,  3/3  and  .03ml,  3/4)  11,  nine  and  seven  days  prior  to  laying  her  last  egg, 
and  one  sample  from  Nat  (.13ml,  2/2)  that  was  contaminated  with  feces,  two  days  prior.  Her  last 
egg  was  laid  on  13  May  and  was  infertile. 

Discussion 

This  first  year  of  successful  semen  collection  and  insemination  resulted  in  the  production  of  four 
fertile  eggs  and  four  healthy  chicks  from  individual  whooping  cranes  that  had  never  before  produced 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  VoL  33  No.  8 337 


offspring.  This  was  the  first  successful  artificial  insemination  of  whooping  cranes  for  the  Calgary 
Zoo  and  for  Canada. 

The  success  of  this  project  is  attributed  to  many  factors  including  protecting  the  pairs’  breeding 
territories  from  intrusions,  performing  AI  3X/week  and  using  consistent  staff  that  have  sufficient 
skills.  The  importance  of  keeping  the  AI  team  members  consistent  was  demonstrated  by  the  males’ 
negative  response  and  reduced  semen  production  whenever  a change  in  staff  occurred. 

The  females  responded  very  well  to  AI.  More  accurate  monitoring  of  the  breeding  condition  of  the 
females  could  improve  the  fertility  rate.  Christie  received  many  good  samples  from  Ish  for  five 
weeks  before  she  laid  her  egg.  She  began  building  her  nest  four  weeks  before  and  her  abdomen 
became  thickened  and  spongy  ten  days  before  she  layed.  We  could  have  used  samples  from  Ish  to 
inseminate  other  females  for  the  first  three  weeks  until  Christie  came  into  breeding  condition. 

Some  males  responded  better  than  others,  however,  they  all  improved  with  time  and  consistency.  In 
addition,  we  found  that  once  the  team  arrived  at  an  enclosure  to  do  AI,  the  birds  were  more  relaxed, 
responded  better  and  gave  better  samples  when  the  team  moved  quickly  and  refrained  from  talking. 
We  can  look  forward  to  increased  semen  production  as  the  staff  and  the  cranes  gain  experience.  It 
would  be  worth  collecting  from  the  other  males  in  the  breeding  program  to  develop  more  donors. 
At  the  beginning.  Spree  showed  a good  response  but  the  primary  feathers  on  his  bad  wing  interfered 
with  collection  attempts.  Once  they  were  removed,  collection  improved  and  he  became  an  excellent 
donor. 

The  policy  of  confining  the  males  to  their  buildings  for  collection,  and  while  the  females  were  being 
inseminated,  was  effective  in  reducing  stress  on  the  birds  and  protecting  the  team  from  the  protective 
males.  This  was  the  case  for  all  the  males  except  Nat.  Nat  became  very  disturbed  when  left  in  the 
building  and  would  rub  his  wrists  open  on  the  walls.  When  we  gave  him  outside  access  he  did  not 
bother  the  team  during  insemination  but  stayed  at  the  far  end  of  the  pen.  This  demonstrated  the 
need  to  be  flexible  and  respond  to  the  individual  temperaments  of  each  bird. 

The  importance  of  keeping  excellent  records  cannot  be  understated.  At  all  times  the  team  had  a 
clear  picture  of  the  birds’  response,  the  number,  amount  and  quality  of  the  semen  samples,  when  the 
females  had  been  inseminated  and  by  whom.  This  was  reviewed  each  AI  day,  was  fundamental  in 
the  decisions  the  team  made  and  no  doubt  played  an  important  role  in  our  success  in  2005  and  the 
planning  for  next  year. 

Strategies  for  2006 

To  enhance  the  breeding  program  and  increase  the  production  of  fertile  eggs  in  2006,  the  following 
strategies  should  be  considered: 

1.  Maintain  the  frequency  of  AI  at  3X/week,  be  flexible  for  cold  or  wet  weather. 

2.  Schedule  the  same  staff  to  work  on  AI  days. 

3.  Begin  AI  on  22  March  2006.  This  is  two  weeks  prior  to  Guinevere’s  earliest  egg  laid  in  2005. 

4.  Continue  AI  until  31  May  2006  to  ensure  coverage  of  late  layers  such  as  Aurora,  or  until  she 
has  laid. 

5.  Provide  more  nesting  material  such  as  a flake  of  straw,  or  an  equivalent  amount  of  native  grass 
for  all  the  birds  to  promote  egg  production.  Sufficient  nesting  materials  are  required  to 
stimulate  egg  production  (Russman,  1985).  Patuxent  offers  their  cranes  a flake  of  straw, 
which  they  use  to  build  substantial  nests  (pers  comm.  Jane  Chandler,  Patuxent) 

6.  Over  the  winter,  acquire  spare  parts  and  perform  maintenance  on  the  artificial  incubators  and 
have  them  running  well  in  advance  of  potential  egg  laying. 

7.  Continue  to  improve  our  skills  at  monitoring  the  condition  of  the  females’  abdomens  so  semen 
is  used  on  hens  that  are  in  breeding  condition. 


338  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  8 


8.  Semen  collected  from  Ish  early  in  the  season  should  be  used  on  an  earlier  layer  such  as 
Guinevere. 

9.  Remove  Christie’s  egg  when  it  is  laid  to  encourage  her  to  produce  more.  She  tends  to  be 
content  with  one  egg. 

10.  Persevere  with  Duncan,  Cal  and  Nat  to  improve  response,  sample  size  and  quality. 

11.  Consider  collecting  from  other  males  in  the  breeding  flock  to  increase  the  available  sperm. 

12.  Clip  Spree’s  bad  wing  either  on  the  first  day  of  AI  or  just  prior  to  the  beginning  of  AI  to 
prevent  it  from  interfering  with  collection. 

13.  Form  and  maintain  another  breeding  pair  of  FSHC  to  replace  the  aging  pair,  Adam  and  Eve. 

14.  Maintain  the  “breed  for  release”  pairs  Lesperance  and  Borden,  Hope  and  Chinook  and  Lance 
and  Eha  as  brooder  pairs  and  foster  parents.  This  will  reduce  the  need  for  staff  to  depend  on 
our  aging  incubators  and  to  costume-rear  chicks. 

15.  Investigate  potential  males  to  inseminate  Borden  and  Eha. 

16.  Closely  monitor  Cyclops  and  Wisconsin.  Give  them  plenty  of  nesting  material  and  introduce 
a wooden  dummy  egg  at  the  first  sign  of  nest  building.  This  is  to  encourage  egg  production 
and  incubating  behaviour  and  teach  them  to  not  break  eggs. 

17.  Closely  monitor  Lance  and  Eha.  Offer  them  a viable  egg  if  they  lay. 

18.  Consider  using  Lance  and  Eha  as  role  model  birds  for  costume-reared  chicks  to  promote  their 
egg  laying  (Archibald,  1974). 


Acknowledgements 

I wish  to  extend  thanks  to  Dwight  Knapik  and  Wanda  Angermeyer  of  the  Calgary  Zoo;  the  staff  at 
Patuxent  Wildlife  Research  Center,  MD,  especially  Jane  Chandler;  and  the  Calgary  Zoo  for  supporting 
such  a worthwhile  project. 


References 

Archibald,  G.W.  1974.  Methods  for  breeding  and  rearing  cranes  in  captivity. 

International  Zoo  Yearbook,  Volume  14,  pages  147-155. 

Chandler,  J.  2005.  Patuxent  Wildlife  Research  Center.  Laurel,  MD. 

Mirande,  C.1984.  Schedule  of  Artificial  Insemination  at  the 
International  Crane  Foundation.  ICF,  Baraboo,  WI. 

Russman,  S.E.  1985.  Timing  inseminations  to  maximize  fertility  in  cranes.  Pages  398-405. 

In  J.C.  Lewis,  ed.  Proceedings  1985  Crane  Workshop.  Platte  River  Whooping  Crane 
Maintenance  Trust.,  Grand  Isl.,  NE.  415  pp. 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  8 339 


Male  Semen  Collection  & Evaluation  Data  Sheet 


340  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol  33  No.  8 


Female  Insemination  & Egg  Production  Data  Sheet  Table  3 


Remarks 

Treats 

Str  1 Insem 

Pert 

Egg 

Date 

LU 

Insem 

Site 

CIca 

Pubic 

Bones 

Cone/ 

Mot 

Orig  Vol 
Insem 

Male 

Donor 

Rspns 

Weather 

Time 

i 

Date 

Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol  33  No.  8 341 


EO  Editors  - Dawn  Neptune,  Utah  s Hogle  Zoo 
and  Rachel  Daneault,  Disney  s Animal  Kingdom 


Shorebird  Enrichment  at  the  Milwaukee  County  Zoo 

By  Heather  Neldner,  Zookeeper-Aviary,  Milwaukee  County  Zoo,  Milwaukee,  WL 


At  the  Milwaukee  County  Zoo’s  Aviary  we  have  begun  a big  environmental  enrichment  program 
with  our  birds.  We  have  always  done  the  following  things  with  our  birds:  they  live  in  large  naturalistic 
environments  that  are  mixed  species  bird  exhibits;  they  have  the  opportunity  to  build  nests  and  go 
through  the  nesting  process;  they  have  access  to  daily  misters  for  bathing;  and  we  scatter  live  bugs 
around  the  exhibits  to  encourage  foraging  behaviors.  Recently  we  started  giving  the  birds  toys  of 
different  kinds.  This  paper  will  cover  the  use  of  enrichment  with  our  shorebirds  and  the  results  we 
have  seen. 

At  the  Milwaukee  County  Zoo  our  shorebird  exhibit  is  a large  exhibit  with  a sandy  beach  and  rocky 
shore  line  with  a large  water  way.  It  has  a broken  down  boat,  and  a fisherman’s  shanty  in  it.  It 
houses  0.2  black-necked  stilts  (Himantopus  mexicanus),  0.1  American  oystercatcher  (Haematopus 
palliatus),  and  at  times  we  have  piping  plovers  (Charadrius  melodus). 

The  American  oystercatcher  did  not  spend  enough  time  foraging  in  the  rocks  or  engaging  in  other 
activities  to  keep  her  beak  from  becoming  overgrown.  She  would  run  around  alarm  calling  or  bossing 
around  the  other  birds.  She  also  has  been  aggressive  towards  the  keepers.  She  would  run  at  us  and 
try  to  jab  us  in  the  boots.  We  decided  she  would  be  a good  candidate  for  enrichment. 

The  keeper  for  this  exhibit  has  placed  shells  all  over  the  exhibit  for  the  birds  to  poke  at  and  toss 
around.  In  addition,  a large  plastic  bowl  with  rocks  in  the  bottom  was  placed  in  the  exhibit.  We 
would  place  mighty  mealworms  in  it  for 
the  birds  to  find.  The  American 
Oystercatcher  quickly  figured  this  out  and 
would  spend  a lot  of  time  poking  around 
in  the  bowl  to  find  the  items  placed  inside. 

After  a bit  of  research  about  this  bird’s 
natural  history  and  after  talking  to  the 
exhibit  keeper,  we  decided  to  make 
artificial  clams  for  her.  The  clams  are  very 
simple  to  make.  We  purchased  some  clam 
halves  at  a local  craft  store  and  drilled  a 
hole  in  each  piece,  then  took  a piece  of 
leather,  strung  it  through  the  two  halves 
and  tied  it  shut.  The  clams  can  then  be 
opened  and  closed.  Food  items  can  be 

342  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  8 


placed  inside  them  for  the  birds  to  find.  At  first  we  placed  the  “clams”  in  the  plastic  bowl  the 
oystercatcher  is  used  to  foraging  in.  This  backfired  on  us.  Not  only  did  she  not  interact  with  the 
shells,  she  also  avoided  the  bowl  altogether. 

We  decided  to  place  the  clams  along  the  rocky  shoreline  where  it  would  be  more  natural  for  her.  The 
American  oystercatcher  was  a rehabilitation  bird  and  spent  a few  years  in  the  wild  before  an  injury 
resulted  in  her  coming  into  captivity.  She  probably  came  across  clams  in  the  wild.  She  quickly 
figured  out  the  clams  and  started  foraging  in  and  among  them.  The  American  oystercatcher  likes  to 
forage  for  mighty  mealworms  and  waxworms  placed  in  the  clams.  The  oystercatcher  will  immediately 
start  interacting  with  the  clams  once  they  are  filled  with  food  items.  The  black  necked  stilts  quickly 
figured  out  the  clams  and  like  to  forage  for  mealworms  when  they  are  placed  in  them. 

The  clams  are  nice  because  they  are  very  easy  to  use.  They  take  only  a few  minutes  to  fill  and  set  in 

the  exhibit.  They  allow  us  to  vary  the  type  and  amount 
of  food  items  given.  We  can  fill  some  of  the  clams 
and  leave  others  empty  to  keep  the  birds  guessing,  or 
we  can  fill  all  the  clams  at  once. 

We  did  run  into  a small  problem  with  the  clams.  When 
the  leather  would  get  wet  it  would  swell  and  stretch 
and  when  it  would  dry  it  would  shrink  causing  the 
knots  to  come  untied.  If  the  clams  are  checked 
everyday  it  is  not  a problem,  but  there  were  some 
concerns  that  the  birds  may  consume  the  leather.  We 
decided  that  it  would  be  safer  to  replace  the  leather 
strips  with  cable  ties.  The  cable  ties  work  nicely  to  hold  the  clams  together  but  they  need  to  be  a bit 
loose  so  the  clams  will  open  and  close  properly.  Because  of  this,  the  clams  do  not  stay  tightly 
closed.  This  is  easily  fixed  by  burying  the  clams  slightly  in  the  rocks  so  they  will  stay  shut  once  they 
are  filled  with  food  items.  This  has  proven  to  be  a very  successful  enrichment  item  with  these  birds. 

Another  item  the  birds  seem  to  like  are  sand  castles  keepers  build  for  them.  We  used  plastic  sand 
castle  molds  to  make  the  sand  castles  and  then  decorated  them  with  sea  shells  and  feathers.  The 
black-necked  stilts  love  to  stand  next  to 
and  around  the  castles  and  the 
oystercatcher  enjoyed  running  through 
them  and  destroying  them.  They  were  a 
simple,  easy-to-make,  enrichment  item 
which  was  very  successful  with  these 
birds. 

We  learned  the  simplest  items  can  be 
used  to  make  the  most  effective 
enrichment  items  and  some  of  the  most 
difficult  birds  can  be  enriched 
successfully  with  better  results  than  we 
ever  expected.  Our  American 
oystercatcher  now  spends  more  time 
interacting  with  the  clams  and  foraging 
around  the  exhibit.  She  still  alarm  calls 
when  keepers  go  by  and  she  is  still  a bit  aggressive  when  we  are  working  within  the  exhibit,  but  we 
feel  our  enrichment  with  her  has  been  a success.  We  are  working  on  introducing  new  enrichment 
items  to  these  birds  with  hopes  that  they  will  enjoy  them  as  much  as  they  have  enjoyed  these  items. 

(Ideas  appearing  in  this  column  have  not  necessarily  been  tested  by  the  editors  for  safety  considerations.  Always 
think  ahead  and  use  good judgement  when  trying  new  ideas.  You  are  invited  to  submit  material  for  the  Enrichment 
Options  Column.  Look  in  the  January  2004  issue  of  AKF  for  guidelines  for  articles  acceptable  for  this  column ’s 
format  or  contact  the  editor  at  akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com  for  a copy  of  the  guidelines.  Drawings  and  photos  of 
enrichment  are  encouraged.  Send  to:  AKF/Enrichment,  3601  SIV  29th  St.,  Suite  133,  Topeka,  KS  66614-2054, 
USA.  Eds.) 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  8 343 


|]ksll  fur  Enrichment  l^deos 


Are  you  planning  on  attending  the  National  AAZK  Conference  in  Chicago? 
The  AAZK  Enrichment  Committee  would  like  to  invite  you  to  bring  videos  of 
enrichment  at  your  facility  to  be  shown  on  Video  Night!  Videos  should  be  no 
longer  than  10  minutes  and  contain  contact  information.  Please  consider 
bringing  an  extra  copy  of  your  video  to  donate  to  the  Shape  of  Enrichment  video 
library  See  you  at  Video  Night!! 


Cali  for  Submissions  for  Enrichment  Options  Column 


Enrichment  Options  readers  - WE  NEED  YOU! ! We  are  looking  for  any  and  all  articles  that  discuss 
enrichment  processes  and  philosophies  as  well  as  device  articles.  We  are,  however,  looking  for 
device  articles  to  discuss  not  only  the  construction  of  the  device  but  also  the  goals,  behaviors  to  be 
encouraged,  process  of  documentation  and  findings  upon  evaluation.  We  also  want  to  know  about 
the  programs,  processes  and  philosophies  at  your  institution  and  how  they  work  for  you. 

But  here  comes  the  critical  piece  to  this  equation.  We  need  you,  our  readers,  because  you  are  our 
most  important  contributors.  We  need  you  to  submit  articles  for  publication  because  the  column 
simply  cannot  exist  without  you.  We  want  to  share  information  with  institutions  all  over  the  world, 
but  we  can’t  do  it  without  your  submissions.  We  want  to  hear  about  how  the  enrichment  process 
works  for  your  facility.  We  want  to  know  about  specific  enrichment  devices  that  are  working  for 
your  animals.  We  want  to  hear  your  creative  perspectives  on  all  things  enrichment! 

Submissions  may  be  sent  in  hard  copy  (also  include  a disk  or  CD)  to:  Enrichment  Options,  AAZK, 
Inc.,  3601  SW  29th  St.,  Suite  133,Topeka,KS  66614-2054.  Or  you  may  submit  material  electronically 
to  akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com.  Please  send  photos,  graphs  or  charts  as  separate  jpg  ot  tif  files. 
Make  sure  to  provide  captions  and  photo  credits.  Manuscripts  should  be  sent  in  MS  Word  format 
only.  Please  provide  your  contact  information,  including  email  and  daytime  phone  number. 

We  hope  to  hear  from  YOU  soon!  Thank  you  in  advance  for  your  contributions!  - Enrichment 
Options  Co-editors  Rachel  Daneault,  Disney’s  Animal  Kingdom  and  Dawn  Neptune,  Utah’s  Hogle 
Zoo. 


Amazon.com  Users — 
bon*t  Forget  the  AAZK  Connection 

Just  a reminder  that  if  you  regularly  (or  even  occasionally)  purchase  items  on  amazon.com, 
there  is  a way  you  can  also  help  out  the  Association  while  you  are  doing  your  shopping.  If 
you  go  to  amazon.com  from  the  AAZK  Home  Page  (www.aazk.org),  the  Association  will 
receive  4%  of  the  cost  of  your  purchase.  The  amazon.com  icon  is  located  on  the  Reminder 
Board  on  the  right  of  the  AAZK  Home  Page.  And  the  percentage  from  purchase  of  goods 
is  on  all  items  you  purchase  there  - books,  music,  etc.  So,  next  time  you  want  to  do  a little 
online  shopping  at  amazon.com,  get  there  through  the  AAZK  website  and  help  out  your 
professional  organization  earn  some  extra  income. 


344  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  8 


Updutey 

Compiled  by  Georgann  Johnston 
Legislative  Advisor 
Sacramento,  CA 

Eight  Wild  Gorillas  Born  in  Uganda 

Gorillas  in  Bwindi  Impenetrable  National  Park  have  given  birth  to  eight 
babies,  giving  conservationists  cause  to  organize  a naming  ceremony. 

“We  will  have  a naming  ceremony  for  the  baby  gorillas,”  said  Lillian 
Nsubiiga,  the  Public  Relations  Manager  at  the  Uganda  Wildlife  Authority 
(UWA).  Uganda’s  queen,  Sylvia  Nagginda,  christened  one  of  the  baby 
gorillas,  “Ntuse”  (I  have  reached),  ahead  of  the  naming  ceremony.  Nagginda  named  the  baby  near 
Buhoma  after  viewing  them  last  year. 

Nsubuga  said  the  most  recent  birth  took  place  on  23  May  2006  among  the  Habinyanja  group  raising 
the  population  of  the  group  to  22.  Other  gorillas  were  bom  at  Nkuringo  and  Rushegura,  which  are 
open  to  tourists  in  Bwindi,  where  more  than  half  of  the  endangered  gorilla  population  roam. 

In  the  last  naming  ceremony,  organized  about  two  years  ago,  several  cultural  activities  of  the  Bakiga 
people  such  as  songs  and  dances  were  conducted  at  Buhoma.  Sources  at  UWA  said  gorilla  tourism 
was  one  of  the  largest  contributors  of  revenue  to  the  national  coffers.  Gorilla  tourism  started  in  the 
early  1990s  and  now  sells  like  hot  cakes.  Other  mountain  gorillas  occur  in  Mgahinga  Gorilla  national 
park,  which  also  cover  Rwanda  and  the  DR  Congo.  The  gorilla  population  has  increased  by  about 
10%  in  a decade,  causing  conservationists  to  hope  that  the  endangered  species  will  survive.  Source: 
New  Vision  (Kampala)  News  1 June  2006 


$6.9  Million  in  Private  Stewardship  Grants  Announced 

The  USFWS  recently  announced  grants  totaling  more  than  $6.9  million  are  being  awarded  to  private 
landowners  and  groups  in  35  states  through  the  U.S.  Fish  and  Wildlife  Service’s  Private  Stewardship 
Grants  program  to  undertake  conservation  projects  on  their  land  for  endangered,  threatened  and 
other  at-risk  species. 

The  announcement  came  at  Brosnan  Forest,  located  in  South  Carolina,  where  the  USFWS  spokesman 
drew  attention  to  Milliken  Forestry  Resources,  Inc.,  and  the  work  it  is  doing  with  nearly  four  dozen 
private  landowners  to  restore  and  improve  longleaf  pine  habitats  on  17,645  acres  to  benefit  red- 
cockaded  woodpeckers  {Picoides  borealis).  Milliken  will  receive  $464,925  - the  largest  single  private 
stewardship  grant  awarded  since  the  program  was  created  four  years  ago  to  benefit  species 
conservation  on  private  lands  and  bolster  collaborative  conservation. 

The  Private  Stewardship  Grants  program  helps  conservationists  build  new  partnerships  and  strengthen 
existing  ones  to  benefit  wildlife  conservation.  Administered  by  the  USFWS,  each  of  the  80  grants 
awarded  this  past  June  require  at  least  a 10%  match  in  non-federal  dollars  or  in-kind  contributions. 
It  provides  federal  grants  on  a competitive  basis  to  individuals  and  groups  engaged  in  voluntary 
conservation  efforts  on  private  lands  that  house  species  protected  by  the  Endangered  Species  Act, 
candidate  species  or  other  at-risk  species. 

The  Administration  has  requested  funding  of  $9.4  million  for  this  program  in  2007;  last  year,  72 
grants  totaling  $5.7  million  were  awarded  to  private  individuals  and  groups  in  38  states  and  one 
Territory.  In  the  first  three  years  of  the  program,  282  grants  totaling  more  than  $22  million  were 
awarded  to  private  landowners  across  the  country.  Source:  USFWS  Press  Release  30  May  2006 


Lion  Population  in  Kenya  Threatened  with  Extinction 

Maasai  warrior  rituals  and  retaliation  for  the  loss  of  livestock  threaten  the  African  lion  (Panthera 
leo  krugeri)  population  with  extinction  “within  a very  few  years”,  conservationists  warn  in  a new 
study.  “Lions  are  critically  important  to  tourism.  That  loss  would  almost  certainly  have  a major 


Animal  Keepers'  Forum,  Vol  33  No.  8 345 


impact  on  Kenya’s  international  image,  with  direct  consequences  for  tourism  and  thus  the  national 
economy,”  says  the  study  by  the  Nanyuki-based  Kilimanjaro  Lion  Conservation  Project  and  wildlife 
experts  at  the  University  of  California. 

The  study  notes  that  while  moranism  (warriorhood)  is  gradually  declining  among  the  Maasai  as  a 
traditional  way  of  life,  “the  lions  do  not  have  time  for  the  Maasai  tradition  to  change”.  Lax  law 
enforcement  and  judicial  corruption  are  allowing  the  massive  killing  to  continue  unchecked,  the 
study  adds. 

It  says  nearly  all  morans  involved  in  killing  lions  in 
Maasailand  have  been  arrested  in  recent  years  by  the 
Amboseli-Tsavo  Game  Scout  Association.  “However, 
in  no  case  have  they  suffered  serious  legal 
consequences.  They  have  usually  been  let  out  on 
minimal  bail,  and  then  either  evidence  is  ‘lost’, 
prosecutions  fail  to  materialize,  or  judges  have  been 
bribed  to  drop  charges  or  impose  trivial  fines.  In 
several  cases,  the  game  scouts  who  arrested  offenders 
were  severely  punished  by  the  community:  their  wives 
were  taken  away  from  them  by  the  elders. 

Maasai  leaders  and  Kenyan  wildlife  officials  dismiss 
the  findings  as  out-of-date  and  biased.  “Ritual  killings 
of  lions  no  longer  exists,”  said  a leading  Maasai  elder.  “We  have  realized  that  lions  are  part  of  our 
heritage  and  they  also  bring  in  tourists  and  money.”  However,  the  Maasai  leader  acknowledges  that 
lions  will  continue  to  be  killed  when  they  attack  cattle  “until  the  government  pays  us  enough 
compensation  for  every  animal  mauled  by  these  beasts”.  The  study  asserts  that  a “generous” 
compensation  program  is  already  in  place. 

A Kenya  Wildlife  Service  spokesman  called  the  study  “clearly  biased  and  ill-informed”.  Lions  are 
not  an  endangered  species,  he  said,  and  “the  issue  of  extinction  is  mistaken  and  irrelevant”. 

The  study  estimates  the  number  of  lions  in  the  country  today  at  2,010,  compared  to  7,000  in  the 
early  1990s.  About  40%  of  them  live  in  Maasailand.  Since  1998,  at  least  195  lions  had  been  killed 
near  Amboseli  and  Tsavo  and  Nairobi  national  parks,  the  study  says.  About  20  lions  were  killed  at 
the  parks  in  the  first  few  months  of  2006.  Source:  The  Nation  (Nairobi)  25  May  2006 


Proposal  to  Remove  Mexican  Bobcat  from  List  of  Threatened  Species 

In  November  2005  the  USFWS  issued  a proposal  to  remove  the  Mexican  bobcat  {Lynx  rufus 
escuinapae)  from  the  federal  list  of  threatened  species  - the  second  time  the  Bush  administration  has 
sought  to  resume  persecution  of  the  southernmost  subspecies  of  this  mammal.  The  USFWS  was 
joined  in  its  petition  by  the  National  Trappers  Association,  claiming  that  the  Mexican  bobcat  is  not 
a true  subspecies  and  is  not  entitled  to  any  protection  under  the  ESA. 

The  Mexican  bobcat  was  recognized  as  a subspecies  in  1903.  Its  pelage  differs  from  those  of  northern 
bobcats  and  it  occupies  a different  habitat,  including  vast  regions  of  Sinaloan  thomscrub  and  deciduous 
forest.  It  is  also  unique  in  that  it  shares  it  range  with  ocelots  {Leopardus  pardalis)  and  jaguarundis 
{Herpailurus  yagouarundi).  The  geographical  sympatry  likely  influences  the  behavior  of  all  three 
similarly  sized  carnivores.  Source:  Endangered  Earth,  published  by  The  Center  for  Biological  Diversity, 
Spring  2006 


Photo:theBigZoo.com 


Study  Shows  Global  Warming  May  Be  Causing  Cannibalism  in  Polar  Bears 

A new  study  by  American  and  Canadian  scientists  has  found  that  polar  bears  (Ursus  maritimus)  in 
the  southern  Beaufort  Sea  may  be  turning  to  cannibalism  because  longer  seasons  without  ice  keep 
them  from  getting  to  their  natural  prey.  The  study  reviewed  three  examples  of  polar  bears  preying 
on  each  other  from  January  to  April  2004  north  of  Alaska  and  western  Canada,  including  the  first- 
ever  reported  killing  of  a female  in  a den  shortly  after  it  gave  birth.  Polar  bears  feed  primarily  on 
ringed  seals  and  use  sea  ice  for  feeding,  mating  and  giving  birth. 


346  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol  33  No.  8 


The  study’s  principal  author,  Steven  Amstrup  of  the  U.S.  Geological  Survey  Alaska  Science  Center, 
stated  that  polar  bears  have  been  known  to  kill  each  other  for  population  regulation,  dominance,  and 
reproductive  advantage,  but  killing  for  food  seems  to  be  less  common. 


“During  24  years  of  research  on  polar  bears  in  the  southern  Beaufort  Sea  region  of  northern  Alaska 
and  34  years  in  northwestern  Canada,  we  have  not  seen  other  incidents  of  polar  bears  stalking, 
killing,  and  eating  other  polar  bears,”  the  scientists  said. 

Environmentalists  contend  shrinking  polar  ice  due  to 
global  warming  may  lead  to  the  disappearance  of  polar 
bears  before  the  end  of  the  century. 


The  Center  for  Biological  Diversity  of  Joshua  Tree,  CA, 
in  February  of  2005  petitioned  the  federal  government 
provide  polar  bears  with  protectiion  as  a threatened 
species  under  the  federal  Endangered  Species  Act. 


Kassie  Siegal,  lead  author  of  the  petition,  stated  “It’s  very 
important  new  information.”  “It  shows  in  a really  graphic 
way  how  severe  the  problem  of  global  warming  is  for 
polar  bears,”  she  said.  Deborah  Williams  of  Alaska  Conser- 
vation Solutions,  a group  aimed  at  pursuing  solutions  for  climate  change,  said  the  study  represents 
the  “bloody  fingerprints”  of  global  warming. 


Photo:  USFWS’s  Alaska  Image  Gallery 


Researchers  in  the  spring  of  2004  found  more  bears  in  the  eastern  portion  of  the  Alaska  Beaufort 
Sea  to  be  in  poorer  condition  than  bears  in  areas  to  the  west  and  north.  Researchers  had  discovered 
the  first  kill  in  January  2004.  A male  bear  had  pounced  on  a den,  killed  a female  and  dragged  it  some 
245  feet  away,  where  it  ate  part  of  the  carcass.  Females  are  about  half  the  size  of  males.  In  April 
2004,  while  following  bear  footprints  on  sea  ice  near  Herschel  Island,  Yukon  Territory,  scientists 
discovered  the  partially  eaten  carcass  of  an  adult  female.  Footprints  indicated  it  had  been  with  a 
cub.  The  male  did  not  follow  the  cub,  indicating  it  had  killed  for  food  instead  of  breeding.  A few 
days  later,  Canadian  researchers  found  the  remains  of  a yearling  that  had  been  stalked  and  killed  by 
a predatory  bear,  the  scientists  said.  Source:  Associated  Press  Monday,  June  12,  2006 


Lions  in  India  Get  Old-age  Home 

A zoo  in  India's  northern  Punjab  state  has  opened  the  country's  first  old-age  home  for  lions.  The 
Mahendra  Chaudhary  Zoological  Park,  on  the  outskirts  of  state  capital  Chandigarh,  has  opened  the 
facility  for  lions  aged  15  years  or  older,  who  are  unable  to  protect  themselves  from  younger  lions  in 
the  regular  enclosures  and  so  become  underfed. 

"The  separate  off-display  facility  for  old  and  infirm  animals  was  needed  as  they  cannot  compete 
with  other  animals  in  the  display  enclosures,  and  are  stressed  by  visitors,"  said  conservator  of  forests, 
Kuldeep  Kumar. 


The  aging  and  ailing  "kings  of  the  jungle"  would  be  given  proper  medical  care  and  special  food  in 
the  home,  which  is  off-limits  to  regular  visitors. 

The  facility  currently  houses  three  lions  and  expects  to  expand  to  house  five  more.  Source: 
ZooNewsDigest  406  June  10-18,  2006 


Rwanda:  ‘Gorilla  Wall’  to  Be  Completed  Soon 

Sixty-three  kilometers  of  a perimeter  fencing  (Buffalo  Wall)  in  the  Gorilla  habitat  of  the  Virunga 
National  Park  have  been  completed.  According  to  a release  by  the  National  Tourism  Office  (ORTPN), 
the  wall  will  deter  the  gorillas  from  straying  into  the  gardens  of  local  people  in  the  surrounding 
areas. 

The  announcement  came  during  a naming  ceremony  for  12  mountain  gorillas  (Gorilla  beringei 
beringei)  and  another  gorilla  from  the  neighboring  Democratic  Republic  of  Congo.  According  to 


Animal  Keepers’ Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  8 347 


the  ORITN  release,  the  naming  ceremony  was  presided  over  by  Senate  president  Dr.  Vincent  Biruta 
who  noted  the  role  of  the  international  community  in  the  development  of  the  tourism  in  Rwanda, 

Rwandan  First  Lady  Jeannette  Kagame  named  two  of  the  gorillas:  Urumuli  (light)  and  Agaseke 
(decorated  basket).  Biruta  and  the  First  Lady  were  later  joined  by  11  other  dignitaries,  who  named 
the  rest  of  the  baby  gorillas  and  stressed  the  need  for  preservation  and  conservation  of  wildlife  as 
the  key  to  tourism  sector  growth.  The  annual  ceremony  was  initiated  by  the  Rwandan  Office  of 
Tourism  and  National  Parks  (ORTPN)  to  give  public  attention  to  wildlife,  which  is  one  of  the  key 
sectors  sustaining  the  economy.  The  next  event  will  be  held  mid  June  2007.  Source:  The  New  Times 
(Kigali)  June  21,  2006 


Central  Africa’s  First  Debt-for-Nature  Swap  Invests  $25  Million 
for  Tropical  Forest  Conservation  in  Cameroon 

France  and  Cameroon  signed  the  first  ever  Central  African  debt  for  nature  swap  today.  This  agreement 
will  invest  at  least  $25  million  over  the  next  five  years  to  protect  part  of  the  world’s  second  largest 
tropical  forest,  home  to  elephants,  gorillas,  hundreds  of  bird  species  and  indigenous  groups  such  as 
the  Ba’Aka  pygmies. 

The  agreement  comes  from  France’s  Debt  Development  Contract  (C2D)  a complement  to  the  Heavily 
Indebted  Poor  Countries  initiative  (HIPC),  a joint  initiative  of  the  World  Bank  and  International 
Monetary  Fund.  The  HIPC’s  goal  is  to  reduce  the  excessive  debt  faced  by  the  world’s  poorest  nations. 
The  goal  of  C2D  is  to  provide  complete  debt  relief  of  the  concessional  loans  France  contracted  to 
other  countries.  Twenty-two  countries  are  eligible  for  C2D.  The  total  amount  of  C2D  debt  relief  is 
$4.6  billion. 

The  document  requires  Cameroon  to  earmark  funds  among  four  different  sectors:  education,  health, 
infrastructure  and  natural  resources.  This  is  the  first  C2D  agreement  to  allocate  funds  to  natural 
resources.  Previously  funding  had  only  been  allocated  to  the  education  and  health  sectors,  but,  after 
French  president  Jacques  Chirac  stressed  the  importance  of  natural  resources  in  poor  countries  last 
July,  World  Wildlife  Fund  (WWF)  worked  with  both  countries  to  include  conservation  in  Cameroon’s 
debt  forgiveness  plan. 

“The  importance  of  this  unique  and  history  making  agreement  lies  in  the  combination  of  debt 
forgiveness  and  investment  in  forest  conservation  and  local  communities,”  said  Laurent  Some,  director 
of  WWF’s  Central  Africa  Regional  Program  Office. 

Through  the  funds  the  Forest  and  Environment  Development  Program,  a program  to  reduce  poverty 
while  protecting  and  managing  natural  forestry  resources,  will  be  implemented.  The  funding  will  be 
used  to  better  manage  protected  areas,  wildlife  and  forest  production  and  increase  community  forest 
resources  and  research  capacity.  The  program  is  designed  to  secure  some  40  protected  areas  and 
increase  the  present  protected  area  network  from  14  to  17  percent  of  the  national  land  area. 

Illegal  logging  and  an  underdeveloped  infrastructure  threaten  Cameroon’s  forests.  As  a solution,  the 
program  calls  for  working  alongside  forest  companies  to  develop  management  plans  and  a demand 
for  certified,  environmentally  friendly  products.  Employing  12,000,  the  forest  sector  is  Cameroon’s 
largest  private  employer  and  the  second  largest  source  of  export  revenue  after  oil.  However,  forest 
sector  employment  has  dropped  in  recent  years,  so  funds  will  also  be  used  to  re-establish  two  national 
forestry  schools  to  train  the  new  recruits. 

WWF  sees  this  agreement  as  a concrete  example  of  the  commitment  expressed  by  the  region’s 
heads  of  state  at  the  Brazzaville  summit  in  February  2005  and  looks  to  other  nations  to  follow 
France  and  Cameroon’s  lead.  Source:  World  Wildlife  Fund  Press  Release  June  22,2006 


348  Animal  Keepers'  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  8 


The  Life  of  a Baby  Angolan  Colobus  (Colobus  angolensis) 


By 

Loren  Sobeck  and  Denise  Ibarra,  Mammal  Keepers 
Abilene  Zoological  Gardens,  Abilene,  TX 


(Editor 's  note:  This  paper  was  originally  scheduled  for  presentation  at  the  2005  AAZK  National  Conference  in 
New  Orleans  which  was  cancelled  due  to  Hurricane  Katrina.  We  are  pleased  to  publish  it  in  AKF) 

Abstract 

An  Angolan  Colobus  {Colobus  angolensis)  female  was  due  to  give  birth  in  January  2005.  The  last 
month  of  her  pregnancy  she  demonstrated  both  physical  and  emotional  signs  of  discomfort.  On  30 
January,  her  condition  worsened  so  much  that  it  became  a serious  health  concern.  In  the  best  interest 
of  mother  and  unborn  baby,  it  was  decided  that  an  emergency  cesarean  section  needed  to  be  performed. 
The  baby  was  expected  to  be  dead  in  utero  but  in  amazement  was  alive. 

Multiple  attempts  were  made  to  introduce  mother  and  baby  but  the  mother  was  not  very  receptive. 
It  was  then  decided  that  the  baby  would  be  hand  raised  by  keepers.  The  baby  appeared  to  be 
developing  well.  On  Day  37,  health  complications  arose  and  conditions  became  grave.  Unfortunately 
the  baby  was  lost  on  Day  38.  Necropsy  results  determined  that  the  cause  of  death  was  from  a 
bacterial  infection  {Clostridium  perfringens  type  A),  shock  and  blood  loss. 

Natural  History 

Angolan  colobus  are  very  graceful  arboreal  dwellers  found  in  many  eastern  countries  in  Africa.  The 
Greek  word  “kolobus”  means  mutilated  or  docked  and  so  these  primates  are  rightfully  named.  Their 
thumbs  are  very  underdeveloped  if  present  at  all.  This  lack  of  a thumb  enables  them  to  jump  from 
tree  to  tree  with  greater  ease  using  their  long  fingers  and  hands  as  hooks.  They  can  still  hold  onto 
items  but  it’s  easier  for  them  to  eat  by  grabbing  a branch  and  pulling  it  towards  them.  The  Angolan 
colobus  are  slightly  different  then  the  black  and  white  colobus  {Colobus  guerezd)  which  are  more 
commonly  found  in  zoos.  The  Angolans  do  not  have  a white  beard  or  a bushy  white  tail  but  rather 
long,  white  hair  under  their  arms  forming  a cape  and  white  tufts  of  hair  around  the  side  of  their 
faces.  Their  tails  are  mostly  black  with  a small  white  area  on  the  end. 

The  colobus  are  specialized  leaf  eaters  of  the  African  forests.  Out  of  all  the  primates,  colobines  are 
the  only  ones  that  have  large  complex  stomachs  containing  cellulose-digesting  bacteria.  The  bacteria 
not  only  help  to  break  down  cellulose  but  also  deactivate  toxins  found  in  many  leaves.  Their  stomachs 
have  3-4  compartments  and  many  folds  or  pockets  in  the  walls.  These  folds  slow  down  the  movement 
of  leaves  allowing  enough  time  for  the  bacteria  to  work  properly.  Their  stomachs  can  hold  up  to  one 
third  of  their  body  weight. 

Colobus  at  Abilene  Zoo 

According  to  the  2004  SSP®  summary,  there  are  ten  zoos  in  North  America  currently  housing  Angolan 
colobus.  The  Abilene  Zoo  houses  five  of  the  60-plus  colobus.  Following  a breeding  recommendation 
from  the  SSP®,  a new  male  was  brought  in  from  the  San  Diego  Zoo  in  the  spring  of  2004.  This 
would  be  the  first  time  that  this  male  was  housed  with  females.  The  troop  at  the  Abilene  Zoo  then 
consisted  of  one  adult  and  one  juvenile  male  and  three  females.  The  oldest  female  is  the  mother  to 
the  young  male  and  the  other  two  females.  When  the  new  adult  male  was  introduced  with  the  rest  of 
the  troop,  introductions  went  well  overall.  The  daughters  were  thought  to  have  reached  sexual 
maturity  and  were  bred  successfully  along  with  their  mother.  Only  after  the  oldest  female  gave 
birth  and  the  youngest  female’s  (Lydia)  pregnancy  was  nearing  the  end  were  there  signs  of 
complications. 

At  four  years  old,  Lydia  was  considered  to  be  a young  breeding  female  since  most  females  are  not 

Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  8 349 


thought  to  reach  sexual  maturity  until 
five  or  six  years  of  age.  In  mid- 
December  she  began  to  show  signs  that 
she  was  having  a difficult  time  with  her 
pregnancy.  Her  abdomen  was  very  large 
and  her  breasts  not  quite  developed.  Her 
vulva  was  very  swollen  and  red.  She 
would  not  put  pressure  directly  on  her 
vulva  when  she  sat  down.  She  was  also 
very  slow  to  move  around.  Over  the  next 
few  weeks,  the  unborn  baby  appeared  to 
be  taking  up  more  room  inside  Lydia. 
Her  abdomen  was  stretched  from  just 
below  her  breasts  to  just  above  her  hips. 

Anticipating  difficulty  with  Lydia’s 
pregnancy,  the  studbook  keeper,  Beth 
Pohl,  was  contacted  to  see  if  there  were  any  facilities  that  had  had  similar  problems  that  necessitated 
hand-rearing.  She  gave  us  a contact  at  the  Audubon  Zoo  that  would  possibly  be  able  to  help  us. 
Marsha  Fernandez  was  contacted  and  supplied  us  with  information  on  how  they  hand-raised  black 
and  white  colobus.  This  information  provided  a good  starting  point  to  prepare  for  the  unexpected. 

Towards  the  end  of  January  2005,  Lydia  began  showing  signs  of  labor.  Her  body  would  tense  and 
then  she  would  completely  stretch  herself  out  as  if  having  contractions.  On  30  January,  during 
morning  rounds,  Lydia  seemed  to  be  in  more  discomfort  and  stretching  for  longer  periods  than 
during  the  previous  couple  of  weeks.  Since  it  was  cold  outside,  the  colobus  were  kept  inside  and 
periodically  checked  on  throughout  the  day.  Upon  entering  the  holding  area  early  in  the  afternoon, 
a yellow  substance  was  noticed  on  the  ground  and  on  Lydia’s  vulva;  it  resembled  pasty  mustard. 
The  mammal  supervisor  was  called  to  find  out  if  a sample  should  be  collected  and  given  to  our 
consulting  veterinarian.  Dr.  Clay  Hilton,  for  analysis.  After  collecting  the  sample,  arrangements 
were  made  for  it  to  be  taken  to  the  veterinary  clinic  and  have  a gram  stain  run.  The  gram  stain 
reveled  that  the  yellow  substance  was  fecal  matter.  It  was  suspected  that  since  this  was  only  found 
on  Lydia,  it  could  be  meconium. 

Meconium  is  fetal  fecal  material  that  accumulates  in  the  intestinal  tract  during  gestation.  Normally 
meconium  is  expelled  after  birth,  but  may  be  passed  in  utero  if  the  fetus  is  stressed.  This  is  dangerous 
for  the  baby  because  the  meconium  can  become  mixed  with  amniotic  fluid  if  not  handled  properly 
and  aspirated  into  the  lungs.  There  is 
usually  no  way  of  knowing  if 
meconium  has  been  passed  until  the 
birth  of  the  baby.  That  is  why  the 
presence  of  meconium  was  unusual 
and  cause  for  concern  in  Lydia’s  case. 

Usually  meconium  is  greenish  in 
color;  however,  yellow  could  indicate 
that  it  had  been  present  for  an 
unknown  amount  of  time. 

Lydia  was  taken  to  the  veterinary 
clinic  off  zoo  grounds  to  be  further 
examined.  Lydia  was  sedated 
followed  by  a preliminary  physical 
exam  and  x-rays;  the  results  were 


350  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol  33  No.  8 


surprising.  The  baby  was  in  the  correct  birth  position,  but  the  head  was  too  large  to  pass  through  the 
birth  canal.  During  the  physical  exam,  it  appeared  as  if  the  uterus  had  already  begun  to  contract  and 
Lydia  had  been  through  inapparent  labor.  The  baby  appeared  to  be  in  fetal  distress  as  indicated  by 
the  presumed  meconium,  and  was  ready  to  be  born.  It  was  then  decided  in  the  best  interest  of  Lydia 
and  her  baby  to  perform  an  emergency  cesarean. 


Lydia  was  prepared  for  the  cesarean  section.  Once  Lydia  was  opened,  it  was  apparent  that  her  water 
had  not  broken,  so  she  in  fact  had  not  been  through  actual  labor.  Because  of  the  complications  thus 
far,  it  was  presumed  that  the  baby  might  be  dead  in  utero.  However,  when  the  baby  was  removed, 
it  was  to  everyone’s  surprise  that  the  baby  had  a heartbeat.  Before  closing  up  Lydia,  traces  of 
meconium  were  looked  for  but  none  were  found  in  the  birth  canal.  However,  there  were  some 
traces  of  meconium  in  the  amniotic  sac.  This  suggested  that  the  baby  had  in  fact  been  through  some 
distress,  but  the  feces  found  on  Lydia’s  vulva  was  most  likely  from  a baby  bom  to  another  female  a 
few  weeks  earlier. 


While  Lydia  was  being  sutured,  zoo  staff 
was  tending  to  the  new  baby.  The  baby 
had  a heartbeat  but  was  not  breathing  on 
its  own.  It  was  wrapped  in  a towel, 
shaken  with  the  head  down  to  loosen  any 
fluids  from  the  lungs  and  vigorously 
mbbed.  The  airways  were  then  suctioned 
and  the  baby  was  given  oxygen  to  help  it 
breathe  on  its  own.  It  was  only  then  that 
staff  realized  “wow,  it’s  a girl”!  Over 
the  next  20  minutes,  staff  worked  on 
keeping  her  warm  and  continued  to 
stimulate  breathing.  She  began  to  show 
some  response  by  opening  her  eyes,  using 
her  hands  to  cling  to  the  towel  and  finally 
making  her  first  vocalizations.  To 
stimulate  a suckling  response,  a few 
drops  of  Dopram~V  (Doxapram 
20mg/ml  manufactured  by  A.H.  RobinsJ 
were  placed  under  her  tongue.  She  was  “Kima”  in  incubator  at  nine  days  of  age. 

also  given  drops  of  Karo®  symp  and  a (Photo  by  Loren  Sobeck) 

bottle  with  50%  Dextrose®  and  sterile  water.  After  the  umbilical  cord  was  cut,  she  was  kept  wrapped 
in  towels  until  Lydia’s  incision  was  closed.  Even  though  Lydia  was  still  under  sedation,  it  was 
important  to  have  the  baby  obtain  Lydia’s  scent  and  to  try  and  stimulate  milk  production  by  having 
the  baby  suckle  on  her.  This  was  done  by  placing  the  baby  on  top  of  Lydia  and  holding  her  there 
until  it  was  time  to  allow  Lydia  to  come  off  the  anesthesia. 


Lydia  was  placed  in  a squeeze  cage  so  she’d  be  contained  after  she  was  out  of  the  anesthesia  and  the 
baby  was  placed  with  her.  We  felt  that  it  was  important  to  have  Lydia  “wake  up”  with  her  baby.  As 
Lydia  was  coming  around,  she  did  not  respond  to  the  baby.  At  one  point,  Lydia  fell  on  top  of  her  and 
was  unintentionally  suffocating  the  baby.  The  baby  began  to  turn  blue  so  we  repositioned  her  for 
Lydia.  After  a short  observational  time  of  the  two  together  at  the  vet  clinic,  they  were  transported  to 
a keeper’s  home  instead  of  the  zoo  clinic  so  that  they  could  be  closely  monitored  overnight. 


Lydia  and  her  baby  were  set  up  in  a bathroom  so  that  the  temperature  and  humidity  could  be  monitored 
closely.  While  they  were  being  moved,  Lydia  grabbed  for  the  baby  but  did  not  hold  on  to  her.  After 
they  were  situated,  Lydia  showed  no  more  interest  in  the  baby.  After  four  hours  the  baby  was  to  be 
pulled  and  offered  fluids  if  Lydia  was  still  ignoring  her.  During  the  attempts  to  remove  the  baby. 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  8 351 


Lydia  became  very  forceful  and  was  pinning  the  baby  down  with  her  back  feet  and  grabbing  at  the  | 
keepers.  i 

I 

Once  the  baby  was  removed  from  the  squeeze  cage,  we  noticed  that  she  was  a little  cold  and  did  not 
appear  to  have  as  good  of  a suckling  response  that  she  had  at  the  beginning  of  the  night.  To  stimulate 
the  baby,  Karo®  syrup  and  Dextrose®/LRS  mixture  in  a bottle  were  offered.  The  baby  was  responding  !' 
a little  and  actually  had  some  good  bowel  movements.  She  was  kept  warm  using  a stuffed  monkey  I 
with  some  warm  towels.  The  decision  was  made  not  to  put  her  back  with  Lydia.  Lydia  seemed 
more  relaxed  now  that  the  baby  was  not  in  with  her.  She  began  eating  some  food  for  herself  while 
the  baby  was  responding  to  the  liquids  being  offered  to  her.  Keepers  came  to  the  decision  that  Lydia  j 
was  probably  not  going  to  pick  up  the  baby  or  mother  her  in  any  way  for  at  least  that  night.  ! 

Keepers  took  turns  monitoring  her  and  tried  every  hour  or  so  to  give  her  more  fluids.  After  playing 
with  her  to  keep  her  awake,  she  began  to  suckle  a little  bit  better,  especially  when  her  ear  was 
rubbed.  She  was  looking  much  more  bright-eyed  and  taking  in  her  surroundings.  At  one  point,  after  j 
a short  hiccupping  spell,  she  was  lying  against  one  of  the  keepers  and  vocalizing.  After  a few  hours, 
the  baby  fell  asleep  while  completely  wrapped  in  towels  and  lying  against  a keeper’s  chest. 

It  was  difficult  for  the  baby  to  suckle  using  the 
bottle  available.  Five-ounce  newborn  bottles 
were  purchased  before  Lydia  and  the  baby  were 
taken  to  the  zoo.  The  nipples  were  larger  but 
the  baby  seemed  to  be  able  to  get  more  from 
them  without  trying  so  hard.  At  the  zoo  Lydia 
was  put  into  a holding  area  with  food  and  water 
and  the  baby  then  got  all  the  attention.  An  infant 
bassinet  and  Isolette'®  incubator  were  donated 
to  the  zoo  by  Abilene  Regional  Hospital  in  an 
effort  to  help  keep  the  baby  comfortable.  Before 
the  incubator  arrived,  the  baby  was  given  a furry 
“rat”  puppet  with  a heating  pad  stuffed  inside  it 
and  placed  in  the  bassinet.  The  “rat”  puppet 
had  longer  fur  that  she  could  cling  to  while  the 
heating  pad  kept  her  warm. 

After  a few  hours  of  being  left  alone,  introductions  of  mom  and  baby  were  again  attempted.  The 
baby  was  placed  on  a towel  on  the  ground  and  Lydia  was  given  access  to  her.  Although  the  baby 
was  vocalizing  loudly,  Lydia  did  not  show  much  interest.  She  looked  at  her  and  then  went  to  eat. 
The  two  were  left  with  access  to  each  other  for  about  ten  minutes  before  the  baby  was  removed  and 
fed  by  keepers.  The  baby  was  kept  in  the  bassinet  until  the  incubator  arrived  and  was  set  up  later  in 
the  afternoon.  The  incubator  was  initially  set  at  36°C  (96.8°F)  by  a local  OBGYN  doctor  and  at 
100%  humidity.  Due  to  signs  of  heat  distress,  the  temperature  was  lowered  to  30°C  (86°F). 
[Temperature  of  incubator  was  slowly  decreased  from  30°C  to  24°C  (75.2°F)  from  1-16  February. 
The  incubator  environment  was  maintained  at  100%  humidity.]  The  baby  seemed  comfortable  and 
she  was  eating  well  throughout  the  day.  She  was  initially  fed  on  demand  averaging  every  one  to  two 
hours. 

The  reaction  from  Lydia  towards  her  baby  was  not  as  keepers  had  hoped.  Alternative  plans  for 
keeping  the  baby  alive  had  to  be  decided.  Lydia  did  not  appear  to  be  producing  milk  as  her  breasts 
were  not  developed  and  hadn’t  been  the  last  month  or  so.  She  was  also  beginning  to  get  very 
“grabby”  when  the  baby  was  held  next  to  her  through  the  fencing  in  the  clinic.  Concerns  were  that 
if  the  baby  was  reintroduced  to  Lydia  and  she  took  her,  she  would  not  be  able  to  nurse  her.  Keepers 
were  also  concerned  about  how  to  get  the  baby  back  from  Lydia  safely  if  necessary.  In  the  best 
interest  of  the  new  born,  it  was  decided  that  keepers  would  hand-raise  her. 

Plans  were  made  that  until  the  baby  was  weaned  from  round-the-clock  feedings,  she  would  be  kept 
in  the  incubator  at  the  zoo  during  the  day  and  taken  home  with  a keeper  at  night.  A feeding  and 
weight  chart  was  created  to  help  keep  track  of  the  baby’s  progress.  Formulas  were  set  up  to  gradually 


352  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  8 


move  her  from  a low  iron  to  a regular  formula  as  she  got  older  and  her  stomach  was  able  to  digest 
the  more  advanced  formula  (See  Table  ^1  below). 

After  a few  weeks  had  passed  and  the  baby  seemed  to  be  adjusting  to  her  surroundings,  it  was  time 
to  give  her  a name.  Keepers  choose  the  name  “Kima”  which  means  “monkey”  in  Swahili.  Kima 
was  getting  much  more  active  during  the  day  and  at  night.  She  seemed  the  most  active  and 
playful  when  she  was  with  the  keepers.  She  liked  all  the  attention  and  would  vocalize  a lot  when 
she  didn’t  get  enough  of  the  attention  she  wanted. 

Table  Comtx>sition  of  All  Liquid  Mixtures  Given: 


Day  # 

Date: 

Formula  IVlixture: 

0 

January  30*^ 

50%  Dextrose®,  2 drops  Doxapram  & . 1 5cc  of  Kayro®  synip 

1 

January  SP* 

75%-25%  Pedialyte™  and  Similac  Low  Iron™ 

2 

February 

50%-50%  Pedialyte™  and  Similac  Low  Iron™ 

5 

February  4^^ 

25%-75%  Pedialyte™  and  Similac  Low  Iron™ 

6 

February 

100%  Similac  Low  Iron™ 

16 

February  1 5^^ 

Bexan  adding?  Vi  tsp  of  rice  cereal  to  select  feedings 

17 

February  16^^ 

Seeded  gut  wdth  adult  feces 

18 

February  1 7^^ 

50%~50%  Similac  Low  Iron™  and  Similac  Advance™ 

20 

February  19*^ 

25%-75%  Similac  Low  Iron™ and  Similac  Advance™ 

21 

February  20'^ 

100%  Similac  Advance™ 

In  the  first  few  weeks,  there  were  times  that  Kima  would  become  bloated  and  gassy  after  eating  and 
the  cause  was  not  quite  known.  Her  feces  were  loose  while  she  was  on  Pedialyte™,  then  a couple  of 
days  later  it  began  to  form  into  a paste  and  eventually  into  a solid  with  the  more  food  she  received. 
It  was  important  to  get  her  to  burp  after  every  feeding  to  stop  any  unwanted  gas  build  up  in  her 
system.  As  she  began  to  consume  more  at  each  feeding,  she  began  burping  on  her  own  and  a lot 
more  frequently  (See  Table  3/Graph  ^1). 

Table  ^2  Body  Measurements  for  “Kima^  #M05002 


1 MEASURED 

FEBRUARY  03, 2005 

MARCH  09,  2005 

1 Head  circumference 

7.5” 

7.75” 

Base  of  neck  to  base  of  tail 

5” 

7” 

Sa;;?ital  crest  to  tip  of  nose 

.75” 

— 

Left  shoulder  to  3^  di^^it 

6” 

Ri^^ht  shoulder  to  3^^  di^^it 

6” 

>> 

Midriff 

7.125” 

Hip  to  toe 

7” 

__ 

Left  foot 

3” 

-- 

Ri^ht  foot 

3” 

Left  hand 

2.38” 

Ri^ht  hand 

2.38” 

-- 

Tail 

11” 

12” 

Head  to  tail 

-- 

20.25 

Ri^ht  ear 

-* 

1” 

Kima  was  bom  with  teeth  and  at  16  days  old,  1/2  teaspoon  of  rice  cereal  was  added  to  the  formula. 
On  that  same  day,  she  was  given  a shot  of  Ivomec®  {Ivermectin  injectable  lOmg/ml  manufactured  by 
MSD  AgVet)  to  help  with  any  potential  worms  that  she  could  be  susceptible  to.  Since  Kima  did  not 
receive  any  nutrients  or  colostmm  from  her  mom  after  birth,  it  was  thought  that  her  gut  might  not  be 
forming  as  well  as  it  should  be.  Seeding  her  gut  with  fecal  matter  from  the  colobus  troop  would 


Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  VoL  33  No.  8 353 


help  build  up  a strong  flora  of  bacteria  to  help  her  digest  food.  Kima  did  not  like  the  taste  of  this 
mixture  so  it  was  attempted  in  a couple  of  feedings  to  make  sure  that  she  got  some  of  it  since  there 
was  such  a minute  amount  of  feces  added  to  begin  with. 

There  were  many  questions  that  keepers  still  had  about  the  proper  nutrition  and  appropriate  weight 
gain  for  Kima,  so  a local  pediatrician  was  called.  Dr.  Jami  Adams  came  and  reviewed  the  weight 
charts  and  formula  that  Kima  was  receiving.  Kima  was  expelling  burps  with  a strong  odor  and  it 
was  thought  that  this  might  be  caused  by  the  addition  of  the  rice  cereal.  Dr.  Adams  suggested 
slowing  down  the  frequency  that  rice  was  added  to  feedings  and  to  use  regular  tap  water  instead  of 
distilled  to  help  strengthen  Kima’s  immune  system.  The  strong  odor  of  her  burps  was  probably  due 
to  the  bacteria  in  her  stomach  used  to  digest  essential  nutrients  (See  Table  4/Graph  ^2). 

As  she  grew,  she  began  to  get  much  more  active.  She  learned  to  recognize  certain  keepers  when 
they  entered  the  room.  She  seemed  to  respond  well  to  everyone  but  showed  favoritism  to  the  ones 
that  she  went  home  with  at  night. 

Kima  would  also  go  on  “trips”  with 
keepers  around  the  zoo  service  area 
and  to  the  colobus  exhibit.  When  at 
the  colobus  exhibit,  Lydia  and  the  rest 
of  the  troop  didn’t  seem  to  really  pay 
any  attention  to  her  at  first.  However 
the  juvenile  male  showed  a lot  of 
interest  in  her  and  wanted  to  play.  The 
oldest  female  became  very  attentive 
to  her  own  baby  when  she  noticed 
Kima  around.  She  kept  her  distance 
but  was  very  observant.  The  females 
did  vocalize  a little,  but  never  tried  to 
physically  respond  to  Kima. 

Nevertheless,  these  interactions  were 
believed  to  be  beneficial  to  all  of  the 
colobus  for  the  future  reintroduction 
of  Kima. 

At  three  to  four  weeks  old  and  still 
eating  every  4-6  hours,  Kima  began 
to  outgrow  the  incubator.  Plans  were 
made  for  a “howdy”  cage  to  be  built 
next  to  the  colobus  exhibit.  The  cage 
would  also  be  portable  so  it  could  be 
moved  into  the  colobus  holding  area 
when  needed.  Kima  would  eventually 
remain  in  the  cage  during  the  day  but  still  be  taken  home  at  night  with  keepers.  Once  she  was 
reduced  to  only  a couple  bottles  a day,  she  would  then  be  able  to  stay  overnight  at  the  zoo  next  to  the 
colobus  troop.  The  plan  was  that  Kima  would  gradually  be  introduced  to  the  troop  at  around  ten 
months  of  age. 

On  Day  37,  conditions  suddenly  changed  after  a seemingly  normal  day.  She  ate  well  for  her  afternoon 
feeding  and  was  very  bouncy.  However,  in  a 20-minute  time  period  Kima  became  lethargic  and 
nauseated.  She  began  to  vomit  formula  about  every  ten  minutes  for  over  an  hour.  The  vomit 
changed  from  formula  to  sticky,  pink-tinged  viscous  material.  During  this  time,  Kima  remained 
quiet  and  still  with  her  eyes  half-closed.  After  the  first  few  times  of  vomiting,  it  appeared  as  if  she 
wasn’t  even  trying  to  control  herself  Her  condition  continued  to  worsen.  She  then  had  a copious 
amount  of  stool  (normal/mixed  with  diarrhea).  Kima  was  offered  Pedialyte™  to  try  and  keep  her 
hydrated  but  she  was  unresponsive.  She  was  losing  control  of  her  bodily  excretions  and  her  stool 
became  hemorrhagic  within  an  hour  of  initial  vomiting.  Kima  was  taken  to  the  veterinary  clinic  for 
further  observations  and  analysis  of  her  condition. 


At  32  days  of  age  “Kima”  was  beginning 
to  show  pigmentation.  (Photo  by  Denise  Ibarra) 


354  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  8 


Once  at  the  clinic,  Kima  was  evaluated  by  Dr.  Hilton  and  Dr.  Adams.  She  was  still  vomiting  sticky, 
pink-tinged  viscous  mucus  and  occasionally  excreting  hemorrhagic  stools.  She  was  still  very  lethargic 
with  little  to  no  reactions  to  her  surroundings.  Her  temperature  was  a little  cooler  than  99°F  (37.2°C), 
but  within  normal  ranges.  Radiographs  showed  fluid  in  the  lungs  and  air  mainly  in  the  ascending 
intestine  with  very  little  in  the  descending  large  intestine.  The  clinical  diagnosis  was  hemorrhagic 
gastroenteritis  with  the  best  choice  of  action  being  to  keep  her  hydrated  and  monitored  closely. 

Intravenous  fluids  (IV)  where  given  7 ml/hr  at  a rate  of  one  drop  every  6-8  seconds.  Since  her  veins 
were  so  small  and  there  was  a fear  of  her  moving  and  pulling  the  IV,  her  arm  was  stabilized  using  a 
tongue  depressor  and  wrap.  Penicillin  would  be  given  in  muscle  every  12  hours.  After  a long 
discussion,  it  was  decided  that  the  best  thing  to  do  for  Kima  was  to  monitor  her  at  the  keepers’  home 
where  she  would  feel  comfortable  and  not  at  a medical  clinic.  Despite  the  very  best  efforts  of 
everyone  involved,  Kima  died  at  38  days  of  age,  on  09  March  2005,  just  12  hours  after  the  first 
symptoms  were  noted.  A necropsy  was  performed  that  evening  leading  to  interesting  results. 

Because  Kima  was  a primate  and  had  died  so  suddenly,  it  was  difficult  to  find  a pathology  lab  that 
was  willing  to  perform  a necropsy.  Tissue  samples  were  sent  to  Dr.  Linda  Lowenstine  at  the  University 
of  California,  Davis  for  analysis.  Results  of  that  analysis,  determined  the  cause  of  death  was  likely 
toxemia  and  shock  secondary  to  the  bacterial  gastritis  that  was  found.  The  bacteria,  Clostridium 
perfringens  type  A,  was  found  in  her  digestive  tract.  This  organism  is  gas  forming  and  accounted 
for  the  gas  found  in  the  intestines  and  the  bullae  seen  in  the  liver  at  the  time  of  the  necropsy.  The 
disease  caused  by  Clostridium  is  thought  to  be  due  to  the  secretion  of  a variety  of  toxins.  The  portal 
of  entry  to  her  system  is  assumed  to  be  oral  and  contamination  of  food  or  the  environment  is  suspected. 
It  is  possible  that  because  of  the  complexity  of  the  colobine  stomach,  it  is  more  susceptible  to  many 
pathogens  that  are  usually  found  in  the  distal  intestines. 

Many  conclusions  were  developed  as  to  whether  or  not  there  were  any  possible  warning  signs  that 
might  have  been  missed  or  overlooked  and  exactly  how  this  baby  Angolan  Colobus  developed  the 
bacterial  infection.  There  are  many  different  scenarios  that  can  be  adopted  but  the  result  is  the 
same.  The  sad  fact  is  that  there  is  no  definite  answer  to  the  how  and  why  the  situation  occurred  and 
therefore  the  positive  aspects  should  be  focused  upon. 

We  consider  ourselves  to  be  very  fortunate  to  have  had  the  first  recorded  and  successful  cesarean 
section  performed  on  an  Angolan  colobus.  The  mother  is  doing  very  well  and  even  though  she  did 
not  accept  her  baby,  she  adjusted  back  into  the  troop  with  ease  and  will  hopefully  be  able  to  produce 
more  offspring  in  the  future.  A better  understanding  of  baby  Angolan  colobus  has  been  learned  at 
the  Abilene  Zoo.  Hopefully  the  information  gathered  will  provide  a good  reference  for  any  institution 
that  may  have  to  hand-raise  Angolan  colobus  in  the  future. 

References 

Adams,  Dr.  Jami.  Personal  communications.  19  February  2005  and  08  March  2005. 

Gulker,  Ryan  and  Pohl,  Beth.  Executive  Summary  and  Summary  Recommendations  for  Angolan 
Colobus  (Colobus  angolensis)  Species  Survival  Plan®.  AZA  Population  Management 
Center.  Chicago,  Illinois.  10  August  2004. 

Gulker,  Ryan  and  Pohl,  Beth.  Complete  Analysis  and  Breeding  Plan  for  Angolan  Colobus  ( 

(Colobus  angolensis)  Species  Survival  Plan^.  AZA  Population  Management  Center. 
Chicago,  Illinois.  10  August  2004. 

Hilton,  Dr.  Clay.  Personal  communications.  30  January  2005  through  09  March  2005. 

Lowenstine,  Dr.  Linda.  Pathology  Biopsy  Final  Report  #05B  0753.  Veterinary  Medical  Teaching 
Hospital  at  the  University  of  California,  Davis.  March  2005. 

Munn,  Carolyn.  Hand-Rearing  a Colobus  Monkey  (Colobus  guereza).  Audubon  Zoo. 

New  Orleans,  Louisiana. 


Animal  Keepers’ Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  8 355 


Napier,  J.R.  and  P.H.  Napier.  Old  World  Monkeys:  Evolution,  Systematics  and  Behavior. 
New  York:  Academic  Press,  1970. 

“Old  World  Monkeys.”  Encyclopedia  of  Animals.  Barnes  & Noble,  2002  edition. 

Pages  117-120 


Acknowledgements 

We  would  like  to  extend  our  deepest  thanks  and  gratitude  to  all  of  the  people  who  helped  and 
supported  us  with  hand-raising  “Kima”  - All  Staff  at  the  Abilene  Zoo,  Abilene  Regional  Hospital, 
Owen’s  Pharmacy,  Dr.  Clay  Hilton,  Dr.  Jami  Adams,  Dr.  B.  R.  Harrison,  Dr.  Linda  Lowenstine, 
Stephanie  DeGesero,  Kate  Hatton,  James  O’Brien,  Christy  Olson,  Becky  Heatherly,  Claudia  Diltz, 
and  Becky  White. 


Table  *3 

Angolan  Colobus  ‘‘Kima” 
Weight  Analysis 


As® 

(Days) 

Weight 

Comments 

0 

595.34 

1 Ib  5 oz  at  birth 

1 

538.64 

1 lb  3 oz  normal  loss 

2 

566.99 

I lb4 oz 

3 

566.99 

4 

566.99 

1 

5 

566.99 

6 

566.99 

7 

580 

8 

580 

9 

595.34 

10 

595.34 

11 

588 

12 

608 

13 

606 

14 

610 

15 

614 

16 

622 

630 

18 

622 

Monitoriiv?  loss 

19 

627 

20 

628 

21 

642 

22 

666 

23 

NA 

24 

656 

Monitoring  weight  loss 

25 

648 

Monitoring  weight  loss 

26 

652 

27 

678 

28 

680 

29 

688 

30 

686 

31 

NA 

32 

682 

Monitoring  weight  loss 

33 

704 

34 

712 

35 

NA 

36 

716 

1 37 

NA 

1 38 

762 

Postmortem 

Table  H 

Angolan  Colobus  “Kima’’ 
Daily  Consumption 


356  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  8 


Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol  33  No.  8 357 


10  II  12  13  14  15  1 6 1 7 18  1 9 20  21  22  23  24  29  2 6 27  28  29  30  31  32  33  34  35  36  37  38  39  40 

AGE  (Dnys) 


Graph  #2 

Angolan  Colobus  Daily  Liquid  Intake— 

Colobus  Mogolensis 


(DO)  pQuinsuoo  lunoury 


358  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  8 


3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940 

AGE  (Days) 


REACTIONS 

A Question  and  Answer  Forum  for  the 
Zoo  Professional  on  Crisis  Management 


By  William  K.  Baker,  Jr,  Curator 
Panthera  Research,  Maumelle,  AR 


Question 

You  have  discussed  stress  and  fatigue  in  the  workplace  before  and  the  part  it  plays  in  compromising 
safety  in  the  workplace,  would  you  revisit  this  subject? 

Comments 

I often  considered  this  question  in  the  course  of  my  career.  In  a historical  sense,  there  was  always 
the  adage  of  “a  fair  days  wage  for  a full  day  of  work”  that  I heard  from  my  parents  when  I was 
growing  up.  And,  in  retrospect,  I imagine  that  was  true.  But,  I believe  that  both  the  work  dynamic 
and  for  that  matter  the  daily  complexities  of  our  lives  have  changed.  Certainly  that  holds  true  for  the 
wildlife  and  zoological  professions  as  well;  at  least  from  what  I have  personally  observed  for  the 
past  20  years. 

It  seems  that  our  lives  have  become  increasingly  more  complex  in  tenns  of  demands  on  our  time 
and  perhaps  that’s  a function  of  our  society,  when  considering  the  sheer  volume  of  available 
information  and  choices  that  we’re  bombarded  with  every  day.  In  our  electronic  age  of  data  and 
mercantilism,  this  certainly  has  to  play  a part  in  the  increase  of  daily  stressors.  Longer  hours  and 
increasing  responsibilities  in  the  workplace  can  lead  to  increased  stress  on  the  home  front  as  it 
competes  against  family  and  friends,  often  creating  a vicious  circle. 

Many  people  wake  up  in  the  morning  feeling  more  exhausted  than  rested,  and  find  themselves  using 
phrases  such  as  tension,  job  stress,  burnout,  and  office  politics.  As  the  workforce  shrinks,  job- 
related  responsibilities  increase,  and  stress  is  the  predicted  result,  (Kansas  State  University).  Early 
signs  of  stress  in  the  workplace  include  headaches,  irritability,  low  morale,  and  disrupted  sleep, 
(NIOSH).  It’s  also  generally  known  that  stress  can  lead  to  hypertension,  cardiovascular  disease, 
heart  attacks,  and  other  physical  ailments.  Psychological  factors  play  into  this  as  well,  with  an 
estimated  60%  of  work-related  absences  approaching  a cost  of  over  $57  billion  on  a yearly  basis, 
(American  Psychological  Association). 

In  the  United  States  we  call  it  Chronic  Fatigue  Syndrome  (CFS),  in  other  western  countries  it’s 
called  Immune  Dysfunction  Syndrome,  and  in  Japan  it’s  often  called  “Karoshi”,  or  death  from 
overwork.  Symptoms  include  headaches,  sore  lymph  nodes,  weakness,  muscle  and  joint  pains,  and 
inability  to  concentrate.  These  symptoms  can  mimic  the  flu,  but  can  persist  or  recur  for  six  months 
or  more  and  often  occur  after  a high-stress  period  or  illness,  (Lifetime,  2003). 

According  to  the  CFIDS  Association  (Weaver,  2003),  women  are  diagnosed  three  times  more 
frequently  than  men,  and  CFS  strikes  people  between  30  and  50  years  of  age.  But  the  good  news  is 
that  the  sooner  you  are  diagnosed,  the  sooner  treatment  can  be  implemented.  The  greatest  chance 
for  recovery  appears  to  be  when  treatment  is  started  within  the  first  five  years  of  the  illness  according 
to  the  Centers  for  Disease  Control.  However,  since  this  is  a new  area  of  scientific  research,  I would 
recommend  doing  some  on-line  research  on  the  Internet  to  establish  recent  discoveries.  Then  discuss 
with  your  primary  care  physician  what  can  be  done  to  assist  you  in  finding  a solution. 

Sleep  deprivation  and  sleep  disorders  have  become  a leading  area  of  research.  Dr.  William  C.  Dement 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  8 359 


is  the  founder  and  head  of  the  Stanford  University  Sleep  Research  Center  and  has  probably  done 
more  than  anyone  else  to  raise  public  awareness  in  this  area  of  study.  His  position  is  that  sleep  is  at 
least  as  important  to  our  well-being  as  exercise  and  diet,  and  mismanagement  of  sleep  could  pose 
serious  health  risks. 

His  work  indicates  that  an  excessive  loss  of  sleep  or  accumulation  of  a “sleep  debt”  contributes  to  a 
third  of  all  accidents  and  has  been  proven  to  decrease  personal  productivity  and  an  increase  in  a 
tendency  towards  anger.  The  good  news  is  that  a sleep  deficit  can  be  paid  off  in  installments  of  15  to 
30  minutes  a night.  The  key  is  knowing  your  sleep  requirements  and  making  a commitment  to  sleep 
smart.  (Duka,  2001). 

Some  of  Dr.  Dements’  observations  include: 

® Since  work  and  other  commitments  can  be  inflexible,  going  to  bed  earlier  is  a good  practice. 

• As  people  grow  older  their  nightly  sleep  needs  can  decline  by  30  to  60  minutes. 

• If  excitement  or  activity  keeps  you  going  and  you  “power  through”  sleep  periods,  your 
behavior  could  have  repercussions. 

• Short  naps  won’t  lower  a sleep  debt,  but  it  does  rejuvenate  you. 

• Insomnia  is  usually  not  a specific  illness,  but  often  a symptom  of  other  problems  such  as 
stress  or  physical  ailments. 

• Avoid  caffeinated  drinks  in  the  evening  and  eating  close  to  bedtime. 

• Be  sure  your  bedroom  is  quiet,  dark,  and  not  too  warm. 

® Exercise  will  improve  the  quality  of  sleep,  but  avoid  it  prior  to  bedtime. 

• Develop  a nightly  bedtime  time  and  routine  to  promote  relaxation. 

Two  books  are  out  that  address  these  subjects,  “Work  to  Live:  The  Guide  to  Getting  a Life”  by  Joe 
Robinson  and  “The  Promise  of  Sleep”  by  Dr.  William  C.  Dement,  M.D.  and  Christopher  Vaughan. 

A few  closing  thoughts  on  all  of  this.  Everyone  has  some  degree  of  work-related  stressors  and  they 
will  vary  depending  on  job  description  and  facility.  I truly  believe  at  this  point  in  my  career  that  it’s 
imperative  that  you  find  some  middle  ground  between  work  and  home.  It’s  critical  that  you  realize 
that  while  you  love  what  you  do  for  a living  and  all  that  goes  with  the  conservation  profession,  it’s 
important  to  remember  that  this  is  what  we  do  for  a living  and  you  should  have  a life  away  from 
work  that  capitalizes  on  friends,  families,  hobbies,  and  personal  interests. 

Your  work  should  never  overpower  your  personal  life  to  the  point  of  being  destructive  to  you  as  an 
individual.  When  this  occurs  you  tend  to  lose  focus  and  definitely  a degree  of  your  creativity.  I’ll  be 
the  first  to  admit  that  recognizing  when  this  occurs  and  addressing  it  is  definitely  easier  said  then 
done.  But,  the  first  step  in  addressing  a problem  is  identifying  that  it  exists,  then  you  have  taken  the 
first  step  in  the  process.  Remember  to  take  care  of  the  most  important  asset,  yourself  Because  in 
the  end,  you  are  the  only  one  who  ultimately  will. 

My  take  on  all  of  this  is  based  on  experience,  if  you  are  stressed,  fatigued,  or  both,  then  you  and 
your  co-workers  are  at  risk. 

Next  Month:  When  traveling  abroad,  should  I have  any  medical  concerns? 

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//! /fF 

(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.  Away  from  work  he  operates  Panthera  Research,  which  is 
a research  and  consulting  firm.) 


360  Animal  Keepers'  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  8 


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The  Journal  of  the  American 
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September  2006 
Vol.  33,  No.  9 

AKF  Managing  Editor:  Susan  D.  Chan  • Associate  Editors  • Kayla  Grams,  Grand  Junction,  CO;  Mark  de 
Denus,  Reid  Park  Zoo;  Jolene  Hamrick,  Tucson,  AZ  • Enrichment  Options  Coordinators:  Dawn  Neptune, 
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Kingdom  & Kim  Kezer,  Zoo  New  England 
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A AZK  mBLICATIONS.-  COmNUING  MTA  mLLECTION 

Resources  for  Crisis  Management  in  Zoos  & Other  Animal  Care  Facilities,  Vol.  2 - Susan  D.  Chan,  Topeka,  KS; 
William  K.  Baker,  Little  Rock  Zoo,  AR;  Diana  Guerrero,  ArkAnimals,  Big  Bear  Lake,  CA 

o 

printed  on  Recycled  Paper 


Table  of  Contents 


r 


About  the  Cover/Information  for  Contributors., 

Scoops  & Scuttlebutt.... 

Coming  Events 

From  the  AAZK  President 

In  Memory  of  Neal  Duncan,  animal  keeper  extraordinaire 

AAZK  Announces  New  Members.... 

Have  You  Sent  in  Your  E-Mail  Address  Yet?..... 

How  Blue  Rhino®  Helps  Bowling  for  Rhinos 

Enrichment  Options  {Enrichment  for  Amphibians  & Reptiles) 

Book  Reviews  (BSAVA  Manual  ofPsittacine  Birds,  2nd  edition)... 

Turning  A Daily  Routine  into  Conservation  Dollars 

Chapter  News  Notes 

Reactions  Column  (Medical  Concerns  When  Traveling  Abroad)... 

Information  Please  (Bladder  Stones  in  Reticulated  Giraffe).... 

Positive  Reinforcement  Training  for  Biomedical  and 

Reproductive  Management  of  Giant  Panda. 
Using  Training  to  Eliminate  the  Need  for  Chemical  Sedation.... 
Conservation/Legislative  Update 


\ 

362 

.363  - 364 

365 

366 

.368  - 369 

370 

370 

.372  - 373 
.374  - 384 

386 

.387  - 389 

390 

.391  - 393 
393 

.394  - 401 
.402  - 404 
.405  - 408 


30th  Anniversary 
1974  - 2004 


J 


SlBout  tlie  Cover..... 

This  month's  cover  features  a Bighorn  Sheep  fOvis  canadensis)  drawn  by  Elena  Chelysheva,  a former 
Curator  of  Mammals  at  the  Moscos  Zoo  in  Russia.  This  species  inhabits  grassy  mountains,  alpine  meadows 
and  foothill  country  near  rocky  cliffs  that  allow  quick  escape.  In  summer  they  are  found  grazing  at  6,000- 
8,500 feet  in  elevation  and  in  winter  they  descend  to  2,500-5,000 feet  where  snow  is  not  very  deep.  The 
natural  range  of  Bighorn  sheep  is  the  Rocky  Mountains  from  Southern  Canada  to  Colorado.  The  desert 
subspecies  of  Bighorn  sheep  inhabit  the  Sierra  Nevada  Mountain,  California  and  south  Mexico.  Desert 
Bighorn  sheep  are  considered  to  be  good  indicators  of  land  health,  because  they  are  sensitive  to  human- 
induced  environmental  problems.  Desert  Bighorn  sheep  have  two  mechanisms  of  cooling:  perspiring 
and  panting.  They  don ’t  require  drinking  water  when  vegetation  is  available  and  in  summer  may  drink 
once  in  three  days.  The  digestive  system  of  Bighorn  sheep  is  very  complex  and  has  nine  stages  that  allow 
the  sheep  to  maximize  removal  of  nutrients  from  various  foods.  The  males  are  known  for  head-to-head 
combat  which  has  been  observed  to  last  for  longer  than  24  hours.  Horn  size  is  a symbol  of  rank,  and  the 
male 's  horns  can  weigh  as  much  as  30  lbs.  Today  Bighorn  sheep  are  extinct  from  many  states  where  they 
originally  lived.  Thanks,  Elena! 

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Articles  printed  do  not  necessarily  reflect  the  opinions  of  the  AKE  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.  If  an  article  is  shown  to  be  separately  copyrighted  by  the 
author(s),  then  permission  must  be  sought  from  the  author(s).  Reprints  of  material  appearing  in  this  journal 
may  be  ordered  from  the  editor.  Back  issues  are  available  for  $4,00  each.  Special  issues  may  cost  more. 

E-Mail  Addresses:  You  may  reach  Barbara  Manspeaker  at  AAZK  Administrative  Offices  at: 
aazkoffice@zk.kscoxmail.com<  You  may  reach  Susan  Chan  and  Animal  Keepers’  Forum  at: 
akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com< 


AAZK  website  Address:  www.aazk.org 
BFR  Website:  http://aazkbfr.org 


362  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol.  33,  No.  9 


Scoops  & Scuttlebutt 

Marvin  Jones  Memorial  Fund  Established  by  ZRA/ISIS 

The  Zoological  Registrars”  Association  and  ISIS  (International  Species 
Information  Sistem)  have  established  a memorial  fiind  in  memory  of  Marvin 
Jones,  registrar  emeritus,  Zoological  Society  of  San  Diego  who  died  in  April 
Marvin  was  a founding  member  of  ZRA  and  an  avid  collector  of  animal  records 
(see  tribute  in  May  2006  issue  of  AKF),  Marvin’s  contributions  to  ISIS  and  animal  records  have 
helped  the  entire  zoological  community  better  understand  the  animal  populations  we  support  and 
maintain  today.  A contribution  to  the  Marvin  Jones  Memorial  Fund  will  help  build  ZIMS  (Zoological 
Information  Management  System),  the  most  advanced  animal  record  management  system  yet  imagined. 
Donations  to  the  Marvin  Jones  Memorial  Fund  are  being  accepted  at  www.isis.org< 

Study  Endangered  Cats  in  Mexico 

The  Dallas  Zoo  is  currently  accepting  applications  for  its  20th  Wildlife  Research  Expedition  to  the 
Los  Ebanos  Ranch  in  rural  northeastern  Mexico.  From  11-24  November,  a small  group  of  expedition 
participants  will  study  the  behavior  and  ecology  of  small,  endangered  cats  and  birds  of  prey. 

The  Dallas  Zoo’s  Wildlife  Research  Expeditions  offer  paying  volunteers  a chance  to  work  in  the 
field  on  research  projects  or  conservation  programs.  Five  to  seven  individuals  will  be  chosen  to 
participate  in  the  research  study  in  Mexico.  The  participants,  working  with  field  biologists  and 
local  assistants,  will  help  capture  and  radio-collar  ocelots  and  jaguarundis  and  will  aid  in  radio- 
tracking the  cats  to  determine  their  home  ranges,  habitat  use  and  population  densities.  Populations 
of  small  wild  cat  species  have  declined  dramatically  in  the  United  States  and  Mexico  because  of 
human  encroachment  and  loss  of  habitat.  This  research  study  will  help  scientists  develop  a 
conservation  strategy  to  preserve  these  cats  in  the  wild.  A second  element  of  this  Wildlife  Research 
Expedition  will  be  capturing  raptors,  or  birds  of  prey,  to  assess  their  migratory  patterns  and  nesting 
behaviors.  Participants  will  take  data  on  the  birds,  band  them  and  release  them. 

The  study  site  is  the  privately-owned  Los  Ebanos  Ranch  on  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  in  Tamaulipas.  The 
ranch  includes  2,000  acres  of  tropical  deciduous  forest,  500  acres  of  mangrove  forest,  1 ,500  acres  of 
grassland  and  more  than  two  miles  of  undeveloped  beach.  The  ranch  is  also  home  to  many  species 
of  exotic  birds,  including  Amazon  parrots. 

The  trip  will  be  led  by  Sue  Booth-Binczik,  research  technician  at  the  Dallas  Zoo.  The  on-site  project 
leader  is  field  biologist  Arturo  Caso,  who  has  been  studying  endangered  cats  in  Mexico  for  many 
years.  No  experience  is  necessary;  on-site  training  will  be  provided.  Conditions  on  the  ranch  are 
luxurious  for  a field  study!  Participants  will  stay  in  attractive  lakeside  bungalows  with  toilets,  showers 
and  electricity.  The  ranch  cooks  prepare  three  meals  each  day,  and  water  on  the  ranch  is  purified 
well  water. 

The  cost  of  the  trip  is  $1,700,  including  roundtrip  transportation  to  the  study  site  from  Harlingen, 
Texas.  (Participants  must  get  to  Harlingen  on  their  own.)  Some  trip  expenses  are  tax-deductible.  For 
more  information,  contact  Dr.  Booth-Binczik  at  214-671-0777  or  sbooth@mail.ci.dallas.tx.us. 

North  Carolina  ChaptsLSeiiiLNMQi^^ 

The  AAZK  Board  of  Directors  and  the  staff  at  Administrative  Office  would  like  to  thank  all  the 
members  of  the  North  Carolina  AAZKChapter  for  their  recent  donation  of  $200  to  the  Association. 
According  to  the  Chapter’s  wishes,  $100  will  be  put  in  the  AAZK  Endowment  Fund  and  $100  will 
be  used  for  the  General  Operating  budget. 

Support  by  our  Chapters  allow  the  Association  to  move  its  mission  forward  with  programs  on 
conservation  and  continuing  keeper  education.  Thank  you  North  Carolina  AAZK. 


Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  VoL  33  No.  9 363 


Snow  Leopard  Trust  Announces  Special  Offer 
for  AAZK  Members 


Effective  immediately,  the  Snow  Leopard  Trust  is  offering  special  membership  rates  to  all  active 
AAZK  members.  Annual  membership  is  now  offered  to  you  at  the  low  cost  of  $10,  over  70  % off 
the  normal  rate!  The  Snow  Leopard  Trust  is  renowned  for  their  community-based  conservation 
efforts  and  scientific  research. 

Membership  benefits  include  a quarterly  newsletter,  monthly  electronic  newsletter,  membership 
sticker,  and  free  shipping  on  all  on-line  purchases  from  the  Snow  Leopard  Trust  store.  Most 
importantly,  every  dollar  of  membership  fees  goes  directly  to  the  conservation  effort  for  snow 
leopards,  their  prey  species,  and  the  habitats  they  call  home. 

AAZK,  Inc.  is  working  hard  to  increase  the  benefits 
offered  to  its  membership.  This  includes  working 
with  our  conservation  partners  to  provide  special 
offers  and  opportunities  for  all  AAZK  members. 
Continue  to  look  for  new  announcements  in  Animal 
Keepers  Forum,  Insight,  and  www.aazk.org. 

To  take  advantage  of  this  special  offer,  go  to 
www.snowleopard.org,  or  contact  the  Trust  at: 

Snow  Leopard  Trust 
4649  Sunnyside  Ave.  N. 

Suite  325 
Seattle,  WA,  USA 
98103 

(206)632-2421 
info@snowleopard.org 


A Message  from  the  ABC’s  Column  Editor 

I just  want  to  take  a moment  to  thank  the  membership,  Board  and  editorial  staff  of  the  American 
Association  of  Zoo  Keepers  for  the  support  over  the  past  ten  years.  As  you  may  have  noticed,  my 
column  “ABCS:  Animal  Behavior  Concerns  & Solutions”  has  been  noticiably  absent.  Unfortunately, 
due  to  ongoing  commitments  and  personal  tragedies  I’ve  had  to  step  away. 

I am  excited  about  the  “Training  Tales”  column  and  hope  you  will  support  the  Animal  Training  I 
Committee  with  this  exciting  addition.  I will  submit  material  when  appropriate,  and  always  love  to  ; 
answer  training  questions.  I hope  you  will  all  keep  in  touch. 

Thanks! 

Diana  L.  Guerrero 

www.arkanimals.com <http://www.arkanimals.CQm> 
www.dianalguerrero.com <http://www.dianalguen~ero.com> 

Editor  s Note:  Our  sincere  thanks  to  Diana  for  all  the  support  she  has  given  AKF  over  the  past  ten 
years,  and  for  the  time  and  energy  she  put  into  making  the  ABC  s column  a wonderful  resource  for 
zoo  keepers.  We  wish  Diana  the  best  in  ail  her  future  endeavors.  —Susan  D.  Chan,  Editor  AKF 


364  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol  33  No.  9 


Coming  Events 


The  Association  of  Zoo  Veterinary  Technicians  26th 

Annual  Conference  - 8-11  September  2006  at  the 
Toledo  Zoo,  Toledo,  OH.  If  you  would  like  more 
information  please  visit  www.azvt.org  or  contact 
Debbie  Paperd  at  the  Toledo  Zoo  (419)  385-5721  ext. 
2120. 

AZAD  Regional  Conference  # 2 - 15-17  September 
2006  at  Arizona-Sonora  Desert  Museum,  Tucson,  AZ. 
Conference  capacity  is  200  people.  For  info  contact 
Marge  Drugay,  mdrugay@.msn.com  or  see 
www.desertmuseum.org/azad 

,33^'^AAZK  National  Conference  - 15-20  September 
2006.  Hosted  by  the  Lincoln  Park  Zoo  AAZK  Chapter 
and  the  Lincoln  Park  Zoo,  Chicago,  IL.  See 
information  at  their  website  www. aazk2006 . org< 

Animal  Training  Seminar  - 1 8-22  September,  2006 
at  Shedd  Aquarium,  Chicago,  IL.  Five-day  seminar  on 
training  techniques  with  Ken  Ramirez.  For  more 
information  and  questions,  contact  Renee  Birk  at 
rbirk@sheddaquarium.org  or  call  (312)  692-3328. 

AAZV  Annual  Conference  20-24  September  2006  in 
Tampa,  FL.  For  further  informatin  please  visit  http:// 
www.aazv.Qrg 

AZA  Annual  Conference  - 25-30  September  2006. 
Hosted  by  Busch  Gardens,  Florida  Aquarium,  & Lowry 
Park  Zoo,  Tampa,  FL.  See  information  at  their  website 
http://www.aza.0rg/C0nfW0rk/Ab0utAnnualC0nf/#fut 

The  23rd  EAZA  Annual  Conference  - 3 - 7 October 
2006  Hosted  by  Zoo  Aquarium  Madrid,  Spain.  See 
http://www.eaza.net/  For  further  information:  Corinne 

Managing  Animal  Enrichment  and  Training  - 7-13 
October,  2006  in  Portland,  OR.  For  more  information 
visit  http://www.aza.org/prodev/  or  email  AZATraining 
@aza.org,  or  call  Geri  Noland  at  (301)  562-0777  ext. 
238. 

The  18th  IZE  Conference  2006  - 9 - 14  October  2006 
Hosted  by  The  National  Zoological  Gardens  of  South 
Africa,  Pretoria,  South  Africa.  For  more  information, 
please  visit  http://www.izea.net 

27*'’  Elephant  Managers  Association  Conference  - 

15-18  October  2006, in  Albuquerque,  NM.  Hosted  by 
the  Albuquerque  Biological  Park.  Pre-conference  trips 
are  to  the  International  Balloon  Fiesta,  14-15  Oct;  post- 
conference trip  to  Santa  Fe  and  up  the  tram  to  the  crest 
of  the  Sandia  Mountains.  For  more  information  see 
www.elephant-managers.com  , or  call  Lynn  Tupa  at 
505-764-6216  or  Gwen  Dragoo  at  505-764-6264. 

Ith  Annual  Animal  Behavior  Management  Alliance 

(ABMAl  Conference  - 14-21  January  2007. 
Conference  at  Sea:  “Inspiring  Conservation  through 


Behavior  Management”,  . The  Cruise  ship  “Victory” 
sails  from  Miami,  FL  to  Mexico,  Cayman  Islands,  and 
Jamaica.  All  Inclusive  Registration  rate  includes  the 
cruise,  all  conference  costs,  international  site  visits, 
meals,  room,  and  all  taxes  and  port  fees.  Conference 
programming  includes:  Three  keynote  speakers  sharing 
international  conservation  work  with  multiple  species, 
formal  presentations,  seven  workshops,  panel 
discussions,  a poster  session,  and  site  visits  to  animal 
facilities.  All  conference  details,  abstract  submission 
forms,  and  registration  information  are  available  at 
www.theabma.org <http://www.theabma.org/>  Please 
contact  Michelle  Farmerie  @412-365-2385  or  Nicole 
Begley  @412-323-7235  ext.  216  for  more  information 
about  the  conference. 

Zoos  and  Aquariums  ..Committing  to.  .CQiiseryatiQa 

26-31  January  2007  - Hosted  by  the  Houston  Zoo, 
Houston,  TX.  ZACC  is  a bi-annual  event  that 
promotes  the  role  of  zoos  and  aquariums  in  supporting 
conservation  activities  worldwide,  both  at  their 
institutions  and  in  the  field.  Registration  and  more 
information  is  now  available  online  at  http:// 
www.houstonzoo.org/ZACC,  you  may  contact 
zacc@hQustQnzoQ.Qrg  or  phone  713-533-6745. 

The  15th  Annual  lAATE  Conference  - “Where 

Inspiration  Takes  Flight’!-  7-10  February  2007  - hosted 
by  Point  Defiance  Zoo  & Aquarium  in  Tacoma, 
Washington.  International  Association  of  Avian  Trainers 
and  Educators  Call  for  Papers  & Posters:  Topics  can 
include  any  of  the  following:  avian  behavior,  training, 
husbandry,  strides  in  veterinary  care  as  well  as  show 
presentation,  production  and  educational  content.  Send 
informative  and  complete  abstracts  to 
CMa924@aol.com  <mailto:CMa924@aol.com  by  10 
October  2006.  The  abstract  format  should  be  as  follows: 
Paper  or  poster  title,  author(s),  the  affiliation  of  each 
author,  and  the  text.  Font  style:  Regular,  Times,  12pt 
font  size.  Paragraph  style:  Left  alignment,  single  spaced. 
Margins:  1.25'  margins  left  and  right,  T margins  top 
and  bottom. 

International  Conference  on  Environmental 

Enrichment  - 5-10  August  2007.  Hosted  by 
Schonbrunn  Zoo,  Vienna,  Austria. 

BIERZS  The  Symposium  2007;  Bear  Information 

Exchange  for  Rehabilitators,  Zoos  and  Sanctuaries 

Location:U.S.A.  TBA  Dates:Fall  2007  - A group  of 
bearkeepers/caregivers  from  zoos,  sanctuaries  and 
rehabilitators  are  planning  a bear  husbandry 
symposium.  This  will  be  an  opportunity  for  caregivers 
to  learn  from  and  exchange  ideas.  Information  updates 
will  be  posted  on  www.bearkeepers.net 


Post  Your  Coming  Events  Here 
email  to:  akfeditor@zk.kscoxmaiLcom 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol  33  No.  9 365 


AMERICAN 

ASSOCIATION 


f~ Pom  tke  President 

Hi  one  and  all.  Hopefully  this  finds  you  making  it  through  the 
summer  and  into  fall.  In  Phoenix  we  are  on  the  down  side  of  the 
heat,  only  a month  and  half  to  go.  In  just  a few  short  days  many  of 
us  will  be  gathering  in  Chicago  for  the  national  conference.  It’s 
going  to  be  great  fun.  I’m  looking  forward  to  renewing  many  ties 
while  I’m  there. 


of  ZOO  KEEPERS 


This  is  also  the  time  of  the  year  when  the  Board  starts  to  look  even 
more  closely  at  the  financial  situation  of  the  Association.  The  last 
quarter  of  the  year  is  typically  a tough  one  for  us.  But  did  you  know  that  you  can  help  AAZK  simply 
by  shopping  online?  AAZK  participates  in  several  programs  that  earn  us  money  and  all  you  have  to 
do  is  shop  online.  I’m  sure  many  of  you  already  do.  The  programs  we  participate  in  are:  IGive.com, 
Shop  for  Charity  Day,  and  Amazon.com.  For  IGive.com  and  Shop  for  Charity  Day  you  create  an 
account  and  enter  the  stores  through  their  respective  web  sites.  For  Amazon  you  click  on  the  link 
from  the  AAZK  home  page  (www.aazk.org).  You  will  need  to  access  the  programs  in  the  above 
manner  or  AAZK  will  not  get  credit  for  your  purchases.  If  you’re  thinking  that  these  are  obscure 
stores  you’ll  be  shopping  in  you’d  be  wrong.  There  are  many  big  name  stores  that  participate  in 
these  programs  including  Circuit  City,  Target.com,  eBags,  etc. 


How  does  this  earn  AAZK  money?  Well,  for  every  purchase  you  make  AAZK  receives  a percentage 
of  the  sale  price  of  those  items.  It’s  called  passive  income  and  it  can  add  up.  We  have  over  2700 
members  in  this  Association.  Imagine  if  only  1 0%  shopped  online  but  AAZK  received  a percentage 
of  each  sale.  There’s  a lot  of  potential  passive  income  there.  Will  this  get  us  out  of  our  financial 
downslide?  No,  but  it  can  make  a difference  between  funding  some  items  or  not  funding  something. 
So  please  consider  taking  part  in  one  of  the  passive  income  sites.  Remember  you  will  need  to  access 
the  sites  correctly  for  AAZK  to  get  credit.  A simple  way  to  ensure  that  you  do  that  is  to  make 
AAZK.org  your  home  page  so  that  when  you  start  your  browser  you’re  already  on  AAZK  home 
page  and  then  you  can  access  the  sites  via  the  links  on  the  home  page.  Happy  shopping  and  thank 
you!  Take  care  and  be  safe. 


a 


c 


Denise  C.  Wagner 
President,  AAZK  Inc. 


Reminder  on  Job  Listings 

A reminder  that  we  will  no  longer  be  publishing  job  listings  under  Opportunity  Knocks  in  Animal 
Keepers  ’Forum.  We  encourage  you  to  go  to  the  AAZK  website  to  see  the  most  current  postings 
for  keeper  positions  and  internships.  Visit  the  website  at  www.aazk.org  and  click  on  Job  Listings 
from  the  menu  bar  at  the  left  on  the  Home  Page.  Institutions  are  now  able  to  register  on  the  site 
and  post  their  own  positions  as  they  become  available.  This  will  hopefully  allow  for  a more 
immediate  and  up-to-date  listings  of  job  openings  for  you  to  consider  when  seeking  employment 
opportunities. 


366  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  9 


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 


Animal  Keepers  'Forum,  Vol  33  No.  9 367 


In  Memory  of  Neal  Duncan,  animal  keeper  extraordinaire 

On  19  June,  2006,  we  lost  an  amazing  colleague  and  a dear  friend.  Neal  Duncan  passed  away  from 
a heart  attack  at  the  untimely  age  of  48.  He  was  a zoo  keeper  first  at  Los  Angeles  Zoo  for  four  years 
and  then  at  Woodland  Park  Zoo  in  Seattle  for  almost  16  years.  He  was  currently  working  at  Seattle 
Animal  Control.  We  will  never  forget  Neal’s  kindness  and  dedication  and  want  to  remember  him 
with  the  following  stories. 


I would  hope  that  his  family  would  learn  of  the  lasting  impressions  and  work  Neal  left  at  the  LA 
Zoo.  Certainly  some  of  the  animals  with  whom  he  worked  during  his  tenure  here  are  still  on  grounds — 
two  of  the  camels  that  he  halter  broke,  Camille  and  China,  and  a few  of  the  Arabian  oryx  females — 
memorable  because  he  went  into  the  exhibit  with  the  very  defensive  new  mothers  to  pick  up  their 
offspring  for  ear  notching.  He  approached  animal  keeping  with  exuberance  and  strength.  No  one 
since  has  caught  and  restrained  adult  male  bighorn  sheep  in  their  prime  for  hoof  trims — single 
handed.  If  an  exhibit  needed  renovation — Neal  found  the 
stumps  and  limbs  and  plants  and  hauled  them  in.  Neal’s  trees 
have  grown  and  thrived  in  those  yards  over  the  succeeding 
years,  and  the  tumbled  limb  sight  barriers  remain.  His  day 
was  as  long  as  was  needed  to  make  things  right  for  the  zoo 
and  the  animals  and  he  didn’t  leave  a job  until  it  was  done  to 
his  satisfaction.  Orangutan  infants  for  whom  he  made 
suspended  perching  in  the  nursery  window  that  would  move 
with  them — a prototype  that  now  is  routinely  replicated,  have 
offspring  of  their  own.  And  his  tool  box  is  still  in  use  on 
grounds  - truly  an  animal  keeper’s  treasure  chest  of  implements 
to  be  used  in  emergencies  and  for  projects.  The  crowbar  was 
the  best  - it  has  been  invaluable  over  the  years.  He  was  a good 
teacher  and  he  has  left  a legacy  through  the  keepers  with  whom 
he  worked.  For  those  of  us  who  worked  with  and  laughed  with 
and  were  amazed  by  Neal,  we  know  where  he  is  to  be  found  - 
at  the  zoo.  More  remarkable  is  where  his  legacy  is  found  in 
those  who  do  not  know  where  a process  or  design  originated, 
but  it  continues  to  be  used  because  it  works  and  it  is  practical 
and  it  remains  on  the  string — all  of  the  years  after  Neal  has 
moved  on.  Amazing  work,  great  personality — I was  fortunate 
to  have  been  his  colleague. 

~ Fran  Woods,  Senior  Keeper 

Another  story:  If  Neal  was  running  behind  in  the  course  of 
the  day  and  had  not  finished  raking  his  exhibits  by  the  time  it 
was  dark,  he  would  take  the  section  truck,  shine  the  truck  lights 
into  the  exhibit  and  finish  cleaning  by  the  lights  of  the  truck. 
Anyone  else  would  have  just  left  it  for  the  next  day. 

Everyone  at  the  Los  Angeles  Zoo  loved  Neal  - he  could  do 
anything,  would  help  anyone  at  anytime  and  always  was  fun 
and  easy-going.  We  missed  his  presence  when  he  left  for 
Woodland  Park  and  now  we’ll  miss  him  even  more  knowing 
he’s  gone  for  good!! 

~ Kim  Brinkley,  Zoo  Keeper 

I remember  helping  with  Neal  and  his  warthog  piglets.  Neal 
had  worked  for  months  to  establish  the  right  environment  and 
diet  to  encourage  the  warthogs  to  reproduce.  He  was  very  proud 
and  rightly  so  because  it  was  quite  a rare  achievement.  They 
were  exceptional  babies,  cute,  as  all  babies  are,  but  displaying 


368  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol.  S3  No.  9 


many  of  the  characteristics  of  their  not-so-lovely  parents.  I remember  standing  around  for  a long 
time  after  the  vaccination  session  just  talking  about  how  great  the  babies  were.  It  was  due  to  Neal’s 
dedication,  attention  to  detail  and  animal  intuition  that  those  babies  existed  at  all. 

~ Kathie  Alonso,  formerly  of  the  Los  Angeles  Zoo  veterinary  department 

Memories  from  the  Woodland  Park  Zoo 

Neal  was  a mentor  and  a friend  for  me.  Every  time  we  discussed  a patient,  I learned  something 
about  that  animal  and  how  to  help  take  care  of  it.  When  I asked  for  a favor  or  had  a question,  he 
would  always  make  himself  available  to  help  or  teach. 

What  I found  most  enjoyable  was  how  much  Neal  loved  to  build  stuff  for  the  animals.  Every  trip  to 
the  hardware  store  meant  an  animal  was  gettin’  something  special.  Once  we  had  a full-size  male 

iguana  in  the  hospital  for  bone  issues. 
Part  of  its  treatment  included  time 
outside  in  the  sun.  Neal  built  a special 
cage  with  wheels  so  this  iguana  could 
take  full  advantage  of  the  best  sun 
spots  as  well  as  have  the  appropriate 
shade  so  it  did  not  get  too  warm.  Neal 
would  wheel  the  iguana  and  the  cage 
with  the  sun.  I started  calling  the 
iguana  Elvis  because  Neal  was 
treating  it  like  the  king  on  a throne. 

It  was  an  honor  to  have  worked  with 
Neal.  It’s  hard  to  say  who  was  more 
lucky  to  have  Neal  around-the 
animals  or  us. 

~ Jane  Belovarac,  veterinary  technician 


I just  wanted  to  tell  you  how  much  I 
appreciated  your  husband  Neal.  It  was  very  obvious  how  much  he  loved  animals  by  the  way  he  set 
up  the  quarantined  animals.  For  each  new  occupant,  he  built  as  close  a replica  of  their  native 
homeland  as  he  could  out  of  a plain  cell.  The  place  was  spotless,  organized  and  quiet.  I was  very 
impressed  with  how  kind  he  was,  and  it  comforted  me  to  know  that  new  animals  that  were  stressed 
out  would  be  in  his  gentle  care.  I found  out  later  he  was  known  for  his  exquisite  care  of  the  animals, 
and  had  won  several  national  awards  for  zoo  keeping. 


photo  by  Karen  Anderson 


~ Joanie  Schiess,  administrative  specialist 
Neal  could  turn  anything  into  gold.  I will  miss  him  dearly. 

~ Celwyn,  education  animal  keeper 
Neal  was  a gift.  He  was  always  doing  something  for  someone. 

I was  delighted  to  learn  that  he  loved  musicals  and  would  catch  him  singing  every  once  in  awhile. 
He  gave  the  crew  hours  of  laughter  creating  new  songs  about  our  work  from  the  show  tunes  he 
loved.  “When  you’re  a Jet”  became,  “when  you’re  a vet...”  Peace  to  you.  Dear  Neal. 

~ Harmony  Frazier,  veterinary  technician 


Edited/submitted  by  Rana  Bayrakci,  Keeper,  Woodland  Park  Zoo 


Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol  33  No.  9 369 


Have  You  Sent  AO  Your  AAZK  Announces 

E-mail  Address  Yet?  New  Members 


In  order  to  better  communicate  with  our  members, 
and  also  save  the  Association  the  rising  costs  of 
mailings/postage,  we  are  working  to  establish  an 
AAZK  member  e-mail  database.  With  such  a 
database  we  would  be  able  to  send  out  electronic 
membership  renewal  notices,  information  about 
upcoming  conferences,  and  other  Association 
news.  In  order  to  make  this  work,  we  need  your 
help. 


Please  send  an  e-mail  to  Barbara  Manspeaker  at 
aazkoffice@zk.kscoxmail.com  with  the  words 
“AAZK  Email  Database”  in  the  subject  line. 
Please  be  assured  that  your  e-mail  address  will 
not  be  shared  with  any  other  group  or  individual 
without  your  express  permission.  We  are  simply 
looking  for  ways  to  stay  in  touch  with  you  as  a 
member  and  to  also  help  cut  the  costs  of  mailings 
and  postage  for  the  organization.  Thanks  in 
advance  for  helping  us  achieve  this  cost-cutting 
goal. 


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Lisa  Balabanow,  Jenkinson’s  Aquarium  (NJ); 
Ashley  M.  West,  no  zoo  listed  (Silver  Spring, 
MD);  Anna  Kopaniasz,  North  Carolina  Zoo 
(NC);  Jennifer  LeBeau,  no  zoo  listed  (Orlando, 
FL);  Eleanor  Ray,  Palm  Beach  Zoo  (FL);  Erin 
Muldoon,  Nashvile  Zoo  (TN);  Karen  Begin,  no 
zoo  listed  (Nashvile,  TN);  Hollie  Huss,  Great 
Plains  Zoo  (SD);  Thomas  Heitz,  Topeka 
Zoological  Park  (KS);  Holly  Reinders,  Henry 
Doorly  Zoo  (NE);  Rachel  Hyman,  Houston  Zoo 
(TX);  Rebecca  Litz,  Jeanette  Tisdale-Rowe,  Bob 
Keesecker,  Debra  Bastin,  Tracey  McNamara, 
Mark  A.  Echevarria,  John  Register,  Amy  Rector 
and  Danyelle  Benza,  The  Phoenix  Zoo  (AZ); 
Thomas  O’Toole,  Las  Vegas  Springs  Preserve 
(NV);  Dianne  Cameron,  Los  Angeles  Zoo  (CA); 
Debbie  Marlow,  San  Diego  Wild  Animal  Park 
(CA);  Monica  Valdez,  P.A.W.S.  (CA);  Karrie 
Kolodzie,  Folsom  City  Zoo  (CA);  and  Amy 
Davis,  Woodland  Park  Zoo  (WA). 


Renewing  Contributing  Members 

Jason  Peterson 
Utah’s  Hogle  Zoo 
Salt  Lake  City,  UT 


Renewing  Institutional  Members 


Premium  Nutritional  Products 
Mission,  KS 

David  R.  Morris,  President 


Little  Rock  Zoo 
Little  Rock,  AR 
Michael  E.  Blakley,  Director 


370  Animal  Keepers'  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  9 


or  call  1-800~EE7-8941  for  the 
location  of  yotir  nearest  dealer. 
Becaxtse  when  it  comes  to  great 
nutrition,  we’re  committed  to 
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every  animal. 


Working  in  partnership  with  zoos 
and  aquaritims,  HAZURr  PhD 
nutritionists  develop  industry 
leading  products  specifically  for 
each  species.  From  aardvarks 
to  zebras,  we  work  hard  to  give 
your  animals  the  most  of  what 
they  need. 

For  more  information  on 
MAZURF  products-including 
nutritional  analyses  and  research 
findings-visit  www.mazuri.com 


Tlie  Isoric  Animal  Feeding  Resource 


www.mazuri.com 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  9 371 


• The  National  Sponsor  for  Bowling  for  Rhinos 


• Provides  a sizeable  financial  donation  each  year  PLUS  promotional  support 


• “AAZK’s  BFR  Sponsored  by  Blue  Rhino®”  is  the  official  name 
and  should  be  used  whenever  mentioning  BFR 


How  Blue  Rhino®  Helps 
Bowling  for  Rhinos 


Blue  Rhino®  helps  with  promoting 
events  by: 

• Working  with  BFR  coordinators  to 
maximize  effectiveness  of  PR  efforts 

• Supplying  events  with  Blue  Rhino® 
materials  ($3  coupons  for  bowlers, 
banners,  balloons,  signage,  samples,  etc.) 

• Using  zookeepers’  personal  experiences 
and  stories  to  pitch  local  media 

• Leveraging,  national  scope  of  the  events 
to  pitch  national  publications 

• Involving  local  Blue  Rhino®  offices 
with  local  BFR  events 

• Promoting  Rhino  Conservation  on  its 
Website,  Signs  at  40,000  Stores  and  on 
15  Million  Propane  Tanke  Every  Yerar! 


TargelmMm: 

• Local  newspapers  - feature-,  lifestyle-,  calendar/events  editors 

• Local  radio  stations  - public  service  announcements,  interviews 

• Local  television  stations  ~ pitch  as  good  kicker  stories 

• National  publications  - environment, conservation,  animal,  bowling,  in-flights 

Media  coverage  to  date  for  2006:  2,061.975  consumers  read  about  Bowling  for  Rhinos! 


372  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol  33  No.  9 


How  You  Can  Help 


• Prmote  Blue  rhino  - Give  them  credit  for  helping  rhinos  - 
Use  logo  on  BFR  materials,  etc. 

• Give  Blue  Rhino  the  date  of  events  as  far  ahead  as  possible 
- to  be  able  to  reach  out  to  local  media  and  get  local  Blue 
Rhino  distributors  involved. 

• Share  personal  stories  that  zookeepers  might  have  about 
rhinos  in  the  zoos  or  about  their  trips  to  the  Lewa  Wildlife 

Conservancy,  etc. 

If  you  need  help  with  anything  PR-related  or  have  interesting  personal  stories  and  information 
to  share,  please  contact  Blue  Rhino’s  PR  Agency: 

Sam  Niburg 
Quixote  Group 
sniburg@quixotegroup.com 
336-554-2426 

Remember,  every  penny  counts  toward  saving  rhinos  worldwide! 

Questions? 

Contact  National  BFR  Coordinator  Patty  Pearthree 
Call  (919)  678-0449 
Email  - ppear3@pear3.org 
BFR  website:  http://aazkbfr.Qrg 


Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol  33  No.  9 373 


EO  Editors  - Dawn  Neptune,  Utah  s Hogle  Zoo 
and  Rachel  Daneault,  Disney  s Animal  Kingdom 


Environmental  Enrichment  for  Amphibians  and  Reptiles 

A report  on  the  Reptile  Enrichment  Workshop  held  at  the  2004  Annual  Conference 
of  the  Australasian  Society  of  Zoo  Keeping  (ASZK).  It  is  reprinted  here  with  the 
permission  of  ASZK , the  authors  and  the  journal  Thylacinus  where  it  was 
first  published  in  Vol.  28,  No.  3 in  2004 


Abstract 

Can  reptiles  and  amphibians  in  captivity  be  enriched  and  does  it  enhance  their  well-being?  Many 
would  argue  that  enrichment  efforts  are  better  spent  on  other  taxa  and  that  good  husbandry  and  a 
varied  diet  is  all  that  is  necessary.  A flexibility  of  approach  and  an  understanding  of  how  the  basic 
needs  of  reptiles  - heat,  light,  food,  water,  substrate  and  furniture  - can  be  manipulated  to  provide  a 
more  stimulating  environment  will  be  explored  in  this  workshop.  It  will  also  provide  practical 
experience  in  observation  and  implementatin  techniques. 

Introduction 

The  requirements  of  captive  amphibians  and  reptilesd  will  be  reviewed  in  three  areas: 

1 . physical  characteristics  of  the  captive  environment 

2.  contact  with  conspecifics 

3.  interaction  with  other  species 

The  opportunities  for  enrichment  in  different  aspects  of  a captive  environment,  to  improve  the  well- 
being of  reptiles  and  amphibians  will  be  discussed. 

1.  Physical  Characteristics  of  the  Captive  Enriconment 
Space: 

• Enclosure  size,  the  animals  must  not  be  restricted  in  movement,  either  for  basic  locomotion 
or  rapid  movements.  A too  small  enclosure  affects  the  condition  of  reptiles  causing  overgrown  claws 
and  collision.  Different  taxa  and  species  will  have  different  minimum  space  requirements. 

• Spatial  familiarity,  the  least  recognized  asp[ect  of  space.  An  enclosure  very  quickly  becomes 
familiar  to  the  occupants.  Moving  placement  of  furniture,  waterbowls,  etc.  causes  more  investigatory 
behavior  (like  tongue  flicking). 

Temperature: 

• A fundamental  feature  of  the  captive  environments  for  reptiles  can  be  manipulated  to 
improve  welfare  and  increase  activity. 

• Variation  and  gradients  of  temperature  in  an  enclosure  are  important  to  provide  choice; 
impossible  to  provide  if  the  space  is  too  small. 


374  Animal  Keepers  'Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  9 


• The  use  of  stationary  substrate  heat  sources  has  been  criticized  as  it  does  not  promote 
normal  movement  because  the  continuous  bottom  heat  will  keep  a location  warm  constantly,  whereas 
in  the  wild  the  sun  heat  would  move  after  awhile. 

• Multiple  substrate  heating  sources  on  timers  that  are  switched  on  and  off  on  a regular 
basis  provide  more  variation. 

• Seasonal  variations  of  temperature  for  hibernation  can  lead  to  an  increase  in  breeding 

success. 

• Exhibits  can  be  designed  to  use  the  seasonal  changes  in  the  angle  of  the  sun. 

• Manipulation  of  incubation  temperaturtes. 

Light:  Another  key  variable  that  can  interact  with  temperature  in  inducing  selected  behaviors.  In 
outdoor  enclosures  captive  can  experience  light  regimes  relatively  similar  to  the  wild.  For  indoor 
enclosures  captives  are  exposed  to  a light  rewgime  that  may  include  some  ambient  light,  often  with 
selected  wavelengths  attenuated,  as  well  as  artificial  light  of  selected  wavelengths.  Attempts  for 
enrichment  should  focus  on: 

" daily  and  seasonal  variation 

- long  range  UV  light 

- taxon-specific  light  quality  and  photoperiod  needs 


Water: 

- A diversity  of  water  sources 

- Water  quality,  water  may  need  to  be  frequently  changes  because  of  aquatic  feedings  (any 
uneaten  food  will  rot),  quatic  defecation  or  urination  and  shedding  if  skin. 

- The  manner  in  which  water  is  presented  can  be  as  important  as  the  quality.  Some  species 
will  lap  water  droplets  from  vegetation  and  will  never  take  water  from  a large  source,  so 
water  must  be  misted  or  sprayed  on  surfaces  of  vegetation. 

- Some  species  have  life  stages  that  live  mostly  or  completely  in  water. 

- Some  species  can  detect  prey  only  in  water. 

- Olfaction:  the  use  of  chemical  clues  have  the  potential  to  alter  behavior  in  aquatic  captives 
from  foraging  activities  to  social  interactions  through  the  use  of  selectively  inoculated  water 
sources. 

- Auditory:  aqueous  environmemts  carry  sound  more  effectively  than  terrestrial  environments. 
Opportunities  may  exist  to  manipulate  the  social  environment  of  animals  that  hear  underwater. 

2.  Contact  with  Conspedfics 

Traditionally,  housing  of  single  species  and  singl  specimens,  rather  than  multi-animal  or  multi-species 
groups,  has  been  favoredbecause  of  the  risk  of  injury  of  death  from  aggression  or  predation.  Captive 
encironments  differ  from  those  in  the  wld  in  that  spatial  constraints  frequently  increase  population 
densities.  In  the  wild,  density  is  dependent  on  the  social  organization  of  the  species,  which  in  herptfauna 
varies  from  well  defined  territories  (many  lizards)  to  a total  lack  of  any  resource  defense  behavor 
(many  frogs). 

Two  social  groupings  put  captive  amphibians  and  reptiles  at  igh  risk: 

1)  housing  with  aggressively  territorial  conspecifics 

2)  housing  significantly  different  sized  animals  together  inthe  same  enclosure 

Without  opportunity  to  escape,  subordinate  individuals  in  both  categories  risk  immediate  or  protracted 
death.  Cannibalism  may  be  a density-dependent  regulatory  mechanism  in  the  wild,  but  may  become 
an  ethical  question  in  captivity. 

Keeping  animals  in  high  density  in  captivity  can  also  result  in  1)  establishing  of  dominance  hierarhies; 
2)  sub-optimal  access  to  resources;  and  3)  lack  of  breeding. 


Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  9 375 


Olfactory  saturation  can  readily  occur  in  small  enclosures  which  makes  it  difficult  for  animals  to: 

- pick  up  reproductive  cues 

- the  olfactory  avoidance  of  adults  by  juveniles 

Keeping  animals  in  isolation  also  poses  problems.  In  some  species  contact  with  con-specifics  is 
important  for  species  and  kin  recpognition.  This  is  especially  important  for  animals  in  repatriation 
programs. 

3.  Interaction  with  Other  Species 

In  the  wild,  amphibians  and  reptiles  are  continuously  exposed  to  a habitat  of  high  complexity  with 
diverse  auditory,  gustatory,  olfactory,  visual,  and  perhaps  other  unrecognized  stimuli  from  animals 
that  share  their  habitat.  There  are  many  ways  in  which  such  stimuli  might  contribute  to  the  well-being 
of  captive  animals. 

Two  key  classes  of  interaction  withother  organisms  include: 

Prey  Organisms  for  Captive  Herpetofauna  - 

® There  is  a lack  of  variety  of  live  prey  commercially  available  in  captivity  is  an  issue 

• Often  fed  on  a regular  rather  than  an  opportunistic  schedule.  Scheduling  of  feeding  can  be 
modified  to  increase  variability. 

• Use  insect  attracting  devices 

• Olfactory  tracking  of  prey.  Novel  enrichment  methods  simulate/address  the  prey- 
stimulating  stimuli,  requires  knowledge  of  a the  sensaory  abilities  of  the  species,  and  can  be 
as  enriching  as  providing  the  prey  itself 

• Use  of  alternative  diets 

• Prey  recognition  - particularly  important  for  reptiles  being  repatriated. 

Determining  the  most  desirable  form  of  enrichment  requires  experimental  examination  of  the  frequency 
and  sequence  of  presentation. 

Be  aware  of  the  hazards:  Living  prey  can  pose  risk  to  captive  amphibians  and  reptiles,  they  can  be 
injured,  maimed,  or  even  killed  by  the  prey  species/organism. 

Ethical  Considerations:  There  are  laws  that  govern  what  can  be  fed  as  live  prey  and  it  may  be  considered 
unacceptable  to  visitors. 

Preadtor  Experience  for  Captive  Herpetofauna  - 

Captive  encironments  lack  predators.  However,  total  isolation  of  predator-associated  stimuli  can  be  a 
cause  of  lethargy  and  also  causes  stress.  There  are  numerous  ways  to  provide  stimuli  that  simulates 
the  presence  of  a predator: 

• Adding  feces  or  shed  skin  of  a predator  or  rubbing  the  extract  of  predators’  scent  onm  parts 
of  the  enclosure. 

• Using  mobile  shadow  models  that  stimulate  visually  the  presence  of  a predator,  e.g.  bird 
of  prey  mobile. 

• Placing  the  predator  in  an  adjacent  enclosure  to  allow  visual  or  olfactory  contact. 

Preadtor  recognition  and  development  of  an  appropriate  response  is  also  particularly  important  for 
reptiles  being  released  back  into  the  wild. 


376  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol  33  No.  9 


Results 

At  the  ASZK  Conference  Workshop,  four  different  enrichments  were  tried  with  reptile  exhibits  at  the 
Reptile  Park: 

1 . Flowering  hibiscus  branches  hung  in  exhibit  of  rhinoceros  iguana  (Cyclura  cornuta) 

2.  Passive  insect  feeder  made  from  hollowed  out  gourd  and  filed  with  crickets  in  bearded  1 
lizard  {Pogona  vitticeps  ) exhibit 

3.  Freshly  killed  rat  placed  under  a plastic  container  in  lace  monitor  ( Varanus  varius)  exhibit 
A.  Snake  shed  from  a brown  snake  {Demansia  textilis)  placed  in  the  enclosures  of  three 
juvenile  lizard  groups  - blue-tongue  skinks  {Tiliqua  scincoides),  Cunningham  skinks  {Egernia 
cunninghami),  and  Jacky  dragons  {Amphibolurus  Muricatus) 

With  the  first  enrichment  (the  hibiscus  with  the  iguana),  a short  format  evaluation  was  done  with 
some  workshop  participants  using  the  datasheet  (see  Appendix  1)  to  record  data  for  15  minutes  pre- 
and  post-enrichment,  the  results  given  are  the  means  of  the  four  observers’  results. 

Reactions  to  this  and  other  enrichments  are  presented  in  Table  1 . 

All  enrichments  were  discussed  and  considered  successful,  or  potentially  successful,  by  workshop 
participants,  with  the  reaction  to  the  snake  shed  being  the  most  exciting.  There  was  enthusiasm  in  the 
group  after  the  workshop  and  plans  to  try  some  of  the  ideas  in  their  own  institutions. 

Discussion 

Attempts  to  enrich  captive  amphibians  and  reptiles  have  been  infrequent.  This  can  probably  be  attributed 
to  several  factors. 

1)  The  fundamental  differences  that  exist  between  amphibians  and  reptiles,  their  lower  food 
requirements  and  lower  activity  levels,  and  a bias  towards  the  mammals  have  probably  led  to  bias 
regarding  their  biological  and  behavioral  needs  of  herpetofauna.  Stereotypies  are  infrequently  observed 
in  amphibians  and  reptiles,  the  main  type  seen  in  glass  climbing  in  lizards,  but  the  problems  of  apathy 
and  lethargy  are  common. 

2)  Amphibians  and  reptiles  are  farr  less  familiar  to  humans  than  mammals  and  may  be  feared  or 
disliked  in  the  general  population. 

3)  The  two  groups  have  been  rarely  the  focus  of  living  zoological  collections. 

The  enhanced  welfare  of  individual  animals  resulting  from  enrichment  not  only  translates  into  reduced 
veterinary  care,  but  it  can  improve  the  way  they  are  exhibited,  facilitate  captive  husbandry,  enhance 
reproduction  and  improve  public  education  and  perception.  Enrichment  approaches  center  on  the 
perceived  environment  of  the  captive  reptiles  and  this  provides  a basis  for  enhancing  education  about 
species  less  familiar  to  the  pblic.  Such  educational  approaches  have  a significant  conservation  value 
because  they  inform  the  public  about  the  value  of  such  animals. 

Next,  the  possibility  should  always  be  considered  that  variation  in  behavior  may  be  important  on  a 
intra-specific,  geographic,  population  and  even  individual  level  and  this  should  promote  species- 
specific  husbandry  rather  than  the  traditionally  more  simple  taxon-specific  management  techniques. 

Approaches  to  enrichment  should  always  be  founded  inthe  wild  habitats,  abilities,  and  sensory 
modalities  of  animals.  There  are  still  many  areas  which  need  to  be  researched,  for  example  captive 
perceptin  of  the  enclosure,  exhibit  design  and  ignored  sensory  capabilities  or  adequate  socialization. 

The  same  principles  of  enrichment  - Complexity,  Choice  and  Change  - should  be  routinely  used  to 
enhance  the  welfare  of  captive  herptofauna. 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol  33  No.  9 377 


378  Animal  Keepers  'Forum,  Vol  33  No.  9 


Table  2 - Enrichment  Device  List  for  Reptiles 


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Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  9 379 


380  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol  33  No.  9 


REFERENCE 

1 

Tramby,  J.  Living  Desert, 

CA;  Brennan,  L.  Brandwine 
Zoo,  DE 

Enrichment  listserve  12/02 

Hayes  et  al.  Beyond 
manrmals:...  2"**  Nature 
Wright,  C.  VA  Zoo, 
Enrichment  listserve- 10/03 

Daily,  A.  Cincinati  Zoo 

Enrichment  listserve  2/04 

Blake,  E.  et  al.  EE  of 

reptiles.  ABWAK  EE 

Handbook  Pp  43  -49 

Blake,  E.  et  al.  EE  of 

reptiles.  ABWAK  EE 

Handbook  Pp  43  -49 

Joy,  R.  Perth  Zoo, 

Enrichgment  listserve  2/04 

Blake,  E.  et  al.  EE  of 

reptiles.  ABWAK  EE 

Handbook  Pp  43  -49 

Joy,  R.  Perth  Zoo, 

Enrichgment  listserve  2/04 

Hayes  et  al.  Beyond 

mammals:...  2"*® Nature 

Wright,  C.  VA  Zoo;  Carroll, 

J.  C for  Rept  % Amphib 

Prop  and  Cons;  Dailey,  A. 

Cincinati  Zoo;  Enrichment 

listserve  10/03,  2/04 

Hayes  et  al.  Beyond 

mammals: . . . 2"**  Nature 

Buley,  K.  Jersey  Zoo 

Newsletter 

REPORTED 

HAZARDS 

mites, 

Seasonal 

Seasonal 

Exposure  must  be 
related  to  intensity 
animal  would  receive 
in  natural  habitat 

Major  rearrangement 

should  be  undertaken 

only  once  or  twice  a 

year  as  animals  can 

become  confused. 

USED  FOR: 

^Snakes 

Rainforest  species. 
Frogs 

Snakes 

i 


Diurnal  lizards 
originating  from 
desert  or  arid 
regions 

Snakes  and  lizards 

Ail  reptiles  and 
amphibians 

1 

Snakes 

Lizards 

DESCRIPTION  HOW  USED 

peat  moss,  trimmed  grass,  dried  bamboo  1 

leaves. 

Forest  lizards  should  have  deep  bark,  gravel  or 
leaves.  Such  substrate  can  be  raked  to  provide 
a different  arrangement  or  flush  out  un-eaten 
insects. 

Misting  with  water  can  increase  humidity  and 
provide  water  to  drink  for  some  arboreal 
species. 

Large  water  bowl  big  enough  for  foil 

submersion 

UVB  lights  on  timers  to  simulate  the  moving 
sun  are  important  to  diurnal  lizards. 

Branches  for  snakes  and  lizards  to  climb  on 
can  be  suspended  from  the  ceiling  so  there  is 
some  movement.  Thick  rope  can  be  used  to 
link  branches. 

Rocks  can  create  vantage  points  for  basking  or 
to  aid  removal  of  skin. 

Clumps  of  grass  with  soil  attached 

c 

i 

c 

_c 

'S 

1 

e 

■ 

i 

1 

1 

b 

stimulate  the  animals. 

Change  position  of  rocks,  climbing  branches 
(to  change  pathways),  pieces  of  bark  etc. 

Add  fresh  branches,  or  transfer  from  another 
enclosure. 

Tubes  - Cork  bark,  hollow  log,  PVC, 
cardboard. 

Boxes  - of  all  sorts,  open  ended 

Rocks  or  logs  to  get  under 

Some  reptiles  require  contact  on  two  or  more 
sides  - clear  plastic  sheet  just  above  substrate 
can  provide  this  and  still  be  visible. 

One  study  found  that  using  hanging  retreats 
for  snakes  increased  nocturnal  activity. 

ENRICHMENT 

Mist  with  water 

Large  water  bowls 

UVB  light 

Enclosure  fomishings 

Changing  furniture 

Retreats 

U 

.§ 

.2 

1 

1 

1 

15 

o 

t 

£ 

£ 

£ 

£ 

£ 

£ 

Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol  33  No.  9 381 


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382  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  9 


Appendix  1 - Data  Collection  Check  Sheet  for 
Enrichment  Evaluation  in  Reptile  Species 


Species : Number  of  Individuals : 

Baseline  observations:  15  minutes  of  observations  before  the  enrichment  is  added  to  the  enclosure. 

Evaluation  observations:  15  minutes  of  observations,  directly  after  the  enrichment  is  added. 

INSTRUCTIONS:  Record  on  the  30-second  interval  the  number  of  animal(s)  active  or  inactive. 
Within  the  interval  tally  how  many  tongue-flicks  were  seen.  If  you  have  any  other  comments  about 
the  behavior,  mark  that  in  the  last  column.  The  number  of  animals  out  of  sight  can  be  worked  out  after 
the  session. 

Baseline:  Enrichment: 

Time  added:  


Int’vl 

Time 

on  interval 
ACTIVE 

on  interval 

INACTIVE 

Out  of 
Sight 

during  interval 

TONGUE  FLICKS 

Other  comments 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

25 

26 

27 

28 

29 

30 

Totals 

Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol  33  No.  9 383 


References: 

Blake,  E.,  Sherriff,  D.,  and  Skelton,  T.  (1998)  Environmental  Enrichment  of  Reptiles.  ABWAK 

Guidelines  for  Environmentnal  Enrichment.  Editor:  D.  Field,  pg.  43.  Association  of  British 
Wild  Animal  Keepers,  UK. 

Buley,  K.  (199?)  What  do  baby  snakes  do  in  their  spare  time?  Jersey  Zoo  Newsletter.  Jersey  Zoo  - 
Durrell  Wildlife  Conservation  Centre,  Les  Augres  Manor,  Trinity,  Jersey,  Channel  Islands 

Burr,  L.  (1997)  Reptile  Enrichment:  Scenting  for  Response.  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum:  Vol.  24,  pg  122 
American  Association  of  Zoo  Keepers,  Inc.,  Topeka,  KS  66614-2054  USA 

Personal  communicatins  cited  in  the  Tables  are  contributors  to  questions  posted  on  the  Enrichment 

Listserve  (enrich@lists.aza.org):  June  2001 , October,  December  2002,  2003,  February  2004.  Archives 

at:  http://caza.org.enrich 

Gibson,  R.  (199?)  Happy  Herps  and  Gecko  Gallery,  Jersey  Zoo  Newsletter,  Jersey  Zoo  - Durrell 
Wildlife  Conservation  Centre,  Les  Augres  Manor,  Trinity,  Jersey,  Channel  Islands 

Hayes,  M.,  Jennings,  M.,  Mellen,  J.  (1998)  Beyond  mammals:  environmental  enrichment  for 

amphibians  and  reptiles.  From  Second  Nature,  Environmental  Enrichment  for  Captive 
Animals.  Eds:  DJ  Shepherdson,  J.D.  Mellen  and  M.  Hutchins.  Smsithsonian  Institution 
Press.  Chapter  13,  pgs.  205-235. 

Kowalski,  E.  (1996)  Skink  Enrichment.  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum:  Vol.  23,  pg.  25.  American  Association 
of  Zoo  Keepers,  Inc.,  Topeka,  KS  66614-2054  USA. 

Skelton,  T.  (1996)  Can  Reptiles  Be  Enriched?  The  Shape  of  Enrichment.  Vol.  5,  No.  1,  pg  3.  The 
Shape  of  Enrichment,  Inc.,  San  Diego,  CA  USA. 


(Ideas  appearing  in  this  column  have  not  necessarily  been  tested  by  the  editors  for  safety  considerations.  Always 
think  ahead  and  use  good  judgement  when  trying  new  ideas.  You  are  invited  to  submit  material  for  the  Enrichment 
Options  Column.  Look  in  the  January  2004  issue  of AKF  for  guidelines  for  articles  acceptable  for  this  column ’s 
format  or  contact  the  editor  at  alrfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com  for  a copy  of  the  guidelines.  Drawings  and  photos  of 
enrichment  are  encouraged.  Send  to:  AKF/Enrichment,  3601  SW  29th  St.,  Suite  133,  Topeka,  KS  66614-2054, 
USA.  Eds.) 


384  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  9 


RATTLESNAKE 

ADVENTURES 

Hunting  with  the  Oldtimers 


John  W.  Kemnitzer,  Jr. 


RATTLESNAKE  ADVENTURES 
Hunting  with  the  Oldtimers 

edited  by  John  WlHiam  Kemnitzer,  Jr. 
Orig.  Ed.  2006  236  pp. 

ISBN  1-67524-278-8  $29.50 


SNAKE  VENOMS  AND 
ENVENOMATIONS 

by  JeamPhilippe  Chippaux 
First  English  Ed.  2006  300  pp. 
ISBN  1-57524-272-9  $58.50 


THE  AMPHIBIANS  AND  REPTILES 
OF  THE  HONDURAN  MOSQUITIA 

by  James  R.  McCranie,  Josiah  H.  Townsend, 
& Larry  David  Wilson 
Orig.  Ed.  2006  304  pp. 

ISBN  1-57624-270-2  $63.50 


THE  ALLIGATOR 
SNAPPING  TURTLE 

by  Peter  C.H.  Pritchard 
Orig.  Ed.  1 989,  Reprint  Ed.  2006  1 52  pp. 
ISBN  1-57524-275-3  Paper 
$42.00 


NOWAVAILABLE 


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VENOMS 


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THE  AMPHIBIANS 
AND  REPTILES 
OF  THE 

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To  place  your  order  and  obtain  shipping  costs  call  1-800-724-0025  or 
e-mail  us  at:  info@krieger-publishing.com 


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Phone:  (321)  724-9542  • Fax:  (321)  951-3671  • www.krieger-publishing.com 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol  33  No.  9 385 


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BSAVA  Manual  of  Psittacine  Birds,  Second  Edition 

Ed.  By  Nigel  Harcourt-Brown  and  John  Chitty 
2005  by  British  Small  Animal  Veterinary  Association  ISBN:  0-905214-76-5 
Woodrow  House,  1 Telford  Way,  Waterwells  Business  Park,  Quedgeley,  Gloucester,  UK  GL2  4AB 
323  pp.  8 1/2  X 11  paperback  $159.99 

Review  by  Sandra  C.  Wilson,  DVM,  MS 
Associate  Veterinarian,  Sedgwick  County  Zoo 
Wichita,  Kansas 


This  updated  edition  of  the  popular  Manual  of  Psittacine  Birds  is  a comprehensive  text  covering  all 
aspects  of  pet  bird  biology,  medicine  and  husbandry.  It  is  divided  into  five  parts. 


Part  1 focuses  on  natural  history,  anatomy  and  physiology,  husbandry  and  restraint.  An  extensive  chart 
provides  basic  information  on  the  general  characteristics  including  average  weight  ranges,  diet,  and 
reproductive  data  on  nineteen  types  of  psittacines  commonly  kept  as  pets.  The  chapter  on  anatomy  and 
physiology  includes  several  excellent  illustrations,  but  few  photographs.  The  chapter  on  husbandry  is 
relatively  brief,  but  does  contain  some  good  information  on  species  characteristics  useful  in  choosing  a 
pet  bird. 


Part  2 includes  chapters  on  critical  care,  basic  techniques,  pathology,  anesthesia  and  diagnostic  imaging. 
The  section  on  physical  examination  is  quite  thorough,  and  provides  the  novice  veterinarian  with  detailed 
information  on  how  to  examine  a bird  from  head  to  toe.  Numerous  photos  depict  many  of  the  common 
abnormalities  that  may  be  found.  Basic  techniques  covered  include  the  various  routes  of  injection, 
microchip  placement,  and  beak  and  nail  trimming.  This  section  includes  an  excellent  discussion  of  the 
advantages  and  disadvantages  of  different  methods  of  wing  trimming.  The  chapter  on  clinical  pathology 
includes  tables  of  normal  values  for  selected  psittacines.  Biochemistry  values  are  in  Standard  Intemat\pnal 
units,  but  a table  in  Appendix  5 lists  conversion  factors  for  changing  to  Conventional  USA  units.  Step- 
by  step  instructions  for  performing  a necropsy  are  given,  and  many  photos  of  common  gross  lesions  are 
included.  However,  relatively  few  photos  depicting  normal  gross  anatomy  are  provided  anywhere  in  the 
Manual.  The  chapter  on  imaging  covers  the  basics,  and  includes  a few  photographs  of  normal  radiographic 
anatomy.  Some  of  these  photos  are  rather  small,  making  it  difficult  to  visualize  the  abnormalities  depicted. 

Part  3 covers  soft  tissue  and  orthopedic  surgery.  Soft  tissue  procedures  described  include  tumor  removal, 
coeliotomy,  and  various  biopsy  techniques.  The  orthopedic  surgery  section  includes  long  bone  fracture 
management  and  beak  repair. 

Part  4 is  devoted  to  clinical  syndromes  including  nutritional  disorders,  diseases  of  the  various  organ 
systems,  and  behavioral  problems.  The  chapter  on  nutrition  includes  extensive  charts  with  information 
on  the  nutritional  analysis  of  various  formulated  diets  as  well  as  other  foodstuffs.  Detailed  information 
is  provided  on  specific  nutrient  deficiencies  and  toxicides.  The  section  on  behavioral  disorders  is 
particularly  well  written  and  more  extensive  than  most  avian  medicine  texts.  Socialization  techniques 


and  behavioral  modification  are  covered  in  detail.  One  chapter  in  this  section  is  devoted  to  the  sick 
small  psittacine,  which  addresses  the  challenges  of  providing  good  medical  care  when  options  for 
diagnostics  and  therapy  are  limited. 

Appendix  1 includes  a flow  chart  style  approach  for  common  clinical  presentations,  which  some 
veterinarians  might  find  useful.  The  second  appendix  includes  numerous  high  quality  photographs 
depicting  droppings  from  healthy  birds  as  well  as  birds  suffering  from  various  illnesses.  The  remaining 
appendices  include  a drug  formulary  and  a list  of  scientific  names  for  many  psittacines. 

In  general,  this  new  title  in  the  BSAVA  series  continues  the  tradition  of  high  quality  medical  information 
presented  in  an  easy-to-use,  well-illustrated  text.  Although  designed  for  use  by  veterinarians  in  private 
practice,  aviculturists  and  zoo  personnel  will  also  find  this  to  be  a valuable  library  addition. 


386  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol  33  No.  9 


TypoDoq)  a Daoly  Royfooe  ooto  CooiseiPvatDoo  Dollaips 


By 

Nicole  Presley,  KeeperlV 
Toronto  Zoo,  Toronto,  Ontario,  Canada 


(Editor  s note:  This  paper  was  originally  scheduled  for  presentation  at  the  2005  AAZK  National  Conference  in 
New  Orleans  which  was  cancelled  due  to  Hurricane  Katrina.  We  are  pleased  to  publish  it  in  AKF) 


At  the  1998  National  AAZK  Conference  in  Indianapolis,  the  Southern  Ontario  AAZK  Chapter 
successfully  bid  to  host  the  2001  conference.  As  soon  as  we  got  back  to  Toronto  reality  kicked  in 
and  we  realized  that  we  needed  to  start  raising  funds  in  order  to  host  the  type  of  conference  that  we 
wanted.  The  Toronto  Zoo  had  pledged  to  help  us  financially,  but  when  we  returned  we  were  informed 
that  the  Chapter  would  have  to  repay  these  funds.  The  Toronto  Zoo  Foundation  offered  to  help  with 
sponsors,  but  we  would  need  more  than  that.  Thus,  the  fundraising  began. 

The  Toronto  Zoo  had  a job  shadow  program  in  effect  at  that  time  for  students  who  were  interested  in 
becoming  a zoo  keeper.  I had  an  idea  that  we  could  get  people  to  pay  for  the  privilege  of  following 
a zoo  keeper  around  for  the  day.  It  would  be  like  a day-long  “behind  the  scenes”  tour  and  they  could 
even  help  out  with  some  zoo  keeping  tasks.  The  real  beauty  of  this  program  is  that  it  would  cost  the 
Chapter  nothing  and  so  all  money  that  was  raised  could  go  directly  to  the  conference  revenue.  Since 
no  one  else  seemed  willing  to  pursue  the  idea,  I became  the  fundraising  committee  and  started  the 
process. 

First,  I needed  to  get  permission  from  zoo  management  to  start  the  program.  This  involved  working 
out  all  the  details  and  then  submitting  a proposal  for  the  Division  Heads  to  approve.  I wanted 
participants  to  be  able  to  choose  in  which  area 
of  the  zoo  they  wanted  to  spend  the  day.  So,  I 
proceeded  to  talk  to  keepers  in  the  various  zoo 
areas  (Toronto  Zoo  is  organized 
zoogeographical)  and  asked  if  they  would  be 
willing  to  be  a part  of  the  program.  We  wanted 
to  run  the  program  once  a month,  on  Saturdays, 
and  have  only  one  person  per  area  participating. 

I had  commitments  from  most  areas  for  a total 
of  nine  spots  available.  Parameters  for  the  Job 
shadows  were  outlined  for  each  area  and 
submitted  to  management  and  the  union.  The 
Education  Department  agreed  to  handle  the 
registrations  and  we  were  allowed  to  advertise 
to  members  in  the  zoo’s  newsletter.  Once  all 
the  details  were  in  place,  the  Chapter  was 
granted  approval  to  begin. 

The  first  participants  for  the  “Keeper  for  a Day” 
program  came  in  March  1999.  The  program  cost 
$ 150  for  non-members  and  $ 125  for  members,  which  was  considered  a lot  when  the  other  education 
programs  were  much  less.  However,  people  started  to  register  and  soon  the  program  was  filling  up 
every  month  as  word  spread.  The  keepers  made  it  so  great  that  participants  were  telling  others  and 
some  even  became  repeat  customers.  Although  the  program  was  a lot  of  work  to  get  started,  once 
it  was  running  the  work  drastically  decreased.  On  a monthly  basis  the  confirmation  letters  have  to 
be  sent  out  to  those  who  have  registered  and  a reminder  memo  is  sent  out  to  the  areas.  Having  the 
Education  Department  handle  the  registrations  and  money  saved  me  time  and  I did  not  have  the 
hassle  involved  with  this  aspect. 

After  running  the  program  to  the  end  of  the  year,  the  Chapter  reviewed  its  success.  We  decided  to 
continue  because  it  was  doing  so  well  with  such  little  effort.  However,  we  did  have  to  change  one 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  9 387 


aspect,  the  age  limit.  We  had  originally  set  the  age  for  the  program  at  12  and  up.  In  the  beginning, 
most  of  the  participants  were  teenagers  and  the  areas  reported  that  the  young  ones  were  a problem 
and  too  immature.  We  approached  zoo  management  and  convinced  them  to  increase  the  limit  to  14 
and  up.  Since  then,  the  age  of  participants  has  not  been  an  issue. 

At  the  time  of  our  conference,  the  Keeper  for  a Day  (KFAD)  program  was  backlogged  with 
registrations  until  April  2002  and  had  become  a major  contributor  to  the  fundraising  revenue.  In 
fact,  KFAD  contributed  to  56%  of  the  fundraising  revenue,  which  included  sponsors,  and  about 
30%  of  the  total  conference  revenue.  The  program  was  a huge  success. 

Once  the  conference  was  over,  the  Chapter  was  afraid  of  losing  KFAD  to  the  zoo’s  regular  education 
programs  because  it  had  been  so  successful.  Hence,  the  Chapter  petitioned  zoo  management  to 
continue  the  program  for  our  general  fundraising  needs,  but  we  needed  to  institute  a few  changes. 

Since  we  wanted  to  keep  the  participating  areas  interested  and  willing,  the  Chapter  Executive 
Committee  decided  to  decrease  the  number  of  program  dates  from  once  a month  to  every  other 
month.  As  well,  we  wanted  to  reward  the  keepers  by  giving  them  access  to  the  funds  somehow,  but 
only  for  Chapter  members.  Hopefully  this  would  also  serve  as  incentive  to  join  the  organization. 
Areas  that  did  not  have  AAZK  members  could  opt  to  stop  participating  in  the  program.  For  an  area 

to  continue  in  the  program  there  must  be  two  AAZK 
members  (in  case  of  a day  off  on  the  set  program  date)  or 
the  commitment  from  other  keepers  to  help  and  the  area 
must  commit  to  one  year  of  participation.  Since  the 
conference,  we  have  had  anywhere  from  6-9  areas 
participating  each  year. 

Furthermore,  we  wanted  the  majority  of  our  funds  to  go  to 
conservation.  Since  the  conference  had  taken  top  priority 
for  three  years,  the  contributions  to  conservation  had  been 
put  on  hold.  We  also  wanted  to  support  keeper  professional 
development  that  was  an  area  that  we  had  never  before 
explored.  Previously,  the  Toronto  Zoo  would  give  the 
Chapter  a yearly  set  amount  from  their  operating  budget 
for  the  AAZK  National  Conference  to  be  split  among  the 
delegates.  However,  with  keepers  going  to  other 
conferences  like  EMA  and  ABMA,  they  were  dipping  into 
their  own  limited  pockets.  The  Chapter  Executive 
Committee  decided  to  propose  that  60%  of  the  funds  would 
go  to  conservation  organizations,  and  40%  of  the  funds 
would  go  towards  professional  development.  Therefore, 
the  money  that  is  raised  by  the  program  (and  any  other  minor 
fundraisers  the  Chapter  does)  in  one  year  is  spent  in  the 
following  year.  However,  there  are  some  rules  to  follow  which  have  been  refined  over  the  last 
couple  of  years. 

In  order  to  generate  more  interest  and  involvement  in  the  Chapter,  the  Executive  Committee  instituted 
matching  funds  and  a credit  system.  A conservation  organization  receiving  funds  must  have  an 
AAZK  Chapter  representative  and  that  person  must  initiate  fundraising  efforts.  The  money  that  the 
member  raises  is  matched  to  a maximum  amount.  Also,  members  receive  a credit  for  each  meeting 
and  fundraising  event  in  which  they  participate.  This  includes  KFAD.  Before  a member  is  reimbursed 
for  professional  development  costs,  they  need  to  cash  in  two  meeting  credits  and  two  fundraising 
credits  or  four  fundraising  credits.  The  maximum  amount  for  conservation  and  professional 
development  is  set  at  the  beginning  of  the  spending  year  as  determined  by  the  success  of  fundraising 
from  the  previous  year.  The  general  membership  decides  at  the  end  of  the  spending  year  how  any 
leftover  funds  are  distributed.  Usually,  the  portion  from  professional  development  is  carried  over 
and  the  conservation  funds  are  donated. 

The  Chapter  was  successful  in  its  petition  to  continue  the  program  and  every  year  we  submit  a 
spending  report  to  zoo  management  and  get  the  official  OK  to  continue.  In  2003  we  had  such  a 
backlog  of  participants  that  we  implemented  a price  increase  to  $200  for  zoo  members  and  $225  for 
non-members.  We  also  eliminated  the  waiting  list  and  stopped  formal  advertising.  The  dates  for 


388  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  9 


the  next  year  are  released  to  the  Education  Department  once  the  last  date  for  the  current  year  is 
finished.  Registration  is  first  come,  first  serve  and  once  it  is  full,  participants  must  wait  until  the 
next  year.  Even  with  these  restrictions,  the  program  still  continues  to  fill  up  most  dates  and  the 
Chapter  averages  $8,000  a year  in  revenue. 


The  program's  success  can  be  broken  down  into  four  areas.  First,  the  program’s  real  expenditures 
are  negligible.  Secondly,  the  keepers  are  not  exposed  to  any  real  extra  work.  They  have  to  do  the 
routine  anyway  and  they  actually  have  help.  They  also  do  not  have  to  use  extra  personal  time  to 
participate  in  the  fijndraiser.  Thirdly,  there  are  benefits  to 
the  registrants.  They  get  a personal  one-on-one  tour  for  an 
entire  eight  hours.  They  get  close-up  encounters  with  the 
animals.  And,  more  importantly,  it  is  a learning  experience: 
learning  about  animals,  learning  a realistic  picture  about  what 
it  takes  to  be  a zookeeper,  and  learning  about  how  keepers 
make  a difference  in  conservation  efforts.  Lastly,  there  are 
benefits  to  the  keeper. 

By  sharing  their  knowledge  of  animal  species  and 
conservation  issues  with  the  participants,  it  provides  the 
keeper  with  an  opportunity  to  ultimately  contribute  to 
conservation  because  that  participant  will  appreciate  the 
conservation  issues.  In  turn,  the  participant  may  alter  their 
behavior  towards  the  environment.  Also,  due  to  the  funds 
raised  from  the  program,  the  keeper  will  be  directly  assisting 
the  conservation  organizations  that  the  membership  has 
chosen  to  support.  In  the  same  way,  professional  development  is  expanded  as  funds  from  the 
program  are  used  to  supplement  conference  costs  for  that  keeper.  As  well,  the  keeper  can  grow 
professionally  because  they  share  a personal  experience  with  each  participant.  Whatever  the  reasons 
behind  a keeper’  participation  in  the  program,  the  important  point  to  remember  is  that  conservation 
is  ultimately  the  winner. 


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Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol  33  No.  9 389 


Chapter 

News 

Notes 

AAZK,  Inc.  is  pleased  to  welcome  a new 
Chapter  to  the  Association.  The  Northern  New 
York  AAZK  Chapter  is  located  at  the  New  York 
State  Zoo  at  Thompson  Park,  One  Thompson 
Park,  Watertown,  NY  13601.  Officers  for  this  new 
AAZK  Chapter  are: 

President Theresa  L.  McCallister 

Vice  President Kathryn  Freislich 

Secretary Lauren  Zeigler 

Treasurer Amy  S.  O’Dell 

Chapter  Liaison Kristi  Martin 

We  wish  them  every  success  in  their  conservation 
and  continuing  education  efforts. 

San  Francisco  AAZK  Chapter 

The  San  Francisco  AAZK  Chapter  is  growing  in 
2006!  Our  annual  From  the  Heart  fundraiser  and 
silent  auction  in  February  raised  $4000  for  the 
Painted  Dog  Conservation  Project.  Additional 
fundraising  efforts  like  T-shirt  sales,  bake  sales 
and  zoo  fountain  coin  cleaning  are  ongoing  this 
year. 

Some  of  our  conservation  programs  include  cell 
phone  and  printer  cartridge  recycling  drives, 
participation  in  special  Earth  Day  information 
stations  at  the  San  Francisco  Zoo,  and  Bowling 
for  Rhinos.  The  launch  of  our  new  Enrichment 
and  Animal  Training  Committees  have  boosted 
member  involvement  to  new  levels. 

The  new  Chapter  logo  seen  below  was  designed 
by  animal  keeper  Justin  Miller  and  adopted  by 
the  Chapter  on  the  Fourth  of  July  this  year. 


Our  2006  officers  are: 

President Bob  Debets 

Vice  President McCall  Lowe 

Secretary Kathy  Edwards 

Treasurer.. ...Jessie  Bushell 

Chapter  Liaison Linda  Holman 

—Linda  Holman,  Chapter  Liaison 


The  last  few  months  have  been  a busy  one  for  our 
Chapter  with  great  results.  We  are  very  excited  to 
have  been  selected  to  host  the  joint  2009  AAZK/ 
ICZ  conferences  and  would  like  to  thank  all  the 
members  who  voted  to  make  this  happen.  Even 
as  this  is  being  written,  committees  are  being 
formed  to  take  on  this  our  greatest  undertaking 
yet.  We  are  putting  together  a short  video 
presentation  to  highlight  both  our  zoo  and  our 
surrounding  area  for  the  next  AAZK  conference. 


The  Woodland  Park  Zoo  located  in  Seattle  is  a 
conservation  and  education  institution 
demonstrating  the  value,  beauty  and 
interdependence  of  all  living  things  and  Seattle  is 
a collection  of  places,  ideas  and  cultures. 
Surrounded  by  lakes  and  acres  of  lush  green  forest, 
the  city  offers  a perfect  mix  of  urban  attractions 
and  outdoor  recreation.  Get  ready  to  grab  a latte 
and  experience  the  beautiful  Pacific  Northwest 
in  2009! 

We  would  like  to  take  a moment  to  say  a special 
Thank  you  to  all  the  members  of  the  PSAAZK 
Chapter  who  have  work  really  hard  to  make  our 
Chapter  successful  in  all  their  activities.  In  July 
we  had  our  BFR  event.  The  funds  have  been 
counted,  and  our  grand  total  raised  at  Bowling 
forRliinos  this  year  is:  $12,875.20!!!  This  brings 
our  total  for  the  past  six  events  to  $8 1 ,43 1 .93. 

We  give  special  recognition  this  year  to:  RANA 
BAYRAKCI,  who,  since  we've  started  Bowling 
for  Rhinos  here,  has  raised  $11,341.00,  and 
KEITH  NEITMAN,  who  has  raised  $7,598.50! 
These  two  individuals  have  contributed  so  much 
to  the  success  of  our  event,  we'd  like  you  all  to 
know  how  much  it  means  to  us  and  to  our 
conservation  efforts.  THANK  YOU,  RANA  AND 
KEITH! 

Again,  huge  THANK  YOU  to  all  who  participated 
in  some  way  to  the  success  of  this  event,  as  well 
as  the  events  over  the  years.  Looking  forward  to 
seeing  what  our  Chapter  can  do  in  the  coming 
year  and  sharing  this  with  the  AAZK  community. 

—Peter  McLane,  Chapter  Liaison 


390  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  9 


REACTIONS 

A Question  and  Answer  Forum  for  the 
Zoo  Professional  on  Crisis  Management 

By  William  K.  Baker,  Jr.,  Curator 
Panthera  Research,  Maumelle,  AR 


Question 

When  traveling  abroad,  should  I have  any  medical  concerns? 

Comments 

Absolutely,  when  traveling  to  other  countries  it  is  very  easy  to  forget  that  there  is  always  the  potential 
for  problems.  Personally  I believe  that  many  people  have  become  accustomed  to  their  lifestyle  in 
first-world  countries.  IPs  all  too  easy  to  forget  how  easy  we  really  have  it  in  our  home  countries 
compared  to  other  parts  of  the  world.  We  rarely  have  to  worry  about  the  quality  of  food,  water,  and 
medicine. 

This  is  not  to  say  that  residents  of  the  United  States  or  other  countries  are  above  experiencing 
problems  on  our  own  soil,  but  it  could  be  generally  said  that  first-world  countries  experience  a 
higher  standard  of  living  and  the  likelihood  of  having  a problem  is  diminished  in  day-to-day  life. 
Still,  the  risk  of  a medical  problem  is  anywhere  on  the  planet,  so  for  the  sake  of  argument  let’s  say 
it’s  situational. 

Advance  Planning 

• When  planning  your  destination  or  destinations,  always  take  the  time  to  investigate  what 
the  current  risks  are  in  the  countries  that  you  plan  to  visit.  Speak  to  recent  travelers,  your 
peers,  and  friends  who  may  have  already  been  to  the  countries  in  question.  First-hand 
knowledge  is  invaluable.  Speak  to  or  contact  the  destination  country’s  Consulate  or 
Embassy  to  determine  any  current  risks  or  travel  advisories. 

Medical  Basics 

• Visit  your  physician  for  a complete  physical  prior  to  departure.  Also,  discuss  all  destination 
countries  with  your  primary  care  provider  as  well.  This  will  enable  them  to  research  any 
potential  problems  and  insure  that  you  have  the  necessary  vaccinations  applicable  to  your 
travel  schedule. 

• Insure  that  you  allow  for  an  advance  window  of  time  for  any  vaccinations  or  inoculations 
prior  to  your  departure  date.  Some  individuals  may  suffer  side-effects  and  you  will  want 
time  to  head  off  any  potential  problems  with  your  physician  before  your  actual  departure 
date. 

• AIDS/HIV,  Bilharzia,  Cholera,  Dengue  fever,  Diphtheria,  Hepatitis  A/B,  Japanese  B 
encephalitis,  Malaria,  Meningitis,  Polio,  Rabies,  Tetanus,  Typhoid,  Lyme  disease. 
Tuberculosis,  and  Yellow  Fever  are  potential  threats  to  world  travelers  and  can  be  researched 
by  the  particular  region  of  the  world  at  the  CDC  website:  www.cdc.gov/travel/ 

Travel  Basics 

• Allow  time  for  your  body  to  acclimate  to  sudden  changes  in  climate  before  attempting 
strenuous  activity.  The  last  time  I was  in  the  tropics,  I watched  a couple  go  straight  from 
the  airport  and  air  conditioning  directly  to  intense  hiking  in  a jungle  climate.  About  three 
hours  later  they  collapsed  from  heat  exhaustion.  Give  your  body  time  to  adjust  unless  you 
are  used  to  the  climate. 


Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  VoL  33  No.  9 391 


• It’s  a good  idea  to  wash  your  hands  every  chance  you  get  during  the  day.  Especially  wash 
your  hands  before  eating  and  drinking.  If  this  isn’t  realistic  or  convenient,  then  carry  a 
bottle  of  hand  sanitizer  with  you,  (waterless,  alcohol-based  hand  rub). 

• If  you  are  going  to  be  outside  in  intense  or  equatorial  sun,  remember  to  bring  a sunscreen 
with  an  SPF  of  at  least  15.  I prefer  the  products  that  are  scent-free  and  sweat-proof.  A 
severe  sunburn  with  no  available  treatment  isn’t  just  uncomfortable,  it  can  be  life- 
threatening  under  the  wrong  conditions. 

• Remember  to  carry  pest  repellent  with  a DEET  rating  between  30  - 50%  to  keep  the 
mosquitoes  off  you.  In  many  countries  they  are  known  carriers  of  Malaria,  Dengue,  and 
Yellow  fever. 

Food  Basics 

• Remember  to  inquire  whenever  possible  about  food  preparation.  In  several  instances  I 
discovered  that,  yes  pure  water  was  served  with  the  meal,  unfortunately  the  meal  itself 
was  rinsed  in  unpurified  water  and  that  can  prove  problematic  to  say  the  least. 

• Whenever  possible  eat  in  facilities  or  restaurants  that  can  be  trusted  to  prepare  safe  food. 
Don’t  eat  raw  or  lightly  cooked  food.  Your  food  should  ideally  arrive  steaming  from  the 
heat.  Avoid  dairy  products  unless  they  have  been  pasteurized. 

• Remember,  Just  because  the  locals  can  eat  something,  it  doesn’t  necessarily  mean  that 
you  can.  Chances  are  they  have  enjoyed  resistance  their  entire  life  to  many  things  that  can 
bother  you,  such  as  Traveler’s  Diarrhea  (TD). 

Water  Basics 

• Always  be  cognizant  of  your  water  quality.  If  there  is  any  question  about  purity,  then 
drink  bottled  water  or  beverages.  Generally  speaking,  most  of  the  better  hotels,  lodges, 
and  camps  will  have  purified  water  available.  However,  it’s  your  responsibility  to  ask  in 
advance  for  this  information. 

• Be  cautious  of  ice  in  your  beverages.  Like  food,  I have  discovered  that  the  beverage  was 
fine,  but  the  ice  coming  out  of  the  machine  wasn’t  - they  hadn’t  gotten  around  to  installing 
the  purifier. 

• Generally  speaking,  unless  the  water  quality  is  assured,  drink  only  purified,  carbonated, 
bottled  water,  or  canned  and  bottled  soft  drinks. 

• Never,  ever  brush  your  teeth  with  tap  water  unless  you  know  for  a fact  it’s  purified!  Bottled 
water  can  be  a real  life  saver  for  this  when  pure  water  isn’t  available. 

Extra  Precautions 

• If  you  take  medicine  for  a pre-existing  condition,  then  bring  extra  to  get  you  by  in  case 
you  are  delayed  returning  to  your  home  country.  Insure  that  it  is  in  a well-marked 
prescription  bottle. 

• Remember  that  different  countries  have  different  standards  for  pharmaceutical  production 
and  it  may  not  be  comparable  in  quality  to  the  prescription  drugs  you  can  get  at  home. 

• If  you  require  a blood  transfusion  while  out  of  the  country,  insist  on  screened  blood. 

• If  you  are  planning  on  being  afield,  then  carry  a first-aid  kit.  A general  rule  of  thumb  is, 
the  farther  you  are  from  civilization,  the  larger  and  more  comprehensive  your  first-aid  kit 
should  be. 

• Bring  plenty  of  anti-bacterial  body  soap  and  wash  your  body  daily  to  prevent  potential 
disease  transmission  via  skin  exposure.  Potential  skin  exposure  to  Bilharzia  (“Safari  fever”) 
can  be  addressed  with  a topical  treatment  of  alcohol. 

• If  you  wear  contacts  bring  extra  sanitizer  and  cleaner.  It  also  doesn’t  hurt  to  have  prescription 
glasses  with  you  as  a back-up  as  well.  Disposable  contact  lenses  can  also  prove 
advantageous  when  traveling  abroad. 

Final  Thoughts 

It’s  not  realistic  to  anticipate  every  possible  occurrence  when  you  travel.  Not  unlike  crisis 

management,  you  prepare  for  the  worst  and  hope  for  the  best.  The  single  best  asset  you  have  at  your 


392  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  9 


disposal  is  common  sense,  or  as  my  friends  call  it  “street  smart”  when  you  are  out  of  your  element 
and  traveling. 

Next  Month:  When  working  with  educational  program  animals  are  there  any  safety  concerns? 

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.  Away  from  work  he  operates  Panthera  Research,  which  is 
a research  and  consulting  firm.) 


Information  Please 


The  accompanying  artwork  of 
"Tattoo  ”,  a reticulated  male  giraffe  at 
the  Baton  Rouge  Zoo,  was  created  by 
Baton  Rouge  Zoo  Keeper  Sara 
Schmidt.  Photo  also 
by  Sara  Schmidt. 


On  May  21st  our  beloved  male  giraffe  “Tattoo”, 
age  12,  died  of  complications  due  to  bladder 
stones.  A stone  became  lodged  in  his  urethra  and 
eventually  caused  his  bladder  to  burst.  “Tattoo” 
was  acting  abnormally  for  about  a week  and 
despite  the  best  efforts  of  the  animal  technician 
staff  and  the  Zoo  Veterinarian,  he  collapsed  on 
exhibit  and  died  a few  hours  later.  “Tattoo”  was 
one  of  the  zoo’s  most  beloved  animals  and  is 
missed  greatly  by  all  that  knew  him.  He  came  to 
the  Baton  Rouge  Zoo  from  the  San  Diego  Wild 
Animal  Park  in  October,  1 995  and  sired  four 
offspring  during  his  stay  with  us.  As  far  as  we 
know,  there  are  no  conclusive  theories  on  how/ 
why  bladder  stones  form  in  giraffes  and  as  of 
now,  this  is  a fatal  condition.  Is  there  anyone 
studying  this  condition?  Has  there  been  a 
successful  treatment  or  surgery  for  bladder 
stones  in  adult  male  giraffes? 

If  you  have  any  information  on  this  type  of 
condition,  please  contaet: 

sara@saracaudill.com 


Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  9 393 


Positive  Reinforcement  Training  for  Biomedical  and 
Reproductive  Management  of  Giant  Pandas 


By  Laurie  Perry  and  Lisa  Stevens 
Department  of  Animal  Programs 
and 

David  Powell,  Ph.D. 

Department  of  Conservation  Biology 
Smithsonian ’s  National  Zoological  Park,  Washington,  DC 

(Editor ’s  note:  This  paper  was  originally  scheduled  for  presentation  at  the  2005  AAZK  National  Conference  in  New 
Orleans  which  was  cancelled  due  to  Hurricane  Katrina.  We  are  pleased  to  publish  it  in  AKF.) 

The  Smithsonian’s  National  Zoological  Park  houses  1.1  giant  pandas  (Ailuropoda  melanoleuca). 
Using  positive  reinforcement  methods,  the  pandas  have  been  trained  to  voluntarily  participate  in 
biomedical  and  reproductive  procedures  including  blood  draws,  blood  pressure  measurements, 
ultrasound,  radiographs,  vaginal  swabs,  and  testicular  measurement.  The  pandas  were  trained  in  a 
specially  designed  squeeze  cage  apparatus.  This  training  provided  an  opportunity  to  gather  data  for 
correlating  hormone  levels  with  physiological  changes  associated  with  female  estrus.  Baseline  blood 
chemistry  and  blood  pressure  data  have  been  collected.  Vaginal  cytology  and  testicular  measurements 
have  detected  physical  changes  associated  with  sexual  maturation  and  hormonal  changes  during  the 
breeding  season.  Future  pregnancies  can  be  confirmed  through  ultrasound.  Yearly  physical  exams 
involving  anesthesia  are  no  longer  necessary.  Our  training  program  improves  the  management  and 
care  of  the  giant  pandas,  and  supports  present  and  future  research  programs. 

Introduction 

Positive  reinforcement  training  has  become  an  important  part  of  animal  husbandry  and  veterinary 
care  in  zoos  today.  With  this  type  of  training,  the  trainer  gives  the  animal  a pleasurable  reward  for 
performing  a desired  behavior  (Laule  and  Whittaker,  1999).  Usually  this  reward  is  a favored  food 
item,  but  it  can  also  be  a toy  or  verbal  praise  from  the  trainer.  Cooperation  by  the  animal  is  voluntary, 
and  the  animal  is  not  deprived  of  food  for  refusing  to  participate  (Laule  and  Desmond,  1998).  The 
benefits  of  positive  reinforcement  training  include:  treating  medical  issues  without  the  use  of 
anesthesia,  facilitating  preventative  medical  procedures,  improved  husbandry,  improving  the  quality 
of  data  collection,  and  social  behavior  management  (Desmond  and  Laule,  1994).  It  is  also  used  as 
an  enrichment  strategy  to  enhance  the  psychological  well-being  of  captive  animals  (Laule  and 
Desmond,  1998;  Desmond  and  Laule,  1994),  and  to  reduce  stress  on  the  animals  (Grandin  et  al, 
1995). 

Management  at  Smithsonian’s  National  Zoological  Park  (NZP)  has  encouraged  positive  reinforcement 
training  for  many  years.  Previously,  this  training  has  been  focused  on  elephants  and  marine  mammals. 
In  December  of  2000,  NZP  received  a pair  of  giant  pandas  {Ailuropoda  melanoleuca)  from  the 
China  Wildlife  Conservation  Association.  The  pair  consisted  of  a male,  Tian  Tian  (currently  eight 
years  of  age),  and  female,  Mei  Xiang  (currently  seven  years  of  age).  Their  10-year  loan  agreement 
required  a research  program  that  would  benefit  the  care  and  survival  of  this  highly  endangered 
species.  Since  very  little  biomedical  information  is  known  about  pandas,  it  is  important  to  acquire 
baseline  information  on  young  animals  without  the  use  of  anesthesia,  which  can  alter  test  results. 
Our  training  goal  at  NZP  was  to  perform  all  tests  needed  for  annual  physicals  without  the  use  of 
anesthesia.  We  also  wanted  to  determine  physical  changes  associated  with  sexual  maturity,  monitor 
hormonal  changes  during  breeding  season,  and  create  a database  correlating  this  information. 

Training 

After  the  pandas  arrived,  we  trained  them  to  shift  between  enclosures  and  to  come  to  us  when 
called.  We  used  the  verbal  commands  “inside”  and  “outside”  when  shifting  between  the  indoor 
enclosures  and  outdoor  yards.  We  trained  the  pandas  to  shift  by  luring  the  pandas  to  the  desired 
location  with  a food  reward.  The  verbal  command  was  given  while  pointing  to  the  location.  We  used 
the  phrase  “that’s  wrong”  when  the  pandas  went  to  the  incorrect  location.  This  phrase  is  used  when 
the  animal  makes  a mistake  during  training.  There  is  no  negative  consequence  for  giving  an  incorrect 
response.  The  trainer  simply  asks  for  the  behavior  again.  If  the  animal  performs  the  incorrect  behavior 


394  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol  S3  No.  9 


again  or  refuses  to  perform  any  behavior,  the  trainer  asks  the  animal  to  perform  a different  behavior 
that  it  knows  well.  The  trainer  may  also  give  the  animal  “time  out”.  The  trainer  leaves  the  training 
area  for  a brief  period  of  time,  and  then  returns  to  begin  the  training  again.  Training  sessions  always 
end  with  the  successful  completion  of  a behavior. 

We  began  our  formal  training  program  in  February  of  2001  by  familiarizing  the  pandas  with  a 
bridge.  The  bridge  is  the  signal  to  the  panda  that  it  has  successfully  completed  the  desired  behavior, 
and  the  reward  will  be  given  (Bayracki,  2003).  A whistle  was  chosen  as  the  bridge  in  order  to  keep 
our  hands  free.  We  trained  the  pandas  to  recognize  the  bridge  by  blowing  the  whistle  and  rewarding 
the  panda.  Eventually  they  anticipate  a reward  each  time  the  whistle  sounded.  The  reward  consisted 
of  finely  diced  carrots,  apples,  pears,  and  Marion®  brand  leaf  eater  biscuits.  Except  for  the  pear, 
these  foods  are  part  of  the  pandas’  daily  diet.  The  pear  is  given  at  the  end  of  the  session  as  a final 
“jackpot”  reward. 

Our  training  took  place  at  a mesh  fence  that  separates  the  keeper  area  from  the  outdoor  yards.  We 
were  able  to  train  the  animals  to  present  their  paws  on  and  under  the  fence,  sit  on  a scale,  open  their 
mouths,  and  stand/sit.  Most  of  these  behaviors  were  trained  by  “capturing”  the  behavior  (bridging 
and  rewarding  behaviors  when  the  trainer  observed  them).  We  then  assigned  a hand  signal  and 
verbal  command  to  the  behavior.  For  sit/stand  and  sitting  on  the  scale,  we  lured  the  pandas  into 
position  with  a food  item  and  then  rewarded  the  behavior.  Then  a hand  signal  and  verbal  command 
were  assigned  to  the  behavior.  We  also  trained  the  pandas  to  target  their  nose  to  a dowel.  Since 
pandas  are  very  scent-oriented,  they  immediately  used  their  noses  to  investigate  the  dowel.  These 
behaviors  were  trained  in  just  a few  sessions.  Our  pandas  are  very  food-motivated  and  eager  to 
participate  in  training  sessions.  However,  the  training  location  limited  the  behaviors  that  we  could 
train. 

In  August  of  2001,  NZP  staff  visited  Hong  Kong’s  Ocean  Park  to  observe  their  giant  panda  training 
program.  They  were  training  an  impressive  list  of  behaviors  including  blood  draws,  radiographs, 
vaginal  swab,  testicle  measurement,  rectal  temperature,  semen  collection,  and  ultrasound.  We  wanted 
to  model  our  training  program  after  the  Ocean  Park  program,  and  we  used  the  Ocean  Park  training 
cages  as  the  model  for  our  cage. 

Materials 

The  panda  squeeze  cage  is  located  outside  as  part  of  a transfer  chute  between  one  of  the  inside 
enclosures  and  an  outdoor  yard.  The  roof  of  the  panda  house  extends  over  this  area,  so  it  is  protected 
from  any  precipitation.  The  squeeze  cage  is  made  entirely  of  stainless  steel.  The  interior  cage  measures 
3’  7”  (1.1m)  in  height,  6’5”  (2m)  in  length,  and  4’  (1.2m)  in  width.  The  vertical  bars  are  spaced  3” 
(7.6cm)  apart.  There  is  an  area  in  the  front  of  the  cage  that  has  removable  sections  of  barred  windows 
that  slide  through  a I’S”  (43cm)  track.  This  allows  openings  to  be  created  at  various  heights  for 
ultrasound,  testicle  measurement,  radiographs,  etc.  There  are  barred  doors  on  either  end  of  the  cage 
that  are  raised  by  a pulley  system.  These  doors  are  kept  open  during  all  training  sessions  in  case  the 
animal  chooses  to  leave.  The  rear  of  the  cage  is  the  squeeze  apparatus  that  moves  forward.  The  cage 
can  be  squeezed  into  five  different  positions.  There  is  a rectangular  frame  on  the  rear  squeeze 
positioned  to  hold  a radiograph  plate  across  from  the  front  panel  opening.  The  frame  may  be  adjusted 
to  the  size  of  the  radiograph  plate  with  removable  screws. 

There  are  two  attachments  to  the  squeeze  cage.  One  is  a blood  sleeve  in  which  the  animal  places  its 
arm  into  a metal  tube  with  a hinged  opening  and  grasps  a handle.  The  height  of  this  attachment  can 
be  adjusted  to  fit  the  height  of  the  animal.  The  position  of  the  handle  ean  be  adjusted  to  fit  the  arm 
length  of  the  animal.  The  second  attachment  is  for  blood  pressure,  and  it  can  be  adjusted  like  the 
blood  sleeve.  It  resembles  the  blood  sleeve  except  it  is  completely  open  (resembling  a shelf)  for  a 
blood  pressure  cuff  to  be  wrapped  around 

the  arm.  We  can  use  this  attachment  for  blood  draws  since  our  pandas  reliably  hold  onto  the  handle. 
For  safety  reasons,  it  is  best  to  train  for  blood  draws  using  the  blood  sleeve.  The  blood  pressure 
attachment  is  open  and  the  pandas  can  move  their  arm  freely  and  potentially  injure  a trainer  or 
veterinarian. 


Animal  Keepers  'Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  9 395 


Figure  a - Training  Cage  (photo  by  Laurie  Perry) 


Methods 

The  first  step  in  using  the  training  cage  was  to  familiarize  the  pandas  to  the  cage  itself.  We  allowed 
the  pandas  to  investigate  the  cage  with  all  doors  open.  We  rewarded  them  with  food  as  they  walked 
into  the  cage  or  sat  down.  It  took  only  a few  sessions  for  the  pandas  to  be  comfortable  sitting  inside 
the  cage.  The  next  step  was  to  use  the  squeeze  portion  of  the  cage.  We  moved  the  squeeze  gently  one 
position  at  a time  and  rewarded  the  pandas.  We  continued  to  squeeze  the  apparatus  until  the  desired 
position  for  each  panda  was  attained. 

In  May  of  2001,  panda  trainer  Paul  Ng  from  Ocean  Park  came  to  NZP  to  assist  us  with  our  panda 
training.  His  expertise  was  essential  in  the  successful  training  of  the  pandas  and  the  panda  trainers 
at  NZP.  The  pandas  responded  immediately  to  Paul’s  training,  and  we  were  able  to  get  a blood 
sample  from  both  pandas  after  just  a few  sessions. 

The  first  step  in  the  training  with  Paul  was  to  station  the  animals  in  the  cage.  Along  with  stationing, 
they  had  to  sit  in  the  optimal  position  for  starting  the  training  session.  Stationing  the  pandas  was  not 
much  of  a challenge,  as  they  tend  to  follow  the  trainer’s  body.  If  the  trainer  moves  to  the  left,  the 
panda  shifts  to  the  left.  The  desired  position  for  training  the  pandas  is  a seated  position  with  the  feet 
facing  forward  and  the  paws  holding  onto  the  front  bars.  We  captured  and  rewarded  this  position 
when  we  saw  the  pandas  sit  in  this  manner.  Now  this  position  begins  every  training  session.  These 
sessions  can  last  from  five  minutes  to  over  an  hour  (for  ultrasound). 


Blood  Draw 

In  order' for  the  pandas  to  be  trained  for  blood  draws,  they  had  to  put  their  arm  into  the  sleeve  and 
grasp  the  handle.  Out  of  curiosity,  the  pandas  put  their  arms  into  the  sleeve.  But  they  did  so  with 
their  paws  facing  down  instead  of  up.  We  were  able  to  solve  this  problem  by  having  the  pandas 
grasp  a metal  dowel  (while  in  the  training  position)  with  their  paws  facing  up.  The  dowel  was 
placed  into  the  sleeve  and  the  pandas  reached  for  the  dowel  (paw  facing  up).  The  dowel  was  gradually 
moved  out  towards  the  handle,  and  eventually  they  grasped  the  handle.  Once  they  took  hold  of  the 
handle  they  naturally  held  on.  They  choose  to  hold  onto  the  handle  so  frequently  that  we  had  to 
teach  them  (with  the  verbal  command  “ouf ’)  to  remove  their  arm  from  the  sleeve.  We  have  since 
made  a cover  for  the  sleeve  that  prevents  the  pandas  from  putting  their  arm  into  it  when  we  are 
working  on  other  behaviors. 


396  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol  SS  No.  9 


To  train  for  drawing  blood,  we  rewarded 
the  panda  while  grasping  the  handle.  The 
trainer  kept  the  panda’s  attention  to  the 
front  of  the  squeeze  cage,  so  the  animal 
didn’t  focus  on  their  arm.  We  practiced 
targeting  the  nose  or  opening  the  mouth. 
Normally  a process  of  desensitization  to 
the  stick  of  the  needle  would  then  occur. 
With  desensitization,  the  animals  learn 
to  tolerate  presumably  frightening  or 
uncomfortable  stimuli  (Laule  and 
Whittaker,  1999).  This  process  starts  with 
pinching  the  arm,  then  touching  it  with  a 
syringe,  and  finally  sticking  the  arm  with 
the  needle.  Since  our  pandas  seemed  so 
comfortable  holding  onto  the  handle  and 
focused  well  on  the  trainer,  we  did  not  desensitize  the  pandas  to  a needle  stick.  The  veterinarians 
were  able  to  draw  the  blood  without  any  reaction  from  the  pandas.  We  did  not  shave  the  pandas  or 
use  alcohol  on  their  arm.  Panda  veins  are  very  prominent,  and  our  veterinarians  decided  this  step 
was  unnecessary.  A 23-gauge  butterfly  needle  was  used  with  a 6 or  12cc  syringed  attached  to  the 
needle.  The  pandas  are  always  able  to  see  their  arm  in  the  blood  sleeve  through  a Plexiglas®  panel. 
We  are  now  able  to  do  blood  draws  as  needed. 


Blood  Pressure 

Once  the  pandas  were  trained  for  blood  draws,  they  easily  took  to  the  blood  pressure  sleeve.  The 
only  obstacle  we  had  to  overcome  was  the  noise  of  the  cuff  being  removed.  Our  female  Mei  Xiang 
is  particularly  sensitive  to  new  sounds,  smells,  etc.  We  had  to  desensitize  her  to  the  noise  by  opening 
the  cuff  while  not  on  her  arm.  We  rewarded  her  for  not 
reacting  to  the  noise.  Then  we  put  the  cuff  on  her  arm 
loosely  and  took  it  off  very  carefully  as  to  not  make 
much  noise.  We  use  a Space  Lab  Medical®  blood 
pressure  machine.  A large  adult  cuff  is  used  for  Tian, 
and  an  adult  cuff  is  used  fro  Mei  Xiang.  Blood  pressures 
are  now  taken  monthly  for  baseline  species  data. 


Radiographs 

In  order  to  take  radiographs  of  the  pandas,  a plate  is 
put  into  the  squeeze  cage  frame  prior  to  the  pandas 
entering  the  cage.  The  portable  Space  Lab  Medical® 
machine  is  set  up  to  the  approximate  height  for  the  area 
to  be  radiographed,  and  the  frame  with  the  plate  is  raised 
or  lowered  to  the  proper  position.  The  removable  panels 


on  the  front  of  the  cage  are  positioned  so  that 
there  is  an  opening  for  the  machine  to  shoot 
through.  To  prevent  the  pandas  from  trying  to 
grab  the  radiograph  machine  through  the 
opening,  the  trainer  must  work  to  keep  the 
pandas  focused  on  performing  behaviors. 


Most  of  the  radiographs  we  have  taken  are  of 
the  chest  area,  so  the  pandas  were  trained  to 
hold  onto  the  top  bars  with  both  paws  while 
sitting  squarely  in  front  of  the  radiograph 
machine.  We  were  able  to  train  this  by  simply 
tapping  on  the  top  of  the  cage  where  we  wanted 
the  pandas  to  grasp  and  giving  the  verbal 
command  “paw”.  We  were  also  able  to 


Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  9 397 


radiograph  Mei  Xiang’s  knee  when  she  had  an  injury.  We  made  an  opening  at  the  bottom  of  the  front 
panel  and  asked  Mei  Xiang  to  sit  sideways  to  the  opening.  She  naturally  let  her  leg  hang  out  of  the 
opening.  We  were  able  to  hold  her  leg  over  the  radiograph  plate  that  was  on  the  ground.  Previously, 
we  had  worked  with  the  pandas  to  allow  various  body  parts  to  be  touched. 

Training  the  pandas  to  sit  sideways  for  a side  radiograph  was  a little  more  challenging.  We  had 
difficulty  getting  the  pandas  to  turn  completely  to  the  side.  They  would  only  turn  their  upper  bodies. 
We  found  that  asking  for  the  panda’s  foot  sometimes  worked  to  get  them  into  position.  Sometimes 
the  pandas  would  eventually  shift  their  bodies  into  the  correct  position,  and  they  were  bridged  and 
rewarded.  We  eventually  found  that  the  pandas  were  more  likely  to  turn  properly  when  they  were 
not  squeezed  into  position  before  turning  sideways.  Now  we  position  them  and  then  squeeze  the 
cage  to  the  proper  position.  Radiographs  are  taken  annually  for  their  physicals. 

Vaginal  Swab 

Collecting  vaginal  swab  samples  from  the  female  panda  during  breeding  season  is  very  important. 
The  cell  changes  in  these  samples  pinpoint  her  exact  day  of  ovulation.  Since  pandas  only  come  into 
estrus  once  a year,  this  information  is  extremely  important  to  panda  breeding.  Sample  collection 
involves  inserting  a sterile  swab  into  her  vagina  to  collect  cells. 

Training  for  vaginal  swab  samples  involved 
desensitizing  her  to  touch  in  her  genital  region. 

Two  trainers  are  needed  for  this  process.  One 
trainer  feeds  the  panda  while  the  other  takes 
the  sample.  The  training  began  by  touching  her 
tail  and  then  gently  trying  to  lower  the  tail 
down.  At  first  Mei  Xiang  held  her  tail  tightly 
to  her  body.  But  with  patience  and  lots  of 
coaxing,  she  began  to  relax  her  tail.  Once  the 
tail  is  relaxed,  the  trainer  touches  the  vulva  with 
the  swab.  Then  the  trainer  inserts  the  swab 
briefly.  Eventually,  the  trainer  can  insert  the 
swab  fully  and  collect  the  sample.  We  collect 
vaginal  swab  samples  once  per  month  during 
non-breeding  season.  One  to  two  months  before 
her  estrus,  we  collect  swabs  weekly.  We  collect  samples  daily  during  and  immediately  surrounding 
her  estrus. 

Testicle  Measurement 

Our  male  panda  Tian  Tian  arrived  as  a sexually  maturing  male.  During  his  first  breeding  season  at 
NZP,  his  testicle  size  increased  dramatically.  We  are  able  to  detect  changes  in  testicle  size  relating  to 
breeding  season  by  measuring  Tian’s  testicles  regularly.  We  use  calipers  to  take  measurements  of 
the  length  and  width  of  each  testicle. 

Training  Tian  to  allow  testicle  measurements  was  fairly  easy.  Tian  is  very  relaxed  in  the  training 

cage  and  is  not  sensitive  to  new  experiences. 
Two  trainers  are  needed  for  obtaining  testicle 
measurements.  One  person  feeds  Tian  while  the 
other  takes  the  measurements.  We  stationed  Tian 
at  the  front  panel  with  a small  opening  at  the 
bottom.  We  touched  his  tail  region  and  then  his 
testicles.  Measurements  are  taken  on  both 
testicles.  Tian  will  shift  his  position  as  needed. 
Testicle  measurements  are  taken  monthly  during 
non-breeding  season.  Measurements  are  taken 
weekly  during  breeding  season. 

During  this  training,  we  easily  introduced  rectal 
temperature.  We  desensitized  the  area  while  the 
tail  was  relaxed.  We  are  able  to  get  rectal 
temperatures  as  needed  with  Tian. 


398  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  9 


Ultrasound 

Valuable  information  can  be  learned  from  performing  ultrasound  on  the  pandas.  Major  organs  can 
be  visualized  on  a regular  basis.  During  the  breeding  season,  ultrasound  is,  used  to  detect  changes  in 
reproductive  organs  and  can  be  used  to  confirm  the  latter  stages  of  pregnancy.  This  is  vital  since 
there  is  no  reliable  hormonal  marker  for  pregnancy  in  pandas,  and  female  pandas  frequently 
experience  pseudo  pregnancy. 

There  are  two  positions  used  for  reproductive  organ  ultrasound  on  Mei  Xiang.  The  first  is  with  her 
sitting  facing  forward  and  holding  onto  the  top  bars  of  the  cage.  The  trainer  feeds  Mei  Xiang  and 
works  on  target  and  open  mouth  behaviors.  She  will  hold  this  position  indefinitely. 

The  second  position  is  with  Mei  Xiang  lying  on  her  back.  After  many  attempts  to  train  her  to  lie 
down,  we  discovered  that  she  would  mimic  her  trainer’s  body  position.  The  trainer  simply  got  down 
beside  the  cage  and  lay  down.  Mei  Xiang  mimicked  this  behavior.  She  continued  to  mimic  her 
trainer  in  this  manner  until  the  behavior  was  given  a verbal  command  (“lie  down”)  and  a hand 
signal  (point  to  ground).  Now  Mei  Xiang  will  offer  this  behavior  when  she  goes  into  the  cage.  She 
also  enjoys  playing  with  the  ultrasound  gel.  She  playfully  rubs  it  over  her  body.  The  veterinarians 
try  to  wipe  off  most  of  the  gel  when  they  finish  the  session.  So  far  we  have  not  shaved  her  belly  to 
do  the  ultrasound.  It  is  important  with  all  behaviors 
involving  the  veterinarians  for  the  trainer  to  watch 
the  panda  carefully.  The  trainer  must  alert  the 
veterinarians  (or  second  trainer)  when  the  panda  may 
break  their  position.  Ultrasounds  are  performed 
monthly  prior  to  breeding  season,  twice  a month  a 
few  months  before  breeding  season,  and  weekly  or 
more  during  breeding  season  and  potential 
pregnancy.  We  use  a Biosound®  brand  machine 
(http://www.biosound.com)  for  these  ultrasounds. 

In  2003  year,  we  started  doing  ultrasound  on  the 
male  panda’s  testicles.  This  is  performed  in  a sitting 
position  with  Tian  holding  onto  the  top  bars  of  the 
cage.  Testicle  ultrasounds  are  performed  twice  a month  and  may  change  to  weekly  during  breeding 
season.  Videos  of  all  ultrasounds  are  stored  for  future  reference. 

Vaginal  Insemination 

In  2004,  Dr.  JoGale  Howard  was  able  to  perform  a vaginal  insemination  on  Mei  Xiang  while  she  sat 
in  the  training  cage.  The  procedure  was  similar  the  vaginal  swab  procedure.  Dr.  Howard  was  able  to 
place  sperm  from  Tian  Tian  into  Mei  Xiang’s  vagina.  Mie  Xiang  did  not  react  during  the  procedure 

except  to  watch  Dr.  Howard.  Ultimately,  the 
vaginal  insemination  did  not  result  in  a cub.  But 
this  procedure  was  successfully  performed  on  a 
panda  that  was  entirely  awake.  It  may  be 
possible  in  the  future  to  do  a more  invasive 
insemination  with  Mei  Xiang  in  the  training 
cage  while  she  is  awake.  If  successful,  such  a 
procedure  could  eliminate  the  need  for 
anesthesia  during  inseminations. 

Milk  Collection 

In  March  of 2005,  an  artificial  insemination  was 
performed  on  Mei  Xiang  using  Tian’s  sperm. 
Mei  Xiang  was  then  trained  for  milk  collection. 
In  the  event  that  she  gave  birth  to  a cub  or  cubs 
that  needed  to  be  hand-reared,  the  colostrums  and  milk  would  be  collected  in  order  to  bottle-feed 
the  cub(s).  The  training  involved  locating  and  touching  all  four  nipples,  allowing  each  nipple  to  be 
cleaned  with  gauze  and  water,  and  manipulating  the  nipples  for  collecting  milk.  Since  Mei  was 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  9 399 


already  used  to  the  keepers  touching  her,  this  process  went 
very  quickly.  After  only  a few  training  sessions,  zoo 
nutritionist  Mark  Edwards  was  able  to  perform  this 
procedure.  A few  weeks  before  Mei  gave  birth  this  year, 
Mark  was  able  to  collect  a few  drops  of  milk  from  Mei 
Xiang’s  nipple. 

Future  Goals 

We  have  had  great  success  with  our  giant  panda  training 
program.  We  have  reached  our  original  goal  of  performing 
annual  physicals  without  the  use  of  anesthesia.  Our  new 
training  goal  for  the  male  panda  is  the  collection  of  semen 
without  anesthesia.  These  samples  can  be  banked  to 
support  an  artificial  insemination  program,  A future  goal 
for  the  female  giant  panda  is  to  train  for  artificial 
insemination  without  anesthesia.  This  procedure  may  be 
used  if  natural  breeding  fails  or  to  utilize  semen  from  a 
genetically  unrepresented  male.  With  the  species  being 
critically  endangered,  it  is  important  to  maximize  breeding  opportunities.  Artificial  insemination 
facilitated  by  training  may  provide  a way  to  avoid  the  risks  of  anesthesia  and  maximize  the  chances 
of  conception. 

Discussion 

Positive  reinforcement  training  is  a valuable  part  of  any  animal  management  program,  and  has 
significant  implications  for  overall  animal  care  and  management  (Laule  and  Whittaker,  1999).  This 
type  of  training  enriches  the  lives  of  captive  animals.  Training  improves  the  trust  and  bond  between 
trainer  and  animal,  reduces  the  stress  of  daily  care,  provides  mental  stimulation,  and  can  decrease 
stereotypic  behaviors  (Laule  and  Desmond,  1998). 

Through  training,  we  can  increase  the  understanding  of  panda  cognition.  Studying  topics  such  as 
foraging  strategy  and  response  to  novelty  demonstrate  how  pandas  view  challenges  they  face  in 
their  environment.  This  may  facilitate  the  selection  and  preparation  of  animals  for  reintroduction  in 
the  future. 

We  can  now  establish  a database  on  select  panda  physical  parameters  without  the  influence  of 
anesthesia.  Collecting  blood  samples  and  blood  pressure  samples  provides  a baseline  for  evaluating 
the  health  of  giant  pandas. 

Through  ultrasonography  and  radiology,  we  can  establish  an  understanding  of  the  physical  status  of 
pandas.  Evaluating  all  organ  systems  provides  comparative  data  on  healthy  pandas,  and  facilitates 
the  diagnosis  of  disease  and  organ  failure. 

We  can  improve  our  understanding  of  physiological  changes  associated  withreproduction  in  giant 
pandas  through  our  training  program.  Testicular  measurement  and  semen  collection  furthers  the 
understanding  of  the  male  physiology  and  seasonal  changes  in  sperm  production.  Collection  of 
vaginal  swab  samples  in  female  pandas  is  already  an  important  tool  to  detect  ovulation.  Ultrasound 
documents  changes  in  the  female  reproductive  tract  and  can  confirm  pregnancy.  Collecting  milk 
from  a lactating  panda  may  prevent  the  need  for  supplimental  formula  if  the  cub(s)  must  be  hand- 
reared. 

Conclusion 

The  giant  pandas  at  the  National  Zoological  Park  have  been  successfully  trained  for  biomedical  and 
reproductive  management.  Trainers  used  positive  reinforcement  and  a specially  designed  squeeze 
cage  apparatus  to  achieve  these  goals.  We  reached  our  goal  of  performing  annual  physical  exams  on 
the  pandas  without  the  use  of  anesthesia. 

We  now  have  four  years  of  baseline  blood  value  data  on  two  young,  healthy  pandas.  From  these 
blood  samples  we  are  able  to  monitor  post-vaccination  titers,  collect  immunoglobulins  to  store  for 

400  Animal  Keepers  'Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  9 


cubs  without  access  to  colostrums,  and  correlate  blood  chemistry  values  to  seasonal  variation  in 
food  consumption  and  activity. 

We  have  collected  three  years  of  data  on  blood  pressure  on  the  pandas.  Baseline  blood  pressure 
norms  for  giant  pandas  are  virtually  unknown.  In  the  future,  this  knowledge  will  facilitate  the 
evaluation  of  geriatric  pandas  for  kidney  disease  and  other  age  related  disorders. 

We  also  have  three  years  of  vaginal  swab  samples,  testicle  measurements,  and  female  reproductive 
tract  ultrasound.  This  data  is  important  in  understanding  the  physiological  changes  that  occur  during 
sexual  maturation  and  during  the  breeding  season.  The  ultrasound  detects  changes  in  the  female’s 
reproductive  tract  during  estrus  and  pregnancy  or  pseudopregnancy.  This  technology  can  also  be 
used  to  confirm  pregnancy. 

There  is  still  very  little  known  about  behavior  and  physiology  of  the  giant  panda.  Any  new  information 
that  can  be  learned  from  training  biomedical  procedures  is  valuable.  For  example,  we  can  correlate 
blood  hormone  values  with  ultrasound  results  to  determine  ovulation  or  pregnancy  in  females.  Female 
estrus  behaviors  can  be  correlated  with  vaginal  cytology  and  hormone  values  to  detect  ovulation. 
We  can  also  correlate  blood  chemistry  with  behaviors  like  seasonal  bamboo  consumption  or  activity. 
Ideas  for  future  research  projects  will  evolve  from  the  correlation  of  this  data.  If  other  institutions 
with  pandas  or  other  ursids  participate  in  biomedical  and  reproductive  management  training,  a 
database  of  information  can  be  created.  This  will  improve  the  health  care  and  management  of  these 
animals.  We  strongly  advocate  the  development  of  positive  reinforcement  training  programs  for 
biomedical  and  reproductive  management  in  giant  pandas  and  related  species. 

Acknowledgements 

We  would  like  to  thank  the  staff  at  Ocean  Park  for  sharing 
with  us  their  squeeze  cage  apparatus  and  their  vast  training 
knowledge.  We  would  especially  like  to  thank  trainer  Paul 
Ng  for  coming  to  NZP  and  helping  us  train  our  pandas 
and  our  panda  trainers.  The  China  Wildlife  Conservation 
Association  is  a cooperative  partner  in  the  Smithsonian 
National  Zoological  Park’s  research  and  conservation 
program  for  the  giant  panda. 

References 

Bayrakci,  Rana.  Starting  an  Injection  Training  Program 
with  Lion-Tailed  Macaques  {Macaca  silenus). 

Animal  Keepers’  Forum.  Vol.  30,  No.  12:  503- 
512,  2003. 

Desmond,  T;  Laule,  G.  The  use  of  Positive  Reinforcement 
Training  in  the  Management  of  Species  for 
Reproduction.  Zoo  Biology.  Vol.  13:  417-477, 

1994. 

Grandin,  T.  Conditioning  of  Nyala  {Tragelaphus  angasi)  to 

Blood  Sampling  in  a Crate  With  Positive  Reinforcement.  Zoo  Biology.  Vol.  14:  261-273, 

1995. 

Laule,  G.;  Desmond,  T.  Positive  Reinforcement  Training  As  An  Enrichment  Strategy.  Second  Nature: 
Environmental  Enrichment  for  Captive  Animals,  Ed  David  Shepherdson,  Jill  Mellon,  and 
Michael  Hutchins,  302-313.  Washington  and  London:  Smithsonian  University  Press.  1998. 

Laule,  G.;  Whittaker,  M.  Positive  Reinforcement  Training  And  Medical  Management  Of  Captive 
Animals.  Erankungen  der  Zooiere.  Vol.  39:  277-282.  1999. 


Photo  credit:  Unless  specifically  noted,  all  photos  are  from  the 
National  Zoological  Park  Photo  Department. 


Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  9 401 


Using  Training  to  Eliminate  the  Mee  d fop  Ch  emical  Sedation 


By 

Kim  Downey,  Keeper 
Scovill  Zoo 
Decatur,  Illinois 

One  of  the  problems  we  had  with  Seymour,  our  10-year-old  Bactrian  camel  (Camelus  bactrianus), 
was  his  history  of  feet  problems.  We  were  aware  that  the  soles  of  his  feet  developed  cracks  and 
pockets  before  he  arrived  at  our  zoo,  but  we -were  not  expecting  his  aversion  to  having  his  feet 
touched  or  picked  up.  This  posed  some  challenges  for  our  vet  and  keeper  staff.  Keeping  an  eye  on 
his  feet  became  an  ordeal,  requiring  almost  complete  sedation  in  order  to  trim  the  nails  and  soles  of 
his  feet.  After  having  to  sedate  him  twice  over  a period  of  six  months,  the  keeper  staff  decided  to 
put  some  intense  effort  into  using  operant  conditioning  training  to  solve  this  problem. 

Because  his  front  feet  were  the  main  source  of  the  problem,  we  decided  to  tackle  these  first.  After 
noticing  our  female  camel  naturally  resting  her  leg  on  an  object  in  the  exhibit,  we  decided  to  duplicate 
this  action  with  Seymour.  When  planning  how  to  proceed,  we  realized  that  we  could  utilize  the 
natural  behavior  of  lifting  his  foot  to  take  a step  (because  this  was  a behavior  that  he  already  knew). 
However,  we  wanted  Seymour  to  stop  in  the  middle  of  his  step  when  his  knee  was  bent  and  the  sole 
of  his  foot  was  pointing  upward.  To  do  so  we  first  tried  asking  him  to  prop  his  foot  on  a bale  of 
straw  in  his  yard,  but  found  that  he  either  wanted  to  eat  the  straw  or  step  completely  around  it.  This 
led  us  to  move  the  bale  of  straw  to  a more  confined  area,  specifically  across  the  doorway  to  his  bam. 
Putting  up  a chain  approximately 
chest  high  prevented  him  from 
stepping  over  the  straw.  We  also 
had  to  vary  the  height  of  the 
straw  bales  and  found  that  a 
height  of  2 1/2  feet  fit  our  needs 
because  he  could  neither  step  on 
or  over  them.  Using  a clicker  and 
peanuts,  we  first  asked  him  to 
come  near  the  straw,  then  asked 
him  to  touch  the  straw  with  his 
foot.  Our  next  step  was  to 
encourage  him  to  lift  his  foot  to 
take  a step.  The  clicker  was  a 
vital  tool  at  this  point,  because 
we  could  click  and  reward  him 
at  the  exact  point  his  leg  was  bent 
the  way  we  wanted  it.  The  straw 
bales  were  also  important 
because  as  he  stepped  forward, 
he  ended  up  resting  his  lower 
foreleg  on  them  (see  Figure  1). 

Seymour  responded  to  this  part 
of  the  training  very  quickly. 

During  this  process  we  found  that  it  was  easier  to  train  one  front  leg  at  a time.  Although  we  wanted 
him  to  do  the  same  action  on  both  sides,  he  became  confused  if  we  switched  back  and  forth  between 
his  left  leg  and  right  leg.  Therefore,  we  trained  the  behavior  completely  on  the  left  side  first  then 
switched  and  trained  it  on  his  right  side.  As  he  made  progress,  we  were  able  to  take  down  the  chain 


Figure  1 (photo  by  Kim  Downey) 


402  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol  33  No.  9 


Figure  4 (photo  by  Alan  Gabriel-Lamb) 


Figure  3 (photo  by  Kim  Downey) 


Animal  Keepers* Forum,  Vol  33  No.  9 403 


stopping  him  from  stepping  over  the  straw.  We  were  also  able  to  move  the  straw  into  more  open  i 
areas.  However,  this  created  another  challenge  since  the  bales  of  straw  were  not  easily  maneuverable. 
After  searching  around  the  zoo,  we  found  the  perfect  platform  for  Seymour  in  a 50-gallon  plastic 
barrel  cut  down  to  size.  It  was  light  enough  to  move  around  the  zoo  and  sturdy  enough  to  hold 
Seymour’s  weight.  i 


Another  challenge  we  encountered  was  getting  Seymour  to  put  the  correct  leg  on  the  barrel  as  we 
asked.  The  first  commands  we  taught  him  were  “left  foot”  and  “right  foof He  appeared  to  be 
confused  by  this  and  put  his  legs  on  the  barrel  at  random.  One  solution  was  shortening  the  commands 
to  “left”  and  “right”,  eliminating  the  word  “foof’  from  both.  We  also  thought  that  Seymour  might 
be  a visual  learner,  so  we  incorporated  hand  signals  to  accompany  the  verbal  commands.  This 
seemed  to  solve  the  problem,  and  within  a few  weeks  he  was  responding  correctly  to  the  commands. 
Our  next  (and  final)  task  was  to  get  Seymour  to  hold  his  leg  on  the  barrel  for  short  periods  of  time 
so  that  the  keeper  staff  could  trim  the  soles  and  nails  of  his  feet.  To  do  this  we  simply  introduced  a 
“hold”  command  and  hand  signal,  gradually  asking  him  to  leave  his  leg  on  the  barrel  for  longer  and 
longer  periods  of  time.  Also  at  this  time,  we  worked  on  touching  his  foot,  manipulating  his  nails, 
and  introducing  him  to  the  tools  that  would  be  used  to  trim  the  soles. 


Safety  was  a major  consideration  when  we  moved  on  to  work  with  his  back  feet  because  camels  can  i 
kick  out  to  the  side  as  well  as  to  the  rear.  After  much  discussion  we  decided  to  build  a stock  system  ! 
that  allowed  us  to  carefully  work  with  Seymour  (see  Figures  3 and  4).  After  familiarizing  Seymour 
with  the  stocks,  we  began  working  in  small  sessions  several  days  a week.  When  working  with  the  | 
front  feet,  we  employed  the  techniques  of  positive  reinforcement,  but  with  the  back  feet  we  determined 
that  the  techniques  of  negative  reinforcement  would  work  the  best  for  our  situation.  Through  negative  | 
reinforcement  the  frequency  of  a desired  behavior  increases  by  removing  an  aversive  stimulus  when  ■ 
the  behavior  is  displayed  (Pryor,  1999)  In  our  case,  the  behavior  was  having  Seymour  pick  up  his  i 
hind  foot  and  our  aversive  stimulus  was  pressure  exerted  by  a rope  around  his  hind  foot.  1 


When  placing  the  lead  rope  around  Seymour’s  hind  leg,  we  again  considered  the  safety  of  the  | 
keepers  and  the  animal.  Using  a long-handled  snake  hook  enabled  us  to  manipulate  the  rope  without 
having  to  reach  down  near  his  foot.  Passing  the  end  of  the  lead  rope  through  the  snap  created  a loop 
for  quick  release  off  the  foot  (see  Figure  2).  By  pulling  on  the  rope  (a  safe  extension  of  our  hands),  ^ 
we  picked  and  held  up  his  foot  (see  Figure  3).  The  instant  we  felt  him  relax  we  released  the  pressure  | 
on  the  rope  and  allowed  him  to  set  his  foot  down.  The  first  few  times  we  did  this,  Seymour  struggled  j 
and  kicked  out  but  quickly  caught  on  that  relaxing  and  calmly  holding  up  his  foot  earned  him  | 
release  from  the  pressure.  From  there  we  were  able  to  work  on  extending  the  length  of  time  he  was  | 
required  to  hold  up  his  foot.  As  we  continued  to  work  with  him  we  found  that  we  were  able  to  i 
decrease  our  reliance  on  the  rope.  Eventually  we  were  able  to  simply  run  our  hand  down  his  leg, 
pick  up  his  foot,  and  inspect  the  soles  and  nails  of  his  feet  (see  Figure  4).  I 

Since  teaching  Seymour  to  willingly  pick  up  his  feet  for  inspection,  we  have  not  had  to  use  sedation 
to  trim  the  nails  or  soles.  He  is  also  being  used  for  public  demonstrations  to  show  visitors  how 
keepers  employ  training  to  keep  animals  healthy  without  the  aid  of  anesthesia.  Seymour  was  one  of 
our  first  intensive  training  efforts  at  the  zoo,  and  the  process  was  not  without  some  problems  and 
failures.  However,  creative  problem  solving  and  the  time  and  effort  put  into  the  training  were  well 
worth  the  outcome. 


Acknowledgements 

Special  thanks  to  camel  experts  Jeff  and  Kris  Lyle  for  allowing  us  to  come  to  their  ranch  and  for 
teaching  us  a great  deal  about  camel  training  and  behavior.  Thanks  also  to  our  ferrier  Janice  Dort 
and  to  all  the  keepers  involved  in  Seymour’s  training!  s 

References 

Pryor,  K.  1999.  Don’t  Shoot  the  Dog:  The  New  Art  of  Teaching  and  Training.  Pg  4.  ; 

Bantam,  New  York,  New  York,  U.S.A.  i 


404  Animal  Keepers’ Forum,  Vol  33  No.  9 


tcpdcute' 

Compiled  by  Georgann  Johnston 
Legislative  Advisor 
Sacramento,  CA 


New  Program  Hopes  To  Increase  Tiger  Numbers  By  50®/© 

The  Wildlife  Conservation  Society  has  launched  an  ambitious  new 
program  that  calls  for  a 50%  increase  in  tiger  numbers  in  key  areas  over 
the  next  decade,  according  to  an  article  in  the  journal  Nature.  The  new 
initiative,  called  “Tigers  Forever,”  blends  a business  model  with  hard 
science,  and  has  already  attracted  the  attention  of  venture  capitalists  who  have  pledged  an  initial 
$10  million  to  support  it. 

The  program  involves  a dozen  WCS  field  sites  where  an  estimated  800  tigers  currently  reside. 
Building  on  WCS  successes  in  places  like  India’s  Nagarahole  National  Park  and  the  Russian  Far 
East  where  tiger  numbers  have  rebounded,  the  new  plan  says  that  tigers  can  grow  to  an  approximately 
1,200  individuals  across  these  sites.  The  total  population  for  tigers  remains  a mystery,  though  some 
scientists  believe  that  perhaps  3-000-5,000  remain  in  the  wild. 

Dr.  Alan  Rabinowitz,  who  directs  WCS  big  cat  programs,  notes  that  this  kind  of  accountability  with 
specific  numbers  over  a specific  time  period,  is  a new  concept  for  conservationists.  “We’re  putting 
our  reputations  on  the  line  and  holding  ourselves  accountable  that  we  can  grow  tiger  numbers,”  said 
Rabinowitz.  “At  the  same  time,  we  have  the  knowledge,  expertise  and  track  record  to  accomplish 
this  goal.” 

The  plan  calls  for  working  closely  with  local  governments  and  other  partners  to  gain  baseline 
knowledge  on  tigers  in  places  like  Myanmar’s  Hukawng  Valley  - the  world’s  largest  tiger  reserve  - 
while  stepping  up  anti-poaching  activities  in  other  sites,  including  Thailand’s  Huai  Kha  Khaeng  and 
Thung  Yai  protected  areas.  In  some  sites,  like  the  Russian  Far  East,  tiger  numbers  may  not  increase 
from  their  current  estimated  population  of  500  animals. 

On  the  other  hand,  India’s  highly  productive  Western  Ghats  region  may  see  an  increase  by  as  much 
as  60%.  Sites  in  Laos  and  Cambodia,  where  current  tiger  numbers  may  run  below  ten  individuals 
may  see  tiger  numbers  jump  four-fold  over  the  next  decade. 

It  is  these  types  of  hard  numbers  that  attracted  have  attracted  venture  capitalist  and  WCS  trustee 
Michael  Cline  and  Tom  Kaplan,  both  of  the  Panthera  Foundation,  to  pledge  $10  million  over  ten 
years  to  help  fund  the  initiative. 

“I  am  most  interested  in  supporting  efforts  that  will  get  results,”  said  Cline.  “WCS’s  Tiger’s  Forever 
initiative  has  brought  together  two  key  initiatives  - superb  people  armed  with  an  understanding  of 
what  it  takes  to  save  tigers.  In  an  area  where  there  have  been  many  disappointments,  I am  betting 
that  Tigers  Forever  will  get  results.”  Source:  Wildlife  Conservation  Society  July  6,  2006 


West  African  Black  Rinos  Feared  Extinct 

The  West  African  black  rhino  (Diceros  bicornis  longipes)  appears  to  have  become  extinct,  according 
to  a leading  global  conservation  group.  Extensive  searches  throughout  the  black  rhino’s  last  known 
habitat  in  northern  Cameroon  have  failed  to  find  any  rhinos  or  signs  of  their  existence. 

The  western  black  rhino  sub-species  had  declined  precipitously  in  the  past  20  years  largely  as  a 
result  of  poaching.  In  2002  there  were  only  10  remaining.  The  few  left  were  distributed  over  a wide 
area,  making  breeding  more  difficult. 

Specialists  from  the  World  Conservation  Union  (lUCN)  mounted  48  field  missions  in  Cameroon,  in 
which  they  searched  across  1,550  miles.  “They  looked  for  spoor  [tracks],  they  looked  for  the  rhino’s 
characteristic  way  of  feeding  which  has  an  effect  like  a pruning  shear,  but  they  didn’t  find  anything 
to  indicate  a continued  presence  in  the  area,”  Richard  Emslie,  scientific  officer  with  the  lUCN’s 
species  survival  commission,  told  the  BBC.  The  search  missions  did,  however,  come  across  evidence 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  VoL  33  No.  9 405 


of  poaching.  There  is  a lucrative  black  market  trade  in  rhino  horn,  which  is  prized  in  Asia  as  an  ; 
aphrodisiac.  j 

The  numbers  of  all  types  of  African  rhino  have  plummeted  over  the  past  150  years.  Colonial  hunters  j 
picked  off  the  herbivores  as  trophies.  The  northern  white  rhino  (Ceratotherium  simum  cottoni))  is 
also  critically  threatened  as  it  is  down  to  just  four  in  its  only  habitat  in  the  Democratic  Republic  of  j 
Congo.  The  southern  white  rhino  {Ceratotherium  simum  simum)  reached  its  lowest  point  in  1895, 
with  just  30  in  one  South  African  game  park.  Since  then  captive  breeding  and  protection  measures  ‘ 
have  brought  numbers  up  to  nearly  15,000.  ' 

The  blaek  rhino’s  decline  eame  later.  The  population  numbered  100,000  in  1900,  but  declined  to  ^ 
2,400  by  1995.  Protection  measures  have  brought  its  numbers  back  up  to  about  3,600.  Source:  \ 
Guardian  Unlimited  July  13,  2006,  Andrew  Me Idrum 


Socializing  Helped  Ebola  Wipe  Out  Gorillas 

French  researchers  have  reported  that  soeial  contaet  helped  the  ebola  virus  virtually  wipe  out  a 
population  of  gorillas  in  the  Demoeratie  Republie  of  Congo.  Aceording  to  their  report,  a 2004 
outbreak  of  the  virus,  whieh  also  kills  people,  killed  97%  of  gorillas  that  lived  in  groups  and  77%  of 
solitary  males.  Overall,  it  wiped  out  95%  of  the  gorilla  population  within  a year  states  their  report 
in  the  journal  Current  Biology.  “Thousands  of  gorillas  have  probably  disappeared,”  they  wrote. 

The  study  shows  that  the  deadly  virus  spreads  directly  from  gorilla  to  gorilla  and  does  not  necessarily 
depend  on  a still-unidentified  third  species  of  animal,  perhaps  a bat,  that  can  transmit  the  virus 
without  getting  ill  from  it.  The  report  may  also  shed  light  on  how  early  humans  evolved.  The 
findings  may  show  that  pre-humans  were  slow  to  live  in  large  social  groups  because  disease  outbreaks 
could  wipe  out  those  Who  did. 

Ebola  hemorrhagie  fever  is  one  of  the  most  virulent  viruses  ever  seen,  killing  between  50-90%  of 
vietims.  The  World  Health  Organization  says  about  1,850  people  have  been  infected  and  1,200  have 
died  since  the  ebola  virus  was  discovered  in  1976.  WHO  and  other  experts  say  people  probably 
start  outbreaks  when  they  hunt  and  butcher  ehimpanzees.  The  virus  is  transmitted  in  blood,  tissue 
and  other  fluids. 

The  French  team  said  ebola  is  a serious  threat  to  the  survival  of  endangered  gorillas  and  chimpanzees, 
along  with  hunting  and  the  destruction  of  the  forests  they  live  in.  The  researchers  documented  one 
outbreak  of  ebola  and  its  effects  on  gorillas  and  people  in  Odzala-Kokoua  National  Park. 

“On  October  13,  2003,  two  villagers  from  Mbandza  hunting  at  an  undetermined  site  inside  the  park 
got  contaminated  and  beeame  index  cases  of  an  outbreak  that  killed  29  people  in  seven  weeks,”  they 
wrote.  They  were  able  to  identify  400  individual  gorillas. 

“Overall,  109  distinct  gorilla  social  units  visiting  Lokoue  were  reliably  identified  and  monitored 
during  a 1,360-day  period.”  By  July  2004,  nearly  all  the  gorillas  were  dead.  “Due  to  intra-group 
transmission,  the  death  rate  was  highest  among  gorillas  living  in  groups,”  the  researchers  wrote. 
Source:  Reuters:  Maggie  Fox  via  Environmental  News  Network  July  11,  2006 


Researchers  Receive  $1.4  Million  From  Disney  Wildlife  Conservation  Fund 

The  Disney  Wildlife  Conservation  Fund  (DWCF)  has  announced  $1.4  million  in  awards  to  non- 
profit environmental  groups  and  universities  studying  endangered  species,  bringing  the  DWCF  total 
to  more  than  $10  million  in  conservation  projects  supported  worldwide. 

The  DWCF  funds  will  go  toward  82  programs  in  27  eountries  to  address  a variety  of  needs,  including  , 
tracking  collars  for  tigers  and  wolves,  four-wheel-drive  vehicles  for  reaching  remote  African  areas 
with  conservation  edueation  messages,  and  new  wings  for  an  ultralight  aircraft  used  to  lead  migrating  j 
whooping  cranes  across  the  United  States. 

Reeipients  were  chosen  from  more  than  240  applications  reviewed  by  scientists,  veterinarians  and 
other  animal  experts.  The  organizations  range  from  large  national  groups  to  small  community  efforts, 
including  conservation  programs  of  the  Association  of  Zoos  and  Aquariums  (AZA),  Fauna  and 
Flora  International,  Harbor  Branch  Oceanographic  Institution,  Painted  Dog  Conservation  Trust, 
University  of  Florida,  WildAid  and  World  Wildlife  Fund. 


406  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol  33  No.  9 


“The  ability  to  enable  such  important  work  to  protect  wildlife  and  wild  places  is  a key  component  of 
Disney’s  mission,”  according  to  Jerry  Montgomery,  Sr.  Vice  President  of  Public  Affairs,  Walt  Disney 
World.  Montgomery  oversees  the  DWCF  program  through  Disney’s  office  of  conservation  initiatives. 
He  said  the  programs  chosen  demonstrate  solid  science,  engage  local  communities,  and  measure  the 
impact  being  made  to  protect  the  environment, 

“We  also  appreciate  the  fact  that  many  of  our  Guests  who  visit  Walt  Disney  World  Resort  and 
Disney  Cruise  Line  contribute  to  DWCF,  showing  their  own  personal  commitment  to  conservation,” 
Montgomery  said.  In  addition,  Disney’s  corporate  outreach  program  pays  all  overhead  costs  and 
makes  a significant  annual  donation  to  the  DWCF. 

Disney  Wildlife  Conservation  Fund 

The  Disney  Wildlife  Conservation  Fund  (DWCF)  was  established  in  1995  as  a global  awards  Disney 
Wildlife  Conservation  Fund  program  for  the  study  and  protection  of  the  world’s  wildlife  and 
ecosystems.  It  provides  annual  awards  to  US  nonprofit  conservation  organizations  working  alongside 
their  peers  in  other  countries.  Many  of  the  recipient  organizations  concentrate  their  activities  on 
“biological  hotspots”  — areas  rich  in  plant  and  animal  life  at  risk  of  imminent  destruction.  Since  its 
inception,  the  fund  has  contributed  more  than  $10  million,  distributed  among  450  projects  in  more 
than  68  countries.  Each  project  is  evaluated  on  specific  criteria,  including  scientific  methodologies, 
magnitude  of  need,  involvement  of  partner  organizations,  ability  to  impact  an  area  in  the  near-term, 
and  elements  of  public  education  and  community  involvement. 

Examples  of  this  year’s  recipients  and  their  projects  include: 

• African  Wildlife  Foundation  - Mountain  Gorilla  Habitat  Protection 

• American  Bird  Conservancy  - Bringing  Back  the  Western  Bluebird 

• Bat  Conservation  International  - Protecting  Bats  in  US/Mexico  Borderlands 

• Cheetah  Conservation  Fund  - Livestock  Guarding  Dog  Program 

• Conservation  International  - Cambodian  Otter  Conservation 

• Durrell  Wildlife  Conservation  Trust  - Reintroduction  of  the  Ploughshare  Tortoise 

• Snow  Leopard  Trust  - Snow  Leopard  Conservation  in  India 

• The  Peregrine  Fund  - Harpy  Eagle  Restoration  in  Belize 

• and  many  more  including  a number  of  universities 

For  a complete  list  of  Disney  Wildlife  Conservation  projects  visit  the  Disney  Wildlife  Fund  Web 
site  - http://disney.go.com/disneyhand/environmentality/dwcf/index.html.  Source:  CNN  Online  July 
12,  2006 


Haifa  Zoo’s  Animals  Struggle  with  War 

As  Hezbollah  rockets  rain  down  on  this  coastal  city,  not  only  people  must  take  cover.  The  threat 
keeps  most  of  the  Haifa  Zoo’s  600-some  animals  locked  in  their  night  shelters.  With  the  zoo  located 
in  the  heart  of  the  city,  a direct  hit  by  a Katyusha  rocket  on  an  outdoor  cage  could  kill  the  animals  or 
free  lions,  tigers  and  other  wild  beasts  to  run  loose  in  the  streets. 

Inside  the  small  night  shelter  for  14  baboons,  head  zookeeper  Yoav  Ratner  said  he  and  co-workers 
once  complained  about  how  the  shelters  were  remodeled  six  years  ago.  “They  have  very  thick  walls 
and  not  a lot  of  windows  ...  like  a bomb  shelter,”  he  says,  and  seemed  unpleasant  for  the  animals. 
Now,  with  rockets  falling  day  after  day,  “We  are  quite  happy.” 

He  shows  off  an  open-air  area  where  the  baboons  normally  roam  for  14  to  18  hours  a day.  But  under 
daily  attack,  that’s  too  risky  “With  the  baboons,  you  never  know,”  he  says.  “When  they  are  panicked, 
they  will  jump  (to)  heights  we  didn’t  plan  (for)  them  to  jump.” 

At  one  of  the  large-cat  houses,  Sara,  a Siberian  tiger,  is  usually  very  playful,  jumping  up  beside  a 
plate-glass  window  that  separates  her  from  visitors.  For  the  past  two  weeks,  she  has  been  confined 
alone  in  a small  room,  about  30  square  feet.  Barbara,  a Bengal  tiger,  paces  inside  just  23  square 
feet.  Two  Persian  leopards  hiss  angrily  inside  their  shelters. 

If  a rocket  freed  the  tigers,  Ratner  said,  the  result  would  be  devastating.  “We  can  shoot  them  with  a 
sedative  dart  gun.  But  the  truth  is,  if  all  hell  breaks  loose  and  lions  are  running  around,  we  would 


Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  9 407 


have  to  use  firearms  to  stop  them.”  With  only  a hundred  yards  between  the  cats  and  the  city’s  streets, 
zookeepers  couldn’t  take  any  chances. 

“The  lions  are  quite  nervous  now,”  he  says,  as  one  of  the  beasts  growls  loudly.  Usually,  the  zoo’s 
lion  and  two  lionesses  are  not  so  aggressive  when  allowed  to  roam  outside  in  their  own  caged 
territory.  “Now,  two  rooms  are  their  territory,  and  they  don’t  like  us  to  go  in,”  he  says.  Air-raid 
sirens  wail  again,  warning  of  another  missile  attack  — the  fifth  of  the  day,  at  just  1 1 a.m.  When 
Ratner  takes  cover  in  a small  alcove  next  to  the  lions’  cage,  the  lion  growls  again. 

With  a hundred  or  more  Katyusha  rockets  falling  on  northern  Israel  every  day  for  the  past  two 
weeks,  Ratner  and  his  staff  are  engaging  in  a bit  of  gallows  humor.  The  zoo  has  a caracal  that  give 
birth  “The  first  day  of  the  Katyushas,  she  gave  birth  to  three  kittens,”  Ratner  says.  “We  thought 
about  naming  the  first  one  ‘Katyusha,’  the  second  one  ‘Hezbollah’  and  the  third  ‘Nasrallah,’  “ for  i 
Hezbollah’s  leader. 

Despite  the  danger,  three  Syrian  brown  bears  have  remained  outside  because  one  of  them,  “Duba,” 
has  an  infection  and  could  lose  a leg  if  she  doesn’t  move  around.  The  zoo’s  Madagascar  lemurs  have 
remained  outside,  too.  Ratner  stops  to  play  with  the  friendly  creatures,  which  jump  all  over  him  as 
he  feeds  them  grapes. 

So  far,  the  air-raid  sirens  and  explosions  have  not  alarmed  or  agitated  the  lemurs.  “They  don’t  have 
anything  to  connect  it  with,”  he  says  — just  as  the  sirens  wail  for  the  morning’s  sixth  time.  “If  we 
become  panicky  and  start  running,  slowly,  slowly,  they  would  (make)  the  connection.” 

Suddenly,  16  blasts  thunder  across  the  city  and  echo  over  the  zoo  grounds.  “Let’s  go!”  Ratner 
shouts,  forgetting  about  the  lemurs,  as  he  and  other  zoo  workers  run  for  cover  inside.  Source:  By 
Betsy  Hiel,  Pittsburgh  TRIBUNE-REVIEW  Thursday.  July  27,  2006 


Ape  Meat  Sold  in  U.S.,  European  Black  Markets 

A new  investigation  reveals  that  meat  from  chimpanzees,  gorillas,  and  other  wild  African  animals  is 
popping  up  in  illegal  markets  in  the  United  States  and  Europe,  “Bushmeat”  consumption  is 
widespread  in  western  and  central  Africa  (Africa  map).  There,  the  poor  have  traditionally  trapped 
wild  animals  as  a form  of  subsistence  hunting  to  help  feed  their  families  and  villages. 

However,  wild  animals  such  as  primates  have  been  shot  in  such  large  numbers  that  conservationists 
have  declared  bushmeat  hunting  a crisis.  Adding  to  the  demand,  wild  animal  meat  is  making  its  way 
from  small  villages  into  African  cities,  where  some  diners  consider  it  a delicacy.  Now  bushmeat  is 
going  overseas  to  Western  cities.  Justin  Brashares,  a professor  of  wildlife  ecology  at  the  University 
of  California,  Berkeley,  and  a team  of  volunteers  recently  said  it  found  the  illegal  meat  in  markets  in 
Paris,  Brussels,  London,  New  York  City,  Montreal,  Toronto,  and  Los  Angeles.  The  team  documented 
27  instances  of  gorilla  or  chimpanzee  parts  being  sold,  though  it  never  found  a complete  carcass. 
The  most  commonly  sold  bushmeat  found  in  Brashares’  investigation  was  from  small  antelopes 
known  as  duikers,  but  meat  from  various  rodents,  reptiles,  and  birds  was  also  discovered. 

“Most  illegal  meat  is  earried  in  suitcases  and  also  is  shipped  in  parcels  and  large  containers,”  Brashares 
said.  Brashares  first  learned  of  markets  that  trade  bushmeat  through  a chance  meeting  with  a Ghanaian 
living  in  New  York  City  a couple  of  years  back.  “In  the  U.S.  a lot  of  it  comes  through  JFK  and 
Miami  airports,”  he  added.  “Inspectors  actively  search  for  these  shipments  and  use  sniffer  dogs.  But 
they  tell  me  they  can’t  begin  to  keep  up  with  the  volume  eoming  in  and  estimate  they  catch  about 
one  percent  of  the  total  coming  into  the  country.” 

Many  officials  at  Africa’s  airports  are  aware  of  the  illegal  cargo  but  choose  to  look  the  other  way 
and  allow  the  airports  of  the  importing  countries  to  deal  with  the  issue,  says  Karl  Ammann,  a bush- 
meat activist  and  wildlife  photographer.  The  biggest  Western  consumers  come  from  the  middle  and 
upper  classes  and  have  found  easy  ways  to  access  bushmeat,  according  to  Ammann.  Most  experts 
agree  that  the  total  amount  of  bushmeat  imported  into  the  West  is  high,  but  precise  estimates  are 
hard  to  come  by. 

The  Convention  on  International  Trade  in  Endangered  Species  of  Wild  Fauna  and  Flora  (CITES), 
works  to  ensure  that  international  trade  of  wild  animals  and  plants  does  not  threaten  their  survival. 
Under  CITES  laws,  cross-border  trade  of  bushmeat  is  illegal.  Source:  By  Sara  Goudarzi  for  National 
Geographic  News  July  18,  2006 


408  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  9 


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O R U lS/1 


The  Journal  of  the  American 
Association  of  loo  Keepers,  inc. 


ANIMAL  KEEPERS’  FORUM.  3601  S.W.  29th  St.,  Suite  133,  Topeka,  KS  66614-2054 
Phone:  1-800-242-4519  (U.S.)  1-800-468-1966  (Canada)  FAX  (785)  273-1980 


October  2006 
Vol.  33,  No.  10 

AKF  Managing  Editor:  Susan  D.  Chan  • Associate  Editors  • Kayla  Grams,  Grand  Junction,  CO;  Mark  de 
Denus,  Reid  Park  Zoo;  Jolene  Hamrick,  Tucson,  AZ  • Enrichment  Options  Coordinators:  Dawn  Neptune, 
Utah’s  Hogle  Zoo  & Rachel  Daneault,  Disney’s  Animal  Kingdom  • Legislative/Conservation  Outlook  Column 
Coordinator:  Georgann  B.  Johnston,  Sacramento,  CA.  • ABC’s  Column  Coordinator:  Diana  Guerrero,  Big 
Bear  Lake,  CA  • Reactions  Column  Coordinator:  William  K.  Baker,  Jr.,  Little  Rock  Zoo 

Animal  Keepers’  Forum  is  published  monthly  by  the  American  Association  of  Zoo  Keepers,  Inc.,  3601  S.W.  29th 
Street,  Suite  133,  Topeka,  KS  66614-2054.  Ten  dollars  of  each  membership  fee  goes  toward  the  annual  publication 
costs  of  Animal  Keepers’  Forum  . Postage  paid  at  Topeka,  KS. 

AAZK  Executive  Director:  Ed  Hansen,  AAZK,  Inc.,  Topeka  KS 

also  serves  as  AAZK  Liaison  to  the  American  Zoo  & Aquarium  Association  (AZA) 

AAZK  Administrative  Secretary:  Barbara  Manspeaker,  AAZK,  Inc.,  Topeka,  KS 


BOARD  OF  DIRECTORS 

Denise  Wagner,  The  Phoenix  Zoo,  Phoenix,  AZ  85008 

Shane  Good,  Cleveland  Metroparks  Zoo,  Cleveland,  OH  44109 

Jacque  Blessington,  Kansas  City  Zoological  Gardens,  Kansas  City,  MO  64132-4200 

Andy  Henderson,  Lincoln  Park  Zoo,  Chicago,  IL  60614-4712 

Norah  Famham,  Woodland  Park  Zoo,  Seattle,WA  98103-5858 


President 
Vice  President 


COMMITTEES/COORDINATORS 

By-laws 

Chair  - Gisela  A.  Wiggins,  North  Carolina  Zoo 
Grants  Committee 
Chair  - Shelly  Roach,  Columbus  Zoo 
Enrichment  Committee 
Co-Chairs  - Dawn  Neptune,  Utah’s  Hogle  Zoo 
and  Amy  Burgess,  Disney’s  Animal  Kingdom 
Annual  Conferences 
Coordinator  - Ed  Hansen,  AAZK,  Inc. 

Professional  Development 

Chair  - Tammy  Schmidt,  Peoria  Zoo 

International  Outreach 

VACANT 

Interim  Contact  - Shane  Good,  Cleveland  Metroparks  Zoo 


Ethics 

Chair  - Denise  Wagner,  Phoenix  Zoo 
Awards 

Chair  - Janet  McCoy,  The  Oregon  Zoo 
Marketing  Resources 

Chair  - Kristen  Wolfe,  Disney’ s Animal  Kingdom 
Animal  Training  Committee 
Co-Chairs  - Angela  Binney,  Disney’s  Animal 
Kingdom  & Kim  Kezer,  Zoo  New  England 
Bowling  for  Rhinos  - 
Coordinator  - Patty  Pearthree,  Cary,  NC 
IZC  Coordinators 

Shane  Good,  Cleveland  Metroparks  Zoo  and 
Norah  Farnham,  Woodland  Park  Zoo 


MEMBERSHIP  SERVICES 

APT  EDT  and  ATP  Forms 
AAZK  Administrative  Offices/Topeka 
AAZK  Website  - Liaison  to  Webmaster 
Denise  Wagner,  The  Phoenix  Zoo  and 
Kevin  Shelton,  Tampa,  FL 


AAZK  Historian 

Mark  Levin,  Plymouth  Meeting,  PA 
AAZK  Publications/Logo  Products 

AAZK  Administrative  Offices/Topeka 


AAZK  PUBLICATIONS  - CONTINUING  DATA  COLLECTION 

Resources  for  Crisis  Management  in  Zoos  & Other  Animal  Care  Facilities,  Vol.  2 - Susan  D.  Chan,  Topeka,  KS; 
William  K.  Baker,  Little  Rock  Zoo,  AR;  Diana  Guerrero,  ArkAnimals,  Big  Bear  Lake,  CA 

o 

printed  on  Recycled  Paper 


Table  of  Contents 


About  the  Cover/Information  for  Contributors... 410 

Scoops  & Scuttlebutt... 411 

Coming  Events 412 

From  the  Executive  Director 413 

AAZK  Announces  New  Members 414 

Have  You  Sent  in  Your  E-Mail  Address  Yet? 414 

2006  AAZK/AKF  Award  Recipients .....416  - 418 

ATC  Column  - Teaching  Operant  Conditioning  Methods 

and  Training  Program  Management  in  China 420  - 426 

And  the  Indianapolis  Prize  Goes  To.... 426 

Book  Reviews  {Snake  Venom  & Envenonmations’,  Captive  Foraging:  The  Next  Best  Thing  to  Being 

Free;  and  Nationwide  Assressment  of  Morphological  Abnormalities  Observed  in  Amphibians 

Collected  from  U.S.  National  Wildlife  Refuges) 427  - 428 

People  Skills  for  Animal  People  {Part  II  - Cover  Letters  and  Resumes) 430  - 434 

Enrichment  Options  (Lee  Houts  Enrichment  Award  Recipient)) 435 

Adventures  in  AAZK  Calendar  Making  and  Sales..... 436  - 437 

A Real  Life  “King  Kong”  Story:  Training  an  Assertive  1.0  Western  Lowland  Gorilla 

and  Making  the  Most  of  Birmingham  Zoo’s  Animal  Training  Course 428  - 443 

All  Aboard  the  Digital  Ark 443 

Chapter  News  Notes 444  - 445 

Stinray  Kills  Crocodile  Hunter  Steve  Erwin 445 

Reactions  Column  (Working  with  Education  Program  Animals).... 446  - 448 

Reminder  on  Job  Listings 448 

Celebrity  Fish  Dies  at  Chicago’s  Shedd  Aquarium 449 

An  Amazon.com  Customer?  You  Can  Help  Out  AAZK! 449 

AAZK  Animal  Data  Transfer  Forms  Available  Oneline 450 

Keeper’s  Alert/Information  Please  (lions) 450 

Using  Behavioral  Observations  to  Detect  a Gastric  Ulcer 

in  an  Asian  Small-clawed  Otter. 451  - 456 

Captive  Gorillas  Succumbing  to  Heart  Disease 456 


V. 


J 


30th  Anniversary 
1974  - 2004 


SA.6out  the  Cover 

This  month’s  cover  features  a Belted  Kingfisher  (Ceryle  alcyon)  drawn  by  Debi  Talbott,  a keeper  at 
Smithsonian ’s  National  Zoological  Park  in  Washington,  DC.  As  their  name  suggests,  this  species  subsists 
mostly  on  fish.  However,  they  occasionally  consume  other  prey  including  crayfish,  shellfish,  squid,  and 
terrestrial  prey  such  as  small  birds,  mammals,  lizards,  and  insects.  They  have  even  been  reported  to  eat 
berries  when  other  food  is  unavailable.  They  typically  sit  at  a waterside  perch  watching  for  suitable  prey, 
usually  small  fish  less  than  six  inches  in  length.  They  make  steep  dives  head-first  into  the  water  and  may 
hover  and  plunge  vertically  from  heights  of  up  to  50  feet.  They  catch  most  fish  within  two  feet  of  the 
surface.  To  stop  the  dive,  they  spread  their  wings  under  water.  After  catching  a fish,  they  will  beat  their 
prey  on  a perch  to  immobilize  it,  then  toss  it  into  the  air  and  swallow  it  head-first.  The  nest  site  of  a Belted 
Kingfisher  is  almost  always  a tunnel  near  the  top  of  a vertical  bank.  They  prefer  sandy  soil  at  the  nest  site 
which  both  the  male  and  female  take  turns  digging  out  with  their  beaks.  The  female  lays  six  or  seven  eggs 
which  the  pair  both  incubate  for  23-24  days.  The  chicks  are  altricial.  Both  parents  share  feeding  chores 
with  only  one  parent  at  a time  entering  the  burrow.  The  young  leave  the  nest  about  a month  after  hatching 
and  begin  fishing  for  themselves  about  ten  days  later.  The  pair  separates  after  breeding  season  and 
defend  individual  feeding  territories.  Thanks,  Debi! 

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.  Manuscripts  submitted  either  on  disk  or  electronically  as  attachments  to  an  email  should  be  submitted 
in  Microsoft  WORD.  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.  Photographs  may  be  submitted 
electronically  as  either  JPEG  or  TIFF  file  attachments. 

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,  fax  or  email  contributions  of  late-breaking  news  or  last-minute 
insertions  are  accepted  as  space  allows.  Phone  1-800-242-4519  (US);  1-800-468-1966  (Canada);  FAX 
(785)  273-1980;  email  is  akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com< 

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.  If  an  article  is  shown  to  be  separately  copyrighted  by  the 
author(s),  then  permission  must  be  sought  from  the  author(s).  Reprints  of  material  appearing  in  this  journal 
may  be  ordered  from  the  editor.  Back  issues  are  available  for  $4.00  each.  Special  issues  may  cost  more. 

E-Mail  Addresses:  You  may  reach  Barbara  Manspeaker  at  AAZK  Administrative  Offices  at: 
aazkoffice@zk.kscoxmail.com<  You  may  reach  Susan  Chan  and  Animal  Keepers’  Forum  at: 
akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com< 


AAZK  website  Address:  www.aazk.org 
BFR  Website:  http://aazkbfr.org 


41ft  Animal  Kp.pjjp.rs’ Forum.  Vol.  33.  No.  JO 


Scoops  & Scuttlebutt 

Wildlife  World  Zoo  AAZK  Chapter  Supports  CPR 

The  AAZK  Board  of  Directors  and  the  staff  at  Administrative  Office  would  like 
to  thank  all  the  members  of  the  Wildlife  World  Zoo  AAZKChapter, 
litchfield  Park,  AZ,  for  their  recent  donation  of  $800  to  the  Association. 

According  to  the  Chapter’s  wishes,  these  funds  will  be  utilized  for  Conservation, 

Preservation  and  Restoration  projects. 

Support  by  our  Chapters  allow  the  Association  to  move  its  mission  forward  with  programs  on 
conservation  and  continuing  keeper  education.  Thank  you  Wildlife  World  Zoo  AAZK. 

Long-time  Legislative  Advisor  Retires  from  AKF  Column 

Georgann  Johnston,  Sacramento,  CA,  who  has  been  the  coordinator  for  the  Legislative/Conservation 
Update  column  since  June  1995,  is  stepping  down  from  that  volunter  position  with  the  journal. 
Georgann,  a lawyer,  is  going  back  to  work  full  time  in  the  legal  profession  and  will  continue  to  fill 
her  limited  free  time  with  her  cat  rescue  operation. 

I would  like  to  thank  Georgann  for  her  years  of  dedicated  service  to  AAZK  and  Animal  Keepers  ’ 
Forum,  She  has  kept  us  aware  of  pending  legislative  issues  affecting  wildlife  and  zoos  as  well  as 
brought  to  the  pages  of  many  interesting  conservation-related  items.  We  will  miss  her  dedication 

and  expertise  in  therse  areas.  We  wish  her  every  success  as  she  moves  forward  in  her  chosen  career. 

If  you  might  be  interested  in  assuming  the  position  of  Legislative/Conservation  Update  column 
coordinator  for  AKF,  please  contact  Editor  Susan  Chan  at  akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com  to  learn 
more  about  the  responsibilities  and  requirements  of  this  position. 

A Notation  and  Apology  from  the  Editor 

I hope  all  of  you  found  the  Enrichment  Options  column  published  last  month  of  great  interest— 
especially  since  there  is  so  little  published  about  enrichment  techniques  for  reptiles  and  amphibians. 
This  outstanding  article  was  originally  published  in  Thylacinus,  the  journal  of  the  Australasian 
Society  of  Zoo  Keepers  (ASZK)  and  was  written  by  Margaret  Hawkins  and  Madelon  Willemsen 
from  the  Zoological  Park  Board  of  New  South  Wales  (Taronga  Zoo).  In  formatting  this  article  for 
publication,  the  names  of  the  authors  were  inadvertently  left  off.  My  apologies  to  Margaret  and 
Madelon  for  this  oversight  and  my  thanks  again  to  ASZK  for  allowing  us  to  reprint  this  important 
enrichment  information. 

Roadside  and  Riparian  Ringers 

Compliments  of  Touchstone  Energy,  you  can  now  download  all  20  of  the  frog  and  toad  calls  of 
Kentucky  taxa  to  your  cell  phone  for  a really  cool  ringtone.  Species  included  are  American  Toad, 
Green  Treefrog,  Barking  Treefrog,  Mountain  Chorus  Frog,  Bird  Voiced  Treefrog,  [Eastern] 
Narrowmouth  Toad,  Bullfrog,  Northern  Leopard  Frog,  Cope’s  Gray  Treefrog,  Pickerel  Frog,  Crawfish 
Frog,  Southern  Leopard  Frog,  [Northern]  Cricket  Frog,  [Eastern]  Spadefoot,  Fowler’s  Toad,  Spring 
Peeper,  Gray  Treefrog,  Upland  Chorus  Frog,  Green  Frog,  and  Wood  Frog.  Go  to  http:// 
WWW. ekpc . com/N ewGreenweb/greenindex.htm  {The  Centerfor  North  American  Herpetology,  Lawrence, 
KS  news  release) 

Interesting  Onliner  Newsletters  to  Check  Out 

• WildAid  Newsletter  - http://www.wildaid.org/newsletter%5Fthai/newsletters/0806_en.pdf 

• Save  the  Rhino  International  - Newsletter  http://www.savetherhino.0rg/etargetsrinm/site/l/ 
default,  aspx 

• Amur  Leopard  and  Tiger  Alliance  (ALTA)  Newsletter  - www.tigrisfoundation.nl 


Animal  Keepers'  Forum,  VoL  33  No.  10  411 


Coming  Events 


The  23rd  EAZA  Annual  Conference  - 3 - 7 October 
2006  Hosted  by  Zoo  Aquarium  Madrid,  Spain.  See 
http://vvww.eaza.net/  For  further  information:  Corinne 
Bos  at  corinne.bos@.eaza.net 

Managing  Animal  Enrichment  and  Training  - 7-13 
October,  2006  in  Portland,  OR.  For  more  information 
visit  http://www.aza.org/prodev/  or  email  AZATraining 
@aza.org,  or  call  Geri  Noland  at  (301)  562-0777  ext. 
238. 

The  18th  IZE  Conference  2006  - 9 - 1 4 October  2006 
Hosted  by  The  National  Zoological  Gardens  of  South 
Africa,  Pretoria,  South  Africa.  For  more  information, 
please  visit  http://www.izea.net 

IT''  Elephant  Managers  Association  Conference  - 

15-18  October  2006, in  Albuquerque,  NM.  Hosted  by 
the  Albuquerque  Biological  Park.  Pre-conference  trips 
are  to  the  International  Balloon  Fiesta,  14-15  Oct;  post- 
conference trip  to  Santa  Fe  and  up  the  tram  to  the  crest 
of  the  Sandia  Mountains.  For  more  information  see 
www.elephant-managers.com  , or  call  Lynn  Tupa  at 
505-764-6216  or  Gwen  Dragoo  at  505-764-6264. 

7^  Annual  Animal  Behavior  Management  Alliance 

(ABMA)  Conference. C.onl£r£nce  at  Sea; 

“Inspiring  Conservation  through  Behavior 

Management’^  - 14-21  January  2007.  Registration 
has  been  extended  as  additional  cabins  have  been  made 
available  but  are  selling  fast.  The  Cruise  ship  “Victory” 
sails  from  Miami,  Florida  to  Mexico,  Cayman  Islands, 
and  Jamaica.  All  Inclusive  Registration  Rate  includes 
the  cruise,  all  conference  costs,  international  site  visits, 
meals,  room,  all  taxes  and  port  fees.  Conference 
programming  includes:  Three  keynote  speakers  sharing 
international  conservation  work  with  multiple  species, 
formal  presentations,  8 workshops,  panel  discussions, 
a poster  session,  and  site  visits  to  animal  facilities.  All 
conference  details  and  registration  information, 
including  2"^*  call  for  posters,  are  available  at 
www.theabma.org.  Registration  deadline:  October 
10'^  2006.  Late  registration:  after  October  10‘\  2006. 
Since  the  ABMA’s  initial  room  block  has  been  sold 
out,  Carnival  no  longer  guarantees  cabin  rates  or 
availability.  So  don’t  delay  and  register  today  by 
calling  CruiseOne  at  1-866-669-2789.  Please  contact 
Michelle  Farmerie  @ 4 1 2-365-2385  or  Nicole  Begley 
@ 412-323-7235  ext.  216  for  more  information  about 
the  conference. 

Zoos  and  Aquariums  Committing  to  Conservation 

26-31  January  2007  - Hosted  by  the  Houston  Zoo, 
Houston,  TX.  ZACC  is  a bi-annual  event  that 
promotes  the  role  of  zoos  and  aquariums  in  supporting 
conservation  activities  worldwide,  both  at  their 
institutions  and  in  the  field.  Registration  and  more 
information  is  now  available  online  at  http:// 
www.houstonzoo.org/ZACC,  you  may  contact 
zacc@.houstonzoo.org  or  phone  713-533-6745. 


Tire.  15th  Annual  lAATE  Conference  - “Where 

Inspiration  Takes  Flight”-  7-10  February  2007  - hosted 
by  Point  Defiance  Zoo  & Aquarium  in  Tacoma, 
Washington.  International  Association  of  Avian  Trainers 
and  Educators  Call  for  Papers  «&;  Posters:  Topics  can 
include  any  of  the  following:  avian  behavior,  training, 
husbandry,  strides  in  veterinary  care  as  well  as  show 
presentation,  production  and  educational  content.  Send 
informative  and  complete  abstracts  to 
CMa924@aol.com  <mailto:CMa924@aol.com  by  10 
October  2006.  The  abstract  format  should  be  as  follows: 
Paper  or  poster  title,  author(s),  the  affiliation  of  each 
author,  and  the  text.  Font  style:  Regular,  Times,  12pt 
font  size.  Paragraph  style:  Left  alignment,  single  spaced. 
Margins:  1.25'  margins  left  and  right,  T margins  top 
and  bottom. 

International  Conference  on  Environmental 

Enrichment  - 5-10  August  2007.  Hosted  by 
Schonbrunn  Zoo,  Vienna,  Austria. 

BIERZS  The  Symposium  2007:  Bear  Information 

Exchange  for  Rehabilitators,  Zoos  and  Sanctuaries 

Location;U.S.A.  TBA  Dates:  Fall  2007  - A group  of 
bearkeepers/caregivers  from  zoos,  sanctuaries  and 
rehabilitators  are  planning  a bear  husbandry 
symposium.  This  will  be  an  opportunity  for  caregivers 
to  learn  from  and  exchange  ideas.  Information  updates 
will  be  posted  on  www.bearkeepers.net 


CALL  FOR  PAPERS  for  2007  Rhino  Keeper 
Workshop  in  Australia  (Werribee  Zoo)  to  be  held  7-11 
May,  2007.  Abstracts  should  be: 

• From  1 - 4 paragraphs  in  length 
(approximate  150  words) 

•Submitted  via  electronic  mail 

to  rhinoworkshop07@yahoo.com.au  , with  notation  of 
“RKW  Abstract”  in  subject  line 

• Submitted  by  deadline  of  1 February  2007 


Post  Your  Coming  Events  Here 
email  to:  akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com 


412  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  S3  No.  10 


Fpom  the  Executive  Directop 

To  the  Membership: 

We  (the  Board  of  Directors  and  myself)  have  tried  subtlety  and 
not  so  subtlety  over  the  past  year  to  keep  the  membership  informed 
of  the  Association’s  gradual  slide  towards  insolvency. 


AMERICAN 


During  the  2006  AAZK  National  Conference,  I presented  a 
workshop  on  the  current  finances  of  the  Association,  and  provided 
a background  on  how  we  operate.  During  the  past  year,  my  goal 
was  to  keep  the  membership  informed,  form  a partnership  with 
Chapters  and  open  a dialogue  of  discussion,  all  of  which  places  everyone  on  a level  playing  field 
when  it  comes  time  to  making  some  difficult  decisions. 


ASSOCIATION 
of  ZOO  KEEPERS 


Those  difficult  decisions  are  not  too  far  in  the  future,  unless  we  make  changes  now.  Working  with 
the  Board  of  Directors,  the  Marketing  Committee  and  some  close  advisors,  I have  developed  a plan 
to  move  this  Association  forward.  The  plan  centers  on  these  five  emphasis  categories; 

• Membership  Recruitment,  Retention  and  Rewards 

• Institutional  Membership  - “Institute  a Solution” 

• Chapter  Re-charter  fees  and  Duty  Obligation 

• Product  Development,  Chapter  Investment  Opportunities  and  Product  Sales 

• Passive  Income  Generation 

Each  of  these  emphasis  points  needs  the  focused  help  of  your  Chapter.  Because  AAZK  Chapters  are 
a major  player  within  this  plan,  and  because  Chapters  are  only  represented  by  a few  members  during 
the  National  Conference  where  this  discussion  was  initiated,  I would  like  to  offer  each  Chapter  the 
opportunity  to  obtain  a copy  of  the  workshop  presentation,  working  script  and  AAZK  position 
papers  on  each  point. 

I ask  that  each  Chapter  schedule  a meeting  to  review  this  presentation  and  have  a frank  discussion 
on  the  emphasis  points.  I challenge  each  Chapter  to  formulate  a written  response,  agree  or  not,  and 
get  on  board  as  we  change  together. 

It’s  your  turn,  speak  up! 


Ed  Hansen,  AAZK,  Inc.  Executive  Director 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  10  413 


Have  You  Sent  AO  Your 
E-mail  Address  Yet? 


In  order  to  better  communicate  with  our  members, 
and  also  save  the  Association  the  rising  costs  of 
mailings/postage,  we  are  working  to  establish  an 
AAZK  member  e-mail  database.  With  such  a 
database  we  would  be  able  to  send  out  electronic 
membership  renewal  notices,  information  about 
upcoming  conferences,  and  other  Association 
news.  In  order  to  make  this  work,  we  need  your 
help. 


Please  send  an  e-mail  to  Barbara  Manspeaker  at 
aazkoffice@zk.kscoxmail.com  with  the  words 
“AAZK  Email  Database”  in  the  subject  line. 
Please  be  assured  that  your  e-mail  address  will 
not  be  shared  with  any  other  group  or  individual 
without  your  express  permission.  We  are  simply 
looking  for  ways  to  stay  in  touch  with  you  as  a 
member  and  to  also  help  cut  the  costs  of  mailings 
and  postage  for  the  organization.  Thanks  in 
advance  for  helping  us  achieve  this  cost-cutting 
goal. 


THE 

GOURMET 
RODENT, 

me." 

H E 


RATS  AND  MICE 


Bill  & Marcia  Brant 

6115  SW  137th  Ave.,  Archer.  FL  32618 

(352)  495-9024 
FAX;  (352)  495-9781 
e-mail:  GTmtRodent@aol.com 

© All  Rights  Reserved 


AAZK  Announces 
New  Members 

Jacque  Buchwald,  Zoo  New  England  (MA); 
Kathy  Melko,  Animal  Land  Zoological  Park 
(PA);  Tracey  Barnes,  no  zoo  listed,  Alexandria, 
VA;  Megan  Hull,  Duke  Lemur  Center  (NC); 
Helen  Gadd,  A Traveling  Zoo,  Inc.  (GA);  Rue 
Hewett,  no  zoo  listed,  Miami,  FL;  Petra 
Cunningham-Smith,  Mote  Marine  Laboratory 
& Aquarium  (FL);  Dara  Reinbold,  Memphis 
Zoo  (TN);  Gretchen  Pitser,  Jerilyn  Ellis  and  Dean 
Bowman,  Potawatomi  Zoo  (IN);  Tami  Eichorst, 
Binder  Park  Zoo  (MI);  Julianne  Ferrie  and 
Amanda  Klein,  Great  Plains  Zoo  (SD);  Anne 
Nichols,  Lincoln  Park  Zoo  (IL);  Rosalie  Rust, 
St.  Louis  Zoo  (MO);  Angela  Sawyer,  no  zoo 
listed,  Lee’s  Summit,  MO;  Kate  Dorrance, 
Kansas  City  Zoo  (MO);  Steve  Larson, 
Sedgwick  County  Zoo  (KS);  Tiffany  Cross,  no 
zoo  listed,  Tulsa,(OK);  Heather  Wright,  no  zoo 
listed,  Dallas,  (TX);  Allison  Six  and  Tracie 
Rayburn,  Ellen  Trout  Zoo  (TX);  Shawna  Reiner, 
The  Aquarium  at  Moody  Gardens  (TX); 
Abigail  Smith,  no  zoo  listed,  Mesa,  AZ;  Maria 
Campbell,  no  zoo  listed,  Burien,  WA;  Kevin 
Green,  no  zoo  listed,  Spokane,  WA;  Kurtis  Beach, 
Assiniboine  Park  Zoo  (MB,  Canada). 

Renewing  Institutional  Members 

Louisiana  Purchase  Gardens 
Monroe,  LA 
Everett  Harris,  Director 

Cosley  Zoo 
Wheaton,  IL 

Susan  Wahlgren,  Director 

Prospect  Park  Wildlife  Center 
Brooklyn,  NY 

Dr.  Donald  Moore,  Director 

New  Institutional  Members 

The  Animal  Guys,  Inc. 

Altadena,  CA 

Paul  Hahn  and  David  Riherd,  Owners 

Rosamond  Grifford  Zoo  at  Burnet  Park 
Syracuse,  NY 
Anne  Baker,  Director 

Woodland  Park  Zoo 
Seattle,  WA 

Deborah  Jensen,  President  & CEO 

Wildlife  Rescue  & Rehabilitatin 
Kendalia,  TX 

Angela  Grimes,  Director  of  Operations 


414  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol  33  No.  10 


Working  in  partnership  with  zoos 
and  aquariums,  HAZURF  PhD 
nutritionists  develop  industry 
leading  products  specifically  for 
each  species.  From  aardvarks 
to  zebras,  we  work  hard  to  give 
your  animals  the  most  of  what 
they  need. 

For  more  information  on 
MAZURF  products-including 
nutritional  analyses  and  research 
findings-visit  www.ma2uri.com 


or  call  1-800~SE7-8941  for  the 
location  of  your  nearest  dealer. 
Because  when  it  comes  to  great 
nutrition,  we‘re  committed  to 
the  health  and  longevity  of 
every  animal. 


TTie  Brotic  Aniinal  Reding  Resource 


www.mazuri.com 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  10  415 


2(DCDG  ^VV\h\F*  /Xwopd  RGcipients 


The  following  are  recipients  of  awards  presented  at  the  2006  National  AAZK  Conference  held  in 
Chicago,  IL  last  month  and  hosted  by  the  Lincoln  Park  Zoo  and  the  Lincoln  Park  Zoo  AAZK  Chapter, 
The  Certificates  of  Recognition  and  The  Certificates  of  Appreciation  are  given  by  the  AAZK  Board  of 
Directors.  The  AKF  Excellence  in  Journalism  Awards  are  selected  by  the  journal’s  editorial  staff.  All 
other  listed  awards  are  determined  by  the  AAZK  Awards  Committee  from  nominations  received  from 
the  membership. 

AAZK  Life!  imc  Achievemenf  Award 
Janet  McCoy,  Oregon  Zoo.  This  award  is  based  on  her  outstanding  commitment  to 
professionalism  in  her  distinguished  career  as  a Zoo  Keeper.  Specifically  noted  was  her  work 
with  the  Children’s  Zoo,  Explorer  Post,  National  AAZK  and  Chapter  offices  and  chairmanships, 
serving  on  the  zoo  Safety,  Green  Team  and  Enrichment  committees  and  keeper  and  volunteer 
training.  Also  outstanding  were  her  efforts  in  developing  several  husbandry  manuals,  research 
papers,  record  forms,  exhibit  design  and  education  classes.  She  has  been  an  inspiration  as  a 
teacher,  a mentor,  and  a friend  to  zoo  keepers,  teens,  volunteers  and  co-workers.  Such  action 
earns  the  praise  and  respect  of  all  members  of  the  zoological  profession. 

Jean  M.h  roma  dka  tAAZK  Certificate  of  Excellence  in  Zoo  Keeping  Award 
Percy  King,  The  Jackson  Zoo.  This  award  is  based  on  his  outstanding  work  training  keepers, 
assisting  the  EdZOOcation  programs,  educating  the  public  about  animals,  developing 
innovative  ways  to  implement  conservation  programs,  and  contributing  to  the  design  of 

the  new  Elephant  Exhibit. 


Amy  Phelps-Kinziey,  Oakland  Zoo.  This  award  is  based  on  her  outstanding  work  as  Intern  and 
Apprentice  Co-Coordinator,  developing  training  and  TTouch  programs,  conservation  and 
enrichment  fund-raisers,  and  assistance  with  the  Giraffe  Husbandry  Manual, 

Certificates  of  Recognition 

Kevin  Shelton  - The  Florida  Aquarium,  for  serving  on  the  AAZK  Board  of  Directors 
Kris  Frass  ~ Lincoln  Park  Zoo,  AAZK  2006  National  Conference  Co-Chair 
Leslie  Lurz  - Lincoln  Park  Zoo,  AAZK  2006  National  Conference  Co-Chair 
Kristen  Wolfe  - Disney’s  Animal  Kingdom,  for  serving  as  the  Marketing  Committee  Chair 


Certificates  of  Appreciatii 


Lincoln  Park  Zoo,  Chicago,  IL  - AAZK  2006  National  Conference  Host  Institution 
Stuart  Bunderson,  PhD.  - Washington  University,  St.  Louis,  MO  for  conducting 
the  AAZK  Survey  of  Animal  Care  Professionals 
Jeff  Thompson,  PhD.  - Brigham  Young  University,  Salt  Lake  City,  UT  for  conducting 
the  AAZK  Survey  of  Animal  Care  Professionals 
Melanie  Wood  - Brigham  Young  University  for  conducting  the  AAZK  Benchmark  Study 
Julie  Williams  - Brigham  Young  University  for  conducting  the  AAZK  Benchmark  Study 
Dana  Payne,  Animal  Curator  - Woodland  Park  Zoo,  Seattle,  WA  for  converting  the 

AAZK  Data  Transfer  Forms  into  PDF  and  Word  Format  for  the  AAZK  Website 
Anna-Marie  Plante  - Biodome  Montreal,  Montreal,  Quebec,  Canada  for  translating  the 
AAZK  Enrichment  Notebook  into  French 

Pep  Xarles  - Barcelona  Zoo,  Barcelona,  Spain  and  AICAS  (Spanish  Zoo  Keeper’s  Association) 
for  translating  the  AAZK  Enrichment  Notebook  into  Spanish 
Pei  Ling  - Zoo  Atlanta,  Atlanta,  GA  for  translating  the  AAZK  Enrichment  Notebook  into  Chinese 
Robin  Shewokis  - Leather  Elves  for  supporting  AAZK  Enrichment 

Blue  Rhino®  - for  supporting  AAZK’s  Bowling  for  Rhinos  and  rhino  conservation  worldwide 


Distinguisfied  vS  GPvice  Plag  UG 

Lincoln  Park  Chapter  of  AAZK  - AAZK,  Inc.  2006  National  Conference  Host  Chapter 


416  Animal  Keepers'  Forum,  VoL  33  No.  10 


Lifet  imc  /Xciiievement  Award  12006  - Janet  NdcCoLj,  Xhe  (3rGqon  Zoo 


Janet  McCoy  began  her  career  at  the  then  Washington  Park  Zoo,  now  the  Oregon  Zoo,  in  1975  as 
a volunteer  in  the  Nursery.  Because  of  her  dedication  and  education  background,  she  quickly  became 
a volunteer  supervisor  and  then  found  herself  helping  to  develop  and  teach  the  Talented  and  Gifted 
students  as  an  employee  of  the  Zoo’s  Education  Department.  She  also  worked  part-time  in  the 
canteen  and  gift  shop.  She  has  been  a keeper  since  June  of  1978  as  the  Education  Program  Animal 
Keeper.  She  has  served  on  the  Safety,  Green  Team  and  Enrichment  committees.  Over  the  years  she 
has  designed  holding  areas  and  exhibits  and  worked  on  three  different  Children’s  Zoo  design  teams 
with  a new  Family  Farm  finally  constructed  in  2004. 


While  the  Children’s  Zoo  was  under  the  Education  Department,  she  was  responsible  for  preparing 
the  Children’s  Zoo  budget,  acquiring  animals,  assigning  shift  schedules  and  duties,  training  Relief 
Keepers  and  CZ  Supervisors  in  animal  husbandry  and  management  practices,  assisted  in  the  hiring 
of  Children’s  Zoo  Supervisors  for  the  summer  Zoo  Teen  Program  and  their  evaluations,  and  the 
Relief  Keepers.  Janet  has  developed  a Children’s  Zoo  cleaning  manual,  reptile  husbandry  manual, 
record  keeping  forms,  and  an  animal  handling  “how  to”  manual  as  an  aid  for  volunteers,  and  has 
written  several  research  papers.  An  important  part  of  her  week  is  assigning  animals  for  use  in  the 
seven  winter  programs  and  the  60  weekly  summer  uses. 


Janet  teaches  animal  handling  for  the  new  adult  and  teen  volunteers  and  has  also  developed  and 
taught  the  advanced  amphibian,  reptile  and  primate  classes.  During  the  summer,  she  mentors  zoo 
teens  in  animal  husbandry  and  keeps  progress  records  on  each  individual.  You  can  always  tell  when 
kids  have  been  trained  by  Jan;  they  know  how  to  roll  a hose!  The  program  has  grown  from  80  in 
1979  to  over  300  zoo  teens  today.  Along  with  an  Education  Specialist,  she  developed  the  Children’s 
Zoo  interpretive  program  and  added  activity  boxes  and  stage  presentations  to  the  program.  For  her 
endeavors  as  the  Zoo  Exploring  Post  Advisor  since  1979,  serving  on  the  Boy  Scout  Council  Exploring 
Cabinet,  Pioneer  District  Vice  President  of  Exploring,  the  Council  Exploring  President’s  Association 
Advisor,  and  Council  Exploring  Training  Chair,  she  was  honored  with  the  Silver  Beaver  Award, 
District  Award  of  Merit,  Outstanding  Trainer  Award  and  the  Rotary  International  Vocational  Service 
Award.  The  Post  was  active  in  the  Council  and  was  an  honor  unit  every  year.  Besides  giving 
training  in  leadership  skills,  working  with  area  animal  keepers,  the  Post  visited  other  wildlife 
institutions  in  Oregon  and  Washington.  In  2003,  the  Post  became  the  Leadership  Corps  where  she 
continues  as  an  Advisor. 


Janet  has  been  an  AAZK  member  since  1979  when  she  first  worked  on  the  1979  National  Conference 
in  Portland.  She  has  served  eight  years  on  the  Board  of  Directors  as  a member.  Vice  President  and 
President.  She  has  been  active  in  numerous  committees  and  projects  within  the  Association  including 
Professional  Standards  Committee  Chair,  Nominations  & Elections  Chair,  Ethics  Committee  Chair, 
the  1999  National  Conference  Chair,  and  Awards  Committee  Chair  from  1988-present.  She  was  a 
recipient  of  the  AAZK  Meritorious  Achievement  Awards  for  working  with  the  handicapped  at  the 
zoo,  an  Animal  Keepers  ’ Forum  Honorable  Mention,  and  has  received  two  AAZK  Certificates  of 
Recognition.  She  has  presented  papers  at  AAZK  Conferences  and  the  First  International  Children’s 
Zoo  symposium.  On  the  local  level,  Janet  has  been  active  in  the  AAZK  Chapter  serving  on  the 
Finance  Committee,  as  Secretary  for  20  years  and  now  as  President.  For  the  Chapter  ways  and 
means  project  she  helps  can  ZooDoo  and  is  responsible  for  recycling  pop  cans  and  owl  pellet  sales. 

She  has  a B.A.  in  Music  Education  from  the  University  of  Portland  and  a B.S.  in  Biology  from 
Portland  State,  plus  several  years  of  post-grad  work.  Janet  is  listed  in  Outstanding  Young  Women  of 
America,  Two  Thousand  Notable  American  Women,  Who’s  Who  in  the  West.  The  International 
Directory  of  Distinguished  Leadership  and  America’s  Registry  of  Outstanding  Professionals. 


Comments  from  co-workers:  “Rarely  does  an  individual  influence  as  many  people  and  impact  as 
many  programs  as  Jan  McCoy  does  at  the  Oregon  Zoo.  Her  passion  for  the  animals  in  her  care  and 
dedication  to  sharing  her  knowledge  has  permeated  the  many  programs  that  depend  on  our  education 
animals.  The  result  is  an  army  of  enthusiastic  ambassadors  that  communicate  the  importance  of 
each  living  creature  with  everyone  they  encounter.”  “Having  worked  with  Jan  for  her  entire  zoo 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum.  Vol.  33  No.  10  417 


career,  I can  say  that  she  has  been  inspirational  to  me  in  how  she  supports  the  zoo’s  mission  of 
inspiring  our  community  to  create  a better  future  for  wildlife  with  all  of  her  work... I have  lost  sleep 
wondering  how  we  could  ever  find  someone  who  has  such  a perpetual  positive  attitude  as  Jan 
possesses.  Plus,  finding  someone  who  is  as  tolerant,  determined,  rock  solid  reliable,  and  dedicated 
to  professional  animal  care  as  Jan  will  be  a real  challenge.”  “Jan  has  been  the  heart  and  soul  of  the 
Portland  AAZK  Chapter  for  over  20  years.  So  much  of  what  our  Chapter  has  accomplished,  we  did 
because  she  made  us!  She’s  the  only  one  in  the  Portland  Chapter  who  could  have  pulled  us  together. 
She  drives  us  crazy.  We  love  her.” 


2006  AKF  E xcellence  in  Journalism  Recipients 

Nicole  Kehl,  Lincoln  Park  Zoo,  Chicago,  IL 

“Creation  of  a Bill  Sleeve  and  the  Use  of  Operant  Conditioning 
to  Improve  the  Care  of  Hornbills  at  LPZ” 

Alan  Roocroft,  Elephant  Business,  Escondido,  CA 

“Indoors  Natural  Substrates  for  Elephants  & 

Medical  Issues  Associated  with  Hard  Surfaces  ” 


Jennifer  Frank  and  Craig  Saffoe 
Smithsonian’s  National  Zoological  Park,  Washington,  DC 


“Breeding  Management  Strategy  for  Cheetah 
{Acinonyx  jubatus)  at  the  National  Zoological  Park” 


Kerrin  Grant,  Wildlife  Safari,  Winston,  OR 

“Hand-rearing  Cheetah  (Acinonyx  jubatus)  Cubs:  Milk  Formulas  ” 

Melba  Brown,  Smithsonian’s  National  Zoological  Park,  Washington,  DC 

“Quest  Chests:  Educational  Activity  Boxes  ” 

Jenny  Waldoch,  DVM  and  Tammy  Root 
Indianapolis  Zoo,  Indianapolis,  IN 

“Semen  Collection  in  Rockhopper  Penguins  at  the  Indianapolis  Zoo  ” 

Elena  Chelysheva,  Moscow,  Russian  Republic 

Outstanding  Cover  Art  for  2006 
Cheetah  (Acinonyx  jubatus) 


418  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  10 


nutritional  components 


Easy-to-read 
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and  tab  pages 
direct  you  to  the 
species  of 
interest  to  you. 


Comprehensive 
data  sheets  tell 
you  each  product’s 
typical  nutritional 
analysis. 


F Specific  recipe 
pages  provide 
exact  mixing 
instructions. 


The  most  complete 
nutritional  component  system 
for  over  140  common  exotic  species. 


PetAg,  Inc.  261  Keyes  Avenue,  Hampshire,  IL  60140-0396  * www.petag.com 

For  your  nearest  distributor  call  1-800-557-5782  and  for  technical  assistance  call  1-800-323-0877. 


Animal  Keepers'  Forum,  Vol  33  No.  10  419 


Teaching  Operant  Conditioning 
Methods  and  Training  Program 
Management  in  China 


By  Jay  Pratte 

Giant  Panda  Keeper,  Zoo  Atlanta 


Animal  Training  Committee  AAZK,  Inc. 


AAZK  ATC  Member 


Background 


My  position  as  a giant  panda  keeper  has  proven  one  of  the  most  complex  challenges  in  my  zookeeping 
career.  The  position  involves  research,  data  collection,  and  reproductive  planning  and  assessment. 
These  facets  are  integral  to  the  management  of  an  endangered  species,  “national  treasures”  on  loan 
from  China,  yet  are  further  daily  requirements  concurrent  with  husbandry  routines.  Zoo  Atlanta 
currently  houses  two  giant  pandas  {Ailuropoda  melanoleuca),  a potential  breeding  pair  on  loan 
from  Chengdu,  China.  The  daily  routine  encompasses  extensive  training  and  enrichment  programs, 
now  part  of  our  standard  husbandry. 

One  interesting  aspect  of  the  ten-year  giant  panda  loan  contract  has  been  the  presence  of  Chinese 
colleagues.  The  Chengdu  Research  Base  of  Giant  Panda  Breeding  (Research  Base)  in  China  routinely 
sends  personnel  experienced  in  working  with  these  endangered  animals  to  Atlanta  for  several  months 
each  year.  The  colleagues  have  various  backgrounds,  ranging  from  experienced  senior  keepers  to 
reproductive  physiologists.  Keepers  in  our  giant  panda  department  have  learned  much  from  these 
foreign  experts,  while  striving  to  teach  them  different  skills  on  which  Western  facilities  focus. 
Information  is  regularly  exchanged  on  physiological  aspects  of  husbandry,  such  as  nutrition  and 
breeding,  and  the  Research  Base  personnel  have  embraced  new  concepts,  such  as  enrichment,  over 
the  past  few  years.  One  facet  of  care  that  is  not  prevalent  in  Chinese  management  is  operant 
conditioning  for  medical  and  husbandry  purposes. 

A few  of  the  colleagues  were  clearly  interested  in  the  advanced  behaviors  we  were  able  to  teach  our 
two  giant  pandas  through  operant  conditioning.  We  have  trained  everything  from  maintenance  and 
husbandry  behaviors,  such  as  shifting  and  targeting,  to  complex  behaviors  for  medical  procedures, 
voluntary  blood  draws  and  ultrasounds  being  two  examples.  The  colleagues  could  see  the  benefits 
of  training  for  our  daily  routine  and  for  complex  husbandry  management,  useful  with  a species  that 
is  so  intensely  managed  in  captivity.  As  a result,  I began  working  closely  with  our  colleagues, 
teaching  them  the  basics  of  operant  conditioning  and  allowing  them  to  practice  maintenance  behaviors 
with  Zoo  Atlanta’s  giant  pandas.  I also  wrote  several  articles  and  protocols  on  training  techniques 
and  basic  theory,  and  had  them  translated  into  Chinese.  These  were  sent  back  to  Chengdu  with  the 
colleagues  for  use  at  the  Research  Base,  along  with  a steady  supply  of  whistles  and  clickers.  After 
two  years  of  information  exchange,  the  Research  Base’s  director  invited  me  to  visit  Chengdu  for  a 
month,  to  instruct  the  animal  care  staff  in  the  basics  of  operant  conditioning,  and  assist  in  planning 
a long-term  training  program. 

Big  Chinese  Adventure 

I was  tremendously  excited  by  this  opportunity.  Zoo  Atlanta  personnel  spend  several  months  in 
Chengdu  annually  for  ongoing  research  projects.  The  ranks  of  these  researchers  have  included  keeper 
staff  from  the  zoo,  and  a few  of  these  had  previously  initiated  teaching  training  basics  while  in 
China.  Since  the  focus  of  their  visits  had  been  for  data  collection  on  research  projects,  they  were 
unable  to  devote  the  time  required  to  address  a training  project  throughout  the  Research  Base. 
Ultimately,  the  managers  at  the  Research  Base  also  needed  to  recognize  that  such  a project  was 
necessary.  After  two  years  of  giant  panda  keepers  working  with  their  staff,  demonstrating  the 
effectiveness  of  training  in  captive  husbandry.  Research  Base  management  arrived  at  that  conclusion 
and  embraced  the  concept  whole-heartedly.  Funds  for  the  endeavour  came  from  the  Geraldine  Meyers/ 
AAZK  ProfessionalTravel  Grant*,  the  Research  Base,  and  Zoo  Atlanta.  My  trip  was  planned  and 
scheduled,  and  I started  a great  deal  of  preparatory  work. 


420  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  10 


I intended  to  utilize  the  American  Association  of  Zoo  Keepers  Animal  Training  Committee** 
presentation  that  our  committee  had  designed  for  our  annual  workshop  at  the  2005-06  national 
AAZK  conferences.  I edited  and  modified  the  content  to  present  simple  concepts  that  could  easily 
be  translated.  This  was  paired  with  a new  article  I wrote  and  had  translated  into  Chinese  to  present 
to  Research  Base  staff.  Zoo  Atlanta  keepers  also  compiled  a short  video  of  our  training  in  Atlanta  to 
present  to  the  Chinese  staff,  thereby  illustrating  some  of  the  advanced  techniques  that  can  be 
accomplished.  I purchased  a number  of  whistles  and  clickers  to  give  keepers  in  Chengdu,  and  obtained 
my  Chinese  travel  visa. 

I had  been  lucky  enough  to  become  friends  with  one  of  the  Research  Base  managers,  Li  Ming  Xi, 
who  had  visited  Atlanta  for  six  months.  Li  Ming  Xi’s  English  was  excellent,  and  he  was  able  to  set 
up  a schedule  for  me  in  Chengdu  that  incorporated  lectures  and  actual  training.  I planned  to  speak  to 
keepers  and  provide  one-on-one  instruction,  and  also  hoped  to  meet  with  vet  staff  and  managers  to 
discuss  their  vital  roles  in  an  ongoing  program.  My  main  request  was  that  they  choose  one  giant 
panda  that  I could  train  while  I was  visiting,  so  that  I might  demonstrate  how  quickly  many  behaviors 
could  be  accomplished.  Coupled  with  theory  and  demonstration  of  basic  techniques,  I reasoned  that 
a display  of  how  quickly  learning  could  occur  and  of  its  effectiveness  would  send  a strong  message 
to  staff  members  who  knew  little  or  nothing  of  these  techniques. 

After  a long  series  of  flights  I arrived  safely  in  Chengdu.  I was  provided  living  quarters  that  are  used 
regularly  by  research  staff  from  Zoo  Atlanta  and  from  Smithsonian’s  National  Zoo,  Washington, 
DC.  After  a day  of  rest  to  recover  from  traveling,  I plunged  into  my  work  at  the  Research  Base.  The 
managers  scheduled  me  to  provide  lectures  the  second  week  of  my  visit  on  two  separate  days  to 
accommodate  all  of  the  staff.  My  daily  schedule  was  to  encompass  visiting  several  keepers  and 
areas  each  day,  and  work  to  instruct  them  in  the  basics  of  training,  focusing  on  positive  reinforcement. 
The  Research  Base  is  a large  facility,  comprised  of  many  exhibits  and  housing  structures  spread 
over  a wide  area.  There  were  nearly  50  giant  pandas  at  the  Research  Base  when  I visited.  Consequently, 
there  are  numerous  keepers,  and  as  we 
visited  the  different  areas  my  presence 
was  met  with  a wide  variety  of 
responses.  Historically,  a mixture  of 
reinforcement  (mostly  negative)  and 
punishment  was  used  to  manage  the 
giant  pandas,  so  the  ideas  I would  be 
teaching  were  novel.  One  keeper  had 
learned  some  training  theory 
previously,  having  visited  a facility 
housing  giant  pandas  in  Hong  Kong. 

His  English  comprehension  was  good 
enough  that  we  could  communicate 
well,  and  he  was  integral  in  helping 
me  address  and  understand  the 
different  keepers  and  attitudes  with 
which  I needed  to  work.  Armed  with  Li  Chun  Lin,  the  behavioral  researcher  who  assists  Zoo  Atlanta 
I research  staff  and  acts  as  an  English  translator,  I began  working  with  the  staff  and  their  animals. 

I The  managers  had  also  respected  my  request,  and  provided  me  with  a female  giant  panda  to  train  for 
i the  duration  of  my  visit.  SuQing  was  an  affable  panda  with  strong  food  motivation.  The  Research 
I Base  uses  whole  apples  as  part  of  the  regular  diet.  Chopping  them  up  for  use  as  positive  reinforcement 
was  the  first  step.  Explaining  why  I was  doing  it  proved  more  of  a challenge,  requiring  explanations 
j of  concepts  of  reward  and  reward  values.  SuQing  proved  remarkably  intelligent  and  eager  to  learn, 

I and  within  two  days  I had  taught  her  “target”,  “up”,  and  “paws  down.”  Safety  was  a major 
I consideration,  as  the  bars  in  the  dens  were  widely  spaced,  and  an  animal  can  easily  reach  through. 
So,  I began  demonstrating  and  teaching  the  basics  of  rewards,  bridging,  and  safety  parameters. 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  10  421 


SuQing  learned  quickly,  and  in  a few  days  also  learned  “come,”  enabling  me  to  illustrate  how  easily 
shifting  could  be  taught. 

Two  other  training  opportunities  presented  themselves  almost  immediately.  Kebi,  a large  male  giant 
panda,  was  infamous  even  in  Atlanta  for  his  aggression  towards  giant  pandas  during  breeding  season. 
The  Research  Base  staff  managed  him  based  on  his  potential  aggression,  and  were  accordingly  very 
cautious  about  being  near  Kebi.  I asked  for,  and  after  great  managerial  deliberation,  was  granted 
permission  to  train  Kebi.  It  was  my  intent  to  also  illustrate  how  training  could  be  used  to  overcome 
unwanted  behaviors  and  reduce  aggression.  I was  then  presented  with  a similar  chance  with  the 
male  yearling,  Yong  Yong.  When  keepers  would  enter  his  yard  to  clean,  feed,  or  remove  a playmate 
for  a photo  shoot,  Yong  Yong  would  tackle  them,  roughly  grabbing  their  legs  and  torsos  with  claws 
and  teeth.  I was  to  start  working  with  Yong  Yong  to  try  to  address  this  behavior  as  well. 

Kebi  turned  out  to  be  remarkably  willing  to  train.  I worked  with  him  carefully  at  a keeper  door 
where  the  bars  were  close  together,  and  he  showed  an  amazing  propensity  to  learn,  and  remain 
attentive.  Within  a week  I was  able  to  teach  Kebi  “target”,  “come”,  “ear”,  “up”,  and  “down”.  The 
entire  time  I worked  with  Kebi,  he  never  exhibited  any  aggressive  actions  towards  me,  and  Base 
staff  were  amazed  at  how  involved  and  excited  he  was  in  the  sessions. 

Yong  Yong  posed  several  challenges  at  once.  He  was  actually  attempting  to  play  with  staff  who 
entered  his  enclosure,  albeit  roughly.  When  keepers  would  run  from  him,  or  try  various  methods  of 
tricking  him  to  shift  or  move  away,  Yong  Yong  treated  this  like  a game.  Each  experience  frustrated 
keepers  further  and  was  self-rewarding  for  this  little  giant  panda.  He  was  housed  with  two  other 
yearlings,  which  led  to  chaotic  outdoor  training  sessions.  As  staff  needed  to  access  the  yard  and  the 
other  yearlings  daily,  my  intent  was  to  focus  Yong  Yong’s  attention  on  any  behavior  other  than  his 
violent  play. 

The  demonstration  facet  of  the  program  now  underway,  I started  on  the  two-pronged  approach  to 
teaching  the  staff  the  basics  of  operant  conditioning.  First,  over  two  days,  each  member  of  the 
animal  care  staff  (i.e.-  keepers,  vets,  and  managers)  attended  a detailed  two-hour  presentation  on 
the  necessary  theory  and  mechanisms  of  training.  I tried  not  to  elaborate  on  concepts,  instead 
focusing  on  what  staff  would  observe  me  doing, 
explaining  vital  tools  such  as  the  clicker,  bridging, 
timing,  and  reinforcement.  Enough  background  on 
theory  was  presented  so  that  individuals  had  at  least  a 
rudimentary  idea  of  “how”  training  worked.  The 
presentations  were  generally  well  received, 
accomplished  with  the  help  of  my  translator,  Li  Chun 
Lin. 

Second,  we  spent  the  greater  part  of  each  day  visiting 
various  night  houses.  Keepers  in  each  area  began 
training  with  one  or  two  particular  pandas,  and  I would 
observe  and  try  and  help  them  improve  their  skills. 

Den  Tao,  the  keeper  who  had  previously  traveled  to 
Ocean  Park  in  Hong  Kong  to  learn  training  basics, 
proved  invaluable.  He  was  able  to  help  clarify  concepts 
that  were  difficult  for  the  translator,  because  Den  Tao 
intrinsically  understood  what  I was  trying  to  accom- 
plish. He  also  acted  as  another  observer  in  aiding  trainer  improvement.  The  days  became  routine,  as 
we  would  schedule  our  time  to  encompass  my  training  with  Yong  Yong,  Kebi,  and  SuQing,  along 
with  visits  to  several  areas.  Improvement  in  skills  was  readily  apparent  in  the  individuals  and  animals 
that  participated,  and  enthusiasm  increased.  An  interesting  side  effect  was  that  my  translator,  already 


422  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  VoL  33  No.  10 


involved  in  giant  panda  behavioral  research,  became  very  astute  in  the  theory  and  application  of 
operant  conditioning  as  well.  This  further  increased  our  team's  effectiveness. 


Manager  Meetings 


Periodically  throughout  each  week,  I would  sit  down 
and  meet  with  the  managers  and  director  to  discuss 
the  program.  We  would  go  over  the  goals  that  were 
important  to  the  Research  Base,  the  goals  I wanted  to 
accomplish,  and  how  to  help  the  program  continue  to 
succeed  after  my  departure.  The  meetings  were 
enlightening  and  very  successful.  I was  able  to  relate 
training  concepts  to  the  managers  and  vets,  learn  more 
about  their  management  strategies  which  would  need 
to  be  implemented  into  the  program,  and  outline  the 
necessity  of  leaders  guiding  the  program  towards  its 
goals.  I focused  on  consistency,  encouraging  and 
rewarding  participation,  and  how  to  shape 
expectations  and  program  goals.  The  managers  and 
vets  asked  many  questions  and  absorbed  concepts  and 
advice  readily.  It  was  evident  that  training  was  going 
to  be  an  important  aspect  of  their  long-term  management 
plans  from  that  point  on. 


Challenges  and  Obstacles 

To  undertake  a program  of  this  magnitude  in  a relatively  short  time  clearly  posed  its  share  of 
challenges,  regardless  of  the  enthusiasm  and  ambition  involved.  Several  evidenced  themselves 
immediately,  while  others  were  subtler  and  I was  only  able  to  recognize  them  as  I spent  more  time 
with  the  staff. 

First  and  foremost  was  the  obvious  one  — language.  Although  I had  learned  several  phrases  of 
Mandarin  prior  to  the  trip,  and  my  translator’s  skills  were  excellent,  there  were  still  terms  and 
concepts  that  either  did  not  translate  well,  or  at  all.  Confusion  would  rear  its  head,  and  we  would 
need  to  step  back  and  rethink  our  approach.  The  most  difficult  proved  to  be  the  concept  of  bridging 
with  a clicker  or  whistle.  Timing  was  an  immense  challenge.  It  was  impossible  for  me  to  train  an 
animal  while  explaining  why  I was  blowing  the  whistle  at  particular  times.  Many  of  the  keepers 
would  randomly  bridge  the  animals,  or  worse,  continually  bridge  them,  apparently  deciding  that 
more  clicks  or  whistles  had  to  be  better  than  just  one.  It  took  many  frustrating  demonstrations, 
quick  translations,  and  numerous  practice  sessions,  but  eventually  the  more  interested  keepers  picked 
up  on  timing.  Immediately,  they  could  see  the  improvement  in  their  personal  sessions,  which  proved 
to  be  its  own  reinforcement. 

Some  of  the  obstacles  were  much  less  well  defined  than  a language  barrier.  There  was  obviously 
reluctance  on  the  part  of  some  individuals  to  embrace  the  idea  of  training.  This  was  clear  at  the 
presentations,  during  which  some  staff  simply  fell  asleep,  or  played  with  their  cellular  phones. 
While  conducting  my  own  training  sessions  or  observing  those  of  the  staff,  some  individuals  simply 
ignored  my  presence  and  continued  to  do  things  how  they  always  had.  Management  decided  to  try 
to  address  this  problem  by  making  training  a part  of  the  job;  either  train  or  you  will  not  take  care  of 
giant  pandas.  I did  not  understand  enough  of  the  language  to  gauge  how  this  edict  was  received,  but 
training  progressed  regardless. 


Another  facet  that  took  me  a few  weeks  to  understand  was  the  relationship  between  staff  and 
management.  The  lower  a person  is  perceived  to  be  in  the  staff  or  management  hierarchy,  the  less 
he/she  brings  up  any  problems  or  concerns  to  upper  levels.  I discovered  issues  in  scheduling  or 
animal  care  that  staff  were  aware  of,  but  did  not  feel  comfortable  broaching  with  higher-level 
managers.  I incorporated  some  of  these  ideas  into  my  meetings  with  managers,  and  tried  to  discuss 

Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol  33  No.  10  423 


the  importance  of  open  communication  about  training  among  all  levels  of  staff.  I focused  on  the 
importance  of  vets  and  managers  guiding  program  goals  and  maintaining  expectations,  but  that  the 
program  needed  to  incorporate  keeper  input.  1 focused  on  training  sessions  with  the  vets  in  particular. 
I explained  that  keepers  needed  to  be  able  to  train  an  animal  and  maintain  safety  parameters,  thereby 
giving  instructions  to  their  managers,  without  fear  of  reprisal.  However,  the  keepers  still  required 
guidance  and  advice  in  the  veterinary  requirements  and  long-term  goals. 

One  personal  obstacle  I encountered  proved  me  a victim  of  my  own  success.  The  colleagues  I had 
worked  with  in  Atlanta  had  apparently  extolled  all  of  our  zoo’s  successes  in  training  our  giant  pandas, 
but  without  the  relative  time  frames  involved.  With  two  weeks  left  in  my  trip,  the  Research  Base 
director  one  day  made  a polite,  off-hand  remark  about  hoping  I would  be  able  to  inject  a giant  panda 
before  I left.  He  also  wanted  to  know  how  we  were  progressing  with  blood  draws  on  one  of  their 
females,  hoping  for  success  soon.  I had  spent  a great  deal  of  time  teaching  keepers  to  be  patient  and 
take  their  time,  never  trying  to  “force”  a behavior.  I had  apparently  neglected  this  aspect  while 
discussing  goals  with  the  managers.  So,  I refocused  some  of  our  meetings  to  address  expectations  of 
their  keeper  staff  and  animals,  and  redoubled  my  efforts  with  the  daily  training. 


Accomplishments 

I prepared  to  depart  China  with  a sense  of  achievement.  We  had  met  or  exceeded  many  of  the  goals 

that  had  been  set  by  the  Research  Base  and  myself. 


Of  the  three  giant  pandas  I worked  with,  little  Yong 
Yong  was  training  very  well  inside  and  had  learned 
numerous  cues  that  I had  transferred  over  to  his  primary 
keeper.  Although  training  to  minimize  his  potentially 
harmful  behavior  toward  staff  working  in  his  outdoor 
enclosure  needed  to  continue,  reinforcement  was  going 
to  have  to  come  from  his  keepers.  I was  able  to 
demonstrate  that  if  he  was  asked  to  “target”  and 
“down,”  Yong  Yong  could  not  perform  these,  receive 
a reward,  and  be  aggressive  at  the  same  time.  I 
illustrated  the  concept  of  training  incompatible 
behaviors  to  extinguish  undesirable  ones.  Kebi 
continued  to  perform  well,  and  turning  over  his  cues 
to  his  primary  keeper  was  simple,  increasing  the 
keeper’s  confidence  in  working  around  an  “aggressive” 
animal.  During  our  last  session,  many  managers  were 
present,  and  when  they  asked  about  injection  training, 
Kebi  easily  followed  his  target  and  I was  able  to  shape 
the  beginnings  of  shoulder  presentation,  even  touching 
Kebi’s  shoulder  while  his  head  was  safely  targeted  away. 
This  excited  the  staff,  and  consequently  Kebi,  who  loved  to  train.  SuQing  was  my  personal  success 
story.  In  the  two  weeks  after  the  director  asked  me  to  try  to  inject  a panda  before  I left,  I shaped  her 
into  shoulder  presentation  and  practiced  daily  desensitization  to  touch  and  a blunt  needle.  On  my 
last  day  at  the  Research  Base,  in  front  of  a crowd  of  managers,  keepers,  and  vets,  I was  able  to 
successfully  insert  a small  needle  into  SuQing’s  shoulder.  Then  the  keeper  to  whom  I was  turning 
SuQing ’s  cues  over  was  able  to  repeat  the  same  behavior,  demonstrating  how  quickly  compliance 
with  a medical  task  could  be  shaped.  I wanted  everyone  to  recognize  that  Research  Base  staff  could 
accomplish  and  perform  the  same  feats  I had  taught.  Everyone  was  quite  excited,  and  I knew  that  my 
personal  demonstrations  had  had  the  intended  effect. 


Training  Young  Young 


A result  of  SuQing’s  injection  became  a second  success  story.  Immediately  after  the  injection  session, 
one  of  the  vets  approached  me  with  concerns  over  positioning,  and  safety  for  the  keepers  and  vet 
staff  I was  elated  at  this  open  communication,  discussing  her  concerns,  and  suggesting  methods 

424  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol  33  No.  10 


that  the  primary  trainer  and  vets  could  utilize  to  meet  these  new  goals.  After  the  discussion,  I 
heartily  praised  the  entire  group  for  their  excellent  observations  and  communication,  citing  it  as  a 
perfect  example  of  how  the  varying  levels  of  staff  could  work  together  to  succeed.  The  incident 
raised  my  spirits  tremendously. 

We  also  managed  to  draw  blood  from 
one  of  the  female  giant  pandas,  and 
were  well  on  the  way  with  a second 
individual.  This  is  a particularly 
important  facet  of  the  training  for  the 
vets  and  researchers,  because  they  rely 
on  obtaining  blood  regularly  to  gain 
information  on  nutritional  and 
reproductive  status.  Den  Tao  had 
trained  this  giant  panda  to  a point 
where  she  would  present  her  foreleg 
and  hold,  but  was  not  reacting  well  to 
pressure,  alcohol,  etc.  After  a few 
observations,  some  advice,  and 
cooperative  training  efforts,  we  were 
able  to  obtain  the  first  blood  sample 
that  the  Research  Base  had  ever  acquired  voluntarily.  I taught  the  keepers  that  if  a point  is  reached 
where  a behavior  is  no  longer  advancing,  other  individuals  might  possess  new  ideas,  or  different 
perspectives,  which  could  lead  to  success.  Communication  was  again  the  key. 

My  greatest  accomplishment  ended  up  being  the  general  attitude  towards  the  program.  When  I first 
arrived  at  the  Research  Base,  only  a handful  of  the  keepers  would  get  involved  in  training  sessions. 
As  staff  members  observed  these  initial  trainers,  they  clearly  observed  the  success  and  resulting 

excitement  from  both  the  trainers  and  the  giant  pandas. 
Subsequently,  more  and  more  animal  care  staff  asked  for 
whistles  and  my  time.  During  my  final  two  days  I worked 
with  well  over  a dozen  keepers.  They  were  all  excited  as 
they  taught  their  animals  new  behaviors,  and  with  the 
animals’  positive  responses  to  training  and  keeper 
presence.  The  keepers’  arrival  now  signaled  interaction, 
enrichment,  and  food  rewards.  The  giant  pandas  were  as 
involved  and  motivated  as  the  people.  One  of  the  senior 
nursery  staff  dragged  me  in  to  watch  her  an  hour  before  I 
left  the  Research  Base  for  the  last  time.  She  had  been 
working  with  a female  that  had  recently  given  birth,  and 
I learned  that  this  keeper  had  practiced  training  sessions 
a few  times  on  her  own  to  “try  it  out”.  She  had  clearly 
spent  some  quality  time  with  the  giant  panda,  and  had 
taught  the  bear  three  new  cues.  She  finished  the  session 
and  turned  to  ask  for  my  advice.  As  I congratulated  her 
and  gave  her  a few  more  ideas,  she  quickly  hugged  me, 
thanking  me  for  all  my  help  and  teaching  her  this 
wonderful  new  tool.  That  single  moment  made  all  of  my 
travel  and  work  worthwhile. 

Lastly,  the  new  veterinarian  at  the  Chengdu  Zoo  had  attended  my  presentation  and  stopped  me 
afterwards.  He  is  Canadian  and  versed  in  Western  management,  and  we  discussed  how  he  could 
begin  to  encourage  the  development  of  a program  at  the  Chengdu  Zoo.  Several  days  later,  the 
Chengdu  Zoo’s  giant  panda  keeper,  who  had  not  been  able  to  attend  my  presentation,  contacted  me 

Animal  Keepers'  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  10  425 


Panda  Blood  Draw  Training 


through  a research  intern,  asking  for  materials  on  training.  I happily  sent  him  several  papers  and  a 
training  whistle.  I hope  that  if  he  can  succeed  with  training,  even  a little,  perhaps  that  will  spread 
through  the  Chengdu  Zoo  slowly,  like  it  did  at  the  Research  Base,  and  improve  the  lives  of  the 
animals. 

And  Now... 

Recently,  the  head  of  the  Research  Base’s  research  department  visited  Zoo  Atlanta  to  assist  with  our 
reproductive  season.  She  thanked  me  for  all  the  work  I had  done  during  my  visit,  and  informed  me 
of  the  program’s  current  status.  At  the  time  she  related  the  information  to  me,  four  months  after  my 
departure.  Research  Base  staff  had  trained  13  pandas  for  voluntary  blood  draws,  several  for  hand 
injections,  and  were  teaching  two  females  to  accept  voluntary  ultrasounds.  The  program  was 
continuing,  and  succeeding,  on  its  own. 

Not  everything  was  so  positive.  One  of  my  co-workers  worked  at  the  Research  Base  for  a period  of 
four  months,  collecting  behavioral  data  for  an  ongoing  project.  She  reported  that  while  some  areas 
were  accomplishing  amazing  training,  other  areas  had  either  regressed,  or  had  chosen  to  ignore  the 
program  altogether,  reverting  to  the  “old  school”  methods  utilizing  negative  reinforcement  and 
punishment.  Some  of  the  problems  are  isolated,  and  apparently  the  managers  are  aware  of  others. 
Hopefully  as  the  program  progresses,  communication  and  consistency  will  reach  a higher  standard 
across  the  entire  Research  Base,  improving  the  results  for  all  of  the  staff  and  giant  pandas.  Still  the 
positive  results  have  proven  beneficial  for  the  keepers  and  animals,  and  any  obstacles  can  be  overcome 
with  communication  and  patience.  It  is  my  new  goal,  through  ongoing  efforts  with  peers  at  the 
Research  Base,  and  perhaps  more  visits  if  opportunities  arise,  to  continue  to  work  with  staff  so  that 
all  of  the  animals  and  people  involved  can  reap  the  rewards  of  an  organized,  facility-wide  training 
program. 

* The  Geraldine  Meyers/ AAZK  Professional  Travel  Grant  is  funded  in  part  by  the 
Dallas  AAZK  Chapter 

**  The  AAZK  Animal  Training  Committee  is  sponsored  by  the  Tucson  Chapter  of  AAZK 


And  The  Indianapolis  Prize  Goes  to 

In  honor  of  more  than  30  years  dedicated  to  saving  endangered  crane  species,  a man  who  once  courted 
a female  crane,  Tex,  to  trigger  her  natural  reproductive  instincts  and  brought  a national  television 
audience  to  tears  describing  her  fate,  has  been  awarded  the  inaugural  Indianapolis  Prize.  George 
Archibald,  Ph.D.,  is  the  recipient  of  the  $100,000  Indianapolis  Prize,  an  initiative  of  the  Indianapolis 
Zoo  and  the  largest  international  monetary  award  given  to  an  individual  for  conservation  of  an  animal 
species.  He  received  the  check  for  $100,000  and  the  accompanying  Lilly  Medal  in  Indianapolis  on  30 
September  at  a gala  ceremony  presented  by  the  AES  Corporation  and  hosted  by  actress  Jane  Alexander, 

The  announcement  was  made  at  the  National  Press  Club  in  Washington,  D.C.  In  making  the 
announcement,  Indianapolis  Zoo  President  and  CEO  Michael  I.  Crowther  said,  “George  is  an  icon  in 
animal  conservation.  With  his  revolutionary  work  and  dedication  to  the  preservation  of  cranes,  there 
is  absolutely  no  question  that  the  population  is  stronger  because  he  is  their  champion.  He  is  a true  hero 
and  we  are  honored  that  he  is  the  first  recipient  of  the  Indianapolis  Prize.” 

Archibald  co-founded  the  International  Crane  Foundation,  located  in  Baraboo,  Wis.,  in  1973  when 
cranes  were  in  a perilous  situation  and  many  of  the  15  remaining  species  were  on  the  brink  of  extinction. 
Today,  several  species  have  made  remarkable  turnarounds,  most  notably  the  North  American  Whooping 
Crane.  Down  to  their  last  10  to  15  birds  in  the  1940s,  now  the  population  numbers  more  than  200. 

“I  am  humbled  by  this  honor  and  proud  to  be  recognized  among  the  world’s  leading  conservationists,” 
said  Archibald.  “This  award  is  a privilege  not  only  for  me  and  the  team  I’m  a part  of,  but  for  the  cranes 
we  work  to  save.  They  depend  on  us  and  look  to  us  to  be  their  voice.  It’s  a great  honor  to  have  that 
voice  heard.” 

For  more  information  about  the  Indianapolis  Prize,  visit  www.indianapolisprize.org  <http:// 
www.indianapolisprize.org>  . 


426  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  10 


Snake  Venoms  & Envenomations 

By  Jean-Philippe  Chippaux  (translated  by  F.  W.  Huchzermeyer) 

Date  original  French  edition  published:  2002  Date  this  translated  edition  published:  2006 

Krieger  Publishing  Company,  P.  O,  Box  9542,  Melbourne,  FL  32902-9542 

ISBN:  1-57524-272-9 

300  pages  Clothbound.  Price:  $58.50 

Review  by  Joseph  T Collins,  Adjunct  Herpetologist,  Kansas  Biological  Survey, 
Adjunct  Curator  of  Herpetology,  Sternberg  Museum  of  Natural  History  Emeritus, 
University  of  Kansas  Natural  History  Museum,  Lawrence,  KS 
Instructor  (Herpetology),  Washburn  University,  Topeka,  KS 


Snakes  responsible  for  severe  envenomations  are  considered  a real  public  health  problem,  especially 
in  tropical  countries.  Yet,  snake  venom,  which  is  made  up  of  hundreds  of  specific  substances,  is 
used  more  and  more  in  biomedical  research  as  a diagnostic  or  therapeutic  tool.  This  authoritative 
volume  first  presents  a synthesis  of  the  principal  discoveries  on  venoms  and  envenomations.  Then, 
paleontology  and  classification  of  snakes  as  well  as  the  biochemistry  and  toxicology  of  venoms  are 
simply  and  precisely  described  to  explain  the  theoretical  basis  of  envenomation  and  its  treatment. 

Knowing  the  biology  and  behavior  of  snakes  leads  to  better  identification  of  the  circumstances  of 
snakesbites  and  can  be  used  to  support  prevention  efforts.  Recommendations  and  algorithms  of 
treatments  are  proposed.  This  book  also  lists  all  the  known  antivenins  produced  in  the  world  and 
antivenomous  plants  with  their  therapeutic  properties.  Coral  Snakes  and  Pigmy  Rattlesnake  are 
referenced  in  the  index. 

For  greater  accuracy,  comprehension,  and  ease  of  use,  this  book  uses  the  long-standing,  traditional, 
standard  common  names  for  North  American  species  maintained  by  Collins  & Taggart  (2002.  Standard 
Common  and  Current  Scientific  Names  for  North  American  Amphibians,  Turtles,  Reptiles,  and 
Crocodilians.  Fifth  Edition),  published  by  The  Center  for  North  American  Herpetology  (available 
as  a pdf  at  the  CNAH  web  site)  and  updated  daily  online. 

This  excellent  book  is  an  essential  addition  to  the  library  of  any  herpetologists,  but  particularly 
those  doing  research  on  venomous  snakes. 


Captive  Foragings  The  next  best  thing  to  being  free 

By  M.  Scott  Echols,  DVM 
Zoological  Education  Network,  2006 
www.exoticdvm.com 

30  minute  DVD  $24  95  Review  by  Tom  Aversa,  AAZK  Animal  Training  Committee 

Zookeeper  at  Woodland  Park  Zoo,  Seattle,  WA 


M.  Scott  Echols  has  put  together  a fine  DVD  for  pet  bird  owners.  The  main  gist  is  the  presentation 
of  a Foraging  Tree  that  encourages  natural  feeding  behaviors.  Scott  promotes  the  use  a foraging 
tree  to  alleviate  behavioral  problems  such  as  feather  picking.  The  DVD  target  audience  is  home 
psitticine  owners,  but  it  also  has  some  useful  information  for  zookeepers  who  work  with  parrots. 
Information  is  also  applicable  to  other  birds  and  other  taxa. 

Scott  is  well  known  in  aviculture  and  veterinary  circles  as  the  current  president-elect  of  the  Association 
of  Avian  Veterinarians,  and  an  editorial  reviewer  for  the  Journal  of  Avian  Medicine  and  Surgery.  He 

Animal  Keepers'  Forum,  Vol  33  No.  10  427 


graduated  from  Texas  A&M  University,  and  is  a prolific  author  and  speaker  at  conferences.  He 
recently  published  a book  on  treating  renal  diseases  in  exotic  animal  practice  and  also  created  other 
educational  videos  including  the  three-volume  Avian  Techniques  set  on  basic  blood  collection,  avian 
necropsy  and  cytology,  and  basic  non-surgical  procedures.  Dr.  Echols  knows  his  stuff. 

The  film  begins  by  showing  wild  birds  foraging  in  their  natural  environment  while  mentioning 
increased  interest  in  bird  watching.  Although  various  orders  of  birds  including  raptors,  waterfowl 
and  herons  are  mentioned,  the  focus  rapidly  moves  to  parrots  and  pet  bird  ownership.  One  of  the 
“special  features”  includes  a videography  of  the  “stars”  of  the  film,  including  all  animals  featured. 
Information  throughout  is  accurate,  with  minor  exceptions  ( a misidentified  tern  and  a mislabeled 
heron),  and  the  photography  is  adequate. 

The  main  DVD  section  is  broken  into  four  chapters:  Captive  Foraging,  The  Foraging  Tree,  Foraging 
Toys,  and  Advanced  Toys.  The  opening  chapter  emphasizes  the  importance  of  socialization,  self- 
maintenance and  foraging  in  the  lives  of  wild  birds.  The  majority  of  many  species’  daily  time 
budget  is  spent  foraging.  The  lack  of  this  activity  in  captive  birds  can  lead  to  behavioral  problems 
and  over-emphasis  of  self-maintenance  (feather  picking).  Although  Scott  does  state  that  behavioral 
problems  are  complex,  he  does  not  address  socialization  issues.  The  Foraging  Tree  is  introduced  as 
something  that  provides  varied  feeding  stations  to  encourage  natural  behaviors.  Scott  lays  out  steps 
which  begin  with  placing  random  amounts  of  varied  food  items  in  different  food  cups  placed 
throughout  the  tree.  With  a shy  or  unadventurous  subject,  he  recommends  starting  slowly  by  covering 
the  cups  with  paper,  then  increasing  the  challenge  with  simple  toys  (Chapter  3),  and  finally  more- 
advanced  toys  (Chapter  4).  The  idea  is  to  provide  enrichment  and  more  time  directed  at  foraging. 
Toys  are  shown  well  and  their  usage  explained,  but  unfortunately  no  information  is  given  on  where 
to  obtain  or  how  to  produce  any  of  the  more  advance  toys,  or  how  to  construct  the  tree  itself. 

Another  weakness  in  the  presentation  is  the  lack  of  highly  relevant  information  on  reinforcement 
techniques  and  animal  training.  The  information  presented  will  be  useful  for  captive  psitticine 
caretakers,  but  without  knowledge  of  how  to  avoid  inadvertently  reinforcing  negative  behaviors,  it 
will  only  provide  one  aspect  of  developing  properly  socialized  birds.  Captive  Foraging  will,  however, 
help  provide  better  conditions  for  captive  birds  when  used  in  conjunction  with  additional  training 
and  behavior  modification  materials. 

Nationwide  Assessment  of  Morphological  Abnormalities  Observed  in  Amphibians 
Collected  from  U.S.  National  Wildlife  Refuges 

By  Laura  Guderyahn,  Ball  State  University 

U.S.  Fish  and  Wildlife  Service,  May  2006,  36  pages 

A pdf  of  this  article  may  be  viewed  or  downloaded  at:  http://www.cnah.org/cnah_pdf.asp 

Abstract:  Previously,  amphibian  malformations  had  only  been  studied  at  the  site,  state  and  regional 
levels,  limiting  our  understanding  of  the  types  of  malformations  most  commonly  ocurring  in  wild 
populations  across  the  country.  This  study  presents  the  results  of  radiographsic  analyses  performed 
on  morphologically  abnormal  amphibians  collected  from  National  wildlife  Refuges  in  27  states  and 
six  of  seven  USFWS  regions.  Despite  considerable  differences  in  species  composition  and  ecological 
factors  (e.g.,  habitat  type,  climate  and  land  use),  it  was  observed  that  abnormalities  were  remarkably 
similar  across  regions  of  the  country.  One  regional  difference  that  was  noted  was  that  higher 
proportions  of  forelimbs  and  craniofacial  abnormalities  were  observed  in  western  regions  (Regions 
1 and  7)  compared  to  the  eastern  ones.  However,  the  uneven  distribution  of  these  abnormalities 
across  sites,  suggests  that  these  elevated  proportions  may  not  be  characteristic  of  Region  1. 
Differences  in  species  composition  as  well  as  in  ecological  factors  such  as  habitat  type  and  clomate 
are  potential  explanations  for  this  pattern  in  Region  7.  Given  the  known  differences  in  regional 
causes,  the  results  of  this  study  suggest  that  these  stressors  may  be  affecting  amphibian  development 
in  the  same  manner  to  produce  primarily  hindlimb  reductions.  Continues  research  comparing  the 
types  of  abnormalities  produced  a different  areas  of  the  country  as  well  as  what  stressors  are  present 
is  essential  to  identify  cause  and  affect  relationships  at  sites  hosting  abnormal  amphibians. 

Source:  News  Release  from  The  Center  for  North  American  Herpetology,  Lawrence,  KS  http://ww.cnah.org 


428  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  10 


RATTLESNAKE 

ADVENTURES 

Htmting  with  the  Oldtimer^ 


John  W.  Kemnitzer,  Jr. 


SNAKE  VENOMS  AND 

:1N'vi:nomations,„ 

by  Jean-Philippe  Chippaux 
First  English  Ed.  2006  300  pp. 
ISBN  1-57524-272-9  $58.50 


RATTLESNAKE  ADVENTURES: 
Hunting  with  tfc  Oldtimers 

edited  by  John  William  Kemnitzer,  Jr, 

V Orig.  Ed.  2006  : . 236  pp. 

- ISBN  1-57524-278-8  $29.50 


THE  AMPHIBIANS  AND  REPTILES 
OF  THE  HONDURAN  MOSQUITIA 

by  James  R.  McCranie^  Josiah  H.  Townsend, 
& Larry  David  Wilson 
Orig.  Ed.  2006  304  pp. 

ISBN  1-57524-270-2  $63.50 


. THE  ALLIGATOR 
SNAPPING  TURTLE 
by  Peter  C.  H.  Pritchard 
Orig,  Ed.  1 989,  Reprint  Ed.  2006  1 52  pp. 
ISBN  1-57524-275-3  Paper 
$42.00 


NOWAVAILABLE 


SNAKE 

VENOMS 


THE  AMPHIBIANS 
AND  REPTILES 
OF  THE 

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Phone:  (321)  724-9542  • Fax:  (321)  951-3671  • www.krieger-publishing.com 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol  33  No,  10  429 


People  Skills  for 
Animal  People 

By  Guest  Columnist  William  K Baker,  Jr,  Curator 
Panthera  Research,  Maumelle,  AR 

Career  Advancement  in  the  Zoological  Industry 
Part  II  - Cover  Letters  and  Resumes 


Introduction 

The  single  most  important  item  in  your  toolbox  is  your  resume;  nothing  else  will  play  a larger  role 
in  getting  your  foot  in  the  door  with  a prospective  employer.  A well-crafted  resume  will  make  the 
difference  between  being  noticed  or  ignored.  In  my  professional  experience,  a solid  resume  and 
cover  letter  will  always  stand  out  from  the  rest  of  the  stack  when  the  final  applicants  have  cleared 
the  Human  Resources  department.  Typically,  a prospective  employer  scans  a resume  in  less  than  60 
seconds,  so  quality  counts  if  you  are  hoping  for  a second  look  from  someone  in  a management 
position. 

Ideally,  your  resume  should  tell  a prospective  employer  everything  they  need  to  know  about  your 
professional  employment  history  in  a concise  format.  It  should  tend  towards  the  leaner  side  of 
information  and  emphasize  your  skills,  while  your  cover  letter  should  focus  on  anything  that  isn't  in 
the  resume  itself.  Provide  the  details  on  any  recent  or  significant  research  and  projects.  Short  version, 
your  resume  talks  about  your  skills  and  experience,  while  the  cover  letter  focuses  on  selling  you. 
Never  forget  that  the  cover  letter  is  just  that,  a letter,  and  it  should  always  have  a personal  touch  as 
well. 

Cover  Letters 

• Use  premium  quality  resume  paper,  (20  lb  or  better  with  a strong  cotton  content). 

• Type  or  preferably  word-process  the  letter  using  a computer.  In  my  professional 
experience,  the  most  common  fonts  in  use  today  appear  to  be  Arial,  Verdana,  Tahoma, 
and  Times  New  Roman. 

• Include  the  name,  title,  and  address  of  whom  you  are  contacting  at  the  top  of  letter. 

• Include  the  exact  date  by  day,  month,  and  year.  Don’t  use  abbreviations. 

• Provide  a formal  greeting,  even  if  you  personally  know  the  person,  others  will  see  your 
letter. 

» Identify  clearly  the  position  that  you  are  after  by  proper  title  as  advertised  and  include  a 
job  reference  number  if  applicable.  State  your  intentions  clearly  and  to  the  point, 

• Plan  your  letter  with  strong  structure  and  let  each  paragraph  focus  on  a particular  aspect 
of  your  career  history,  selling  points,  and  current  activities.  A chronological  approach 
works  well  for  this. 

• Focus  on  telling  a little  about  yourself;  let  them  know  that  you  have  the  skills  to 
succeed  such  as  communication  skills,  analytical  abilities,  as  well  as  being  a self- 
motivator who  is  capable  of  working  alone  without  supervision  or  in  a teamwork 
environment  with  diverse  personalities. 

• In  the  process  of  discussing  your  skills,  provide  several  specific  examples  of  how  they 
were  used  to  resolve  issues  and  achieve  goals.  Demonstrate  that  you  offer  more  than 
rhetoric. 

• However,  don’t  go  into  details  such  as  why  you  left  your  previous  job,  items  in  your 
personal  life,  or  new  hobbies.  You’re  applying  for  a job,  not  asking  someone  out  on  a 
date.  Never  include  caustic  or  sarcastic  comments  regarding  a previous  employer.  It 
bespeaks  a lack  of  professionalism. 


430  Animal  Keepers’  Forum.  Vol.  33  No.  10 


• Always  attempt  to  start  your  letter  on  a strong  positive  note  and  end  on  a positive  note, 
not  unlike  a training  session.  Always  be  cordial,  polite,  and  upbeat  in  your  content  and 
writing  tone. 

• Close  your  letter  with  a real  signature  in  ink,  (preferably  black,  blue  doesn’t  always 
photocopy). 

• If  you  are  submitting  via  email  and  you  can’t  or  don’t  want  to  use  a scanned  document, 
then  replace  the  ink  signature  with  a font  that  closely  approximates  your  personal 
signature 

• Always  read  your  letter  more  than  once  for  not  only  accuracy,  but  content  structure  as 
well.  Also,  use  your  spell  check  not  only  during  the  letter,  but  when  complete  to  insure 
accuracy  and  appropriate  grammar.  The  most  common  flaw  in  letters  is  poor  grammar 
and  misspelled  words. 

• After  you  have  finished  critiquing  your  cover  letter,  then  give  it  to  a friend  or  colleague 
and  have  them  read  it  as  well.  A clean  cover  letter  that  combines  strong  phrasing  and 
fact-based  information  will  encourage  the  reader  to  review  your  attached  resume  and 
that’s  what  you  want. 


Resumes 

• Use  premium  quality  resume  paper,  (20  lb  or  better  with  a strong  cotton  content).  Use  a 
simple  light  paper  color  such  as  a variant  of  white  or  ivory  with  low  texture.  Set  your 
printer  to  its  highest  quality  ink  selection  prior  to  printing.  Remember,  you’re  after 
clarity  and  quality,  waste  the  ink. 

• Type  or  word-process  your  resume  using  a computer.  In  my  professional  experience,  the 
most  common  fonts  in  use  today  appear  to  be  Arial,  Verdana,  Tahoma,  and  Times  New 
Roman. 

• Use  normal  margins  set  at  one  inch  on  all  sides  and  allow  for  room  between  your 
paragraphs.  Don’t  try  to  cram  information  onto  the  page,  instead  leave  room  for  an  easy 
read  with  strong  structure.  If  you  must  have  additional  space,  take  it  from  the  bottom  of 
the  page  and  reduce  the  margin  by  1/4  inch  and  edit  the  text  for  content  and  structure  to 
fit  the  space  modification. 

• Avoid  using  stylized  fonts,  colored  ink,  or  colorized  paper.  They  can  work  against  you 
if  your  resume  is  being  scanned,  faxed,  or  copied.  Also  it  may  be  difficult  to  read, 
which  is  undesirable. 

• Design  and  structure  your  resume  with  formatting  tools  such  as  bold,  italics,  line  draw, 
bullets,  and  spacing  to  develop  sections,  but  remember  that  bullets  can  seriously  reduce 
available  space. 

• Your  resume  ideally  shouldn’t  exceed  one  page  in  length.  If  your  resume  is  close  to  four 
pages  long,  that’s  what  a curriculum  vitae  is  for.  The  average  length  for  a resume  still 
remains  at  one  page.  Remember,  a resume  is  a snapshot  of  your  work  history  and 
abilities,  don’t  overdo  it. 

• While  there  are  certainly  no  specific  guidelines  for  resume  building,  there  are  two 
definitive  styles:  chronological  experience  and  skill-based.  Each  style  has  its 
advantages,  but  chronological  still  tends  to  be  the  most  common  with  the  headings  of 
objective,  experience,  education,  and  skills. 

• Always  provide  your  contact  information  at  the  top,  full  legal  name,  address,  telephone 
number,  and  email  address  if  applicable,  (very  important  if  you  are  applying  for  the  job 
via  the  Internet). 

• Your  objective  should  clearly  spell  out  your  current  career  goals  in  one  straightforward 
sentence.  Conversely,  if  your  goals  change,  so  too  should  your  objective.  In  short,  if 
your  objective  doesn’t  match  the  job  you’re  applying  for  then  you  need  to  change  it  to 
avoid  mixed  messages. 

• Avoid  using  long  paragraphs.  A resume  should  lend  itself  to  being  visually  scanned  by  a 
prospective  employer  with  quick,  concise  paragraphs  that  provide  maximum 
information  in  minimum  space,  not  unlike  a good  novel,  each  paragraph  should 
emphasize  a fresh  thought.  ' 

• An  education  section  should  clearly  state  where  and  when  you  graduated  from  High 
School.  College  and  university  work  should  provide  school  name,  location,  and  dates  of 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  10  431 


confirmation  for  all  degrees.  Specialized  fields  of  study  and  awards  for  academic 
achievement  should  be  noted. 

• The  experience  section  should  not  only  focus  on  your  job  duties,  but  on  the 
accomplishments  associated  with  meeting  those  mandated  goals.  Use  your  job 
description  as  a starting  point  then  expand  from  there  towards  specific  points  or 
accomplishments  to  demonstrate  competency. 

• Deciding  how  much  technical  data  regarding  your  animal  husbandry  experience  can  be 
a challenge  due  to  space  considerations.  The  best  way  to  approach  this  is  to  use 
taxonomic  family  names  such  as  felids  or  pinnepeds.  Specifically  mention  any  diet  and 
veterinary  experience. 

• Professional  experience  related  to  animal  training  and  or  operant  conditioning  should  be 
mentioned.  Always  identify  animals  that  you  have  experience  training  by  species  name. 
Also,  mention  the  training  style,  public  presentation  skills,  and  applicable  research 
experience. 

• Internships  should  provide  general  information  regarding  the  program,  duration,  field  or 
university  location,  and  applicable  research.  When  working  with  multiple  species 
populations  use  taxonomic  family  names  for  brevity  and  for  single  species  populations 
go  ahead  and  use  the  scientific  name. 

• Whenever  possible  try  to  use  action  verbs  such  as  “budgeted,  designed,  developed, 
managed,  or  supervised”.  Also,  try  not  to  use  passive  language  in  descriptions  of  your 
duties  and  skills. 

® Avoid  using  declarative  sentences  that  start  with  phrasing  such  as  “I  developed  the. ...” 
Focus  on  the  achievement  not  on  yourself,  and  don’t  be  vague,  provide  solid  examples 
of  your  work  performance.  For  management  positions,  budget  and  supervisory  skills  are 
a must  mention. 

• When  listing  your  employment  history,  this  should  be  accompanied  by  dates.  Leaving 
dates  off  your  resume  sets  off  red  flags  and  raises  questions  regarding  employment 
history  and  whether  you  are  a “jumper”  moving  from  one  job  to  the  next  with  no 
serious  employment  history. 

® In  certain  circumstances  it  may  be  advantageous  to  include  a special  skills  section, 
especially  if  the  skills  in  question  directly  relate  to  the  job  your  applying  for.  An 
example  of  this  would  be  listing  scuba-related  certifications  if  you  are  applying  for  an 
aquatics  or  marine  mammal  trainer  position.  Another  one  to  list  would  be  first  aid  or 
CPR  certifications.  This  demonstrates  that  you  already  meet  components  of  the  job 
description  when  applying  for  a job  that  involves  “wet  work”. 

When  Resumes  Fail 

® The  single  greatest  error  in  submitting  a resume  would  have  to  be  misspelled  words, 
which  is  somewhat  ironic  considering  virtually  every  computer  has  a spell  check 
function.  Spelling  errors  demonstrate  poor  communication  skills,  a lack  of  attention  to 
detail,  and  a failure  to  proof 

® Leaving  off  critical  information  such  as  commencement  dates,  employment  history 
dates,  or  in  some  cases  omitting  your  field  of  study  and  what  type  of  degree  was 
conferred  is  an  error.  Failing  to  include  these  will  immediately  set  off  red  flags  for  an 
employer  and  raise  serious  questions. 

® Padding  a resume  with  extra  lines  or  spacing  to  increase  the  overall  length  is  a serious 
error  in  judgment.  All  this  accomplishes  is  the  page  length  is  increased  and  it  wastes 
paper.  Better  to  be  concise  and  to  the  point  when  formatting  to  demonstrate  clear 
thinking  and  organizational  skills. 

® One  of  the  most  serious  mistakes  you  can  make  is  padding  your  resume  with  false 

information.  The  wildlife  field  and  zoological  industry  is  a tightly  knit  group  of 
professionals  and  while  we  may  not  know  each  other  by  face,  we  do  know  each  other’s 
reputation  and  respective  facilities. 

Tailoring 

® Customizing  or  tailoring  your  materials  for  a prospective  employer  isn’t  really  a new 


432  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol  33  No.  10 


concept,  it’s  just  fallen  into  disuse  over  time.  In  my  professional  opinion,  the  cover 
letters  I have  been  seeing  over  the  past  few  years  seem  weaker  and  people  just  seem  to 
change  the  resume  objective. 

• To  overcome  a stale  cover  letter,  take  the  time  to  research  the  organization  that  you’re 
interested  in.  Visit  their  website  and  take  a hard  look  at  their  activities.  This  provides 
insight  into  a potential  match  for  your  needs  and  vital  information  that  can  match  your 
strengths  to  their  needs. 

• Tailoring  also  has  other  advantages  as  well  It  demonstrates  that  you  know  how  to 
research,  that  you  took  the  time  to  care  what  an  organization  is  doing,  and  it  shows 
serious  interest.  When  you  integrate  data  into  your  cover  letter  or  highlight  skills  on  a 
resume  you’re  being  competitive. 

• The  downside  to  tailoring  is  that  it  takes  time  to  do  it.  Time  to  research,  time  to 
develop,  and  time  to  actually  write  a specialized  cover  letter  for  every  potential 
employer.  If  it  sounds  like  a lot  extra  work,  it  is.  Still,  that’s  what  it  takes  to  win  and  if 
you  aren’t  competitive,  someone  else  will  be. 

Curriculum  Vitaes 

• There  are  two  main  differences  between  a vitae  and  a resume.  First,  a vitae  includes 
your  university  course  curriculum  as  it  applies  to  your  degree.  Every  once  in  a while,  I 
see  a resume  with  vitae  at  the  top  of  the  page  and  no  course  material  present,  which  is  a 
serious  oversight. 

• Second,  a vitae  is  significantly  longer  and  includes  sections  that  highlight  grant  awards, 
published  papers,  research  projects,  and  research  sabbaticals.  The  format  is  definitely 
more  scientific  in  tone  and  structure.  Definitely  a tool  for  more  experienced  wildlife  or 
zoological  professionals. 

• A vitae  is  usually  anywhere  from  two  to  four  pages  in  length.  I was  always  told  at 
university  the  hard  part  of  a vitae  is  determining  what  to  leave  off  or  restructure  when 
you  hit  the  four-page  mark.  To  be  sure,  there  are  probably  vitas  that  are  longer,  but 
that’s  usually  the  exception. 

• While  I have  seen  untold  numbers  of  books  on  how  to  write  the  perfect  resume,  I have 
only  seen  a couple  on  how  to  write  a curriculum  vitae  and  they  were  in  the  scientific 
section  of  a library.  However,  by  using  an  on-line  search  engine,  I was  able  to  find  a 
few  websites  that  would  help. 

Tricks  of  the  Trade 

• If  a job  posting  calls  for  specific  submission  criteria  such  as  “Submit  cover  letter, 
resume,  and  three  references.”  then  it’s  imperative  that  you  follow  the  instructions,  for 
many  managers  this  is  a test  of  effective  communication  and  compliance  with 
instruction.  Deviating  can  play  against  you. 

• As  mentioned  earlier  your  resume  should  use  action  language  that  identifies  specific 
skills  that  an  employer  may  be  looking  for.  It  is  not  unusual  for  larger  private  firms  to 
scan  resumes  and  then  let  a search  engine  do  the  work  by  identifying  key  words  such  as 
“supervised”  or  “managed”. 

• Adjust  your  margins,  font  size,  font  type,  bold,  or  spacing  to  generate  more  space  for 
information. 

Submissions 

• There  are  typically  three  ways  to  submit  an  application.  One,  submit  a resume  and 
cover  letter  by  mail.  Two,  submit  a resume  and  cover  letter  via  email.  Three,  submit  an 
application  supplied  by  the  prospective  employer.  If  you  have  to  use  their  application, 
then  attach  your  cover  letter  and  resume  to  the  application  when  you  are  done  filling  it 
out  and  send  it  off  together  as  a packet. 

• If  you  are  submitting  via  email,  remember  that  all  of  the  rules  of  writing  courtesy  apply. 
With  email  in  common  use  today,  it  seems  everyone  uses  abbreviations  or  acronyms  to 
communicate.  One  piece  of  advice,  don’t  do  it  when  applying  for  a job.  Once  again,  put 
your  best  foot  forward. 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  10  433 


• While  employers  can  post  their  job  openings  on  their  websites  and  respective 
association  websites  at  any  time,  you  will  usually  see  new  postings  in  late  afternoon. 
Checking  repeatedly  through  the  day  doesn’t  really  help.  Besides,  postings  are  normally 
open  for  a set  period  of  time. 

• Job  postings  that  indicate  “Open  to  filled”  are  the  exception  to  the  rule.  This  typically 
infers  that  the  posting  agency  is  looking  for  someone  with  a specific  skill  set  or 
qualification.  As  a result,  these  positions  can  close  at  any  time.  So  as  a rule  if  s safer  to 
apply  early  before  the  job  closes. 

Communication 

• If  you  are  contacted  for  an  interview  it  will  almost  always  come  in  the  form  of  a 
telephone  call.  Two  things  will  likely  occur.  One,  you  are  being  scheduled  for  an  in- 
person  interview  or  two;  you  are  being  scheduled  for  a preliminary  telephone  interview. 
Letters  rarely  ever  bring  good  news. 

• For  telephone  interviews,  you  should  expect  some  degree  of  scheduling  leeway  and  if  s 
imperative  to  schedule  it  so  that  there  are  zero  distractions  and  that  will  allow  you  to 
present  the  best  image.  Ideally,  try  to  schedule  the  interview  on  your  day  off  so  that  you 
have  time  to  prepare. 

• Telephone  interviews  typically  occur  for  several  reasons.  The  reasons  could  include 
distance  from  the  prospective  employer,  an  effort  to  thin  the  applicant  field,  or  an 
opportunity  to  know  the  applicant  better  to  assist  management  staff  in  the  decision  to 
offer  a formal  interview. 

• Telephone  interviews  can  either  have  a single  interviewer  or  multiple-interviewer 
depending  on  the  individual  institution’s  management  style.  The  style  chosen  can  tell 
you  something  about  the  facility’s  management  style,  “single”  often  translates  into  a 
traditional  chain  of  command  management,  “panel”  often  indicates  a shared  or  team- 
based  management  system  is  in  use. 

• During  the  telephone  interview  try  to  be  yourself  In  my  experience  what  sells  in  an 
interview  is  a confident,  knowledgeable,  and  pleasant  attitude.  Don’t  try  too  hard; 
instead  shoot  for  relaxed  and  professional.  However,  not  too  relaxed  that  you  become 
totally  informal  in  the ’situation. 

• Expect  basic  questions  regarding  prior  exotic  and  or  domestic  animal  experience,  any 
experience  assisting  with  veterinary  procedures.  Also,  expect  questions  regarding 
practical  experience  in  animal  capture  and  physical  restraint,  handling  dart  rifles, 
blowguns,  dart  poles,  and  firearms. 

• Watch  for  profile-based  questions  to  identify  your  personality  such  as  “How  do  you 
think  a co-worker  would  describe  you?”  or  “Tell  me  about  yourself,  how  would  you 
describe  yourself?”  These  questions  provide  invaluable  information  on  who  you  are  and 
how  you  relate  to  others. 

• While  there  are  exceptions  to  the  rule,  expect  the  lead  interviewer  to  give  some 
indication  of  when  they  will  get  back  to  you  with  an  answer  and  let  you  know  whether 
you  passed  or  failed. 

In  December  AKF:  Career  Advancement  in  the  Zoological  Industry  (Part  III  - Interviews) 

If  you  would  like  to  submit  a question  for  this  column  or  have  comments  on  previously  published 
materials,  please  send  them  toAAZK,  Inc.,  3601 S.  W.  29th  St,  Suite  133,  Topeka,  KS  66614  Attn: 
People  Skills  for  Animal  People/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,  NBA  Firearms  Instructor,  and  Red  Cross  CPR/First  Aid  Instructor.  Away  from  work  he 
operates  Panthera  Research,  which  is  a research  and  consulting  firm.) 


434  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  10 


EO  Editors  - Dawn  Neptune,  Utah  s Hogle  Zoo 
and  Rachel  Daneault,  Disney  s Animal  Kingdom 

2005  Lee  Houts  Environmental  Enrichment  Award  Recipient 

Congratulations  to  the  2005  Lee  Houts  Environmental  Enrichment  Award  recipient  Hilda  Tresz  of 
the  Phoenix  Zoo.  Hilda  received  this  honor  for  her  work  developing  a formal  behavioral  management 
program  for  the  Phoenix  Zoo.  This  new  program  outlines  philosophy  and  standards  for  animal 
training,  provides  a general  behavioral  enrichment  protocol  and  a primate  behavioral  enrichment 
protocol.  Hilda’s  efforts  have  resulted  in  a structured  and  documented  behavioral  management 
program  for  the  entire  zoo  that  she  continually  maintains. 

Hilda  has  been  a key  motivator  in  several  enrichment  projects  throughout  the  zoo.  Some  of  her 
many  accomplishments  include: 

• Assisting  in  the  development  of  performance  standards  and  measures  for  staff  engaged  in 
behavioral  management. 

• Creating  a master  behavioral  enrichment  notebook  for  each  of  the  six  areas  at  the  zoo. 

• Reorganizing  the  enrichment  catalog  by  transferring  all  behavioral  enrichment  data  to  an 
Excel®  program. 

• Developing  an  in-house  program  called  “Hilda’s  Comer”  where  newly  implemented 
enrichment  items  can  be  viewed  by  all  zoo  employees. 

• Developing  outreach  programs  for  the  public  such  as  Behavioral  Enrichment  for  Pets. 

• Maintaining  the  Enrichment  link  on  the  Phoenix  Zoo  website. 

• Answering  questions  sent  to  a web  address  where  people  can  inquire  about  enrichment  ideas 
for  their  animals. 

• Recmiting  and  organizing  volunteers  to  create  behavioral  enrichment  items. 

• Lecturing  Zoo  Teens  about  behavioral  enrichment. 

Hilda  is  a prime  example  of  how  one  person  can  make  a huge  difference.  Her  comprehensive 
behavioral  management  program  includes  information  to  guide  individuals  through  the  entire  process 
of  enriching  animals.  She  goes  beyond  just  utilizing  the  S.P.I.D.E.R.  model  and  explains  the 
philosophies  behind  why  this  work  is  important.  For  all  of  her  hard  work  the  AAZK  Enrichment 
Committee  would  like  to  recognize  Hilda  Tresz  as  the  2005  Lee  Houts  Enrichment  Award  Recipient. 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  10  435 


Adventures  in  AAZK  Calendar  Making  and  Sales 

By,  Rebecca  Zwicker  and  Jenyva  Turner 
Animal  Keepers  and  AAZK  Officers 
Cheyenne  Mountain  Zoo,  Colorado  Springs,  CO 

It  was  Christmas  day,  2003  in  Colorado  Springs,  CO.  Two  keepers  were  preparing  diets  in  the 
basement  of  the  African  Rift  Valley  exhibit  of  Cheyenne  Mountain  Zoo.  They  were  talking  about 
Christmas  and  the  gifts  they  had  received  and  had  given.  One  keeper  (Rebecca)  mentioned  how  she 
wanted  to  make  a calendar  for  her  friends  and  family  for  the  next  year  featuring  photos  she  had 
taken  of  animal  butts  at  the  zoo.  The  other  keeper’s  (Jenyva)  face  lit-up  and  she  instantly  said,  “I 
want  to  help!”  By  the  time  diets  were  done  a plan  was  hatched  and  a new  AAZK  fundraiser  was 
bom. 


Jenyva  had  a background  in  graphic  design  and  Rebecca  had  a passion  for  photographs.  Both  were 
thrilled  about  the  idea,  and  at  the  next  AAZK  meeting  launched  it.  With  approval  from  the  Chapter 
the  next  step  was  to  go  to  our  Curator  and  President  to  get  the  thumbs  up.  As  you  can  imagine 
approval  was  given  with  some  skepticism.  A calendar  featuring  animal  butts?  We  promised  it  would 
be  tasteful. 


With  the  green  light  we  put  up  flyers  asking  for  photographs  from  CMZ  employees,  docents,  interns 
and  volunteers.  We  also  talked  to  our  marketing  director  and  got  a referral  for  a local  printer  who  did 
work  for  the  zoo.  We  contacted  them  for  an  estimate  on  the  cost  of  the  printing.  They  quoted  us  $8 
per  calendar  and  used  the  Canon  3200  Digital  Printer.  This  helped  guide  the  amount  we  would 
charge  for  the  finished  product. 

We  wanted  to  make  it  an  all  zoo  calendar.  We  got  dates  of  important  events  such  as  Electric  Safari, 
Boo  at  the  Zoo,  Teddy  Bear  Days  and  much  more.  We  also  spoke  with  our  education  department  and 


each  month  had  a few  sentences  about  their 
programs  offered  for  that  particular  month. 
Each  month  also  had  a “green”  tip  towards 
conservation.  Once  the  photographs  were 
chosen  we  asked  the  keeper  staff  to  write  a 
few  sentences  about  the  animals  featured  to 
be  placed  under  the  photo.  Unfortunately, 
during  the  creation  of  our  calendar  one  of 
our  zoo’s  long  loved  tigers  died.  We  wanted 
to  do  something  special  for  her  and  created 
an  “ About  Face”  page  in  the  front  of  the 
calendar  featuring  a photo  of  her  and  a 
memorial  written  by  one  of  her  keepers.  Short 
paragraphs  were  written  about  the  zoo  itself 
and  our  AAZK  Chapter.  These  were  put  in 
the  last  and  second  to  last  page.  Each  had  a 
photo  to  correspond  with  the  information. 


We  asked  to  receive  all  photographs  by  the  first  of  August.  This  would  give  us  time  to  select  the 
ones  we  wanted  as  well  as  take  more  if  we  needed.  We  found  that  digital  pictures  were  easier  to 
work  with,  and  a minimum  of  5.0  megapixels  made  it  easier  to  enlarge  for  the  8x10  main  pictures. 
Actual  photos  taken  with  a 35mm  would  lose  resolution  when  enlarged.  We  scanned  some  of  the 
actual  photos  and  were  able  to  use  them  for  smaller  pictures  on  the  same  page.  Layout  and  design 
took  about  a month  to  complete.  The  computer  program  used  was  Macromedia  Freehand®  and  Adobe 
Photoshop®.  There  were  multiple  drafts  printed  for  proofreading,  color/picture  and  layout.  Once  the 
final  proof  was  cleared  we  put  in  our  order.  It  took  about  two  weeks  for  our  first  order  of  300  to  be 
printed.  We  were  given  the  option  to  print  more  at  a minimum  count  of  50  for  each  additional  order. 

Once  we  had  a complete  month  laid  out  and  printed,  we  used  it  to  help  sell  the  calendar.  We  made 
order  forms  and  passed  them  around  all  staff  meetings,  hung  them  on  the  information  board  in  the 


436  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  10 


break  room,  and  took  them  to  docent  and  board  meetings.  This  is  where  we  drummed  up  most  of  our 
business.  There  was  also  an  ad  placed  in  the  zoo’s  quarterly  newsletter  sent  to  members.  We  then 
spoke  with  our  gift  shop  managers  and  they  allowed  us  to  sell  the  calendar  there.  This  is  also  one  of 
the  major  ways  we  successfully  sold  the  calendar.  There  was  also  an  option  to  buy  them  on-line  or 
call  the  zoo  directly  and  have  them  shipped.  For  this  we  charged  an  extra  $2  for  the  first  calendar 
and  $1  for  each  additional.  We  would  guarantee  delivery  in  two  weeks. 

Each  calendar  was  placed  in  a plastic  magazine  sleeves  to  protect  them.  One  could  find  these  sleeves 
at  a local  comic  book  or  magazine  store. 

Calendar  sales  for  the  first  year  went  well. 

We  sold  575  calendars.  We  made  a profit  of 
$2,800  after  printing  costs  in  2005  and  in 
2006  we  made  profit  of  $2,400.  Continuing 
with  tradition  we  have  chosen  themes  for 
each  calendar.  Our  first  calendar  for  2005 ’s 
theme  was  animal  butts,  A Year  in  Rear  View. 

The  2006  calendar  featured  animal  noses 
(Jenyva’s  favorite  animal  part),  The  Pick  of 
the  Year.  For  our  upcoming  2007  calendar 
that  is  in  the  works  we  are  putting  a spotlight 
on  enrichment. 

Most  of  our  tactics  stayed  the  same  for  the 
2006  and  now  for  2007.  However,  a few  slight  adjustments  such  as  offering  advertising  in  the 
calendar  itself  have  been  made.  For  an  additional  .20  cents  added  to  the  cost  to  print  a calendar  we 
have  a new  page  that  will  feature  business  card  size  ads.  We  will  charge  $25  for  each  ad.  This  will 
help  offset  some  of  the  cost  of  printing.  We  as  a Chapter  now  dog-ear  funds  to  go  directly  to  the  cost 

of  printing  since  it  is  a large  lump  sum  up 
front.  Another  way  to  help  with  the  cost  of 
printing  is  to  ask  for  payment  from  people 
who  ordered  on  the  pre-sale  list  early. 

The  actual  cost  of  the  calendars  has 
fluctuated  for  us  in  the  past  few  years.  For 
our  first  calendar  we  charged  $12.95.  The 
second  year  we  upped  the  price  to  $15.  We 
found  that  we  did  not  sell  as  many  calendars 
to  both  employees  and  at  the  gift  shop.  For 
the  2007  calendar  we  are  going  to  charge 
$12.50  and  hope  that  we  sell  the  same  or 
more  in  quantity  then  last  year. 

It  is  a really  awesome  feeling  seeing  how  well 
our  calendar  has  been  received.  Our  gift  shop 
finally  has  something  featuring  the  animals 
for  our  zoo  and  the  funds  raised  goes  back  to 
our  animals  and  their  keepers.  Hopefully  if 
your  Chapter  opts  to  take  on  this  venture  they 
will  be  equally  successful. 

For  more  information  on  this  topic  or  to  place 
an  order  for  our  upcoming  2007  calendar  feel 
free  to  contact:  Rebecca  Zwicker  or  Jenyva 
Turner,  Cheyenne  Mountain  Zoo  AAZK, 
Colorado  Springs,  CO;  (719)  633-9925. 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  10  437 


A Real  Life  “King  Kong”  Story: 

Training  an  Assertive  1.0  Western  Lowland  Gorilla 
{Gorilla  g.  gorilla)  and  Making  the  Most  of  Birmingham 
Zoo’s  Animal  Training  Course 


By 

Michelle  Allen,  Primate  Keeper 
The  Birmingham  Zoo  Inc. 
Birmingham,  AL 


Introduction 

The  continuous  professional  growth  of  the  Birmingham  Zoo  has  led  to  a major  focus  on  animal 
training  with  the  intention  of  enhancing  animal  husbandry.  In  the  past,  training  at  the  Birmingham 
Zoo  was  very  informal.  This  meant  that  there  was  no  consistency  in  the  training  methods  or  in  the 
record  keeping  of  those  methods  being  used  throughout  the  zoo.  By  the  combined  effort  of  animal 
management  and  keeper  staff,  the  Animal  Training  Course  was  established  as  part  of  the  ongoing 
movement  throughout  the  zoo  to  develop  a formal  training  program  based  on  the  needs  of  our 
institution.  Through  this  endeavor,  the  Birmingham  Zoo  has  had  great  successes  in  animal  training, 
including  my  experience  with  training  an  assertive  male  gorilla  named  Jamie.  As  a keeper  with 
minimal  zoo  experience,  I took  on  the  challenge  of  training  this  animal  by  applying  what  I learned 
in  the  class.  My  goal  was  to  train  Jamie  to  accept  an  injection  so  as  to  immobilize  him  for  a routine 
physical  exam  without  the  use  of  darting.  After  two  months  of  training,  Jamie  accepted  a saline 
injection  for  the  first  time.  Then  on  19  May,  2005  he  was  successfully  immobilized  by  accepting  a 
full  injection.  In  the  beginning,  my  focus  in  working  with  Jamie  was  injection  training.  As  his 
training  has  evolved,  he  has  been  able  to  transfer  his  assertive  energy  to  constructive  interactions 
with  keepers,  such  as  training  sessions,  in  order  to  gain  positive  attention. 

The  Animal  Training  Class 

To  establish  the  zoo  wide  animal  training  program,  the  Birmingham  Zoo  formed  the  Animal  Training 
Committee  (ATC)  in  2002.  Members  of  the  ATC  were  appointed  by  animal  management  staff  to 
take  on  the  challenge  of  creating  this  program  and  then  providing  classes  for  other  keepers  in  the 
zoo.  After  a year  of  gathering  information  and  preparing  a course  agenda,  the  ATC  began  teaching 
a series  of  weekly  classes  that  focused  on  the  basics  of  operant  conditioning.  One  of  the  main  goals 
of  the  course  was  to  get  everyone  on  the  same  page,  from  those  with  little  or  no  training  background 
to  those  with  more  advanced  training  skills.  This  goal  included  obtaining  consistency  in  animal 
training  methods,  documentation,  and  terminology  used  throughout  the  zoo. 

As  a student  of  the  first  set  of  classes  offered  by  the  ATC,  I had  no  training  experience  of  any  kind, 
and  therefore  had  a lot  to  learn.  Over  the  course  of  four  classes,  I was  enlightened  with  basic 
training  terminology,  concepts,  and  theories.  I learned  of  the  various  training  techniques  available 
and  how  to  choose  which  technique  would  be  appropriate  for  which  animal  by  studying  the  animal’s 
individual  and  species  history.  Based  on  Karen  Pryor’s  Ten  Laws  of  Shaping  (Pryor,  1999),  we 
discussed  how  the  shaping  process  works  to  create  complicated  behaviors  from  very  simple  ones. 
The  class  also  featured  several  videos  made  by  the  committee  as  well  as  by  other  institutions  and 
animal  trainers  outside  our  zoo.  These  videos  were  an  efficient  way  to  expose  students  to  many 
types  of  training  with  various  kinds  of  animals.  The  class  was  also  utilized  as  a mentoring  tool. 
More  experienced  trainers  taking  the  class  were  able  to  share  their  past  experiences  and  advise  new 
trainers  on  various  approaches  in  training. 

In  order  to  successfully  complete  the  class,  students  were  responsible  for  two  assignments.  The 
assignments  were  to:  1)  choose  an  animal  in  their  area  and  charge  a bridge,  and  2)  train  the  animal 


438  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  10 


the  simple  behavior  of  touching  a target.  The  completion  of  these  assignments  would  be  the  basis  of 
a sustainable  training  program  for  that  animal.  To  help  students  complete  the  assignments,  the 
committee  designed  two  animal  training  forms  to  be  used  throughout  the  Zoo  that  would  become 
standard  requirements  in  order  to  train  an  animal  any  behavior.  The  first  form  is  the  Training  Goal 
Worksheet  in  which  the  trainer  outlines  in  detail,  the  steps  for  training  a specific  behavior.  It 
includes  the  purpose  of  the  behavior,  the  cues  to  be  introduced,  the  method  of  reinforcement  to  be 
used,  and  any  problems  or  safety  issues  that  should  be  considered  before  training.  The  second  form 
is  the  Daily  Training  Record,  and  is  used  to  write  notes  about  every  training  session.  This  allows 
trainers  to  keep  track  of  how  the  animal  progresses.  Each  student  was  expected  to  show  initiative  in 
working  with  the  animal  they  had  chosen,  and  give  periodic  progress  reports  to  their  supervisor 
(Monroe,  1994). 

A Strong  Personality 

I chose  to  work  with  Jamie  because  he  was  at  the  top  of  the  priority  list  of  animals  to  be  trained  in 
the  primate  area.  He  had  been  informally  worked  with  in  the  past,  but  there  was  no  record  of  what 
he  had  been  taught.  One  of  two  gorillas  in  our  bachelor  group,  Jamie  is  a 20-year-old,  western 
lowland  gorilla  {Gorilla  g.  gorilla).  After  learning  that  our  other  gorilla  Babec  has  heart  disease,  we 
were  concerned  that  Jamie  was  at  risk  for  heart  disease  as  well.  Jamie  showed  no  symptoms  of 
heart  disease,  but  due  to  past  experience  we  knew  that  it  was  important  for  it  to  be  diagnosed  in  the 
early  stages.  Immobilization  would  give  us  a complete 
look  at  Jamie’s  health  to  let  us  know  that  his  heart 
was  ftmctioning  properly.  Previously,  our  only  method 
of  immobilization  was  the  process  of  darting,  which 
was  performed  by  the  zoo  vet.  This  method  was  not 
only  extremely  stressful  for  the  animal,  but  also 
dangerous. 

The  goal  of  training  Jamie  to  accept  an  injection  for 
the  immobilization  was  much  more  complicated  than 
originally  thought.  Training  him  for  this  behavior 
required  addressing  his  behavioral  issues.  It  was  no 
secret  that,  as  a hand-raised  gorilla,  Jamie  had  some 
assertive  tendencies  towards  humans.  Jamie  displays 
assertive  behavior  by  loud  barking  and  grunting, 
banging  the  cage  with  the  back  of  his  hand  or  barrel, 
punching  the  cage  with  his  fist,  sticking  his  hand  under 
the  cage  to  grab  at  keepers,  trying  to  pinch  keepers 
through  the  caging,  and  brushing  his  arms  across  the 
caging  to  swipe  fingers.  Up  until  the  start  of  our 
training  these  behavioral  issues  have  only  been 
tolerated 

Jamie  is  a very  self-assured,  cunning,  silverback 
gorilla.  Although  I have  been  able  to  use  this  con- 
fident attitude  to  my  advantage  during  training,  it  has  always  presented  a challenge  for  his  keepers 
on  a daily  basis,  as  well  as  a challenge  for  me  during  the  entire  training  process.  One  of  Jamie’s 
ultimate  goals  became,  and  continues  to  be,  refocusing  his  assertive  behavior  and  applying  it  to 
behavior  that  will  gain  him  positive  attention.  For  example,  Jamie  is  well  known  for  testing  his 
keepers  by  slamming  his  shift  door  open  on  them.  Through  training  he  has  learned  that  patience 
leads  to  praise,  as  well  as  a much  appreciated  food  reward.  The  cue  word  “position”,  along  with 
pointing  to  the  spot  where  he  is  supposed  to  sit,  means  that  he  must  sit  still  while  his  keepers  do 
something,  such  as  open  and  close  the  shift  door.  I have  also  incorporated  this  cue  during  feeding 
time  with  the  purpose  of  decreasing  food  aggression.  When  Jamie  gets  fed  in  his  holding  cage,  he 
gets  very  excited  and  grunts  while  he  grabs  at  the  food  forcefully.  He  sometimes  gets  so  wound-up 


Jamie  is  a 20-year-old  1.0  Western  Lowland 
Gorilla  {Gorilla  gorilla  gorilla)  with  a lot  of 
personality,  (photo  courtesy  of  Lydia  Cost) 


Animal  Keepers'  Forum,  Vol  33  No.  10  439 


that  he  slams  on  the  cage  at  the  keeper  once  all  the  food  has  been  placed  in  his  food  trough.  Using 
the  “position”  cue,  Jamie  is  learning  to  sit  and  wait  until  all  of  the  food  is  placed  in  his  food  trough 
before  he  can  go  to  it  to  pull  his  food  out.  During  feeding  time  I can  also  ask  Jamie  for  a few 
behaviors,  such  as  stand  up  or  turn  around,  which  seems  to  focus  his  energy  not  on  the  food,  but  on 
what  I’m  asking  him  to  do.  Jamie  enjoys  playing  games  during  feeding  time  as  well,  such  as  “guess 
which  hand”  and  “catch”,  in  which  he  tries  to  catch  a biscuit  in  his  mouth. 

Jamie’s  Training  Process 

After  completion  and  approval  of  my  first  Training  Goal  Worksheet  for  charging  a bridge,  I was 
ready  to  begin  training  with  Jamie  by  introducing  the  clicker.  During  the  first  training  session,  I sat 
in  front  of  Jamie’s  cage  with  a bowl  of  chopped  favorite  fruits  from  his  diet.  I offered  him  a piece  of 
food,  and  simultaneously  clicked.  He  was  very  excited  at  the  attention  and  food  reward  he  was 
getting  in  his  holding  cage.  Before  I began  training  with  him,  Jamie  did  not  receive  this  type  of 
reinforcement  in  his  cage,  but  it  was  offered  to  him  for  going  on  exhibit  each  day.  During  the  first 
few  training  sessions  Jamie  was  enthusiastic  and  attentive,  but  he  displayed  assertive  behavior 
when  it  came  to  me  physically  giving  him  the 
food.  This  behavior  consisted  of  grunting  and 
trying  to  grab  at  the  food  through  the  cage. 

When  he  did  this,  I would  give  a time  out  by 
pausing  and  sitting  quietly  until  he  regained  his 
composure  and  stopped  the  behavior.  At  the  end 
of  each  training  session  I began  showing  Jamie 
the  empty  reward  bowl  to  indicate  the  session 
was  over  because  he  would  bang  on  and  try  to 
grab  underneath  the  cage  when  I stood  up. 

Jamie’s  excitement  over  receiving  a food  reward 
made  it  difficult  for  me  to  recognize  if  he  was 
associating  the  clicker  with  the  reward.  He  had 
the  tendency  to  watch  my  hand  movements 
instead  of  listen  for  the  clicker  in  order  to  know 
when  he  was  about  to  receive  a piece  of  food. 

I began  to  wait  for  him  to  get  distracted  and 
look  away  before  clicking,  and  when  I clicked,  he  would  respond  by  looking  at  me  and  grunting. 
This  is  when  I knew  he  began  to  associate  the  clicker  with  the  reward.  After  six  training  sessions,  it 
was  evident  that  Jamie  was  clicker-wise  and  I could  begin  target  training. 

After  approval  of  my  second  Training  Goal  Worksheet,  I attempted  to  begin  target  training  with 
Jamie  using  a small  standard  snap  clip  attached  near  the  bottom  of  the  cage  as  the  target.  My  goal 
was  to  have  Jamie  touch  the  target  with  his  hand  on  cue.  I tried  to  use  Jamie’s  strong  interest  in  the 
clip  by  bridging  and  rewarding  him  for  touching  it,  but  he  was  much  more  interested  in  the  clip 
itself  and  tried  to  pry  it  off  the  cage.  Afraid  that  Jamie  might  break  the  clip,  I removed  it  and  clicker 
trained  for  the  remainder  of  the  session.  I introduced  a heavy-duty  locking  clip  as  the  target  at  the 
next  training  session  and  allowed  Jamie  to  attempt  to  remove  it.  Once  he  realized  he  couldn’t 
remove  it  he  grew  tired  of  trying  and  shifted  his  focus  back  to  the  training  session.  I began  clicking 
and  rewarding  Jamie  only  when  he  touched  the  clip  non-aggressively.  He  was  eager  to  train  and 
caught  on  quickly.  After  only  three  sessions,  I introduced  the  verbal  cue  “hand”  along  with  the 
visual  cue  of  pointing  to  the  clip.  After  a few  sessions  of  target  training,  I raised  the  criteria  for 
reinforcement  by  requiring  him  to  touch  the  back  of  his  hand  to  the  target  instead  of  touching  it  with 
his  fingers.  The  ultimate  goal  for  touching  the  back  of  his  hand  to  the  clip  was  to  get  him  to  present 
his  shoulder,  because  touching  the  clip  with  his  fingers  did  not  put  his  arm  in  the  right  position  for 
this.  Jamie  was  unsure  of  what  I was  asking  of  him  at  first  and  tried  a few  different  behaviors, 
including  presenting  his  belly  and  trying  to  touch  my  hand.  Trying  to  figure  out  what  I wanted,  he 
put  his  shoulder  against  the  cage  and  I quickly  captured  this  behavior  by  touching  his  shoulder  with 


it 

iiikisrapiiii 

linnimiiiH 

Jamie  allows  me  to  stick  the  training  wand 
into  his  mouth  to  inspect  his  teeth  and  gums. 
(photo  courtesy  of  Denise  Monroe) 


440  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  10 


my  finger,  clicking  and  rewarding.  At  this  point,  I decided  to  skip  the  step  of  requiring  him  to  touch 
the  back  of  his  hand  to  the  clip.  After  consistently  presenting  his  shoulder,  I added  the  verbal  cue 
“shoulder”  and  the  visual  cue  of  pointing  to  his  shoulder.  I only  needed  to  use  the  target  cue  if 
Jamie’s  arm  was  not  in  a position  conducive  to  presenting  his  shoulder.  Jamie  was  soon  required  to 
hold  his  shoulder  in  place  while  I touched  it  with  my  finger  for  longer  and  longer  lengths  of  time 
before  I would  bridge  and  reward.  I added  the  verbal  cue  “hold”  while  Jamie  presented  his  shoulder, 
and  this  seemed  to  help  keep  him  focused  on  performing  the  behavior  longer. 

Jamie  progressed  rapidly  and  after  three  weeks  of  daily  training  sessions,  I began  to  train  him  to 
accept  an  injection.  As  the  first  step,  I replaced  using  my  finger  to  touch  his  shoulder  with  a small 
bamboo  stick.  This  would  become  Jamie’s  training  wand.  Using  my  finger  also  presented  itself  as 

a safety  concern,  as  Jamie  would  occasionally 
become  irritable  and  try  to  swipe  my  finger  as  I 
touched  his  shoulder.  I soon  introduced  a capped 
syringe  by  placing  it  by  my  side  during  our 
sessions.  Jamie  showed  no  reaction  to  the 
syringe  so  when  I asked  him  to  present  his 
shoulder,  I picked  it  up  and  watched  his  reaction 
carefully  as  I touched  his  shoulder  with  it.  He 
gave  no  adverse  reaction  and  didn’t  appear  to 
notice  the  difference  between  the  capped  syringe 
and  the  stick,  so  I bridged  and  gave  a super 
reward. 

During  our  sessions,  I noticed  that  Jamie  would 
get  easily  distracted  and  sometimes  bored,  as 
he  progressed  much  faster  than  I expected.  I 
eccofcool  saline  into  h,sshoulder.(p/,otoco«rto>-  criteria  almost  every  session  and 

of  Denise  Monroe)  r-  i-i-. 

graduated  irom  using  fruit  from  his  diet  as 

reward  to  using  trail  mix  and  cereal  in  order  to  keep  his  attention.  I also  began  capturing  simple 

behaviors  that  Jamie  may  have  learned  in  the  past  and  put  them  on  cue  for  variety  during  training 

sessions.  These  behaviors  include  presenting  and  holding  the  position  of  various  body  parts  such  as 

the  belly,  feet,  forehead,  mouth,  knees,  and  ears  so  that  they  could  be  touched  with  the  training 

wand.  Adding  these  new  behaviors  seemed  to  make  the  sessions  more  fun  and  interesting  for  Jamie, 

and  kept  him  guessing  as  to  what  I would  ask  for  next. 

At  this  time,  I introduced  alcohol  swabbing  before  touching  with  the  capped  syringe  as  the  next  step 
in  injection  training.  Jamie  had  some  trouble  keeping  his  shoulder  in  place  while  the  two  steps  of 
swabbing  and  then  touching  with  the  capped  syringe  took  place,  but  I refrained  from  rewarding  him 
if  he  pulled  away  even  slightly  before  the  behavior  was  completed.  Once  Jamie  was  comfortable 
with  this  step,  about  two  weeks  later,  I replaced  the  capped  syringe  with  a blunt  needle.  Jamie 
adjusted  well  to  this  change  and  after  four  sessions  of  using  the  blunt  needle,  I stuck  him  with  a very 
small  insulin  needle.  Jamie  did  not  seem  to  notice  the  stick  at  all  and  I bridged  and  gave  him 
a super  reward.  At  this  point,  I alternated  usingthe  blunt  needle  with  an  insulin  needle  once  a 
week. 

After  three  weeks  and  on  the  first  try,  I was  able  to  inject  Jamie  with  a small  amount  (10  units)  of 
sterile  saline  using  an  insulin  syringe.  Jamie  gave  no  negative  response  and  didn’t  seem  to  notice 
the  injection.  Daily  training  with  a blunt  needle  continued,  with  a saline  injection  every  one  to  two 
weeks.  The  amount  of  saline  injected  and  the  size  needle  used  gradually  increased  with  each  injection. 
There  were  only  a few  times  that  Jamie  moved  slightly  during  the  injection,  and  only  once  when  he 
did  not  accept  the  complete  injection.  If  Jamie  showed  any  negative  reaction  to  accepting  the 
injection,  I scaled  back  a little  on  the  amount  of  saline  injected  and  size  needle  used  the  next  time  he 
was  injected.  A small  amount  of  vitamin  C (25%  up  to  50%)  was  added  to  the  saline  for  each 

Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol  33  No.  10  441 


Jamie  watches  intently  as  he  allows  me  to  inject 


injection  in  order  to  cause  a slight  sting  similar  to  that  of  a real  injection  given  for  immobilization. 
Although  Jamie  allowed  me  to  inject  the  vitamin  C/saline  mixture,  after  using  it  a few  times  he  had 
created  a sore  at  the  injection  site  from  rubbing  it  after  an  injection  was  given.  I then  discontinued 
using  vitamin  C and  began  cooling  the  saline  a little  in  the  refrigerator  in  order  to  cause  a slight 
uncomfortable  feeling  during  injection.  After  about  13  injections,  Jamie  accepted  an  injection  of 
cool  saline  equivalent  to  the  amount  that  would  be  used  for  immobilization,  6cc,  using  a 20-gauge 
needle. 

On  19  May  2005,  it  was  time  to  put  all  of  our  hard  work  to  the  test.  Jamie  was  to  be  immobilized  for 
a physical  exam  by  hand-injection  for  the  first  time,  and  I was  responsible  for  administering  the 
injection.  In  order  to  cause  Jamie  the  least  amount  of  stress  possible,  veterinary  and  keeper  staff 
carefully  planned  out  each  step  of  the  procedure.  The  morning  of  the  immobilization  was  to  appear 
to  Jamie  as  any  other  typical  morning  would  appear.  The  procedure  took  place  in  the  primate 
building,  right  outside  of  Jamie’s  holding  cage.  Therefore,  medical  supplies  had  to  be  delivered  to 
the  building  and  stored  out  of  Jamie’s  sight.  Because  this  was  to  be  a complete  physical  exam, 
many  people  were  involved  from  inside  and  outside  the  zoo.  This  included  a handful  of  human 
doctors  and  heart  specialists.  No  one,  including  the  vets,  was  allowed  to  be  in  the  building  before 
the  procedure  began  except  for  the  keeper  staff  After  the  injection  was  administered,  vets  would 
quietly  enter  the  building  to  observe  Jamie  out  of  his  sight,  and  other  staff  would  be  allowed  to  enter 
and  move  all  supplies  into  place.  While  other  keepers  observed  nonchalantly,  pretending  to  go 
about  their  routines,  I sat  in  front  of  Jamie’s  holding  cage  to  begin  our  “normal”  training  session 
with  my  bowl  of  trail  mix  and  half  a chocolate  chip  cookie.  The  chocolate  chip  cookie  was  used  as 
a “decoy”  super  reward  that  once  the  injection  was  given,  he  never  realized  he  didn’t  receive  it.  I 
hid  my  nervousness  because  I knew  that  if  Jamie  didn’t  accept  the  entire  injection  he  would  have  to 
be  darted.  I asked  Jamie  for  a few  simple  behaviors  before  giving  the  cue  for  presenting  his  shoulder. 
He  presented  his  shoulder  and  bravely  accepted  the  entire  6cc  injection.  I bridged  and  rewarded 
with  lots  of  verbal  praise  and  one  small  raisin.  We  continued  our  training  session  to  keep  him 
occupied  and  in  sitting  position  while  he  fell  asleep,  which  took  ten  minutes,  but  he  remained  calm 
as  the  drugs  took  affect.  Once  he  was  completely  down, 
everyone  quickly  and  efficiently  moved  supplies  in  and 
the  procedure  began.  The  procedure  was  a success  for 
us.  Jamie’s  heart  was  functioning  properly  and  showed 
no  signs  of  heart  failure.  The  procedure  was  also  a 
milestone  for  Jamie  that  hopefully  would  lead  to  him 
never  having  to  be  darted  again. 

Discussion 

With  Jamie’s  new  attitude  adjustment  came  the  desire 
to  learn  and  participate  in  his  own  husbandry  care.  He 
has  been  and  continues  to  be  eager  to  see  what’s  next 
on  our  training  agenda.  The  simple  behaviors  he  has 
learned  along  the  way,  that  were  originally  just  for 
purposes  of  variety,  have  become  a way  to  perform 
voluntary  physical  examinations.  Jamie’s  “open  mouth 
and  hold”  behavior  has  evolved  into  placing  the  training 
wand  into  his  mouth  and  touching  his  teeth  and  tongue 
for  inspection.  He  will  also  present  his  ears  so  that  they 
can  be  inspected  with  the  wand.  When  Jamie  has  a cut 
or  scrape  on  his  body,  he  will  present  that  body  part  to 
allow  topical  treatment  to  be  applied.  Jamie  has  also 
been  trained  to  position  on  a scale,  which  has  taken 
the  place  of  weighing  him  only  while  he  is  immobil- 
ized. Finally,  he  presents  each  finger  through  the  cag- 
ing for  the  future  training  goal  of  trimming  his  nails 
and  obtaining  blood  pressure  readings. 

442  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  10 


Jamie  participates  in  his  own  medical  care. 
After  a scuffle  with  our  other  gorilla,  Jamie 
had  a cut  above  his  left  eye  and  on  his  left 
forearm.  He  allowed  keepers  to  topically 
treat  the  wounds. (photo  courtesy  of  Lydia  Cost) 


Because  of  training  him  to  accept  a hand  injection,  Jamie  listens  to  keepers  better,  reacts  to  their 
attention  with  less  negative  behavior,  shifts  with  more  ease,  and  has  become  more  attentive  towards 
keepers.  Although  our  relationship  has  greatly  improved,  we  will  continue  to  work  on  channeling 
his  assertiveness  through  training  and  through  positive  interactions  with  keepers.  This  training  has 
also  opened  the  door  to  new  possibilities  for  him.  Our  goals  for  future  training  include  voluntary 
blood  draws,  allowing  the  vets  to  perform  physical  exams  without  immobilization,  and  even 
incorporating  an  exercise  routine.  He  has  exceeded  our  expectations  in  training  and  is  improving 
his  attitude  towards  keepers  every  day.  His  eagerness  to  learn  continues  with  each  new  day. 

References 

Monroe,  D.  et  al.  2004.  More  Than  Jumping  Through  Hoops:  Designing  an  Animal 
Training  Program  For  Keepers.  Proceedings,  American  Association  of  Zoo 
Keepers  Conference:  170-176. 

Pryor,  K.  1999.  Don’t  Shoot  the  Dog:  The  New  Art  of  Teaching  and  Training 
Revised  Edition,  Bantam  Books,  New  York,  NY. 


All  Aboard  the  Digital  Ark 

^ BBC  News  Online 

A website  designed  to  provide  an  electronic  safe  haven  for  endangered  animals  and  plants  went  online 
in  May  of  2003.  If  you  haven’t  seen  it,  take  time  to  take  a look. 

ARKive  is  a "virtual  conservation  effort",  aiming  to  preserve  photos,  videos  and  audio  clips  of  thousands 
of  creatures,  ensuring  that  available  material  is  gathered  and  secured  for  future  generations. This  is  a 
well-funded  venture,  and  none  of  the  £4m  budget  has  gone  to  waste.  The  resulting  website  is  a truly 
impressive  resource. 

The  species  are  organised  into  two  main  categories  - UK-dwellers  and  creatures  from  the  rest  of  the 
world.  They  are  then  divided  into  further  subsections  where  you  can  browse  types  of  mammal,  bird, 
plant  and  even  fungi.  Click  on,  say,  the  Australian  Central  Rock  Rat,  and  you  will  find  a detailed 
description  of  the  animal's  habitat,  behaviour  and  eating  habits,  along  with  photographs  and  a video. 
Biography  references  are  provided  on  each  page,  and  these  ftinction  as  links  to  even  more  detailed 
information  for  those  who  need  it. 

ARKive  also  has  room  for  the  presumed-extinct;  you  will  find  vital  statistics  and  flickering  film  of  the 
Tasmanian  tiger  and  golden  toad. 

It  is  pleasing  that  what  is  at  heart  a major  scientific  exercise  has  been  presented  in  such  a user-friendly 
format,  which  the  layperson  will  have  no  trouble  exploring  or  understanding.  Care  has  been  paid  to 
presentation  as  well  as  content,  and  navigating  the  various  critter  categories  is  a simple  and  uncluttered 
experience. 

Along  with  an  annoying  search  engine  that  only  returns  Latin  names,  a minor  disappointment  is  the 
inconsistency  where  video  clips  are  concerned  - for  example,  the  Californian  Condor  page  has  no 
moving  pictures,  while  the  Mauritius  Kestrel  gets  five.  But  this  sort  of  favoritism,  which  is  surely 
down  to  rights  and  availability  issues,  can  be  overlooked  when  there  are  plentiful  stills  on  every 
profile.  Besides,  ARKive  is  not  complete  yet.  When  finished,  it  aims  to  feature  1 1 ,000  animals  and 
plants,  and,  no  doubt,  more  moving  images. 

As  a bonus,  a spin-off  site  called  Planet  ARKive  provides  an  interface  for  kids  to  access  a selection  of 
the  information.  Again,  it  looks  lavish,  but  more  importantly  is  excellently  designed.  Source:  BBC 

NEWS  online 


Animal  Keepers'  Forum,  Vol  33  No.  10  443 


Chapter 

News 

Notes 

AAZK,  Inc.  is  pleased  to  welcome  a new  Chapter 
to  the  Association.  The  Riverside  Zoo  AAZK 
Chapter  is  located  at  the  Riverside  Zoo,  1600  S. 
Beltline  Hwy-W,  ScottsblufF,  NE  6936 1 . Officers 
for  the  new  Chapter  are: 

Prsident Vicky  Demkey 

Vice  President Travis  Wiekersham 

Secretary Andrea  Nelson 

Treasurer Myria  Johnson 

Chapter  Liaison Vicky  Demkey 

We  wish  them  every  suecess  in  their  conservation 
and  professional  development  efforts  and  look 
forward  to  reporting  their  activities  in  Chapter 
News  Notes. 

Brookfield  AAZK  Chapter 

We  reinstated  our  Chapter  in  2005  and  adopted 
the  mission  statement,  “Dedicated  to  zookeeper 
professional  growth,  enhancing  animal  care, 
promoting  public  awareness,  and  eontributing  to 
conservation  through  fund-raising  and 
stewardship.”  We  held  some  great  fundraisers 
in  2005. 

We  held  a bake  sale  that  raised  $500  to  benefit 
the  Snow  Leopard  Trust  and  supported  SOS 
Rhino  with  $300  we  raised  from  a rock  climbing 
wall.  We  hosted  a silent  auction  in  October  to 
support  the  Hurricane  Katrina  Relief  Fund  with 
50  people  in  attendance  and  raising  $3350! 

2006  has  been  a year  of  firsts  for  us.  We  held  a 
bake  sale  to  support  the  Grevy’s  Zebra  antrhax 
vaccination  program  and  were  able  to  contribute 
$305.23.  We  were  lucky  enough  to  award  a joint 
scholarship,  with  the  help  of  the  Brookfield  Zoo 
Animal  Programs,  to  our  Chapter  Vice  President 
Holly  Richards  to  attend  ICZ  in  Australia  this 
summer. 

We  also  held  our  first  annual  Bowling  for  Rhinos 
and  raised  over  $2300!  On  September  1 5'*’,  2006, 
we  enjoyed  hosting  the  Icebreaker  event  for  the 
National  AAZK  Conference  being  hosted  by 
Lincoln  Park  Zoo. 


Our  2006  Officers  are: 

Co-Presidents..... Dawn  Sohr  and 
Christy  Bolden 

Vice-president  and 

temporary  Treasurer..... Holly  Richards 

Secretary Jennifer  Landgraf 

Chapter  Liaison Dana  Vinci 

The  Chapter  adopted  a new  logo  in  the  spring  of 
2006.  It  was  designed  by  Senior  Keeper  Dawn 
Buczak  who  works  in  the  Primate  Department 
at  Brookfield.  The  animals  on  the  logo  are 
general  and  stylized  representations  of  the  many 
species  found  at  this  facility.  The  bird  is  a Guam 
kingfisher,  the  snake  a cobra,  the  big  cat  and 
antelope  represent  the  charismatic  megafauna,, 
the  rhino  (in  the  artist’s  words)  “because  it  is  just 
so  AAZK”,  and  the  fish  to  include  the  aquarists. 


AAZK.Detroit  Chapter 
What  a year  2006  has  been.  Ever  been  through  a 
transition?  This  year  we  went  from  a public  run 
zoo  to  a privately-funded  zoo.  It  has  been  a 
ongoing  process  for  two  years  and  finally  took 
place  on  June  17,  2006. 

To  catch  everyone  up  with  our  Chapter,  the  E- 
Board  from  2005  must  have  done  a good  job 
because  we  were  all  voted  in  for  a second  term. 
Our  first  objective  for  2006  was  to  re-write  our 
constitution  which  was  ratified  in  June.  Then  it 
was  to  put  on  our  BFR  event  on  June  3"'*,  which 
turned  out  to  be  very  successful.  We  even  had 
bowlers  from  Toledo  Zoo  and  Potter  Park  Zoo 
participate. 


444  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  10 


Members  and  volunteers  were  huge  in  pulling 
off  two  events  this  year.  We  did  a kid/family 
friendly  event  at  3pm  and  then  a normal  bowl-a- 
thon  at  7pm  with  a Silent  Auction.  Barbie 
Wilson  needs  to  be  recognized  for  doing  a stellar 
job  as  our  BFR  Coordinator.  Every  Chapter 
should  have  someone  as  dedicated  as  her. 

Next  for  2006  was  to  institute  a website.  It  is 
still  in  the  works,  however  we  have  reserved  the 
domain  name  www.aazkdetroit.com  <http:// 
. Our  webmaster  is  Bill 
Johnson  and  is  doing  the  website  out  of  his 
kindness.  So,  thanks  to  him. 


We  wanted  to  recognize  that  in  2005  AAZK 
Detroit  donated  the  following: 

Katrina  Relief,  Audubon  Nature  Institute  - 

$2000.00 

Performing  Animal  Welfare  Society  (P4WS) 

in  Galt,  CA-=  $1500.00 
Wildlife  Rescue  & Rehab  in  Kendalia,  TX  - 

$1000.00 

World  Wildlife  Fund  (WWF)  Asian  Elephant 

Project  $500.00 
Elephant  Sanctuary  Hohenwald,  TN  - $308.00 

For  2006  we  wanted  to  continue  to  support  these 
great  charities,  however  I feel  that  our  Chapter 
is  ready  to  help  out  the  Board  of  Directors  and 
AAZK,  Inc.  It  has  been  rough  for  our  Chapter 
here  at  the  Detroit  Zoo,  and  it  sounds  like 
everyone  else  is  struggling,  too.  However,  we 
are  ready  to  do  our  part  in  helping  AAZK,  Inc. 

Finally,  Cindy  Colling,  Treasurer  AAZK  Detroit, 
needs  to  be  commended  for  devotion  to  this 
Chapter.  Without  her,  this  Chapter  would  sink! 
Cindy,  you’re  the  best! 

—Kelly  Wilson  - Sr.  Keeper  Mammals 
President  - AAZK  Detroit  Chapter 


Stingray  Kills  Crocodile 
Hunter  Steve  Irwin 

Steve  Irwin,  the  Australian  conservationist  and 
television  personality  nicknamed  the  Crocodile 
Hunter,  was  killed  Sept.  4,  2006  by  a stingray 
barb  during 
filming  off  the 
Great  Barrier 
Reef.  He  was  44. 

Irwin  was  filming 
for  a series  called 
“Ocean’s 
Deadliest”  off  the 
coast  of  Queens- 
land near  Port 

Douglas  when  he  (Photo  by  Richard  Giles) 

swam  too  close  to 

a stingray,  said  his  friend  and  colleague  John 
Stainton.  “He  came  on  top  of  the  stingray  and 
the  stingray’s  barb  went  up  and  into  his  chest 
and  put  a hole  into  his  heart,”  Stainton,  who  was 
aboard  Irwin’s  boat  at  the  time,  told  news 
reporters. 

“The  world  has  lost  a great  wildlife  icon,  a 
passionate  conservationist  and  one  of  the 
proudest  dads  on  the  planet,”  Stainton  told 
reporters  in  Cairns.  “He  died  doing  what  he  loved 
best.” 

Irwin  became  world  famous  his  television 
program  “Crocodile  Hunter.”  First  broadcast  in 
Australia  in  1992,  the  program  was  picked  up 
by  the  Discovery  network  where  his  trademark 
exclamation  “Crikey!”  was  part  of  the  show’s 
appeal.  But  it  was  Irwin’s  dedication  to  wild 
animal  conservation  that  was  the  heart  and  soul 
of  his  work. 

He  used  his  high  profile  to  promote  the  cause  of 
conservation,  becoming  owner  and  manager  of 
the  world  renowned  Australia  Zoo  in  southern 
Queensland,  the  wildlife  park  that  his  parents 
opened.  He  also  established  the  Steve  Irwin 
Conservation  Foundation  and  International 
Crocodile  Rescue. 

He  is  survived  by  his  wife  Terri,  and  the  couple’s 
two  children,  Bindi,  8,  and  Robert,  2. 

Source:  Environmental  News  Network 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol  33  No.  10  445 


REACTIONS 

A Question  and  Answer  Forum  for  the 
Zoo  Professional  on  Crisis  Management 

By  William  K.  Baker,  Jr,  Curator 
Panthera  Research,  Maumelle,  AR 

Question 

When  working  with  educational  program  animals  are  there 

Comments 

Working  with  outreach  animals  is  something  of  a double-edged  sword.  On  one  hand  they  are  used  to 
being  handled,  conversely  they  are  desensitized  to  the  human  presence.  This  can  be  problematic 
from  the  standpoint  of  the  safety  for  the  handler  or  trainer  more  than  for  members  of  the  public, 
since  they  are  the  ones  who  are  directly  in  proximity  to  the  animal.  This,  of  course,  could  be  argued 
that  every  zoological  specimen  in  captivity  could  present  a potential  threat  to  their  keepers  or  trainers 
due  to  proximity.  But  I tend  to  believe  that  trainers  who  are  working  intensively  with  a specimen 
spend  a greater  duration  of  time  in  direct  proximity.  Also,  trainers  or  handlers  who  are  working  with 
animals  in  a free-contact  environment  are  more  likely  to  be  in  a potential  threat  environment  then 
say  a caged  specimen  receiving  primary  care  or  an  animal  in  a protected-contact  situation.  Essentially, 
heightened  exposure  can  result  in  a higher  risk. 

It  can  also  be  argued  that  an  animal  that  is  consistently  trained  should  lend  itself  better  to  being 
handled  and  theoretically  better  behaved  in  public.  I tend  to  agree  with  this  perspective  with  certain 
provisos;  that  skilled  trainers  are  utilized,  that  consistency  in  training  is  present,  and  that  the  animal’s 
temperament  is  suitable  for  animal  programming  and/or  educational  outreach  work.  An  additional 
factor  to  be  considered  is  that  every  zoological  facility  and  the  animal  collection  demographic  is 
different.  So,  while  a philosophy  can  be  agreed  upon,  the  specifics  are  truly  situational. 

Another  factor  to  be  considered  is  what  type  of  animals  (species)  you  plan  to  work  with.  Most 
facilities  in  my  experience  are  fond  of  using  birds,  invertebrates,  reptiles,  and  small  mammals  for 
outreach  work.  Other  institutions,  on  occasion,  utilize  small  or  medium-sized  felids  in  their  programs. 
This  opens  up  an  entirely  different  aspect  of  program  structure  to  meet  the  needs  of  the  staff,  animal, 
and  regulatory  agencies  (USDA).  In  short,  this  type  of  programming  has  a totally  different  set  of 
rules,  figuratively  and  literally.  The  key  point  is  protecting  members  of  the  public  from  physical 
contact  and  insuring  the  welfare  of  the  animal.  While  I support  this  type  of  programming,  it  should 
be  noted  that  this  type  of  animal  program  is  not  for  everyone  or  every  institution. 

General  Recommendations 

• Pick  species  that  are  suitable  for  and  lend  themselves  to  outreach  programming.  Divide 
the  species  list  into  specimens  that  are  to  be  handled  by  the  public,  and  those  that  are  to 
be  presented  for  demonstration  and  will  not  come  into  direct  physical  contact  with  the 
public. 

• Train  and  assign  staff  as  appropriate  based  on  their  skill  sets  to  handle  or  train  a given 
species. 


446  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  VoL  33  No.  10 


• Animals  that  are  being  trained  should  receive  the  same  operant  conditioning  approach 
that  is  traditionally  used  within  your  animal  collection  whenever  possible  for 
consistency. 

• Use  of  any  animal  should  be  subject  to  its  demeanor  and  behavior  on  the  day  in 
question.  Never  force  an  animal  into  working  around  members  of  the  public  when  it 
isn’t  cooperating.  This  sets  the  trainer/handler  as  well  as  the  animal  up  to  fail.  In 
situations  like  this  choose  another  specimen  for  the  day.  Managers  should  trust  the 
intuition  of  the  staff  to  make  this  judgment  call. 

• Always  inspect  transport  crates  and  Vari-kennels™  prior  to  their  use  for  either  on-site 
or  off-site  programming.  Constant  use  for  transport  will  put  additional  wear  and  tear 
over  normal  usage  requiring  regular  inspections.  Some  facilities  even  set  aside  one  day 
a month  just  for  crate  maintenance,  repairs,  and  deep  cleaning.  This  is  also  a good  time 
to  inspect  equipment  as  well. 

• Always  carry  hand  sanitizer  for  use  by  the  public  to  prevent  zoonotic  disease 
transmission. 


Offsite  Recommendations 

• Insure  that  crates  are  strapped  down  when  rolling  platforms  are  used. 

• Always  carry  extra  hand  sanitizers  for  multiple  usages  by  members  of  the  public. 

• Always  bring  extra  locks,  clips,  and  chains  when  you  head  off-grounds. 

• Always  bring  extra  halters,  collars,  leads,  jesses,  and  a repair  kit. 

• Always  bring  extra  water  and  feed  bowls  that  are  flexible  for  multiple  species. 

• Always  carry  potable  water  and  additional  animal  diets  when  off  grounds. 

• Always  maintain  and  carry  a substantial  staff  first-aid  kit  when  traveling  off  grounds. 

• I recommend  developing  and  carrying  a veterinary  first-aid  kit  for  minor  problems  that 
can  be  carried  in  the  vehicle  for  off-site  programs.  Nothing  terribly  extensive,  but 
something  that  can  handle  the  basics.  Your  staff  veterinarian  can  advise  you  on  the  best 
way  to  proceed. 

• When  unloading  or  loading  crates  keep  the  public  and  the  curious  at  a safe  distance. 

• Whenever  possible  try  to  have  a dedicated  area  off-stage  that  has  limited  access  to  set 
up  operations  such  as  taking  animals  in  and  out  of  crates.  Think  of  it  as  a “green  room” 
for  your  animal  charges  where  you  can  work  and  they  can  rest  between  presentations. 

• Always  double  check  locks,  clips,  and  doors  every  chance  you  gdt,  especially  after 
every  time  a crate  door  is  opened  or  closed.  In  many  cases  secondary  containment  may 
not  be  available,  which  makes  it  even  more  critical  that  redundant  crate  checks  are  part 
of  the  show  routine. 

Final  Thoughts 

Like  so  many  things  in  our  profession,  the  key  to  success  is  thinking  ahead  and  establishing  a good 
routine.  If  something  isn’t  working  then  get  rid  of  it  and  develop  a new  methodology  to  solve  the 
problem.  Written  protocols  can  be  a great  way  of  insuring  that  everyone  is  on  the  same  page  and  the 
communication  is  clear.  Annual  reviews  of  protocols  can  provide  a forum  for  staff  members  to 


Animal  Keeners'  Forum.  VoL  33  No.  10  447 


voice  their  opinions  as  a group  and  help  refine  existing  policies.  A team  approach  provides  an 
avenue  for  everyone  to  contribute  and  strengthen  the  program.  Remember,  the  sum  of  experience  of 
a team  will  always  exceed  the  experience  of  one  individual.  Everyone  can  learn  from  his  or  her 
fellow  staff  members,  even  me.  Just  because  you’re  in  management,  it  doesn’t  give  you  a comer  on 
new  ideas.  Another  component  of  programming  is  to  make  sure  that  you  have  the  maximum  amount 
of  information  about  where  you  will  hold  the  program.  By  that  I mean  contact  information,  size  of 
audience,  age  range  of  audience,  location,  indoor  or  outdoor,  nearest  water  source,  etc.  If  you  have 
the  opportunity,  walk  the  site  in  advance  if  you  haven’t  been  there  before.  Advance  preparation  can 
fix  most  problems  before  they  cause  trouble. 

Authors  Note 

It  was  with  great  regret  that  I learned  of  Steve  Irwin’s  untimely  death.  It  is  tmly  unfortunate  that 
the  field  of  conservation  has  lost  a champion  for  its  cause.  For  years,  children  have  come  through 
the  institutions  where  I have  worked  and  asked  where  the  “Crocodile  Hunter”  was  and  could  they 
meet  him.  He  has  tmly  touched  an  entire  generation  of  children  and  built  an  awareness  of  the 
wild  places  and  the  animals  that  live  there.  My  deepest  condolences  to  the  staff  of  the  Australia 
Zoo,  especially  Terry,  Bindi  and  Bob  Irwin. 

Next  Month:  Do  you  have  any  safety  recommendations  for  maintenance  personnel? 

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  Instmctor,  NRA  Firearms  Instmctor,  and  Red  Cross  CPR/First  Aid 
Instmctor.  Away  from  work  he  operates  Panthera  Research,  which  is  a research  and  consulting 
firm.) 


Reminder  on  Job  Listings 

A reminder  that  we  will  no  longer  be  publishing  job  listings  under  Opportunity  Knocks  in  Animal 
Keepers  ’Forum.  We  encourage  you  to  go  to  the  AAZK  website  to  see  the  most  current  postings 
for  keeper  positions  and  internships.  Visit  the  website  at  www.aazk.org  and  click  on  Job  Listings 
from  the  menu  bar  at  the  left  on  the  Home  Page.  Institutions  are  now  able  to  register  on  the  site 
and  post  their  own  positions  as  they  become  available.  This  will  hopefully  allow  for  a more 
immediate  and  up-to-date  listings  of  job  openings  for  you  to  consider  when  seeking  employment 
opportunities. 


448  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol  33  No.  10 


Celebrity  Fish  Dies  at  Chicago'  Shedd  Aquarium 

A huge  Shedd  Aquarium  grouper  that  became  an  instant  celebrity  - and  inspiration  to  cancer  patients 
- after  becoming  the  first  fish  in  history  to  receive  chemotherapy  and  bounce  back  from  cancer  died  in 
August.  Shedd  officials  estimate  Bubba  the  Grouper  was  24  when  he  died  Tuesday. 

The  154-pound  "super  grouper"  was  abandoned  at  the  Chicago  aquarium  in  1987,  left  at  the  reception 
desk  in  a bucket.  Shedd  officials  nursed 
the  fish  - then  a she  - to  health  and  put 
her  in  a tank.  Bubba  changed  gender  in 
the  mid-1990s,  which  is  not  uncommon 
for  certain  kinds  of  fish. 

Bubba  was  diagnosed  with  cancer  in 
200 1 , and  two  years  later,  Shedd  officials 
took  the  unprecedented  step  of 
administering  chemotherapy. 

Cancer  survivors,  particularly  children, 
were  inspired  by  Bubba's  story  of 
resilience,  and  he  was  a Shedd  favorite, 
officials  said. 

"Bubba  overcame  some  incredible  odds 
over  the  years,  and  that's  what  made  him 
so  special  to  us,"  said  George  Parsons, 
director  of  the  Shedd's  Fish  department.  Photo  by  Charles  Osgood 

"Every  once  in  a while  for  the  last  three  years  we  have  been  getting  phone  calls  from  kids  with  cancer 
or  from  their  parents,  wondering  how  he  is  doing,"  Parsons  said.  "It's  going  to  be  tough  now,  if  I have 
to  tell  them  he's  no  longer  with  us." 

A preliminary  animal  autopsy  shows  Bubba  had  some  age-related  health  issues  and  several  abnormal 
growths.  Source:  Shedd  Aquarium  website 


An  Amazon.com  Customer?  - You  Can  Help  Out  AAZK! 


If  you  are  someone  who  shops  for  your  books,  CDs,  DVDs,  etc  at  amazon.com,  you  have  a great 
opportunity  to  help  put  some  money  into  AAZK’s  bank  account  as  you  shop.  All  you  need  to  do  is 
go  to  the  AAZK  website  (www.aazk.org)  and  click  on  the  amazon.com 
logo  on  the  righthand  side  of  the  AAZK  home  page  and  you  are  ready  to  amazon.com 
shop.  And  remember  a minimum  of  4%  of  your  purchase  price  will 

come  back  to  AAZK,  Inc.  For  any  nonprofit,  “passive  income”  (income  which  costs  you  nothing  in 
manpower  or  resources  to  generate)  is  a wonderful  way  to  secure  extra  funds  to  help  support  AAZK’s 
programs  for  continuing  education,  conservation,  resource  publications,  etc.  So  the  next  time  you 
plan  to  shop  online  at  amazon.com,  please  enter  through  the  AAZK  home  page  - it’s  just  another 
way  you  can  help  your  professional  association  prosper  and  grow. 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  10  449 


AAZK  Animal  Data  Transfer  Forms  Available  Online 


The  American  Association  of  Zoo  Keepers,  Inc.  encourages  all  zoos  and  other  animal  care  facilities 
to  utilize  the  following  data  transfer  forms  whenever  they  are  shipping  an  animal  between  facilities. 
Providing  this  information  to  the  receiving  facility  will  ease  the  transition  of  a new  animal  into  the 
collection  and  provide  vital  information  to  receiving  staff.  With  the  greater  emphasis  on  enrichment 
and  training  at  all  AZA-accredited  facilities,  this  information  will  prove  especially  important  in 
providing  continuity  and  consistency  when  an  animal  is  shipped. 

All  three  forms  are  now  available  in  downloadable  pdf  and  Word  format  at  www.aa7.k  org< 

All  collection  managers  are  asked  to  include  all  three  of  the  forms  where  applicable  whenever  an 
animal  is  shipped.  THREE  copies  of  each  form  should  be  sent  with  the  animal  being  shipped.  At  the 
receiving  institution  these  copies  should  be  distributed  to  the  following  staff: 

a)  Curator 

b)  Keeper  who  will  be  caring  for  the  animal 

c)  Zoo  files  and/or  veterinarian 

1 . The  original  Animal  Data  Transfer  Form  provides  information  on  the  animal,  its  diet,  reproductive 
history,  medical  and  physical  husbandry  information,  etc.  This  form  is  one  page  in  length. 

2.  The  Enrichment  Data  Transfer  Form  provides  information  on  the  animal’s  behavioral  history, 
and  data  on  what  types  of  enrichment  have  been  utilized  and  their  success  or  failure  with  the  particular 
animal.  This  form  is  two  pages  in  length. 

3.  The  Operant  Conditioning  Data  Transfer  Form  provides  background  information  on  any  training 
that  has  occurred  with  the  animal,  training  schedules,  types  of  training,  animal’s  reaction  to  training, 
etc.  This  form  is  two  pages  in  length. 

We  all  seek  to  provide  the  best  and  most  professional  care  possible  for  the  animals  in  our  collections. 
Using  the  three  AAZK  data  transfer  forms  will  help  provide  receiving  institution  staff  with  the  tools 
■to  make  this  possible.  Your  cooperation  and  participation  is  encouraged  and  appreciated.  These 
forms  are  provided  as  a professional  courtesy  by  AAZK,  Inc. 


h\GGpGP  s Alcpt/lnformation  PIgqsg 

I work  with  six  lions  at  a public  zoo.  At  dinner  time  they  are  in  the  outdoor  enclosures  and  we  feed 
them  in  the  night  enclosures.  Every  day  they  see  us  coming  and  go  to  the  metal  guillotine  doors  that 
lead  to  their  indoor  nighthouse.  Two  to  three  of  the  lions  will  consistently  pound  on  the  metal  doors 
until  they  are  let  in.  Menawhile  we  are  putting  the  food  in  their  indoor  enclosures.  They  tend  to 
“feed”  off  each  other  and  bang  more  when  others  are  banging.  Are  there  any  suggestions  on  how  to 
train/convince  them  not  to  bang  on  the  metal  doors? 

If  you  have  any  suggestions,  please  send  them  to  Shannon  Watson,  Intern,  Oakland  Zoo,  RO.  Box 
5238,  Oakland,  CA  94605-0238.  Thanks  for  any  help  you  can  give. 


450  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  10 


Using  Behavioral  Observations  to  Detect  a Gastric  Ulcer 
in  an  Asian  Small-clawed  Otter 


By  Sarah  Duncan,  Behavioral  Enrichment  Specialist 
Newport  Aquarium,  Newport,  KY 


Introduction 

On  25  May  2004  the  Newport  Aquarium  acquired  1.1  six-year-old  Asian  small-clawed  otters 
{Amblonyx  cinereus)  from  Japan.  Five  days  after  their  arrival  the  male  displayed  unusual  behavior. 
He  pawed  at  his  mouth,  stood  on  his  hind  legs,  curled  to  the  left,  pulled  his  forearms  to  his  right  side 
and  clenched  his  stomach.  This  occurred  many  times  an  hour  and  for  several  hours  a day.  Over  the 
next  several  weeks  keepers  conducted  behavioral  observations  to  determine  the  possible  cause  and 
help  find  a solution.  Ultimately,  the  otter  was  successfully  treated  for  a gastric  ulcer  and  his  behaviors 
stopped. 


History 

The  first  impressions  of  this  otter  (house  name:  Koto)  were  that  he  was  less  active  and  the  smaller 
of  the  two  otters,  and  that  he  was  also  more  skittish.  He  was  eager  for  training  and  meals.  He  did 
not  interact  with  enrichment. 

This  otter’s  diet  started  as  260  grams/day  of  capelin.  Two  days  after  his  arrival,  his  diet  was  switched 
to  one  composed  of  54%  wet  cat  food,  26%  smelt,  17%  capelin,  and  3%  dry  cat  food.  This  change 
occurred  over  1 0 days  with  a 1 0%  change  each  day. 

On  28  June  2004,  Koto  received  his  quarantine  exam.  He  had  dental  work  that  included  a tooth 
extraction.  As  a preventive  against  infection,  he  was  given  a injection  of  30mg  Amoxicillin^  and 
was  prescribed  1/2  tablet  of  63.5mg  Clavamox'®  2x  per  day  for  the  next  ten  days.  The  quarantine 
period  ended  on  9 July  2004. 


Observations  and  Symptoms 

On  29  May  2004,  Koto  began  exhibiting  bizarre  behaviors  in  the  afternoon.  He  pawed  excessively 
at  his  mouth  as  if  trying  to  dislodge  something.  He  began  curling  to  the  left  and  pulling  both  forearms 
to  the  right  side.  He  appeared  to  be  clenching  his  stomach  in  this  position.  The  duration  of  the 
clenches  from  the  first  to  the  last  was  a few  hours.  During  these  hours,  the  clenching  would  taper  off 
only  to  resume  after  a meal.  Individual  clenches  lasted  for  a fraction  of  a second  up  to  30  seconds 
and  sometimes  occurred  upwards  of  20  times  an  hour. 


Photo  li  Koto  performing  a stomach  clench 
in  his  holding  area.  (Photo  by  Sarah  Duncan) 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  10  451 


Further  observations  over  the  next  month  showed  that  his  behavior  also  included  grinding  his  teeth, 
a behavior  first  described  as  “chewing  the  air.”  Between  grinding  his  teeth,  pawing  at  his  mouth, 
and  clenching  his  stomach,  he  slapped  and  lapped  water.  Many  times  he  lapped  up  his  urine  as  well. 
This  otter  spent  the  time  he  was  not  clenching  his  stomach  either  resting  or  sleeping.  He  showed 
little  to  no  interest  in  enrichment.  He  also  proved  to  be  an  animal  that  stressed  easily  and  often.  In 
the  following  weeks,  while  observations  continued,  several  attempts  were  made  to  treat  Koto’s 
“malady”  behaviorally. 

To  ease  his  stress  and  create  a familiar  environment,  the  keepers  attempted  to  create  a situation 
similar  to  his  experience  in  Japan  where  he  was  a show  animal.  The  number  of  training  sessions  per 
day  was  increased  to  accommodate  a “show  schedule”  and  new  behaviors  were  trained  to  further 
increase  mental  stimulation.  Keepers  also  spent  time  in  close  contact  with  him  to  simulate  a petting 
zoo  environment.  Enrichment  was  increased  as  well. 


None  of  this  stopped  his  behaviors.  On  the 
rare  occasions  when  he  interacted  with 
enrichment,  he  often  stopped  what  he  was 
doing  to  clench  and  then  returned  to  his 
activity.  Interactions  with  his  mate  did  not 
stop  the  behaviors  either.  He  continued  to 
clench  his  stomach  when  his  mate  walked 
on  or  over  him.  He  sometimes  crawled  into 
his  nest  box  to  clench  and  if  his  mate  was 
present,  it  was  not  unusual  for  him  to  be 
completely  or  partially  standing  on  her  while 
clenching. 

The  veterinary  staff  observed  this  behavior. 

The  cause  was  unknown  and  several  possi- 
bilities, including  seizures,  were  suggested. 

The  keepers  were  instructed  to  monitor  the 
situation  for  any  changes.  Behavioral  observations  continued  over  the  next  several  weeks. 

Possible  Solutions 

A month  after  his  arrival,  with  the  behaviors  in  full  swing  and  consuming  a good  portion  of  Koto’s 
day,  other  options  for  treatment  were  explored.  Reviews  of  his  logs  showed  that  the  behaviors 
began  three  days  into  his  diet  change.  Available  data  on  dietary  ailments  with  otters  was  limited,  so 
ferrets  were  investigated.  Ferrets,  close  relatives  of  otters,  are  prone  to  food  allergies.  A food 
allergy  in  a ferret  is  manifested  by  nausea,  vomiting,  and  diarrhea.  The  latter  symptoms  had  been 
observed  occasionally  in  both  otters,  but  were  thought  to  be  insignificant  in  relation  to  Koto’s  problem. 
The  nausea,  however,  was  characterized  by  pawing  at  the  mouth,  something  that  Koto  did  in  excess 
and  which  seemed  to  occur  most  often  after  meals.  Com  gluten  meal  has  been  identified  as  the  most 
common  cause  of  food  allergies  in  ferrets  and  is  the  number  one  ingredient  in  the  dry  cat  food, 
which  was  introduced  into  Koto’s  diet  two  days  after  his  arrival  at  the  Newport  Aquarium  (Van 
Dahm,  2000). 

On  2 July  2004,  the  otter  was  put  on  an  exclusion  diet  of  capelin.  During  that  day,  he  seemed  to 
“come  back  to  life.”  He  was  more  active  and  alert,  and  most  importantly  there  was  a dramatic  drop 
in  the  number  of  clenches  he  performed.  He  interacted  with  enrichment.  Throughout  the  next  day 
his  clenches  decreased  to  almost  nothing. 


452  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol  33  No.  10 


Number  of  Clenches  vs. 
Hours  of  Observations 


Date 


Clenchei 


[ I Hours 


Graph  1:  The  overall  number  and  frequency  of  the  clenches  decreased  during  the  week  Koto  was 
placed  on  an  exclusion  diet. 

Problem  solved well,  not  quite. 


Further  Problems 

On  9 July  2004,  with  their  quarantine  period  over,  the  two  otters  were  introduced  to  the  large  exhibit. 
Both,  but  particularly  Koto,  were  frightened  of  the  exhibit  and  would  not  enter  it  for  more  than  two 
hours.  On  10  July  2004,  they  were  closed  off  from  the  holding  cages  and  spent  the  day  hiding  under 
a pile  of  driftwood  on  exhibit. 

On  12  July  2004,  Koto’s  clenching  behaviors  increased  again.  Information  on  exclusion  diets  stated 
a working  time  of  two  to  four  weeks,  during  which  time  there  should  be  an  improvement.  Over  the 
next  two  weeks,  while  waiting  for  the  time  period  to  pass,  keepers  were  especially  careful  to  ensure 
that  no  cat  food  entered  Koto’s  system.  However,  his  symptoms  continued  with  much  greater 
frequency  than  they  had  during  the  first  week  of  July  2004. 

New  Solutions 

At  this  time  other  options  in  relation  to  nausea  in  ferrets  and  otters  were  investigated.  Further  research 
provided  information  on  gastric  ulcers.  Symptoms  included  nausea,  again  seen  as  pawing  at  the 
mouth.  Gastric  ulcers  are  known  to  exist  in  otters,  caused  by  stress  and  the  bacteria  Helicobacter 
mustelae-ys/h\ch.  is  normally  present  in  the  stomach  of  a mustelid  (Williams,  2004). 

General  treatment  for  ulcers  included  Amoxicillin®.  Clavamox®  is  composed  of  amoxicillin  and 
another  drug.  The  otter  was  on  this  medication  (after  his  tooth  extraction)  when  his  clenching 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  10  453 


behavior  decreased.  Charting  his  behavior  frequencies  showed  that  the  decline  in  clenching  actually 
began  a few  days  earlier  than  2 July  2004.  Behaviors  increased  when  the  Clavamox®  was  discontinued 
on  8 July  2004  (See  Graph  1).  Also  the  otter  was  introduced  to  a new  exhibit,  a high  stress  time,  on 
the  following  two  days.  Treatment  for  ulcers  was  suggested  to  last  four  or  more  weeks,  over  the 
course  of  which,  improvement  should  be  seen. 


Not  wishing  to  further  stress  him  and  with  the  possibility  that  his  mate  was  pregnant,  the  decision 
was  made  not  to  perform  an  endoscopy.  Koto  was  put  on  1/4  tablet  of  250mg  metronidazole,  1/4 
tablet  of  262mg  Pepto-bismol®,  and  1/2  tablet  50mg  Amoxicillin®.  During  this  period  he  was  kept 
off  cat  food.  Due  to  difficulties  getting  Amoxicillin®  in  the  appropriate  amount,  he  was  switched  to 
1/2  tablet  of  62.5mg  Clavamox®  on  29  July  2004.  All  of  these  medications  were  given  twice  a day. 


Number  of  Clenches  vs. 
Hours  of  Observation 


C 

O 


O 


0 

1 


Date 


Clenches 


Hours 


Graph  2:  The  number  and  frequency  of  clenches  decreased  again  once  Koto  was  placed  on  ulcer 
medication. 


On  1 August  2004  he  began  drinking  urine  on  a regular  basis.  He  interspersed  this  with  stomach 
clenches,  pawing  at  his  mouth,  grinding  his  teeth  and  drinking  water.  Behavioral  observations 
continued.  By  5 August  2004  he  was  consistently  without  clenches  before  1200  hours.  On  11 
August  2004  no  clenches  were  observed  before  1200hours  or  after  1630  hours.  By  12  August  2004, 
there  was  a rapid  decline  similar  to  the  one  seen  the  first  week  of  July.  On  18  August  2004  no 
clenching  behaviors  were  noticed  and  the  pawing  at  the  mouth  had  decreased.  No  clenches  were 
observed  following  that  and  on  24  August  2004,  he  was  taken  off  his  medications.  To  date  (May 
2006),  there  are  only  sporadic  recurrences  of  clenching  his  stomach  or  pawing  at  his  mouth,  all  of 
which  have  occurred  at  high  stress  times.  All  of  these  lack  the  frenetic  energy  seen  in  the  summer  of 
2004. 


454  Animal  Keepers'  Forum,  Vol  33  No.  10 


Methods  of  Observations 

From  the  first  day  the  behavior  occurred  keepers  recorded  the  stomach  clenches.  In  those  first  days 
there  were  no  set  criteria  for  recording  the  behaviors.  As  the  behaviors  continued,  criteria  for  the 

observations  were  established. 

Behavioral  observations  were  conducted  several  times  a week  and  at  different  times  during  the  day. 
Formal  observations  rarely  occurred  before  1200  hours  as  that  was  when  the  holding  area  was 
cleaned.  However,  during  that  time,  the  keepers  kept  a sharp  eye  on  Koto  and  took  note  of  the 
behaviors  and  their  frequency  (few  to  excessive).  In  the  cases  where  there  were  few  behaviors, 
keepers  noted  how  many  were  seen  and  between  what  hours.  Also,  if  keepers  recorded  that  a particular 
number  of  behaviors  were  seen  in  “the  a.m.”  it  is  taken  to  mean  between  0830  and  1200  hours, 
unless  otherwise  noted,  and  that  the  keeper  was  in  the  holding  area  the  entire  time  minus  one  or  two 
exits  lasting  no  more  than  two  minutes. 

To  conduct  these  observations,  keepers  sat  in  the  holding  area  in  view  of  the  otters.  They  made  no 
attempt  to  interfere  with  the  otters  or  to  engage  them.  Once  cameras  were  installed,  many  observations 
were  conducted  from  another  room  via  this  camera,  though  some  were  still  done  in  sight  of  the 
otters.  No  significant  difference  with  regard  to  the  number  of  Koto’s  behaviors  was  found  between 
the  two  viewing  methods. 

Criteria 

For  graphing  analysis,  criteria  were  set  to  determine  if  a behavior  could  be  counted  as  a valid  clench. 
Koto  must  be  hunched  with  his  paws  pulled  to  one  side  and  a clench  had  to  occur.  If  the  clench 
could  be  missed  in  “the  blink  of  an  eye,”  it  was  noted  in  the  observation,  but  not  used  for  graphing 
purposes.  If  it  would  take  “two  blinks  of  an  eye”  to  miss  it  but  was  under  one  second  in  length,  then 
it  was  used  for  graphing  purposes  and  recorded  as  1/4  second  in  length.  On  occasion.  Koto  would 
seem  to  clench  his  stomach  while  in  a stretched  position.  This  was  noted,  but  as  it  did  not  meet 
criteria,  it  was  not  used  for  graphing  purposes. 

Behavioral  observations  began  by  noting  the  time  the  most  recent  feed  finished,  and  then  noting  the 
time  the  first  clench  occurred.  Should  an  observation  not  begin  at  the  end  of  a feed,  the  time  it 
began  was  noted.  Generally,  the  observations  were  considered  complete  when  the  otter  was  sleeping 
in  the  nest  box  and  had  been  for  at  least  10  minutes.  On  occasions  when  the  observations  had  to  be 
completed  before  that  occurred,  the  notations  are  marked  with  “no  definite  stop.” 

Sometimes  the  otter  would  clench  several  times  in  one  place,  turning  one-quarter  of  a circle  between 
each  clench.  Although  there  was  no  definite  way  to  document  these  in  the  first  days,  it  was  ultimately 
determined  that  they  would  be  written  as  one  bout.  The  number  of  clenches  were  listed  next  to  it 
and  the  duration  would  be  listed  for  each  individual  clench  and  the  total  time  noted.  When  graphing 
these,  the  maximum  number  of  clenches  that  could  be  obtained  was  used  so  a worst  case  scenario 
was  presented. 

Analysis  of  Data 

The  first  series  of  observations  were  graphed  before  the  possibility  of  an  ulcer  was  considered. 
Graph  1 shows  a drastic  drop  in  the  frequency  of  the  behaviors  for  about  a week,  then  a subsequent 
increase.  That  increase  led  to  the  hypothesis  that  something  other  than  a food  allergy  was  at  work. 

Graph  2 also  shows  a drop,  though  not  as  drastic,  as  fewer  behavioral  observations  were  performed 
at  that  time  while  the  keepers  prepared  for  the  upcoming  birth  of  offspring  to  Koto  and  his  mate. 

When  the  two  graphs  were  compared  the  following  analysis  was  made.  When  Koto  was  placed  on 
Clavamox®  after  his  quarantine  exams,  there  was  a passage  of  four  to  nine  days  before  he  was 
consistently  without  clenches  in  the  morning.  Within  seven  days,  the  total  count  of  clenches  was 
fewer  than  10.  These  counts  include  the  day  the  medications  began. 


Animal  Keepers'  Forum,  VoL  33  No.  JO  455 


When  Koto  started  his  second  round  of  medications,  there  was  a period  of  14  days  before  no  clenchc 
were  consistently  seen  in  the  mornings.  There  was  a period  of  20-21  days  before  there  was 
consistently  low  count  (under  10)  throughout  the  day. 

During  the  second  round  of  medications,  Koto  was  switched  from  Amoxicillin®  to  Clavamox®  after 
seven  days.  From  and  including  the  day  of  the  switch,  there  was  a period  of  seven  days  before  a 
consistent  absence  of  clenching  behavior  was  seen  in  the  morning.  This  correlates  well  with  the  first 
round  of  medications,  but  there  is  no  evidence  the  author  has  yet  found  to  indicate  that  the  Clavamox® 
had  a direct  effect  on  the  drop  in  number  of  clenches. 

Conclusions 

Throughout  the  summer  of  2004,  this  otter  displayed  unusual  behaviors  including  pawing  at  his 
mouth  and  clenching  his  stomach.  During  the  summer,  behavioral  observations  allowed  keepers  to 
postulate  possible  causes  for  the  displayed  symptoms.  Observations  and  research  provided  possible 
causes  for  his  behaviors. 

Using  teamwork  and  trial  and  error,  a solution  was  found.  Since  the  completion  of  his  treatment  for 
gastric  ulcers,  the  otter  is  more  active  than  he  was  throughout  the  summer  of  2004.  He  regularly 
interacts  with  enrichment  and  with  his  young.  New  enrichment  objects  seem  to  interest  rather  than 
frighten  him. 

References 

Williams,  DVM,  B.H.  2004.  Gastric  Ulcers  and  Your  Ferret,  www.afip.org/ulcers.html.  accessed 
2004  July. 

Van  Dahm,  M.  2000.  Ferret  Nutrition.  www.weaselwords.com/page/ferret_artO  lO.php.  accessed 
2004  June. 


Captive  Gorillas  Succumbing  to  Heart  Disease 

Adult  western  lowland  gorillas  in  captivity  are  dying  of  an  unexplained  heart  condition  called  fibrosing 
cardiomyopathy,  which  turns  healthy  heart  muscle  into  fibrous  bands  unable  to  pump  blood.  The  condition 
is  similar  to  a human  form  of  heart  disease. 

No  one  has  kept  track  of  exactly  how  many  captive  gorillas  have  succumbed,  but  veterinarians  Tom  Meehan 
of  the  Brookfield  Zoo  in  Chicago  and  Linda  Lowenstine  of  the  University  of  California  at  Davis  calculated 
that  41  percent  of  deaths  of  captive  gorillas  — and  70  percent  of  deaths  of  the  males  older  than  30  — are  the 
result  of  heart  disease,  primarily  fibrosing  cardiomyopathy. 

The  toll  includes  Mopie,  National  Zoo,  July  3;  Kuja,  National  Zoo,  July  1;  Pogo,  San  Francisco  Zoo,  May 
24;  Tumai,  Memphis  Zoo,  May  18;  Akbar,  Toledo  Zoo,  Dec.  6,  2005;  Sam,  Knoxville  Zoo,  Nov.  17,  2000; 
and  Michael,  the  Gorilla  Foundation  in  California,  April  19,  2000. 

Babec,  a western  lowland  gorilla  at  Alabama's  Birmingham  Zoo,  is  a rare  exception,  having  been  successfully 
treated  surgically  for  the  condition.  Nearly  two  years  ago,  cardiologist  Neal  Kay,  working  with  the  zoo's 
chief  veterinarian,  Marie  Rush,  implanted  an  advanced  pacemaker  in  Babec's  chest.  The  procedure,  called 
cardiac  resynchronization  therapy  or  CRT,  corrected  the  breakdown  in  the  heart's  electrical  circuitry  that 
comes  with  fibrosing  cardiomyopathy,  and  restored  the  organ's  ability  to  contract  properly. 

"Babec  is  a bright  light  at  the  end  of  an  otherwise  dark  tunnel,"  said  Kay,  who  treats  his  human  patients  at 
the  University  of  Alabama  at  Birmingham's  Heart  and  Vascular  Center.  "We  got  to  him  in  time."  The  26- 
year-old  gorilla,  whose  prognosis  is  now  excellent,  is  doing  well. 

Medical  technology  may  save  the  day  for  individual  gorillas,  but  the  answer  to  why  captive  gorillas  are 
falling  ill  remains  unclear.  Veterinarians  and  medical  specialists  are  also  treating  ailing  gorillas  with  heart 
drugs  but  "have  few  clues  about  why  gorillas  are  succumbing  to  the  disease,"  said  cardiologist  Ben  Byrd  of 
the  Vanderbilt  University  Heart  Institute  in  Nashville,  who  has  advised  veterinarians  at  the  National  Zoo. 

Source:  Excerpted  from  the  Washington  Post  August  21,  2006.  check  out  the  WashingtonPost  website  archives 
to  read  more  about  this  problem  (www.washingtonpost.com) 


456  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  10 


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Mail  this  application  to:  AAZK  Administrative  Offices,  3601  S.W.  29th,  Suite  133  Topeka,  KS  66614-2054. 
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  or  discounted  admission  to  many 
zoos  and  aquariums  in  the  U.S.  and  Canada. 


PRINTED  IN  U.S.A. 
©2006  AAZK,  INC. 


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Vol.  33,  No.  11 


ANIMAL  KEEPERS’  FORUM.  3601  S.W.  29th  St.,  Suite  133,  Topeka,  KS  66614-2054 
Phone;  1-800-242-4519  (U.S.)  1-800-468-1966  (Canada)  FAX  (785)  273-1980 

November  2006 
Vol.  33,  No.  11 

AKF  Managing  Editor:  Susan  D.  Chan  • Associate  Editors  • Kayla  Grams,  Grand  Junction,  CO;  Mark  de 
Denus,  Reid  Park  Zoo;  Jolene  Hamrick,  Tucson,  AZ  • Enrichment  Options  Coordinators:  Dawn  Neptune, 
Utah’s  Hogle  Zoo  & Rachel  Daneault,  Disney’s  Animal  Kingdom  • Legislative/Conservation  Outlook  Column 
Coordinator:  Georgann  B.  Johnston,  Sacramento,  CA.  • ABC’s  Column  Coordinator:  Diana  Guerrero,  Big 
Bear  Lake,  CA  • Reactions  Column  Coordinator:  William  K.  Baker,  Jr.,  Little  Rock  Zoo 

Animal  Keepers’  Forum  is  published  monthly  by  the  American  Association  of  Zoo  Keepers,  Inc.,  3601  S.W.  29th 
Street,  Suite  133,  Topeka,  KS  66614-2054.  Ten  dollars  ofeach  membership  fee  goes  toward  the  annual  publication 
costs  of  Animal  Keepers’  Forum  . Postage  paid  at  Topeka,  KS. 

AAZK  Executive  Director:  Ed  Hansen,  AAZK,  Inc.,  Topeka  KS 

also  serves  as  AAZK  Liaison  to  the  American  Zoo  & Aquarium  Association  (AZA) 

AAZK  Administrative  Secretary:  Barbara  Manspeaker,  AAZK,  Inc.,  Topeka,  KS 

BOARD  OF  DIRECTORS 

Denise  Wagner,  The  Phoenix  Zoo,  Phoenix,  AZ  85008 
Shane  Good,  Cleveland  Metroparks  Zoo,  Cleveland,  OH  44 1C 
Jacque  Blessington,  Kansas  City  Zoological  Gardens,  Kansas 
Andy  Henderson,  Lincoln  Park  Zoo,  Chicago,  IL  60614-4712 
Norah  Farnham,  Woodland  Park  Zoo,  Seattle,WA  98103-5858 

COMMITTEES/COORDINATORS 

By-laws 

Chair  - Gisela  A.  Wiggins,  North  Carolina  Zoo 
Grants  Committee 
Chair  - Shelly  Roach,  Columbus  Zoo 
Enrichment  Committee 

Co-Chairs  - Dawn  Neptune,  Utah’s  Hogle  Zoo 
and  Amy  Burgess,  Disney’s  Animal  Kingdom 
Annual  Conferences 
Coordinator  - Ed  Hansen,  AAZK,  Inc. 

Professional  Development 
Chair  - Tammy  Schmidt,  Peoria  Zoo 
International  Outreach 

VACANT 

Interim  Contact  - Shane  Good,  Cleveland  Metroparks  Zoo 

MEMBERSHIP  SERVICES 

APT  EDT  and  ATP  Forms 
AAZK  Administrative  Offices/Topeka 
AAZK  Website  - Liaison  to  Webmaster 
Denise  Wagner,  The  Phoenix  Zoo  and 
Kevin  Shelton,  Tampa,  FL 

AAZK  PUBLICATIONS  - CONTINUING  DATA  COLLECTION 

Resources  for  Crisis  Management  in  Zoos  & Other  Animal  Care  Facilities,  Vol.  2 - Susan  D.  Chan,  Topeka,  KS; 
William  K.  Baker,  Little  Rock  Zoo,  AR;  Diana  Guerrero,  ArkAnimals,  Big  Bear  Lake,  CA 

o 

printed  on  Recycled  Paper 


President 

19  Vice  President 

City,  MO  64132-4200 


Ethics 

Chair  - Denise  Wagner,  Phoenix  Zoo 
Awards 

Chair  - Janet  McCoy,  The  Oregon  Zoo 
Marketing  Resources 

Chair  - Kristen  Wolfe,  Disney’ s Animal  Kingdom 
Animal  Training  Committee 
Co-Chairs  - Angela  Binney,  Disney’s  Animal 
Kingdom  & Kim  Kezer,  Zoo  New  England 
Bowling  for  Rhinos  - 
Coordinator  - Patty  Pearthree,  Cary,  NC 
IZC  Coordinators 

Shane  Good,  Cleveland  Metroparks  Zoo  and 
Norah  Farnham,  Woodland  Park  Zoo 

AAZK  Historian 

Mark  Levin,  Plymouth  Meeting,  PA 
AAZK  Publications/Logo  Products 

AAZK  Administrative  Offices/Topeka 


Table  of  Contents 


About  the  Cover/Information  for  Contributors...... ..458 

Scoops  & Scuttlebutt... 459  - 462 

Coming  Events .....463 

AAZK  Announces  New  Members............................. .......464 

From  the  Executive  Director.. ..466 

An  Open  Letter  to  the  AAZK  Membership  from  Lutz  Ruhe 467 

My  Life  With  Zoo  Animals..... ..468  - 472 

Scale  Training  Zebra  at  Disney’s  Animal  Kingdom..............................................................473  - 476 

HerpDigest  is  Back  - GRATIS .476 

Enrichment  Options  (Examples  of  Enrichment  Graphics  Text) 477  - 478 

Reactions  Column  (Safety  for  Maintenance  Staff) 479  - 481 

Reminder  on  Job  Listings..... 481 

Center  for  N.A.  Herpetology  Announces  PDF  Library.. 481 

Chapter  News  Notes 482 

Tha  Ratite  TAG  Needs  You!..... 483 

Husbandry  and  Medical  Management  of  Over-groomed  Meerkat  Kits 484  - 488 

How  Training  and  Understanding  Behavior  was  Used  to  Medicate 

and  Evaluate  a Terminally  111  Douc  Langur 489  - 491 

Conservation/Legislative  Update........ 492  - 495 

Advances  in  Animal  Keeping  in  Zoos  and  Aquariums: 

A Report  from  a Course  Participant 496  - 498 

Book  Review  (Sailing  with  Noah,  Stories  from  the  World  of  Zoos) .499  - 500 


1974  - 2004 


!About  the  Cover 

This  month’s  cover  features  two  female  Asian  elephants  (Elephas  maximus)  housed  at  the  Tulsa  Zoo  & 
Living  Museum  in  Tulsa,  OK.  It  was  drawn  and  submitted  by  Cynthia  Marcoux  who  works  at  the  zoo. 
The  Asian  elephant  is  one  of  three  species  in  the  order  Proboscidea,  the  others  being  the  Savanna  elephant 
(Loxodonta  africana)  and  the  Forest  elephant  (Loxodonta  africana  cyclotis).  Elephants,  in  general,  are 
the  largest  existing  land  mammals  and  they  have  the  largest  brains  in  the  animal  kingdom.  As  well  as 
being  physically  striking,  they  have  remarkably  complex  and  interesting  social  lives.  Asian  elephants 
weigh  between  3-5  tons.  Gunda  (the  elephant  on  the  left)  has  resided  at  the  Tulsa  Zoo  & Living  Musuem 
since  1954  and,  at  56  years  of  age,  is  one  of  the  oldest  elephants  (Asian  or  African)  in  a North  American 
zoological  facility.  Sooky  (the  elephant  on  the  right)  has  been  in  Tulsa  since  1997  and  is  estimated  to  be 
33  years  of  age.  Elephants  may  live  for  55-60  years  in  the  wild,  and  over  80  years  in  captivity.  This 
classic  image  of  the  two  “girls  ” is  a favorite  of  staff  and  is  an  example  of  the  importance  of  communication 
in  elephant  society  and  illustrates  how  bonded  these  two  particular  elephants  are.  Thanks,  Gunda  and 
Sooky,  for  the  honor  and  privilege  of  caring  for  you.  Thanks,  Cynthial 


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.  Manuscripts  submitted  either  on  disk  or  electronically  as  attachments  to  an  email  should  be  submitted 
in  Microsoft  WORD.  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.  Photographs  may  be  submitted 
electronically  as  either  JPEG  or  TIFF  file  attachments. 

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,  fax  or  email  contributions  of  late-breaking  news  or  last-minute 
insertions  are  accepted  as  space  allows.  Phone  1-800-242-4519  (US);  1-800-468-1966  (Canada);  FAX 
(785)  273-1980;  email  is  akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com< 

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.  If  an  article  is  shown  to  be  separately  copyrighted  by  the 
author(s),  then  permission  must  be  sought  from  the  author(s).  Reprints  of  material  appearing  in  this  journal 
may  be  ordered  from  the  editor.  Back  issues  are  available  for  $4.00  each.  Special  issues  may  cost  more. 

E-Mail  Addresses:  You  may  reach  Barbara  Manspeaker  at  AAZK  Administrative  Offices  at; 
aazkoffice@zk.kscoxmail.com<  You  may  reach  Susan  Chan  and  Animal  Keepers’  Forum  at: 
akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com< 


AAZK  website  Address:  www.aazk.org 
BFR  Website:  http://aazkbfr.org 


458  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33,  No.  11 


Scoops  & Scuttlebutt 

Chapter  Matches  Zoo’s  Institutional  Membership  Fee 

The  Santa  Barbara  Zoo  Chapter  of  AAZK  has  generously  sent  a donation  of 
$125.00  to  AAZK,  Inc.  This  amount  represents  a matching  of  the  fee  paid  by 
the  Santa  Barbara  Zoo  to  become  an  Institutional  member  of  AAZK.  The  AAZK 
Board  of  Directors  and  the  staff  at  Administrative  Office  would  like  to  thank  all 
the  members  of  the  Santa  Barbara  AAZKChapter  for  their  additional  show  of  support  to  the 
Association.  Support  by  our  Chapters  allow  the  Association  to  move  its  mission  forward  with 
programs  on  conservation  and  continuing  keeper  education. 

AAZK  would  also  like  to  thank  Linda  G.  Kunze  of  Tyler,  TX  for  her  donation  of  $100.00  to  be 
applied  to  the  AdopLa-School  program  at  the  Lewa  Wildlife  Conservancy  in  Kenya. 

Chapters  Show  Support  by  Donating  to  AAZK,  Inc, 

Donations  in  support  of  the  mission  of  this  Association  have  also  been  received  from  two  additional 
AAZK  Chapters.  The  Birmingham  Zoo  Chapter  of  AAZK  donated  $200.00  to  be  used  as  needed. 
The  Milwaukee  AAZK  Chapter  donated  $2000.00  towards  the  financial  needs  of  the  Association. 
The  AAZK  Board  of  Directors  and  the  Administrative  Office  staff  would  like  to  thank  all  the  members 
of  these  two  Chapters  for  their  support  and  encouragement  in  carrying  out  the  goals  and  objectives 
of  AAZK,  Inc. 

AKF  Seeks  Legislative  Advisor 

With  the  retirement  of  Georgann  Johnston,  Sacramento,  CA,  as  the  the  coordinator  for  the  Legislative/ 
Conservation  Update  column,  we  are  now  seeking  an  individual  interested  in  filling  this  position. 
The  position  requires  the  gathering  of  items  on  legislation  affecting  wildlife  and  items  of  interest  in 
the  realm  of  conservation  for  publication  in  AKF.  Anyone  interested  in  this  position  should  have 
computer  access  and  be  able  to  adhere  to  monthly  publication  deadlines. 

If  you  might  be  interested  in  assuming  the  position  of  Legislative/Conservation  Update  column 
coordinator  for  AKF,  please  contact  Editor  Susan  Chan  at  akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com  or  send  a 
letter  of  interest  and  resume  to:  AKF  Editor,  3601  SW  29th  St.,  Suite  133,  Topeka,  KS  66614-2054. 

2M6_DeMLeM£i^ireX^i>rJlJaK£gperGrantRecipienL^^^ 

The  Dewar  Wildlife  Trust  is  pleased  to  announce  the  2006  recipient  of  the  Debbie  McGuire  Gorilla 
Keeper  Grant,  an  annual  grant  of  $1,000  awarded  to  gorilla  caregivers  to  enhance  their  knowledge 
and/or  experiences  with  gorilla  husbandry,  etc. 

Bruno  Djakou,  a Cameroonian  national,  has  worked  with  gorillas  since  1997  at  CWAF  (Cameroon 
Wildlife  Aid  Fund),  where  there  are  currently  15  gorillas  in  residence,  all  rescued  victims  of  the 
bushmeat  trade.  Bruno  had  a brief  cameo  in  the  TV  show  about  CWAF  on  Animal  Planet’s  “Growing 
Up  Gorilla”,  and  has  been  working  with  juvenile  and  infant  gorillas  for  almost  a decade,  yet  he  has 
never  seen  an  adult  gorilla. 

With  the  grant  and  contributions  from  others,  Bruno  hopes  to  travel  to  another  zoo  (possibly  in 
England)  to  see  his  very  first  silverbaek  up  close,  which  will  be  an  exciting  learning  opportunity  to 
prepare  Bruno  and  his  colleagues  for  what  they  will  be  facing  as  their  15  gorillas  (the  oldest,  a 
female  named  Geri,  who  is  10  years  old)  mature.  In  his  application  for  the  DM  Grant,  Bruno  wrote: 
“If  you  choose  me  my  dream  is  to  visit  another  zoo  or  sanctuary  with  big  gorillas.  I can  never 
imagine  seeing  the  size  of  a true  silverbaek.  My  babies  are  now  getting  big  and  I want  to  be  able  to 
give  them  the  best  care  possible.  Maybe  you  could  help  me  and  my  gorillas  to  realize  our  dream.” 

Past  winners  of  the  DM  Grant  included  keepers  from  the  Czech  Republic,  India,  Spain  and  Rwanda. 
The  grant  accepts  applications  year-round,  with  deadlines  for  applications  being  30  September  of 
each  year.  The  winner  is  announced  by  2 November  of  each  year,  but  this  year  we  were  able  to 
announce  Bruno’s  win  early.  For  more  information  contact  Jane  Dewar  atjdewar@gorilla-haven.org 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  11  459 


Universities  Federation  for  Animal  Welfare  (UFAW)  Wild  Animal  Welfare  Award  2007 

The  Universities  Federation  for  Animal  Welfare  (UFAW)  is  inviting  applications  for  its  2007  Wild 
Animal  Welfare  Award.  The  Award  recognizes  innovations  that  are  designed  to  alleviate  or  prevent 
human-induced  harm  to  animals  in  the  wild  or  to  improve  the  welfare  of  captive  wild  animals. 

Applications  for  the  Award  are  invited  from  all  those  working  with  free-living  or  captive  wild  animals, 
for  example  in  wildlife  management  and  conservation,  research,  zoos  and  wildlife  rehabilitation. 
Up  to  two  awards  will  be  made,  each  of  £1,000,  to  support  further  development  of  the  recipients 
interests  in  animal  welfare.  One  will  be  made  for  the  best  innovation  for  the  welfare  of  free-living 
wild  animals  in  the  UK  and  one  for  the  best  innovation  for  the  welfare  of  captive  wild  animals  in  the 
UK.  Applicants  will  need  to  present  evidence  in  their  applications  that  their  innovation  benefits  the 
animal  from  the  animals  point  of  view. 

Winners  of  the  Award  in  recent  years  have  included  the  Game  Conservancy  Trust  for  its  Mink  Raft 
an  innovation  which  eliminates  harm  to  other  species  when  trapping  mink,  voracious  predators  of 
the  endangered  water  vole;  and  Paignton  Zoo  which  won  the  Award  for  its  incorporation  of  positive 
reinforcement  training  into  the  care  of  primates,  enabling  less  stressful  husbandry  procedures  such 
as  dental  care. 

UFAW  is  an  internationally  recognized  scientific  and  educational  animal  welfare  charity,  promoting 
high  standards  of  welfare  for  all  animals  with  which  humans  interact  be  they  in  zoos,  on  farms,  in 
research,  in  the  wild  or  companion  animals.  Application  forms  for  the  Wild  Animal  Welfare  Award 
2007  are  available  at  www.ufaw.org.uk  or  by  emailing  ufaw@ufaw.org.uk,  or  telephone  01582- 
831818  for  further  information. 

Get  that  Job!  A New  Addition  to  the  Australasian  Zookeeping  Website. 

A new  section  has  been  added  to  the  AZK  web  site  entitled  "Get  that  Job!"  This  new  section 
provides  useful  tips  and  advice  for  those  of  you  who  may  be  thinking  of  applying  for  a job  in  the 
Australasian  region,  and  covers  areas  such  as  understanding  the  recruitment  process  in  Australia, 
what  to  think  about  before  you  decide  to  apply,  hints  and  suggestions  about  writing  successful 
applications  and  how  to  prepare  for  an  interview.  To  view  this  new  section,  please  go  to  http:// 
www.australasianzookeeping.org/Get%20that%20Job.htm 

I hope  that  this  addition  is  of  help  to  those  of  you  who  may  be  thinking  of  applying  for  a job  in  the 
Australasian  region.  Please  contact  me  at  geoff@australasianzookeeping.org  if  you  would  like  to 
see  other  changes  to  the  site.  — Geoff  Underwood 

A Final  Word  from  the  2006  National  Conference  Chair 

The  Lincoln  Park  AAZK  Chapter  would  like  to  thank  all  who  assisted  with  and  attended  this  year’s 
AAZK  National  Conference  in  Chicago.  This  experience  was  one  of  the  most  unique  and  inspirational 
that  I personally  probably  will  ever  have.  I feel  privileged  to  work  with  not  only  my  conference 
coordinators,  but  others  that  I like  to  call  extended  family  members,  who  went  above  and  beyond 
the  call  of  duty  including  the  Milwaukee  Zoo,  Brookfield  Zoo,  Wildlife  Prairie  Park,  Audubon 
AAZK  Chapter  and  Glen  Oak  Zoo.  We  are  forever  grateful  to  you.  Most  delegates  stopped  me 
during  the  conference  to  ask  how  our  Chapter  was  doing.  I continued 
to  wait,  while  doing  many  other  things,  for  the  bomb  to  drop  and  our 
Chapter  to  fall  apart  due  To  the  many  stresses  that  arise  during  an 
event  of  this  magnitude.  I can  say  that  not  only  did  we  survive  but 
we  became  better,  more  understanding  and  closer  co-workers  and 
friends,  and  I am  honored  to  know  these  individuals  and  proud  of 
the  many  challenges  they  conquered. 

We  will  have  our  website  up  for  a little  while  longer  to  share  pictures 
and  stories  of  the  Chicago  conference.  If  you  have  any  you  would 
like  to  share  please  feel  free  to  email  me  at  kriskoala@yahoo.com. 

Thank  all  of  you  for  giving  me  the  amazing  opportunity  of  being  the 
2006  AAZK  National  Conference  Chairperson.  — Krt^ 


460  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  11 


A Rig  “Thank  You^^ 

On  behalf  of  the  delegates,  the  Board  of  Directors  and  myself,  I would  like  to  extend  a well  deserved 
thank  you  to  the  Lincoln  Park  Chapter  for  serving  as  the  host  of  the  2006  AAZK  National  Conference. 

Kris  Fraas  and  the  entire  Lincoln  Park  Chapter  did  a spectacular  job  of  stepping  outside  their  comfort 
zone  when  organizing  this  conference.  It  is  always  amazing  to  watch  animal  keepers  become 
conference  planners.  The  Chicago  Conference  was  well  planned  and  well  executed.  The  program 
was  diverse,  the  hotel  staff  was  friendly  and  the  banquet  was  exceptional. 

Thanks  also  to  the  Brookfield  Chapter  of  AAZK  for  hosting  a sensational  Ice  Breaker  at  the  zoo. 
We  only  wish  we  had  more  time  to  spend  at  their  facility. 

Our  thanks  also  to  The  Lincoln  Park  Zoo  for  serving  as  the  host  facility. 

Thanks  again  to  the  Lincoln  Park  Chapter  for  hosting  the  National  Conference,  in  what  really  is, 
Sweet  Home,  Chicago.  — Ed  Hansen,  AAZK  Executive  Director 


Dear  Delegates, 

Our  AAZK  New  Orleans  Chapter  cannot  begin  to  express  our  gratitude  for  the  generosity  shown  to 
us  this  past  year.  Attending  this  year’s  AAZK  Conference  in  Chicago  was  such  an  overwhelming 
experience.  An  enormous  thank  you  to  the  Lincoln  Park  AAZK  Chapter  for  including  our  Chapter 
in  their  conference  plans.  We  had  worked  so  hard  to  prepare  for  the  2005  conference  and  when  it 
was  cancelled  we  were  crashed. 

From  the  heartfelt  concerns  and  conversations  at  the  registration  booth,  to  the  amazing  Ice  Breaker 
at  Brookfield  Zoo  and  through  the  duration  of  the  conference,  our  Chapter  felt  so  much  love  and 
empathy.  Our  sincerest  thanks  for  all  the  donations  made  to  the 
Audubon  Nature  Institute  and  to  our  Chapter.  With  these  funds 
to  our  Chapter,  we  have  contributed  to  several  organizations 
and  individuals.  Over  the  2005  holiday  season,  we  purchased 
110  Wal-Mart/S  am ’s  gift  cards  in  the  amount  of  $100  each. 

These  were  given  to  both  former  and  current  employees  of  the 
Audubon  Nature  Institute  who  were  greatly  impacted  by 
Hurricane  Katrina.  We  donated  to  the  Coalition  to  Restore 
Coastal  Louisiana  and  Habitat  for  Humanity.  We  sponsored 
two  keepers  from  the  Hattiesburg  Zoo  to  attend  this  year’s 
conference  as  well  as  supporting  several  members  from  our 
own  Chapter.  With  additional  funds  donated,  we  plan  on 
assisting  in  the  recovery  of  Louisiana  and  other  disaster-affected 
areas. 

Thank  you  to  everyone  who  purchased  our  conference  t-shirts  and  registration  bags.  We  still  have 
more  inventory  (pad  folios,  bags,  and  t-shirts)  so  if  anyone  would  like  to  purchase  any  items  please 
contact  me  at  504-212-5383  or  email  me  at  jhocean@,hotmail.com. 

This  conference  was  just  what  we  needed  to  help  revitalize  our  spirits.  It  was  fabulous  to  see  all  our 
friends  and  colleagues.  We  look  forward  to  seeing  everyone  again  at  Moody  Gardens  in  Galveston, 
TX  for  the  2007  National  AAZK  Conference. 

Sincerely, 


Jaime  Hayslette 

President  of  AAZK  New  Orleans  Chapter  - Audubon  Zoo,  New  Orleans,  LA 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  11  461 


A Reminder:  Snow  Leopard  Trust  Announces 
Special  Offer  for  AAZK  Members 

Effective  immediately,  the  Snow  Leopard  Trust  is  offering  special 
membership  rates  to  all  active  AAZK  members.  Annual  membership 
is  now  offered  to  you  at  the  low  cost  of  $10,  over  70  % off  the  normal 
rate!  The  Snow  Leopard  Trust  is  renowned  for  their  community-based 
conservation  efforts  and  scientific  research. 

Membership  benefits  include  a quarterly  newsletter,  monthly  electronic 
newsletter,  membership  sticker,  and  free  shipping  on  all  on-line 
purchases  from  the  Snow  Leopard  Trust  store.  Most  importantly,  every 
dollar  of  membership  fees  goes  directly  to  the  conservation  effort  for 
snow  leopards,  their  prey  species,  and  the  habitats  they  call  home. 

AAZK,  Inc.  is  working  hard  to  increase  the  benefits  offered  to  its  membership.  This  includes 
working  with  our  conservation  partners  to  provide  special  offers  and  opportunities  for  all  AAZK 
members.  Continue  to  look  for  new  announcements  in  Animal  Keepers  ’ Forum,  Insight,  and 
www.aazk.org. 


Notice  to  the  AAZK  Membership 

The  Board  of  Directors  of  your  Association  is  working  to  change  how  they  do  business.  To 
effectively  run  the  Association,  the  Board  must  be  able  to  officially  conduct  business  in  the  form 
of  entertaining  and  modifying  proposals  and  ratifying  each  proposal  by  vote,  more  than  once  or 
twice  per  year  during  their  scheduled  Board  Meetings. 

To  conduet  business  at  other  times  than  during  a scheduled  meeting  of  the  Assoeiation,  the  Board 
is  legally  required  to  notify  the  membership  of  scheduled  meetings  where  business  affecting  the 
Association  will  be  conducted.  These  meetings  will  be  conducted  electronically  (email).  The 
Board  of  Direetors  will  ask  the  membership  to  amend  the  Bylaws  during  the  2007  AAZK  National 
Conference  to  refleet  this  change,  but  in  the  interim,  the  Board  has  provided  this  notification  to 
the  membership; 

The  Board  of  Directors  reserves  the  right  to  conduct  business  through  electronic  meetings. 
Electronic  Meetings  shall  be  held  approximately  once  per  month.  All  matters  of  updates,  comments, 
business  operations,  ratification  of  proposals  shall  be  included  on  the  meeting  agenda.  All  votes 
are  subject  to  a majority  vote  of  the  Board  of  Directors.  Written  notification  of  agenda  is  hereby 
published  and  dispensed.  Minutes  of  the  electronic  meetings  are  available  by  written  request  of  a 
member  in  good  standing  with  the  Association 


462  Animal  Keepers’ Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  11 


Coming  Events 


Managing  Animal  Enrichment  and  Training  - 7- 

13  October,  2006  in  Portland,  OR.  For  more 
information  visit  http://www.aza.org/prodev/  or  email 
AZATraining  @aza.org,  or  call  Geri  Noland  at  (301) 
562-0777  ext.  238. 

The  18th  International  Zoo  Educators  Conference 

2006  - 9 - 14  October  2006  - Hosted  by  The  National 
Zoological  Gardens  of  South  Africa,  Pretoria,  South 
Africa.  For  more  information,  please  visit  http:// 
www.izea.net 

2T^  Elephant  Managers  Association  Conference  IS- 
IS October  2006, in  Albuquerque,  NM.  Hosted  by  the 
Albuquerque  Biological  Park.  Pre-conference  trips  are 
to  the  International  Balloon  Fiesta,  14-15  Oct;  post- 
conference trip  to  Santa  Fe  and  up  the  tram  to  the  crest 
of  the  Sandia  Mountains.  For  more  information  see 
www.elephant-managers.com  , or  call  Lynn  Tupa  at 
505-764-6216  or  Gwen  Dragoo  at  505-764-6264. 

I^jVnnual  AnimaLBehavior  Management  Alliance 

(ABMA)  Conference. Conference.  at.  Sea; 

“Inspiring  CQnservatiQn,_t.hrQngh_.BeJiaA^ior 

Management”,  - 14-21  January  2007.  The  Cruise  ship 
“Victory”  sails  from  Miami,  Florida  to  Mexico, 
Cayman  Islands,  and  Jamaica.  All  Inclusive 
Registration  Rate  includes  the  cruise,  all  conference 
costs,  international  site  visits,  meals,  room,  all  taxes 
and  port  fees.  Please  contact  Michelle  Farmerie  @ 
412-365-2385  or  Nicole  Begley  @412-323-7235  ext. 
216  for  more  infonnation  about  the  conference. 

ZQiis.and  Aquariums. Committing  to  Conservation 

26-31  January  2007  - Hosted  by  the  Houston  Zoo, 
Houston,  TX.  ZACC  is  a bi-annual  event  that 
promotes  the  role  of  zoos  and  aquariums  in  supporting 
conservation  activities  worldwide,  both  at  their 
institutions  and  in  the  field.  Registration  and  more 
information  is  now  available  online  at  http:// 
www.houstonzoo.org/ZACC,  you  may  contact 
zacc@hQUStQnzQQ.Qrg  or  phone  713-533-6745. 

Understanding Agriculture’s Effects on 

Amphibians,  Turtles,  and  Reptiles  in  a Changing 

World  - 6-8  February  2007  in  St.  Louis,  MO.  A 
workshop  sponsored  by  the  U.S.  Geological  Survey’s 
Amphibian  Research  and  Monitoring  Initiative, 
Partners  in  Amphibian  and  Reptile  Conservation,  the 
Natural  Resources  Conservation  Service,  Environment 
Canada,  the  Association  of  Fish  and  Wildlife  Agencies, 
and  Conservation  International  For  more  information, 
please  visit  the  workshop  webpage  at  http:// 
www.umQsc.usgs.g.Q:v/.ag_effects_WQrkshQp/ 

workshop.html 

The  15th  Annual  lAATE  Conference  - “Where 

Inspiration  Takes  Flight”-  7-10  February  2007  - hosted 
by  Point  Defiance  Zoo  & Aquarium  in  Tacoma,. 
Washington. 

Old  World  Monkey  Workshop  - 19-22  March,  2007  - 
Saint  Louis  Zoo,  Saint  Louis,  MO.  For  information 
contact  Colleen  McCann,  OWM  TAG  Chair  at 


cmccann@wcs.org  or  Margaret  Whittaker,  OWM  TAG 
Behavioral  Management  and  Training  Advisor  at 
indu22@earthlink.net 

Okapi  Keeper  Workshop  -10-12  April  2007.  Hosted 
by  the  Dallas  Zoo.  The  first  of  its  kind,  this  workshop 
will  feature  round  table  discussions  on  a variety  of 
okapi  husbandry  topics  from  operant  conditioning  to 
calf  rearing.  For  more  information,  call  214/670-6833. 

International. Conference  on  Envirojimental 

Enrichment  - 5-10  August  2007.  Hosted  by 
Schonbrunn  Zoo,  Vienna,  Austria. 

AZAD  Delegates  Meeting  and  National  Conference 

25-30  September  2007  at  the  Saint  Louis  Zoo,  Saint 
Louis,  MO.  For  further  information  see  http:// 
www.AZADQcents.Qrg 

BIERZS  The  Symposium  2007:  Bearinformation 

ExcJiange  for.Eehabilitators,  Zoos  and  Sanctuaries 

Location:U.S.A.  TBA  Dates:  Fall  2007  - A group  of 
bearkeepers/caregivers  from  zoos,  sanctuaries  and 
rehabilitators  are  planning  a bear  husbandry 
symposium.  This  will  be  an  opportunity  for  caregivers 
to  learn  from  and  exchange  ideas.  Information  updates 
will  be  posted  on  www.bearkeepers.net 


Post  Your  Coming  Events  Here 
email  to:  akfeditor@zk.kscoxmaiLcom 


r 


THE 

GOURMET 
RODENT, 


INC, 


TM 


HE 


RATS  AND  MICE 


BiU  & Marcia  Brant 

6115  SW  137th  Ave.,  Archer,  FL  32618 


(352)  495-9024 
FAX:  (352)  495-9781 
e-mail:  GrmtRodent@aol.com 

© Ail  Rl^ts  Reserved 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  11  463 


AAZK  Announces 
New  Members 

Jasmine  Almonte,  Bergen  County  Zoo  & Park 
(NJ);  Allison  M.  Hagerman  and  Juan  Rodriguez, 
Smithsonian’s  National  Zoological  Park  (DC); 
Lauren  Puiz,  Maryland  Zoo  in  Baltimore  (MD); 
Kendie  J.  Enter,  The  Animal  Forest  at  Charles 
Towne  Landing  (SC);  Michael  Slaton,  no  zoo 
listed,  Tampa,  (FL);  Lisa  M.  Shimatzki; 
Clearwater  Marine  Aquarium  & STWP,  Inc. 
(FL);  Shane  Edwards,  Brenda  Oluwo,  Graham 
DeKay  and  Eric  Anderson,  Jackson  Zoological 
Park  (MS);  Krista  Havecker  and  Zachary  Koepp, 
Hattiesburg  Zoo  (MS);  Stephanie  Schuck, 
Indianapolis  Zoo  (IN);  Christine  Peterson, 
Minnesota  Zoo  (MN);  Erin  M.  Smestad,  Dakota 
Zoo  (ND);  Jackie  Andrich  Worstell,  no  zoo  listed, 
Billings,  (MT);  Dennis  Grimm,  Brookfield  Zoo 
(IL);  Angela  Lawrence,  no  zoo  listed,  Spring 
Hill,  (KS);  Tiffany  Smith-Phillips,  Audubon  Zoo 
(LA);  Tara  Schilke,  Dallas  Zoo  (TX);  Mari 
Brown,  San  Antonio  Zoo  (TX);  and  Heather 
Brace,  Woodland  Park  Zoo  (WA). 

Renewing  Contributing  Members 
Joan  Rog,  Volunteer 

Cleveland  Metroparks  Zoo,  Cleveland,  OH 

William  H.  Disher,  Volunteer 
Zoological  Society  of  San  Diego,  San  Diego,  CA 

Gloria  K.  Kahn,  Volunteer 
Los  Angeles  Zoo,  Los  Angeles,  CA 

New  Contributing  Members 
Diane  Huston 
Des  Moines,  lA 

Renewing  Institutional  Members 

Central  Park  Zoo,  New  York,  NY 
Dl  John  Rowden,  Assistant  Curator 
Department  of  Ornithology,  Wildlife 
Conservation  Society 

Omaha’s  Henry  Doorly  Zoo,  Omaha,  NE 
Dr.  Lee  Simmons,  Director 

Oregon  Zoo,  Portland  Oregon 
Tony  Vecchio,  Director 


New  Institutional  Members 

The  Buffalo  Zoo,  Buffalo,  NY 

Donna  M.  Fernandes,  Director 

North  Carolina  Zoological  Park,  Asheboro,  NC 
Dr.  Stephen  Miller 

Zoo  Atlanta,  Atlanta,  GA 

Dennis  Kelly,  Director/CEO 

Gorilla  Haven,  Morgantown,  GA 

Steuart  Dewar,  Chairman  CEO 

White  Oak  Conservation  Center,  Yulee,  FL 
John  Lucas,  Director 

Nashville  Zoo,  Nashville,  TN 
Rick  Schwartz,  Director 

Knoxville  Zoo,  Knoxville,  TN 

Jim  Vina,  Executive  Director 

Louisville  Zoo,  Louisville,  KY 
John  T.  Walczak,  Director 

Cleveland  Metroparks  Zoo,  Cleveland,  OH 
Steve  H.  Taylor,  Director 

Boonshoft  Museum  of  Discovery,  Dayton,  OH 

Mark  J.  Meister,  President/CEO 

Dakota  Zoo,  Bismarck,  ND 
Terry  Lincoln,  Director 

Grizzly  & Wolf  Discovery  Center 
W.  Yellowstone,  MT 
John  Heine,  Director 

Lincoln  Park  Zoo,  Chicago,  IL 
Kevin  Bell,  Director 

Miller  Park  Zoo,  Bloomington,  IL 
John  Tobias,  Director 

Audubon  Nature  Institute,  New  Orleans,  LA 
Ron  Forman,  Director 

The  Tracy  Aviary,  Salt  Lake  City,  UT 
Patty  Sherve,  Curator 

Utah’s  Hogle  Zoo,  Salt  Lake  City,  UT 
Craig  Dinsmore,  Director 

The  Phoenix  Zoo,  Phoenix,  AZ 
Jeff  Williamson,  Director 

Happy  Hollow  Zoo,  San  Jose,  CA 
Gregg  Owens,  Director 


464  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  VoL  33  No.  11 


QtifS  A\§  0t¥ER§i  AS 
THE  Al^llMA^i  l«iDISl(lf9QMr 


Working  in  partnership  with  zoos 
and  aquarmms,  MAZURr  PhD 
nutritionists  develop  indnstry 
leading  products  specifically  for 
each  species.  From  aardvarks 
to  zebras,  we  work  hard  to  give 
animails  the ' most  of  what 
they  need. 

For  more  information  on 
MAZURF  prodncts-including 
nutritional  analyses  and  research 
findings-visit  wwwaiiazuri.coiii 


or  call  i-800->S27~8941  for  the 
location  of  yoxir  nearest  dealer. 
Because  when  it  comes  to  great 
nutrition,  we're  committed  to 
the  health  and  longevity  of 
every  animal. 


The  Esotic  Animal  Feeding  Rsource 


www.mazun.com 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  11  465 


pom  The  LxGCulivG 


In  this  issue  of  the  Animal  Keepers'  Forum  you  will  leam  about 
Mr.  Lutz  Ruhe  and  his  contributions  to  the  animal  profession.  Mr. 
Ruhe  has  been  a member  of  AAZK  for  quite  some  time.  He  honestly 
understands  the  day-to-day  contributions  of  animal  keepers  in  this 
profession,  has  lived  the  life  and  answered  the  call.  Mr.  Ruhe  also 
honestly  believes  in  the  importance  of  this  Association  to  the  animal 
care  profession. 


AMERICAN 

ASSOCIATION 
of  ZOO  KEEPERS 


If  you  are  a student  of  zoological  history,  it  will  quickly  become 

apparent  that  Mr.  Ruhe  lived  his  life  workingA?^  the  animals  and  answered  his  calling  to  the  profession 
at  a very  young  age,  as  most  of  you  have  as  well.  If  you  are  a student  of  AAZK  history,  you  will 
make  the  connection  between  Mr.  Ruhe  and  the  value  of  his  staff  and  keepers,  especially  Jean 
Hromodka,  as  part  of  his  extended  family. 

Jean  Hromodka  served  as  the  President  of  this  Association  in  the  late  1980’s.  She  was  progressive  in 
this  Association  and  in  her  profession,  until  her  death  in  1989.  As  / work  in  this  Association,  I try 
and  model  my  work  ethic  after  Jean  Hromodka’s.  Jean  was  professionally  aggressive,  with  a creative 
thought  process  and  she  was  driven,  efficient  and  organized,  passionate  about  AAZK. 

Mr.  Ruhe  has  read  over  the  past  few  years  about  the  financial  tribulations  of  your  Association  and 
has  responded  by  generously  donating  slightly  over  $50,000  in  stocks  and  securities  to  your 
Association.  These  funds  are  currently  on  deposit  in  the  Endowment  Fund  for  AAZK  and  will  be 
utilized  to  fund  two  grants,  recently  revised  awards  and  other  aspects  of  the  Association,  freeing  up 
additional  operating  capital  to  help  ran  the  business  aspects  of  the  Association. 

Please  join  me  in  thanking  Mr.  Ruhe  for  his  generous  donation  to  the  Association.  It  could  not  come 
at  a better  time  in  our  history. 


Ed  Hansen 

Executive  Director,  AAZK,  Inc. 


466  Animal  Keepers  'Forum,  Vol  33  No.  II 


An  Open  Letter  to  theAAZK  Membership 


Lutz  Ruhe,  AAZK  member 
778  Cardium  Street 
Sanibel,  FL  33957 


Dear  AAZK  members, 

I would  like  to  dedicate  my  endowment  to  the  AAZK  in  the  name  of  three  friends  and  professional 
zoo  keepers;  Gregg  Owens,  Valerie  Riegel  and  Heather  Walsh.  They  assisted  me,  more  than 
any  other  persons,  in  maintaining  a devoted,  professional  climate  and  work  ethic  throughout 
my  management  of  the  Oakland  Baby  Zoo  and  the  Happy  Hollow  Zoo. 

Gregg  is  now  the  director  of  the  Happy  Hollow  Zoo.  In  1967,  just  out  of  high  school,  he  started 
to  work  for  me  at  the  Oakland  Baby  Zoo.  During  the  last  39  years,  Gregg  worked  tirelessly  and 
with  unrelenting  commitment  to  the  best  possible  care  of  the  animal  collection. 

Valerie  was  a graduate  in  animal  husbandry  from  Moorpark  College  in  California,  and  started 
her  career  with  me  at  Happy  Hollow  Park  and  Zoo.  She  is  presently  the  curator  of  the  animal 
collection.  During  her  20-year  career  she  has  shown  a profound  dedication  to  improving  the 
existing  and  developing  zoo  animal  husbandry  problems. 

Heather  also  was  a graduate  in  animal  husbandry  from  Moorpark  College  and  commenced  her 
career  with  me  at  Happy  Hollow  Park  and  Zoo.  As  a senior  keeper,  she  supervises  the  Happy 
Hollow  Zoo’s  keeper  staff.  Throughout  her  18-year  career  she  has  consistently  applied 
a deep  dedication  and  sensitivity  in  working  with  baby  animals. 

I congratulate  and  thank  my  three  friends  and  loyal,  former  associates  for  the  dedicated  service 
to  me  and  the  zoo  keeper  profession. 

I hope  that  my  gift  to  your  Association  will  further  stimulate  your  interest  in  the  development 
of  new  ideas  and  approaches  for  the  exotic  animal  husbandry  profession.  My  interest  in  the 
American  Zoo  Keeper  organization  lies  in  furthering  the  educational  aspects  of  our  profession. 
During  my  43  years  as  a zoo  keeper  and  in  my  later  years  as  a zoo  administrator,  I always  felt 
that  the  zoo  keeper  was  the  most  important  cog  on  the  “wheel  of  the  zoo  profession.”  A well- 
educated,  and  thereby  dedicated,  keeper  would  provide  the  best  imaginable  care  to  a zoo’s 
animal  collection.  Therefore,  my  wish  was  that  the  Association  will  make  use  of  the  donated 
funds  to  facilitate  a meaningful  recognition  of  excellent  performance  by  a keeper  or  group  of 
keepers.  Ed  Hansen  proposed  just  such  a program  which  I hope  will  inspire  you  to  reach  the 
highest  level  of  the  zoo  keeper  profession. 

With  best  regards  from  an  old  re-”tired”  zoo  keeper, 

Lutz  Ruhe 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol  33  No.  11  467 


By  Lutz  Ruhe 


M^Li  fe  wi  thZ  oo  A nimals 

I always  believed  in  an  official  organization  for  American  zoo  keepers  and  joined  the  fledgling 
AAZK  group  with  enthusiasm.  One  of  your  early  presidents,  Jean  Hromadka,  had  been  a valuable 
employee  of  mine  at  the  Happy  Hollow  Zoo  in  San  Jose,  CA.  She  was  highly  regarded  by  her 
fellow  keepers.  We  were  proud  of  her  achievements. 


I was  bom  in  1935  and  I grew  up  in  Germany.  My  father  operated  the  Hannover  city  zoo  and  an 
exotic  animal  import  /export  business,  L.  Ruhe  KG.  I grew  up  in  that  zoo  and  at  a very  early  age  I 

^ was  bitten  by  the  zoo  profession  bug.  I lived  through  the  WWII 
from  age  five  to  nine.  From  early  childhood  on,  I helped  our 
keepers  with  chores  as  much  as  my  age  would  allow. 


I am  the  youngest  and  sole  survivor  of  four  generations  of  the 
Ruhe  family.  In  1847,  my  great-grandfather  started  the  business 
in  northern  Germany  by  buying,  at  the  tender  age  of  13,  Harz 
Mountain  Roller  canaries.  He  carried  them  on  his  back  to  the 
Bremen  seaport  and  sold  them  to  Germans  who  immigrated  to  St. 
Petersburg,  Russia.  In  1865,  he  followed  them  to  South  America 
and  the  United  States.  He  established  a pet  shop  in  New  York. 
In  1883,  great-grandfather  died  and  his  son  Hermann  inherited 
the  business.  My  grandfather  expanded  it  in  Germany  and  the 
US.  In  1904  he  bought  a farm  in  Queens,  NY.  It  served  as  an 
animal  holding  compound. 


Lutz  in  his  first  pair  of  rubber  boots 


Grandfather  Hermann  guided  the  worldwide  animal  import 
business  through  WWI  until  he  died  in  1923.  My  father  took  over  its  stewardship  and  guided  it 
through  the  depression  and  WWII.  By  then,  his  two  brothers,  Ludwig  and  Heinz,  had  acquired 
American  citizenship  and  managed  the  US  branch.  In  1931,  Hannover  wanted  to  close  its  zoo,  one 
of  the  oldest  in  Europe.  My  father  took  over  the  management  and  stocked  it  with  animals  from  his 
trade  business. 


At  1 9,  my  oldest  brother  Hermann  and  I arrived  in  New 
York,  taking  care  of  a shipment  of  giraffes,  zebras  and 
gibbons  assigned  for  Louis  Ruhe  Inc.,  our  American 
exotic  animal  trading  branch.  In  1953,  Uncle  Heinz 
died.  He  had  operated  the  US  firm  since  1926  and 
developed  into  one  of  the  prominent  import  firms  of 
exotic  birds  and  mammals  for  American  zoos.  My  father 
inherited  the  business  and  my  older  brother  Heiner  had 
assumed  its  management. 


I became  a US  citizen  in  1964.  Prior  to  1959  I had 
been  traveling  between  New  York,  Germany  and  East 
Africa  transporting  animals  by  ship  or  airplane.  By 
1959,  the  development  of  jet  air-cargo  shipments  of 
live  animals  from  foreign  sources  to  US  zoos  made  our 
operation  in  New  York  unprofitable.  My  father  closed 
the  American  business  and  sold  the  Queens  property.  He 


Lutz  with  elephant  baby  Steffie 


468  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  11 


wanted  my  brother  and  I to  return  to  Germany  and  assist  in  the  European  business.  Both  of  us 

declined  and  started  our  own  business. 


We  conceived  building  a traveling  children’s  zoo  to  visit  Cape  Cod  during  the  summer  and  Florida 
during  the  winter  months.  In  1 959,  most  American  zoos  did  not  have  children’s  zoos  or  nurseries  to 
attend  to  neonates  in  their  collection;  nor  did  they  have  the  funds  to  spend  on  an  around-the-clock 
feeding  schedule  and  intensive  care.  They  also  lacked  the  in-house  veterinary  care  to  attend  to 
newborn  babies.  My  brother  and  I had  befriended  Ted  Roth,  DVM  and  his  wife  Helga  and  they 
became  part  of  our  organization.  The  idea  progressed  to  exhibit  baby  animals  from  infant  to  juvenile 
stage  and  return  them  to  the  zoos  if  they  wanted  them  back  or  we  traded  them  on  the  open  market. 


We  started  construction  in  1959  and  in  May  of  1960,  the 
zoo  was  exhibited  for  six  weeks  at  the  Franklin  Park  Zoo 
in  Boston,  MA  as  a promotional  trial  and  to  stimulate 
financial  support  for  a permanent  zoo.  The  Baby  Zoo  was 
a stunning  success.  More  than  100,000  visitors  enjoyed 
the  baby  animals  in  mostly  drizzly  weather  conditions. 

Our  record  attendance  happened  on  Memorial  Day  when 
11,000  persons  crowded  into  a 100  x 100  foot  enclosure 
to  pet  and  feed  the  baby  animals.  The  one-day  visitor 
onslaught  created  total  mayhem.  Regardless,  the  crowd 
was  pleased. 

After  six  weeks,  we  moved  the  Baby  Zoo  to  Cape  Cod, 

MA  where  we  had  reasonably  good  attendance.  Plans 
changed  when  we  contracted  with  two  Hollywood 
promoters  and  film  makers  to  move  the  zoo  to  the  Los 
Angeles  area.  The  move  across  3,500  miles  of  the  USA 
was  not  anticipated  when  we  built  the  Baby  Zoo.  It  was  a 
stressful  week  but  passed  without  critical  incidents. 

The  Hollywood  partners  had  prepared  the  leased  grounds  in  the  middle  of  the  San  Fernando  Valley. 
Our  engagement  there  was  successful  until  the  month  of  December  when  Santa  Claus  became  our 
competitor.  Due  to  an  excessive  rent  payment  and  the  decline  of  income,  we  were  forced  in  1961  to 
move  the  Baby  Zoo  to  a small  park  in  the  City  of  Lynwood.  Here  we  learned  that  the  Baby  Zoo  in 

itself  was  not  a viable  attraction  in  the  Greater 
Los  Angeles  area. 

Louis  Goebel,  owner  of  “Jungleland”,  formerly 
known  as  “Goebel’s  Lion  Farm”  in  Thousand 
Oaks,  CA,  employed  Heiner  and  wife  Gerda. 
Heiner  succeeded  in  convincing  him  to 
rejuvenate  the  attraction.  We  created  a 50-50% 
partnership  and  moved  the  Baby  Zoo  to 
Jungleland.  Here,  the  Baby  Zoo  was  once  again 
a successful  attraction. 

In  1963,  we  constructed  a permanent  Children’s 
Lutz  unloading  crate  with  giraffe  at  Zoo  in  Jungleland  and  in  1964  leased  our 

New  York  quarantine  facility  mobile  Baby  Zoo  to  the  San  Francisco 

Zoological,  Society  as  a promotional  attraction. 

Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol  33  No.  11  469 


Lutz  Heiner  Ruhe  Jungleland 
Amusement  Business  1963 


Again,  as  part  of  a larger  facility,  success  was  assured.  During  the  installation  of  the  Baby  Zoo  in 
San  Francisco,  I met  my  future  wife,  Suzy  McFeely,  who  had  been  hired  to  interpret  the  children’s 
zoo  animals  to  the  visitors. 


In  the  meantime,  Jungleland  was  prospering  until  Mr.Goebel  wanted  his  son  to  enter  the  business. 
Conflicts  arose  and  the  partnership  no  longer  became  workable.  We  sold  our  interest  in  Jungleland 
to  the  Goebels  and  moved  to  Oakland  where  Suzy  lived. 


We  met  Dr.  Raymond  Young  who  was  the 
Director  of  the  Oakland  Zoo.  At  the  time,  its 
attendance  was  minimal.  We  convinced  Dr. 
Young  that  an  attractive  Baby  Zoo  would  be  his 
answer  to  increase  the  zoo’s  attendance.  After 
hearing  that  San  Franciscans  had  embraced  the 
concept  of  a Baby  Zoo,  he  was  convinced  and 
prepared  to  propose  a similar  facility  for  his  zoo. 
However,  local  politics  almost  derailed  the 
project.  Eventually,  an  agreement  was  reached 
with  the  City  of  Oakland  and  the  East  Bay 
Zoological  Society.  Suzy  and  I were  married 
in  1965  and  we  set  out  to  build  the  zoo.  On 
Lutz  and  keepers  with  armload  of  baby  December  15,  1965,  the  doors  opened.  Being 

pygmy  goats  at  the  San  Jose  Baby  Zoo.  attached  to  the  Oakland  Zoo,  the  attendance  grew 

from  month  to  month.  A professional  advertising 
campaign,  combined  with  Suzy’s  promotional  efforts  on  two  television  shows  and  visits  with  our 
zoo  mobile  to  schools  and  community  events,  helped  us  succeed. 


In  1970,  the  opportunity  arose  to  obtain  a full  grown  male  bottlenose  dolphin  from  Sea  World,  San 
Diego.  We  built  him  a nice  pool  according  to  Sea  World’s  instruction.  Immediately  after  the 
animal  took  up  his  residency  at  the  Baby  Zoo,  attendance  surpassed  all  expectations.  Our  biggest 
attraction  at  the  zoo  besides  “Flipper”  was  our  large 
herd  of  pygmy  goats,  baby  sheep,  llamas,  donkeys 
and  miniature  horses.  We  could  no  longer 
accommodate  all  the  babies  including  their  mothers 
at  the  Baby  Zoo.  We  had  to  establish  an  off-site 
breeding  farm. 


My  brother  and  I came  up  with  the  idea  of  building 
a Safari  park  near  Yosemite  National  Park.  The 
concept  was  to  combine  the  breeding  stock  area  with 
a baby  zoo  and  have  a drive-through  zoo  for  exotics. 
We  had  big  ideas;  however,  obtaining  final  financing 
for  this  ambitious  undertaking  ran  into  difficulties. 
We  soon  realized  that  we  had  reached  for  the  stars 
and  had  to  downsize  to  live  within  our  own  financial 
abilities. 


One  full-time  employee,  many  part-time  workers, 
and  I completed  the  construction  within  six  months. 
On  Mayl,  1971,  we  opened  the  gates  to  our  scaled 
down  Safariworld  Park  which  was  located  24  miles 
from  the  entrance  to  Yosemite  National  Park. 


Lutz  hand-feeding  baby  hippo  (1963) 


470  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol  33  No.  11 


Summer  heat  caused  many  cars  to  overheat.  It  prevented  our  animal  actors  from  performing  as 
anticipated.  Monkeys  had  learned  to  chew  on  and  destroy  the  vinyl  roof  covering  of  the  cars.  To 
rectify  this  problem,  I built  a tram  system  and  our  visitors  had  more  fun  being  chauffeured  in  comfort 
rather  than  drive  themselves. 


In  1973,  we  were  fortunate  to  enter  into  a management  contract  to  operate  the  San  Jose  Zoo.  The 
City  had  dismissed  their  zoo’s  superintendent.  In  September,  I set  out  to  refurbish  and  adapt  the 
existing  zoo  to  a children’s  zoo.  At  the  opening  ceremony  on  Easter  1974,  I was  on  my  way  to 
Germany. 


My  oldest  brother  Hermann,  who  managed  the 
German  business  for  our  father,  had  asked  me  to  help 
him  with  the  administration  of  his  many  individual 
zoos  and  safari  parks.  I was  sent  to  Denmark  to 
maintain  control  of  a small  zoo  he  had  leased.  After 
four  weeks  there,  I suggested  to  my  brother  to  take 
the  animals  back  to  Alfeld  and  close  the  operation. 


Photo  at  right  shows  Lutz  building  the  interior 
of  a travel  van  to  transport  the  animals  in  the 
Baby  Zoo  (1960) 


Next,  Hermann  sent  me  to  a wealthy  commodities 
merchant  who  wanted  to  own  a small  private  zoo.  I 
moved  close  to  the  man’s  home  and  started  creating 
drawings  and  building  small  models  of  exhibits. 

Soon,  I recognized  that  his  dream  of  being  a zoo 
operator  was  never  to  become  a reality.  I proposed 
to  continue  my  work  at  our  home.  Nothing  ever  developed  out  of  that  proposal. 


Next,  I flew  to  Uganda  to  bring  back,  via  air  cargo,  a shipment  of  15  baby  elephants,  green  monkeys 
plus  crown  cranes  and  greater  bustards.  Upon  my  arrival,  the  animals  and  shipping  crates  were 
ready.  After  the  delayed  jet  freighter’s  arrival,  it  did  not  take  long  to  load  the  animals  into  the 
cavernous  hold  of  the  jet. 


The  take  off  was  a hair-raising  experience.  The  freighter  was  heavier  than  calculated  and  the  end  of 
the  runway  appeared  closer  than  desired.  Further,  a flock  of  Nile  geese  passed  in  front  of  the  plane’s 
nose  just  as  we  became  airborne.  That  little  excitement  behind  us,  we  climbed  to  our  cruising  altitude, 
and  headed  north  toward  Athens,  Greece,  our  refueling  stop.  We  arrived  safely  at  the  Hannover 
Airport,  Germany,  where  the  animals  were  transferred  onto  trucks  and  moved  to  our  animal  quarantine 
compound  in  Alfeld  for  rest  and  acclimatization. 


In  October  1974,  my  brother  Heiner  died  of  a heart  attack  and  I felt  like  my  life  had  collapsed.  He 
was  the  one  who  had  taken  care  of  the  business  part  of  our  partnership.  I never  had  the  desire  to 
tackle  that  portion  of  our  business.  I immediately  returned  to  America  to  take  charge  of  the  business. 
Contractual  agreements  and  the  implementation  of  his  estate  threw  the  company  into  financial 
difficulties.  It  caused  me  to  close  the  Safari  Park  and  retain  the  property  as  a breeding  compound. 
The  Oakland  and  San  Jose  Baby  Zoos  ran  smoothly. 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  11  471 


Our  zoo  operations  experienced  a severe  adversity  when  the  Endangered  Species  Act  of  1973  became 
law.  At  once,  no  interstate  endangered  animal  transactions  were  permitted.  I had  to  switch  the 
animal  inventory  from  mostly  exotic  wildlife  to  domestic  stock  or  miniature  species. 

In  1977,  I sold  the  remaining  years  of  the  Baby  Zoo  contract  which  remained  with  the  City  of 
Oakland  to  the  Eastbay  Zoological  Society.  In  1978,  I purchased  a property  in  the  Santa  Cruz 
Mountains  and  moved  the  zoo’s  breeding  stock  from  the  Safariworld  property. 

In  1987,  the  City  of  San  Jose  bought  the  animals.  The  result  was  that  during  the  next  nine  years  very 
few  new  animals  were  purchased  since  the  yearly  budget  did  not  provide  for  acquiring  new  animals. 
Since  1974, 1 had  tried  to  apply  for  accreditation  from  the  American  Zoo  and  Aquarium  Association. 
However,  I was  unsuccessful  in  convincing  the  City’s  department  managers  to  see  its  benefits.  I 
fought  a lost  battle  for  19  years. 

In  1991,  zoo  patrons  formed  an  ersatz  membership  group  and  established  an  outreach  program. 
These  persons  were  eventually  integrated  into  the  Happy  Hollow  Corporation,  which  had  been 
formed  in  1961  to  establish  the  Children’s  park.  Finally,  I could  convince  the  Happy  Hollow  Park 
manger  to  accept  my  suggestion  of  allowing  a full-fledged  zoological  membership  to  be  established. 

In  1993,  after  a year  of  intense  preparations,  we  passed 
the  mandatory  inspection  by  AZA  and  the  Happy 
Hollow  Zoo  received  its  accreditation.  Months  later,  the 
City  proposed  a new  Master  Plan  for  the  Happy  Hollow 
Park  and  Zoo.  It  was  an  exiting  proposal.  However, 
the  Zoo  was  not  scheduled  to  be  upgraded  until  into  the 
fifth  year  after  its  implementation.  Further, 
improvements  such  as  the  refurbishing  of  the  animal 
exhibits  and  relocating  the  zoo  to  higher  ground  were 
proposed  to  start  16  years  later  in  2010!  1 was 

unsuccessful  in  changing  the  master  plan’s  submitted 
time  schedule.  Health  considerations  and  the  conviction 
that  no  immediate  essential  improvements  to  the  Baby 
Zoo’s  infrastructure  were  contemplated,  forced  me  to 
inform  the  City  Council  that  I would  not  be  interested 
in  renewing  the  management  contract  in  1 996.  I retired 
from  the  zoo  world  on  June  30,  1996. 

Lutz  Ruhe 


Lutz  on  two  northern  white  rhinos  (1955) 


472  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  11 


Scale  Ti 


painmq 


Zebra  at  Disney  s Animal  Kinadom  Lod 


mq( 


Iqe 


By  Stacy  Johnson,  Animal  Keeper 
Disney’s  Animal  Kingdom  Lodge,  Lake  Buena  Vista,  FL 


Why  scale  training? 

Routine  weights  are  useful  in  monitoring  the  health  of  an  animal  and  can  be  used  to  maintain  the 
proper  diets  for  an  individual.  Also,  accurate  weights  are  necessary  to  calculate  doses  for  medications 
and  supplementation.  Scale  training  the  0.4  Grant’s  zebra  {Equus  burchellii)  became  a goal  in 
December  2004  due  to  its  benefits  and  the  fact  that  a free-standing  weight  had  never  been  obtained 
on  any  of  the  zebra  at  Disney’s  Animal  Kingdom  Lodge.  The  only  time  a weight  was  obtained  was 
during  an  immobilization  while  the  zebra  were  anesthetized,  which  requires  a lot  of  time  and  staff 
power  during  procedures.  Previously  no  other  training  programs,  besides  shifting  off  exhibit  on 
audio  cue,  had  been  established  for  the  zebra. 

0.4  Zebra  Group  at  Disney^s  Animal  Kingdom  Lodge 

The  zebra  share  an  1 1 -acre  mixed  species  exhibit  with  2.3  ankole  cattle  {Bos  Taurus  Taurus  ankole), 
3.0  Patterson’s  eland  {Taurotragus  oryx  patter sonianus),  0.4  eastern  white-bearded  wildebeest 
{Connochaetes  teurinus  albojubatus),  0.4  giraffe  {Giraffa  Camelopardalis  reticulate),  2.0  common 
shelducks  {Tadorna  tadorna),  l.i  blue  cranes  (Anthropoides paradisea),  4.0  vulturine  guineafowl 
{Acryllium  vulturinum),  5.0  helmeted  guineafowl  (Numida  meleagris)  and  3.4  eastern  white  pelicans 
(Pelecanus  onocrotalus) . All  hoofstock  species  are  on  the  savanna  for  approximately  22  hours  of 
the  day.  Using  an  audio  cue,  they  are  called  off  the  savanna  in  the  morning  into  the  bam  where  they 
are  housed  for  a two-hour  period.  While  in  the  bam  the  animals  receive  the  grain  portion  of  their 
diet  and  any  training  occurs  before  they  are  released  back  on  to  the  savanna. 

When  the  zebra  are  shifted  off  of  the  savanna,  they  are  usually  housed  in  a large  stall  together.  The 
group  at  Disney’s  Animal  Kingdom  Lodge  consists  of  four  females:  “Ziggy”  (10  years  old), 
“Wishbone”  (14  years  old),  “Yolanda”  (13  years  old)  and  “Mardi”  (3  years  old).  “Ziggy”,  “Wishbone” 
and  “Yolanda”  were  all  introduced  to  Disney’s  Animal  Kingdom  Lodge  in  2001,  therefore  all  had  a 
strong  bond  to  one  another  by  the  time  “Mardi”  was  introduced  to  the  group  in  June  2004.  “Mardi” 
oecame  the  least  dominant  zebra  in  the  group.  From  June  until  September  of  2004,  the  herd  showed 
some  aggression  towards  “Mardi”.  So,  at  the  time  that  training  had  started,  “Mardi”  was  being 
separated  from  the  rest  of  the  group  into  the  adjacent  stall  while  in  the  bam 

“Ziggy”,  “Wishbone”  and  “Yolanda’'  were  skittish  when  in  close  proximity  to  keepers  and  were  not 
familiar  with  a lot  of  shifting  into  other  stalls,  however  “Mardi”  was  very  calm  with  proximity  and 
shifting.  Since  “Mardi”  was  already  being  separated  out  and  was  more  docile  in  nature,  trainers 
decided  she  would  be  the  best  candidate  to  first  try  scale  training. 

Trials  and  Tribulations  in  Training  Zebra 

Zebra  by  nature  are  herd-oriented,  seem  untmsting,  and  are  nervous  being  in  smaller  spaces.  They 
are  also  very  aware  of  any  changes  to  their  environment.  They  seem  anxious  being  separated  from 
one  another,  especially  after  being  housed  together  for  many  years.  All  of  these  factors  are  exacth 
the  reasons  why  scale  training  zebra  can  prove  difficult. 

The  scale  is  approximately  four  inches  off  the  ground  with  a non-skid  wooden  platform  on  top  of 
weigh  bars.  The  scale  set-up  was  first  placed  in  their  release  hallway  from  the  bam.  The  release 
hallway  is  used  every  day  to  release  several  different  species  from  the  bam  onto  the  savanna.  It  is 
an  area  in  which  the  zebra  were  already  comfortable,  however  the  hallway  was  wide  enough  tnat  the 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  VoL  33  No.  11  473 


zebra  quickly  learned  that  they  could  step  around  the  scale  and  still  get  their  reward.  The  scale  was 
then  moved  into  a smaller  hallway  the  same  width  as  the  scale  (Figure  1),  however  it  was  an 
unfamiliar,  smaller  area  for  the  zebra. 


Figure  1.  Scale  set-up  in  hallway.  Door 
on  right  gives  access  to  scale. 


Training 

Scale  training  “Mardi”  first  began  on  20  December 
2004.  The  scale  was  placed  in  the  hallway  next  to 
“Mardi’s”  stall  (H5)  (Figure  3).  For  the  first  few 
months,  trainers  opened  the  H5  door,  standing  a few 
feet  away,  giving  “Mardi”  access  to  the  scale  with 
rewards  on  the  ground  next  to  the  scale.  The  first 
few  weeks,  “Mardi”  would  slowly  enter  into  the 
hallway  to  grab  the  food  reward  and  run  back  out 
into  her  stall.  Once  she  was  calm  with  the  scale  in 
the  hallway,  the  food  reward  was  placed  at  the  end 
of  the  scale  nearest  to  H5.  The  food  reward  was 
slowly  moved  toward  the  front  of  the  scale  over 
several  months.  The  wooden  platform  has  a hollow 
sound  to  it,  and  at  first  “Mardi”  would  put  her  two 
front  feet  on  the  scale,  hear  the  noise  and  run  off 
Soon,  she  was  walking  onto  the  scale  quickly  eating 
the  food  reward  and  backing  off  This  lasted  several 
more  months  untii  she  finally  stationed  onto  the  scale 
long  enough  that  her  first  weight  was  obtained  in 
May,  2005  (Figure  2 ). 


During  the  course  of  her  training, 
“Mardi”  was  becoming  more 
accepted  by  the  rest  of  the  zebra 
group.  “Ziggy”  began  protecting 
her  and  they  were  seen  on  many 
occasions  running  together  and 
grooming  each  other.  At  the 
beginning  of  May  2005,  trainers 
decided  to  let  “Mardi”  stay  with 
the  group  while  in  holding  (Y2). 
Before  releasing  from  the  bam, 
all  the  zebra  were  shifted  into 
H5,  over  the  scale,  into  Y3  and 
then  onto  the  savanna  (Figure  3). 
The  hope  was  that  since  “Mardi” 
was  already  habituated  to  the 
scale  that  the  other  zebra  would 
follow  her  over  the  scale.  The 
other  three  zebra  started  walking 
over  the  scale  at  the  end  of  May, 
2005. 


Figure  2.  “Mardi’-  stationing  on  scale  for  weight. 


The  shift  doors  were  opened  to  H5  and  “Mardi”  was  the  first  of  the  group  to  run  over  the  scale  into 


474  Animal  Keepers  'Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  11 


the  adjacent  holding  area  (Y3).  “Ziggy”,  “Yolanda”  and  “Wishbone”  would  approach  the  scale  but 
would  then  turn  around  to  avoid  crossing.  “Mardi”  would  then  cross  back  over  the  scale  to  the 
group  and  try  again  to  lead  them  over  the  scale.  She  did  this  five  times,  until  finally  “Ziggy”  and 
“Yolanda”  followed  her  across  the  scale.  “Wishbone”  took  the  longest  to  cross  and  for  the  first  few 
times  had  to  be  encouraged.  One  trainer  would  slowly  step  into  Y2,  while  the  other  trainer  waited 
at  the  H5  slider,  “Wishbone”  would  then  turn  and  shift  into  H5  where  the  other  trainer  could  close 
her  in.  Then  she  would  be  given  access  to  the  scale. 

After  a few  months,  the  three  older  zebra  were  crossing  the  scale  without  hesitation.  The  biggest 
challenge  was  separating  individuals  from  the  group  in  order  to  obtain  individual  weights.  Trainers 
began  training  the  other  three  females  with  “Mardi”,  with  the  scale  closed  into  the  hallway,  putting 
food  rewards  at  the  end  of  the  scale. 

Once  all  of  the  females  seemed  comfortable  stopping  at  the  scale  for  the  food  reward,  separation 
training  was  coupled  with  the  scale  training  for  “Ziggy”,  “Yolanda”  and  “Wishbone”.  Separation 
training  began  in  August  of  2005.  “Mardi”  usually  trained  first  and  was  separated  from  the  group 
into  the  adjacent  stall  (H5).  Once  she  stationed  on  the  scale,  she  was  shifted  over  the  scale  into  the 
next  holding  area  (Y3).  The  next  female  was  then  separated  into  H5  and  immediately  shifted  over 
the  scale  with  access  to  Y3  with  their  food  reward  (this  continued  with  the  rest  of  the  group).  Trainers 
wanted  the  zebra  to  be  calm  when  separating  from  one  another  before  expecting  the  other  three 
zebra  to  station  onto  the  scale. 

Once  the  zebra  were  calm  being  separated,  each  female  was  individually  closed  into  H5  with  the 
scale.  As  soon  as  “Yolanda”  was  given  access  to  the  scale  she  would  walk  right  onto  the  scale, 
station  for  a few  minutes  for  a weight  and  back  out  (her  first  weight  was  obtained  on  13  November 
2005).  She  would  immediately  be  given  access  to  Y3  and  moved  over  the  scale.  “Wishbone”  was 
completely  calm  in  the  hallway  but  after  several  months  she  would  only  put  three  feet  onto  the 
scale.  Trainers  began  giving  her  access  to  Y3,  but  put  the  food  reward  at  the  end  of  the  scale. 
“Wishbone”  would  then  station  onto  the  scale  for  several  minutes  before  going  into  Y3.  A weight 
was  able  to  be  obtained  on  “Wishbone”  using  this  method  (13  January  2006).  “Ziggy”  seemed  the 
most  suspicious  of  scale  training.  Several  different  methods  were  tried  to  get  her  to  station  onto  the 
scale.  After  many  months  of  trying,  “Ziggy”  finally  gained  enough  trust  to  station  onto  the  scale 
long  enough  for  trainers  to  obtain  a weight  (7  January  2006). 


Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol  33  No.  11  475 


Conclusion 

Currently,  the  entire  zebra  group  is  released  from  the  bam  by  passing  over  the  scale  separately  every 
day.  A few  days  a week,  a longer  training  session  is  done  in  order  to  maintain  their  tmst  and  the 
behavior  of  stationing  on  the  scale.  Weights  are  obtained  once  a month. 

All  of  the  0.4  zebra  now  have  current  standing  weights  and  for  the  first  time,  it  was  not  necessary  to 
obtain  weights  during  their  annual  exams.  The  training  was  challenging  and  took  over  a year  for 
results,  however  the  group  can  now  be  closely  monitored  for  any  changes  indicating  possible  health 
issues.  It  has  also  been  beneficial  for  separating  the  group  if  they  need  to  be  held  in  the  bam  for 
procedures,  or  to  receive  medication.  The  group  also  seems  to  be  much  calmer  while  in  the  bam 
and  with  keepers  in  close  proximity.  Although  this  project  took  a long  time,  approximations  were 
done  to  fit  into  the  current  husbandry  routine.  The  benefits  have  definitely  proven  to  outweigh  the 
costs. 

A ckn  o wledgem  en  ts 

Many  thanks  to  the  trainers  for  sticking  with  the  training  for  over  a year,  and  to  the  entire  Animal 
Programs  team  at  Disney’s  Animal  Kingdom  Lodge  for  their  patience  and  support  in  the  success  of 
this  project. 


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476  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  11 


EO  Editors  ~ Dawn  Neptune,  Utah  s Hogle  Zoo 
and  Rachel  Daneault,  Disney  s Animal  Kingdom 

Included  in  the  column  this  month  are  some  great  examples  of  graphic  text  used  to  help  the  visiting 
public  understand  more  about  captive  exotic  animals  and  the  importance  of  enrichment  to  stimulate 
and  improve  their  lives.  These  examples  were  submitted  by  the  the  late  Lee  Houts  when  she  was 
Chair  of  the  AAZK  Enrichment  Committee.  Lee  worked  at  the  Folsom  Zoo  in  Folsom,  CA  and  was 
a strong  force  in  encouraging  and  designing  enrichment  for  the  animals  at  that  facility.  These  graphics 
not  only  inform  zoo  visitors,  but  invite  them  to  become  involved  in  the  enrichment  program  by  donating 
items  to  be  used  in  various  enrichment  schemes.  Good  food  for  thought. 


Examples  of  Text  from  Enrichment  Graphics  at  Folsom  Zoo 

Social  Graces 

Birds  flock,  fish  school,  antelope  herd,  kangaroo  mob.  Animals  group  together  for  many  reasons. 
Being  social  offers  protection  from  predators,  shares  childrearing  chores  and  has  many  eyes  and 
ears  looking  for  food,  water,  shelter  and  danger.  Play  and  grooming  help  to  build  and  maintain 
social  bonds  within  the  group.  Even  non-social  species  may  benefit  from  “social  enrichment”. 

Zookeepers  do  many  things  to  meet  the  social  needs  of  our  animals. 

We  provide  same  species  companionship  whenever  possible.  This  is  especially  important  if  the 
animal  would  normally  be  a pack  or  troop  members.  When  that  is  not  possible,  zookeepers  can  act 
as  companions  and  playmates  or  augment  an  established  social  group.  When  zookeepers  do  provide 
social  enrichment,  we  are  careful  not  to  treat  zoo  animals  as  pets.  It  is  important  to  always  respect 
their  wildness. 

Training  sessions  address  mental  and  emotional  needs  as  trainers  and  animals  become  “partners”. 
Some  animals  can  be  taken  for  walks,  giving  them  physical  exercise  and  the  opportunity  to  explore. 
Grooming  animals  helps  skin  and  coat  condition  and  is  emotionally  rewarding.  Stuffed  animals  can 
be  primate  “friends”  to  cuddle  and  groom. 

If  you  would  like  to  contribute  to  our  social  enrichment  program,  we  always  appreciate  the 
donation  of  these  items: 

Grooming  brushes  and  combs 
Harnesses,  collars  and  leashes  for  “walks” 

Child-safe  stuffed  animals 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol  33  No.  11  477 


Working  for  a Living 

Wild  animals  have  a lot  of  work  to  do.  They  must  find  food,  water  and  shelter,  obtain  and  defend 

territories,  find  partners  and  reproduce,  and 
avoid  being  eaten  themselves.  They  are  busy 
all  day. 

In  zoos  people  provide  animals  with  their  food, 
water  and  shelter,  determine  and  secure  their 
“territories”,  choose  and  provide  their  partners 
and  protect  them  from  predators.  In  short,  zoo 
animals  have  lots  of  time  on  their  hands  with 
little  “work”  to  do.  This  can  lead  to  boredom 
and  frustration  which  can  cause  destructive 
behaviors. 

We  challenge  our  animals  with  an  opportunity 
to  work  for  a living  by  allowing  them  to  make 
their  own  nests,  dig  their  own  tunnels  and  work 
for  food. 

Treat  dispensers  slowly  release  bits  that  can  be 
found  by  animals.  Cats,  bears  and  raccoons  have 
been  offered  live  fish  to  catch.  Food  puzzles 
require  animals  to  problem  solve  and  work  to 
extract  food.  Scatter  feedings  or  hiding  food 
makes  animals  forage  and  slows  the  feeding 
process.  Natural  carnivore  feedings  (carcass 
feedings)  allow  carnivores  to  use  their  tongue, 
teeth,  claws  and  muscle  in  an  effort  to  satisfy 
hunger.  All  of  these  increase  the  amount  of  time 
spent  feeding,  thereby  decreasing  the  amount  of  time  with  nothing  to  do. 

Many  of  the  items  we  use  to  encourage  our  animals  to  “work”  for  a living  were  designed  and 
built  by  our  zoo  visitors.  If  you  would  like  to  help  keep  our  animals  busy,  ask  about  our 
Behavioral  Enrichment  Program  at  the  front  gate. 

Call  for  Submissions  for  Enrichment  Options  Column  - from  EO  Column  Editors 

Enrichment  Options  readers  - WE  NEED  YOU! ! We  are  looking  for  any  and  all  articles  that  discuss 
enrichment  processes  and  philosophies  as  well  as  device  articles.  We  are,  however,  looking  for 
device  articles  to  discuss  not  only  the  construction  of  the  device  but  also  the  goals,  behaviors  to  be 
encouraged,  process  of  documentation  and  findings  upon  evaluation.  We  also  want  to  know  about 
the  programs,  processes  and  philosophies  at  your  institution  and  how  they  work  for  you. 

But  here  comes  the  critical  piece  to  this  equation.  We  need  you,  our  readers,  because  you  are  our 
most  important  contributors.  We  need  you  to  submit  articles  for  publication  because  the  column 
simply  cannot  exist  without  you.  We  want  to  share  information  with  institutions  all  over  the  world, 
but  we  can’t  do  it  without  your  submissions.  We  want  to  hear  about  how  the  enrichment  process 
works  for  your  facility.  We  want  to  know  about  specific  enrichment  devices  that  are  working  for 
your  animals.  We  want  to  hear  your  creative  perspectives  on  all  things  enrichment! 

Submissions  may  be  sent  in  hard  copy  (also  include  a disk  or  CD)  to:  Enrichment  Options,  AAZK, 
Ine.,3601  SW  29th  St.,  Suite  133,  Topeka,  KS  66614-2054.  Or  you  may  submit  material  electronically 
to  akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com.  Please  send  photos,  graphs  or  charts  as  separate  jpg  or  tif  files. 
Make  sure  to  provide  captions  and  photo  credits.  Manuscripts  should  be  sent  in  MS  Word  format 
only.  Please  provide  your  contact  information,  including  email  and  daytime  phone  number. 


478  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  11 


REACTIONS 

A Question  and  Answer  Forum  for  the 
Zoo  Professional  on  Crisis  Management 

By  William  K.  Baker,  Jr,  Curator 
Panthera  Research,  Maumelle,  AR 


Question 

Do  you  have  any  safety  recommendations  for  maintenance  personnel? 

Comments 

Having  spent  most  of  my  career  on  the  animal  side  of  the  equation  in  zoological  institutions,  it’s 
often  easy  to  miss  out  on  just  what  an  important  role  maintenance  workers  can  play  in  our  facilities. 
I wouldn’t  necessarily  call  it  tunnel  vision,  it’s  simply  easy  to  get  caught  up  in  the  day-to-day 
activities  of  what  is  specific  to  the  area  that  you  are  responsible  for.  Still,  as  part  of  the  management 
team  you  have  to  see  the  bigger  picture  of  how  all  of  the  various  departments  of  a zoological  facility 
come  together  to  reach  common  goals. 

I have  always  visualized  the  role  of  maintenance  staff  as  something  of  an  unrecognized  and  under- 
appreciated  way  of  contributing.  Their  jobs  lack  the  flash  of  the  hands-on  animal  managers  and  the 
appeal  of  reaching  the  public  through  educational  programs.  Yet,  their  role  is  no  less  important.  In 
truth,  they  provide  an  incredibly  valuable  facet  of  the  team.  Without  their  support  it  would  be  difficult 
at  best  for  the  animal  staff  to  stay  focused  on  the  issues  of  direct  animal  husbandry  and  research. 

On  a day-to-day  basis,  maintenance  workers  face  the  challenges  of  working  in  construction  zones 
with  the  same  skilled  labor  and  trades  that  can  be  found  on  any  construction  work  site  in  the  building 
business.  In  many  cases  they  face  the  same  risks  that  the  animal  staff  does  by  working  in  proximity 
to  the  animals  while  conducting  renovations  and  repairs  to  existing  exhibits  and  holding  areas.  A 
lengthy  paper  could  easily  be  written  on  just  this  topic  alone  when  considering  the  sheer  volume  of 
work  that  they  are  required  to  do  in  a multitude  of  environments. 

Rather  than  attempting  to  pinpoint  each  potential  hazard  in  a maintenance  or  construction  environment 
(they’re  endless),  I prefer  in  this  instance  to  focus  on  the  real  life  hazards  that  I have  observed  over 
the  years.  Basically,  where  the  serious  problems  occur  that  could  have  been  prevented. 

Communication  has  to  be  the  most  important  factor  in  all  of  this.  Actually  it’s  ironic  how  often  this 
seems  to  play  into  crisis  management  and  zoological  safety.  The  failure  to  communicate  effectively 
can  easily  lead  to  an  accident  or  simply  a misconstrued  directive  on  where  or  how  something  is  to  be 
put  together  in  the  course  of  a project.  Or  in  a simpler  situation  for  example,  a trade  shows  up  to 
work  on  repairing  a holding  unit  cage  and  the  animal  still  has  access  to  it,  as  there  wasn’t  an  advance 
call  from  the  worker.  The  opportunity  for  injury  to  either  the  staff  or  animal  is  a clear  possibility  in 
this  instance. 

Another  example  of  this  would  be  a failure  for  animal  and  maintenance  staff  to  communicate  clearly, 
such  as  when  a renovation  is  occurring  and  there  is  a failure  to  completely  illustrate  the  type  and 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  VoL  33  No.  11  479 


strength  of  mesh  on  a holding  unit.  A few  weeks  later  an  animal  escaped  into  the  keeper  workspace 
of  a night  house.  It  turns  out  that  the  only  communication  that  maintenance  had  was  “we  need  new 
mesh  for  this  unit”,  unfortunately  the  grade  was  too  light  for  the  application  and  in  this  case  they 
were  lucky  it  was  only  a couple  of  scarlet  macaws,  not  something  truly  dangerous. 

Effective  communication  is  truly  an  art  form  and  only  gets  better  with  use  and  practice.  It’s  always 
better  to  start  with  the  basics  and  clearly  state  the  problem,  the  goals,  and  discuss  potential  solutions 
in  advance  of  the  actual  work  starting  on  a project.  Short  version,  everyone  needs  to  be  on  the  same 
page  when  it  comes  down  to  it.  There  are  no  good  excuses  when  communication  fails,  just  excuses. 

On  a more  daily  basis,  there  are  certain  things  to  watch  for  when  working  on  the  maintenance  and 
trade  end  of  the  zoological  spectrum: 

• Whenever  operating  any  type  of  landscaping  equipment  always  wear  proper  eyewear.  I 
can’t  count  how  many  times  I have  seen  people  with  eye  injuries  from  flying  debris  while 
using  either  a weed  eater  or  lawn  mower.  Also,  when  using  grinders  or  carpentry  equipment 
such  as  skill  saws  and  sanders,  it’s  really  worth  it  to  wear  safety  glasses  then  as  well.  I 
recommend  the  wrap-around  style  of  glasses  over  the  flimsy  plastic  goggles  with  the 
rubber  side-pieces.  Just  make  sure  that  the  glasses  are  of  sturdy  construction  and  have  a 
good  ANSI  rating  for  impact. 

• Dust  masks  are  invaluable  when  doing  carpentry  work.  It  seems  every  time  someone 
works  on  a carpentry  project  in  an  enclosed  space  they  inevitably  come  down  with  a head 
cold  shortly  thereafter.  This  results  not  only  in  a miserable  employee,  but  lost  time  in  the 
work  place  due  to  absenteeism.  Much  like  using  safety  glasses,  this  is  well  worth  any 
inconvenience  for  having  to  wear  them  in  the  first  place. 

• If  you  are  working  with  lumber  or  steel  then  gloves  are  a must.  I prefer  and  recommend 
the  old-style  leather  ranch  gloves  with  the  reinforced  palm  and  thumb  groove.  This  style 
works  great  for  not  only  maintenance  personnel,  but  animal  staff  as  well.  The  easy  trick 
for  remembering  to  keep  your  gloves  with  you  is  to  punch  a hole  just  inside  of  the  cuff 
line  and  hang  them  off  your  keys,  this  way  they  are  always  with  you  when  you  need  them. 

• Always  be  mindful  of  where  and  how  you  park  your  vehicle  in  a zoo  environment.  On  a 
construction  site  you  can  get  away  with  leaving  your  vehicle  most  anywhere  outside  the 
flow  of  traffic.  In  a zoological  setting  with  the  public  in  direct  proximity,  a parking  or 
brake  failure  can  cause  serious  problems  if  the  vehicle  starts  rolling  down  a hill  or  incline 
into  a crowd  of  people.  The  same  can  be  said  for  leaving  keys  in  a vehicle.  I can’t  even 
begin  to  count  how  many  times  I have  seen  visitors  hop  into  service  vehicles,  especially 
small  children. 

• One  of  the  problems  I have  noted  over  the  years  is  the  speed  that  vehicles  are  driven  in 
zoos.  Even  after  being  told  repeatedly  by  staff  members  to  slow  down,  some  people  just 
can’t  seem  to  follow  through  and  cut  their  speed.  Almost  every  zoo  I have  visited  over  the 
past  decade  seems  to  have  some  level  of  trouble  with  this  issue  and  struggles  to  address 
this  problem. 

• In  a staffing  shortfall  situation  many  facilities  utilize  community  service  or  temporary 
labor  to  supplement  their  workforce.  While  they  can  be  effective  in  certain  circumstances, 
they  will  need  to  be  closely  supervised,  as  they  are  truly  untrained  personnel. 


480  Animal  Keepers'  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  11 


Final  Comments 

In  closing,  there  are  two  things  that  really  make  a difference  in  how  maintenance  and  zoological 
personnel  get  along  in  the  work  environment.  First,  as  mentioned  earlier,  communication  is  the  key 
to  success.  Second,  simply  remembering  to  say  thank  you  for  a job  well  done.  It  may  sound  small, 
but  the  next  time  someone  comes  to  do  a repair  on  something  in  you  area,  take  the  time  to  say 
thanks,  it  goes  a long  way  towards  not  only  professional  courtesy,  but  building  bridges  in  the 
workplace  as  well. 

Next  Month:  I can't  help  noticing  that  crisis  incidents  in  zoos  seem  to  be  on  the  rise.  Is  this  the 
case  or  are  we  as  animal  caregivers  just  hearing  about  more  than  we  use  to?  Also,  with  what  we 
know  about  crisis  management,  why  do  these  incidents  keep  occurring? 

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.  Away  from  work  he  operates  Panthera  Research,  which  is  a research  and  consulting 
firm.) 


Reminder  on  Job  Listings 

A reminder  that  we  will  no  longer  be  publishing  job  listings  under  Opportunity  Knocks  in  Animal 
Keepers  ’Forum.  We  encourage  you  to  go  to  the  AAZK  website  to  see  the  most  current  postings 
for  keeper  positions  and  internships.  Visit  the  website  at  www.aazk.org  and  click  on  Job  Listings 
from  the  menu  bar  at  the  left  on  the  Home  Page.  Institutions  are  now  able  to  register  on  the  site 
and  post  their  own  positions  as  they  become  available.  This  will  hopefully  allow  for  a more 
immediate  and  up-to-date  listings  of  job  openings  for  you  to  consider  when  seeking  employment 
opportunities. 


Center  for  North  American  Herpetology  Announces  PDF  Library 

The  Center  for  North  American  Herpetology  is  pleased  to  announce  that  over  265  titles  from  numerous 
joumals/periodicals  are  now  available  as  gratis  downloads  from  the  CNAH  PDF  Library.  The  list  is 
searchable  by  author,  year  date,  journal,  and  subject.  Users  can  read  a title  using  Adobe  Acrobat 
Reader  or  download  it  for  printing  using  Adobe  Acrobat.  This  permits  herpetologists  to  download 
and  print  only  those  titles  of  specific  interest  to  them.  We  continue  to  encourage  authors  to  add  titles 
that  deal  with  the  North  American  (north  of  Mexico)  herpetofauna;  any  appropriate  titles  dealing 
with  higher  level  are  also  acceptable  regardless  of  geographic  coverage.  CNAH  continues  to  make 
available  this  academic  service  to  herpetologists  for  the  first  time  in  the  history  of  our  profession. 
Colleagues  who  have  already  posted  their  pdfs  on  the  CNAH  PDF  Library  are  encouraged  to  check 
their  entries  for  spelling  and  accessibility.  The  CNAH  PDF  Library  can  be  accessed  at  http:// 
www.cnah.org/cnah_pdfasp  For  more  information,  contact:  Joseph  T.  Collins,  CNAH  Director,  at 
jcollins@ku.edu 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol  33  No.  11  481 


Chapter 

News 

Notes 


Since  January  2006,  our  Chapter  has  steadily  grown 
in  number  adding  1 3 new  members,  reaching  a total 
of  101.  We  strive  to  provide  our  members  with 
educational  and  fun  activities.  We  continually 
support  keepers  traveling  to  conferences,  local 
conservation  organizations,  and  much  more. 

At  our  last  Kobey’s  Swap  Meet  fundraiser,  more 
than  $1,300  was  raised  for  our  Keeper  Fund.  This 
year’s  Bowling  for  Rhinos  event  was  one  of  the 
top  three  most  successful  ever  for  S.D.A.A.Z.K. 
with  a total  of  over  $10,000!  Since  January  2005, 
our  Chapter  has  donated  a grand  total  of  $16,155 
to  a myriad  of  conservation  projects  and 
organizations.  Some  of  those  recipients  include  the 
Red  Panda  Project,  the  California  Wolf  Center,  the 
Cat  Survival  Conservation  Group,  the  Grevy’s 
Zebra  Project,  Las  Pumas  Rescue  Shelter  in  Costa 
Rica,  and  AAZK,  Inc. 

Joining  forces  with  the  San  Diego  Zoo’s  Internal 
Conservation  Committee,  S.D.A.A.Z.K.  co-hosted 
the  first  local  conservation  fair  in  San  Diego  County. 
Twelve  booths  were  staffed  by  both  Zoo  and  outside 
conservation  organizations.  Zoo  guests  were 
invited  to  browse  around  the  tables  and  chat  with 
organizations  that  are  committed  to  helping  preserve 
San  Diego’s  habitat  and  endangered  species. 

In  July,  members  were  treated  by  a dual  keeper 
presentation  on  their  experiences  with  the  Grevy’s 
Zebra  Project,  sponsored  by  the  San  Diego  Zoo. 
They  spent  two  weeks  helping  the  project  at  the 
Lewa  Wildlife  Conservancy  in  Kenya  and  in  the 
Wamba  Preserve. 


In  September,  members  had  the  amazing 
opportunity  to  take  a photo  caravan  tour  at  the  San 
Diego  Zoo’s  Wild  Animal  Park  in  Escondido  for  an 
up-close  experience  with  free-roaming  animals  such 
as  rhinos  and  giraffes. 

Upcoming  events  include  an  evening  at  Joan 
Embery’s  with  a presentation  from  Dr.  Laurie 
Marker  of  the  Cheetah  Conservation  Fund.  Our 
annual  fundraiser  for  the  California  Wolf  Center  in 
Julian,  CA  will  take  place  a month  later  full  of  silent 
auction  prizes  and  free  food. 

So  much  to  do,  so  little  time! 


*SD  AAZK  Website:  www.sdaazk.org* 

Please  check  it  out  for  event  pictures,  articles,  and 

much  more.  , ^ ^ , 

—Matthew  Akel 


Fundraising  Chair  & Chapter  Liaison 


Detroit  AAZK  Chapter 

I would  like  to  first  start  off  this  update  with  a 
correction  to  the  domain  name  on  the  Internet  for 
our  Chapter.  The  domain  name  will  be  <http:// 
w,ww.aazkdetrQit.Qrg/>  . I made  an  error  in  last 
month’s  update.  The  process  is  slow,  but  if  you  go 
to  the  site  you  can  see  what  we  have  so  far. 

Congrats  to  Kris  and  The  National  Conference 
Team!!!!  We  sent  four  members  to  the  conference 
and  the  committee  did  a great  job  in  putting  up  with 
us!  Thank  you  for  a job  well  done.  As  part  of  the 
conference,  there  was  a talk  done  by  a keeper  in  St. 
Louis  that  inspired  a group  list  through  yahoo.  It  is 
a group  for  pregnancy  in  zoo  keeping,  before  and 
after.  There  was  a lot  of  discussion  about  the  topic 
and  it  inspired  one  of  our  members  to  start  the  web 
group.  Check  it  out  at:http://groups. yahoo. com/ 
group/momsinzookeeping/ 

Several  events  have  taken  place  this  year  and  even 
though  our  transition  from  public  zoo  to  private  has 
dampened  spirits,  we  had  great  turnouts  by 
members,  friends  and  families.  From  our  BFR 
Kickoff  party  at  Buffalo  Wild  Wings,  to  BFR  itself, 
to  Zoo  Boo,  and  our  White  Elephant  Party,  the  focus 
has  been  on  morale  and  not  so  much  fundraising. 
However,  we  have  managed  to  still  raise  money  for 
charities.  As  a matter  of  fact,  we  are  starting  a 
fundraiser  locally  that  we  hope  to  spread  nationally. 
We  will  have  information  to  follow  in  later  updates. 

Another  thing  that  we  have  been  trying  to  do  it  have 
speakers  come  in  and  talk  to  our  Chapter  about 
animal-related  topics.  So  far  we  have  had  talks  on 
mosquito  control,  our  zoo’s  efforts  in  local  bird 
conservation,  and  we  are  looking  forward  to  talks 
from  a local  animal  shelter,  and  a spokesperson  from 
Leader  Dogs  for  the  Blind,  The  talks  have  been 
educational  and  I have  gotten  a lot  of  positive 
feedback.  I would  love  to  hear  other  ideas  Chapters 
have  with  guest  speakers. 

Finally,  we  want  to  thank  our  Director  for  taking 
charge  and  getting  the  Detroit  Zoological  Institute 
to  become  an  Institutional  Member  of  AAZK,  Inc. 
I asked  for  a meeting  and  without  hesitation,  had 
the  check  out  in  the  mail.  It  is  nice  to  have  the  kind 
of  support  we  have  from  our  institution.  This  is  a 
relationship  that  our  Chapter  cherishes. 

—Kelly  Wilson  - Sr.  Keeper  Mammals 
President  - AAZK  Detroit  Chapter 


What’s  your  Chapter  been  up  to?  Let  us  know 
about  your  successful  fundraisers,  guest 
speakers,  conservation  projects,  new  officers, 
new  logos,  etc.  Do  you  have  a new  logo  you 
want  to  show  the  membership? 

We  want  to  hear  from  you! 

Send  your  Chapter  News  to  the  AKF  Editor  at: 
akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com 


482  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  11 


The  Ratite  TAG  Needs  You! 


The  Ratite  TAG  needs  you!  Interested  in  getting  directly  involved  with  a TAG?  Become  a Species 
Champion!  Ratites  comprise  ostrich,  emu,  greater  and  lesser  rheas,  cassowary  and  kiwi.  The  Ratite 
TAG  is  currently  looking  for  Species  Champions  for  the  greater 
rhea  and  for  emu. 

Emu  (Dromaius  novaehollandiae)  and  greater  rhea  {Rhea 
americana)  are  classed  as  DERP  species  in  the  Ratite  TAG. 

DERP  is  an  acronym  for  Display,  Education  and  Research 
Population.  They  are  AZA  programs  just  like  SSPs  (Species 
Survival  Plan)  and  PMPs  (Population  Management  Plan).  The 
advantages  for  DERP  species  are  that  no  studbook  is  required 
and  there  is  no  long-term  genetic  or  demographic  management 
of  the  species.  Animals  chosen  for  DERP  management  are 
held  for  display,  educational,  or  husbandry  research  purposes 
only. 

What’s  involved  in  being  a DERP  Species  Champion?  Ideally 
every  DERP  species  has  a Species  Champion  who  is  appointed 
to  monitor  annual  population  numbers  and  alert  the  TAG 
should  a significant  change  occur.  A Species  Champion  is  S 
defined  as  an  individual  affiliated  with  the  TAG  who  is  interest- 
ed in  the  species  and  agrees  to  assist  in  efforts  to  promote  viability  of  the  captive  population.  A 
Species  Champion  may  also  be  involved  in  conservation  work  regarding  the  species  although  this  is 
not  a requirement. 


Greater  Rhea 


The  role  of  the  emu  and  rhea  DERP  Species  Champion  is  an  important  position  m the  Ratite  TAG. 
The  person  filling  the  role  will  have  direct  input  into  the  Ratite  TAG’s  Regional  Collection  Plan  and 
overall  TAG  operation.  Duties  of  the  Species  Champion  for  emu  and  rhea  include  monitoring  the 
population  on  an  annual  basis,  being  the  ‘go-to’  person  for  those  institutions  seeking  information  on 

the  species,  maintaining  a current  bibliography  and 
submitting  an  annual  report  (e.g.  births,  deaths)  to 
the  TAG  Chair. 

All  Taxon  Advisory  Groups  (TAGs)  face  unique 
management  challenges  and  the  ratite  TAG  is  no 
exception.  Some  of  the  most  beloved  of  all  birds  are 
managed  by  this  TAG  including  ostrich,  emu  and 
rheas  and  visitors  have  come  to  expect  these  birds 
when  they  visit  a zoo.  These  are  significant  animals 
in  many  zoos  and  numbers  are  moderately  high  but 
did  you  realize  that  zoo  populations  for  each  species 
are  potentially  facing  problems  that  may  affect  their 
future  existence  in  zoos?  We  need  you  to  monitor  their 
status  in  zoos,  promote  their  cause  and  help  ensure  that  these  birds  are  around  for  future  generations 
of  zoo  goers. 

This  is  a great  opportunity  to  see  what  it’s  like  to  work  directly  with  a TAG  and  more  importantly,  it 
is  an  ideal  opportunity  to  help  out  two  birds  in  need  of  their  own  personal  champions. 

Please  send  your  letter  of  interest  to:  Sara  Hailager,  Ratite  TAG  Chair,  National  Zoological  Park, 
3001  Connecticut  Ave.  NW,  Washington  DC  20008;  email  at  hallagers@.si.edu,  phone:  (202)  633- 
3088. 


Animal  Keepers'  Forum,  VoL  33  No.  11  483 


Husbandry  and  Medical  Management  of  Over-groomed 
Meerkat  {Suricata  suricatta)  Kits 

By 

Christy  Webster,  Zookeeper,  Natural  Encounters 
Houston  Zoo,  Houston,  TX 

(Editor  s note:  This  paper  was  originally  scheduled  for  presentation  at  the  2005  AAZK  National 
Conference  in  New  Orleans  that  was  cancelled  due  to  Hurricane  Katrina.  We  are  pleasd  to  publish 
it  in  AKF) 

Abstract:  The  Natural  Encounters  and  Veterinary  staff  at  the  Houston  Zoo  was  presented  with  a 
unique  challenge  when  our  newly  acquired  meerkats,  Suricatta  suricatta,  were  discovered  to  be 
expecting  a litter  while  in  quarantine.  The  veterinary  staff  released  them  from  quarantine  early  but 
because  the  exhibit  was  not  yet  complete,  they  were  moved  into  a temporary  holding  space.  Issues 
that  presented  themselves  were  obsessive  over-grooming  of  the  kits  by  the  adults  that  led  to  medical 
complications  and  little  to  no  weight  gain  in  the  two  smallest  kits.  The  smaller  offspring  were 
supplementally  fed  and  all  the  kits  were  handled,  weighed,  and  treated  medically  on  a daily  basis  by 
using  a strategy  that  allowed  them  maximum  contact  with  the  colony  and  their  dam. 

Natural  History 

Meerkats  are  a species  of  mongoose;  their  native  habitat  is  the  savanna  and  grasslands  of  southwestern 
Angola,  Namibia,  Botswana  and  South  Africa.  They  are  carnivores  and  their  main  diet  in  the  wild 
consists  mostly  of  insects  and  bugs,  but  they  also  eat  scorpions,  snakes  and  a variety  of  other  small 
reptiles  and  mammals.  Meerkats  live  in  large  groups  called  mobs  and  each  individual  helps  the 
colony  by  doing  certain  jobs.  These  jobs  include  sentry  duty,  babysitter  of  kits  and  foraging.  They 
are  playful,  curious  animals  and  it  is  easy  to  spend  hours  watching  them  interact  and  play. 

Husbandry  guidelines  for  Suricatta  suricatta  states  that  these  animals  should  always  be  housed  as 
groups,  not  singly.  (Herpestid  Species  Husbandry  Manual).  That  would  mean  if  we  did  pull  the 
kit(s),  we  may  not  be  able  to  re-introduce  them  and  we  did  not  have  the  proper  set-up  at  our  facility 
to  house  two  separate  groups.  Also,  trying  to  hand-raise  social  species  of  animals  can  result  in 
individual  animals  bonding  with  individual  keepers  and  becoming  aggressive  towards  other  keepers. 

Introduction 

When  the  Veterinary  staff  at  the  Houston  Zoo  confirmed  that  one  of  the  newly  acquired  meerkats  in 
quarantine  was  pregnant,  they  decided  to  release  the  colony  to  the  Natural  Encounters  department 
five  days  early  so  that  they  could  be  moved  into  a larger  space.  Their  exhibit  was  not  complete,  so 
they  were  housed  indoors  in  a holding  area  very  unlike  their  previous  and  future  naturalistic  exhibits. 
Nest  boxes,  PVC  tubes,  and  other  similar  items  were  placed  in  this  temporary  holding  area  to  create 
as  many  burrows,  hiding  spots  and  nesting  choices  as  possible. 

One  of  the  first  decisions  made  was  to  reduce  the  amount  of  activity  around  their  enclosure,  only 
entering  the  area  when  necessary  for  husbandry  and  feeding.  A couple  of  weeks  after  they  were 
born,  we  observed  indications  of  over-grooming  on  the  kits,  producing  small  bald  spots  on  the 
backs  of  their  heads  and  around  their  ears.  These  started  out  as  very  minor  spots  with  keepers  and 
supervisors  monitoring  the  kits’  health  and  updating  vet  staff  daily.  This  group  of  meerkats  had  a 
history  of  over-grooming  at  their  previous  institution.  After  consultation  with  staff  from  the  meerkats’ 
previous  institution,  it  was  discovered  that  all  our  ideas  to  try  to  topically  treat  the  kits’  heads  to 
discourage  the  over-grooming  had  been  tried  previously  and  failed.  It  was  decided  to  concentrate 
our  efforts  on  providing  extra  enrichment  to  the  group  in  the  hopes  of  distracting  the  adults  and 
reducing  the  amount  of  time  they  spent  grooming  the  kits.  A larger  enclosure  space  became  available 
in  our  building;  this  space  was  twice  a large  as  the  enclosure  they  were  currently  housed  in,  so  the 


484  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  VoL  33  No.  11 


group  was  moved.  They  seemed  to  enjoy  the  larger  space  and  this  allowed  us  to  provide  even  more 
enrichment  items;  stumps,  a sand  tub,  paper  bags  and  large  PVC  tubes  to  play  in.  We  also  used  extra 
crickets  and  mealworms,  putting  them  in  plastic  bottles  for  the  meerkats  to  fish  them  out,  or  little 
cardboard  boxes  as  feeders. 

Even  with  all  the  extra  enrichment  and  reduction  of  activity  in  their  area,  the  over-grooming  continued. 
Then  we  noticed  a couple  of  the  kits  were  missing  earflaps.  At  three  and  a half  weeks  old,  one  kit 

was  found  to  have  a large 
erosion  on  the  back  of  his 
head,  partially  exposing  the 
skull  (Figure  1). 

Medical  Treatment 

As  the  over-grooming  became 
obsessive,  all  parties  involved 
discussed  the  idea  of 
temporarily  pulling  the  kits  or 
at  least  the  ones  with  the 
worse  wounds  from  the 
group.  Though  this  seemed 
the  best  way  to  stop  the  over- 
grooming, re-introductions  of 
meerkat  individuals  can  be 
stressful  and  not  always 
successful. “Animals  removed 
for  any  reason  may  have  to 
go  through  a reintroduction 
process.  This  is  particularly 
true  for  the  meerkats  for  whom  even  temporary  removal  of  an  individual  from  an  established  group 
may  result  in  permanent  rejection;  in  this  species,  whenever  possible,  medical  procedures  should  be 
administered  without  the  animal  being  removed.”  (Camio,  1997) 

Also  taken  into  consideration  was  the  fact  that  for  social  species  such  as  Suricatta  suricatta  even 
temporary  social  isolation  is  stressful  to  the  individual.  “Mongoose  suffer  from  stress  leading  to 
apathy  and  emaciation  if  isolated  for  prolonged  periods.  Also,  established  groups  of  many  species, 
particularly  meerkats,  do  not  tolerate  new  individuals  and  their  introduction  to  an  established  group 
often  results  in  the  stranger  being  injured.”  (Camio,  1997) 

With  all  this  information,  we  made  the  decision  to  do  all  we  could  to  not  completely  separate  the 
kits  from  the  group,  while  still  giving  the  kits  all  the  medical  care  they  needed. 

Since  the  two  smallest  kits  seemed  weaker  and  were  not  gaining  weight  as  well  as  their  siblings,  we 
started  supplementing  them  with  a Kitten  Replacement  Milk®  (KMR)  and  water  supplement  formula. 
We  discovered  that  the  kits  easily  ate  the  supplement  from  a syringe.  Since  the  kits  were  being 
checked  by  the  vet  staff  everyday  and  eventually  were  being  treated  with  antibiotics,  we  took 
advantage  of  this  time  and  did  one  of  their  feedings  at  the  same  time  as  the  vet  visit.  It  was  our  luck 
that  this  group  of  meerkats  had  been  trained  by  the  keepers  at  their  previous  institution  and  therefore 
the  meerkats  did  not  have  issues  with  us  going  into  their  enclosures  with  them.  We  were  able  to 
enter  the  holding  area  and  hand  grab  each  baby  and  bring  it  out  into  the  keeper  area  for  feedings, 
weighing,  and  later,  treatment.  We  weighed  the  babies  by  placing  them  into  a bowl  scale.  In  the 
beginning,  we  would  have  two  keepers  for  feeding,  one  to  hold  baby  and  one  to  feed.  We  used  a 
syringe  and  fed  the  babies  by  slowly  pushing  the  formula  through  the  syringe  as  we  held  it  near  their 
mouth.  We  never  force-fed  them,  instead  allowing  them  to  decide  when  they  were  done  eating. 


Figure  1:  Kit  at  31  days  old,  exposed  skull 
Photo  by  Ricardo  Pena,  Jr,  DVM 


Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  11  485 


When  they  stopped  taking  in  food,  we  would  give  them  a couple  more  opportunities  to  make  sure 
they  were  done  eating.  Separation  from  their  dam  lasted  no  more  than  five  minutes. 

Eventually  the  kits  were  too  big  to  hand  grab.  At  that  point  they  were  so  familiar  with  the  scale  that 
they  would  willingly  get  in  the  scale  and  we  were  able  to  keep  getting  weights  on  them  often.  At 
this  point,  we  started  rewarding  them  with  mealworms  or  crickets,  just  like  we  do  with  the  adults 
and  now  they  are  trained  to  get  into  the  scale.  While  we  were  still  supplementing  and  they  were  too 
big  to  hand  grab,  we  found  that  simply  showing  the  kit  the  syringe  or  a spoon  was  a cue  for  him  to 
come  eat.  Throughout  all  these  processes  we  did  have  to  keep  an  eye  on  the  adults  to  make  sure  we 
did  not  get  bitten  as  they  tried  to  protect  the  babies.  However,  most  of  the  time  they  were  very 
tolerant  and  this  may  have  something  to  do  with  the  fact  that  they  always  had  visual  contact  with  the 
babies  when  we  had  the  kits  out  of  holding. 

In  the  beginning,  we  supplemented  with  a ratio  of  1 : 1,  KMR:  warm  water  and  offered  l-3cc  of  the 
supplement  once  or  twice  a day  (Table  1).  When  the  kits  were  32  days  old,  we  increased  the  amount 
offered  at  each  feeding  to  4cc  and  started  offering  the  supplement  four  times  a day.  At  36  days  old, 
under  the  direction  of  our  Veterinary  staff,  we  changed  to  a ratio  of  1:1,  KMR:  A/D,  canned  feline 
food.  We  offered  4cc,  four  times  a day  of  the  KMR:  A/D  formula.  When  kits  were  66  days  old,  we 
decreased  feedings  from  four  times  a day  to  twice  a day,  but  offered  5cc.  At  72  days  old,  we  still  fed 
a couple  of  spoonfuls  of  straight  A/D,  about  5cc  once  to  twice  a day,  everyday  with  a spoon. 


Table  1:  Example  of  the  smallest  kit^s  (Aj 

jabu)  feeding  chart 

Age 

Ajabu 
Weight  in 
grams 

#Of 
Feedings 
per  day 

Formula  fed  and  amount 
offered 

26  days 

74 

1 

IccKMR 

28  days 

74g 

2 

1 -3cc  KMR:  water,  1 : 1 

32  days 

87 

3 

1 -4cc  KMR:  water,  1 : 1 

34  days 

89 

4 

4cc  KMR:  water,  1 : 1 

36-65  days 

93-275 

4 

4cc  KMR:  A/D,  1:1 

66  days 

275 

2 

5cc  KMR:  A/D,  1:1 

72-87  days 

326-476 

2 

5cc  A/D 

Unofficially  we  named  the  two  smallest  kits  Tiny  and  Miracle  Baby  and  later  gave  them  Swahili 
names,  Kadogo,  which  means  “tiny”,  for  Tiny,  and  Ajabu,  which  means  “amazing”,  for  Miracle 
Baby.  Besides  supplemental  feeding,  all  kits  were  given  antibiotics,  with  Kadogo  and  Ajabu  on 
antibiotics  for  several  rounds  due  to  the  extent  of  their  wounds.  Veterinary  staff  prescribed  a couple 
different  types  of  antibiotics  throughout  treatment.  Trimethoprim®,  Clavamox®,  and  Enrofloxacin®. 

Once  the  meerkat  exhibit  was  ready  for  the  group  to  move  in,  we  wanted  to  give  everyone  access  to 
the  exhibit,  including  mom.  However,  we  were  not  ready  to  let  the  kits  out  on  exhibit,  they  were 
only  30  days  old  and  we  were  currently  treating  them  daily  and  supplementing  two  of  them  several 
times  a day.  Their  dam  decided  she  wanted  to  move  them  out  on  exhibit.  We  wanted  to  make  sure 
all  the  babies  were  in  good  health  before  they  went  on  exhibit.  There  were  not  yet  any  burrows  for 
the  babies  to  use  as  shelter,  other  than  a couple  PVC  tubes  through  an  artificial  termite  mound. 
Therefore,  we  started  keeping  mom  and  another  individual  off-exhibit  during  the  day  with  the  kits 
in  a back  holding  area  right  next  to  a holding  area  that  the  rest  of  the  group  had  access  to  all  day. 
Though  they  could  not  see  each  other,  they  were  still  able  to  maintain  vocal  contact.  Every  evening 
all  the  meerkats  were  brought  off-exhibit  and  the  whole  group  was  reunited  in  the  largest  holding 
area.  We  hoped  that  by  only  having  two  adults  with  the  kits  during  the  day  it  would  reduce  the  over- 
grooming. However,  this  did  not  reduce  the  over-grooming  very  much.  The  next  strategy  we  tried 
was  to  only  keep  mom  and  kits  off-exhibit  during  the  day.  This  did  not  stop  the  over-grooming 
either,  because  once  the  group  was  reunited  every  evening  over-grooming  would  reoccur.  Still, 


486  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol  33  No.  11 


with  the  supplemental  feedings  Kadogo  and  Ajabu  were  flourishing,  and  all  the  kits  were  healing 
very  slowly  so  we  stuck  by  our  decision  not  to  pull  the  kits  from  the  group. 

Successes/Losses 

Though  given  the  best  care  possible  by  veterinary  and  zookeeper  staff  on  a daily  basis  we  did  incur 
one  loss.  At  eight  weeks  of  age,  the  smallest  kit,  Kadogo  became  lethargic  one  day  and  would  not 
eat.  He  also  seemed  disorientated  and  by  midday  was  having  balance  issues.  The  kit  had  some  pus 
and  what  appeared  to  be  a possible  abscess  under  the  left  ear.  The  veterinary  staff  drained  fluid 
from  his  ear  and  administered  antibiotics.  He  was  hospitalized  for  more  intensive  care.  Two  days 
after  he  started  showing  symptoms  Kadogo  died,  and  gross  necropsy  showed  that  he  had  an  inner 
ear  infection  as  well  as  a brain  abscess.  Most  likely,  the  infection  originated  in  his  ear  canal  due  to 
swelling  of  the  skin  around  the  ear  opening  and  poor  drainage.  The  infection  likely  ascended  up  the 
ear  canal  and  seeded  an  infection  in  the  brain. 

On  a positive  note,  to  date  the  three  surviving  kits  are  healthy  and  growing  up  fast.  Even  the 
individual  that  had  the  worse  head  wound,  Ajabu  is  doing  great.  His  head  healed  nicely,  the  exposed 
skull  has  covered  naturally,  his  body  replacing  the  tissue,  skin  and  fur  (Figure  2).  All  of  us  are 
amazed  at  how  well  he  healed;  he  is  quite  a fighter. 


Figure  2:  Kit  at  1 15  days  old,  completely  healed 
Photo  by  Christy  Webster 


Conclusion 

We  feel  that  all  in  all  this  was  a huge  success.  The  three  kits  are  doing  great.  I would  like  to  note 
that  the  first  litter  was  bom  4 Febmary  2005;  on  23  April  2005  we  had  a second  litter  of  five  meerkat 
kits,  and  on  6 July  2005  we  had  our  third  litter  of  four.  Typical  gestation  of  meerkats  is  about  77 
days  (Nowak;  Staaden)  and  our  breeding  female  Chafu  had  an  interbirth  interval  of  78  days  for  the 
second  litter  and  74  days  for  the  third.  These  new  litters  were  bom  on  exhibit  in  the  underground 
burrow  system,  emerging  above  ground  for  the  first  time  at  around  two  weeks  of  age  . 

A chart  (Table  2a)  comparing  the  weights  of  the  first  and  second  litters  at  8 and  12  weeks  of  age, 
shows  that  the  first  litter  was  on  average  lower  in  weight  than  the  second  litter,  which  had  no  medical 
issues  and  needed  no  supplementation.  It  also  shows  that  the  smaller  kit,  Ajabu  from  the  first  litter, 
had  gained  enough  weight  from  8 to  12  weeks  so  that  he  was  less  than  50g  below  our  largest  kit 
from  that  litter,  Imara  and  at  the  same  weight  as  another  one  of  his  siblings,  Rafiki.  The  second 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  11  487 


weight  chart  (Table  2b)  shows  that  by  1 14  days  old,  four  months,  Ajabu  had  maintained  and  increased 
in  weight  as  well  as  his  siblings  had.  In  fact,  Ajabu  had  surpassed  Rafiki’s  weight  by  then  and 
continues  to  outweigh  him  even  today. 


Table  2ai  Weight  chart  comparing  and  2”^  litters 

I 1“  Litter  (DOB  4 Feb  I 2*njtter(DOB  23  Apr.  2005) 

2CM)S)  weight  in  ^rams  weight  in  grams 


Age 

1.0 

Ajabu 

1.0 

Rafiki 

0.1 

Imara 

1.0 

Mdudu 

1.0 

Jahari 

0.1 

Makena 

0.1 

Wazzala 

0.1 

Kala 

8 wks 

217 

282 

316 

428 

400 

376 

430 

422 

12  wks 

475 

476 

517 

646 

578 

561 

629 

Table  2b:  Weight  chart  for  litter 


Age 

1,0  Ajabu 

1.0  Rafild 

0.1  Imara 

28  days 

74g 

lOOg 

103g 

42  days 

122g 

180g 

200g 

56  days 

2]7g 

282g 

316g 

70  days 

311g 

370g 

401g 

84  days 

415g 

476g 

517g 

1 14  days 

694g 

627g 

700g 

To  date  there  has  been  no  over-grooming  of  the  second  litter  of  kits  and  all  five  are  healthy  and 
thriving.  We  saw  only  minor  over-grooming  of  one  kit  from  the  third  litter.  The  three  kits  from  the 
first  litter  are  interacting  well  with  the  new  litters  and  have  been  observed  mirroring  the  adults  and 
helping  to  take  care  of  the  new  kits.  We  feel  that  we  have  shown  that  it  is  possible  to  successfully 
supplement  and  medicate  a litter  of  kits  without  pulling  and  isolating  them  from  the  colony  as  a 
whole. 

References 

Camio,  J.  1997.  AZA  Minimum  Husbandry  Guidelines  for  Mammals:  Viverrids  and  Mongooses. 

Nowak,  Ronald  M.  Walker’s  Mammals’  of  the  World.  Sixth  Edition.  Vol  1. 

Baltimore  and  London:  The  Johns  Hopkins  University  Press,  1999.  2 vols.  pp.  783-784, 

Staaden,  Moria  J.  van.  The  American  Society  of  Mammalogists  Mammalian  Species: 

Suricata  suricatta.  2 December  1994.  No.  483,  pp.  1-8. 

Acknowledgements 

Dr.  Lauren  Howard  DVM  for  all  her  help  with  this  paper,  especially  with  the  medical 
descriptions. 

Ricardo  Pena,  Jr.,  DVM  for  allowing  me  to  use  his  photos. 

Natural  Encounters  Supervisors  Peter  Riger,  Sara  Riger  and  Curator  Tinker  Boyd  for  their  help 
and  support  on  this  paper. 

My  meerkat  partner  and  co-worker,  Vicki  Vroble,  you  are  awesome. 

The  entire  Natural  Encounters  Team  for  helping  with  all  the  meerkat  chaos. 


488  Animal  Keepers  'Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  11 


How  Training  and  Understanding  Behavior  was  Used  to 
Medicate  and  Evaluate  a Terminally  111  Done  Langur 


By 

Anna  Halko-Angemi,  Keeper,  Rare  Animal  Conservation  Center 
Philadelphia  Zoo,  Philadelphia  PA 


We  all  handle  death  and  euthanasia  a little  bit  better  with  an  animal  that  is  old  and  well  represented. 
But  when  he  is  in  his  prime  with  a life  threatening  illness,  our  will  for  him  to  live  may  sometimes  be 
more  than  his.  This  was  the  case  for  me  during  my  experience  with  a terminally  ill  animal  in  my 
care.  My  task  ahead  was  to  make  a positive  situation  out  of  a negative  one  for  both  animals  and 
staff. 

In  1996^  the  Philadelphia  Zoo  acquired  a pair  of  Douc  langurs  (Pygathrix  nemaeus  nemaeus)  from 
the  San  Diego  Zoo  for  a behavioral  study  and  with  the  potential  and  hopes  for  reproduction.  This 
species  is  rare  and  exhibited  in  this  country  only  at  the  Philadelphia  Zoo.  Isabeau,  a three-year-old 
female  and  Cau  Tu,  a three-year-old  male  were  about  to  play  an  important  role  in  the  population  of 
their  species.  The  only  obstacles  in  their  path  would  be  from  themselves  and  their  unique  behavior. 
The  natural  behavioral  history  of  the  Douc  langur  is  one  of  dramatic  sensitivity  to  stress.  Stimuli 
that  may  seem  miniscule  or  enriching  to  others  can  be  perceived  as  a threat.  This  only  exemplifies 
how  untrusting  they  can  be.  By  maintaining  a strict  daily  routine  the  Doucs  did  well. 

For  management  purposes^  in  2000  a training  program  was  introduced  to  the  Doucs  using  the  skills 
of  operant  conditioning.  The  Doucs  were  surprisingly  quick  learners.  They  learned  to  “target” 
which  enabled  us  to  move  them  into  squeeze  cages  and  crates  for  easier  transportation.  Tactile 
commands  were  taught  to  allow  us  to  touch  different  body  parts.  This  became  a great  opportunity  to 
get  closer  than  ever  to  this  delicate  species.  Desensitizing  them  to  new  objects  and  new  people 
became  beneficial  for  both  staff  and  animals,  and  offered  them  a form  of  enrichment  that  had  been 
so  minimal  and  restricted  prior  to  this  time. 

In  May  of  2001,  Isabeau  gave  birth  to  a male  offspring  we  called  Qui  Tu.  This  brought  much  joy 
and  encouragement  for  the  success  and  future  of  the  species.  Training  continued  and  was  introduced 
to  the  new  baby,  and  helped  establish  a trust  that  would  be  critical  in  years  to  come. 

As  part  of  their  routine*  the  Doucs  were  weighed  daily  by  voluntarily  taking  turns  sitting  on  a scale. 
This  was  a good  indicator  of  the  health  and  status  quo  of  each  individual.  In  November  2002  we 
began  to  notice  a continual  gradual  decrease  in  Can’s  weight  (Figure  A).  This  was  our  initial  sign 
that  something  was  wrong. 

Daily  urine  collection  with  the  female  as  part  of  a hormonal  study  had  already  been  established. 
Through  occasional  collection  from  the  male*  we  detected  elevated  protein  values  and  concluded 
the  diagnosis  of  kidney  disease.  After  much  discussion*  the  veterinary  department  opted  to  start 
Cau  on  medication.  To  successfully  medicate  a finicky  animal  that  is  already  on  an  extremely  strict 
diet  and  housed  socially  seemed  to  be  nearly  impossible.  Separation  training  was  the  tool  that 
worked  best,  allowing  Cau  to  eat  independently  of  the  others,  at  his  own  pace  without  worry  that  the 
others  may  steal  a medicated  food  item.  This  also  gave  keepers  the  opportunity  to  re-medicate  if  he 
was  reluctant  to  take  it  on  the  first  try.  Over  time  we  began  to  see  a decrease  in  the  Doucs’  sensitivity 
and  elevated  levels  of  stress,  and  witnessed  a more  relaxed,  trusting,  and  very  cooperative  group  of 
animals.  Cau  willingly  separated  from  the  group  at  least  twice  a day  and  entered  his  holding  tunnel 
where  he  took  his  medicine,  and  received  a great  deal  of  attention  from  keepers.  Alarm  calling, 
pacing,  or  stress  stools  were  relatively  absent  from  him  and  the  others. 


Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol  33  No.  11  489 


PYGATHHIX  NEMAEUS  NEMAEU 


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490  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  11 


3682  3704  3726  3747  3763  3791  3813  3835  3856  3878  3900 

Age  (days) 


Once  realizing  his  condition  was  terminal,  we  felt  it  was  important  to  sustain  his  life  in  the  hopes  he 
would  produce  more  offspring.  He  continued  to  breed  the  female  and  exhibited  normal  behaviors 
of  a dominant  Douc  langur.  He  was  an  important  member  of  the  social  group  and  therefore  played 
an  vital  role  in  the  well-being  of  his  mate  and  young  son. 

As  his  health  continued  to  decline,  we  took 
additional  steps  to  maximize  his  health  and 
evaluate  his  quality  of  life.  Meetings  were  held 
with  keepers,  vet  staff,  curators,  our 
pathologist,  and  our  nutritionist  to  discuss  his 
behavior  pre-  versus  post-sickness.  Apart  from 
clinical  data,  monitoring  his  natural  behavior 
allowed  us  to  set  criteria  for  evaluating  his 
quality  of  life.  The  tunnel  training  remained  a 
valuable  tool  for  us  during  periods  of  his 
decline.  He  accepted  hand  injections  in  the 
tunnel  for  safer  anesthetizing  when  he  needed 
to  be  treated  by  veterinarians  or  for  procedures 
such  as  a kidney  biopsy.  Despite  this  negative 
experience,  he  would  immediately  return  to  the 
tunnel  for  his  next  treatment,  proving  his  high 
level  of  trust  and  comfort  with  the  keeper  staff. 

Time  passed  and  his  conditioned  worsened;  yet 
every  morning  he  appeared  eager  to  train  and 
work  with  us  without  hesitation.  I realized  that 
this  proved  more  that  he  was  loyal  and  driven 
by  habit,  and  still  willing  to  sustain  life.  The 
clinical  signs  of  his  illness  became  more  obvious,  and  through  continuous  urine  collection  it  was 
apparent  his  condition  no  longer  allowed  him  to  produce  sperm,  despite  his  continuous  attempts  to 
pass  on  his  genes. 

I was  asked  at  one  of  our  regularly  scheduled  meetings  if  Cau  was  continuing  to  meet  the  criteria  set 
at  the  beginning  of  his  health  crisis.  The  behavioral  check  marks  were  descending.  Display  and 
threat  postures  toward  the  young  male  became  less  frequent  proving  his  decreased  energy  and 
declining  health.  When  he  didn't  breed  with  the  female  for  the  first  time  during  her  estms,  I knew 
he  had  reached  a point  where  his  illness  truly  affected  him.  The  time  had  come  to  make  a decision 
I thought  would  never  become  a reality  for  the  strong,  lively  animal  I used  to  know. 

On  April  26,  2004,  Cau  entered  his  tunnel  for  the  last  time,  still  willingly,  and  received  his  last 
training  session. 

I am  sure  a lot  of  us  have  a similar  story,  a similar  experience,  and  a similar  friend  like  Cau.  As  I 
look  back  upon  this  experience,  I like  to  think  we  at  the  Philadelphia  Zoo  did  what  was  necessary 
for  the  well-being  of  not  only  an  individual  and  a group,  but  for  the  Zoo  staff  as  well.  The  training 
and  time  spent  with  an  animal  gives  us  the  opportunity  to  know  them  as  an  individual  and  make 
important  decisions  based  on  what  we  learn.  The  education  and  knowledge  we  acquired  is 
unparalleled  and  can  only  be  used  as  a positive  experience  for  us  for  the  future. 

Isabeau  and  Qui  Tu  continue  to  do  well.  Further  training  remains  a part  of  their  daily  routine  and  is 
an  excellent  indicator  of  their  health  and  a successful  part  of  their  management. 


Douc  Langur  “Cau  Tu” 

{Photo  courtesy  of  The  Philadelphia  Zoo) 


Animal  Keepers'  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  11  491 


Upd^atey 


What  Do  We  Lose  If  We  Lose  The  Frogs? 

By  Jeffrey  R Bonner  - St.  Louis  Post-Dispatch 
14  August  2006 

Reprinted  with  permission  from  the  author 

Kings  Play  Chess  on  Fancy  Glass  Stools 

Anyone  know  that  sentence?  It’s  a mnemonic  device,  a shorthand  way  of  remembering  the  categories 
scientists  use  to  classify  all  life  on  Earth.  The  first  letters  of  each  word  are  the  keys: 

KINGDOM,  PHYLUM,  CLASS,  ORDER,  FAMILY,  GENUS  and  SPECIES 

Now,  if  I said  that  half  of  an  entire  kingdom  was  going  to  become  extinct  in  the  next  five  years  — 
say,  the  Animal  Kingdom  — there  would  be  widespread  global  panic.  Little  wonder,  as  it  would  be 
the  end  of  life  on  this  planet  as  we  know  it. 

On  the  other  hand,  if  I told  you  that  we  just  lost  another  species,  you  might  shrug  your  shoulders. 
You  might  figure  that  losing  a single  species  is  a little  like  popping  a rivet  on  an  airplane.  Planes 
have  oodles  of  rivets.  You  wouldn’t  want  to  lose  too  many,  and  you  wouldn’t  want  lose  an  important 
one  — like  the  last  rivet  holding  the  wing  on.  But  losing  an  occasional  rivet  isn’t  exactly  catastrophic. 

Where  we  have  problems  is  toward  the  middle  of  our  categories.  For  example,  what  if  we  only  lose 
half  a “Class”  of  animals?  A Class  isn’t  as  broadly  encompassing  as  a Kingdom  or  a Phylum,  but  it 
takes  in  a lot  more  than  a species  or  a Genus.  Is  losing  half  a Class  a catastrophe,  or  is  it  just  another 
popped  rivet? 

Well,  we’re  about  to  find  out.  In  the  next  five  to  ten  years,  about  half  of  the  different  kinds  of 
animals  that  make  up  the  Class  known  as  amphibians  probably  will  become  extinct. 

There  are  about  6,000  known  species  in  the  class  of  amphibians:  frogs,  toads  and  salamanders  take 
in  most  of  them.  As  I write  this,  32  percent  of  those  6,000  are  threatened,  and  another  23  percent  are 
believed  to  be  threatened.  (We  don’t  have  quite  enough  data  to  make  the  call  with  absolute  certainty.) 

Amphibians  face  many  of  the  same  problems  that  other  threatened  species  face:  habitat  loss,  climate 
change,  pollution  and  so  on.  But  they  also  face  a unique  challenge.  There  is  a fungus,  which  was 
born  in  Africa,  that  is  sweeping  our  planet.  It’s  called  the  chytrid  fungus,  and  wherever  it  arrives,  it 
kills  about  80%  of  the  amphibians  in  the  area  within  a year.  It  is  lethal  only  at  certain  altitudes,  so 
it  won’t  destroy  all  of  the  world’s  amphibians,  but  more  than  half  is  a pretty  conservative  estimate. 

Scientists  working  with  the  St.  Louis  Zoo  just  confirmed  that  it’s  here  in  Missouri.  The  fungus 
cannot.be  stopped  in  the  wild.  Our  only  hope  is  to  get  to  the  amphibians  before  the  fungus  arrives 
and  bring  them  into  zoos  and  aquariums  for  breeding  and  safe-keeping.  The  hope  is  that  the  fungus 
subsequently  will  run  its  course,  after  which  the  animals  can  be  released  again.  Call  it  “protective 
custody.” 

We  do  not  know  what  the  assault  of  the  chytrid  fungus  means  for  the  web  of  life  that  sustains  us. 
Frogs  and  their  kin  are  both  predators  and  prey.  They  are  critically  important  in  sustaining  the 
delicate  balance  of  nature.  But  are  they  just  another  rivet  or  do  they  keep  the  wings  on  the  plane? 


492  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  11 


The  skin  of  amphibians  is  more  permeable  than  ours  — things  pass  through  it  fairly  easily  — so 
they  have  developed  some  unique  biological  strategies  to  protect  themselves.  For  example,  their 
skin  produces  a wide  variety  of  substances  that  kill  microbes  and  viruses. 

Last  year  14  of  these  substances,  taken  from  just  a handful  of  different  frog  species,  were  tested  in 
a lab;  three  of  the  14  showed  a remarkable  capacity  to  completely  inhibit  HIV  infection.  I was 
surprised  that  a discovery  that  shows  such  promise  for  inhibiting  the  mucosal  transmission  of  AIDS 
didn't  make  the  news,  but  maybe  I shouldn’t  be:  The  fact  that  we’re  going  to  have  some  very  silent 
nights  on  this  planet  in  just  a few  short  years  hasn’t  attracted  much  attention,  either. 

Contemplating  the  silence  that  will  replace  the  thunderous  evening  chorus  of  amphibians’  calls  is 
bad  enough.  Even  worse  is  that  with  the  loss  of  those  species,  we  will  lose  so  many  cures  for  so 
many  things.  And  it  is  worse  still  to  imagine  what  losing  half  of  the  world’s  species  of  amphibians 
may  mean  as  we  struggle  to  keep  our  living  airplane  from  disintegrating. 

When  I studied  biology  in  high  school,  I had  a delightful  mental  image  of  those  Kings  Playing 
Chess  while  sitting  On  those  Fancy  Glass  Stools.  Now  it  turns  out  that  we  are  very  much  like  those 
kings:  idling  away  our  time  when  we  should  be  responding  to  a horrible  threat  to  our  Kingdom. 

It  is  not  too  late  to  save  many  — perhaps  most,  maybe  even  all  ~ of  the  amphibians.  They  are 
comparatively  easy  to  find  and  keep  healthy  in  zoos  and  aquariums  until  it’s  safe  to  release  them 
back  into  the  wild. 

The  Saint  Louis  Zoo,  for  example,  has  returned  thousands  of  Puerto  Rican  Crested  Toad  {Peltophryne 
lemur)  tadpoles  to  the  pools  of  their  homeland.  We  also  are  working  in  Ecuador  to  create  a survival 
center  in  Quito,  and  we  have  teamed  up  with  other  zoos  to  create  a survival  center  in  rural  Georgia 
for  amphibians  of  North  America. 

And  right  here,  at  one  of  the  centers  of  the  zoo’s  WildCare  Institute,  we  are  working  to  save  Missouri’s 
rapidly  declining  population  of  Hellbenders  {Cryptobranchus  alleganiensis). 

In  this  struggle,  time  is  short,  and  we  need  your  awareness  and  support.  Call  us  at  the  St.  Louis  Zoo, 
and  we’ll  tell  you  how  you  can  help. 

Jeffrey  P.  Bonner,  President 
Saint  Louis  Zoo 

One  Government  Drive,  St.  Louis,  MO  63110 

(314)78D0900x221 

TolLfree:  (800)  966^8877 

‘^Taiping  Four”  Gorillas  to  Return  to  Cameroon 

In  early  September  South  Africa’s  National  Zoo  announced  that  four  gorillas  in  its  care  would  be 
returned  to  Cameroon,  ending  a long  running  dispute  that  had  captured  the  attention  of  animal 
welfare  activists.  The  final  decision  to  send  the  apes  to  Cameroon  was  made  by  the  government  of 
Malaysia  under  a complex  diplomatic  arrangement  which  gave  it  ultimate  authority  over  the  animals, 

“The  National  Zoological  Gardens  of  South  Africa  was  recently  informed  by  the  Government  of 
Malaysia  of  its  decision  to  relocate  the  four  infant  gorillas  ...  to  the  Limbe  Animal  Orphanage  in  the 
Cameroon,”  the  zoo  said. 

Cameroon  had  repeatedly  called  on  South  Africa  to  return  the  animals  dubbed  the  “Taiping  Four”, 
named  after  the  Malaysian  zoo  where  they  appeared  after  being  smuggled  out  of  Cameroon  via 
Nigeria.  Amid  the  outcry,  Malaysia  agreed  to  send  the  lowland  gorillas  back  to  their  home  continent 
but  not  their  homeland.  They  arrived  in  South  Africa  in  2004. 


Animal  Keepers  * Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  11  493 


It  was  not  clear  why  the  Malaysian  government  switched  tack,  and  finally  decided  to  send  the  apes 
back  to  Cameroon  where  their  numbers  are  dwindling  in  the  wild.  Animal  welfare  groups  had  been 
pushing  to  have  the  primates  returned  home. 

“Malaysia,  as  the  confiscating  authority,  has  the  jurisidction  in  this  regard.  They  had  initially  okayed 
South  Africa  and  I have  no  idea  why  they  changed  their  mind,”  Willie  Labuschagne,  the  executive 
director  of  South  Africa’s  National  Zoo,  told  press  representatives.  Source:  Excerpted  from  a Reuter’s 
Report  9-4-06  - Ed  Stoddard) 

Zoo  Atlanta’s  Lun  Lun  Gives  Birth 

Lun  Lun,  a nine-year-old  rare  giant  panda  (Ailuropoda  melanoleuca),  gave  birth  in  early  September 
after  several  years  of  trying.  This  birth  represents  ony  a handfull  of  births  that  have  occurred  in 
western  zoos.  The  baby  makes  only  the  fifth  giant  panda  to  be  bom  in  a U.S.  zoo  in  the  last  six 
years.  Only  about  75  births  have  ever  been  recorded. 

Officials  at  Zoo  Atlanta  had  tried  to  get  Lun  Lun  and  Yang  Yang  to  mate  back  in  March  or  2005,  but 
they  were  unsuccessful  and  Lun  Lun  was  then  artificially  inseminated.  The  zoo  had  tried  to  impregnate 
Lun  Lun  for  seven  years.  According  to  Associated  Press  reports,  Lun  Lun  delivered  her  first  cub 
just  before  5 p.m.  on  6 September.  While  50%t  of  panda  births  result  in  twin  cubs,  this  birth  was  a 
singleton  estimated  to  weigh  just  four  ounces.  A Keeper  Panda  Watch  had  ensued  until  it  was 
determined  that  no  twin  would  follow  the  initial  cub. 

On  25  September,  Zoo  Atlanta 
veterinary  staff  were  able  to  confirm 
that  the  cub  is  a female,  weighing 
approximately  1 .4  lbs  and  was  a little 
over  one  foot  long.  The  cub  is  healthy 
and  is  of  average  size  for  the  species. 

Zoo  spokeswoman  Susan  Elliott  said 
zoo  officials  continue  to  be  pleased 
with  how  Lun  Lun,  a first-time 
mother,  is  caring  for  her  newborn  cub. 

Around-the-clock  monitoring  has 
shown  Lun  Lun  nursing  the  cub  and 
holding  it  protectively.  Wild  animals, 
particularly  first-time  mothers, 
sometimes  will  reject  their  newborns, 

Elliott  said. 

photo  by  Adam  Thompson 

The  mother  and  cub  are  not  cun'ently  on  display  at  the  zoo,  but  visitors  to  the  zoo  and  its  web  site 
can  watch  them  on  a newly  installed  “panda  cam,”  Elliott  said.  Father  Yang  Yang,  who  is  currently 
on  exhibit,  is  separated  from  Lun  Lun  and  the  cub  and  will  not  be  introduced  to  the  cub.  This 
separation  is  normal  in  the  wild.  The  cub  will  be  introduced  to  Zoo  Members  and  guests  in  late  2006 
or  early  2007.  Until  then,  images  of  the  cub  will  be  available  on  monitors  at  Zoo  Atlanta  and  on  Zoo 
Atlanta’s  Panda  Cam  (located  on  zooatlanta.org). 

“This  birth  is  a remarkable  achievement  for  Zoo  Atlanta  and  our  partners  around  the  world  who 
supported  these  efforts,”  said  Dennis  Kelly,  Zoo  Atlanta  President  and  CEO.  “I  am  particularly 
proud  of  both  our  veterinary  and  animal  management  staff” 

Only  an  estimated  1,600  to  3,000  giant  pandas  remain  in  the  wild  today,  with  approximately  200 
additional  individuals  living  in  captivity.  Sources:  Associated  Press  and  The  Post-Chronicle  9-7-06  and 
Zoo  Atlanta  Press  Releases 


494  Animal  Keepers'  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  11 


Experts  Warn  Tigers  Face  Extinction 

The  tiger  population  of  India  will  vanish  within  a handful  of  years,  and  governments  in  India  and 
China  have  not  done  enough  to  stem  the  rapid  decline,  environmentalists  say.  Markets  for  tiger  skins 
and  other  pelts  are  flourishing  in  Chinese-controlled  Tibet  a year  after  they  were  first  exposed,  said 
representatives  of  two  environmental  agencies  that  secretly  filmed  the  trade  there.  Pictures  taken  in 
Tibet  and  shown  at  a news  conference  featured  dozens  of  tiger  and  leopard  skins  openly  on  sale,  while 
in  others,  Chinese  police  officers  laugh  and  pose  with  people  wearing  illegal  costumes  made  of  tiger 
skins. 

The  groups  - the  Wildlife  Protection  Society  of  India  and  the  international  Environmental  Investigation 
Agency,  a nonprofit  British-based  group  - laid  the  blame  at  the  hands  of  the  Indian  and  Chinese 
governments  for  failing  to  stop  the  trade.  “In  China  the  police  have  decided  to  turn  a blind  eye  to  the 
slaughter  of  tigers  in  India,"  said  Belinda  Wright,  the  director  of  the  Wildlife  Protection  Society  of 
India.  India,  meanwhile,  has  not  put  together  an  effective  force  to  combat  poaching  after  12  years  of 
talking  about  doing  so. 

In  a related  story  from  Geneva,  delegates  attending  the  Convention  on  International  Trade  in  Endangered 
Species  (CITES)  Standing  Committee  in  early  October  failed  to  take  the  maximum  measures  available 
to  them  to  save  the  wild  tiger. 

The  Environmental  Investigation  Agency  (EIA)  declared  the  meeting  a squandered  opportunity  to 
raise  the  bar  on  enforcement  against  the  ongoing  illegal  trade  in  tiger  skins  that  is  decimating  Asia’s 
wild  tiger  population.  At  the  meeting,  overwhelming  evidence  obtained  by  EIA  and  the  Wildlife 
Protection  Society  of  India  was  provided  to  all  delegates,  revealing  the  continuing,  thriving  illegal 
trade  in  tiger  skins  from  India  to  China.  Despite  this,  the  Committee  barely  took  any  action  to  protect 
the  tiger,  the  most  critically  endangered  species  on  the  agenda. 

The  CITES  Secretariat  made  a recommendation  to  convene  a high  level  enforcement  meeting  with  all 
the  tiger  range  States.  Additionally,  the  U.S.  government  made  a recommendation  to  develop 
parameters  to  measure  progress  in  the  battle  to  stop  the  trade.  Neither  was  endorsed.  Instead,  the 
Committee  decided  to  postpone  discussions  until  the  full  CITES  body  meets  in  June  2007.  Only  on 
the  last  day,  did  the  tiger  receive  a limited  reprieve  with  a last  minute  agreement  to  dispatch  an-UN-led 
technical  mission  to  China  to  verify  the  effectiveness  of  their  enforcement  measures.  Souces:  EIA 
website  (www.eia-intemational.org)  and  www.thestar.com 


Thai  Coup  Delays  Indonesia  Orangutan  Return 

A bloodless  military  coup  in  Thailand  in  September  spoiled  a plan  to  bring  46  orangutans  home  to 
their  native  Indonesia.  The  smuggled  primates,  many  of  them  forced  to  stage  mock  kick-boxing 
bouts  at  Bangkok's  Safari  World  theme  park,  had  been  expected  to  arrive  on  at  a Jakarta  airforce  base 
where  they  would  have  been  greeted  by  the  wife  of  Indonesian  President  Susilo  Bambang  Yudhoyono. 

That  plan  became  impossible  when  the  Thai  military  took  power  and  dismissed  the  government  that 
had  worked  with  Indonesia  in  the  orangutan  repatriation,  said  Adi  Susmiyanto,  director  for  conservation 
and  biodiversity  at  Indonesia's  forestry  ministry. 

"Indonesia  has  lost  a contact  person  on  this  orangutan  matter.  We  are  finding  difficulties  now  in 
looking  for  the  party  that  has  the  authority  to  make  decisions  on  continuing  this  plan  to  send  home  the 
orangutans,"  he  told  reporters. 

Indonesia  has  tried  to  bring  home  these  orangutans  from  Thailand  since  2003.  After  a Thai  police  bust 
in  2004,  Safari  World's  owners  said  their  115  orangutans  were  the  result  of  a successful  domestic 
breeding  program.  However,  DNA  tests  proved  many  of  the  apes  had  been  taken  from  Indonesia, 
setting  the  wheels  in  motion  for  their  eventual  departure  from  Thailand,  a hub  of  the  international 
illegal  wildlife  trade.  The  original  plan  was  to  send  home  53  Thai-rescued  orangutans  but  seven  of 
them  had  hepatitis,  preventing  entry  to  Indonesia.  Fewer  than  30,000  orangutan  are  thought  to  be  left 
in  the  jungles  of  Malaysia  and  Indonesia  and  environmentalists  say  the  species  could  become  extinct 
in  20  years  if  the  current  rate  of  decline  continues.  Source:  YahooNews.com  9-21-06 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  11  495 


Advances  in  Animal  Keeping  in  Zoos  and  Aquariums 

A Report  from  a Course  Participant 

By  Bethany  Ricci,  Senior  Keeper 
Utica  Zoo,  Utica,  NY 


The  Association  of  Zoos  and  Aquariums,  in  cooperation  with  the  American  Association  of  Zoo 
Keepers,  Inc.,  administers  the  Advances  in  Animal  Keeping  in  Zoos  and  Aquariums  course.  I was 
able  to  attend  this  course  as  a result  of  a grant  I received  from  the  American  Association  of  Zoo 
Keepers,  Inc.  This  course  also  serves  as  an  elective  in  my  graduate  degree  program  at  George 
Mason  University.  I have  served  as  an  animal  keeper  for  the  last  eight  years,  and  in  that  time,  I have 
come  across  a number  of  situations  that  tested  my  skills.  I had  initially  hoped  that  this  course  would 
better  prepare  me  for  the  day-to-day  activities  I perform  as  a Senior  Keeper,  as  well  as  give  me 
additional  resources  to  do  my  job  better.  Ultimately,  this  course  exceeded  my  expectations,  providing 
me  with  valuable  resources  AND  networking  opportunities. 


This  course  was  scheduled  over  a seven-day  period  with  lectures,  group  work  and  presentations 
each  day  for  up  to  12  hours.  Each  day  of  the  course,  the  students  were  exposed  to  differing  teaching 
styles,  as  well  as,  varying  subject  matters. 


On  our  first  night,  the  students  were  introduced  to 
the  instructors  and  given  their  biographical 
information.  This  served  to  give  us  an  idea  of  the 
areas  of  expertise  that  each  instructor  could  bring  to 
the  table;  therefore,  allowing  us  to  utilize  that 
expertise  throughout  the  course,  to  aid  us  in  our 
projects  and  improve  the  learning  environment.  We 
were  also  assigned  an  animal,  which  we  later  found 
out,  served  as  our  team  mascot.  I was  paired  with 
three  other  students,  Jennifer  Blackburn,  Joanna 
Bojarski  and  Jessie  Weeks.  We  were  deemed  The 
Peacocks.  Each  of  the  team  members  brought  a 
diverse  background  to  the  group  and  our  personalities 
immediately  complimented  one  another. 


Team  members  Jennifer  Blackburn  and  Joanna 
Bojarski  check  out  some  man-made  vines  at 
Omaha’s  Henry  Doorly  Zoo. 


On  the  first  full  day  of  instruction,  our  group  was 
tasked  with  picking  three  out  of  four  animal  care 
“problems”  that  we  would  work  through  as  a group 
to  solve.  Some  of  these  problems  were  vague  so 
we  were  responsible  for  making  the  situation 
relevant  to  a fictional  animal  collection  contained  in  THE  REALLY  WILD  ZOO  & AQUARIUM. 
We  needed  to  find  suitable  solutions  that  would  be  appropriate  for  both  the  staff  and  the  animals. 
We  soon  realized  that  we  would  need  to  utilize  the  lessons  from  each  day  to  strengthen  any  knowledge 
that  we  each  brought  to  the  group  as  professionals.  Upon  our  first  group  meeting,  we  quickly 
discovered  that  we  all  had  a number  of  things  in  common  and  that  we  would  not  have  any  difficulty 
working  together.  We  also  promptly  took  on  roles  that  we  would  carry  out  throughout  the  exercise. 
Jessie  served  as  our  timekeeper,  Joanna  served  as  our  facilitator,  Jennifer  took  the  role  of  artist  and 
I was  the  faithful  scribe.  Each  of  us  was  equally  suited  to  our  roles  and  we  worked  as  a very 
cohesive  team.  We  then  decided  to  determine  rules  of  conduct  including  what  time  we  would  cease 
working  each  night,  which  nights  we  would  choose  to  work  late  and  which  student  would  handle  a 
given  task. 


496  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol  33  No.  II 


After  working  out  the  logistics  of  building  a team,  we  decided  to  talk  through  each  of  the  four 
problems  posed  to  us  and  see  if  any  of  us  had  experience  with  the  particular  situation.  In  this 
respect,  we  felt  that  we  would  be  able  to  work  through  problems  that  some  of  us  had  already 
experienced  while  helping  those  that  hadn’t  learned  how  to  handle  such  dilemmas.  During  the 
entire  process  we  kept  notes  on  a large  flip  chart.  This  allowed  us  the  ability  to  review  our  ideas, 
organize  them  and  omit  any  information  that  we  felt  was  irrelevant.  In  a later  class  session,  we  were 
instructed  to  organize  our  “zoo”  with  six  different  species.  We  chose  species  that  we  could  utilize  in 
our  problems  while  adding  an  additional  layer  of  depth  to  each  problem  by  exhibiting  some  of  these 
species  in  multi-species  groupings.  Our  zoo  section.  Hoofed  Mesa,  consisted  of  1 .2  Black-handed 
Spider  Monkeys  (Ateles  geoffroyi),  1.0  Black  Rhinoceros  {Diceros  bicornis),  1.3  Elk  (Cervus 
elaphus),  0.2  White-tail  Deer  (Odocoileus  virginianus),  2.0  Mountain  Lion  {Puma  concolor)  and 
0.1  Great  Homed  Ow  {Bubo  virginianus). 


The  first  problem  we  chose  to  tackle  was  “The  exhibit  animals  are  trained  in  a group  situation  but 
one  keeps  leaving  its  station  and  interferes  with  another ’s  training.  How  would  you  eliminate  this 
undesirable  behavior?  ” We  collectively  felt  that  this  problem  would  tackle  a relevant  topic  in 
Animal  Behavior  while  touching  on  other  topics  such  as  Practical  Exhibit  Design  and  Record  Keeping. 
The  group  chose  to  work  out  a possible  solution  to  this  problem  using  black-handed  spider  monkeys 
as  our  collection  animals.  We  chose  to  brainstorm  ideas  on  this  topic  in  one  evening  session  so  as  to 
not  confuse  other  topics  with  this  one.  In  the  end, 
we  decided  that  there  were  a number  of  solutions 
that  the  trainer(s)  could  try.  These  included, 
stepping  back  the  training  to  retrain  a “station” 
behavior,  do  observations  on  the  animals  to 
determine  other  possible  causes  of  displacement 
behavior,  and  separating  animals  to  work  them 
individually. 

The  second  problem  that  we  chose  was: 

“You  noticed  your  15 -year-old female  elk  is  getting 
thin.  The  vet  staff  immobilizes  and  examines  the 
animal  and  diagnosed  it  as  having  severe  dental 
attrition  (wear)  and  moderate  arthritis.  Winter  is 
fast  approaching  in  your  northern  tier  zoo.  The 
animal  lives  with  1.2  other  elk  on  an  acre  exhibit 
with  access  to  an  unheated  barn.  Outline  a plan 
for  nutrition  and  comfort  for  this  animal.  ” In  this 
instance,  Jennifer  was  the  most  qualified  group 
member  to  give  us  guidance  as  she  has  a great  deal  Students  at  the  Advances  in  Animal  Keeping 
of  hoofstock  experience.  We  again  employed  the  class  were  able  to  study  examples  of  exhibit 
same  guidelines  as  the  previous  question,  choosing  design  techniques  at  Omaha’s  Henry  Doorly  Zoo. 
to  brainstorm  possible  solutions  to  this  problem  and 

documenting  them  on  our  flip  chart.  We  were  also  able  to  utilize  several  lessons  from  the  course 
including  Geriatric  Care  and  Nutrition.  This  yielded  a number  of  solutions  with  the  most  agreed 
upon  solutions  to  include  wetting  the  diet  to  alleviate  further  dental  attrition,  seeking  veterinary 
treatment  for  the  arthritis  and  providing  the  animal  with  opportunities  to  get  away  from  the  group. 
This  might  include  separating  the  animal  into  a separate  stall,  adding  heat  lights  and  offering  a 
deepened  substrate  for  comfort. 


Our  final  problem  read:  “Your  director  wants  to  move  a Black  Rhinoceros  from  a zoo  in  Germany  to 
the  US  to  support  the  SSP^'  and  improve  the  zoo ’s  collection.  What  major  issues  do  you  need  to 
consider  before  the  move  takes place'^  ” The  major  considerations  for  this  problem  ended  up  being 
a very  long  list.  We  utilized  the  advice  of  the  instructors  and  the  lessons  on  Regulations,  Animal 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  S3  No.  11  497 


Shipments  and  Conservation  to  guide  us,  as  none  of  our  group  members  had  dealt  with  a similar 
situation  before.  However,  due  to  our  ability  to  work  so  cohesively  as  a team,  we  came  up  with  a 
multitude  of  things  to  consider.  Because  this  was  an  international  transaction  of  an  endangered 
species,  there  were  strict  permitting  and  shipping  regulations  for  this  animal.  This  problem  would 
also  involve  a number  of  parties  other  than  the  two  zoos  involved  in  the  transaction.  I found  this 
particular  problem  the  most  challenging,  yet  the  most  rewarding  because  I absorbed  the  most  new 
information  from  the  research  we  did  as  a team. 

Each  one  of  these  problems  posed  its  own  set  of  challenges  for  the  group  but  we  continued  to  work 
through  them  as  a team  and  had  fun  while  doing  it.  Our  final  group  meeting  involved  breaking  up 
the  presentation  into  roles  that  each  group  member  would  play.  We  also  used  this  time  to  organize 
our  presentation  and  improve  our  graphic  displays.  During  the  final  presentation,  we  tried  to  present 
our  problems  in  a manor  that  our  peers  could  relate  to.  This  involved  an  informal  question  and 
answer  period  in  which  we  were  given  the  opportunity  to  further  explain  how  we  handled  each  of 
the  problems. 

The  feedback  we  received  from  fellow  students  and  the  instructors  was  positive  and  helpful.  Our 
group  worked  as  a single  unit  with  a wide  array  of  knowledge  that  we  could  bring  together  for  a 
common  goal.  In  addition  to  the  valuable  classroom  learning  environment,  students  got  the 
opportunity  to  visit  Omaha’s  Henry  Doorly  Zoo.  We  were  able  to  tour  the  facilities  to  see  examples 
of  exhibit  design,  veterinary  care,  behavioral  husbandry  and  other  areas  that  we  had  covered  in  the 
classroom.  Overall,  this  course  was  a valuable  learning  experience  for  keepers,  new  and  old.  I was 
able  to  bring  this  experience  back  to  my  current  workplace  and  utilize  the  tools  that  I learned  in  my 
day-to-day  activiiies.  I would  like  to  thank  the  AAZK  Board  of  Directors  and  fellow  keepers  for 
allowing  me  the  opportunity  to  attend  this  course. 


Reference  Materials 

Advances  in  Animal  Keeping  in  Zoos  and  Aquariums,  2006  Professjunai  Development  Program, 
Association  of  Zoos  and  Aquariums/American  Association  of  Zoo  Keepers,  Inc.  Course 
Administrator:  Lisa  Tryon,  Connecticut’s  Beardsley  Zoo.  Instructors;  J.  Biessington,  Dr.  R..  Davis, 
E.  Hansen,  Dr.  L.  Kilimar,.B.  Stark,  L.  Tryon,  D.  Wagner,  Dr.  R.  Wallace. 

Editor’s  Note:  This  year  s course  is  on  schedule  for  February  5- 1 0, 2007,  in  Wheeling,  WV.  Tuitior. 
is  $575  for  AZA  Individual  Members  and  AAZK  Professional  Members;  $675  for  Non-members 
Advances  in  Animal  Keeping  m Zoos  and  Aquariums  is  a cooperativeeffort  between  the  Association 
of  Zoos  and  Aquariums  and  tne  AmericanAssociation  of  Zookeepers  (AAZK).  AAZK  Professional 
Members  receive  the  AZA  member  tuition  discount  and  registration  priority. 

Course  Objective'.  Focuses  on  teaching  the  very  highest  standards  in  animal  husbandry,  m 
combination  with  problem  solving,  team  building  and  interpersonal  skills,  in  order  to  engage,  motivate 
and  retain  animal  care  professional  within  the  industry  and  to  elevate  the  standards  of  animal  care  in 
AZA  zoos  and  aquariums. 

Course  Topics:  Respective  Roles  of  the  Association  of  Zoos  and  Aquariums  and  the  American 
Association  of  Zoo  Keepers;  Animal  Behavior;  Handling  and  Restraint  Techniques;  Horticulture 
Introduction;  Regulations;  Reproduction;  Research  Skills;  Pest  and  Vermin  Control  and  Sanitation; 
Animal  Shipments;  Conservation;  Safety;  Water  Quality;  Nutrition;  Veterinary  Overview;  Geriatric 
Care;  Crisis  Management;  Animal  Welfare. 

For  further  mformatin  on  this  course,  visit  the  AZA  website  at  www.aza.org  and  for  information  on 
the  AAZK  grant  available  for  this  course,  visit  the  AAZK  website  at  www.aazk.org,  then  go  to 
Grants.  Tnt  Advances  in  Animal  Keeping  in  Zoos  and  Aquariums  is  funded  in  pan  by  the  Dallas 
AAZK  Chapter.  The  grant  is  for  $1000  and  for  consideration  applications  must  be  submitted  by  1 
July  of  the  year  prior  to  the  year  in  which  the  individual  will  attend  the  course. 


498  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  11 


Sailing  with  Noah,  Stories  from  the  World  of  Zoos 

By  Jeffrey  P.  Bonner  April  2006 

University  of  Missouri  Press,  2910  LeMone  Boulevard,  Columbia,  MO  65201,  U.S.A. 
ISBN  978-0-8262-1636-6  hard  cover  $39.95 
ISBN  978-0-8262-1637-3  soft  cover  $19.95. 

310  pages  with  a few  illustrations. 


Review  by  Phil  King,  Zoo  Foreman, 

Assiniboine  Park  Zoo,  Winnipeg,  Manitoba,  Canada 


When  I first  began  to  read  this  book  I thought  to  myself  “oh  good,  another  book  about  the  goings  on 
in  zoos,  a favorite  topic  of  mine”,  but  my  feelings  of  an  easy  relaxed  read  soon  came  to  an  abrupt 
end  when  it  became  obvious  that  this  was  no  simple  chatty  book  but  a serious  - while  at  the  same 
time  light-hearted-where-appropriate  look  - at  not  only  the  goings-on  in  zoos,  but  the  reasons  for 
them.  Heavily  laden  with  doses  of  the  author’s  sometimes  liberal  interpretation  of  philosophy,  each 
chapter  would  serve  well  as  a lecture  in  zoo  reasoning  and  justification  and  stand  well  on  its  own 
merit.  His  introduction  of  related  topics  is  interesting,  and  very  early  on  it  became  obvious  that  his 
use  of  English  extends  far  beyond  the  commonplace  with  his  use  of  the  word  “arithmetic”  as  a 
description  of  technology  (“technological  change  is  no  longer  arithmetic  in  nature  - it  is  exponential”), 
for  example.  This  latter  point  comes  from  his  bringing  up  the  issue  of  technology  having  changed 
our  lives  to  the  degree  that  it  has  been  responsible  for  changing  the  world.  One  cannot  deny  this,  but 
I feel  that  he  misses  the  point  slightly  by  not  addressing  the  single  most  responsible  factor  - 
overpopulation  by  man,  and  not  just  in  the  so-called  Third  World.  The  degree  to  which  this  subject 
has  been  effective  and  made  possible  in  large  measure  by  technology  is,  quite  literally,  earth-shaking, 
but  it  is  so  seldom  given  an  airing,  surrounded,  as  it  were,  by  an  almost  taboo-like  aura. 

Once  I got  past  the  first  couple  of  chapters,  the  book  became,  almost  as  though  a different  set  of 
guidelines  had  been  applied,  much  more  like  a book  dealing  with  stories  from  the  world  of  zoos, 
albeit  limited  to  AZA-accredited  ones,  and  a rather  small  group  of  them  at  that.  One  issue,  though, 
that  I could  take  with  him  (although  I fully  understand  that  in  the  context  of  this  book  the  emphasis 
should  be  on  such  facilities)  is  his  falling  into  the  trap  of  doing  the  same  as  he  accuses  others  of 
doing  when  he  refers  to  “unaccredited  roadside  menageries”  after  expressing  frustration  at  being 
compared  with  them.  Not  all  facilities  unaccredited  by  AZA  are  bad,  or  even  substandard.  They 
sometimes  simply  cannot  afford  the  rather  hefty  fee  to  join  the  club.  He  does  not,  thank  goodness, 
revert  to  the  staggeringly  pompous  viewpoint  expressed  by  another  zoo  director  (referred  to  in  this 
book  but  not  in  this  particular  context)  that  “any  zoo  which  is  not  AZA  accredited  is  simply  an 
impostor”.  Quite  correctly  though,  he  follows  the  party  line  when  it  comes  to  accredited  facilities 
because  AZA  does  have  very  high  standards  and  the  general  public,  for  whom  after  all,  this  book  is 
written,  needs  to  be  constantly  reminded  of  that.  I was  also  a little  disappointed  though  to  read  of 
his  support  for  elimination  of  the  name  “zoo”  in  favor  of  the  word  “sanctuary”  in  that  I had  begun  to 
believe  that  he  was  above  joining  forces  with  the  “politically  correct”  mob,  particularly  as  he  does 
not  shy  away  from  stating  his  differences  of  opinion  with  popular  or  established  platforms. 

He  has  expressed  his  viewpoints  in  some  very  erudite  ways,  and  has  given  some  most  excellent 
examples  of  why  zoos  are  needed,  what  the  benefits  are  to  the  animals  at  large  and  how  much 
involvement  there  is  by  zoos  in  protecting  wild  areas.  Let  me  offer  some  examples:  Animals  are 
safe  in  zoos,  but  not  saved;  they  are  only  saved  if  they  remain  safe  in  the  wild  or  can  be  safely 
reintroduced;  his  description  of  how  the  study  of  one  particular  species  can  lead,  in  domino-effect 


Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  11  499 


style,  to  the  study  and  protection  of  the  Atlantic  Rain  Forest;  the  magnificently  successful  efforts  of 
the  Madagascan  Fauna  Group  in  helping  to  save  whafs  left  of  the  ravaged  landscape  and  endangered 
fauna  of  that  country;  and,  returning  to  the  reintroduction  theme,  his  statement  “I  believe  that  we  are 
morally  justified  in  keeping  animals  in  zoos  even  if  we  think  that  there  is  little  chance  that  their 
descendants  will  ever  return  to  the  wild.  Yet  I see  nothing  wrong  with  keeping  a viable  population- 
in  the  hope  that,  someday,  there  will  be  a better  future  for  them  in  their  native  range.  Even  if  there 
never  is,  there  is  the  possibility  that  more  people  will  become  aware  of  their  plight  and...  there  is 
hope  for  their  future’’. 

Fie  also  expresses  suitable  but  dignified  distaste  for  the  so-called  “animal  rights”  groups,  PETA  in 
particular  (appropriately  described  by  another  author  as  “press  sluts”)  and  even  introduces  a 
hypothetical  olive-branch  scenario  in  the  face  of  threats  from  them  (“if  they  had  said  “we’ll  give 
you  two  weeks  to  do  something  about  it.  If  you  don’t  we’ll  go  public”  then  we  would  at  least  have 
had  a fighting  chance”)  is  in  my  opinion  far  too  considerate.  If  this  hypothetical  example  had 
included  an  offer  of  support  or  financial  assistance,  it  might  have  been  indicative  of  their  genuinely 
wanting  to  help  instead  of  simply  criticize.  When  will  people  realize  that  PETA  and  their  allies,  the 
great  unqualified-to-judge  brigade,  are  as  irrelevant  and  unnecessary  as  the  Paris  Hiltons  of  this 
world  and  may  just  as  well  solicit  their  opinions  on  the  matter.  Oh,  wait  a minute;  they  do  that 
already,  don’t  they? 

Inevitably  one  always  learns  from  writings  such  as  these,  no  matter  how  long  one  has  been  in  the 
business.  You  will  learn,  if  you  don’t  already  know,  how  distressingly  rare  some  species  which 
never  were  in  that  exclusive  group  have  recently  become.  I thought  the  description  of  the  escaped 
tiger  episode  was  very  telling  and  certainly  something  1 shall  personally  bear  in  mind,  and  I was 
particularly  interested  to  read,  from  previously  unpublished  letters  by  former  director  George 
Vierheller,  some  fascinating  titbits  dealing  with  the  arrival  of  St.  Louis’s  first  (and  only)  pandas. 
Firmly  rooted  m the  old  school,  Vierheller  came  from  a time  when  a director  could  actually  make 
decisions  instead  of  solicit  compromise  by  consensus.  I have  read  quite  a lot  about  the  acquisition 
of  some  of  the  early  pandas,  but  had  never  read  of  his  exploits  in  connection  with  the  St.  Louis  ones 
before,  and  they  made  fascinating  reading.  It  was  also  easy  for  me  to  let  my  mind  wander  when 
references  were  made  to  elephant  management,  and  how  the  stress  of  relocation  of  zoo  elephants  for 
breeding  purposes,  because  they  are  so  unused  to  such  movements,  affects  their  hormonal  cycling 
by  delaying  it.  Or,  more  to  the  point,  how  such  relocation  does  not  affect  circus  elephants,  accustomed 
as  they  have  become  to  travelling  and  how  was  it  again  that  circus  environments  were  so  harmful  to 
elephants?  And  then  when  1 read  of  the  amazing  advances  towards  artificial  insemination  and 
ultrasound  examination  by  way  of  the  rectal  tract,  and  how  it  was  necessary  to  clean  this  passageway 
in  order  to  gain  access,  I could  not  help  smiling  to  myself  when  I thought  of  the  old  story,  told  to  me 
many  years  ago  by  circus  personnel,  that  protocol  for  performing  elephants  included  their  not 
defecating  in  the  ring,  and  of  what  was  really  meant  by  cleaning  out  the  elephants,  and  of  how  this 
job  was  usually  assigned  to  the  trainee  who,  on  asking  if  there  were  any  opportunities  for  promotion 
was  told  that  after  five  years  he  would  be  given  gloves.  (Sorry,  I stole  that  last  bit  about  promotions 
from  Monty  Python,  but  the  rest  is  true). 

This  book  is  well-written,  humorous  but  at  the  same  time  deeply  serious,  and  Jeffrey  Bonner  is  to  be 
commended  for  so  eloquently  writing  about  his  beliefs,  wishes,  experiences  and  frailties  in  a way 
that  leaves  no  doubt  about  the  passion  he  feels  for  his  chosen  line  of  work.  He  is  a tremendous 
advocate  not  only  for  the  St.  Louis  Zoo,  of  which  he  is  President  and  of  whose  achievements  he  is 
perfectly  justified  to  boast,  but  also  of  the  work  and  value  of  zoos,  good  zoos,  throughout  the  world. 
It’s  too  good  not  to  read  if  you  are  involved  in  the  field,  and  if  you  are  an  observer  or  otherwise 
interested  party  it  will  inspire  you  to  become  involved.  Books  such  as  this  one  are  invaluable  for  the 
dissemination  of  information  about  the  principles  (the  hows  and  whys)  of  zoo  operation,  and  the 
author  of  this  one  is  a first  class  spokesman.  As  always  1 am  grateful  to  the  AAZK  for  allowing  me 
the  privilege  of  reviewing  this  book,  which  communicaies  so  effectively  and  well  what  we  do,  and 
why,  in  an  area  of  life  so  dear  to  our  hearts. 


500  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  11 


AAZK  Membership  Application  (Please  Print)  check  here  if  renewal  [ ] 

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PRINTED  IN  U.S.A. 
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The  Journal  of  the  American 
Association  of  Zoo  Keepers,  Inc. 

DECEMBER  2006 


ANIMAL  KEEPERS’  FORUM.  3601  S.W.  29th  St.,  Suite  133,  Topeka,  KS  66614-2054 
Phone:  1-800-242-4519  (U.S.)  1-800-468-1966  (Canada)  FAX  (785)  273-1980 

December  2006 
Vol.  33,  No.  12 

AKF  Managing  Editor:  Susan  D.  Chan  • Associate  Editors  • Kayla  Grams,  Grand  Junction,  CO;  Mark  de 
Denus,  Reid  Park  Zoo;  Jolene  Hamrick,  Tucson,  AZ  • Enrichment  Options  Coordinators:  Dawn  Neptune, 
Utah’s  Hogle  Zoo  & Rachel  Daneault,  Disney’s  Animal  Kingdom  • Legislative/Conservation  Outlook  Column 
Coordinator:  Georgann  B.  Johnston,  Sacramento,  CA.  • ABC’s  Column  Coordinator:  Diana  Guerrero,  Big 
Bear  Lake,  CA  • Reactions  Column  Coordinator:  William  K.  Baker,  Jr.,  Little  Rock  Zoo 

Animal  Keepers’  Forum  is  published  monthly  by  the  American  Association  of  Zoo  Keepers,  Inc.,  3601  S.W.  29th 
Street,  Suite  133,  Topeka,  KS  66614-2054.  Ten  dollars  of  each  membership  fee  goes  toward  the  annual  publication 
costs  of  Animal  Keepers’  Forum  . Postage  paid  at  Topeka,  KS. 

AAZK  Executive  Director:  Ed  Hansen,  AAZK,  Inc.,  Topeka  KS 

also  serves  as  AAZK  Liaison  to  the  American  Zoo  & Aquarium  Association  (AZA) 

AAZK  Administrative  Secretary:  Barbara  Manspeaker,  AAZK,  Inc.,  Topeka,  KS 

BOARD  OF  DIRECTORS 

Denise  Wagner,  The  Phoenix  Zoo,  Phoenix,  AZ  85008 
Shane  Good,  Cleveland  Metroparks  Zoo,  Cleveland,  OH  441C 
Jacque  Blessington,  Kansas  City  Zoological  Gardens,  Kansas 
Andy  Henderson,  Lincoln  Park  Zoo,  Chicago,  IL  60614-4712 
Norah  Farnham,  Woodland  Park  Zoo,  Seattle,WA  98103-5858 

COMMITTEES/COORDINATORS 

By-laws 

Chair  - Gisela  A.  Wiggins,  North  Carolina  Zoo 
Grants  Committee 
Chair  - Shelly  Roach,  Columbus  Zoo 
Enrichment  Committee 
Co-Chairs  - Dawn  Neptune,  Utah’s  Hogle  Zoo 
and  Amy  Burgess,  Disney’s  Animal  Kingdom 
Annual  Conferences 
Coordinator  - Ed  Hansen,  AAZK,  Inc. 

Professional  Development 
Chair  - Tammy  Schmidt,  Peoria  Zoo 
International  Outreach 

VACANT 

Interim  Contact  - Shane  Good,  Cleveland  Metroparks  Zoo 

MEMBERSHIP  SERVICES 

APT,  EDT  and  ATP  Forms 
AAZK  Administrative  Offices/Topeka 
AAZK  Website  - Liaison  to  Webmaster 
Denise  Wagner,  The  Phoenix  Zoo  and 
Kevin  Shelton,  Tampa,  FL 

AAZK  PUBLICATIONS  - CONTINUING  DATA  COLLECTION 

Resources  for  Crisis  Management  in  Zoos  & Other  Animal  Care  Facilities,  Vol.  2 - Susan  D.  Chan,  Topeka,  KS; 
William  K.  Baker,  Little  Rock  Zoo,  AR;  Diana  Guerrero,  ArkAnimals,  Big  Bear  Lake,  CA 

o 

printed  on  Recycled  Paper 


19 


President 
Vice  President 


City,  MO  64132-4200 


Ethics 

Chair  - Denise  Wagner,  Phoenix  Zoo 
Awards 

Chair  - Janet  McCoy,  The  Oregon  Zoo 
Marketing  Resources 

Chair  - Kristen  Wolfe,  Disney’ s Animal  Kingdom 
Animal  Training  Committee 
Co-Chairs  - Angela  Binney,  Disney’s  Animal 
Kingdom  & Kim  Kezer,  Zoo  New  England 
Bowling  for  Rhinos  - 
Coordinator  - Patty  Pearthree,  Cary,  NC 
IZC  Coordinators 

Shane  Good,  Cleveland  Metroparks  Zoo  and 
Norah  Farnham,  Woodland  Park  Zoo 


AAZK  Historian 

Mark  Levin,  Plymouth  Meeting,  PA 
AAZK  Publications/Logo  Products 

AAZK  Administrative  Offices/Topeka 


Table  of  Contents 


About  the  Cover/Information  for  Contributors 502 

Scoops  & Scuttlebutt........ 503  -505 

Coming  Events 506 

From  the  Executive  Director... 508 

AAZK  Announces  New  Members 509 

Cheetah  Protected  Contact  Device...... 510  - 511 

ATC  Presents  Training  Tales 512 

Notice  to  AAZK  Membership  on  BOD  E-Meetings 512 

People  Skills  for  Animal  People  (Part  III  - Interviews) ...514  - 518 

Enrichment  Options/ Animal  Training  Committee  (TREE  Award  Program  at  Ft.  Worth  Zoo) 519  - 521 

ELECTION  2007  (Duties  of  Directors/Qualifications  for  Nomination) 522 

A Preliminary  Study  of  the  Health  Status  of  Kori  Bustards  in  Kenya 523  - 529 

Book  Review  (Turtles  of  the  World;  Discovering  Dolphins)) ...530 

Reactions  Column  (Rise  in  Crisis  Management  Incidents?) .....531  - 532 

Management  and  Treatment  of  Avian  Chlamydiosis  in  a 

Captive  Magellanic  Penguin  Colony  at  the  San  Francisco  Zoo 533  - 540 

Conservation/Legislative  Update 541  - 544 

Board  of  Director  Election  Nomination  Forms/Instructions BLUE  INSERT 


30th  Anniversary 
1974  - 2004 


J 


SA^bout  the  Cover...., 

This  month ’s  cover  features  a Magellanic  penguin  (Spheniscus  megallanicus)  drawn  by  Jennifer  Katz,  an 
Animal  Keeper  at  the  San  Francisco  Zoo,  San  Francisco,  CA.  This  penguin  species  inhabits  the  southern 
waters  of  South  America.  They  breed  in  large  nesting  colonies  in  the  coastal  areas  of  Chile,  Argentina 
and  the  Falkland  Islands.  Annual  winter  migrations  can  be  as  far  as  3, 000  miles  roundtrip  from  Patagonia 
to  Brazil.  Breeding  season  occurs  from  September  to  February,  and  both  parents  participate  in  egg 
incubation  and  chick  rearing.  The  female  will  lay  two  eggs,  and  if food  is  plentiful,  both  chicks  will  be 
raised.  Nests  are  built  under  bushes  or  in  burrows.  Magellanic  penguins  eat  a variety  of  small  schooling 
fish  and  squid.  Predators  of  adults  include  sea  lions,  leopard  seals  and  orcas.  While  nesting,  parents 
vigorously  defend  their  eggs  and  chicks  against  gull  and  skua  predation.  Magellanic  penguins  are  currently 
listed  as  Near  Threatened  on  the  lUCN  Red  List  of  Threatened  Species.  Primary  threats  to  the  species 
include  oil  pollution,  large  scale  fishing  operations  and  hunting.  Thanks,  Jennifer! 

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.  Manuscripts  submitted  either  on  disk  or  electronically  as  attachments  to  an  email  should  be  submitted 
in  Microsoft  WORD.  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.  Photographs  may  be  submitted 
electronically  as  either  JPEG  or  TIFF  file  attachments. 

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,  fax  or  email  contributions  of  late-breaking  news  or  last-minute 
insertions  are  accepted  as  space  allows.  Phone  1-800-242-4519  (US);  1-800-468-1966  (Canada);  FAX 
(785)  273-1980;  email  is  akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com< 

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.  If  an  article  is  shown  to  be  separately  copyrighted  by  the 
author(s),  then  permission  must  be  sought  from  the  author(s).  Reprints  of  material  appearing  in  this  journal 
may  be  ordered  from  the  editor.  Back  issues  are  available  for  $4.00  each.  Special  issues  may  cost  more. 

E-Mail  Addresses:  You  may  reach  Barbara  Manspeaker  at  AAZK  Administrative  Offices  at: 
aazkoffice@zk.kscoxmail.com<  You  may  reach  Susan  Chan  and  Animal  Keepers’  Forum  at: 
akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com< 


AAZK  website  Address:  www.aazk.org 
BFR  Website:  http://aazkbfr.org 


502  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33,  No.  12 


Scoops  & Scuttlebutt 

Institutional  Membership  Drive  Proving  Successful 

The  AAZK,  Inc.  drive  to  encourage  zoos  and  aquaria  to  become  Institutional 
Members  is  making  good  progress  with  a 100%  increase  in  Institutional  Members 
over  what  we  had  at  this  time  last  year.  We  currently  have  approximately  90 
Institutional  Members  and  we  would  like  to  thank  all  those  facilities  that  have 
chosen  to  show  their  support  for  their  keeper  staff  by  joining  to  help  move  AAZK’s  projects  and 
programs  forward.  A listing  of  new  and  renewing  Institutional  Members  may  be  found  elsewhere  in 
this  month’s  AKF.  We  hope  all  members  and  Chapters  will  encourage  their  facilities  to  become 
Institutional  Members  of  AAZK,  Inc. 

We  would  especially  like  to  thank  the  Detroit  Zoological  Society  and  its  Director  Ron  L.  Kagan  for 
not  only  joining  as  an  Institutional  Member,  but  for  also  donating  an  additional  $125.00  to  AAZK, 
Inc.  We  hope  to  have  many  more  facilities  to  introduce  as  Institutional  members  in  future  issues  of 
this  journal. 

AAZK  Nevy  Orleans  Chapter  Shows  Support  for  AAZK^  Inc. 

New  Orleans  Chapter  President  Jaime  Hayslette  writes  “Thank  you  for  all  the  encouragement  and 
support  this  past  year.  Our  AAZK  New  Orleans  Chapter  is  proud  to  make  a donation  to  AAZK,  Inc. 
in  the  sum  of  $1832.00.  It  was  wonderful  to  see  everyone  at  the  National  Conference  in  Chicago. 
Thanks  for  being  the  “nucleus”  of  this  organization.  Our  Chapter  appreciates  your  dedication  to 
keeping  AAZK  operating.” 

Despite  the  severe  difficulties  this  Chapter  has  endured  following  Hurricane  Katrina  and  the 
cancellation  of  the  2005  National  Conference,  they  understand  and  appreciate  the  importance  of  a 
strong  financial  underpinning  of  the  national  organization  in  order  for  local  AAZK  Chapters  to  exist 
and  function.  The  AAZK  Board  of  Directors  and  the  AO  staff  thank  all  the  members  of  the  New 
Orleans  Chapter  for  their  steadfast  support. 

AttenlLQn  Zoo  Moms  and  Moms-to-Be 

The  zoo-keeping  career  has  some  unique  challenges  in  regards  to  pregnancy  and  motherhood.  While 
pregnant,  you  may  face  dangers  such  as  zoonotic  disease  transmission,  exposure  to  anesthetics  or 
radiation  during  veterinary  procedures,  or  injury  during  animal  handling,  heavy  lifting,  or  climbing. 
New  mothers  may  have  challenges  returning  to  work  because  of  an  atypical  work  schedule  and 
location — making  it  more  difficult  to  schedule  daycare,  pump  breast  milk,  etc. — not  to  mention  the 
severe  lack  of  sleep!  Mothers  of  older  children  may  find  their  work  schedule  (weekends  and 
holidays)  causes  them  to  miss  out  on  some  family  activities. 

We  have  now  formed  a web  discussion  group  to  help  connect  all  of  the  “Zoo  Moms”  out  there.  This 
group  was  started  by  Barbie  Wilson  of  Detroit  AAZK  to  provide  support  to  zookeepers  who  are 
pregnant  or  who  already  have  children.  Hopefully  this  group  will  provide  a community  of  zoo 
moms  who  can  ask  questions  and  share  stories  with  each  other.  Sometimes  it’s  nice  to  hear  from 
someone  who  has  already  made  it  through  a hard  situation  that  you  may  currently  be  facing. 

A paper  presented  by  Sarah  Christeson  at  the  2006  AAZK  National  Conference  and  the  response  to 
that  presentation  was  the  inspiration  to  start  this  group.  It  would  be  wonderful  if  we  could  build  on 
that  paper  by  collecting  more  data  on  “Zoo  Moms”  through  this  web  group  and  present  our  findings 
in  future  conferences  and/or  publications.  Perhaps  our  findings  can  help  some  zoos  make  themselves 
more  “mom-friendly”  by  improving  working  conditions  for  pregnant  women  and  women  with 
children. 

To  join  this  group,  go  to:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/momsinzookeeping/ 


Animal  Keepers'  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  12  503 


NAG  Announces  2007  Annual  Conference/Encourages  Keeper  Participation 

The  AZA  Nutrition  Advisory  Group  (NAG)  is  announcing  their  7th  Annual  Conference.  It  will  be 
held  in  conjunction  with  the  American  Association  of  Zoo  Veterinarians  and  the  American  Association 
of  Wildlife  Veterinarians  between  20-25  October  2007  in  Knoxville,  TN  USA.  Specific  dates  for  the 
NAG  portion  of  the  meeting  are  yet  to  be  determined.  All  animal  keepers,  undergraduate  students 
as  well  as  graduate  students  are  invited  to  participate.  A student-keeper  paper  competition  is  offered 
for  all  interested  individuals.  At  the  2005  conference,  Catherine  Vine  from  the  Philadelphia  Zoo 
was  a competition  winner.  Ms.  Vine’s  transportation  to  the  conference,  her  lodging  and  registration 
were  funded  by  NAG  due  to  her  participation  and  her  competition  status.  Animal  Nutrition  is  an 
important  issue  in  all  zoological  parks  and  it  is  a great  benefit  to  all  who  participate. 

Keepers  and  students  interested  in  animal  nutrition  should  visit  the  NAG  website  www.nagonline.net 
for  more  updated  information  concerning  the  AZA  Nutrition  Advisory  Group.  This  website  has  a 
wealth  of  information  on  zoo  animal  nutrition,  feeding  guidelines,  resource  links,  technical  papers, 
etc.  Check  it  out. 

Rhino  Keepers  WorkshQp..Issues-Cal].far_Eap£rs 

A Call  for  Papers  has  been  issued  for  the  2007  Rhino  Keeper  Workshop  in  Australia  (Werribee  Zoo) 

to  be  held  7-11  May,  2007.  Abstracts  should  be: 


• From  1 - 4 paragraphs  in  length  (approximate  150  words) 

® Submitted  via  electronic  mail  to  rhinoworkshopQ7@yahoo.com.au 
with  notation  of  “RKW  Abstract”  in  subject  line 

• Submitted  by  deadline  of  1 February  2007 


Why  Zoos  and  Aquariums  Matter 

If  you  are  interested  in  reading  the  Why  Zoos  & Aquariums  Matter:  Results  from  the  Multi- Institutional 
Research  Program  (MIRP)  Summary  presented  at  the  AZA  Annual  conference  in  Tampa,  FL  visit 
http://www.aza.org/ConEd/MIRP/Documents/MIRP_Summary.pdf  to  download  the  pdf  file. 

Chapter  Recharter  Packets  in  the  Mail  Soon 

All  AAZK  Chapters  are  reminded  that  2007  Recharter  Packets  will  go  in  the  mail  the  first  week  in 
January.  They  are  sent  to  each  Chapter  President  at  the  address  listed  on  last  year’s  Recharter  form. 
Completed  packets  are  due  back  in  the  AAZK  Administrative  Office  no  later  than  1 March  2007. 
After  that  date  Chapter’s  will  be  assessed  an  additional  late  fee,  so  make  every  effort  to  have  your 
packets  in  by  the  deadline.  Be  sure  to  fill  out  the  packets  completely,  providing  all  of  the  requested 
information,  including  a copy  of  your  2006  closing  bank  statement.  Completion  of  the  Recharter 
packets  by  all  AAZK  Chapters  is  an  IRS  requirement  to  allow  AAZK,  Inc.  and  its  subsidiaries  to 
operate  under  our  nonprofit  501  (c)(3)  designation.  If  you  have  questions  about  filling  out  the  packets, 
please  contact  Barbara  Manspeaker  at  1-800-242-4519  (U.S.)  or  1-800-468-1966  (Canada).  Your 
cooperation  and  prompt  response  is  greatly  appreciated! 

AKF  Seeks  Legislative  Advisor 

With  the  retirement  of  Georgann  Johnston,  Sacramento,  CA,  as  the  the  coordinator  for  the  Legislative/ 
Conservation  Update  column,  we  are  now  seeking  an  individual  interested  in  filling  this  position. 
The  position  requires  the  gathering  of  items  on  legislation  affecting  wildlife  and  items  of  interest  in 
the  realm  of  conservation  for  publication  in  AKF.  Anyone  interested  in  this  position  should  have 
computer  access  and  be  able  to  adhere  to  monthly  publication  deadlines. 


504  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  12 


If  you  might  be  interested  in  assuming  the  position  of  Legislative/Conservation  Update  column 
coordinator  for  AKF,  please  contact  Editor  Susan  Chan  at  akfeditor@zk,kscoxmail.com  or  send  a 
letter  of  interest  and  resume  to:  AKF  Editor,  3601  SW  29th  St.,  Suite  133,  Topeka,  KS  66614-2054. 


An  Amazon.com  Customer?  - You  Can  Help  Out  AAZKIIf  you  are  someone  who  shops  for 

your  books,  CDs,  DVDs,  etc  at  amazon.com,  you  have  a great  opportunity  to  help  put  some  money 
into  AAZK's  bank  account  as  you  shop.  All  you  need  to  do  is  go  to  the  AAZK  website  (www.aazk.org) 
and  click  on  the  amazon.com  logo  on  the  righthand  side  of  the  AAZK  home  page  and  you  are  ready 
to  shop.  And  remember  a minimum  of  4%  of  your  purchase  price  will  come  back  to  AAZK,  Inc. 
For  any  nonprofit,  “passive  income’'  (income  which  costs  you  nothing  in  manpower  or  resources  to 
generate)  is  a wonderful  way  to  secure  extra  funds  to  help  support  AAZK’s  programs  for  continuing 
education,  conservation,  resource  publications,  etc.  So  the  next  time  you  plan  to  shop  online  at 
amazon.com,  please  enter  through  the  AAZK  home  page  - it’s  just  another  way  you  can  help  your 
professional  association  prosper  and  grow. 

A reminder  that  we  will  no  longer  be  publishing  job  listings  under  Opportunity  Knocks  in  Animal 
Keepers  'Forum,  We  encourage  you  to  go  to  the  AAZK  website  to  see  the  most  current  postings  for 
keeper  positions  and  internships.  Visit  the  website  at  www.aazk.org  and  click  on  Job  Listings  from 
the  menu  bar  at  the  left  on  the  Home  Page.  Institutions  are  now  able  to  register  on  the  site  and  post 
their  own  positions  as  they  become  available.  This  will  hopefully  allow  for  a more  immediate  and  up- 
to-date  listings  of  job  openings  for  you  to  consider  when  seeking  employment  opportunities. 


Bowling  For  Rhinos  Breaks  New  Record! 

AAZK’s  Bowling  For  Rhinos-sponsored  by  Blue  Rhino  has  broken  records  once  again!  In  2006  so 
far,  you  all  have  raised  over  $2435000.00  for  conservation  worldwide.  This  breaks  last  year’s  record 
breaking  total  of  $233,950.00  with  a few  Chapters  remaining  to  turn  in  funds  (a  few  bowled  in 

November). 


I know  some  of  you  are  already  in  full  swing  planning  next  year’s  event.  Information  about  Blue 
Rhino®  Gas  company’s  pledge  to  help  us  raise  even  more  money  will  be  included  in  your  re-charter 
packets  in  January.  Please  be  sure  I have  your  event  date  and  contact  info  as  soon  as  you  know  it. 
Remember,  it  would  help  out  greatly  with  PR  IF  you  are  able  to  hold  your  event  during  the  month 
of  May.  This  is  by  no  means  mandatory,  only  suggested  to  help  with  PR. 

Please  feel  free  to  contact  me  with  questions  or  concerns  at:  ppear3@pear3.org  or  (919)  678-0449 
or  see  the  BFR  website:  http://aazkbfr.org 

Remember  there  are  now  Four  top  fundraiser  prizes  for  BFR:  Two  for  two  weeks  at  Lewa/Kenya 
and  Two  for  two  weeks  in  Indonesia.  Winners  must  1)  Be  an  AAZK  members  in  good  standing;  2) 
Must  raise  at  least  $1,000  to  be  eligible  and;  3)  Must  have  their  money  turned  in  by  the  September 
1st  deadline. 


If  you  are  not  able  to  win  the  prize  but  are  still  interested  in  visiting  Lewa  at  reduced  rates  (1/2  price 
accommodations),  contact  me  and  I will  put  you  in  touch  with  one  of  several  people  leading  trips  at 
various  times  of  the  year. 


Animal  Keepers'  Forum,  Vol  33  No.  12  505 


Coming  Events 


7^  Annual  Animal  Behavior  Management  Alliance 

(ABMA)  Conference. Conference  at  Sea; 

“Inspiring  Conservation  through  Behavior 

Management”,  - 14-21  January  2007.  All  conference 
details  and  registration  information,  including  2"^*  call 
for  posters,  are  available  at  www.theabma.org.  Late 
registration;  after  October  10"’,  2006.  Please  contact 
Michelle  Farmerie  @412-365-2385  or  Nicole  Begley 
@ 412-323-7235  ext.  216  for  more  information  about 
the  conference. 

Third  Annual  Workshop  on  Ultrasound. and 

Assisted  Reproduction  In  Elephants  and  Rhinos  - 

18-21  January  2007  - African  Lion  Safari,  Cambridge, 
Ontario,  Canada  For  further  details  and  registration 
contact:  Charlie  Gray,  African  Lion  Safari,  RR  1, 
Cambridge,  Ontario  NIR  5S2  Canada;  E-mail: 
cgray@lionsafari.com 

Zoos  and  Aquariums  Committing  to  Conservation 

26-31  January  2007  - Hosted  by  the  Houston  Zoo, 
Houston,  TX.  ZACC  is  a bi-annual  event  that 
promotes  the  role  of  zoos  and  aquariums  in  supporting 
conservation  activities  worldwide,  both  at  their 
institutions  and  in  the  field.  Registration  and  more 
information  available  online  at  http:// 
www.houstonzoo.org/ZACC,  you  may  contact 
zacc@.houstonzoo.org  or  phone  713-533-6745. 

The  15th  Annual  lAATE  Conference  - “Where 

Inspiration  Takes  Flight”  7-10  February  2007  - hosted 
by  Point  Defiance  Zoo  & Aquarium  in  Tacoma, 
Washington.  International  Association  of  Avian  Trainers 
and  Educators. 

Association  of  British  Wild  Animal  Keepers 

(ABWAK)  SympQsium..2QQ-7  - 3-4  March  2007  at 
Paignton  Zoo  Environmental  Park.  For  more 
information  see  www.abwak.co.uk 

Old  World  Monkey  Workshop  19-22  March  2007- 
Saint  Louis  Zoo,  Saint  Louis,  MO.  For  information 
contact  Colleen  McCann,  OWM  TAG  Chair  at 
cmccann@wcs.org  or  Margaret  Whittaker,  OWM  TAG 
Behavioral  Management  and  Training  Advisor  at 
indu22@earthlink.net 

The  Mind  of  the  Chimpanzee  - 22-27  March  2007  - 
Hosted  by  the  LincolnPark  Zoo’s  Lester  E. Fisher  Ceter 
for  the  Study  and  Conservation  of  Apes.  In  the  tradition 
of  “Understanding  Chimpanzees”  conferences  which 
started  in  Chicago  20  years  ago,  “The  Mind  of  the 
chimpanzee”  conference  will  bring  together  the  top 
experts  inthe  fields  of  chimpanzee  cognition  and 
conservation  as  ell  as  the  next  generation  of 
chimpanzee  researchers  inorder  to  share  new  research 
findings,  generate  new  collaborative  partnerships  and 
examine  how  studying  chinpanzee  cognition  impacts 
chimpanzee  conservation.  For  further  info  visit 
www.chimpmindconference.org  or  email 
chimpmind@lpzoo.org 


Okapi  Keeper  Workshop  10-12  April  2007  - Hosted 
by  the  Dallas  Zoo.  The  first  of  its  kind,  this  workshop 
will  feature  round  table  discussions  on  a variety  of 
okapi  husbandry  topics  from  operant  conditioning  to 
calf  rearing.  For  more  information,  call  214-670-6833 

Amphiban  Biology  and  Management  - 14-19  April 
2007  - Toledo,OH  - provides  a solid  background  in 
amphibian  biology  as  it  relates  to  husbandry,  breeding, 
conservation  and  coperative  programs.  Topics  covered 
incude  general  bilogy,  classification,  diversity,  and 
practical  aspects  of  husbandry,  veterinary  care, 
conservatin,  and  visitor  education.  For  more  info  visit 
www.aza.org/prodev/;  emai  latAZATraining@aza.org; 
or  call  Geri  Noland  at  301-562-0777  ext  238. 

2007  Rhino  Keepers  Workshop  - 7-11  May,  2007  - 
at  Werribee  Open  Range  Zoo,  Melbourne  Zoo  - 
Australia.  For  further  info  contact  Brooke  Squires; 
email  - rhinoworkshop07@yahoo.com.au;  website  - 
www.rhinoworkshop07.com 

6th  Annual  Callitrichid  Behavioral  Husbandry  and 

Management  Workshop  - 12-13  May,  2007  - Hosted 
by  the  Roger  Williams  Park  Zoo,  Providence,  RL  This 
is  a free  workshop  for  those  working  with  tamarins 
and  marmosets  and  will  include  formal  presentations, 
posters,  invited  speakers  and  open  discussion  covering 
a variety  of  topics  such  as  husbandry,  training, 
enrichment  and  conservation.  For  more  information 
go  to:  http://www.rwpzoo.org/calendar/callitrichid.efm 
or  email  Jhennessy@rwpzoo.org 

Australasian  S.Q£kty  of  Zookeeping  (ASZKXAnmml 

Conference  - 1 8-20  May  2007  - Alice  Springs  , NT  , 
Australia;  E-mail:  s 1 r o m e r @ b i gp.Q-D-d ...ctini  Web: 
www.aszk.org.au 

International  Conference  on  Environmental 

Enrichment  - 5-10  August  2007.  Hosted  by 
Schonbrunn  Zoo,  Vienna,  Austria. 

AZAD  Delegates  Meeting aad  N ational  Conference 

25-20  September  2007  - at  the  Saint  Louis  Zoo,  Saint 
Louis,  MO.  For  further  information  see  http:// 
www.AZADocents.org 

AAZK  National  Conference  - 30  September  - 4 
October,  2007  - at  Moody  Gardens  in  Galveston,  TX. 
Hosted  by  the  Galveston  AAZK  Chapter.  For  more  info 
watch  the  AKF  or  visit  the  Chapter’s  website  at 
www.gcaazk.org 

BIERZS  The  Symposium  2007:  Bear  Information 

Exchange  for  Rehabilitators,  Zoos  and  Sanctuaries 

Location:U.S.A.  TBA  Dates:  Fall  2007  - Information 
updates  will  be  posted  on  www.bearkeepers.net 

Post  Your  Coming  Events  Here 
email  to:  akfeditor@zk.kscoxmaiLcom 


506  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  12 


QilEfS  &$  ODMiiSE  A 
THE  AMDMAi 


Working  in  partnership  with  zoos 
and  aquariums,  MAZUEF  PhD 
nutritionists  develop  industry 
leading  products  specifically  for 
each  species.  From  aardvarks 
to  zebras,  we  work  hard  to  give 
your  animals  the  most  of  what 
they  need. 

For  more  information  on 
MAZURI*  products-including 
nutritional  analyses  and  research 
findings-visit  www.mazuri.com 


or  call  1-800-227-8941  for  the 
location  of  your  nearest  dealer. 
Because  when  it  comes  to  great 
nutrition,  we’re  committed  to 
the  health  and  longevity  of 
every  animal. 


The  Exotic  Aniiml  Feedii^  R^urce 


www.mazurLcom 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  12  507 


i rom  me  lxgcumvg  l/ipgciop 

In  the  November  issue  of  the  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  you  learned  about  a generous  gift  from  Lutz 
Ruhe,  a member  of  this  Association.  I would  like  to  take  some  time  to  explain  the  gift  to  the 
Association  and  the  formulation  of  the  Lutz  Ruhe  Educational  Trust  for  AAZK. 

First  and  foremost  the  donation  was  extremely  generous  in  nature,  totaling  just  over  $51,000. 
Secondly,  the  funds  are  restricted  in  the  manner  in  which  they  can  be  utilized,  according  to  the  Trust 
and  the  funds  are  to  be  dispensed  over  a period  of  10  years. 

Let’s  outline  the  Proposal  Agreement  that  AAZK  has  entered  into  with  the  Ruhe  Family  Educational 
Trust  for  AAZK; 

Creation 

The  Lutz  Ruhe  Meritorious  Achievement  Award  - The  AAZK  Animal  Keeper  of  the  Year 
The  purpose  of  this  award  is  to  recognize  professional  members  of  AAZK  for  work  that  exemplifies 
a commitment  to  species  conservation  in  day-to-day  animal  care  and  beyond.  This  award  is  for  the 
everyday  keeper  who  designs  and  administrates  animal  programs,  training,  enrichment,  etc.,  in  their 
facility,  or  one  who  steps  out  of  the  keeper  shoes  and  into  the  role  of  public  educator.  The  Ruhe 
Family  Educational  Trust  has  endowed  this  award  with  a $750.00  stipend,  to  be  awarded  annually 
for  the  next  10  years. 

Revision 

The  Jean  M.  Hromadka  AAZK  Excellence  in  Animal  Care  Award 

This  award  was  revised  in  2006  with  the  purpose  of  recognizing  achievement  and  determination  of 
an  individual  in  the  animal  care  field  and  fostering  professionalism  in  all  aspects  of  animal  care. 
The  Ruhe  Family  Educational  Trust  has  endowed  this  award  with  a $500.00  stipend,  to  be  awarded 
annually  for  the  next  10  years. 

Endowment 

The  Ruhe  Family  Educational  Trust  will  endow  two  AAZK  Grants  at  $1000.00  each,  for  a period  of 
10  years.  These  grants  are:  1)  AZA/ AAZK  Advances  in  Animal  Keeping  Course  Grant  and  2)  The 
Geraldine  Meyers/AAZK  Grant  for  Professional  Travel 

Staff 

The  Ruhe  Family  Educational  Trust  has  endowed  $10,000  to  identify  and  hire  a Grant  Writer  or 
Writers  to  research  and  write  grants  on  behalf  of  the  Association. 

Programs 

The  Ruhe  Family  Educational  Trust  will  also  endow  three  programs  identified  by  the  Association  as 
paramount  to  the  financial  health  of  the  Association; 

• New  Member  Recruitment  - $1500.00 

• Membership  Retention  and  Rewards  - $2000.00 

• AAZK  Chapter  of  the  Award  - $1000.00 

The  above  programs  are  in  development,  but  center  around  recruitment,  retention,  and  recognition 
of  our  hard-working  membership,  in  the  form  of  cash  rewards,  membership  recognition  items  and 
funding  the  creation  of  the  AAZK  Chapter  Award  plaque  to  recognize  the  contributions  of  our 
Chapters  over  the  years. 

Equipment 

When  you  are  faced  with  budget  crisis,  the  first  target  for  cutting  back  is  the  infrastructure  of  the 
Association.  AAZK  has  been  forced  to  cut  back  on  equipment  and  maintenance  over  the  past  five 
years.  As  a result,  our  hardware  and  software  capabilities  are  lagging  behind  today’s  technology. 
The  Ruhe  Family  Education  Trust  has  graciously  set  aside  $3000.00  to  help  us  upgrade  our  internal 
electronic  systems. 

The  Educational  Trust  for  AAZK  funded  by  the  Ruhe  Family  could  not  have  come  at  a better  time  in 
our  history.  It  allows  this  Association  a small  measure  of  financial  stability  for  the  future.  In  the 
meantime,  we  will  continue  to  work  with  our  membership  and  our  Chapters  to  solve  the  immediate 
professional  and  financial  crises  that  are  confronting  this  Association,  and  that  is  the  loss  of 
membership  within  this  Association,  in  all  categories.  , rr  rr.  ^ 

-—Ed  Hansen,  Tucson,  AZ 


508  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol  33  No.  12 


AAZK  Announces 
New  Members 


Minnesota  Zoo,  Apple  Valley,  MN 
Lee  C.  Ehmke,  Director/CEO 


Melissa  R.  Chalek,  Buttonwood  Park  Zoo  (MA); 
John  L.  Crocitto,  Jr.,  CroZoo  (NY);  David  Molinas, 
National  Zoological  Park  (DC);  Aaron  Jesue, 
North  Carolina  Zoological  Park  (NC);  Emily 
Boese,  Riverbanks  Zoo  & Garden  (SC);  Lauren 
Russell,  no  zoo  listed,  Tampa,  FL;  Elizabeth 
Peterson,  Center  for  Great  Apes  (FL);  Breanne 
Geery,  Birmingham  Zoo  (AL);  Stacy  Jae  Scherman, 
Alabama  Gulf  Coast  Zoo  (AL);  Nancy  Charles, 
Memphis  Zoo  (TN);  Angie  Selzer,  no  zoo  listed. 
Ft.  Wayne,  IN;  Brienna  Alger,  no  zoo  listed, 
Lansing,  MI;  Jennifer  Becerra,  Brookfield  Zoo 
(IL);  Eugene  Wagner  III,  Phillips  Park  Zoo  (IL); 
Jeff  Barnes,  Arbuckle  Wilderness  (OK);  Richard 
Johnson,  Dallas  Zoo  (TX);  Wendi  Plowman,  Ellen 
Trout  Zoo  (TX);  Alisha  Lawson,  no  zoo  listed, 
Lufkin,  TX;  Lisa  Green,  no  zoo  listed, 
Nacogdoches,  TX;  Heather  Ingle,  Ellen  Trout  Zoo 
(TX);  Darlene  Kobobel,  Colorado  Wolf  & Wildlife 
Center  (CO);  Erick  Lamun,  no  zoo  listed,  Reno, 
NV;  and  River  Pullins,  Woodland  Park  Zoo  (WA). 

Renewing  Institutional  Members 

Disney’s  Animal  Kingdom 
Lake  Buena  Vista,  FL 
Animal  Program  Administration 

Birmingham  Zoo,  Birmingham,  AL 
William  R,  Foster,  CEO 

Indianapolis  Zoo,  Indianapolis,  IN 
Mike  Crowther,  President/CEO 

Dickerson  Park  Zoo,  Springfield,  MO 
Mike  Crocker,  Director 

International  Exotic  Feline  Sanctuary,  Boyd,  TX 
Richard  Gilbreth,  Director 

Arizona-Sonora  Desert  Museum,  Tucson,  AZ 
Richard  C.  Brusca,  Executive  Program  Director 

New  Institutional  Members 

Rosamond  Grifford  Zoo  at  Burnet  Park 
Syracuse,  NY 
Chuck  Doyle,  Director 

Erie  Zoo,  Erie,  PA 
James  Rhea,  Director 

Exotic  Feline  Rescue  Center,  CEnter  Point,  IN 
Joe  Taft,  Founder/Director 

Detroit  Zoological  Park,  Royal  Oak,  MI 
Ron  Kagan,  Director 

Milwaukee  Conty  Zoo,  Milwaukee,  WI 
Charles  Wickenhauser,  Director 


John  G.  Shedd  Aquarium,  Chicago,  IL 
Ted  A.  Beattie,  President/CEO 

SOS  Rhino,  Chicago,  IL 
Dr.  Nan  Schaffer,  President  and  Founder 

Folsom  Children’s  Zoo,  Lincoln,  NE 
Randy  Scheer,  Curator 

Tulsa  Zoo  & Living  Museum,  Tulsa,OK 
Stephen  Walker,  Director 

The  Dallas  World  Aquarium,  Dallas,TX 
Daryl  Richardson,  Director 

Ellen  Trout  Zoo,  Lufkin,  TX 
Gordon  Henley,  Director 

Houston  Zoo,  Inc.,  Houston,  TX 
Rick  Barongi,  Director 

Cheyenne  Mountain  Zoo,  Colorado  Springs,  CO 
Bdb  Chastain,  President/CEO 

Utah’s  Hogle  Zoo,  Salt  Lake  City,  UT 
Craig  Dinsmore,  Director 

Santa  Ana  Zoo,  Santa  Ana,  CA 
Ron  Glazier,  Director 


Santa  Barbara  Zoo,  Santa  Barbara,  CA 
Richard  Block,  CEO 


Oregon  Coast  Aquarium 
Dale  A.  Schmidt,  President 


A 


THE 

GOURMET 
RODENT, 


INC. 


RATS  AND  MICE 


Bill  & Marcia  Brant 

6115  SW  137th  Ave.,  Archer,  FL  32618 

(352)  495-9024 
FAX:  (352)  495-9781 
e-mail:  GrmtRodent@aol.com 

© All  Rl^ts  Reserved 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  12  509 


Cheetah  Protected  Contact  Device 


By  Jade  R.  Tuttle,  Keeper 
Caldwell  Zoo,  Tyler,  TX 


In  February  of  2005,  the  Caldwell  Zoo  acquired  1.1  new  cheetah  cubs  {Acinonyx  jubatus).  At  six 
months  old,  the  cubs  were  hand-raised  and  infected  with  the  feline  herpes  virus.  After  spending  a 
few  days  with  their  previous  keeper,  Caldwell  staff  decided  to  continue  the  free-contact  program  as 
long  as  behaviors  permitted. 

We  entered  the  enclosure  daily  while  the  cubs  were  in  quarantine  and  began  conditioning  the  cubs 
for  routine  maintenance  and  veterinary  care  as  well  as  for  enrichment  activities.  They  were  able  to 
load  on  to  a scale  for  weekly  weigh-ins,  take  pills,  and  run  a lure  system  to  exercise  their  weakened 
lungs  (a  symptom  of  herpes  virus).  Staff  was  able  to  administer  spot-on  parasite  treatments  as  well 
as  clean  and  treat  the  inflammation  of  their  nictating  membranes  (another  symptom  of  herpes  virus), 

A metal  cage  crate  similar  to  the  one  used  at  the  original  facility  was  constructed  to  facilitate  blood 
draws  per  recommendation  of  the  former  keepers.  This  crate  measured  (146cm  x 52cm  x 

82cm)[57.5”x  20.5”  x 32.3”].  The 
crate  was  subsequently  narrowed  to 
30cm  wide  (1 1 .8”)  so  that  the  cheetahs 
were  unable  to  turn  around  once  in  the 
chute  and  both  animals  were 
conditioned  for  its  use. 

In  April  of  2006,  at  nearly  two  years 
old  and  over  40  kg  (~881bs.),  a few 
uncomfortable  encounters  made  the 
keepers  rethink  our  free-contact 
protocol.  While  no  overt  aggression 
was  observed,  the  limiting  summer 
season  had  left  us  with  little  time  to 
interact  with  the  cheetahs  on  a daily 
basis  and  an  over-exuberance  in  play 
told  us  it  was  time  to  pull  out  before 
an  accident  occurred.  We  were 
prepared  for  this  day  and  had  the 
animals  conditioned  to  use  the  chute. 
It  could  be  used  to  draw  blood, 
administer  oral  medication,  IV  and 
hand-injections,  along  with 
application  of  topical  treatments. 


510  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  12 


However,  with  scarred  tear  ducts  and  the  persistence  of  inflammation  in  the  nictating  membranes, 
our  male  cheetah  was  on  a maintenance  veterinary  treatment  that  required  applying  an  antiviral 
ointment  bi-weekly  between  the  eyelids.  Try  as  we  might,  and  as  cooperative  as  the  young  cheetah 
was,  we  could  not  find  a way  to  comfortably  administer  the  does  through  the  bars  of  the  chute 
without  compromising  the  safety  of  our  keepers.  And  there  was  no  denying  the  ovei-whelming 
success  and  benefit  of  the  treatments.  Something  had  to  be  changed. 

Keepers  discussed  the  problem  and  longed  for  a “protective-contact”  solution.  While  the  cheetahs 
have  remained  rather  docile,  they  are  too  large  to  reprimand  when  their  behavior  is  inappropriate.  It 
was  agreed  that  it  was  not  the  teeth  that  were  worrisome  so  much  as  the  claws,  and  if  keepers  were 
given  a way  to  step  back  from  the  animals  when  needed,  we  would  be  comfortable  continuing 
limited  contact.  Subsequently,  a hatch  door  .28cm  sq.,  was  cut  into  the  top  of  the  chute  and  fitted 
with  a hinge  that  flipped  open  and  a latch  to  secure  the  door.  The  cheetah  now  enters  the  chute  and 
we  open  the  hatch,  then  ask  him  to  sit.  In  this  position  his  head  rises  out  of  the  chute  through  an 
opening  his  shoulders  can’t  breach,  thus  creating  safe  free  access  to  the  eyes  and  face.  While  one 
keeper  holds  his  attention  with  treats,  a second  keeper  is  able  to  wipe  his  eyes  clean  and  apply  the 
ointment,  compromising  neither  animal  health  nor  keeper  safety. 


Photo  by  Stefani  Watson 


We  know  there  are  other  cats  affected  by  the  virus,  and  a similar  design  might  enable  keepers  to 
improve  their  safety  during  the  handling  and  treatment  of  these  animals.  If  nothing  else,  we  hope  it 
is  a good  example  of  how  to  think  and  design  outside  the  box literally. 


Animal  Keepers'  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  12  511 


The  Animal  Training  Committee  Presents 


Arc 

Animal  Training  Committee  AAZK,  Inc. 


Where  you  can  share  your  training  experiences! 

Just  a reminder,  submit  your  “Training  Tales”  and  experiences  in  operant  conditioning 
to  share  with  Animal  Keepers’ Forum  readers.  This  opportunity  provides  a convenient 
outlet  for  you  to  exhibit  your  training  challenges,  methods  and  milestones  with  the 
AAZK  member  network.  See  a more  detailed  description  of  the  Training  Tales  concept 
in  the  August  2006  AKF  on  page  331 . Please  submit  entries  based  on  the  following 
guidelines: 

a)  Submit  a brief  description  of  a training  project  at  your  zoo  (500  words  or  less, 
in  text  or  bullet  points).  Details  should  include  the  following: 

• Define  the  training  goal 

• List  important  steps 

• Timeline  used 

• Tips  you  learned  along  the  way 

b)  Include  1-2  digital  photos  (jpg  or  tif)  that  clearly  depict  the  animal  in  the 
learning  process  or  performing  the  desired  goal  (list  source  and  photographer 
of  each  image). 

Please  send  entries  or  questions  to:  Jay  Pratte  atJpratte@zooatlanta.org  (use  Training 
Tales  Entry  as  the  subject  line).  Happy  training! 


Notice  to  the  AAZK  AAembership 

The  Board  of  Directors  of  your  Association  is  working  to  change  how  they  do  business.  To  effectively 
run  the  Association,  the  Board  must  be  able  to  officially  conduct  business  in  the  form  of  entertaining 
and  modifying  proposals  and  ratifying  each  proposal  by  vote,  more  than  once  or  twice  per  year 
during  their  scheduled  Board  Meetings. 

To  conduct  business  at  other  times  than  during  a scheduled  meeting  of  the  Association,  the  Board  is 
legally  required  to  notify  the  membership  of  scheduled  meetings  where  business  affecting  the 
Association  will  be  conducted.  These  meetings  will  be  conducted  electronically  (email).  The  Board 
of  Directors  will  ask  the  membership  to  amend  the  Bylaws  during  the  2007  AAZK  National  Conference 
to  reflect  this  change,  but  in  the  interim,  the  Board  has  provided  this  notification  to  the  membership: 

The  Board  of  Directors  reserves  the  right  to  conduct  business  through  electronic  meetings.  Electronic 
Meetings  shall  be  held  approximately  once  per  month.  All  matters  of  updates,  comments,  business 
operations,  ratification  of  proposals  shall  be  included  on  the  meeting  agenda.  All  votes  are  subject  to 
a majority  vote  of  the  Board  of  Directors.  Written  notification  of  agenda  is  hereby  published  and 
dispensed.  Minutes  of  the  electronic  meetings  are  available  by  written  request  of  a member  in  good 
standing  with  the  Association 


512  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  12 


Unique  Metal  Animal  Ornaments 

To  benefit  the  Utah  Chapter  ofAAZK 


Hippo,  Cat,  Heron,  Bear,  Wolf,  Rhino,  Porcupine,  Monkey,  Giraffe,  Frog, 
Gecko  and  Moose  each  measuring  approximately  3"  x 5" 


12  unique  designs  with  a rust  patina  to  choose  from. 
Individually  handcrafted  by  our  own  keepers  I 

$15  each  or  buy  5 get  1 FREE! 

To  purchase,  call  (801)  584-1784  or  email  us  at 
utahaazk@hoglezoo.org 

Orders  must  be  placed  by  DECEMBER  IS*** 
in  order  to  be  mailed  the  week  of  Christmas 


LIMITED  QUANTITIES  FOR  THE  HOLIDAYS. 
ORDER  YOURS  NOW.  WHILE  SUPPLIES  LAST!! 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  12  513 


People  Skills  for 
Animal  People 

By  Guest  Columnist  William  K.  Baker,  Jr.,  Curator 
Panthera  Research,  Maumelle,  AR 

Career  Advancement  in  the  Zoological  Industry 
Part  III  - Interviews 


Introduction 

From  the  beginning,  everything  you  have  done  has  been  focused  on  the  ultimate  goal  of  finding  a 
new  job,  theoretically  the  best  possible  match  for  your  goals  and  personality.  The  cover  letter  was 
well  crafted  and  struck  a tone  between  pleasant  and  professional,  while  your  resume  was  focused 
and  polished  and  showcased  your  skills  and  training.  The  initial  telephone  conversation  went  really 
well  and  you  came  off  as  confident  and  capable.  Everything  has  brought  you  to  this  point,  the  on- 
site interview. 

Typically  a prospective  employer  will  try  to  get  you  in  for  an  on-site  interview  within  the  next  two 
to  four  weeks.  This  is  mainly  due  to  the  constraints  of  postings.  When  a facility  or  organization 
posts  a job  opening  on  a national  basis,  this  opens  up  the  playing  field  to  anyone  who  reads  the 
advertisement,  even  potential  international  applicants.  As  a result,  when  the  finalists  are  selected  for 
an  on-site  interview  they  will  most  likely  have  to  travel  either  by  air  or  car.  Either  way,  this  entails 
expense,  planning,  and  time  off  from  their  current  job  or  university.  If  a significant  number  of 
applicants  travel  by  air,  then  they  will  want  the  14-day  advance  tickets,  as  they’re  cheaper  and  your 
potential  management  team  realizes  this.  Also,  I should  mention  that  it  is  highly  unusual  to  receive 
complimentary  travel  unless  it’s  for  a Director’s  position. 


Preparation 

• During  the  telephone  conversation  try  and  get  as  much  information  as  possible.  Aside 
from  your  interview  time,  also  find  out  what  style  of  interview  you  should  expect  and 
how  long  it  will  last.  In  addition,  express  that  you  would  like  a facility  tour  and 
establish  who  will  be  your  tour  guide. 

• It  is  also  not  unreasonable  to  ask  to  meet  some  of  your  prospective  co-workers.  It’s 
always  a major  plus  to  meet  the  staff  and  get  a feel  for  how  the  area  runs  on  a daily 
basis.  This  also  provides  an  opportunity  for  the  staff  to  schedule  the  time  into  their  daily 
work  schedule. 

• Take  the  time  to  research  the  facility  and  learn  as  much  as  possible  about  the 
organization.  If  it’s  an  AZA  zoological  institution,  then  there  is  an  immense  amount  of 
knowledge  online  in  the  AZA  Resource  Center.  To  access  this  information,  you  will 
need  to  be  an  AZA  member  though. 

• Next,  go  to  the  institutional  or  organizational  website.  Most  websites  provide  extensive 
information  to  the  public  and  that  can  work  to  your  advantage  as  well.  Site  information 
can  include  conservation  activities,  facility  maps,  and  even  animal  collection 
demographics. 

• Based  on  the  information  you  find,  develop  a question  list  to  ask  at  the  end  of  the 
interview.  If  the  organization  is  municipal  in  nature  then  go  to  the  Human  Resources 

514  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  12 


portion  of  the  city  website  and  get  a feel  for  the  benefits  package  including  pension, 

deferred  compensation,  and  leave. 

• Finally,  use  a search  engine  such  as  Google™  or  Ixquick™  and  run  multiple  searches 
on  the  organization.  This  will  provide  additional  information  on  how  they’re  doing  in 
the  press.  Essentially,  you  should  find  information  on  budget,  projects,  and  public 

perception  in  the  region. 

• The  next  priority  is  looking  at  the  community.  Contact  the  Chamber  of  Commerce  for 
two  things.  First,  a relocation  packet,  which  should  provide  reference  material  on 
housing,  rentals,  and  local  utilities.  Second,  ask  for  the  community  demographics  that 
provide  a statistical  overview  of  the  city  and  the  surrounding  region  in  regards  to  its 

population,  industry,  and  relative  “health”. 

• It  is  generally  considered  a proactive  measure  to  have  copies  of  all  of  your  submission 
materials  such  as  cover  letter,  resume,  letters  of  reference,  email  printouts,  and  written 
correspondence.  On  several  occasions  I have  actually  gone  to  an  interview  and  HR  had 

lost  my  materials. 

• Always  print  extra  copies  of  your  resume  to  take  with  you.  It  is  inconvenient  in  a panel 
interview  to  have  only  one  copy  of  the  resume  from  the  application  materials  and  six 
people  are  trying  to  look  at  it  at  the  same  time.  Better  to  have  enough  for  the  entire 

panel,  if  s a nice  personal  touch. 

Interview 

• Historically,  the  “One  on  One  Interview”  has  been  the  most  common  model  in  my 
experience.  Essentially  you  are  scheduled  by  and  meet  with  the  person  you  will  be 
working  for,  your  supervisor.  After  the  interview  you  will  usually  have  the  opportunity 
to  meet  the  staff  This  interview  style  has  the  strength  of  convincing  one  person  that  you 
have  what  it  takes  to  do  the  job  and  be  a part  of  the  work  area.  Conversely,  it  also  has 
the  weakness  of  having  to  convince  the  interviewer  that  you  are  the  right  person  for  the 
job,  something  of  a contradiction  and  challenge. 

• The  most  common  interview  style  that  I see  in  use  today  is  the  “Panel  Interview”.  This 
typically  has  a panel  of  supervisors  from  the  same  rank  or  grade  that  would  oversee  the 
open  position,  such  as  three  Curators  for  a Supervisor  position  or  three  Senior  Keepers 
for  a Keeper  position.  This  type  of  interview  style  has  several  strengths,  multiple 
perspectives,  different  question  angles,  and  typically,  a longer  interview  providing  an 
opportunity  to  showcase  your  skills.  The  down  side  of  this  is  the  potential  to  either  talk 
the  panel  to  death  or  present  a negative  personal  image. 

• Lately,  I have  been  seeing  a new  style  emerge,  the  “Hand-off  Interview”.  This  type 
starts  off  like  the  “One  on  One”,  but  rather  than  meeting  the  staff  after  the  initial 
interview,  you  are  handed  off  instead  to  another  staff  member  for  a separate  interview, 
then  another,  and  then  another.  This  type  of  interview  has  no  real  strengths  that  I can 
ascertain,  except  for  management.  It’s  convenient  for  resolving  conflicting  schedules 
and  times.  It  also  places  a high  degree  of  stress  on  the  applicant  to  ascertain 
communication  and  relative  patience  as  you  “re-answer”  questions. 

• It  is  extremely  important  that  you  time  your  arrival  for  the  interview  correctly.  If  you 
arrive  too  early  and  the  staff  isn’t  ready,  then  it  often  pressures  them,  and  creates  a 
negative.  Conversely,  if  you  arrive  late,  you  have  just  stacked  the  deck  against  yourself 
Plan  to  arrive  about  15  minutes  early. 

• When  you  meet  the  interviewer  or  interviewers  it’s  important  to  make  a good  first 
impression.  Shake  everyone’s  hand  firmly,  maintain  eye  contact,  and  say  hello  in  a 
pleasant  voice.  You  will  never  get  another  opportunity  to  make  a good  first  impression 
and  it  will  set  the  tone  for  the  day. 

• Questions  will  usually  take  the  form  of  one  of  three  styles.  One,  questions  prepared  in 
advance.  Two,  conversational  questions.  Three,  a combination  of  both  of  the  previous 


Animal  Keepers'  Forum,  Vol  33  No.  12  515 


styles.  The  question  style  you  get  hit  with  will  totally  depend  on  the  personalities  of  the 
people  who  interview  you. 

• Expect  to  be  asked  extensively  about  your  animal  work  experience  and  related  training. 
Always  try  to  be  as  exact  as  possible.  Your  answers  will  be  reviewed  as  you  go  against 
the  cover  letter  and  resume  that  were  submitted  for  application.  Inconsistent 
information  will  set  off  red  flags. 

• Be  prepared  to  answer  challenging  hypothetical  situation-based  questions  to  test 
husbandry  and  communication  skills  such  as,  ‘Tf  two  animals  under  your  care  are 
fighting  on  exhibit  during  public  hours  in  a mixed-species  setting  and  you  feel  it  might 
result  in  animal  mortality,  what  do  you  do?” 

• Be  prepared  to  answer  hypothetical  questions  to  test  fact-finding  and  research  abilities 
such  as,  “Your  supervisor  tells  you  that  a new  animal  that  you’ve  never  worked  with 
before  will  be  coming  in.  How  do  you  go  about  gathering  information  for  that  species 
and  prepare  for  its  arrival?” 

• Watch  for  profile-based  questions  to  identify  your  personality  such  as  “How  do  you 
think  a co-worker  would  describe  you?”  or  “Tell  me  about  yourself,  how  would  you 
describe  yourself?”  These  questions  provide  invaluable  information  on  who  you  are  and 
how  you  relate  to  others. 

• Also,  be  prepared  for  the  more  abstract  questions  such  as,  “Who  are  you?”  or”“What 
do  you  do  away  from  work?”  Not  only  do  they  provide  insight  into  your  personal 
nature,  they  also  provide  an  opportunity  for  the  interviewer(s)  to  see  how  you  do  when 
thrown  “off  balance”  by  a question. 

• Once  the  interview  questions  are  finished,  it’s  customary  to  be  asked  “Do  you  have  any 
questions  for  us?”  This  is  when  the  research  you  did  earlier  pays  off  Ask  about  the 
community,  master  plan,  conservation  programs,  and  goals  in  the  work  area.  Don’t  skip 
this  opportunity  as  many  do! 

• It  is  not  uncommon  to  ask  the  interviewer(s)  about  the  benefits  package  at  this  stage. 
Also,  you  should  ask  for  a copy  of  the  job  description  if  one  isn’t  provided.  Ideally  this 
is  something  the  interviewer  should  bring  up  at  the  end  of  the  interview,  but  it  is  often 
omitted  as  an  oversight. 

• Avoid  asking  questions  such  as  “When  do  I start?”,  “How  much  are  you  offering?”, 
or”“How  long  is  my  work  week?”  Surprisingly  I have  had  people  actually  ask  these 
very  questions  when  they  came  into  the  interview.  Needless  to  say,  they  send  a negative 
message  to  the  interviewers. 

• Also,  remember  that  when  you  are  touring  the  facility  after  the  closed-door  interview, 
you  are  still  being  observed  and  evaluated  by  the  staff  accompanying  you.  I have  been 
shocked  and  amazed  by  some  of  things  I have  overheard  from  a job  applicant  during  the 
zoo  tour. 

Post-Interview 

• While  there  are  exceptions  to  the  rule,  expect  the  lead  interviewer  to  give  some 
indication  of  when  they  will  get  back  to  you  with  an  answer  and  their  final  decision.  If 
they  don’t,  it  is  still  considered  fair  and  good  form  to  ask  for  a time  frame  on  when  the 
decision  will  be  made. 

• Absolutely,  do  not  call  the  facility  on  a regular  basis  to  ask  if  a decision  has  been  made 
on  the  position  yet.  The  exception  to  this  rule  is  when  you  are  confronted  with  a job 
offer  from  another  facility  and  you  really  need  to  know  where  you  stand,  so  that  you 
can  make  an  informed  decision. 

• The  good  news  is  that  the  longer  you  wait,  the  better  your  chances  are  of  getting  the 
job.  It  usually  takes  a few  weeks  to  reach  some  type  of  a preliminary  decision. 
References  are  then  reviewed  and  a final  decision  is  made.  Depending  on  the  facility, 
this  may  take  up  to  six  weeks. 

• One  of  the  most  important  things  to  do  at  this  point  is  to  send  a thank  you  letter  for  the 
interview.  Unfortunately,  this  has  become  something  of  a lost  art  in  terms  of  courtesy.  A 

516  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol  33  No.  12 


thank  you  letter  also  demonstrates  interest  in  the  position  and  continuing 
communication,  both  are  good  traits. 

The  Offer 

• Typically,  the  offer  will  come  by  way  of  telephone.  As  I mentioned  earlier  in  this  series, 
letters  rarely  bring  good  news.  Only  once  in  my  career  have  I received  an  offer  by  mail 
and  that  was  many  years  ago.  Insure  that  your  answering  machine  or  voice  mail  is 
working  correctly. 

• As  the  details  of  the  offer  are  being  provided  it  is  imperative  that  you  write  them  down 
exactly  as  provided.  Review  and  confirm  them  with  the  caller  for  accuracy.  It  is  not 
unusual  to  ask  a question  at  this  stage  about  relocation  packages  or  other  start-related 
benefits,  now  is  the  right  time. 

• Discussing  the  starting  pay  is  critical  at  this  juncture  in  time.  Traditionally,  this  is  the 
only  opportunity  that  you  will  have  to  negotiate  pay.  This  is  when  the  job  description 
that  you  took  from  the  interview  is  invaluable  as  it  has  the  pay  range  on  it  and  will 
denote  where  the  offer  falls. 

• While  your  first  instinct  will  be  to  take  the  offer  as  is,  I highly  recommend  that  you  ask 
for  at  least  24  hours  to  think  it  over  in  case  you  want  to  negotiate  pay  or  make  a request 
for  something  specific.  If  s easy  to  say  yes,  then  later  wish  you  had  discussed  and 
resolved  a specific  issue. 

Relocation 

• While  in  the  corporate  world  a relocation  package  is  often  considered  normal,  in  the 
zoological  and  wildlife  industry  it  is  not  typically  available.  The  exception  to  the  rule  is 
when  a Directorship  or  on  occasion  a General  Curator  position  is  filled.  It  really 
depends  on  the  facility  and  its  budget. 

• The  timeframe  for  moving  and  starting  a new  job  is  usually  flexible.  Still,  the  average 
that  I have  seen  in  my  career  is  four  to  six  weeks  before  you  start  work.  It  is  understood 
that  you  may  need  to  sell  your  house,  put  family  affairs  in  order,  or  your  spouse  will 
need  to  find  a new  position. 

• The  relocation  package  from  the  Chamber  of  Commerce  should  answer  most  of  the 
questions  that  arise  including  rental  property,  utilities,  and  local  'services.  One  of  the 
most  valuable  resources  for  the  impending  move  will  be  a local  phone  book,  but  you 
will  have  to  request  it. 

• I strongly  recommend  that  when  relocating  for  a new  job  that  you  put  off  buying  a 
house.  First,  you  really  want  to  get  into  the  new  position  and  see  how  it  goes.  Second, 
it’s  really  best  to  wait  until  you  have  a feel  for  the  community  so  that  you  are  able  to 
select  the  right  area  of  town. 


Hints 

• If  money  is  tight  and  you  are  trying  to  move  on  a budget,  there  are  a few  ways  to  cut 
costs.  Take  a look  at  your  household  belongings  and  have  a garage  or  rummage  sale 
then  use  the  money  to  fund  the  move.  Another  option  is  donate  items  that  were  to  be 
replaced  and  take  the  tax  write-off. 

• While  a moving  company  may  be  easier,  it  is  certainly  more  expensive.  Better  to  rent  a 
moving  van  and  do  it  yourself  If  you  really  need  help,  then  check  your  phone  book  for 
moving  labor.  Also,  don’t  forget  to  save  your  receipts  for  tax  time,  relocation  expenses 
can  often  be  deducted. 

Final  Comments 

Let’s  presume  the  interview  went  well,  all  of  your  references  checked  out,  and  the  job  search  is 
over.  The  last  item  actually  fit  into  the  moving  van  and  miraculously  everything  made  it  without 
breaking  during  the  trip.  The  new  job  starts  tomorrow  and  you  passed  the  physical  and  mandatory 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  VoL  33  No.  12  517 


drug  test.  So  far,  everything  is  going  great  and  you  can’t  wait  to  start  in  your  position  with  new 
challenges  and  learning  experiences.  In  short,  life  is  good.  All  of  which  projects  a positive  attitude, 
the  trick  will  be  keeping  it  that  way  and  seeing  every  day  as  a new  challenge  next  year. 

Remember  rule  number  one  of  our  profession. . .there  are  no  perfect  facilities.  There  are  some  really 
advanced  and  professional  facilities  in  our  field  of  work  where  people  often  wait  years  for  a position 
to  become  available,  but  no  perfect  ones.  It’s  remarkably  easy  to  fall  into  the  pattern  of,  in  the 
beginning  this  job  is  great  and  then  two  years  later  it’s  just  okay.  Then  in  short  order  you  consider 
moving  again  to  find  a better  job.  Attitude  is  everything  and  in  our  field  it  is  no  different  from  other 
professions.  Find  the  challenges  and  embrace  them,  applaud  your  victories,  and  learn  from  your 
mistakes;  and  if  you  make  a few  close  friends  in  the  process,  so  much  the  better.  In  the  end  your 
stress  level  will  drop  and  you  will  find  a balance  between  work  and  play,  a critical  component  to 
long-term  career  survival  and  advancement. 

An  important  facet  to  moving  along  the  career  path  in  our  field  is  how  you  relate  to  your  co-workers. 
This  may  sound  simple,  but  it’s  really  not.  The  people  that  you  work  with  are  your  peers  and  how 
you  relate  to  them  now  and  in  the  future  will  impact  how  you  are  perceived  in  the  profession. 
Remember,  just  about  everyone  in  our  field  has  solid  credentials,  what  will  set  you  apart  is  how  the 
profession  as  a whole  regards  you.  In  our  field,  your  professional  reputation  will  make  or  break  you 
and  it  will  either  further  your  career  or  put  it  in  neutral.  Besides  it’s  in  your  best  interest  to  work 
with  the  team  when  considering  that  you  will  spend  more  time  awake  at  work  than  at  home,  you’ll 
be  infinitely  happier  in  the  long  run. 

Keeping  with  this  topic,  it  is  important  to  remember  that  it  is  highly  likely  that  you  will  probably  be 
on  probation  from  six  months  to  a year.  Not  only  will  your  supervisor  be  monitoring  your  progress, 
your  co-workers  will  be  as  well.  I can  assure  you  from  personal  experience  that  it  is  not  uncommon 
for  a supervisor  to  ask  your  co-workers  how  you  are  progressing  during  training  and  when  it  comes 
time  to  conduct  your  first  annual  performance  evaluation.  Isolation  in  the  workplace  is  not  only  ill 
advised,  it’s  effectively  “career  suicide”.  The  modem  workplace  is  becoming  more  team-oriented 
and  our  field  of  work  is  no  different,  especially  considering  the  trend  towards  zoogeographic  animal 
collections. 

If  you  are  considering  moving  towards  management,  then  there  are  ways  to  improve  your  chances 
for  advancement.  In  entry  level  positions  always  try  to  be  involved  in  any  projects  that  may  become 
available.  Examples  of  this  would  include  cross-training,  renovations,  research  projects,  public 
speaking,  and  conservation  education.  Attempt  to  start  attending  AZA  Professional  Training  Courses 
at  the  earliest  opportunity.  The  training  is  invaluable  and  they  make  great  resume  builders.  Also,  be 
watchful  for  courses  and  seminars  that  are  presented  in  conjunction  with  annual  and  regional 
conferences  by  the  various  associations.  They  are  often  heavily  attended,  so  register  early.  With 
continuing  education  comes  new  opportunities.  Whenever  possible,  accept  new  challenges  by 
participating  in  AAZK  Committees  or  AZA  conservation  programs  such  as  Taxon  Advisory  Groups 
(TAG),  Species  Survival  Programs  (SSP®),  or  Population  Management  Programs  (PMP®).  Each 
step  makes  a difference  in  management  opportunities. 


Next  Month: 

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: 
People  Skills  for  Animal  People/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.  Away  from  work  he 
operates  Panthera  Research,  which  is  a research  and  consulting  firm.) 


518  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  12 


Animal  Training  Committee  AAZK,  Inc. 


AKF  Editor’s  Note:  Beginning  with  the 
January  2007  issue,  we  will  be  publishing  the 
Enrichment  Options  and  ATC  Columns  on 
alternating  months.  The  following  article 
combines  elements  of  both  training  and 
enrichment  and  will  serve  as  a bridge  article 
leading  to  the  new  formatting. 


TREE  Award  Program:  Growing  new  ideas  for 
motivating  staff  in  training  and  enrichment  programs 


By  Meg  Bommarito,  Conservation  Biologist  and 
Christine  Bowie,  Animal  Outreach  & Conservation  Supervisor 
Fort  Worth  Zoo,  Fort  Worth,  TX 


Introduction:  People  are  animals  too! 

Successful  animal  behavior  management  programs  are  not  limited  to  training  and  enrichment  of 
captive  animals;  they  include  staff  as  well.  Some  of  the  same  elements  and  techniques  applied  in 
the  training  and  enrichment  of  the  Fort  Worth  Zoo’s  animals  can  be  used  to  motivate  staff  to  participate 
in  these  programs. 

With  this  in  mind,  the  enrichment  and  training  coordinators  at  the  Zoo  developed  a training  and 
enrichment  incentives  program.  The  goal  of  the  program  is  to  renew  interest  in  training  and 
enrichment,  showcase  the  successes,  inspire  staff,  increase  participation  and  foster  teamwork  within 
areas.  The  incentive  program  incorporated  many  of  the  same  methods  used  successfully  with  animals. 
After  all  - people  are  animals  too! 

The  anatomy  of  an  awards  program 

To  begin,  we  decided  on  the  basic  elements,  dates,  times,  staff  involvement,  budget  and  a theme. 
The  training  and  enrichment  excellence  award  program  became  the  TREE  award  program,  and  a 
logo  was  developed  for  use  on  all  collateral  material  (Figure  1).  The  awards  are  distributed  once  a 
year.  An  eight-member  award  committee  was  chosen  to  assist  with  the  selection  of  winners  and 
includes  animal  curators  and  directors.  A schedule  and  calendar  of  events  was  established,  and  the 
first  TREE  award  program  was  launched. 

It  began  with  a formal  Zoo-wide  announcement  and  a call  for 
nominations.  Any  staff  member  involved  with  the  behavior 
management  program  is  eligible  for  an  award,  including  areas 
outside  animal  collections  like  nutrition  and  animal  health.  After 
the  six-week  nomination  period,  all  nominees  are  then  announced 
zoo-wide  via  e-mail  and  flyers. 

More  than  1 5 nominations  were  submitted  and  included  a total  of 
46  employees  from  all  animal  areas  (including  our  nutritional 
services  staff)  - it  was  time  to  celebrate!  A nomination  party  was 
held  for  all  those  nominated  and  the  managers  of  their  areas.  The 
celebration  was  hosted  during  the  lunch  hour  with  fantastic  results 
- more  than  50  employees,  including  nominees,  managers  and  the 


Figure  1.  The  TREE  logo  was 
used  to  brand  the  award  program. 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  12  519 


Zoo’s  director  attended  (Figures  2 and  3)!  The  event  included  lunch,  enrichment  items  and  an 
enrichment  video  highlighting  projects  around  the  Zoo.  After  the  meal,  the  program  coordinators 
shared  each  nomination  by  reading  the  names  of  those  nominated,  the  colleague(s)  whonominated 
them  and  why. 

To  determine  the  winners,  each  award  committee  member  was  asked  to  review  the  nominations  and 
select  a candidate  from  each  category  (training  and  enrichment)  that  they  felt  had  made  the  strongest 
(largest)  impact  on  the  program  (greatest  success,  most  improvement).  Because  the  process  was  so 
subjective,  criteria  were  not  given  to  the  judges.  Instead,  we  asked  judges  to  base  their  decisions 
solely  on  the  information  given  on  the  nomination  forms.  Once  the  committee  decisions  were 
complete,  the  behavior  management  coordinators  and  the  director  of  conservation  and  science 
provided  a final  review  and  selected  the  two  winners. 

The  award  ceremony  was  held  in  the  Zoo’s  outdoor  pavilion  and,  like  any  awards  show,  was  complete 
with  live  entertainment  and  food  - an  ice  cream  bar!  All  animal  program  areas  were  invited  to 
attend  the  event  during  which  the  winners  were  announced.  The  event  drew  a crowd  of  more  than 
50  people. 


Rather  than  the  standard  dust  collecting  certificates  or  plaques  as  awards,  winners  received  a functional 
alternative  - a keeper  survival  kit.  The  kit  included  a sturdy  backpack,  complete  with  TREE  logo 

and  was  filled  with  animal  keeper 
essentials  (including  flashlights, 
gift  certificates  for  dinners,  tickets 
to  events,  key  rings,  portable  cold 
mug,  etc.).  The  names  of  the 
winners  were  announced  zoo- 
wide via  e-mail  and  flyers 
throughout  the  Zoo. 


Application  of  basic  training  and 
enrichment  concepts  and  methods 
to  the  TREE  award  program 
The  overwhelming  success  of  this 
program  was  undoubtedly  due  to 
the  application  of  the  same 
behavior  management  tools  used 
to  train  and  enrich  our  animal 
^ ^ „ , , , collection.  Concepts  like  positive 

Figure  2.  Animal  staff  from  almost  every  area  attended  reinforcement,  teamwork  and 

the  nomination  party.  (Photo  by  Meg  Bommarito)  evaluation  are  used  daily  to  engage 

animals  in  training  programs  or  enrich  their  environments  and  were  used  here  to  create  an  effective 
incentive  program  for  staff 


Rewarding  good  behavior! 

Positive  reinforcement,  used  in  both  training  and  enrichment,  has  had  much  success  in  motivating 
behaviors  in  animals.  We  hoped  to  duplicate  this  success  while  increasing  interest  in  the  behavior 
management  programs.  Staff  reeeived  positive  reinforcement  from  several  different  levels  and 
throughout  the  program’s  length.  Nominations  came  from  colleagues  within  the  same  area  and 
across  the  Zoo  as  well  as  from  curators  and  directors  (levels).  In  addition  to  the  nomination  itself, 
those  who  were  nominated  received  additional  acknowledgement  from  the  Zoo  Director  and  Human 
Resources  Director  at  the  nomination  party  and  awards  eeremony.  Commentary  resulting  from  a 
post-event  survey  revealed  that  everyone  involved  appreciated  this  - and  not  just  those  nominated. 

Recruiting  the  team 

As  in  training  and  enrichment,  some  of  the  best  ideas  and  projects  result  from  a group  effort  and 
partnerships.  We  encouraged  people  to  recognize  teamwork  and  nominate  entire  areas  or  partners 
that  had  worked  together  on  projects.  There  were,  in  fact,  very  few  single  nominations  and  we  saw 


520  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  12 


a lot  of  acknowledgement  of  entire  teams.  Teamwork  was  also  a focus  during  the  events  as  managers 
and  their  staff  sat  together  during  the  nomination  and  award  parties  to  show  much  support  for  those 
nominated  in  their  areas. 

Enriching  humans 


Novelty  and  variability  were  integrated  throughout  the  program  in  event  details  and  scheduling. 
Since  it  was  the  inaugural  event, 
everything  about  the  program  was 
novel!  During  events,  we  kept  staff 
interested  by  providing  “enrichment 
items”  at  each  table. 


While  the  program  will  be  held 
annually  and  may  lose  some  of  its 
initial  novelty,  it  was  designed  to 
keep  components  flexible  and 
incorporated  use  of  variable 
reinforcement.  For  example,  the  first 
event  included  a pizza  party  and  ice 
cream  social,  but  consecutive  events 
will  have  different  themes/activities. 
In  addition  to  being  novel,  this 
program  also  challenged  staff  to 
review  the  progress  made  in  training 
and  enrichment  in  their  areas  and 
throughout  the  Zoo  to  select  projects 
to  nominate. 


Figure  3.  TREE  nominees  enjoying  the  nomination  party. 
(Photo  by  Meg  Bommarito) 


Reaching  the  goal 

Training  and  enrichment  projects  in  the  park  are  directed  by  specific  goals.  These  goals  are  decided 
by  the  staff  and  guide  all  program  activities.  The  awards  program  was  also  a goal-oriented  program. 
Our  specific  goals  of  inspiring  staff,  encouraging  participation  and  showcasing  successes  guided 
our  efforts  and  kept  us  focused  as  we  planned  specific  program  details. 

Making  the  grade 

Without  feedbaek  and  evaluation  there  is  no  way  to  gauge  the  impact  of  any  program.  This  applies 
to  the  training  and  enrichment  programs  and  the  award  program.  To  this  end,  we  developed  a 
survey  to  be  distributed  after  our  first  award  ceremony. 

Based  on  survey  results,  the  program  was  a hit!  For  those  who  participated  in  the  events,  all  agreed 
that  they  planned  to  remain  involved  with  subsequent  programs  and  had  a very  positive  experience. 
In  response  to  the  question  of  their  favorite  part  of  the  event,  the  most  common  answer  was  the 
recognition  from  one’s  peers  and  managers.  Staff  also  enjoyed  hearing  about  other  projects,  sharing 
information  with  different  areas  and  thought  that  this  would  motivate  them  to  work  harder  in  the 
future.  Even  staff  that  did  not  participate  indicated  that  they  planned  on  participating  in  future 
award  programs  and  thought  that  the  acknowledgement  was  important  for  animal  staff.  The  survey 
results  will  be  used  to  make  some  minor  modifieations  to  the  nomination  form  and  adjustment  of 
some  scheduling. 

The  first  annual  training  and  enrichment  excellenee  award  program  was  a great  suceess.  Participation 
went  far  beyond  what  we  had  anticipated  and  the  response  from  those  who  participated  was  very 
positive.  Judging  by  the  survey  feedback,  it  seemed  we  accomplished  our  goals  of  reinforcing  zoo- 
wide training  and  enrichment  efforts,  raising  awareness  of  projects  throughout  the  Zoo,  fostering 
teamwork,  and  renewing  interest  in  training  and  enrichment.  We  are  confident  there  will  be  an 
increase  in  the  participation  of  staff  in  the  training  and  enrichment  programs. 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  12  521 


ELECTION. 


2007 


Yes!  It  is  once  again  time  to  elect  Board  of  Directors  for  the  Association.  There  are  three 
positions  up  for  election.  Those  positions  are  held  by  Jacque  lessington,  Shane  Good  and 
Norah  Farhnam.  New  Board  members  will  serve  a four-year  term  from  the  close  of  the 
2007  National  Conference  until  the  conclusion  of  the  2011  National  Conference.  If  you  or 
any  one  you  know  would  like  to  be  nominated  for  these  positions  please  send  your  completed 
forms  to:  Election  2007,  c/o  AAZK,  Inc.,  3601  SW  29th  St.,  Ste.  133,  Topeka,  KS  66614- 
2054.  All  nominations  need  to  be  received  no  later  than  February  28,  2007.  If  you  have 
ever  wanted  to  make  a difference  in  AAZK,  now  is  the  time  to  step  up  to  the  plate  and  give 
us  your  best. 

Duties  of  the  Board  of  Directors 

1)  Select,  appoint  or  remove  officers,  committees,  agents  and  employees  of  the  Association, 
including  - prescribing  powers  and  duties. 

2)  To  control  and  manage  the  Association  and  its  property,  passing  upon  acquisition  and 
disbursements  with  approval  of  a majority  of  the  Board. 

3)  To  formulate  policies,  rules  and  regulations  in  accord  with  the  Constitution  & By-Laws. 

4)  To  uphold  the  Constitution  of  AAZK  and  the  policies  of  the  Association. 

5)  To  appear  at  Board  meetings,  to  accept  Board  assignments  and  to  devote  the  time  to 
communications  pertinent  to  all  Board  business,  including  answering  correspondence 
promptly  and  efficiently. 


Qualifications  for  Nomination 

1)  Nominee  must  be  a Professional  Member  of  AAZK,  Inc.  in  good  standing  and  must  have 
been  a member  of  the  Association  for  at  least  one  (1)  year. 

2)  Nominee  must  be  presently  employed  as  an  animal  keeper/attendant,  veterinary  techni- 
cian, research  technician  or  other  personnel  directly  connected  with  the  care,  feeding  and 
educational  display  of  captive  wildlife  in  a recognized  zoological  park,  aquarium,  animal 
reserve  or  other  animal  care  facility  in  the  U.  S.  or  Canada  and  must  have  been  in  the 
zoological  field  for  at  least  two  (2)  years. 


522  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol  33  No.  12 


Nomination  Procedure  - Forms  MUST  be  lyped 


1)  Nominator  Form: 

a)  List  the  name  of  the  nominee,  phone,  address,  and  institution. 

b)  State  in  150  words  or  less  the  reason(s)  why  the  nominee  warrants  election  to 
the  Board  of  Directors. 

c)  Nominator  signs  forms  and  mails  to  NEC  Chairperson. 

d)  Notifies  nominee  that  they  nominated  him/her  for  the  Board  of  Directors. 

2)  Nominee  Biographical  Form: 

a)  Professional  background:  places  of  employment,  length  of  service,  titles. 

b)  Membership  in  AAZK:  National  and  local  Chapters,  number  of  years,  offices 
held,  involvement  in  activities. 

c)  Educational  background. 

d)  Membership  in  Affiliate  Organizations:  (AZA,  CAZPA, 

Audubon,  etc.) 

e)  State  in  500  words  or  less  why  you  would  like  to  be  on  the  BOD  and  any 
other  pertinent  information,  (optional) 

f)  References  (one  or  two) 

g)  Nominee  signs  forms  and  mails  to  AAZK  Administrative  Office. 

NOTE;  Candidate  is  ineligible  for  nomination  if  both  the  nominator  and  nominee 
biographical  forms  are  not  complete  and  returned  by  28  February  2007  . Send  to: 
Election  2007  c/o  AAZK,  Inc.,  3601  SW  29th  St.,  Ste.  133,  Topeka,  KS  66614-2054. 


Nomination  Form  for 
AAZK  Board  of  Directors 

(Forms  MUST  be  Typed) 


QuMficatiQng.fqr  Nam 

1)  Nominee  must  be  a Professional  Member  of  AAZK  in  good  standing  and  must  have  been 
a member  of  the  Association  for  at  least  one  (1)  year. 

2)  Nominee  must  be  presently  employed  as  an  animal  keeper/attendant  by  a recognized 
zoological  institution  or  aquarium  in  the  U.S.  or  Canada  and  must  have  been  in  the  zoological 
field  for  at  least  two  (2)  years. 

1.  Name  of  Nominee: 

Address: 


Phone: 

E-mail: 

Institution: 

Director: 

2.  State  in  150  words  or  less  the  reason(s)  why  the  nominee  warrants  election  to  the 
AAZK  Board  of  Directors.  Use  extra  paper  if  needed. 


3.  Signature  of  Nominator: 

4.  Name  of  Nominator 

(please  PRINT) 

5.  Form  must  be  received  by  February  28  ^ 2007.  Send  to:  Election  2007  c/o  AAZK, 
Inc.,  3601  SW  29th  St.,  Ste.  133,  Topeka,  KS  66614-2054. 


Nominee  Biographical  Form 

for  AAZK  Board  of  Directors 

(Form  MUST  be  Typed) 


1.  Name: 

Address: 

Phone: 

E-mail: 

PLEASE  LIST  THE  FOLLOWING  INFORMATION 

2.  Professional  Background:  (places  of  employment  length  of  service,  titles) 


3.  Membership  in  AAZK: 

a)  National:  number  of  years 
Activities: 


b)  Local  Chapter(s):  number  of  years,  offices  held, 
involvement  in  activities. 


4.  Educational  Background: 


5.  Membership  in  Affiliate  Organizations  (AZA,  Audubon,  WWF,  CAZPA,  etc.) 


6.  State  in  500  words  or  less  why  you  would  like  to  be  on  the  BOD  and  any  other 
pertinent  information  (optional/use  additional  paper  if  necessary) 


7.  References  (one  or  two);  give  name,  address  and  phone  number  where  they  can  be 
reached: 


8.  Nominee’s  Signature: 


9.  Form  must  be  received  by  February  28,  2007.  Send  to:  Election  2007  c/o  AAZK, 
Inc.,  3601  SW  29th  St.,  Ste.  133,  Topeka,  KS  66614-2054. 


A Preliminarij  StudL)  of  tfie  H ea  Itfi  vStatus 
of  Kori  Bustards  (/\rdeotis  kori)  in  Kenija 


By  Sara  Hallager,  Biologist,  Kori  Bustard  SSP®  Coordinator 
Smithsonian  Institution  s National  oological  Park,  Washington,  DC 

Bustards  are  medium-  to  large-sized  terrestrial  birds,  chiefly  inhabiting  open  plains  in  either  arid  or 
seasonally  dry  regions  of  the  old  world.  The  bustard  family  is  made  up  of  25  species  in  1 1 genera. 
Four  species  are  listed  by  the  lUCN  (International  Union  for  Conservation  of  Nature  and  Natural 
Resources)  Red  List  of  Threatened  Animals  as  Endangered.  One  species  is  listed  as  vulnerable  and 
six  more  are  listed  as  near-threatened  (del  Hoyo  et  al.,  1996).  Several  species  of  bustard  remain 
poorly  studied  so  their  true  conservation  status  cannot  be  determined. 

In  the  United  States,  kori  bustards  {Ardeotis  kori)  have  been  managed  as  a Species  Survival  Plan 
(SSP®)  species  under  the  auspices  of  the  Association  of  Zoos  and  Aquariums  (AZA)  since  2000. 
The  purpose  of  SSPs  is  to  help  ensure  the  survival  of  selected  wildlife  species,  such  as  the  kori 
bustard.  SSPs  manage  the  captive  breeding  of  a given  species  in  order  to  maintain  a healthy  and 
self-sustaining  population  that  is  both  genetically  diverse  and  demographically  stable.  Beyond  this, 
SSPs  participate  in  cooperative  conservation  activities,  such  as  research,  public  education,  and  field 
projects.  The  kori  bustard  SSP®  lists  support  of  in  situ  work  as  a priority  in  its  Action  Plan.  Through 
an  AAZKJ  Geraldine  Meyer  Professional  Travel  grant  from  AAZK  (and  other  funding  sources),  a 
preliminary  investigation  into  the  health  status  of  kori  bustards  in  Kenya  was  initiated  in  May  2006. 

Natural  History 
Range  and  Status 

Kori  bustards  (Fig.  1)  are  the  largest  of  all  the  bustards  with  captive  males  ranging  in  weight  from 
12-20  kg  and  females  averaging  6-7  kg.  The  kori  bustard  is  a large  polytypic,  highly  dimorphic 
bustard  with  two  subspecies  classified  according  to  geographic  distribution,  size  and  plumage 
variations.  They  are  indigenous  to  the  grasslands  and 
lightly  wooded  savannas  of  southern  and  eastern  Africa. 

The  nominate  subspecies  Ardeotis  kori  kori  occurs  in 
Botswana,  Zimbabwe,  Namibia,  southern  Angola,  South 
Africa  and  Mozambique  (Johnsgard,  1991),  Ardeotis 
kori  struthiunculus  occurs  in  Ethiopia,  Kenya  and 
Tanzania. 

Although  the  kori  bustard  has  a wide  distribution  in  Africa, 
it  is  facing  a rapid  population  decline  throughout  its  range. 

Despite  popular  references  that  list  the  species  as  “common 
and  abundant”,  virtually  no  censuses  have  been  conducted 
to  determine  the  population  status.  Furthermore,  recent 
reports  have  noted  that  the  numbers  of  kori  bustards  have 
declined  and  birds  are  absent  from  areas  where  they  used 
to  be  found.  The  species  is  listed  in  Appendix  II  of  CITES. 

According  to  del  Hoyo  (1996),  the  kori  bustard  is  showing 
signs  of  chronic  decline  and  local  extinction  over  its  entire 
range.  The  species  is  listed  as  a vulnerable  species  in  the 
South  African  Red  Data  book  (Brooke  1984)  and  more 
recently,  in  the  Eskom  Red  Data  book  of  Birds  of  South 
Africa,  Lesotho  and  Swaziland  (Barnes  2000). 

Causes  for  the  decline  include  increasing  agriculture  and 
development,  hunting  pressure  and  a low  tolerance  for  human  activity  (Dale,  1990).  Poison  used  to 
control  locusts  is  toxic  to  birds  and  may  possibly  be  affecting  kori  bustard  populations  (Barnes, 
2000).  Although  the  kori  bustard  is  listed  as  “protected  game”  it  continues  to  be  hunted  over  much 


Figure  1 (photo  by  Jesse  Cohen) 


Animal  Keepers'  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  12  523 


of  its  range.  In  Namibia,  it  is  commonly  referred  to  as  the  “Christmas  turkey”  (Osborne,  2001)  and 
in  South  Africa  it  is  called  the  “Kalahari  Kentucky”  (Barnes,  2000).  Senyatso  (2006)  found  poaching 
to  be  a prevalent  problem  in  settlements  near  the  Khutse  Game  Reserve  and  the  Kgalagadi 
Transfrontier  Park  in  Botswana.  Senyatso  also  found  evidence  of  illegal  trade  of  live  birds  along 
the  Botswana  - South  Africa  border.  Collisions  with  overhead  power  lines  are  a problem  as 
exemplified  by  one  10-km  stretch  of  overhead  powerlines  in  the  Karoo  that  killed  22  kori  bustards 
during  a five-month  period  (Van  Rooyen,  2000). 

Natural  factors  affecting  the  species  include  an  inherent  low  reproductive  rate,  and  reduced  breeding 
activity  in  dry  years  with  predation  pressure  a constant.  Natural  predators  of  kori  bustard  chicks 
and  adults  include  black-backed  jackal  (Canis  mesomelas),  spotted  hyena  (Crocuta  crocuta),  martial 
eagle  {Polemaetus  bellicosus),  tawny  eagle  {Aquila  rapax),  Verreaux’s  eagle  (Aquila  verreauxii), 
leopard  {Panthera  pardus),  lion  (Panthera  leo)  and  caracal  {Caracal  caracal)  (del  Hoyo,  1996). 

Biology 

Kori  bustards  are  polygynous  and  males  gather  singly  or  in  loose  lek-like  formations  to  display  to 
females  during  the  breeding  season.  With  neck  inflated  and  wings  drooping,  a male  struts  around 
snapping  his  bill  and  producing  a booming  sound.  If  he  is  successful  in  attracting  a female  to  his 
territory,  copulation  ensues,  after  which  the  male  returns  to  his  display  grounds  to  attract  another 
female.  He  plays  no  part  in  incubation  nor  in  rearing  the  chicks.  The  female  leaves  the  breeding 
grounds  in  search  of  an  appropriate  nesting  site  where  she  alone  incubates  the  1-2  eggs  for  23  days. 
Chicks  are  precocial  and  nidifugous  at  birth.  They  are  able  to  follow  their  mother  around  24  hours 
after  hatch  and  remain  with  her  until  the  start  of  next  years  breeding  season  (Johnsgard,  1991). 
Mortality  of  chicks  is  high  (80%)  during  their  first  year  of  life  (Osborne  and  Osborne,  2000). 

Like  all  bustards,  kori  bustards  are  omnivorous.  Studies  have  shown  that  they  consume  mostly 
insects  and  plant  material  in  their  grassland  habitat  (Osborne  and  Osborne,  1998-2002;  Mwangi, 
1988).  General  observations  of  free-ranging  birds  indicate  that  although  they  consume  mainly 
insects,  they  also  consume  lizards,  leaves,  seeds,  acacia  gum,  and  flowers  (Osborne  and  Osborne, 
1999).  The  kori  bustard  gastrointestinal  tract  is  typical  of  an  insectivorous  bird  (Maloiy  et  al,  1987). 
The  esophagus  is  not  as  pronounced  as  that  of  a carnivorous  bird  and  the  ventriculus  is  thick  and 
muscular  (a  trait  characteristic  of  birds  consuming  complex  food  items  such  as  insects  and  plant 
material:  Stevens  and  Hume,  1995;  Klasing,  1998).  Additionally,  kori  bustards  have  a pronounced 
cecum,  which  is  common  in  omnivorous  birds  such  as  ostriches,  rheas,  cranes,  and  quail  (Klasing, 
1998). 

Kori  bustards  are  generally  solitary  except  for  females  with  chicks,  which  remain  as  a group  until 
the  start  of  next  year’s  breeding  season,  although  aggregations  of  birds  have  occasionally  been 
reported.  In  a 1988  report  by  Mwangi,  of  258  birds  sighted,  birds  were  alone  68%  of  the  time,  in 
groups  of  two  22%  of  the  time,  in  groups  of  three  6%  of  the  time  and  in  groups  of  four  and  five  (2% 
and  0.4%  respectively).  Of  610  sightings  in  Etosha  National  Park  during  the  non-breeding  season, 
Osborne  and  Osborne  (1998)  found  adult  males  alone  66%  of  the  time  and  adult  females  alone  15%. 

Background  of  Research  Study 

Although  ecological  studies  of  wild  populations  of  kori  bustards  have  been  conducted  (Osborne  and 
Osborne,  1998-2004),  such  studies  have  lacked  a medical  component.  Understanding  the  medical, 
nutritional  and  reproductive  components  to  wild  populations  will  become  increasingly  necessary  as 
the  species  continues  to  decline  in  Africa.  Additionally,  medical  information  including  normal 
biological  values  of  free  ranging  kori  bustards  are  necessary  in  order  to  provide  information  crucial 
to  assess  and  manage  health,  reproduction,  and  disease  issues  within  the  captive  population.  In 
captivity,  kori  bustards  are  susceptible  to  a range  of  bacterial,  fungal,  metabolic  and  parasitic  diseases 
(Bailey  et  al,  1997).  Since  disease  conditions  have  been  shown  to  affect  the  reproductive  performance 
and  survival  of  wild  animals  (Wobeser,  1 994),  understanding  the  medical  component  as  well  as  the 
reproductive  biology  of  kori  bustard  populations  will  become  increasingly  important  as  populations 
continue  to  decline. 

With  61  kori  bustards  in  the  US,  the  population  is  breeding,  but  is  currently  limited  to  the  sanje 
breeding  individuals.  The  mean  kinship  is  high  at  0.066  (Hallager,  2006)  and  unless  additional 


524  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  12 


birds  begin  to  breed,  the  population  will  become  increasingly  related.  A greater  understanding  of 
the  physiological  changes  that  are  occurring  in  reproductive  and  non-reproductive  kori  bustards  is 
urgently  needed. 

I Through  this  project,  our  aim  was  to  create  a strong  and  effective  linkage  between  wild  and  captive 
kori  bustard  populations  through  which  information  gained  from  the  wild  population  would  directly 
affect  the  management  and  continued  survival  of  the  captive  population.  Additionally,  the  generation 
of  baseline  health  parameters  and  hormone  levels  for  wild  birds  will  provide  conservationists  with 
a greater  understanding  of  this  declining  species  and  will  be  a requirement  in  any  future  efforts  to 
protect  the  species. 

Research  Study 

In  May  of  2006,  I traveled  to  Kenya  to  participate  in  a preliminary  investigation  into  the  health 
status  of  kori  bustards  in  the  wild  and  to  evaluate  if  future  in  situ  studies  would  be  possible.  My 
colleague  (and  Principal  Investigator),  Dr.  Suzan  Murray,  Head  Veterinarian  of  the  National  Zoo, 
and  I collaborated  with  Dr.  Muchane  Muchai,  Senior  Research  Scientist  in  the  Department  of 
Ornithology,  National  Museum  of  Kenya,  and  Tim  Osborne,  a retired  wildlife  biologist  who  studied 
kori  bustards  extensively  in  Namibia  for  seven  years.  We  were  joined  in  the  field  by  a guide  from 
our  research  camp.  This  study  was  funded  by  the  Smithsonian’s  Women’s  Committee,  an  AAZKJ 
Geraldine  Meyer  Professional  Travel  grant,  and  the  Smithsonian  National  Zoological  Park. 

Our  research  was  based  at  Mpala  Research  Centre. 
Mpala  is  located  near  the  town  of  Nanyuki  at  the  foot 
of  Mt.  Kenya  (Fig.  2).  At  5 199m,  Mount  Kenya  is  the 
highest  mountain  in  Kenya  and  the  second  highest 
mountain  in  Africa.  It  was  formed  by  intermittent 
volcanic  eruptions  3.1  to  2.6  million  years  ago.  Lying 
only  20km  from  the  equator,  there  are  numerous 
glaciers  on  the  mountain  due  to  the  high  altitude 
(Baker,  1967). 

Founded  in  1994,  Mpala  hosts  researchers  from  around 
the  world.  Fully  equipped  laboratories,  gracious 
accommodations  and  access  to  a variety  of  animals 
make  Mpala  an  excellent  location  to  conduct  wildlife 
research  on  African  animals.  The  Mpala  Conservancy 
is  a 194km^  property  encompassing  Mpala  Research 
Centre  and  Mpala  Ranch  in  Laikipia,  Kenya.  A 
wildlife-friendly  working  ranch,  the  Conservancy  is 
home  to  more  than  75  mammal  species  and  280  bird 
species.  Laikipia  is  characterized  by  semi-arid  savanna 
habitat  that  is  representative  of  many  areas  of  Africa. 
Humans,  livestock,  agriculture  and  wildlife  use  its 
resources,  with  escalating  conflict.  Mpala  Research  Centre  was  established  as  a non-profit  scientific 
and  training  facility  with  a directive  to  address  environmental  issues  affecting  the  landscape  and  to 
seek  ways  of  resolving  their  conflicts.  To  this  end  the  following  objectives  were  established  at 
Mpala  (www.mpala.org): 

• To  develop  a permanent  facility  in  collaboration  with  US  and  Kenyan  institutions  for 
long-term  research  and  training  in  pure  and  applied  environmental  sciences  and 
conservation. 

• To  promote  both  human  and  wildlife  interests  in  East  Africa,  and  provide  information  to 
help  resolve  their  conflicts. 


Figure!  “ ; 


Research 

Certre 


• To  identify  mechanisms  for  maintaining  the  ecological  integrity  of  the  region. 


Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  VoL  33  No.  12  525 


Of  the  many  species  of  birds  on  Mpala,  four  species  of  bustard  occur  regularly  including  buff- 
crested  bustard  (Eupodotis  rufricrista),  white-bellied  bustard  {Eupodotis  senegalensis),  black-bellied 
bustard  {Eupodotis  melanogaster),  and  kori  bustard.  In  Kenya,  kori  bustards  are  most  numerous  in 
the  dry  grassland  areas  of  northern  and  western  Kenya  and  the  Rift  Valley  highlands  south  to  Mara 
Game  Reserve,  Loita  Plains,  Nairobi  National  Park  and  Amboseli  National  Park  (Zimmerman,  1 996). 
Total  population  size  is  unknown  in  Kenya  although  Mwangi  (1988)  estimated  0.3  birds  per  kmGn 
Nairobi  National  Park  in  1986/87.  Kori  bustards  are  listed  by  Mpala  as  common  and  abundant 
residents.  We  estimated  there  were  125-150  birds  occurring  on  the  property  (Fig.  3). 


Our  goal  at  Mpala  was  to  capture  between  10-20  adult 
(or  sub-adult)  kori  bustards  and  obtain  a variety  of  health 
related  data  including: 

• To  determine  the  prevalence  of  selected  infectious 
diseases  in  wild  kori  bustards  by  analyzing  sera  for 
antibodies. 

• To  determine  the  protozoal  and  helminth  parasite 
load  of  wild  kori  bustards. 

• To  determine  the  normal  cloacal,  oropharyngeal 
and  respiratory  tract  microflora  (aerobic  bacteria  and 
fungi)  of  wild  kori  bustards. 

• To  determine  baseline  reference  ranges  for 
hematology,  biochemistry,  and  iron  panels  in  wild  kori 
bustards. 

• To  determine  normal  serum  levels  of  vitamins, 
amino  acids  and  trace  elements  in  kori  bustards  that  are 
of  significance  to  the  nutritional  management  of  captive 
birds. 

• To  initiate  baseline  information  on  the  reproductive 
biology  of  wild  birds. 


Figure  3 (photo  by  Sara  Hallager) 


Additional  blood  was  collected  for  an  ongoing  DNA 
study  examining  the  relatedness  of  the  eastern  and 
southern  populations  (Osborne,  Hallager,  Slikas  and 
Cohen  in  prep).  We  collected  mormphometric  measurements  on  all  birds  we  captured  and  placed  a 
ring  on  each  bird. 


Method  of  capture  and  data  collection 

Upon  sighting  a bird,  we  assessed  the  habitat  the  bird  was  in  as  well  as  the  disposition  of  the  bird. 
Birds  that  appeared  overly  anxious  were  left  alone  as  were  birds  that  were  present  in  vegetation  too 
dense  to  string  the  capture  net.  We  ensured  that  the  area  was  safe  for  us  to  work  in.  On  several 
occasions,  elephants  were  in  the  area  making  capture  of  a kori  too  risky.  We  also  assessed  if  the  area 
was  safe  for  the  kori  once  we  released  it.  Because  the  bird  was  stressed  from  the  procedure  of 
capture,  if  predators  (e.g.  jackal,  cheetah  or  martial  eagle)  were  in  the  vicinity,  we  opted  not  to 
capture  the  bird.  We  only  attempted  capture  of  birds  that  appeared  calm  and  uninterested  in  our 
presence  and  which  were  located  in  habitat  that  was  amenable  to  easy  capture  and  which  was  safe 
for  both  humans  and  kori  bustards. 

Our  capture  net  was  a 100m  monofilament  fishing  net  dyed  a golden  brown  which  was  strung 
between  3-4  small  bushes.  If  placed  at  the  correct  angle  to  the  sun,  the  net  became  virtually  invisible. 
While  one  person  strung  the  net,  a second  person  drove  the  vehicle.  The  rest  of  the  team  kept  an  eye 
on  the  kori  as  it  was  easy  to  lose  sight  of  a bird  as  it  moved  about.  It  was  critical  that  the  vehicle 
remained  between  the  person  stringing  the  net  and  the  bird.  Kori  bustards  do  not  seem  to  mind 
vehicles  in  their  vicinity,  but  as  soon  as  they  spot  a human,  they  quickly  leave  the  area. 

Once  the  net  was  strung,  the  person  hanging  the  net  returned  to  the  vehicle  and  we  began  to  circle 
widely  around  and  behind  the  bird.  It  was  important  to  keep  a wide  distance  from  the  bird  so  as  not 
to  agitate  it.  Gradually,  the  Landover  guided  the  kori  towards  the  net.  When  the  bird  was  about 
10m  from  the  net,  the  vehicle  accelerated  causing  the  bird  to  run  into  the  net.  Once  entangled  in  the 


526  Animal  Keepers’ Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  12 


net,  time  was  crucial.  The  bird  had  to  be  quickly  extricated  so  that  it  would  not  injure  itself.  Once 
freed  of  the  net,  the  bird  was  immediately  wrapped  in  a piece  of  shade  cloth  and  weighed  (Fig.  4). 
The  eyes  were  covered  with  two  cupped  hands  to  lessen  the  stress  to  the  bird.  Blood  was  taken 
followed  by  morphometric  data  (measurements  of  head,  culmen,  tarsus,  tibiotarsus,  tail,  wing  chord 
and  arc  and  molt  status).  A numbered  ring  was  placed  above  the  foot.  The  team  remained  as  quiet 
as  possible  during  the  entire  process  to  minimize  stress.  Within  ten  minutes  of  capture,  the  bird  was 
released  upon  which  it  either  flew  away  (Fig.  5)  or  walked  away  from  us,  barking  the  entire  time 
indicating  its  displeasure  with  the  whole  experience.  A GPS  reading  of  the  capture  location  was 
taken. 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  12  527 


Once  the  bird  was  out  sight,  the  net  was  removed  from  the  thorny  acacia  bushes,  the  gear  packed  up,  li 

and  a search  begun  for  another  bird.  As  we  were  searching  for  kori  bustards,  we  were  privileged  to  ) 

observe  other  residents  of  Mpala  such  as  elephant  {Loxodonta  africana),  spotted  hyena  (Crocuta  ■ 
cwciita),  cheetah  {Acinonyx  jiibatus),  black-backed  jackal  (Canis  mesomelas),  eland  {Taurotragus 
otyx),  dikdik  (Madoqua  kirkii)  (Mpala  must  hold  the  record  for  the  worlds  densest  distribution  of  f 
dikdik),  reticulated  giraffe  {Giraffa  Camelopardalis  reticulata),  hippopotamus  {Hippopotamus 
amphibious)  impala  {Aepyceros  melampus),  greater  kudu  (Tragelaphus  streps iceros),  oryx  {Oryx 
besia),  plains  {Equiis  burchelli)  and  Grevy’s  zebra  {Equus  grevyi),  rock  hyrax  (Heterohyrax  brucei) 
and  olive  baboon  {Papio  anubis)  to  name  a just  a few.  We  observed  over  65  species  of  birds  including  | 
ostrich  {Struthio  camelus),  secretary  bird  {Sagittarius  serpentarius),  hammerkop  {Scopus  umbretta),  I 
goliath  heron  {Ardea  goliath),  hadada  ibis  {Hagedashia  hagedash),  bateleur  eagle  {Terathopius  || 
ecaudatus),  pale  chanting  goshawk  {Melierax  canorus),  spotted  thick-knee  {Burhinus  capensis),  j 
white-bellied  go-away  bird  {Corythaixoides  leucogaster),  hoopoe  {Upupa  epops),  red-billed  hombill 
{Tockiis  erythrorhynchus)  and  Von  der  Decken’s  hornbill  {Tockus  deckeni)  and  martial  eagle 
{Polemaetus  bellicosus).  We  saw  few  reptiles  other  than  leopard  tortoise  {Geochelone  pardalis). 
One  of  the  highlights  we  witnessed  was  a martial  eagle  dive  bombing  a male  kori  bustard.  Martial 
eagles  are  natural  predators  of  kori  bustards,  but  this  was  a large  male  kori  and  it  did  not  seem  like  | 
the  eagle  could  do  much  harm.  After  10  minutes  of  harassment  from  the  eagle,  the  kori  flew  off.  : 

On  some  days,  we  captured  as  many  as  four  kori  bustards.  On  other  days,  the  birds  freed  themselves  | 

from  the  net  before  we  were  able  to  get  to  them  and  we  did  not  catch  any  birds.  Of  1 8 kori  bustards 
we  attempted  to  capture,  we  were  successful  in  catching  1 2 birds.  At  the  end  of  each  day  of  successftil 
capture,  all  samples  were  inspected  to  ensure  proper  identification,  the  daily  log  was  updated  and 
blood  was  processed  at  the  lab  and  frozen  for  export  back  to  the  United  States.  It  was  then  off  to  a 
delicious  dinner  and  communication  via  email  with  friends  and  family  back  home  before  retiring 
for  the  night.  On  our  last  night  in  Kenya,  with  a full  moon  above,  we  sat  on  the  veranda  and  reminisced 
about  our  adventures  in  Africa  while  we  listened  and  watched  as  elephants  munched  on  bushes  in 
our  backyard. 

Conclusion  ' 

We  considered  this  preliminary  project  a success  on  many  levels.  We  verified  that  kori  bustards  | 
were  indeed  common  residents  of  Mpala  and  we  were  able  to  capture  birds.  We  obtained  the  number  ^ 
of  samples  we  initially  sought  and  we  successfully  processed  and  transported  them  back  to  the  US. 

We  are  currently  waiting  processing  of  our  samples  upon  which  we  will  disseminate  the  findings  to  | 
the  scientific  community.  We  became  knowledgeable  about  the  process  of  working  with  the  Kenyan 
government  and  the  logistics  associated  with  travel  within  Kenya.  We  hope  to  be  able  to  return  to 
Kenya  to  continue  our  studies  of  kori  bustards  in  the  wild  and  contribute  towards  preserving  this 
remarkable  bird.  ! 

Acknowledgements  i 

This  study  was  made  possible  through  support  from  the  Smithsonian’s  Women’s  Committee,  the 
Smithsonian  National  Zoological  Park  and  an  AAZK/Geraldine  Meyer  Professional  Travel  grant.  | 

References 

Bailey,  T.,  Naldo,  J.,  Samour,  J.,  & Hewlett,  J..  Bustard  Therapeutics:  Techniques  for  the  medical 
management  and  care  of  captive  bustards.  ERWDA  External  Report  No.  5.  November  1997. 
Baker,  B.H..  1967.  Geology  of  the  Mt.  Kenya  Area,  Ministry  of  Natural  Resources 
Geological  Survey  of  Kenya,  78pgs 

Barnes,  K.  N.  (ed.)  2000.  The  Eskom  Red  Data  Book  of  Birds  of  South  Africa, 

Lesotho  and  Swaziland.  Birdlife  South  Africa.  ' 

Brooke,  R.K.  1984.  South  African  Red  Data  Book:  Birds.  CSIR,  Pretoria. 

Dale,  J.  1990.  The  Kori  bustard  in  central  Zimbabwe.  Honeyguide  36(3):  123-128. 
del  Hoyo,  J.,  Elliot  ,A.  & Sargatal,  J.  eds  1996.  Handbook  of  the  Birds  of  the  World. 

Vol.  3.  Hoatzin  to  Auks.  Lynx  Edicions,  Barcelona. 

Johnsgard,  Paul  A.  1991.  Bustards,  Hemipodes,  and  Sandgrouse,  Birds  of  Dry  Places.  I 

Oxford  University  Press. 

Klasing,  K.  1998.  Comparative  Avian  Nutrition.  CAB  international.  New  York,  NY. 


528  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  12 


Maloiy,  G.,  C.  Wami,  and  E.  Clemens.  1987.  Comparative  Gastrointestinal  Morphology 
of  the  Kori  bustard  and  Secretary  Bird.  Zoo  Biol.  6:243-251. 

Mwangi,  E.M.  1988.  The  ecology  of  bustards  in  Nairobi  National  Park  and 

the  Kitengela  Conservation  Area,  Kenya.  Unpublished  MSc  Thesis,  University  of  Nairobi. 

Osborne,  T.  & Osborne,  L.  Ecology  of  the  Kori  bustard  in  Namibia.  Annual  Report  of  the  Ministry 
of  Environment  and  Tourism  Pennit  Office,  Namibia.  Feb.  1998. 

Osborne,  T.  & Osborne,  L.  Ecology  of  the  Kori  bustard  in  Namibia.  Annual  Report  of  the  Ministry 
of  Environment  and  Tourism  Permit  Office,  Namibia.  Feb.  1999 

Osborne,  T.  & Osborne,  L.  Ecology  of  the  Kori  bustard  in  Namibia.  Annual  Report  of  the  Ministry 
of  Environment  and  Tourism  Permit  Office,  Namibia.  Feb.  2000. 

Osborne,  T,  & Osborne,  L.  Ecology  of  the  Kori  bustard  in  Namibia.  Annual  Report  of  the  Ministry 
of  Environment  and  Tourism  Permit  Office,  Namibia.  Feb.  200 1 . 

Osborne,  T.  & Osborne,  L.  Ecology  of  the  Kori  bustard  in  Namibia.  Annual  Report  of  the  Ministry 
of  Environment  and  Tourism  Permit  Office,  Namibia.  Feb.  2002. 

Osborne,  T.  & Osborne,  L.  Ecology  of  the  Kori  bustard  in  Namibia.  Annual  Report  of  the  Ministry 
of  Environment  and  Tourism  Permit  Office,  Namibia.  Feb.  2004. 

Senyatso,  K.  2006.  Kori  bustard  poaching  in  Botswana:  Preliminary  discoveries. 

Babbler  47:  19-24. 

Stevens  and  Hume  1995.  Comparative  Physiology  of  the  Vertebrate  Digestive  System. 

Cambridge  University  Press,  New  York,  NY 

\an  Rooyen,  C.S.  & Ledger,  J.  2000.  Birds  and  Utility  Structures.  Developments  in 
Southern  Africa.  ESKOM/EWT  Strategic  Partnership  Report. 

Wobeser,  GA  1994,  Investigation  and  management  of  disease  in  wild  animals.  Plenum  Press,  New 

York. Zimmerman,  D.  1996.  Birds  of  Kenya  and  northern  Tanzania.  Princeton  University  Press. 

Note:  The  AAZK  Geraldine  xMeyer  Professional  Travel  Grant  is  funded  in  part  by  the  Dallas  AAZK  Chapter. 


Join  Us  in  Kenya  August  2007 
Ed  Hansen  - Executive  Director  AAZK  Inc.  and 
Jolene  Hamrick  - Associate  Editor,  AKF 


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Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  12  529 


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530  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  12 


REACTIONS 

A Question  and  Answer  Forum  for  the 
Zoo  Professional  on  Crisis  Management 

By  William  K.  Baker,  Jr,  Curator 
Panthera  Research,  Maumelle,  AR 


Question 

I can’t  help  noticing  that  crisis  incidents  in  zoos  seem  to  be  on  the  rise.  Is  this  the  case  or  are  we  as 
animal  caregivers  just  hearing  about  more  than  we  use  to?  Also,  with  what  we  know  about  crisis 
management,  why  do  these  ineidents  keep  occurring? 

Comments 

There  are  numerous  philosophical  approaches  to  this  question,  but  I’ll  take  the  straight  forward 
approach  to  answering  it.  I should  preface  my  answer  that  to  address  this  issue,  not  unlike  the  last 
time  this  question  came  up,  my  answer  will  be  somewhat  philosophical  as  well  as  subjective  in 
nature;  basically,  my  professional  opinion.  First  and  foremost,  crisis  management  is  about  human 
nature.  Now  before  people  raise  eyebrows,  let  me  explain.  It  is  human  nature  to  be  imperfect. 
Essentially  everyone  makes  mistakes  in  some  form  or  fashion  as  they  move  through  life.  Now,  some 
people  make  more  than  their  fair  share  of  mistakes  and  others  make  fewer  errors  in  judgment,  while 
some  people  make  catastrophic  mistakes  some  individuals  make  dismissible  errors.  Forgetting  to 
secure  a cage  door  versus  forgetting  your  feed  bowls.  Point  is. ..everyone  sooner  or  later  makes  a 
mistake,  even  me. 

Now  the  argument  could  be  made,  aha. ..what  about  failure  of  a critical  service,  machine,  or  structure? 
Same  argument  still  applies;  human  nature  is  to  make  mistakes.  If  a critical  service  fails,  it  probably 
should  have  been  addressed  before  it  became  a problem,  say  through  a design  or  inspection  process. 
If  a machine  fails,  same  thing  applies,  inspect  regularly,  and  repair  before  it  becomes  a problem. 
Most  people  change  the  oil  in  their  cars  or  get  tune-ups  for  this  very  reason.  Okay,  what  about  a 
structural  failure?  Once  again  we  have  engineers  and  architects  to  design  our  buildings  and  inspectors 
that  oversight  the  construction  and  maintenance  process.  Design  flaws  aren’t  good  excuses. 

Okay  now  comes  the  devils  advoeate  standpoint  on  all  of  the  above.  Everything  fails  sooner  or  later, 
yes?  That’s  right,  but  remember  forewarned  is  forearmed.  As  I have  said  before,  “Prepare  for  the 
worst  and  hope  for  the  best’’.  Now,  leaving  that  discussion  to  the  side,  there  are  three  other  reasons 
that  I believe  crisis  events  occur.  One,  crisis  management  in  zoological  institutions  is  a relatively 
new  science,  probably  less  than  20  years  old;  we’re  still  learning  everyday.  Two,  we  live  in  the 
information  age.  When  I started  in  the  profession  people  didn’t  discuss  escapes,  etc.  It  just  wasn’t 
done  and  it  stayed  in-house.  In  today’s  information  highway,  we  don’t  really  have  a choice,  sooner 
or  later  it  gets  out.  So,  in  my  opinion,  we  hear  about  it  more  than  we  used  to  in  years  past,  not  to 
mention  there  are  more  zoos.  Three,  the  random  factor  exists  known  as  the  visitor.  You  can  prepare 
for  virtually  any  situation,  but  the  visitor  in  many  cases  results  in  new  variants  on  any  existing  plan. 

Another  aspect  to  this  problem  that  I often  hear  from  fellow  professionals  is  that  their  facilities  are 
prepared  for  the  unexpected.  Yet,  after  a few  minutes  of  conversation  it  ean  be  ascertained  that  they 
might  not  be  as  prepared  as  they  think  they  are.  What  I mean  by  this  statement  is  that  preparedness 
is  subjective.  Every  person  has  a slightly  different  viewpoint  in  this  regard.  So,  what  one  person 
believes  to  be  prepared  may  not  fit  with  accepted  industry  standards  or  my  viewpoint  for  example. 
Taking  this  to  the  next  step,  a person  can  ask  “Do  you  have  an  emergeney  plan  for  crisis  events  at 
your  facility?”  Usually  the  answer  is  “yes”.  I then  inquire  when  was  the  last  time  it  was  re-evaluated, 
does  it  cover  all  contingencies,  and  does  it  provide  for  a clear  delineation  of  duties  and  lines  of 
communication  during  a crisis?  More  often  then  I would  like  to  hear,  the  answer  isn’t  a resounding 
“yes”  to  all  aspects  of  the  question  above. 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  12  531 


The  next  step  in  the  conversation  is  to  ascertain  how  often  the  staff  at  an  institution  devotes  time  and  I 

financial  resources  to  actual  training.  When  was  the  last  time  you  had  a dangerous  animal  escape 
drill,  fire  drill,  or  practiced  for  a medical  emergency?  How  often  does  your  firearms  team  go  to  the 
range,  does  your  chemical  anesthesia  team  practice  regularly,  and  does  your  facility  have  a designated 
line  item  to  support  training  and  continuing  education?  The  good  news  is  that  most  facilities  do  ! 
train  and  view  their  emergency  responders  as  a valued  asset  to  their  institutions  safety.  However,  i' 
how  often  they  train  is  often  where  this  breaks  down.  Many  facilities  only  practice  1 -4  times  a year, 
while  others  practice  on  a monthly  basis.  My  viewpoint  tends  to  favor  the  monthly  practice.  Once 
again,  it’s  subjective.  While  I tend  to  favor  a more  progressive  stance  on  these  issues,  many  individuals 
don’t  necessarily  share  my  views  and  believes  that  less  is  better.  j 

Continuing  with  this  line  of  thought,  let’s  talk  about  safety  inspections.  Ideally,  the  staff  working 
their  particular  area  or  section  should  inspect  all  aspects  of  their  workspace  on  a daily  basis.  This 
would  include  locks,  hasps,  fence  lines,  structures,  and  vehicles,  essentially  everything  that  they  use 
or  come  into  contact  with  as  they  move  through  their  workday.  With  practice  this  can  easily  become 
second  nature  and  part  of  the  daily  routine.  In  a more  structured  format,  safety  inspections  should 
be  conducted  on  at  least  a monthly  basis.  Items  that  fall  into  this  category  include  fire  extinguishers,  ■ 
smoke  detectors,  carbon  monoxide  detectors,  and  first-aid  kits.  The  easiest  way  to  approach  this  is 
to  develop  a checklist  that  the  staff  in  their  individual  work  areas  use  and  follow  as  a guide  every  | 

month.  This  not  only  provides  a method  to  prevent  skipping  items,  it  also  allows  management  to 
establish  a failure-success  rate  for  equipment,  develop  budgets  for  items,  and  provide  documentation 
for  OSHA  and  insurance  purposes.  Unfortunately,  due  to  staffing  or  time  constraints  and  simple 
apathy,  safety  checks  don’t  always  occur. 

Final  Comments 

Still,  all  of  the  above  aside,  I truly  believe  that  zoos,  refuges,  and  sanctuaries  are  all  doing  much 
better  than  in  years  past.  I would  even  go  so  far  as  to  say  that  our  industry  is  getting  safer  everyday. 

Yet,  we  keep  hearing  about  crises  in  zoological  environments,  so  why  are  we  hearing  about  them? 

As  mentioned  earlier,  I really  believe  that  what  we  are  experieneing  is  a result  of  the  information 
age  and  when  a crisis  occurs,  everyone  knows  about  it.  Are  we  going  to  continue  to  see  crisis 
events?  Absolutely!  There  are  always  going  to  be  incidents  due  to  human  error,  design  flaws,  and 
equipment  failure. 

At  the  same  time  never  forget  that  the  world  we  live  in  is  unpredictable.  The  potential  threat  of 
hurricanes,  earthquakes,  flooding,  tornados,  and  wildfire  will  always  be  on  the  horizon.  Even  if 
every  facility  had  a perfect  safety  record,  these  threats  will  always  be  present.  I like  to  believe  that 
what  we  experience  as  professionals  makes  us  stronger  for  the  experience  as  we  continue  to  learn  1 
and  grow  to  meet  new  challenges.  That  experience  and  skill  is  then  shared  with  other  professionals 
and  institutions  with  the  end  result  that  our  industry  continues  to  become  safer  and  better  prepared 
every  year  for  what  may  happen. 

Our  greatest  single  strength  is  that  we  all  have  a common  goal,  the  welfare  of  our  animals.  This  is 
what  unites  us  as  professionals  and  brings  us  together  as  an  industry. 

Next  Month:  We  are  looking  at  items  for  next  year’s  budget,  are  there  service  vehicles  that  can  also 
do  “double-duty”  in  crisis  situations? 

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.  Away  from  work  he 
operates  Panthera  Research,  which  is  a research  and  consulting  firm.) 


532  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  12 


Management  and  Treatment  of  Avian  Chlamydiosis  in  a 
Captive  Magellanic  Penguin  {Spheniscus  magellanicus) 
Colony  at  the  San  Francisco  Zoo 

By 

Brenda  Melton,  Victoria  McCloskey,  Rachel  Orlando 
Animal  Keepers,  Bird  Department 
San  Francisco  Zoo,  1 Zoo  Road 
San  Francisco,  CA  94132 


Abstract 

In  January  2005,  the  Magellanic  penguin  (Spheniscus  magellanicus)  colony  at  the  San  Francisco 
Zoo  experienced  a lethal  outbreak  of  chlamydiosis.  This  is  the  first  time  Chlamydophilia  psittaci 
was  diagnosed  as  a pathogen  causing  morbidity  and  mortality  in  penguins.  Chlamydophilia  psittaci 
outbreaks  are  known  and  even  common  in  other  avian  species,  but  unreported  in  penguins.  Veterinary 
staff  developed  a treatment  plan  based  on  successful  treatment  in  other  species.  The  effects  of  the 
treatment  on  each  bird  were  tracked  by  summarizing  individual  conditions  in  four  categories  for  10 
weeks.  Side  effects  of  the  disease  and  treatment  included  loss  of  appetite,  light  sensitivity,  crusting 
of  the  skin  around  the  eyes  and  on  the  feet,  and  a disruption  of  the  breeding  season.  Twelve  of  64 
birds  were  lost  to  the  disease  or  to  the  treatment  process.  Weekly  fecal  samples  indicated  that  as  of 
the  third  week  of  treatment  the  penguins  were  no  longer  shedding  C.  psittaci.  Managing  the  remainder 
of  the  treatment  and  side  effects  thereof  continued  for  an  additional  eight  weeks.  At  the  conclusion 
of  the  delayed  breeding  season,  all  individuals  were  normal  in  appetite  and  energy,  but  many  had 
feather  loss  around  the  eyes  following  the  crusted  skin  sloughing  off.  Subsequent  to  their  annual 
molt  (July  ” October),  several  individuals  appeared  to  have  scarred  tissue  around  their  eyes  and  no 
new  feather  growth  in  this  area.  Blood  samples,  appetite  and  energy  were  normal  for  the  colony  at 
the  end  of  molt  2005.  Fecal  samples  have  been  negative  for  C.  psittaci  since  1 March  2005. 

Introduction 

Until  January  2005,  no  captive  penguin  colony  had  ever  been  afflicted  with  an  active  case  of 
chlamydiosis,  the  zoonotic  disease  caused  by  the  organism  C.  psittaci.  Chlamydiosis  is  an  intracellular 
bacterial  infection  that  often  occurs  after  inhalation  of  aerosolized  feces  or  other  secretions  of  infected 
birds  (University  of  California  Davis,  2005).  Common  symptoms  of  infection  include  lethargy, 
inappetence,  labored  breathing,  nasal  and  ocular  discharge  and  off-colored  stool  (Stoddard  III,  2005). 
The  bacterium  has  been  commonly  found  in  pigeons,  doves,  mynah  birds  and  psittacines.  In  this 
paper  we  have  outlined  the  effects  of  the  disease  and  the  difficulties  of  managing  a large  colony  of 
affected  penguins.  With  no  established  guidelines  for  penguins,  treatment  was  adapted  from  protocols 
set  for  large  flocks  of  psittacines  (Freeland  Dunker,  DVM,  personal  communication,  February  2005). 

Background 

In  May  of  1984  the  San  Francisco  Zoo  acquired  67  adult  Magellanic  Penguins  from  Chile,  South 
America.  The  zoo  has  maintained  a breeding  colony  for  more  than  20  years.  The  birds  are  exhibited 
in  an  open-air  enclosure.  A 900-square-foot  concrete  island  with  30  nest  burrows  arranged  on  three 
levels  is  adjacent  to  a 500-square-foot  rock  beach  with  six  wooden  nest  structures.  The  island  is 
surrounded  by  a three-foot  deep  moat/pool,  which  holds  approximately  90,000  gallons  of  fresh 
water.  In  January  2005,  the  exhibit  held  64  birds:  35  males  and  29  females  ranging  in  ages  from  six 
months  to  over  22  years  old. 

Husbandry 

With  only  four  keepers  trained  to  work  with  this  colony,  a high  level  of  consistency  is  maintained  in 
day-to-day  care.  Each  bird  is  offered  herring  or  capelin,  by  hand,  twice  daily.  On  average,  each 
bird  eats  about  one  pound  of  fish  a day.  Fish  are  supplemented  daily  with  vitamins  including  salt, 
thiamine,  vitamin  E and  an  avian  multi-vitamin  with  di-calcium  phosphate  during  breeding  season. 

Exhibit  maintenance  consists  of  daily  hosing  of  the  island  and  beach  area,  weekly  bleaching  of  the 
island  and  pool  and  semi-annual  burrow  cleaning.  Burrow  cleaning  entails  removing  all  nest  material 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  12  533 


(palm  fronds  and  kitty  litter)  and  disinfecting  the  burrows  and  island.  Burrows  are  then  refilled  with 
clean  litter  and  nest  material. 

Breeding  season  begins  in  February  with  first  hatch  in  mid-May.  Molt  begins  late  July  and  ends  late 
October. 

Avian  Malaria  and  Aspergillosis 

Prior  to  January  2005,  avian  malaria  and  aspergillosis  were  the  two  diseases  that  had  been  identified 
and  successfully  treated  in  our  colony.  Each  year  since  1997,  some  birds  in  the  colony  have  shown 
clinical  signs  of  mosquito-borne  avian  malaria  {Plasmodium  relictum  and  P.  elongatum).  This 
typically  occurs  from  June  through  October. 

Symptoms  of  both  diseases  include  lack  of  appetite,  lethargy,  hunched  posture,  pale  tissue,  isolation 
and  abnormal  colored  feces.  Coloration  of  stool  is  the  first  indicator  used  by  keepers  to  help  identify 
the  disease.  Birds  with  aspergillosis  tend  to  excrete  a fluorescent  green  colored  stool  while  birds 
with  malaria  tend  to  excrete  a mint  green  colored  stool.  The  entire  colony  is  treated  with  prophylactic 
medications:  primaquine  during  malaria  season  and  fluconazole  to  prevent  aspergillosis  whenever  a 
bird  is  unusually  stressed.  Upon  seeing  mint  green  stool,  malaria  is  assumed  and  a bird  is  put  on  a 
1 0-day  treatment  of  chloroquine/primaquine  (Tollini  et  al,  2000).  Supportive  care  is  given  as  required 
and  consists  of  one  or  all  of  the  following:  subcutaneous  fluids  (2.5%  dextrose  supplemented  with 
injectable  Vitamin  B),  broad-spectrum  antibiotics  (enroflaxin),  an  anti-fungal  (fluconazole),  oxygen 
and  assisted  feeding. 

Discovering  Chlamydiosis 

In  early  January  of  2005,  two  birds  that  showed  signs  of  inappetence,  lethargy,  isolation  and  florescent 
green  stool  were  taken  off  exhibit  and  treated  with  fluconazole,  enroflaxin  and  supportive  care. 
Both  birds  exhibited  marked  improvement,  and  were  returned  to  the  exhibit  without  a definitive 
diagnosis.  Within  a week,  five  birds  were  taken  off  exhibit  and  treated  with  chloroquine/primaquine 
for  suspected  malaria.  One  bird  died  within  four  days  of  initial  presentation.  Subsequently,  malaria- 
like symptoms  were  noted  throughout  the  colony.  Signs  of  malaria  present  this  early  in  the  year 
prompted  us  to  reinstate  our  malaria  season  protocol  on  31  January. 

For  the  first  three  weeks  of  February,  individual  birds  were  treated  for  malaria  as  symptoms  presented. 
Birds  were  treated  either  on  or  off  exhibit  depending  on  their  tractability  and  severity  of  symptoms. 
Symptoms  atypical  of  malaria  were  seen:  unusual  stool  color,  ataxia  and  seizures.  Two  more  birds 
died  during  this  period.  On  19  February,  necropsy  results  from  the  first  bird  showed  chlamydiosis 
as  the  cause  of  death.  The  following  two  necropsies  confirmed  that  although  blood  phase  malaria 
was  present,  chlamydiosis  was  the  cause  of  death.  These  three  birds  were  the  only  individuals  that 
actually  died  of  the  disease. 

Once  the  bacterial  infection  had  been  identified,  the  Department  of  Flealth  and  Fluman  Services  was 
contacted,  and  conservative  quarantine  procedures  were  immediately  put  into  place  according  to 
the  Center  for  Disease  Control  guidelines.  There  were  two  quarantine  areas:  a primary  quarantine  of 
birds  treated  off  exhibit  and  the  exhibit  itself,  considered  a secondary  quarantine.  Procedures  included 
bleach  footbaths  (at  a concentration  of  1 : 1 00),  facial  masks,  hair  nets,  designated  clothing  for  each 
area,  daily  bleaching  before  public  hours,  and  25  random  fecal  samples  taken  weekly.  Volunteers 
who  had  previously  come  onto  the  island  to  record  feedings  stood  in  the  public  area  to  record 
throughout  the  course  of  treatment. 

On  22  February,  we  were  informed  by  Health  and  Human  Services  that  the  likelihood  of  transmission 
to  the  public  was  low  due  to  a wet  local  climate  and  the  layout  of  the  exhibit.  We  continued  changing 
clothes  and  using  footbaths  throughout  the  treatment  as  a preventative  measure  against  possible 
transmission  to  the  rest  of  the  avian  collection.  The  exhibit  and  burrows  were  cleaned  and  bleached. 
The  clay-based  kitty  litter  was  disinfected  and  bagged,  then  replaced  with  an  organic,  dust  free 
product. 


534  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  12 


Treatment 

In  avian  species  (i.e.  psittacines),  doxycycline  is  the  preferred  antibiotic  for  treatment  of  chlamydiosis 
(Freeland  Dunker,  DVM,  personal  communication,  February  2005).  Beginning  22  February,  four 
birds  in  the  primary  quarantine  were  started  on  a daily  dose  of  200  milligrams  doxycycline.  A high 
end  dosage  of  200  milligrams  was  chosen  initially,  as  this  would  maintain  therapeutic  blood  levels 
if  treatment  was  inconsistent.  Enroflaxin,  given  previously  as  part  of  supportive  care,  was 
discontinued.  We  also  decided  to  delay  the  normal  di-calcium  phosphate  supplement  because  calcium 
is  known  to  bind  to  doxycycline  and  inhibit  absorption  (University  of  Maryland  Medical  Center, 
2004).  To  minimize  the  possibility  of  stress-related  aspergillosis,  a 110  milligram  daily  dose  of 
fluconazole  was  given  in  conjunction  with  the  doxycycline.  On  27  February,  the  entire  colony 
began  the  200  milligram  doxycycline  treatment.  Within  five  days,  we  noticed  a significant  decline 
in  appetite.  We  then  decreased  the  doxycycline  dose  to  100  milligram  per  day  in  an  attempt  to 
counteract  the  anorexia.  Birds  unwilling  to  eat  on  their  own  were  force-fed  their  medication. 
Individuals  consistently  regurgitating  were  pilled.  On  15  March  veterinary  staff  began  administering 
intramuscular  injections  of  Vibramycin  (doxycycline,  Pfizer  Animal  Health)  one  week  apart  to  birds 
who  were  difficult  to  medicate  orally  on  a consistent  basis.  The  injection  maintained  therapeutic 
blood  levels  for  seven  days  and  the  dosage  was  based  on  the  weight  of  the  bird.  By  the  end  of 
treatment,  18  birds  received  at  least  one  injectable  dose,  and  the  first  bird  received  a total  of  four 
doses. 

A target  treatment  plan  of  45  days  was  set  based  on  literature  for  successful  treatment  in  other  avian 
species  (Freeland  Dunker,  DVM,  personal  communication,  February  2005).  Due  to  concerns  about 
the  side  effects  of  treatment  causing  mortality,  our  veterinarians,  in  consultation  with  avian  experts, 
tailored  the  treatment  to  a 30-dose  time  frame  with  a treatment  length  of  30  to  41  days  depending  on 
the  amount  of  doses  received.  Birds  that  ate  on  a consistent  basis  and  received  consecutive  doses 
were  treated  for  a minimum  of  30  days.  Treatment  was  extended  for  individuals  that  missed  doses. 
We  attempted  to  administer  fluconazole  for  30  days  after  doxycycline  was  discontinued,  to  prevent 
any  secondary  aspergillosis  infections,  however  birds  were  not  force  fed  for  this  treatment. 

Management 

Throughout  treatment,  several  side  effects  were  observed.  Physical  side  effects  included  anorexia, 
weight  loss,  ocular  abnormalities,  crusting  of  the  skin  around  the  eyes  and  on  the  feet,  lethargy  and 
dehydration.  Behavioral  side  effects  included  isolation  and  a delayed  breeding  season.  Individual 
assessments  were  charted  in  regards  to  their  severity.  We  attempted  to  mitigate  the  side  effects  of 
the  disease  and  the  treatment  in  various  ways. 

Weekly  health  checks  were  performed  to  assess  side  effects  of  treatment.  Due  to  exhibit  constraints, 
health  checks  coincided  with  the  draining  of  the  pool  each  Wednesday  for  10  weeks.  Keepers  and 
veterinarians  would  consult  one  to  two  days  prior  to  generate  a list  of  individuals  to  be  examined. 
For  each  bird,  the  following  were  charted  every  week  for  10  weeks:  appetite,  energy  and  eye  condition. 
During  the  last  three  weeks,  we  noted  the  condition  of  the  skin  on  the  feet  as  well.  Severity  was 
rated  on  a scale  of  1 - 5 with  1 being  normal.  We  also  tracked  fish  consumption  and  the  number  of 
doxycycline  doses  received  daily  and  weekly.  The  results  of  the  weekly  chart,  in  addition  to  the 
need  for  an  injectable  dose  of  doxycycline  or  a follow-up  exam,  determined  which  individuals 
would  be  caught  up.  Each  bird  that  was  examined  was  weighed,  given  sub-cutaneous  fluids  and  had 
oral  and  ocular  swabs  taken.  Birds  with  crusting  eyes  had  their  eyes  wetted  with  saline  and  cleaned, 
and  BNP  ointment  (Bacitracin,  Neomycin  and  Polymyxin  B)  was  generously  applied.  Zinc  oxide 
was  applied  as  sun  protection  to  the  feet  of  the  birds  with  peeling  skin.  A photographic  record  was 
taken  of  the  eyes  and  feet. 

Anorexia 

A significant  side  effect  of  doxycycline  is  inappetence,  which  we  noticed  by  Day  6 of  treatment 
(Iowa  State  University,  2004).  To  address  the  lack  of  appetite  the  dosage  of  doxycycline  was 
lowered  from  200  to  100  milligrams.  We  began  the  treatment  at  maximum  dosage,  therefore  we  had 
room  to  decrease  it  and  still  provide  a sufficient  amount  of  medication  to  combat  the  infection.  This 
had  little  to  no  effect  on  increasing  appetite.  We  administered  Pepto-Bismol®  to  five  birds  for  1-6 
days  based  on  a hypothesis  that  upset  stomachs  might  have  been  a contributing  factor.  This  did  not 
help  increase  appetite  and  was  discontinued.  On  Day  6 of  treatment  we  began  offering  herring 
from  a different  distributor,  and  again,  no  increase  in  appetite  was  observed. 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  S3  No.  12  535 


Sample  Doxycycline  and  Fish  Consumption  Chart 


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536  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  12 


Oral  dose  of  100  mg 

Oral  dose  of  200  mg 
Injectable  dose 


Weight  Loss 

Weight  loss  was  a consistent  problem  throughout  treatment,  and  the  trend  was  noticed  within  two 
weeks  of  starting  treatment.  Weights  taken  in  March  were  normal,  but  weights  taken  in  April  and 
May  were  low.  A difference  in  the  physical  appearance  was  noticed  in  early  March.  As  treatment 
progressed,  keels  became  very  pronounced  in  several  birds.  Any  disease  process  typically  causes 
an  increase  in  metabolic  rate  and  we  attribute  at  least  some  weight  loss  to  this  (Freeland  Dunker, 
DVM,  personal  communication,  December  2005).  In  an  attempt  to  counteract  cases  of  extreme 
weight  loss,  birds  were  force-fed  medication  in  fish,  if  possible,  instead  of  pilling.  By  fall  2005,  all 
weights  were  back  within  normal  parameters. 

Ocular  and  Dermal  Abnormalities 

One  week  into  treatment  we  began  to  notice  squinty,  watery,  red  and  swollen  eyes  throughout  the 
colony.  We  considered  several  reasons  why  this  would  occur:  the  increased  frequency  of  bleaching 
we  had  instituted,  the  disease  itself,  or  the  doxycycline.  The  disease  was  being  treated  and  we  had 
just  decreased  the  doxycycline  dosage.  Therefore,  we  discontinued  the  daily  bleaching  of  the  island. 
Also,  our  region  experienced  an  atypically  high  number  of  sunny  days  during  the  first  few  months 
of  2005,  and  light  sensitivity  appeared  to  be  an  issue.  On  Day  14  of  treatment  we  installed  two 
shade  structures  on  the  beach  portion  of  the  exhibit.  The  weekly  bleaching  of  the  pool  was 
discontinued  for  five  weeks.  The  motivation  was  to  provide  a darker  medium  by  allowing  some 
algae  growth.  We  continued  to  drain  the  pool  weekly  to  allow  for  health  checks  and  a fresh  water 
fill.  Individuals  with  eye  conditions  continued  to  have  abnormalities  despite  the  changes  we  made. 
Eyes  went  through  a progression  of  change  from  the  initial  presentation,  to  birds  behaving  as  though 
blind,  to  crusted  skin  around  the  eyes  and  eyes  crusting  shut,  to  finally  crusts  falling  off.  The 
process  took  about  eight  weeks.  In  some  cases,  feather  loss  and  scarred  tissue  around  the  eye  area 
occurred. 

Subsequent  to  the  eye  abnormalities  resolving,  keepers  noted  crusty,  peeling  skin  on  the  feet  of  six 
of  the  younger  birds.  All  six  birds  had  completed  their  doxycycline  treatment  a minimum  of  three 
days  prior  to  presenting  initial  feet  problems.  Biopsies  were  taken  and  the  results  revealed 
hyperkeratosis.  The  condition  resolved  itself  in  approximately  four  weeks. 

Le.thargy_and  Dehydration 

We  consider  lethargy  and  dehydration  secondary  side  effects  because  both  were  probably  due  to 
anorexia  and  increased  metabolic  rates.  Birds  that  were  lethargic,  anorexic  and/or  had  a lack  of 
interest  in  swimming  were  given  sub-cutaneous  fluids  as  needed.  Fluids  were  continued  on  an 
individual  basis  until  birds  ate  on  their  own;  in  several  cases,  this  lasted  up  to  28  days  post  treatment. 
Providing  fluids  consistently  showed  short-term  improvement  in  demeanor. 

Behavioral 

Behavioral  side  effects  observed  during  treatment  included  isolation  and  aberrant  swimming  patterns. 
Most  commonly,  birds  with  established  burrows  stayed  inside  them  for  abnormal  amounts  of  time. 
Younger  birds  without  burrows  secluded  themselves  in  exhibit  pampas  grass.  Birds  were  swimming 
individually  in  small  circles  within  days  of  starting  treatment.  Heads  were  held  back  with  the  beak 
pointed  towards  the  sky  and  eyes  squinted  shut.  This  was  noted  in  10-15  birds  and  in  some  cases  it 
would  continue  for  hours.  This  behavior  continued  for  several  weeks,  and  had  not  been  seen  before 
or  since. 

Breeding 

There  were  13  potential  breeding  pairs  at  the  beginning  of  the  2005  breeding  season.  Four  females 
who  had  been  consistently  producing  fertile  eggs  did  not  lay  at  all.  Eight  females  laid  only  one  egg, 
and  only  one  female  laid  the  normal  two  egg  clutch.  In  addition  to  the  reduced  number  of  eggs  laid, 
breeding  season  started  approximately  three  weeks  late.  Although  birth  defects  are  not  a risk 
associated  with  doxycycline,  it  was  decided  not  to  raise  chicks  due  to  the  elevated  stress  level 
already  present  for  both  birds  and  keeper  staff  (Freeland  Dunker,  DVM,  personal  communication, 
March  2005). 

Mortality 

A total  of  12  birds  died  during  the  disease  and  treatment  process.  All  birds  that  were  lost  were  in 
excess  of  15  years  of  age,  save  one.  The  three  initial  deaths  were  caused  by  chlamydiosis.  Four 


Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  12  537 


Dermal  Crusting  Around  Eyes 
#208 


31  March 


6 April 


8 June 


15  April 


Dermal  Crusting  on  Feet 
#223 


11  May  18  May 


538  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  12 


other  deaths  were  attributed  to  renal/visceral  gout.  The  remaining  five  deaths  were  of  various  causes: 
infection,  esophagitis,  and  heart  failure.  The  deaths  not  related  to  active  chlamydiosis  were  considered 
to  be  due  to  the  stress  or  side  effects  of  the  treatment  phase. 


Asymptomatic  Birds 

It  should  be  noted  at  this  point  that  there  were  several  birds  that  exhibited  little  to  no  side  effects.  A 
few  younger  birds  continued  to  eat  throughout  treatment  and  maintained  a relatively  normal  energy 
level. 


Sample  Weekly  Chart 


Band 

Accession  # 

Name 

# of  fish 
eaten 

4/3  - 4/9 

appetite 

4/3  - 4/9 

eyes 

4/3  - 4/9 

energy 

4/3  - 4/9 

133 

289012 

Tommy 

21 

2 

1 

1 

137 

290012 

Fig  Newton 

4 

4 

1 

1 

144 

290028 

Tomato 

21 

1-2 

2 

2 

148 

291024 

Muddy 

12 

1-2 

2 

1 

155 

291031 

Pippin 

26 

1-2 

1 

1 

156 

291032 

Bruno 

6 

4 

1 

1 

180 

298030 

Sophia 

27 

1 

1 

1 

182 

298032 

Howard 

11 

4-5 

3-4 

2-3 

183 

298033 

Melvin 

14 

2 

2 

1 

185 

298035 

Grub 

33 

1 

1 

1 

1 - 5 rating  1 = normal  5 = severe 


Testing 

In  an  attempt  to  pinpoint  any  possible  environmental  or  physiological  compromises,  we  tested  samples 
from  the  birds  as  well  as  the  pool,  burrows  and  food  source.  Fecal,  oral,  ocular,  and  blood  samples 
were  taken  from  both  symptomatic  and  asymptomatic  birds  throughout  treatment.  As  previously 
mentioned,  initial  fecal  samples  tested  positive  for  chlamydia.  All  oral  and  ocular  samples  tested 
negative.  Blood  samples  taken  soon  after  diagnosis  showed  C.  psittaci  antibodies  in  both  symptomatic 
and  asymptomatic  birds.  Our  veterinary  staff  detected  the  C.  psittaci  antigen  in  the  deceased  penguins’ 
blood  and  cultured  the  organism  from  tissue  samples.  The  organism  was  never  detected  in  any 
blood  sample  from  a living  penguin,  only  in  fecal  samples.  Blood  samples  that  had  been  taken 
from  collection  penguins  in  previous  years  showed  the  presence  of  the  antibody  as  early  as  1996. 
We  contacted  other  facilities  that  maintain  black-footed  penguins  (Spheniscus  demersus),  and  most 
tested  positive  for  the  antibody  with  no  evidence  of  disease.  In  addition,  blood  samples  taken  from 
the  colony  of  Magellanic  penguins  at  Punta  Tombo  were  positive  for  the  antibody,  confirming 
exposure  to  the  organism  in  the  wild  (Freeland  Dunker,  DVM,  personal  communication,  March 
2005). 


Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  12  539 


Possible  catalysts  for  the  disease  outbreak  were  investigated.  Irregularities  were  tested  for  in  the  ! 
following  abiotic  factors:  pool  water,  algae,  fish  and  the  clay-based  kitty  litter.  No  obvious  ■ 
abnormalities  were  found.  * 

Conclusion  I 

A protocol  is  now  in  effect  in  the  event  of  future  outbreaks.  Monthly  fecal  samples  are  being  used  as  ! 

our  primary  indicator  for  the  presence  of  the  organism.  In  the  event  that  suspiciously  colored  i 

(fluorescent  yellow/green)  stool  is  observed  at  any  time  between  routine  checks,  that  sample  will  be 
tested  immediately.  If  the  sample  can  be  traced  to  an  individual,  a blood  test  on  that  individual  will 
be  done,  and  that  individual  monitored  for  any  behavioral  changes  that  have  been  previously  noted 
to  coincide  with  the  onset  of  the  disease.  In  the  event  that  chlamydiosis  is  diagnosed,  the  entire 
colony  will  be  treated  with  100  milligrams  doxycycline  daily,  or  a Vibramycin  injection  once  a 
week.  To  minimize  the  possibility  of  stress-related  aspergillosis,  110  milligrams  fluconazole  will 
also  be  administered  to  the  colony  daily.  Individuals  will  receive  subcutaneous  fluids  on  an  ‘as 
needed’  basis,  and  fish  consumption  will  be  stabilized,  per  bird,  to  avoid  any  complications  post- 
treatment. 

Acknowledgements:  We  would  like  to  thank  Freeland  Dunker,  DVM,  Jacqui  Jencek,  DVM,  and 
their  staff  for  their  diligence  and  support  during  this  crisis.  Peter  Shannon,  Curator  of  Birds,  and 
Jennifer  Giannoulis,  animal  keeper,  were  also  instrumental  in  managing  the  colony  through  this 
disease  process. 

References 

Iowa  State  University.  2003.  College  of  Veterinary  Medicine,  Center  for  Food  Security  and  Public  Health, 
Institute  for  International  Cooperation  in  Animal  Biologies.  Chlamydiosis  (Avian).  Accessed  12 
December  2005.  http://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/Factsheets/pdfs/chlamydiosis_avian.pdf. 

Stoddard  III,  DVM,  H.L.  2005.  Understanding  psittacosis.  Hotspot  for  Birds.  Accessed  12  December  2005. 
http://www.mutliscope.com/hotspot/psittacosis.htm. 

Tollini,  J.,  A.  Brocksen,  N.  Sureda.  2000.  Prevention  and  treatment  of  avian  malaria  in  a captive  penguin 
colony.  Penguin  Conservation  30(1):  28-31. 

University  of  Maryland  Medical  Center.  2004.  Possible  interactions  with:  Calcium.  Accessed  25  December 
2005.  http://www.umm.edu/altmed/ConsSupplements/Interactions/Calciumcs.html. 

University  of  California  Davis.  2005.  Office  of  Environmental  Health  and  Safety,  Animal  Care  and  Use. 
Occupational  Health  and  Animals,  Psittacosis.  Accessed  12  December  2005.  http:// 
ehs.ucdavis.edu/animal/health/psittacosis.cfm. 


540  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol  33  No.  12 


I Upd^cutey 


At  least  half  the  hippos  in  Virunga  National  Park  have  been  killed  in  the 
past  two  months.  The  Zoological  Society  of  London  reports  that  several 
wildlife  rangers  are  also  being  killed  trying  to  defend  them.  The  hippos 
are  the  victims  of  a Congolese  militia  group  that  has  helped  to  slaughter 
^ half  of  their  number  since  setting  up  a base  in  the  Virunga  National 
Parkin  early  October.  In  the  first  two  weeks  of  October  more  than  400 
^ hippopotamuses  were  killed  along  with  a number  of  water  buffalos, 
elephants  and  other  animals. 


The  rebel  group,  known  as  the  Mai  Mai,  eat  and  sell  hippo  meat  and  ivory  found  in  the  hippos’ 
i|  canine  teeth.  Other  poachers  include  former  Hutu  rebels,  poorly  paid  Congolese  soldiers  and  local 
I militia  groups.  The  sale  of  hippo  meat  is  illegal,  but  black-market  sales  are  difficult  to  track  and  the 
trade  is  very  lucrative.  Years  of  conflict  have  already  had  a devastating  impact  on  the  hippo  population. 
I Warnings  were  first  posted  after  the  war  in  neighbouring  Rwanda  more  than  10  years  ago,  and  the 
I subsequent  huge  influx  of  refugees  from  that  country,  which  has  led  to  deforestation  and  poaching 
I at  the  site. 

f-v 


UGANDA 


Many  members  of  the  park  staff,  who  lack  the  means  of  patrolling  its  two  million  acres  and  400- 

mile-long  boundary,  have  spent  long  periods  without  pay,  although 
the  180-year-old  Zoological  Society  of  London  is  helping  to 
supplement  the  income  of  the  park  rangers  and  is  training  them  in 
conservation  and  anti-poaching  techniques  Both  park  rangers  and 
sometimes  their  families  have  been  attached  by  the  rebel  group. 
More  than  100  guards  in  Virunga  have  been  killed  since  1996  while 
trying  to  prevent  poaching,  and  one  was  killed  as  recently  as  this 
May 


com 

mVANDA 


CONGO 


ZAMBIA 


200  mi)6S 


(John  Moore/Getty  Images) 

park,  which  was  established  in  1925,  remains  the  most 
species-rich  park  in  Africa  and  once  boasted  the  highest 
density  of  large  mammals  in  the  world  before  a wave  of 
unrest  and  poaching  began  to  afflict  the  region. 

The  conservation  organization  World  Heritage  reports 
that  since  the  1960s  the  park’s  populations  of  elephants, 
hippos  and  buffaloes  have  declined  dramatically,  with 
the  heaviest  levels  of  poaching  occurring  in  1980s  and 
during  the  past  ten  years  since  the  beginning  of  the 
country’s  civil  war  in  1996.  The  park’s  once  abundant 
elephant  population,  estimated  at  4,300  in  the  1960s,  had 
been  reduced  to  a few  hundred  by  2003. 


A recent  survey  sponsored  by  the  Society  reported  fewer  than  900 
remaining  hippos  in  the  park,  a huge  decline  from  the  22,000 
recorded  there  in  1988.  If  the  killing  continues  at  its  present  rate, 
field  workers  fear  that  there  will  be  no  hippos  left  in  many  parts  of 
the  national  park  by  Christmas. 

The  Society  is  launching  an  appeal  to  raise  funds  for  extra  ranger 
training  needed  in  the  park  to  safeguard  the  remaining  hippos.  The 


ElBf 


(John  Moore/Getty  Images) 


But  the  most  recent  census,  conducted  in  June  of  this  year  and  funded  by  the  U.S.  Fish  and  Wildlife 
Service,  found  that  efforts  to  protect  the  park’s  wildlife  seem  to  be  reversing  this  trend  of  decline, 
and  that  most  of  the  park’s  large  mammals  have  increased  in  number  since  the  last  census  in  2003. 
Elephants  had  increased  to  340  from  265  in  the  past  three  years.  The  census  also  found  approximately 
3,800  buffalo  (up  from  2,300  in  2003). 

Virunga  National  Park  has  been  the  major  destination  for  tourists  in  the  country  since  it  was  created, 
but  recent  unrest  over  the  past  decade  has  resulted  in  a decrease  in  tourism  revenue  as  well  as 
wildlife.  Source:  London  Times  online,  10-19-06  by  By  Michael  Horsnell 

Animal  Keepers'  Forum,  Vol  33  No.  12  541 


Test-tube  Koala  Joeys  Produced  i 

Australian  scientists  have  unveiled  three  test-tube  koala  joeys  as  part  of  an  artificial  insemination 
program  aimed  at  preserving  the  vulnerable  mammal.  The  scientists  said  the  program  would  lead  to  ! 
the  creation  of  the  world’s  first  koala  sperm  bank,  which  will  enable  researchers  to  screen  out  koala  |l 
diseases.  ij 

j; 

Scientists  from  the  University  of  Queensland  said  a total  of  12  koala  joeys  were  produced  using  i; 
test-tube  insemination.  The  koalas  were  conceived  using  a new  breeding  technology  that  uses  sperm  i 
mixed  with  a special  solution  to  prolong  the  sperm’s  shelf-  life,  said  Dr  Steve  Johnston,  the  project  [ 
leader  and  University  of  Queensland  reproductive  biologist.  “Eight  of  the  12  current  test-tube  joeys  j| 
were  bom  following  the  artificial  insemination  of  freshly  diluted  sperm.”  Source:  Daily  Telegraph.com  f 
10-19-06  |i 


New  Finch  Species  Discovered  in  Andes 

A colorful  bird  new  to  science  has  been  discovered  in  a remote  Andean  cloud  forest,  spurring  efforts 
to  protect  the  area,  conservation  groups  have  announced.  The  bright-yellow  and  red-crowned 
Yariguies  brush-finch  (Atlapetes  latinuchus 
yariguierum)  was  named  for  the  indigenous  tribe  that 
once  inhabited  the  mountainous  area  where  it  was 
discovered  and  whose  members  committed  mass 
suicide  instead  of  submitting  to  Spanish  colonial  mle. 

The  discovery,  published  in  the  Bulletin  of  the  British 
Ornithologists’  Club,  comes  at  a crucial  time  for 
conservationists.  The  Colombian  government  has 
decided  to  set  aside  200  hectares  (492.4  acres)  of  the 
pristine  cloud  forest  where  the  finch  lives  lives  to 
create  a national  park. 

The  new  finch,  the  size  of  a fist,  is  considered  by 
its  discoverers  to  have  near-threatened  status. 

Source:  TheStar.com  10-10-06 


The  bright-yellow  and  red-crowned 
Yariguies  bmsh-fmch  (Photo  by  Bianca  Huertas) 


Cameroon  Wildlife  Sanctuary  Awaits  “Taiping  Four”  { 

An  animal  sanctuary  in  Cameroon,  home  to  dozens  of  primates  endangered  by  the  illegal  bushmeat  i 
trade,  is  preparing  to  welcome  some  famous  guests:  the  “Taiping  Four”  western  lowland  gorillas 
{Gorilla  gorilla  gorilla)  smuggled  to  Malaysia  four  years  ago.  Their  move  to  Malaysia  sparked 
condemnation  from  Cameroon  and  some  67  environmental  and  animal  welfare  organisations  around  ! 
the  world.  * 

Felix  Lankester,  Director  of  the  Limbe  Wildlife  Centre  in  Cameroon’s  main  port  city  of  Douala, 
said  the  centre  had  gone  to  great  lengths  to  be  ready  for  the  return  of  the  gorillas,  currently  held  in  li 
Pretoria  Zoo  in  South  Africa.  Taiping  Zoo  in  Malaysia  acquired  the  animals,  smuggled  out  of  the  ' 
West  African  country  via  Nigeria,  in  2002  but  Cameroon  has  been  lobbying  for  their  return  ever  ' 
since. 

“We  have  constructed  a quarantine  facility  as  an  annex  to  our  existing  gorilla  facility,”  Lankester  | 
told  Reuters  New  Service.  “In  2005,  the  construction  of  a new  2,500  square  metre  gorilla  enclosure  ' 
was  completed.  They  will  live  in  this  new  enclosure  with  the  1 1 other  gorillas  that  live  here.”  i: 

Cameroon’s  Ministry  of  Forestry  and  Wildlife  said  the  gorillas  were  expected  any  time  between  i| 
November  and  February,  ending  a lengthy  campaign  for  their  return. 

Due  to  an  increase  in  illegal  hunting,  sanctuaries  all  over  Africa  are  dealing  with  an  influx  of  bushmeat  li 
orphans  in  need  of  lifelong  care.  This  year  alone  Limbe  has  rescued  four  chimps.  Although  the 
centre  has  no  plans  yet  to  release  the  animals  into  the  wild,  it  is  proposing  to  develop  a protected  ii 
field  site  where  the  monitored  release  of  them  will  be  possible.  Source:  AlertNet  via  Reuters  News  |i 
Service  (by  Tansa  Musa)  10-29-06  '' 


542  Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  12 


New  Terrestrial  Mammal  Found  in  Europe 

Using  DNA  testing,  scientists  have  discovered  what  is  believed  to  be  the  first  terrestrial  mammal 
found  in  Europe  in  decades:  a mouse  with  a big  head,  ears,  eyes  and  teeth  that  lives  in  a mountainous 
area  of  Cyprus.  The  mouse  was  native  to  the  eastern  Mediterranean  island,  survived  the  arrival  of 
man  on  Cyprus  and  could  be  considered  a “living  fossil,”  experts  said. 

“New  mammal  species  are  mainly  discovered  in  hot  spots  of  biodiversity  like  Southeast  Asia,  and  it 
was  generally  believed  that  every  species  of  mammal  in  Europe  had  been  identified,”  said  Thomas 
Cucchi,  a research  fellow  at  Durham  University  in  northeast  England.  “This  is  why  the  discovery  of 
a new  species  of  mouse  on  Cyprus  was  so  unexpected  and  exciting,”  he  said  in  arecent  interview. 
The  biodiversity  of  Europe  has  been  reviewed  extensively  since  Victorian  times,  and  new  mammal 
species  are  rarely  found  on  the  continent. 

The  mouse  mainly  lives  in  the  Troodos  Mountain  in  the  west  of  the  island,  Cucchi  said,  favoring 
vineyards,  grassy  fields  and  bushes.  Genetic  tests  confirmed  the  mouse  was  a new  species  and  it 
was  named  Mus  cypriacus,  or  the  Cypriot  mouse.  The  findings  appeared  in  Zootaxa,  an  international 
journal  for  animal  taxonomists. 

Cucchi  said  a bat  discovered  in  Hungary  and  Greece  in  2001  was  the  last  new  living  mammal  found 
in  Europe.  No  new  terrestrial  mammal  has  been  found  on  the  continent  for  decades,  he  said.  Recent 
discoveries  elsewhere  have  included  a new  tree  rat  in  Brazil,  a new  primate  in  Tanzania  and  another 
new  mouse  in  the  Philippines.  Source:  Excerpted  from  AP  News  Release  at  WorldNews.com  10-26-06 


Settlement  Agreement  Protects  Against  Pesticides 

The  Center  for  Biological  Diversity  (CBD)  has  reached  a settlement  agreement  with  the  U.S. 
Environmental  Protection  Agency  (EPA)  that  will  protect  the  threatened  California  Red-legged  Frog 
{Rana  draytonii)  from  66  of  the  most  toxic  and  persistent  pesticides  authorized  for  use  in  California. 
The  agreement,  reached  in  early  October,  prohibits  use  of  these  pesticides  in  and  adjacent  to  core 
Red-legged  Frog  habitats  throughout  California  until  the  EPA  completes  formal  consultations  with 
the  U.S.  Fish  and  Wildlife  Service  (USFWS)  to  ensure  the  chemicals  are  not  jeopardizing  or 
contributing  to  the  decline  of  the  species. 

“This  agreement  will  keep  toxic  chemicals  out  of  essential  habitats  for  the  vanishing  Red-legged 
Frog,”  said  Peter  Galvin,  CBD  Conservation  Director.  “The  EPA  must  now  ensure  that  pesticide 
applicators  look  before  they  leap  into  activities  that  can  harm  Twain’s  frog  or  contaminate  the  wetlands 
it  depends  on.  The  Court,  the  EPA  and  pesticide  industry  representatives  agreed  that  pesticide- 
application  buffer  zones  are  reasonable  and  effective  protection  for  frogs  until  the  effects  of  these 
chemicals  can  be  assessed.  Many  of  these  pesticides  are  known  to  be  harmful  to  human  health  as 
well.” 

Historically  abundant  throughout  California,  Red-legged  Frogs  have  declined  in  numbers  over  90% 
and  have  disappeared  from  70%  of  their  former  range.  Studies  implicate  pesticide  drift  from  the 
Central  Valley  in  disproportional  declines  of  several  native  frog  species  in  the  Sierra  Nevada,  including 
red-legged  frogs. 

The  Endangered  Species  Act  requires  federal  agencies  such  as  the  EPA  to  consult  with  endangered 
species  experts  to  determine  how  activities  such  as  pesticide  registration  impact  species  and  their 
critical  habitats.  This  system  of  checks  and  balances  helps  prevent  extinctions  - scientists  believe 
that  the  Act  has  reduced  extinction  rates  in  the  U.S.  by  an  order  of  magnitude.  The  cornerstone  of 
the  Act  is  protection  of  “critical  habitat,”  which  safeguards  essential  habitat  from  destruction  or 
adverse  impacts  and  also  provides  protection  of  suitable  habitat  areas  not  currently  occupied  by  the 
species.  Scientific  studies  show  that  species  that  have  their  critical  habitats  protected  by  the  Act  are 
twice  as  likely  to  be  recovering  as  those  that  do  not.  See  http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/swcbd/ 
Programs/policy/ch/subl  .html 

Numerous  studies  have  definitively  linked  pesticide  use  with  significant  developmental,  neurological 
and  reproductive  effects  on  amphibians.  Pesticide  contamination  can  cause  deformities,  abnormal 
immune  system  functions,  diseases,  injury,  and  death  of  red-legged  frogs  and  other  amphibians. 
Source:  Center  for  North  American  Herpetology  10-23-06  - www.cnah.org 


Animal  Keepers  ’Forum,  Vol  33  No.  12  543 


Reproductive  World  First  for  Australian  Zoo 

A group  of  Berlin  reproductive  experts  and  Western  Plains  Zoo  veterinarians  have  performed  a 
world  first  by  successfully  harvesting  eggs  from  a black  rhinoceros  (Diceros  bicornis)  for  the  purpose 
of  in-vitro  fertilisation  (IVF).  During  their  fourth  visit  to  Dubbo  the  leading  international  authorities 
decided  to  take  a different  approach  in  their  attempt  to  preserve  the  genetic  potential  of  ‘Musi’,  an 

infertile  black  rhinoceros  at  Western  Plains  Zoo.  Since  collection 
from  Musi,  the  eggs  underwent  a maturation  process  in  the  zoo’s 
reproductive  laboratory  - the  first  crucial  steps  towards  successful 
IVF  in  megafauna.  “We  have  achieved  more  than  we  hoped  to  achieve 
this  trip,”  leading  international  reproduction  authority  Dr  Thomas 
Hildebrant  said.  “There  is  still  a considerable  way  to  go  but  we’ve 
come  so  far”. 

As  he  stood  outside  the  black  rhinoceros  enclosure  at  Western  Plains 
Zoo  yesterday.  Dr  Hildebrant  said  human  society  had  a task  to  help 
save  the  extremely  endangered  species.  “They  are  not  dying  out  due 
to  the  failed  concept  of  evolution,”  he  said.  “They  are  dying  out 
because  of  poaching  and  their  extinction  is  directly  linked  to  human 
activity”.  Despite  working  in  zoos  all  over  the  world,  nothing  has 
compared  to  the  facilities  at  the  Western  Plains  Zoo,  he  said  “The 
Dr.  Thomas  Hildebrant  from  best  conditions  for  moving  the  animal  and  performing  a safe  procedure 
Berlin  with  Western  Plains  is  here  in  Dubbo.”  The  zoo’s  senior  veterinarian  Benn  Bryant  said  he 
Zoo  senior  vet  Benn  Bryant  was  “very  excited”  by  the  team’s  success.  “There  are  some  significant 

projects  and  works  happening  behind  the  scenes  at  Western  Plains 
Zoo  and  the  rhino’s  reproductive  programs  are  among  the  most  important”.  Western  Plains  Zoo  is 
home  to  12  black  rhinoceros  and  the  breeding  program  for  this  highly  endangered  species  has 
produced  10  calves  in  the  past  10  years.  The  availability  of  IVF  technology  is  vital  to  ensure  the 
viability  of  the  international  captive  breeding  program.  Source:  Daily  Liberal  Online  from  an  article  by 
Alix  Drew  10-17-06 


Spain  Has  First  Beluga  Born  in  a European  Zoo 

Yulka,  a whale  at  the  Valencia  Zoo,  has  given  birth  to  the  first  Beluga  whale  (Merandus  Bemans 
Spuriosious)  bom  in  captivity  in  Europe.  After  a six-month  pregnancy  and  an  eight-hour  labor, 
Yulka  gave  birth  to  the  grey  blue  baby  of  undisclosed  sex  on  2 November.  The  baby  whale  weighed 
90kg  and  measured  1 .20m.  A team  of  experts  will  attend  to  the  young  mammal  to  give  it  the  best 
chance  of  survival.  The  zoo  noted  the  mortality  rate  for  newborn  Belugas  was  high.  It  will  be  at  least 
a month  before  the  public  is  allowed  to  see  the  zoo’s  new  arrival.  Source:  ZooNews  Digest  424 11-7-06 


Elephants  Grow  Reflective  in  Zoo 

Elephants  can  recognise  their  reflection,  placing 
them  in  an  elite  group  of  self-aware  animals  that 
includes  humans,  apes  and  dolphins. 

Scientists  made  the  discovery  after  setting  up  a 
mirror  in  front  of  three  female  Asian  elephants 
(Elephas  maximus)  at  the  Bronx  Zoo  in  New 
York.  The  animals  used  it  to  watch  themselves 
eat  and  used  their  trunks  to  examine  inside  their 
mouths. 

One  repeatedly  touched  an  X painted  on  her 
forehead  with  her  tmnk.  The  mark  could  be  seen 
only  in  the  mirror.  Source:  Timesonline.com  11-7-06 


Photo  by  James  Estrin/The  New  York  Times 


544  Animal  Keepers’  Forum,  Vol.  33  No.  12 


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