F O R XJ

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

ANIMAL KEEPERS’ FORUM. 3601 S.W. 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614-2054
Phone: (785) 273-9149 FAX (785) 273-1980

January 2007
Vol. 34, No. 1

AKF Managing Editor: Susan D. Chan • Associate Editors • Kayla Grams, Taos, NM; 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:
position vacant • 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 Farnham, Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle,WA 98103-5858

President
Vice President

CQMMITTEES/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

Table of Contents

About the Cover/Information for

Scoops & - 5

From the

Notice of Discontinuation of

AAZK Announces New Members....................................................................................................... 7

Coming Events............................. ........................................................................................................ 8

Dive Into Something Wild !! 2007 AAZK National Conference..... ............................................ .......9

ATC - Setting Them Up to Succeed: Training the Trainer....... ................................................ ..10 - 14

The Animal Training Committee Reminder on Training Ta/e.?...........,....,............,. .......................... 14

“ZOO BUMS” 2007 Calendar........................................................................................................ ...15

AAZK Grant Report: The Centre for Animal Rehabilitation and Education (C.A.R.E.)... ...... ..16 - 19

Bowling for Rhinos: Recipe for Success............ ........................................................... ...............20- 21

Survey of American Ichyological and Herpetological Collections.................................. .............21

ELECTION 2007 (Duties of Directors/Qualifications for Nomination)....... .................................. ......22

Reactions/Crisis Management Questions......................... .......................................................... 23 - 25

Re-creating Nature: The Making of an Artificial Meerkat Burrow... .................................. .......26 - 28

Chapter News Notes............................................................... ......................................................29

Proximity and Social Interaction of Captive Shoebill Storks

(Balaeniceps rex) at the San Diego Wild Animal Park...... ................ .........30 - 34

Conservation/Legislative Update......... ...................................................................................... 35 - 37

2007 Index fox Animal Keepers’ Forum Vol. 33, Nos. 1-12............... .................................... ....38 - 44

Board of Director Election Nomination Forms/Instructions...... .......................... ......BLUE INSERT

Conservation/Legislative Update......... ...................................................................................... 35 - 37

2007 Index fox Animal Keepers’ Forum Vol. 33, Nos. 1-12............... .................................... ....38 - 44

Board of Director Election Nomination Forms/Instructions...... .......................... ......BLUE INSERT

!About the Cover

This month ’s cover features two youngsters from the family Camelidae - a Dromedary camel (Camelus
dromedarius) and Llama (Llama llama) drawn by Debi Talbot, a Keeper at the Smithsonian ’s National
Zoological Park in Washington, DC. They are recognized by their long slender legs and a distinctive gait
known as pacing, where the front and back legs on the same side move forward together in a rocking
motion. A camel is able to drink up to one quarter of its weight in water at one time, and can store the
water for several days. Closable slit nostrils keep out the blowing sand of their desert habitat. Camels
are the only mammal with oval (instead of circular) red blood cells. This adaptation allows the red blood
cells to expand and not rupture when the camel drinks large quantities of water. The llama is the
domesticated decendant of the wild guanaco and vicuna and have been bred in the Andes since the time of
the Inca civilization. Domestic camelids provide people with hair, milk and transportation. The camel
family originated and evolved in North America with dispersals over land-bridges to South America and
Asia. 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 785-273-9149; 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

2 Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 34, No. 1

Scoops & Scuttlebutt

Attention All AAZK Chapters - Watch Out for Your Online Recharter Info

Those individuals who are the email contact person for their Chapter should have
received an email communication from Administrative Office containing the 2007
Recharter Packet. The forms are being sent electronically this year to reduce costs
and increase efficiency in the recharter process. These emails were sent out to all AAZK Chapters
the first week of January so you should already have it by the time you read this reminder. Please be
sure to follow all instructions carefully. If you have NOT received a Recharter Packet at your
Chapter’s email address, contact Barbara Manspeaker at 785-273-9149 or via email at
aazkoffice@zk.kscoxmail.com< The deadline for return of the completed packet, including recharter
fees and a copy of your Chapter’s closing bank statement for 2006, is 1 March 2007. Failure to
return the completed packet and fees by the deadline will result in a $200 late fee. Your cooperation
is greatly appreciated.

Donations Bolster AAZK’s Financial Future

The AAZK Board of Directors and the staff of Administrative Office would like to extend their
thanks to the following for their donations to the Association: Oklahoma City Zoo Association of
Zoo Keepers - $ 1 ,000.00 to be utilizd as most needed; Indianapolis Zoo AAZK Chapter - $2,000.00
for the general operating fund; and the St. Louis AAZK Chapter - $1000.00 to be used as needed.

A.dditionally we wish fo acknowledge the donation of $1250.00 from the Nashville Zoo. Nashville
Chapter President Jessica Huff writes: “We had intended to use our Chapter funds for this donation
but when Mr. Schwartz (Nashville Zoo President) found out he wanted to help and wrote a check
from the zoo so the money we raised could continue to go to conservation efforts. Within a day of
the email regarding AAZK Inc.’s financial situation, he also joined as an Institutional Member. I
think it is a great tribute to the mission of AAZK and the importance of its work. We hope this
contribution helps.”

Not only will the contribution certainly help, but it is most gratifying to see this kind of appreciation
for an AAZK Chapter’s conservation efforts and such support by their zoo’s administration. Thanks
again to all who have donated to AAZK in our time of financial need. Such support will insure that
our mission will continue to move forward.

Study Endangered Cats in Mexico

In March 2007 the Dallas Zoo will be conducting its 21st Wildlife Research Expedition to the Los
Ebanos Ranch in rural northeastern Mexico. Expedition participants will have the opportunity to
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

Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 34 No. 1 3

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 exact trip dates and more information, contact Dr. Booth-Binczik at 214-671-0777
or sbooth@mail.ci.dallas.tx.us.

Help AAZK Earn Extra Income via Amazon.com and GoodSearch.com

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” (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.

Another opportunity to raise “passive income” for AAZK is by using GoodSearch.com when you
are searching the web. This ia a Yahoo-powered search engine and for every search performed the
Associastion earns a penny. AAZK National is already signed up. So start spreading the word.
Checks are cut to the non-profit once a year (as long as the minimum amount is $100, otherwise it
rolls over to the next year). And you can see how much AAZK is earning in real time. So far our
total is $5.87! (as of 12/12/06), but if we all start using GoodSearch.com when we are searching the
web, this figure should go up quickly. As an example, The Elephant Sanctuary (as of this same date)
had earned $2100! GoodSearch estimates that a medium-sized organization (1000 members) each
doing two searches per day could earn as much as $7300 in one year! Please make sure you are
doing legitimate searches as groups doing fraudulent searches will be barred from earning money
on this site. Happy searching on GoodSearch.com!

AAZK Grant Programs!

Travel, Conservation, Research, and Professional Training

The Geraldine Meyer/ AAZK Professional Travel Grants

A total of $2,000.00 is available annually. Grants are awarded twice a year, in May and November.
Applications, from new and experienced keepers, are evaluated on their merit based on the member’s
submission of all requested materials. Awards may range from $1,000.00 to $250.00 or less depending
on need. Applicants are encouraged to solicit additional funds from their institution or other sources.
Applicants with other committed funds, or in-kind support (time off) will receive slight priority but
all applications are encouraged.

Applications for mid-year consideration are due by February 1 of the calendar year; applications for
end of the year consideration are due by July 1 of the calendar year. Money will be available upon
notice to the recipient. Winners are required to submit an article to the Forum on the workshop or
research they participated in.

Advances in Animal Keeping Course Grant

AAZK awards $1 ,000.00 to the winning applicant to attend the new Advances In Animal Keeping
Course offered by AAZK and AZA through the AZA professional schools program. Applications
are due by July 1 of the year prior to the one in which the applicant wishes to attend this course.

4 Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 34 No. 1

CPR Grants

The Conservation, Preservation, and Restoration Grant awards up to $1,000.00 once a year for
projects oriented toward all conservation, preservation, or restoration of habitats/species with a
preference for projects taking place in the U.S. but not limited to this. Applications are due June 1
of the calendar year for funding the following year.

Research Grants

The Research Grant awards up to $2,000.00 once a year for AAZK member-driven research projects,
small or large! Applications are due June 1 of the calendar year for funding the following year.

Information on the AAZK grant program is available on the AAZK web site or by contacting the
Grants Committee Chair at: shelly.roach@columbuszoo.org or (614) 724-3667.

From the AKF Editor.

I would like to thank all those who contributed to the pages of Animal Keepers ’ Forum this past
year. Your articles, research papers, news notes, committee reports, Chapter updates, etc. have kept
the AAZK membership up-to-date about what is happening within the zoo world, in AAZK, and in
our profession. Special thank-yous to our cover artists for sharing their artistic talents through the
covers of this journal. Original keeper artwork is one of the things that continues to make AKF
unique among zoo publications.

In 2006 we reluctantly said good-bye to two long-time columnists - Diana Guerrero of the Animal
Behavior Concerns and Solutions (ABC’s) column; and Georgann Johnston who served as coordinator
for the Legislative/Conservation Update column. They had both been involved in AKF for at least
ten years and we thank them for their contributions and dedication over that time. We thank Bill
Baker for his continuing contributions to the Reactions column and also his articles that were featured
in the People Skills for Animal People (PSAP) column. Associate Editor Jolene Hamrick will
continue to edit and contribute to the PSAP column so look for more useful information in upcoming
months.

Jolene was also responsible for putting together the 2006 AKF Index that may be found at the back
of this month’s issue. Putting together such an index is a daunting task and we thank Jolene for her
efforts on its behalf.

Associate Editors Kayla Grams and Mark de Denus continue to provide insight and support to me as
Managing Editor and I thank them both for their long-term commitment to AAZK and Animal
Keepers ’ Forum.

In 2007 we will begin featuring the Animal Training Committee {Training Tales) and Enrichment
Options columns on alternating months. The field of enrichment and training continue to grow in
importance in captive exotic animal care and we hope these two columns will give you lots of good
information, encouragement and food for thought.

I would like to thank Executive Editor Ed Hansen and the AAZK Board of Directors for their
support and encouragement with the AKF. I would especially like to thank Barbara Manspeaker,
AAZK Administrative Secretary— for beyond the myriad of duties she performs for this Association,
she also serves as the proofreader! Her services in so many areas are invaluable to AAZK and
it is a pleasure for me to come to work each day when I know my best friend is at the next desk.

If you haven’t ever contributed something to AKF, make 2007 the year to do so. We are still looking
for someone interested in taking on the Legislative/Conservation Update column so let me know if
you are interested. Again thanks for all of your support in 2006 and I look forward to a challenging

and rewarding 2007 . _ Susan Cftan, Mana^in^ Fditor

Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 34 No. 1 5

P rom tLP pesident

Happy New Year! I hope the New Year finds everyone happy
and healthy. Two thousand-six was a year filled with changes
for AAZK and 2007 will continue that trend. We are slightly
better off financially, however there is still concern for our
future. The influx of money into our association and the outflow
of it as well is still a concern. Ed Hansen put together a great
PowerPoint® presentation that he presented at last year’s
conference in Lincoln Park. He has also made this available to
Chapters along with a script. This presentation outlines our
financial history and gives Chapters an idea of the reasons
behind some of the Board of Directors’ decisions in the past year. If your Chapter has not yet
seen this presentation please contact Ed at ed.hansen@aazk.org to get your copy.

AMERICAN
ASSOCIATION
of ZOO KEEPERS

Speaking of Directors, it is election time once again. You may have noticed in your December
issue a nomination form. If you have someone in mind or are interested yourself please take the
time to fill out the nominating form. The past few elections have had the greatest diversity and
number of candidates from which to choose. I hope that trend continues in this year’s election.

Also with the New Year comes the recharter process. This is a vital process for our association.
The process has been changed a little this year. The form has been modified somewhat and you
will be receiving it electronically. Please monitor the email address for your Chapter closely.
We are sending it electronically to help eliminate hard copy mailing expenses. In addition to
your yearly recharter costs we are also adding a duty obligation. There are several choices to be
made regarding this obligation so again, peruse the recharter form closely. I hope 2007 proves
to be a good year for all. Take care and be safe.

Denise C. Wagner
President, AAZK Inc.

Notice on Discontinuation of 800#

Effective 1 January 2007, AAZK, Inc. is discontinuing its toll-free 800 phone numbers for
both the US (1-800-242-4519) and Canada (1-800-468-1966). This action was taken by
the Board of Directors as a cost-cutting measure for the Association. While availability of
these toll-free numbers over the past ten years has been convenient, it was costing AAZK
an estimated $2000.00 per year. It is hoped the membership will appreciate the fact that
this decision was made by the Board in order to maintain a fiscally responsible stance
during AAZK’s current financial situation. Members will still be able to reach Adminis-
trative Offices at (785) 273-9149 and staff members via email (Susan Chan:
akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com; and Barbara Manspeaker: aazkoffice@zk.kscoxmail.com)

AAZK also maintains a fax at
785-273-1980.

6 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 34 No. 1

AAZK Announces
New Members

Elise Winterberger, Elmwood Park Zoo (PA); Janis
Gerrits, Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park
(DC); Robyn Johnson, Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
(MD); Sherry Tregembo, Tregembo Animal Park
(NC); Tracy Williams, Jacksonville Zoo & Garden
(FL); Rebecca McElroy, Santa Fe Community
College & Teaching Zoo (FL); Nichole Buffa,
Disney’s Animnal Kingdom (FL); Dawn
Constanza, Busch Gardens/Tampa (FL); Loni
Pryce, Nashville Zoo at Grassmere (TN); Amanda
Thompson, Jackson Zoological Park (MS);
Melissa Thueme, Detroit Zoo (MI); Gregory
Veeser, Kewaunee Co. Bruemmer Zoo (WI);
Melanie Wilson, Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge
Museum (SD); Lynsi Schneider and Becky Zahn,
Roosevelt Park Zoo (ND); Rebecca Wanner, Saint
Louis Zoo (MO); Della Jacot, Cedar Cove Feline
Conservatory (KS); Becky Volk, Ft. Worth Zoo
(TX); Michael Wallrath, no zoo listed Richmond,
TX; Angi Killough, The Texas Zoo (TX); Karl E.
Kallmeyer, Willow Park Zoo (UT); Linda Cava,
The Phoenix Zoo (AZ); Jim O. Hudson, The
Mirage Secret Garden & Dolphin Habitat (NV);
Joanna Milosevich, no zoo listed. Yucca Valley, CA;
Jennifer Wesson, Fresno’s Chaffee Zoo (CA);
Victoria McCloskey, San Francisco Zoo (CA);
Kathleen Mroz and Monique Reichel, Sacramento
Zoo (CA).

Michigan State University Library
Lansing, MI

J. Otto Lottes Health Sciences Library
University of Missouri, Columbia, MO

Rainforest & Aquarium at Moody Gardens
Galveston, TX
Mike Riley, President

New Institutional Members

San Diego Zoo, San Diego, CA
Richard Farrar, Director

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, St. Paul, MN
Michael Hahm, Director

Lee Richardson Zoo Library
Garden City, KS
Kathy Sexon, Director

Reid Park Zoo, Tucson, AZ
Susan Basford, Director

El Paso Zoo, El Paso, TX
L.R. Hutchinson, VMD, MS, Director

Topeka Zoological Park, Topeka, KS
Michael Coker, Director

Henson Robinson Zoo
Springfield, IL
Talon J. Thornton, Director

Renewing Contributing Members

Mark Hofling, Bronz Zoo (NYZS)
Bronx, NY

Steve H. Taylor, Director
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH

New Contributing Members

Geoff Hall, General Curator
The Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix, AZ

Renewing Institutional Members

Santa Fe Community College Teaching Zoo
Gainesville, FL
Jack Brown, Director

Palm Beach Zoo
West Palm Beach, FL

Keith Lovett, Director of Living Collections

THE

GOURMET
RODENT,

INC.

m

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 Rights Reserved

Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 34 No. 1 1

Coming Events

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.

Third Annual Workshop on Ultrasound and

Assisted Reproduction In Elephants and Rhinos -

1 8-2 1 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@liQnsafari.CQm

Zoos and-Aquariums CQmmittiDgiQ.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 lAAIEXonference - “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

(ABWAKJ Symposium 2007 - 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. For further
info visit www.chimpmindconference.org or email
chimpmind@lpzoo.org

30th Annual Herpetology Conference - 3 1 March -
1 April 2007 - in Gainesville, FL. For more info visit
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/herpetology/
herpconference/afhc.htm

Qkapi Keeper Workshop 1 0-1 2 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

Amphihan 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 - 7-1 1 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, RI. 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 lS.Qciety of Zookeeping (ASZK) Annual

Conference - 18-20 May 2007 - Alice Springs , NT ,
Australia; E-mail: slromer@bigpond.com Web:
www.aszk.org.au

The Chimpanzee Care and Managemeiit Workshop

17-19 July 2007. Hosted by the Knoxville Zoo,
Knoxville, TN and presented by the Chimpanzee SSP®
A comprehensive three-day course covering all aspects
of progressive chimpanzee husbandry. Topics include:
managing complex social groups, social introductions,
operant conditioning training, contraception strategies,
and enrichment programs. For registration or other
information contact Steve Ross, Lincoln Park Zoo at
(312) 742-7263 or ross@lpzoo.org

MIE; Macropod Information Exchange - 27-29 July
2007. To be held in Kansas City, MO. For more
information visit: www.macropodinfo.com <http://
www.macrQpQdinfQ.CQiTi^ or contact Jacque
Blessington at: Jacsprat65@.aol.com

International Conference on Environmental

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

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

ExcJiaii&eJor 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.kscoxmaiI.com

8 Animal Keepers ’Forum, VoL 34 No. 1

DIVE INTO S

A

THING WILD!!

Dive into something WILD! Join us on the Texas gulf eoast and experience an AAZK conference
like never before! The 34* Annual AAZK National Conference is proudly hosted by the Galveston
Chapter of AAZK and takes place in Galveston, TX from 30 September to 4 October, 2007.

First Call for Workshops and Meetings - if you would like to host a workshop or meeting for the
attendees, please email us - conference@.gcaazk.org

The Moody Gardens Hotel will be our host hotel, which is on the beautiful Moody Gardens property.
Rooms are $ 135/night. More details are on our website. Take a peek at the lovely Four-star hotel-
www.mQQdygardenshQtel.CQm

Are you ready to travel? Pre-conference trip is aboard the Carnival Conquest! The cruise leaves
Galveston 23 September and travels to Jamaica, Cozumel, and Grand Cayman, then returns 30
September, just in time for the Icebreaker! IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THIS CRUISE, EMAIL
US BY 1 JUNE! We need to coordinate a group rate with Carnival to assure attendees the best rate
possible - the more who attend, the cheaper the cost.

Visit our website- www.gcaazk.org

We have a section completely dedicated for the conference! This will be your up-to-date source for
conference details. To help wuh costs, we plan to be as electronic as possible in communicating
with you, and you with us; but here’s all our contact information:

GCAAZK

3220 Dominique, Galveston, TX 77554
800/583-4679 x4105
www.gcaazk.org
conference®, gcaazk.org

Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol 34 No. 1 9

Animal Training Committee AAZK, Inc.

Setting Them Up to Succeed: Training the Trainer

By

Deana Walz, AAZK Animal Training Committee Member, Sr Keeper Utah s Hogle Zoo

and

Dawn Neptune, AAZK Behavioral Enrichment Committee Co-Chair,

Behavioral Programs Coordinator, Utah s Hogle Zoo

Note: This article was presented at the 2006 ABMA Conference and was published in the proceedings.
The Animal Training Committee is proud to share it with AAZK in the Animal Keepers’ Forum.
The original citing is as follows: Walz D, Neptune D. (2006). Setting Them up to Succeed: Training
the Trainer. Proceedings of the 7''’ Annual Animal Behavior Management Alliance Conference,
March 5-10, 2006, San Diego, California: 84-88.

Introduction

The application of animal training has accelerated at an extraordinary pace over the past few years.
We are seeing trends at all levels, with a wide variety of animals by staff with a diverse range of
training knowledge, background and experience. Over the past five years, we have developed a
foiTrtalized Zoo-wide animal training program at Utah’s Hogle Zoo. This evolution has been a learning
process for keepers and animals alike.

Although training has historically been a component in a few animal areas (i.e. elephants), the
expectation was to develop a program that provided our entire animal care staff, from reptile to
primate keeper, a greater sense of training confidence. Our hope was to utilize a protocol that gave
staff a solid, self-sustaining foundation to build upon. We recognized the need to impart new trainers
with not only the technical information, but the practical and problem solving skills that are essential
to a proactive and successful program as well.

To accomplish this task, we developed the ‘New Trainer 10-Step’ program. The goal of this
instructional roadmap was to provide new trainers with a greater sense of preparedness and a
supportive foundation.

Policies and Procedures

A formalized training program should start with some basic guidelines, outlining institutional policy
and expectations. At UHZ, our training program addresses:

• Course requirements

• Documentation

• Communication

In addition to a specified protocol, there are a few more procedures that provide supplemental
support to training staff:

• Safe training policies

• Workshop and meeting attendance

• Knowledge of animal

• Evaluation methods

10 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 34 No. 1

THE NEW TRAINER 10 STEP

Orientation - Step 1

Every new keeper is required to attend a day-long New Staff Orientation. This introduces staff to a
wide variety of zoo policies, including a behavioral program overview. Attendees are provided a
brief review of training basics, the training protocol, resources, expectations and an introduction to
the 10-step process.

Training 101 - Step 2

It is in our Training 101 course that we expand and explore the finer details of training and operant
conditioning. This instructional course is offered as a three-part series.

In Part 1 , we discuss the applications and benefits of positive reinforcement-based training, including
but not limited to: management, enhanced husbandry and health care, staff and institutional benefits.
But the primary focus of Part 1 is training terminology. We feel it is essential that prior to hands-on
training, we must all begin by speaking the same language.

In Part 2, we again review UHZ’s training protocol highlighting our methods of documentation. We
also provide trainers with a variety of beneficial resources, including recommended readings,
professional organizations, websites and list seiwes. The “meat” portion of this Training 101 sandwich
concentrates on the “how to” basics of animal training. The development of a shaping plan, record
keeping, consistency and teamwork are emphasized. Additional course materials include the
beneficial “10 Laws of Shaping” and motivational training tips to getting started and maintaining
momentum.

Part 3 focuses on problem solving and some interactive exercises, including writing mock shaping
plans and the famous training game.

Behavioral Management Workshops - Step 3

As a part of our continuing education for all trainers, we offer Behavioral Management Workshops.
These hands-on, practical learning opportunities help trainers fine tune their technique, expand on
their developing skills and provide fun ways to refresh on terminology. We have offered a wide
variety of workshops.

• Training Jeopardy and Training Bingo

Focuses primarily on terminology, promotes teamwork and can even sharpen
bridge timing.

• Logging Training Sessions

Trainers watch a videotaped training session and are supplied with the
shaping plan of the behavior they are observing in the session. Once the
session is over, we ask staff to log the session as if they were the trainer. This
opportunity encourages observational objectivity and stresses the importance
of consistent criteria and detailed log entries.

• P.B. & J. and Sundae Building

Participants are asked to write up shaping plans, describing how to make a
sandwich or sundae. Plans are exchanged and implemented. The resulting,
entertaining errors emphasize the need for small approximations and clear,
descriptive steps.

Qualifying Exam - Step 4

Once keepers have completed the Training 101 courses, they are required to take a qualifying exam
prior to proceeding to the next step. The purpose for the exam is to get an idea of how well they
grasp the basic training concepts or if there are any portions that might need more attention or
explanation. The exam consists of terminology, training concepts and methods of implementation.

Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 34 No. 1 11

staff Support

Peer Mentor Program - Step 5

Having completed the exam with an overall score of 80% or better, new trainers are paired up with
a training mentor. The mentors are selected based on the following criteria:

1 . Have been training at UHZ for one year or more

2. Have trained at least three behaviors through to establishment

3. Scored a 90% or better on the qualifying exam

4. Has supervisor’s approval

Mentors and new trainers are paired according to animal experience and interest, personality, and
communication styles as well as logistical convenience (scheduling, zoo area, etc.). This portion of
the 10-step, modeled after Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s ‘New Trainer Integration Plan’, is the most
essential portion of trainer preparation. This comprehensive program requires training video
observation, review of Zoo training documents, session observation, safety, situational problem
solving, trust building, working established behaviors and completing log entries.

New trainers are given regular support and interaction throughout this process with both their mentor
and their assigned Behavioral Enrichment Coordinator. Depending on how motivated the new
trainer is, the process should take 3-6 months to complete. Once the Peer Mentor Program is complete,
the new trainer is signed off and approved for individual training... but we’re only getting started!

Documentation & Accountability

Submit Paperwork - Step 6

The Behavioral Management Proposal form outlines designated species/individual animal program,
specified training goals, time resources available, reinforcers and tools needed as well as any expected
challenges. This document is a formalized approval process that also aids in on-going program
tracking.

The ‘New Behavior Worksheet’ documents the individual behavior; contact trainer, behavioral goal,
bridge, reinforcement, cues criteria, and most importantly, the shaping plan. To aid in the learning
process as well as insure institutional consistency, trainers are given the following guidelines:

1 . Complete the plan in pencil or as a word processor document

We ask that shaping plans be prepared in this way so they can easily be changed if
needed during the process.

2. Bullet point shaping steps

We implemented a behavior tracking system by assigning percentages to each step of
the shaping process. This keeps the trainer more consistent in the tracking of the
progress of a new behavior and provides motivational milestones of progress.

3. Clearly define outline with good description at every step

4. Specify criteria

This is also an invaluable tool in maintaining behavior quality once the behavior is
established and will be worked by multiple trainers.

Follow-up and Review - Step 7

This step is the primary responsibility of the Behavioral Enrichment Coordinators. It is a compilation
of various tracking methods that can serve as potential red flags, enabling proactive problem solving.
It targets:

• Shaping plan review and maintenance

• Log entry completion

• Videotaped sessions

• 1:1 consultation

12 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 34 No. 1

This is also a required deadline when peer mentors must check in for a final follow-up with the new
trainer (three weeks after sign off). The hope is to convey an on-going support system and keep the
lines of communication consistently open.

Our Animal Care Supervisors also assist in the review process by checking in with their team trainers,
observing sessions and providing beneficial feedback. As some of our supervisors do not have an
elaborate background in training, we have developed a helpful “Session Review Reference Sheet”
for their use. This concise document targets a top 20 of common training errors and methods of
improving technique.

Progress Report - Step 8

The progress report is utilized by the Behavioral Enrichment Coordinators to track progress and or
problems in each individual training program. It also allows us the opportunity to make sure that
the required paperwork has been completed to the standard that is expected from our trainers. The
report tracks the amount of sessions completed during a specific time frame, an average session
rating, and how far along the trainer is in the shaping process. (This is where the shaping plan
percentage breakdown comes into play.) This report is given to the trainer’s Animal Care Supervisor
as well for additional insight on how the program or trainer is progressing. We strive to complete
these reports quarterly for every trainer.

Behavioral Enrichment Checklist - Step 9

Every year, the Behavioral Enrichment Coordinators are asked to complete a Behavioral Enrichment
Checklist at the time of the keepers’ annual performance evaluation. The checklist reviews both
enrichment and training. In the training section, we document if the keeper has completed the New
Trainer 10-step, if the keeper is utilizing operant conditioning techniques appropriately and effectively,
that all required paperwork set forth by the Zoo’s protocol are complete and if they have attended
any Behavioral Management Workshops during the year. The checklist is given to the Animal Care
Supervisor and is utilized to assist in evaluation of their performance with regard to enrichment and
training.

Continuing Education

Advanced Training Courses ~ Step 10

The advanced training courses are designed for our training mentors with the intent to offer progressive
learning opportunities. These trainers have been training for well over a year and have played the
training game numerous times. We had to develop more complex training game scenarios as well as
give them the opportunity to further develop and fine tune their training and mentoring skills. The
courses we have offered are:

• Training Game: shaping chains of behaviors

• Training Game: training using capture, mimicry, baiting or successive approximation

• Communication skills: how to give/receive constructive critique and maintain
professionalism

• Communication skills: styles, personalities and how to be a good listener
Fulure Goals

In developing this self-sustaining program, we came to the realization that the best way to learn how
to train is simply by doing it. Therefore, we would like to develop more hands-on, practical training
opportunities for new trainers prior to initiating their own programs. We are considering assigning
new trainers to one of our free ranging chickens, turkeys or peafowl or perhaps an education rat to
offer more applied training experience. This would enable work on delivery, timing and real time
problem solving.

To continue this initial success of our training program, we want to offer each trainer more one on
one consultation time with their assigned B.E. Coordinator. We also hope to involve the Animal

Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol 34 No. 1 13

Care Supervisors and Staff Veterinarians more in observing sessions, providing guidance, feedback
and of course, reinforcement!

Conclusion

In conclusion, our goal of developing an institutional training program that provides new trainers
with a greater sense of confidence and support has been realized through the use of this 10-step tool.
It has provided trainers with an instructional roadmap, supportive foundation and some defined
expectations. It also offers supervisory staff the means of facilitating trainer development as well as
measuring trainer status and progress. As with all training, it is a fluid and ever-evolving process.
We look forward to the continued progression of its growth and refinement.

Resources

Baker, A. (1991). Training as a management tool: Creating the climate and maintaining the

momentum. Proceedings of the 1991 AAZPA National Conference, San Diego, CA.

Millwood A. and MacPhee M. (2000). Organization Techniques To Foster Consistency in Animal
Training Programs. AAZK Conference Proceedings: 85-94.

Pryor, K. (1985). Don’t Shoot The Dog: The New Art of Teaching and Training.

New York, Simon and Schuster.

Sevenich, M. (1995). Guidelines for animal training programs. 1995 AZA Regional
Conference Proceedings, pp. 142-147.

Stark, B. and Wiechec, M. (1998). The Implementation of a Zoowide Training and Enrichment
Program. AAZK, EMA and AZH Joint Conference Addendum: 30-42.

The Animal Training Committee Presents

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 at jpratte@zooatlanta.org (use Training
Tales Entry as the subject line). Happy training!

14 Animal Keepers ’Forum, VoL 34 No. 1

^^ZOOBUMS*’
2007 Calendar

To benefit the Utah Chapter of AAZK

This unique calendar shows off the better side of many of our
beautiful Hogle Zoo wildlife - reminding us daily that there’s no
looking back! Get yours NOW for the “bum” or animal lover in
your life and get the New Year off to a great start!

$15t95 each (which includes shipping)

To purchase call (801) 584-1784 or email us at
utahaazk@hoglezoo.org

LIMITED QUANTITIES

ORDER YOURS NOW WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! !

* With special acknowledgement to the Cheyenne Mountain Chapter of AAZK - thanks for such a great idea!

Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 34 No. 1 15

AAZK Grant Report

The Centre for Animal Rehabilitation and Education
C.A.R.E.

By

Jodi Neely Wiley, Senior Keeper
North Carolina Zoological Park, Asheboro, NC

As Senior Keeper for a large troop of hamadryas baboons {Papio hamadryas) at the North Carolina
Zoo, I am always looking for new enrichment ideas and husbandry methods. In February 2006,
with funds received from the American Association of Zoo Keepers/Geraldine Meyer Professional
Travel Grant and the North Carolina Zoological Society’s Randolph Friends of the Zoo Employee
Grant Program, I traveled to the baboon sanctuary - Centre for Animal Rehabilitation and Education
(C.A.R.E.). During my month at C.A.R.E., I was able to learn hand-rearing techniques for infant
baboons, new enrichment ideas and to gain experience working with another species of baboon.

Introduction

Rita Miljo founded C.A.R.E. in 1989 for injured indigenous South African wildlife. C.A.R.E. is
located in Phalaborwa, South Africa on the banks of the Olifants River. Increasing numbers of
orphaned, injured and abused chacma baboons {Papio cynocephalus ursinus) were given to C.A.R.E.
so they became the primary focus for the centre since no other wildlife rehabilitation facility existed'
for baboons in South Africa. C.A.R.E. specializes in rehabilitating and releasing chacma baboons
back into the wild.

The “Vermin Law” was set up under apartheid government which ordered the extinction of five
species: chacma baboon, vervet monkey {Cercopithecus aethiops), caracal {Felis caracal), jackal
{Canis spp.) and the bush pig {Potamochoerus porcus). When C.A.R.E. was developed in the late
1980’s, they were prevented by law from taking in any primates that fell under the “vermin law.”
As baboons were deemed pests, any group of seven or more individuals could form a “hunting
club.” By law, such a “hunting club” would be allowed to enter C.A.R.E. ’s sanctuary and shoot any
baboons that were being cared for at the centre. In such instances C.A.R.E. would be legally obligated
to pay for the bullet expelled. This did not stop Rita Miljo from beginning the sanctuary. Rita was
born and raised in Hitler’s Germany and emigrated to apartheid South Africa. Some may say that
Rita is the Dian Fossey of baboons.

C.A.R.E. established four basic goals:

1 . Saving and Rehabilitating South African wildlife affected by man and human
activities

2. Reintroduction of rehabilitated animals back into the wild

3. Ongoing educational programs, particularly the species
housed at C.A.R.E.

4. Raising the necessary finances to accomplish these goals

Hope came for the baboons when in 1 995 South Africa ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity.
However, even after 12 years of democracy there has been little success getting the “vermin law”
eliminated. To date, only three of the nine South African providences have done away with the
“vermin law.”

Increasing agricultural demands have resulted in reduced areas of habitat for baboons. Farmers, by
law, are permitted to remove (by any method) baboons trespassing on their land. Other hazards
including: poisoning, poaching, illegal pet trade have all contributed to the increasing numbers of
injured or abandoned baboons in need of rehabilitation.

16 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 34 No. 1

Hand-Rearing Infants

C.A.R.E. developed a hand-rearing protocol for orphaned infant baboons coming to the sanctuary.
They found that using a human surrogate mother was the best option for chacma baboons at the
sanctuary because the orphaned baboons required extensive physical contact. It is difficult to separate
adult female baboons from a troop to be a surrogate and re-introduce them successfully at a later
date. C.A.R.E. rears the infant baboons and incorporates the youngsters into existing troops with
the hopes of eventually releasing the self-sustaining troop back into the wild.

Infants coming to the sanctuary between the ages of one day old to five months old are given a
human surrogate mother. If a baboon comes to the sanctuary five months or older, the need for a
surrogate mother is dependent on the individual baboon, their confidence and independence level.
The baboon may be incorporated into a juvenile troop if their personality best fits this option.

The first few days after birth are a critical time for the mother and infant baboon to form a bond. It
is speculated that a baboon bonds to sight, smell, and sound of their mother. Once the young
baboon is paired with a surrogate mother, they stay together all of the time. Once the bonding is
established, the infant will not go with anyone but its mother. Unlike human mothers, baboon
mothers rarely if ever put their offspring down or hand the infant to an “auntie.” The same model
must be followed for a surrogate human mother and infant baboon. The general rule at C.A.R.E. is
that a child can walk away from its mother, but the mother can never walk away from the child.

In the early stages of bonding, surrogate
mothers often encounter problems when they
alter their smell or appearance. This often
occurs when the surrogate mother changes
clothes or bathes. This can sometimes be
avoided by washing with unscented
products. The same blankets and towels can
be used to keep some of the familiar scents
so the changing of clothes can be less
detrimental.

The infant baboons at C.A.R.E. begin drinking
milk as soon as possible to prevent dehydration
and to get the necessary vitamins and nutrients.

The baboons are given human infant formula
via a sterilized teat and bottle.

As the infant becomes more mature, the infant’s

circle of acquaintances is extended to those humans closest to the mother and any infants they may
be surrogating. The next step is to gradually introduce the infant to their troop. There are two
options at C.A.R.E to incorporate young baboons into a troop: a troop of peers or a troop consisting
of mixed age baboons.

The first option is initiated at the infancy stage, whereas the second option usually occurs once the
infant is weaned. C.A.R.E. has found introducing infants into a nursery troop with peers is the
easiest transition. Nursery troops are formed depending on personalities and how they interact with
one another. The human mother will gradually introduce the infant into their troop each day and
accompany them into the enclosure for support and comfort. This is a gradual process, but relies on
the individual personalities of the baboons and eventually the mother will leave the baby once
confidence is achieved. A familiar person that the baboons are comfortable with is present at all
times (up to eight months old) in case any of the baboons need support. C.A.R.E. tries to wean all
of the baboons by 12 months. The weaning process normally begins around six months of age.

Author babysitting the juvenile baboon troop. Alice
and Gigi are sitting on her lap for comfort and are
learning grooming techniques

Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 34 No. 7 17

The second option is to introduce the young baboon into a mixed age troop. This is considered only
after the young baboon is capable of finding their own food since it can be dangerous for the human
surrogate to spend an extended amount of time with the troop. It is necessary to ensure one of the
older baboons in the troop will look after the young baboon. This is achieved by having the surrogate
mother and baby sit outside of a troop’s enclosure. If one of the females from the troop shows a
great deal of interest in the baby, it will be decided to introduce the baby to the troop.

Enrichment

Throughout the baboon’s lives at C.A.R.E. they
are provided with many types of enrichment
items to approximate life in the wild which
prepares them for their eventual release.

All of the enclosures are set under natural bush
vegetation and have natural earth flooring to
encourage foraging behaviors. A small dam of
water for swimming and soaking their food is
provided. The enclosures have complex
structures made of wood and hanging fire hose
to encourage climbing and to help develop
motor skills. The baboons are also provided
elevated platforms for sleeping and shelter
from the weather.

The baboons are given trees that have fallen from passing elephants on the Centre’s grounds. The
baboons eat the leaves and the bark as they would in the wild. This type of browse item provides the
opportunity to manipulate and eat natural food items.

Keepers hide insects under rocks in the enclosures and teach the baboons how to move the rocks
and eat the insects.

Wild baboons spend the majority of their time foraging. A varied diet is given to their captive
counterparts. Seasonal food from the bush is provided including: marulas and wild figs, as well as
dry mieles - which are an excellent foraging item since every com needs to be picked up and cleaned
before eating.

Release

The presence of wild baboons on the Centre’s grounds is speculated to be instmmental in the great
success rate of rehabilitated baboons being released back into the wild. The wild baboons regularly
interact with the captive rehabilitated baboons. In some instances the captive baboons have been
accepted into the wild troops. C.A.R.E. seems to be an ideal setting where rehabilitated baboons
can regularly interact with wild baboons to prepare them for their eventual release.

Release sites must be suitable, safe and secure in protected wilderness areas. C.A.R.E. must apply
for permits and gain approval from the surrounding landowners of the prospective release site.
Keepers will stay with the baboons at the release site for several months and teach them how to
survive on their own. Keepers will walk the troop to the nearest water hole and show them were
they can find food. Once the baboons begin to wonder off on their own and no longer need human
help, the keepers will leave the site and periodically come back to the site to observe how they are
doing. When a troop is released conditions must be correct. Releases take place only after a very
good rainy season to ensure there will be enough water and resources for the troop to survive on
their own.

Olivia, a chacma baboon living at C.A.R.E.,
intently grooms the author.

18 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 34 No. 1

C.A.R.E. has successfully released nine troops of
baboons back into the wild. The first release took
place in 1994. Ten hand-reared baboons were
released as a troop and were integrated into the
existing wild population of baboons at the release
site. After one year, a 70% survival rate was
observed. The second release of a troop of 18 was
at Mosdene Nature Preserve, in an area where wild
populations of baboons were extinct in 1996. This
past year a census was taken at the release site and
45 baboons were counted. In June of 2006, the ninth
release was at the same site with the hopes of the
same success rate. In the summer of 2002, a troop
of baboons that were saved from the French military
for radiation testing were released. Nelson Mandela
came to watch the re-release of these wild-caught
baboons “walk to freedom.” In late 2002, 35
rehabilitated baboons were released at a world
heritage site, Vredefont Dome. Unfortunately, one
of the two troops released was poisoned and two of
the baboons were shot. Six baboons total were lost.

The remaining baboons had to be taken back to
C.A.R.E. to live in captivity until another safe
release site was approved.

C.A.R.E. will take in any wounded or aban-
doned animal. Rita Miljo has rescued hippos
{Hippopotamus amphibius), meerkats (Suricata suricatta) and together with IFAW started the first
true lion (Panthera leo) haven in South Africa. C.A.R.E. has begun one of the only successful
breeding programs for the endangered Samango monkey {Cercopithecus mitis labiatus).

Rita Miljo and all of the staff at C.A.R.E. are absolutely amazing people who have dedicated their
lives to the preservation of baboons. C.A.R.E. receives no government subsidy and is largely ignored
by South African officials for their work with the chacma baboon. C.A.R.E. is reliant on donations.
There is a constant need for donations to help pay for the releases, bottles, formula and diets. C.A.R.E.

would also like to begin to give the non-releasable females
birth control implants to help control the captive population
births. Elephants have recently been stampeding through
the sanctuary destroying baboon enclosures, so C.A.R.E.
is looking for donations to buy a perimeter fence to keep
wild elephants off of the sanctuary’s grounds. Any
donations you can make will make a difference. Donations
can be sent to: C.A.R.E., Acc no 6202 5834 187, Bank:
First National Bank. Address: Randburg, South Africa;
Telephone number: +27 11 449 6056; Bank code:25 1-655
Swift No. FIRN ZA JJ.

Acknowledgements

holding the author’s hand. Special Thanks to: Rita Miljo and the dedicated staff at C.A.R.E.,

AAZK, North Carolina Zoo Society, North Carolina Zoological
Park, the keepers, supervisor and curator of the NC Zoo’s African
Pavilion, and Michael Wiley

References:

Altmann, Jeanne. 1980. Baboon Mothers and Infants. The University of Chicago Press, Chicago, IL
Kummer, Hans. 1995. In Quest of the Sacred Baboon. Princeton University Press, New Jersey.

Miljo, Rita. Personal interview.

Strum, Shirley. 1987. Almost Human. Random House, New York.

Mr. Niggles (an infant chacma baboon)

A wild baboon grooms a captive baboon at
C.A.R.E. The baboons at C.A.R.E. regularly
interact with wild baboons. This helps prepare
the rehabilitated baboons for their eventual
release back into the wild.

Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 34 No. 1 19

Bowling For Rhinos
Recipe for Success

B£RJEY£nl£a£ility_Pianiiiiig ^

Set a Date ~ Early so that it can be advertised in as many newsletters,

fliers as possible. Info should be placed in zoo newsletters (at least 4 times)^ facility
volunteer newsletters, Society communications, facility maps or advertisement fliers.

• Chamber of Commerce - Check with Chamber (or other Community Association) prior-to
setting date to find out events that could conflict. Once you choose the date, inform your
Chamber of Commerce and ask to be placed on their Calendar of Events.

• Facility Management - Set up a meeting with your facility director and/or management. If a

facility needs some coaxing, reference a “Memorandum of Agreement” between AAZK/
BFR & AZA signed at the 1 996 Honolulu conference: AZA will assist AAZK’s BFR event
through their resources such as Public Relations (PR) Graphics Departments. You may
remind them, the better your event does, the better it looks for the zoo in the eyes of the
public. A successful BFR event gives your facility “bragging rights”.

• Volunteer Coordinator ~ Set up a meeting with the Coordinator. Talk to your zoo volunteers

at an organized luncheon to let them know they can join the event or sponsor someone
(have your forms ready) or work at the event.

• Society Director - Set up a meeting with the Director or Coordinator of the entity that supports

your facility. Promoting the BFR event, promotes the facilities involved.

BFR Event Pre-Planning

• Collect door prizes. Seek the big airline prizes 4-6 months in advance (write thank you notes

- helps build a base for next year!) Hint: Restaurants are easy to get prizes from. Visit a
potential donor in person, with formal letter of donation request. The letter should
detail the successful history of the event on the local and national levels.

• Fliers - Put registration fliers in an area where volunteers may see them-in their “check -in”

area. Have fliers that you can hand out so they can be completed later.

• Invite Bowlers from Previous Events (addresses listed on sponsor forms from prior year)

• Blue Rhino Gas - These folks are the primary event sponsor and should be included in all

local events. (They may even underwrite your event!)

• Rhino Linings - After asking Blue Rhino, try to get a commitment from these folks in your

area to join your event, If Blue Rhino cannot commit Rhino Linings may be an event
sponsor.

• BFR is Open to the public - Make sure this fact is well advertised.

• Create a T-shirt - Look for sponsors for the event shirt

• A Day off Work? - See if your zoo will offer a day off work for the team who raises the most

$ (ex. Graphics team, Maint. Team, etc)

20 Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol 34 No. 1

• Special Events - Your facility may have a department that can lend a hand - hey, these

people do this for a living! Seek help to get the word out.

• Prizes - It pays to advertise. Once you have a list of Door prizes or other giveaways, raffle

prizes, etc. Publicize the list to attract bowlers and sell raffle tickets.

• Invite Celebrities to bowl at your event (especially TV/radio- free advertising!).

• Advertising - post info next to rhino/elephant exhibits about your upcoming event and how

to join!

• Trip Winner - The person that raises the most money, wins a trip. Don’t be shy, let your

potential donors know this fact.

• Friends and Family “ The most important donors of all, an usually, the softest touches!

• See http://aazkbfr.org

If your Chapter would like a “Lewa Promo” DVD
free of charge, please contact Helen at
lewausa@.er.o.b..c.om.

For additional BFR Event information or
assistance - Contact Patty Pearthree, AAZK
BFR Coordinator at: ppear3@pear3.org or
919-678-0449.

Survey of American Ichthyological and Herpetological Collections

The American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (ASIH) Collections Committee is
conducting an on-line survey of American ichthyological and herpetological collections. This online
survey will provide valuable data that will enhance long-term support and maintenance of collections.
Based on previous surveys by Poss & Collette (1995) and Collette & Lachner (1976) of ichthyological
collections, this survey captures general collection information, as well as more specific information
on collection and data management policies (e.g., availability of electronic catalogs). This survey
addresses a need for detailed information about ichthyological and herpetological collections, while
other ongoing initiatives, such as the Legacy Infrastructure Network for Natural Environments
(LINNE), seek to more broadly identify existing collections for inclusion into an accessible network
for the scientific community. Results from the survey will be summarized and submitted for
publication in Copeia and will be also be available from the main ASIH website, including an
improved index to collections.

Please take a moment to complete the survey at: http://chelydra.unm.edu/asihsurvey
If you have any questions, please contact any of the following:

J. Tom Giermakowski Nelson Rios

Museum of Southwestern Biology Tulane University Museum of Natural History

tomas@unm.edu nelson@museum.tulane.edu

Christina A. Wolfe, Collection Manager, Herpetology at Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural
History, University of Oklahoma, 2401 Chautauqua Ave., Norman, OK 73026; (405) 325-7771;
(405) 325-7699 (fax); c.wolfe@ou.edu

Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 34 No, I 21

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. Baard 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.

22 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 34 No. 1

Nomination Procedure - Forms MUST be Typed

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 do AAZK, Inc., 3601 SW 29th St., Ste. 133, Topeka, KS 66614-2054.

Nomination Form for
AAZK Board of Directors

Qualifications for Nomination:

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.

L Name of Nominees

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.

REACTIONS

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

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

Question

We are looking at items for next year’s budget, are there service vehicles that can also do “double-
duty” in crisis situations?

Comments

Over the years I have seen service vehicles come and go, some were good, others were great, and
some were just terrible. Having started out years ago as a working keeper, I thought that any service
vehicle would be an improvement over a wheelbarrow. Unfortunately, considering some of the
service vehicles that I have been saddled with in years past, my line of thought changed over time.
There were definitely days when I would have rather had a wheelbarrow over a cart and was ecstatic
when the cart went to the shop, which was usually every month. Considering that many zoological
facilities did and still do send their vehicles out of house to fleet services, I was comfortable in the
knowledge that I wouldn’t have to see my cart for several weeks.

Now, the question might arises “What has this got to do with crisis management?” It is my belief
that if you can’t rely on your service vehicles on a day-to-day basis, then I can’t imagine them being
reliable in a crisis situation, I have a marked preference for using only what works, even if that
means that I have to deviate from using a brand or manufacturer. What I mean to say is that I have
a tendency when I find a brand name that produces a series of products that I like to use them for
other purposes. However, as time has gone by I will throw a product away and start over rather than
being tied down to something that just flat won’t work, even if that means I must move off a product
line that I like to use.

Having said all of this, it’s far easier for me to tell you what I recommend rather than what I won’t.
The John Deere Gator TH 6 x 4™ is hands down my favorite vehicle. It’s low center of gravity
coupled with six wheels on the ground, and all-wheel traction makes it a go anywhere vehicle. It
also has great ergonomics and handles like a car rather than a truck. It is available with a deluge of
features and I recommend the gauge kit, bumpers, brush guards, light kits, organizer, winch, and
bed liner to start with. I also recommend the all terrain tire kit and gun boot for this model. An
additional feature that I have seen for the past few years is the stretcher kit that can be added to the
bed for an incapacitated person and additional space for a caregiver allowing first responder treatment
en route.

Another vehicle that I have seen in recent years that performs well in all environments and conditions
is the Polaris Ranger 4x4 EFI and 6x6 EFI models™. Each of these has the capability of going over
some of the most rugged terrain and mountainous country. The center of gravity is higher than the

Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 34 No. 1 23

John Deere Gator, but this also is compensated for by a reinforced suspension that gives it a climbing
ability similar to a mountain goat. Rugged and durable, I have seen these hold up over extremely
rocky terrain. I recommend the WARN winch attachment, brush guards, nerf bars, box rack, and
gun scabbard. I should also mention that both the John Deere and Polaris products come with blade
attachments for clearing roads and walks from snowfall and sand dunes depending on what part of
the country you live in.

Either of these companies produces reliable vehicles. But, you can always get by in most situations
with a pick-up truck from either Ford or General Motors. Truth is, you can cover more territory with
more power, and go from off-road to highway depending on your needs. The avalanche of accessories
for pick-up trucks is literally overwhelming... if you can imagine it, they probably make it.

As a side note, you may also want to check out the column I did in 2005 on emergency vehicle
supplies (Reactions: January AKF 25-26) for additional equipment to stow in your cargo box.

Question

Every year new model locks come out. Can you tell me what you would recommend for our facility?

Comments

I would recommend the following product lines for zoological operations and security measures:
Master Pro Series™ padlock - 6850 products

2” (5 1 mm) wide body, hardened boron steel alloy shackle for cut resistance, removable cylinder
can be replaced or repinned, 5-spool pin tumbler for added pick resistance, solid brass bodies and
cylinders, and stainless dual ball bearing locking mechanism for protection against prying and
hammering.

Master Home and Yard padlock - 150 KAD product

2” (50 mm) wide body, 5-pin tumbler security, hardened steel shackle, solid brass lock body. While
not as nice as the 6850 products, these locks can provide good reliable service when maintained
properly.

LSDA Pin Tumbler padlocks - BP 500 products

2” (50 mm) wide body, solid brass corrosion resistant body, pin tumbler cylinder with solid brass
keyway, chrome plated hardened steel shackle, double locking shackle mechanism, and a choice of
different keying options. Supplied with (2) nickel-plated brass keys for smooth operation.

Question

I just finished reading your paper “Career Advancement in the Zoological Industry” and wanted to
ask for a little more information about putting your best foot forward when you’re looking at a
situation where you are already working at a zoo, but want to advance? Not really crisis management,
but I would appreciate any advice you may have.

Comments

The best way I can answer this is to stress just how important it is to maintain a good standing at
your present institution. Avoid the politics, the confrontations, and the cliques. If you conduct yourself

24 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 34 No. 1

as a professional, then you’re perceived as a professional. Always do the best you can at whatever
you do, don’t wait to be asked to do something, and volunteer when times are tight. Your single best
assets are your character, integrity, and common sense. They are defining factors. As I’ve said
before, most of us have college degrees, what will set you apart is how your co-workers and the
profession as a whole perceive you. Actually... come to think of it, the same can be said for crisis
responders.

Question

In many of your columns you have mentioned tool sets. What brands do you recommend?
Comments

I recommend a lifetime guarantee brand such as Craftsman®, Kobalt®, Snap-On®, or any of the other
brands that are popular with mechanics. Just be aware that these brands due tend to be costly when
you’re talking about mechanic master tool sets. You will want to budget them on an annual fiscal
basis.

Next Month: Are there safety items for cold weather environments?

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).

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Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 34 No. 1 25

Re-creating Mature:

Xhe making of an artificial meerkat burrow

By Rebecca Richendollar, Meerkat Keeper
North Carolina Zoo, Asheboro, NC

Introduction

Zoos strive to create exhibits that provide for all of their animals’ needs. Innovative exhibit design
can be used as a means of encouraging species appropriate activity, reducing stress and stereotypic
behaviors, and creating an environment that is stimulating and interesting (Coe, 1997). At the
North Carolina Zoo, we are constantly updating and modifying our exhibits to meet with the needs
of our collection. When the resources needed to create permanent modifications are not available,
creative keeper solutions come into play.

Meerkats {Suricata suricatta) are members of the mongoose family native to southern Africa. They
live in cooperative groups of up to 30 individuals. Meerkats use burrows for sleeping, for hiding
from both predators and the hot midday sun, and for birthing dens (Russell, Brotherton, Mcllrath,
Sharpe, and Clutton-Brock, 2003). The burrows have various tunnels and chambers and multiple
entrances. Meerkats also maintain a series of bolt holes (Manser, 2001) which are holes in the
ground that do not lead to elaborate underground burrow systems but instead provide quick cover
for escaping predators.

The meerkat exhibit at the North Carolina Zoo currently holds 3.3.3 meerkats and has varied terrain,
including artificial termite mounds, logs, stumps, and climbing structures that have been built out of
large limbs. The exhibit has mulch and pea gravel to encourage the meerkats to dig.

While the exhibit offers the animals a complex and interesting environment, we wanted to do more.
While brainstorming ways to improve our exhibit, we came up with the idea of creating a burrow
system. In the past we have had some respiratory problems with our collection so the use of sand
has to be kept to a minimum. Because the animals are not able to dig their own tunnels we decided
to provide an artificial burrow for the animals to use.

Why?

We had several goals in mind while planning this meerkat burrow. We wanted to encourage species-
appropriate behavior by offering the meerkats a tunnel system that may resemble something they
would inhabit in the wild. In fact, meerkats often inhabit tunnels created by other animals like
ground squirrels as opposed to digging their own. We also wanted to give the meerkats a visual
barrier so they could feel comfortable in an exhibit surrounded on nearly all sides with glass. The
burrow system offered the meerkats a place to hide when they felt threatened by the public. In
addition, the building that houses the meerkat exhibit has a tent-like canvas roof Many times
during the day shadows of airplanes or birds can be seen from inside and the meerkats often need
areas that can act as artificial bolt holes.

We also suspected that the meerkats may use the burrow system as a birthing chamber. Our group
has a history of infanticide. One possible reason for this is that the mother feels stressed about a
lack of privacy and kills the infants herself We hoped the burrow system would offer the meerkats
a safe place for their pups.

The Details

Our first thought was to use 4” PVC pipe. The exhibit already contained a few lengths of this so we
knew that the meerkats could fit into it and that they were comfortable with the material. However,

26 Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol 34 No. 1

when we went to the local hardware store in search of possible PVC fittings, we discovered another
material called Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene pipe or ABS. The ABS appealed to us because it
was black and would therefore blend into the exhibit better.

We purchased two three-meter (10 foot) lengths of 4” ABS pipe, and 12 different versions of elbows,
wyes, and tees (Figure 1). We also purchased a 4 x 4 x 6 tee which would allow one area of the
burrow to widen a little, creating a den space for the group. We didn’t have any specific plan in
mind as to how the burrow system would be laid out, but instead bought those pieces that seemed
like they would lend themselves to a variety of configurations with the burrow.

During construction of the burrow
we made several decisions in order
to make the lives of the keepers and
the animals a little easier. We
decided to drill several 2.5 cm (1/2
inch) air holes along the pipes. This
was mostly for safety and to help
with heat issues. Summers in North
Carolina can get very warm and
several meerkat bodies huddled
together in a small pipe can be hot.
We wanted to provide some air flow
for those individuals inside.

We also decided to not glue the
burrow system together. This would allow for several things. First, leaving the burrow unglued
allowed us to change the configurations of the burrow whenever we wanted, which we expected
would be enriching for the animals. We also decided to not glue the burrow together for easier
cleaning. Currently we take the entire burrow system out of the exhibit every two weeks and disinfect
it. In addition, being able to pull the burrow apart easily has helped us to find an animal quickly or
catch an animal for medical treatment.

We also created the burrow in a way that offered several escape routes so that it would be difficult
for an animal to become trapped in the pipes. Multiple fittings allowed us to offer several options
for entrances and exits in and out of the burrow. Figure 2 shows one example of a burrow system
that we have used.

Figure 2

Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 34 No. 1 27

Challenges

While we have seen many benefits of the artifieial burrow system, the tunnels have created some
challenges. It can be difficult to get quick head counts first thing in the morning and throughout the
day. On more than one occasion keepers have had to go in and take apart the burrow to check for a
“missing” individual.

Another issue with the burrow has been aesthetics. While the ABS pipe blended better than white or
painted PVC pipe would have, it remained obvious to the public. This can be problematic in some
institutions. We tried burying the pipe under the substrate but the meerkats repeatedly dug it up,
exposing the pipe to the public. Our most recent solution has been to “hide” the burrow behind
stumps, mounds, and logs to lessen the amount of the burrow visible to the public. However, it
should be noted that some studies show that the presence of unnaturalistic enrichment in zoo exhibits
does not negatively impact visitors’ perceptions (McPhee, Foster, Sevenich, and Saunders, 1998).

Does it work?

On 14 September 2006, our dominant female gave birth to a litter of three pups. She gave birth in
an overturned black plastic tray, an enrichment item that had been placed in the exhibit the night
before. The next morning she was observed moving the pups across the exhibit to the ABS pipe
burrow. Throughout the next several weeks, this is where the pups remained. The adult females
would leave the burrow when
food was placed in the
exhibit, but then return to the
pipes immediately after
eating. When the pups first
started coming out onto the
exhibit on their own, they
could be seen nursing right
next to the burrow (Figure 3).

On more than one occasion
when keeper staff or visitors
got too close to the glass, one
of the meerkats would make
an alarm call and the adult
closest to the babies would
pick them up and quickly
carry them into the nearest
burrow opening, behaving
just as a wild meerkat might.

Conclusion

In institutions where materials to build natural burrow systems can not be provided for the meerkats,
one alternative is the artificial burrow. We found the benefits of providing the burrow for the
animals to far outweigh the costs. We would highly recommend that zoos consider implementing
this solution.

I’d like to thank Chris Goldston, Lorraine Smith, Chris Lasher, Tamara Norton and Teri Merrimon
for their assistance. Thanks!

References

Coe, J.C., 1997. “EntertainingZoo Visitors and Zoo Animals: An Integrated Approach”. Annual Conference
Proceedings, American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums, Bethesda, MD.

Manser, M.B., 2001. “The Acoustic Structure of Suricates’ Alarm Calls Varies with Predator Type and
the Level of Response Urgency”. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences,
268 (1483): 2315 -2324.

McPhee, M.E., Foster, J.S., Sevenich, M., Saunders, C.D., 1998. “Public Perceptions of Behavioral
Enrichment: Assumptions Gone Awry”. Zoo Biology 17:525-534.

Russell, A.F., Brotherton, P.N.M., Mcllrath, G.M., Sharpe, L.L., Clutton-Brock, T.H., 2003. “Breeding
Success in Cooperative Meerkats: Effects of Helper Number and Maternal State”. Behavioral
Ecology, 14(4): 486-492.

Figure 3

28 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 34 No. 1

Chapter

News

Notes

It has been a momentous year for the Utah
Chapter of AAZK. We had another outstanding
Bowling for Rhinos, where we raised $14,200.
On Labor Day, we had a very successful Cheetah
Cha-Cha. We raised $2,100 that was sent to the
Cheetah Conservation
Fund in Kenya. We
also provided valet
parking for the Zoo’s
annual fundraising
gala. The proceeds
from this event were
used to send some of
our members to the
National AAZK
Conference and to
support a black-footed
ferret conservation
project. But, the most exciting thing that
happened this year was winning the bid for the
2008 National AAZK Conference. Plans are
already in motion for a great conference.

Finally, the 2007 officers for the Utah Chapter are:

President Bethany Bingham

Vice President Crystal Derusha

Secretary Deana Walz

Treasurer Pat Meekins

Liaison Dawn Neptune

Rocky MQuntainAAZK, Chapter

The Rocky Mountain AAZK Chapter at the
Denver Zoo has had a great year in 2006, raising
over $15,000 to donate to a variety of local and
international conservation projects.

in Kenya who gave a
great presentation
about tourism and
conservation. Ticket
sales and a silent
auction of some items
they brought from
Kenya raised $700
that went straight
back to Lewa.

Several of our members participated in Cheyenne
Mountain Zoo’s second annual Dream Night at
the Zoo in hopes of starting our own event next
year. The AAZK Chapter there hosted hundred
of ill or disadvantaged children and their families
in an evening they will be sure to remember.
Thanks, CMZ Chapter for bringing us along for
the ride!

Finally, our big annual fundraiser. Comedy Night
at the Zoo, was a HUGE success! Josh Blue, the
winner of Last Comic Standing, performed a hit
show to a sold-out audience. Money from ticket
sales, silent and live auctions, and a raffle
allowed us to send $12,000 to four worthy
conservation programs supporting Amur Tigers,
Bongo, Orangutans and parrots.

Officers in 2006 are:

President Ann Zobrist

Vice President Nicole King

Treasurer Dave Johnson

Secretary Dawn Cummings

Liaison Jessica Meehan

—Jessica Meehan, Liaison

Nashville Zqq AAZk Chapter

We just wanted to thank our 2006 Executive
Board members for all their hard word and
dedication.

2006 Executive Board Members:

In March we held a bake sale that raised $600
for Grevy’s Zebra facing a deadly strain of
Anthrax. Bake sales are one of our most
successful minor fundraisers, with staff from all
over the zoo participating in the baking and the
buying! This December we held another bake
sale to benefit budding conservation researchers
through the organization IdeaWild. Another
fiindraiser this year was our annual Raffle, which
helped replenish our funds after aiding four of
our keepers with their travel expenses for
conferences and professional development
training. Furthermore, our Chapter’s Bowling
for Rhinos event was a success, raising $1,600.

This spring our Chapter hosted a pair of
representatives from Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

President..... Jessica Huff

Vice President Hall Whitaker III

Treasurer Stephanie Greene

Secretary Heather Moats

Historian Erin Swindlehurst

Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 34 No. 1 29

Proximity and Social Interactions of Captive Shoebill Storks
{Balaeniceps rex) at the San Diego Wild Animal Park

By Sara Skillman', Caroline Pitt‘, & Michael Mace^

‘Conservation and Research for Endangered Species (CRES) Zoological Society of San Diego, Escondido,
CA 92027, USA

-Bird Department, San Diego Wild Animal Park, Zoological Society of San Diego,

Escondido, CA 92027, USA

Abstract

The San Diego Wild Animal Park houses a rare captive bird, the shoebill stork (Balaeniceps rex).
Reproduction in this species has not occurred in any zoological institution and little is known about

sociality among the birds. Behavioral observation and
analysis were performed to investigate social interactions
among three shoebill storks (1.2). The birds interacted
minimally, with bill clattering being the dominant social
behavior exhibited. Rates of bill clattering and aggressive
behavior were highest in the male. All three birds spent the
majority of time in separate locations. Further research is
needed to understand the characteristics associated with an
optimal breeding environment for this species.

Introduction

Shoebill storks (Fig. 1) are large sedentary birds that are
camouflaged by their natural vegetation of papyrus and
swamp grasses. They are rather solitary birds, and even when
paired tend to spend a large amount of time alone (del Hoyo,
1992). Shoebill storks are relatively inactive birds, but will
attack catfish, lungfish, or bichirs when feeding by the water’s
edge (Hancock et ah, 1992). The breeding season in the wild
depends on the seasonal flood cycle in Africa (Kuehler &
Toone, 1989). The birds range from southern Sudan to
northern Zambia (Hancock et ah, 1992). Courtship and nest
building, behaviors exhibited by both males and females,
occurs during the rainy season allowing for the hatching of
the chick during the dry season (Buxton et ah, 1978). They are a monogamous species, with pairs
remaining stable across seasons. In the wild, greeting behaviors appear to play an important role in
social interactions between pair bonded birds (Brown et ah, 1982).

The breeding behavior of shoebill storks has been minimally documented. The swampy, bug-infested
habitat of east and central Africa make it difficult to observe this species in the wild (Kuehler &
Toone, 1989). The shoebill stork is an extremely rare captive bird, with only a handful of zoological
societies possessing this species in their collection (Kuehler & Toone, 1989). There have been no
reports of successful breeding in captivity, and little is known about this species in the wild. Despite
efforts made by zoological societies around the world, it remains unclear why this particular species
has not yet reproduced in captivity. The San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park has made many efforts
towards the captive breeding success of shoebill storks by providing several pairs with naturalistic
environments, including providing live fish for consumption and using native vegetation in their
enclosures. Given the lack of research on the natural behavior of this species, optimal breeding
conditions in captivity is a focal area of interest in the management of the captive population. We

30 Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 34 No. 1

Shoebill Stork (photo by Sara Skillman)

designed a study to systematically document the social interactions and proximity of a group of
shoebill storks in order to gain some insights that might be usehil for captive propagation.

Methods

All behavioral observations were conducted at the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park, in Escondido,
CA. Three shoebill storks (1.2.0) are provided 24-hour accommodation in a lagoon enclosure that
mimics their natural environment. The enclosure is shared with several species of both native and
collection birds. The lagoon consists of three separate islands with the water level between the
islands shallow enough for wading birds. Because the birds were hand-reared, they are hand-fed a
diet of fish and mice. The enclosure also consists of vegetation native to Africa, such as papyrus
and reedbeds (Hancock et al, 1992).

The three birds were bom in the wild in 1988. Each bird is uniquely banded, allowing for individual
recognition: the male (Male) is banded on his right leg, one female (referred to as Female) is banded
on her left leg, and one female is not banded (referred to as Female NB). When data collection
began, the Male and Female NB were located on two islands (A and B) in the enclosure, and the

banded Female was located on the third
island (C) (Figure 2). Islands A (5.5 by 9.6
meters) and B (5.5 by 12.8 meters) were
separated from island C (7 by 6.4 meters)
by a large gate of a distance of approximately
six meters. A shallow underwater area
extends around all islands by 1 .4 meters, as
well as between Island B and C. The birds
are able to walk in the water while standing
on the underwater sandy area. The two
outermost panels of the gate were opened
up to allow for movement on either side of
the gate once observations had begun

Observations occurred primarily in the
morning (0700-0900 hrs), with further
supplemental observations occurring in
the mid-aftemoon (15 00- 1700 hrs) and
late afternoon (1700-1900 hrs) for a total of 66 hours of observation during the months of July and
August 2006. Data were recorded on an all-occurrences basis (Altmann, 1 974) for any social behavior
witnessed because all three animals were visible during all observation sessions. Rates and durations
were calculated from these data. The behaviors recorded are listed in Table 1 .

Table 1 Partial ethogram of observed behaviors used in analysis

Head Shaking (HS)

Head moves back and forth

Bowing (B)

Bird lowers head towards ground; usually occurs
with head shaking

Bill Clattering (BC)

Bill is raised vertically and is rapidly opened and
closed to produce sound

Approach (A)

Bird moves directly towards another bird

Submission (S)

Bird lowers body towards ground, spreads wings,
and observes the other bird’s actions

Manipulate Nest Materia! (MNM)

Bird uses bill to manipulate nest vegetation

Fig. 2 Diagram of the lagoon area where shoebill storks
are housed at the Wild animal park. “T’ represents trees.

Results

An activity budget (Figure 3) for each bird was constmcted to show the percentage of time each
social behavior was exhibited over all observations. The most frequent behavior exhibited by all
three of the individuals was bill clattering. Bill clattering was observed most frequently by the
male, constituting almost 90% of his activity budget. Both females spent less time bill clattering.

Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 34 No. I 31

indicating a slight sex difference in this behavior. The other social behaviors, such as head shaking,
bowing, and approaching, were exhibited considerably less often, making up less than 20% of total
activity. Submissive behaviors were only seen with the Female.

Activity Budget

Behavior

Fig. 3 - 'Activity budgets of social activities for captive shoebill storks

Rate of bill clattering per observation period and average duration were recorded for each individual.
There was a strong sex difference in rate of bill clatters (Table 2). Both females, on average, bill
clattered once per observation session. The male averaged a rate of six bill clatters per session.
Average duration revealed no strong difference between any of the individual birds, with a typical
bill clattering lasting approximately 3-4 seconds in length.

Table 2. Average rate and duration of bill clattering

Rate (Average times per
observation period)

Duration (Average number of
seconds per bill clatter)

Male

6.09

3.81

Female NB

.97

3.44

Female

.93

2.81

Male

cb Female NB
n Female

Locations in the lagoon were plotted for each shoebill stork throughout the observation period
(Figures 4, 5, and 6). Each bird spent the majority of time in one particular location on separate
islands. The ‘other’ category consisted of additional locations that were occupied for only a small
percentage of time. The Male and Female NB spent less than 50% of their time in locations A8 and
B7, respectively. The Female spent nearly 60% of her time at location C6.

Discussion

Analyzing social interactions can provide important information on the interaction patterns between
two or more animals, and assist in the development of effective breeding and management plans. In
Shoebill storks, bill clattering appears to be a greeting behavior that plays an undefined role in
social interactions between birds. The frequency of bill clattering and the effects seen in the behavior
of surrounding individuals may help understand other social behaviors that are commonly exhibited.
The majority of the social behaviors recorded for all three birds was bill clattering. Although the
average duration of bill clattering was similar between males and females, the male clattered at a
much higher rate, suggesting a strong sex difference in energy devoted to this activity.

32 Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol 34 No. 1

Male Location

Fig. 4 - Percentage of time Male
spent in a particular location

Female NB Location

11% B8
15%

Fig. 5 - Percentage of time Female
NB spent in a particular location

Female Location

other

C4

Fig. 6 - Percentage of time Female
spent in a particular location

Female NB was the only shoebill stork to show submission to another bird, exhibiting submissive
behaviors every time she was in close proximity to the male. The submission by Female NB was
associated with aggressive tendencies directed at her from the male. Because the other female was
isolated from the other two shoebill storks, she never exhibited any type of submissive behaviors
towards either bird. The lack of submissive behaviors in the male, associated with a relatively high
frequency of submissive behaviors in Female NB, indicats a likely dominance pattern between the
paired individuals. Futher investigation with a larger sample size would assist in identification of
potential hierarchical relationships, and sex difference in rates of submissive and aggressive behavior.
Understanding interaction patterns could also play a crucial role when deciding appropriate coupling
of two birds for the formation of a breeding pair.

Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 34 No. 1 33

All three shoebill storks spent a large portion of time in one specific grid on separate islands. The
relatively solitary nature shown by the location data suggests the solitary behavior reported in the
wild is a consistent pattern in a captive environment. The birds rarely came into close proximity
with each other, except in cases of aggression. Each of the favored locations contained a nesting
platform comprised of papyrus leaves, which are used to construct nests in the wild. By the end of
data collection, the Female, who was previously isolated from the other two birds, voluntarily walked
to the area of islands A and B. She remained in that portion of the enclosure, although not in
proximity to the other two birds

Due to the limited amount of information on this species, many questions have been raised. During
early morning observations, the birds appeared to be more active than during the afternoon
observations. This could be due to the presence of keepers in the morning and their feeding schedule.
Their low levels of activity during the afternoon could be related to the change in temperature,
increased number of visitors, or absence of keepers. Bill clattering, also suggested to be associated
with territorial behavior, was used frequently in this manner in the presence of male zookeepers.
Further investigation into the social behaviors and possible interactions within a pair bond is important
for the understanding and conservation of this unique species. Systematic data collection on social
behavior patterns in a species such as the shoebill stork, can assist with management decisions
associated with the care and housing of a captive collection that could lead to future reproductive
success in captivity.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Fred Bercovitch for support with the research project, and the Bird Department
at the Wild Animal Park, especially Debbie Marlow, John Hollinshead, Don Sterner, Dave Heckard,
and Jamie Ries for their contributions on the project. The CRES Summer Student Fellowship provided
funding for the research.

References

Altmann, J. (1974) Observational study of behavior: sampling methods.

Behaviour 49: 227-267.

Brown, L.H., Urban, E.K., & Newman, K. (1982). The Birds of Africa. VoX. \. New York:
Academic Press, 190-193.

Buxton, L., Slater, J., & Brown, L.H. (1978). The breeding behaviour of the shoebill or whale-
headed stork Balaeniceps rex in the Bangweulu Swamps, Zambia. E. Afr Wildl. J., 16,
201-220.

del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A., & Sargatal, J. Eds. (1992). Handbook of the Birds of the World.

Vol. 1. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions, 466-471.

Hancock, J.A., Kushlan, J.A. & Kahl, M.P. (1992). Storks, Ibises, and Spoonbills of the World.
San Diego: Academic Press.

Kuehler, C. & Toone, W. (1989). The shoebill: shy creature of the swamps.

Zoonooz, LXIl (5), 5-9.

34 Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 34 No. 1

LLpdcute^

Indonesia Forest Fires, Attacks Kill 1,000 Orangutans
About 1 ,000 orangutans {Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus) are estimated to
have died in Indonesia during the dry season of 2006 in which raging
forest fires have produced thick smoke across huge areas of Southeast
Asia. The fires in the Indonesian part of Borneo have deprived
orangutans of food and forced them to encroach on human settlements,
where they are often attacked for damaging crops, the Borneo Orangutan
Survival Foundation said. Most of the annual dry season fires are
deliberately lit by farmers or at the behest of timber and oil palm plantation companies.

“Orangutans are starving. They are sick and many of those we are treating were injured after being
attacked by machetes,” Willie Smits, an ecologist at the foundation told Reuters, adding that many
also suffered from respiratory problems. He said 120 sick orangutans had been treated in three
conservation centres and 10 to 15 of them had died.

Orangutans live on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra, but encroachment on their habitats by humans
and massive destruction of forests is threatening their existance. In 2002, it was estimated there
were 56,000 orangutans in the wild but the population has dwindled at a rate of 6,000 a year,
conservationists say.

Heavy rain brought a respite to fires in Borneo’s Kota Waringin Barat where about 6,000 orangutans
live at the Tanjung Puting national park, according to the park’s director Bambang Darmaji. However,
during the heights of the fires, smoke was so dense that the airport in Palangkaraya, the capital of
Central Kalimantan province, remained closed due to poor visibility. Source: Planet Ark World
Environmental News 9/11/06.

Monkey Form of HIV May Be Endemic in Wild Gorillas

A monkey virus similar to HIV is endemic in wild gorillas in Africa and was probably transmitted to
them by chimpanzees, researchers recently reported.

About 40 million people worldwide are living with HIV/AIDS. The origins of two of the three
strains of the virus in humans have been traced back to monkeys in Africa infected with simian
immunodeficiency virus (SIV) but the source of the third has been unknown, until now.

“It is the first time that someone has done a survey among wild gorillas to see whether they were
infected with an SIV,” said Martine Peeters, a virologist at the University of Montpellier in France.
“We showed they were infected and moreover they are infected with a virus that is closely related to
HIV-1 and a particular variant O,” she added in an interview.

HIV is thought to have been passed on to humans when they slaughtered infected chimpanzees for
food. About 25 million people have died of HIV/AIDS since the virus was identified a quarter of a
century ago.

There are three strains or groups of HIV — M, N and O. Group M is the most common strain and
has spread around the globe. Strain N is linked to few cases in Cameroon and group O represents
about one percent of HIV/AIDS cases in Cameroon and surrounding countries. “It is only there that
we find it,” Peeters explained, referring to the O strain.

She and her colleagues collected and examined hundreds of droppings from wild gorillas and
chimpanzees living in remote forest areas in Cameroon. The animals are still hunted for food and
medicines. An analysis of the samples showed the gorillas were infected with a strain of SIV-

Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 34 No. 1

related to the O group. The infected gorillas lived nearly 400 kilometers (248 miles) apart so the
scientists believe it is likely SIV infection is endemic in the animals. How the animals acquired it is
also a mystery because gorillas are vegetarians and encounters with chimpanzees are thought to be
rare.

“We have discovered it in gorillas but we think the primary reservoir are still chimpanzees. We
think chimpanzees transmitted it to gorillas but we don’t know who transmitted it to humans — the
gorilla or the chimp,” Peeters, who reported the findings in the journal Nature, said.

Knowing the origin of the HIV and that is crossing species is important for understanding what
happens to the virus when it jumps species. Source: Yahoo News/Reuters Nov. 8. 2006 by Patricia Reaney j

Rare Ethiopian Lion Cubs Poisoned to Save Expense

Rare Abyssinian lion (Panthera leo roosevelti) cubs are being poisoned at a zoo in Ethiopia and sold
to taxidermists because there isn’t enough money to care for the animals, the facility’s administrator
said recently.

Famous for their black manes, the lions are revered in Ethiopia, adorning statues and the national
currency. Wildlife experts estimate only 1,000 of the animals, which are smaller than other lions,
remain in the wild.

“These animals are the pride of our country, but our only alternative right now is to send them to the
taxidermist,” said Muhedin Abdulaziz, who heads the Lion Zoo in the capital, Addis Ababa.

The zoo costs about $6,000 to run each month, but gets only
$5,000 in entrance fees, he said. Taxidermists pay $170 for a
dead cub, which is stuffed and resold, Abdulaziz said. Hunters
also kill wild lions for their skins, which can fetch $1,000.

The Lion Zoo had poisoned six cubs in 2006, Abdulaziz said,
adding that the practice has been going on at least since he
arrived two years ago. He did not say how many cubs have
been killed over the years. The zoo director said federal wildlife
officials monitor the poisoning, which he described as painless.
Officials of the national government did not immediately return
calls for comment.

Mesganu Arga, head of the Information and Culture Bureau in
Addis Ababa, said the city was looking into the matter. “These
are rare animals and a treasure to the country,” Mesganu said.
“We are promoting these lions.”

The Lion Zoo is a popular attraction, although international wildlife groups have expressed concern
about its ramshackle facilities. Built in 1 948 by Emperor Haile Selassie, it houses 1 6 adult lions and 7
five cubs in cages surrounded by barbed wire. Animal conservation groups expressed outrage at the |
killings. James Isiche, regional director of the International Fund for Animal Welfare in Nairobi, |
Kenya, said the zoo should prevent the animals from breeding if it can’t care for them. “Enforcement
to protect these animals is critical,” he said.

The Born Free Foundation called for an investigation into the animals’ treatment. “We would
encourage the authorities to take action to establish, at the very least, a sanctuary for lions and to
enforce whatever laws are necessary to prevent those lions from being unnecessarily killed, sold or
given into trade, alive or dead,” said Will Travers, chief executive at the British-based foundation.
Source: Born Free Foundation: http://www. hornfree. or^. uk

36 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 34 No. 1

study Shows Humpback Whales Have 'Human' Brain Cells

U.S. Research have reported that humpback whales {Megaptera novaeangliae) have a type of brain
cell seen only in humans, the great apes, and other cetaceans such as dolphins. This might mean such
whales are more intelligent than they have been given credit for, and suggests the basis for complex
brains either evolved more than once, or has gone unused by most species of animals, the researchers

said.

The finding may help explain some of the behaviors seen in whales, such as intricate communication
skills, the formation of alliances, cooperation, cultural transmission and tool usage, the researchers
report in The Anatomical Record. Patrick Hof and Estel Van der Gucht of the Department of
Neuroscience at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York studied the brains of humpback whales
and discovered a type of cell called a spindle neuron in the cortex, in areas comparable to where they
are seen in humans and great apes. Although the function of spindle neurons is not well understood,
they may be involved in cognition — learning and remembering. Source: www.cnn.com Nov. 2006

Denver Zoo Tries To Save Tiny Endangered Frog

The Denver Zoo is part of an effort to save a disappearing frog species that has become Panama’s
national symbol of nature. Scientists fear that sometime next year, the last wild Panamanian golden
frogs (Atelopus zeteki) will die. The species is being destroyed by a fungus that is also wiping out
other amphibian species. The fungus was only the final blow for a species whose numbers have
long been dwindling because of deforestation, overcollection and water pollution.

But about two dozen zoos, including the
Denver Zoo, have several hundred of
the frogs in captivity. So far, the Denver
Zoo is one of only three zoos that have
been able to coax captive-bred
Panamanian golden frogs to reproduce.
The zoo is part of Project Golden Frog
created to try to save the critieally
endangered frog.

Rick Haeffner, the zoo’s reptiles curator,
said one of the biggest problems the
program faces is that until the fungus
goes away, there’s nowhere to release the
frogs into the wild.

Photo: Denver Zoo/David Parsons

Native to Central America, the Panamanian frog’s bright colors provide a good example of warning
coloration. Its skin produces poison when it is attacked, causing pain to its predator. Source: The
DenverChannel.com 11-27-06

AKF Seeks Legislative /Conservation 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 publieation in AKF. Anyone
interested in this volunteer position should have eomputer access and be able to adhere to
monthly publication deadlines.

Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 34 No. 1 37

Animal Keepers’ Forum 2006 Index
Volume 33, Numbers 1-12

AARDVARKS & OTHER BIOTA

Acouchi, Green

105

Cricket

411

Ankole

28, 30

Green

411

Armadillo La Plata three-banded

73-78

Frog (cont’d)

Baboon, Olive

528

Harlequin

117-118

Bat, Fruit

57

Mountain chorus

411

Bear

Nonspecific

379-382

Grizzly

24, 307

Northern leopard

411

Polar 71-72, 118, 153-154,

190-192,216-217,

Pickerel

411

307, 346-347

Southern leopard

411

Bobcat, Mexican

346

Upland chorus

411

Bustard

Wood

411

Black-bellied

526

Gazelle, Grant’s

28, 30-31

Buff-crested

526

Giraffe, Reticulated

28, 30, 393, 528

Kori

116,523-529

Go-away-bird, White-bellied

528

White-bellied

526

Gorilla

Butterfly, Miami blue

24

Mountain

308, 347-348

Camel, Bactrian

402-404

Nonspecific 154, 179, 254-256, 345, 406, 408, 459

Caracal

524

Western Lowland 2, 438-443,456, 493-494, 542

Chachalaca, Grey-headed

291-295, 297

Goshawk, Pale chanting

528

Cheetah

510-511,528

Grouper

449

Chimpanzee

251-253,408

Hammerkop

528

Crane

Hellbender

493

East African crowned

28, 30

Heron, Goliath

528

Nonspecific

426

Hippopotamus

528, 541

Whooping

332-341

Hog, Red river

28-31

Crocodiles, Dwarf

379-382

Hoopoe

528

Dik dik

528

Hornbill

Dolphin, Yangtse

218

Abyssinian ground

28,30

Dragon

Blyth’s

155-161

Bearded

377-378

Red-billed

528

Jacky

377-378

Von der Deckon’s

528

Eagle

Hyena, Spotted

524, 528

Bald

241,243

Hyrax, Rock

528

Bateleur

528

Ibis

Martial

524, 528

Hadada

528

Tawny

524

White shouldered

241

Verreaux’s

524

Iguana

Eland

528

Green

105

Elephant

Rhinoceros

377, 378

African

27, 86, 528

Impala

314, 528

Asian

153,458, 544

Jackal, Black-backed

524, 528

Elk

497

Jaguarundi

87, 363

Emu

483

Kingfisher, Belted

410

Falcon, Peregrine

226

Koala

542

Finch

Kudu, Greater

528

Yariguies brush-finch

542

Langur, Douc

489-491

Flamingo, Caribbean

193

Lemur

Flying fox

281-287

Red-ruffed

262

Frigate Bird, Christmas Island

154

Ring-tailed

266

Frog

Leopard

524

California red-legged

543

Lion

Crawfish

411

African

345-346, 524

38 Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol 34 No. I

Lions (cont’d)

Asiatic

347

Mountain

497

Nonspecific

450

Lizard

Nonspecific

379-382

Magpie Jay, White-throated

291-295, 297

Meerkat

484-488

Mongoose, Dwarf

257-259

Monitor, Lace

378

Monkey

Allen’s swamp

306-307

Angolan colobus

349-358

Black-handed spider

497

Goeldi’s

288-289

Old World

463

Mouse, Cypriot

543

Nyala

28, 30-31

Ocelot

87, 363

Okapi

463

Orangutan

Bornean

152, 240-241

Nonspecific

495

Sumatran

152, 240-241

Oryx

528

Ostrich

28, 30, 528

Otter

African clawless

200

Asian small-clawed

451-456

Sea

217

Spotted-necked

200

Oystercatcher, American

342-343

Owl, Great horned

497

Panda, Giant

97,299-300, 394-401,

420-426, 494

Parrot, Ruppell’s

217

Penguin

Magellanic

533-540

Rockhopper

20-23

Plover, Piping

342

Rabbit, Pygmy

306

Ratites

134, 483

Rhea, Greater

483

Rhino

Black (non-specific)

497, 544

Greater Indian

122-124

West African black

405-406

Saki Monkey, Pale-headed

105-106

Sea Lion, Stellar’s

33

Secretary Bird

528

Seriema, Red-legged

291-294,296-297

Sheep

Bighorn

362

Blue

152

Siamang

207-214

Skink

Blue-tongued

377-378

Cunningham

377-378

Sloth, Two-toed

105

Snake

Brown

377

Nonspecific

379-382, 427

Stilt, Black-necked

342-343

Stork, Maribou

28, 30

Storsjoodjuret

24

Tamarin, Golden lion

105-106

Tapir, Baird’s

110-114

Tanager, Silver-beaked

105

Thick-knee, Spotted

528

Tiger

Bengal

116

Indo-Chinese

116

Nonspecific

405, 495

Toad

American

411

Fowler’s

411

Narrowmouth

411

Puerto Rican crested

493

Tortoise

380-381

Galapagos

317

Nonspecific

380-381

Treefrog

Barking

411

Bird voiced

411

Cope’s gray

411

Gray

411

Green

411

Turtle

Alligator snapping

71

Map

71

Sea

25

Vultures

King

Ruppell’s griffon

291-294, 296-297
28, 30

Waterbuck

28,30-31

Whale

Beluga

544

Humpback

153

Orca

117

Wolf

25, 116-117

Chinese

152

Gray

52, 216

Zebra

Grant’s

473-476

Grevy’s 148-149, 267-268, 301-304,528

Plains

528

Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 34 No. 1 39

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ZOO KEEPERS

2005 AAZK Conference

Message from the Chair

90

2006 AAZK Conference

Announcement

59, 99

Call for EnrichmentVideos

344

Call for Papers

58

Chapter Challenge

47, 98

Thank You from the Executive Director 461

Update 188, 274-275, 320-321

Website

4

2007 Elections

522

AAZK 800# Problem Resolved

179

AAZK Animal Data Transfer

Forms Available Online

231,298,450

AAZK Book Sale

215

AAZK Institutional Membership

Drive Proving Successful

503

AAZK Member’s Viewpoint

318

AAZK Members Get SpecialRates

with Snow Leopard Trust

364, 462

AAZK New Members

7, 57, 97,137, 187, 231, 273, 317,371, 414, 464, 509

AAZK Publications

and Accessories Available

244

AAZK Product Line T-shirts

65-68

AAZK Requests Member’s

E-mail Addresses 3, 47, 179,227, 268, 370, 414

AAZK Seeks Missing Member

179

AAZK Seeks Help fromAmazon.com Users

184, 268, 270, 344, 449, 505

Chapters

AAZK Chapter Fundraising Efforts Support the

Northern Rangelands Endangered Species Program

for Grevy’s Zebra in Kenya

301-304

Adventures in AAZK Calendar

Making and Sales

436-437

Canadian Chapter Makes Donation

267

Chapter E-Newsletter to Debut

3

Chapter Matches Zoo’s

Institutional Membership Fee

459

Chapter News 32-33, 64,125-127,

166-168, 196,

250, 290, 390, 444-445, 482

Chapters Show Support by

Donating to AAZK Inc.

459

Cleveland AAZK ChapterDonates to

Lewa School Lunch Program

232

Dallas Chapter Donates $2000 - Thank You! 315
New Orleans Chapter Donates to AAZK 503

North Carolina Chapter Sends National Support 363
Recharter Packets 3, 47, 504

Thank You from New Orleans Chapter President 461
Update from the New Orleans Chapter

and Audubon Institute

89-90

Wildlife World Zoo AAZK

Chapter Supports CPR

411

Committees

Animal Training

Articles

331,512, 420-426

Seeks New Members

236

Update

194-195

Awards

2006 Recipients

416-418

Jean M. Hromadka Excellence

in Zookeeping

50

Certificate of Merit for Zookeeper Education 51

Certificate of Excellence in

Exhibit Design Renovation

51-52

Lee Houts Environmental Enrichment 96, 165

2005 Recipient

435

Lifetime Achievment

94

Mazuri Animal Nutrition

138

Meritorious Achievement

95

Bowling for Rhinos 2006

54, 186

Blue Rhino Sponsorship

3, 372-373

Breaks New Record

505

Note from the Coordinator

132

Update

249

Marketing

Seeking Members

4

Professional Development

Contact Update

267

Donation Acknowledgement

88

Donations Support AAZK’s

Operation Budget

47

From the Editor

87,411

From the Executive Director 49,

135,181-182, 228,

315,413,461,466, 508

From the President 5, 92,184, 270, 366

Letter from Lutz Ruhe to AAZK Membership 467

Notice to the AAZK Membership

512

40 Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol 34 No. 1

Animal Keepers’ Forum 2006 Index
Volume 33, Numbers 1-12 - Articles/Columns

About the Cover

African elephant and calf

86

Asian elephants

458

Belted kingfisher

411

Bighorn sheep

362

Impala and fawn

314

Magellanic penguin

502

Peregrine falcon

226

Ratites

134

Ring-tailed lemur

266

Serval

178

Stellar’s sea lion

33

Western lowland gorilla

2

Animal Behavior Concerns & Solutions

Message from the Column Editor 364

Animal Keeper Association of Africa (AKA A) 168-169

Animal Training Committee (ATC)

The Animal Training Committee
Presents: Training Tales 331,512

Teaching Operant Conditioning Methods and
Training ProgramManagement in China 420-426
Update 194-195

Articles

AAZK Chapter Fundraising Efforts Support the
NorthernRangelands EndangeredSpecies Program

for Grevy’s Zebra in Kenya 301-304

An AAZK Conservation, Restoration, and
Preservation Grant Project: Otters and Clean Water
in East Africa, a Swahili Coloring Book 200-203
Adventures in AAZK Calendar
Making and Sales 436-437

Advances in Animal Keeping in
Zoos and Aquariums 496-498

Birth and Development of a
La Plata Three-banded Armadillo 73-78

Cheetah Protected Contact Device 510-511

Creation of a Bill Sleeve and the Use of Operant
Conditioning to Improve the Care of
Hornbillsat Lincoln Park Zoo 155-161

A Critical Evaluation of Artificial
Insemination of Whooping Cranes at the Calgary
Zoo During the 2005 Breeding Season 332-341
Enriching Lives One Slice at aTime 278

The Feather Distribution Project:

Protecting Wild Parrots and
Macaws from Home 34-35

Flamingo Helpers 193

Hand-rearing a Baird’s Tapir 110-114

How Training and Understanding Behavior was
Used to Medicate and Evaluate a Terminally 111
Douc Langur 489-491

The Husbandry and MedicalManagemet
of Over-groomed Meerkat Kits 484-488

In Memory of Neal Duncan,

Animal Keeper Extraordinaire 368-369

The Life of a Baby Angolan Colobus 349-358

Management and Treatment of Avian
Chlamydiosis in a Captive Magellanic
Penguin Colony at the San Francisco Zoo 533-540
My Life with Zoo Animals 468-472

Overcoming Training Difficulties
in a Mixed Species Exhibit 105-106

Positive Reinforcement Training for Biomedical and
Reproductive Management of Giant Pandas 394-401
A Preliminary Study of the Health Status of
Kori Bustards in Kenya 523-529

A Process for Successfully Reintroducing a Hand-
Reared Infant Siamang to Its Parents 207-214

Quest Chests: Educational Activity Boxes 260-262
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 438-443
Rectal Prolapse in a Greater Indian Rhino

at the Toronto Zoo 1 22- 1 24

Red River Hog Introduction at
Disney’s Animal Lodge 28--3 1

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle 247-249

Research Collaborative for Conservation: Zoos
and Universities Working Together 148-149

Rollie and Mumbali’s Journey 254-256
Scale Training the Malayan Flying Fox 281-287
Scale Training Zebra at Disney’s
Animal Kingdom Lodge 473-476

Semen Collection on RockhopperPenguins
at the Indianapolis Zoo 20-23

So You Want To Be A Zookeeper?

Food, Fun, and Feces at the Zoo 60-62

Times They are a-changing ZIMS:

What will it mean to you? 205-206

Training 3.0 Dwarf Mongooses at the
Newark Museum Mini Zoo 257-259

Turning a Daily Routine into
Conservation Dollars 387-389

The Ups and Downs of Hand-raising
Precocial and Altricial Birds in Zoos 291-298

Using Behavioral Observations
to Detect a Gastric Ulcer in an
Asian Small-Clawed Otter 451-456

Using Training to Eliminate the
Need for Chemical Sedation 402-404

What is a Duck Derp? 145-146

What’s in a name? Su Lin:

Pandas Past and Present 299-300

Book Reviews
1491: New Revelations of the
Americas Before Columbus 323-324

Amphibians & Reptiles of the Bay Islands and
Cayos Cochinos, Honduras 151

Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 34 No. 1 41

Book Reviews (cont’d)

Amphibians, Turtles, and

Reptiles of Cheyenne Bottoms 239

Arctic Animals and Their

Adaptations to Life on the Edge 238-239

BS AVA Manual of Psittacine Birds,

Second Edition 386

Captive Foraging: The Next Best
Thing to Being Free (DVD) 427-428

Discovering Dolphins 530

Encyclopedia of Animal Behvior
(Volumes 1-3) 120-121

Essentials of Disease in Wild Animals 310

Frogs: Inside Their Remarkable World 150-151

Handbook of Primate Husbandry
and Welfare 324-325

Hippos: Natural History &

Conservation Worldlife Library Series 239

Images of America: New York City Zoos
and Aquarium 238

iambi and the Lions 150

Longevity of Mammals in Captivity from the
Living Collections of the World 120

Nationwide Assessment of Morphological
Abnormalities Observed in Amphibians
Collected from US National Wildlife Refuges 428
Practical Wildlife Care 2nd Ed. 309

Sailing with Noah,

Stories from the World of Zoos 499-500

Snake Venoms & Envenomations 427

The Snakes, Lizards, Turtles, and Amphibians
of Fort Riley and Vicinity 121

Turtles of the World 530

Conferences - Schools -Workshops

2006 International Gorilla Workshop

6, 48,91, 136, 230

2007 Rhino Keepers Workshop 505, 506

6th Annual Callitrichid Behavioral

Husbandry and Management Workshop 506

7th Annual Animal Behavior Management Alliance
(ABMA) Conference

230, 269, 316,365, 412, 463, 506
14th Annual Conference of the International
Association of Avian Trainers and Educators (lAATE) 6
The 15h Annual lA ATE Conference 365,412,506
The 18th International Zoo
Educators Conference 2006 463

The 18th IZE Conference 2006 269, 316, 365, 412
21st Congress of the International
PrimatologicalSociety 6

The 23rd EAZA Annual Conference

269,316, 365,412

27th Elephant Managers Association Conference

48, 91, 136, 183, 230, 269, 316, 365, 412, 463
33rd AAZK InternationalConference

6, 48, 59, 91,99, 136, 183, 230, 316, 365
AAZK National Conference 506

AAZV Annual Conference 91, 136,183, 230, 269,

316, 365

Amphibian Biology and Management 506

Management Animal Behavior

Alliance Conference 6, 48

Animal Behavior Society’s 43rd Annual Meeting 72
Animal Training Seminar 6, 48,91, 136, 183, 230,

269,316, 365

Association of Avian Veterinarians

136, 183,230, 269, 316
The Association of British Wild
Animal Keeper Symposium 2007 506

The Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians 26th
Annual Conference 183, 230, 269, 316, 365

Australasian Society of Zookeeping (ASZK)

Annual Conference 506

AZA Annual Conference 6, 48, 91, 136, 183,

230, 269,316, 365
AZA Eastern Regional Conference 6, 48

AZA Western Regional Conference 6, 48, 91

AZAD Delegates Meeting and
National Conference 463, 506

AZAD Regional Conferece #1 136,183, 230, 269

AZAD Regional Conferece #2 136,183, 230, 269,

316, 365

BIERZS The Symposium 2007
Bear Information Exchange for Rehabilitators,
Zoos, andSanctuaries 365, 412, 463, 506

Callitrichid Behavioral Husbandry and
Management Workshop 136,183

Interntaional Conference on
Environmental Enrichment 136, 269,316, 365,

412, 463, 506

First European Congress of
Conservation Biology 6

Managing Animal Enrichment and Training 6, 48,
91,136, 183, 230, 269, 316, 365, 412, 463
The Mind of the Chimpanzee 506

Nutrition Advisory Group 2007
Annual Conference
Okapi Keeper Workshop
Old World Mokey Workshop
PJC Offers Zoo Animal
Technology Program
Second International Congress
of Zookeeping Announcement
ICZ Logo Contest Deadline
Registraion

Techniques for Butterfly
Conservation and Management
Tenth Elephant Ultrasound and
Veterinary Procedures Workshop 6, 48, 91, 136, 183
Third Annual Workshop on Ultrasound and Assisted
Reproduction in Elephants and Rhinos 506

Third International Tapir Symposium 6

Third Protected Contact Training
and Enrichment Workshop 48, 91, 136, 183

Turtle Survival Alliance 4th
Annual Conference 183,230,269,316

Understanding Agriculture’s Effects on Amphibians,
Turtles and Reptiles in a Changing World 463

504
463, 506
463, 506

47, 88

6, 48, 70,91, 136
6
10

6,48,91, 136

42 Animal Keepers ’Forum, VoL 34 No. 1

Conferences-Schools- Workshops (contM)

Zoos and Aquariums Committing to Conservation

91, 136, 183, 230, 269, 316, 365, 412, 463, 506

Conservation/Legislation/Zoo News
$6.9 Million in Private Stewardship
Grants Announced 345

53 of 61 Smuggled Orangutans
Will Be Sent Home Soon 240-241

Amazon Protected Zone Twice
as Big as Belgium 153

Amphibian Tree of LifeAvailable Gratis 179

And the Indianapolis Prize Goes to... 426

Ape Meat Sold in U.S., European Black Markets 408
Basin Pygmy Rabbit Death in Error 306

Birdlife Botswana Probes Bustard Poaching 116
Cambodida: Flock of Endangered Birds Found 240
Cameroon Wildlife Sanctuary
Awaits “Taiping Four” 542

Captive Gorillas Succumbing to Heart Disease 456

Celebrity Fish Dies at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium 449

Central Africa's First Debt-for-Nature Swap
Invests $25 Million for Tropical Forest
Conservation in Cameroon 348

Chester Zoo Announces 2006
Richard Hughes Scholarship 88

Chinese Wolves to Cut Blue Sheep Numbers 152
Concern About Kenyan Wildlife
Exported to Thailand 217

Detection Kit Battles Trade In Bear Parts 218-219
Drought Puts Kenya's Wildlife at Risk 115

Eight Wild Gorillas Born in Uganda 345

Elephants Grow Reflective in Zoo 544

Experts Warn Tigers Face Extinction 495

Federal & State Spending on
Endangered Species Reported by USFWS 118

From the Believe It or Not Department 154

Fruit Bats May Cary Ebola Virus 57

Gorilla Study Disproves Menopause Theory 154
Grizzly-Polar Bear Hybrid Found 307

Grizzly Bears May Lose

Protected Status in U.S. 24

Haifa Zoo’s Animals Struggle with War 407-408
Higher Standards for Farm

Animal Welfare Adopted 7 1

In Memorium: Marvin Jones 1928-2006 180

In Memorium: Marvin Jones
1928-2006 Correction 227

Interior Dept. Claims Gray Wolves
Recovered from Extinction 216

In the Classification Kingdom,

Only the Fittest Survive 56

Israeli Caves Yields Previously
Unknown Species 308

Keeper Requests Information on
Bladder Stones in Reticulated Giraffe 393

Keeper's Alert, Assisance Sought 199, 259

Kenya May Bring Back Hunting 115-116

Kitty Litter Imperils Sea Otters 217
Last Stand of the Hippo as
Rebel Militia Slaughter Hundreds a Week 541

Lion Population in Kenya

Threatened with Extinction 345-346

Lions in India Get Old-age Home 347

Living Fossil' Found in Laos 219

Long-time Legislative Advisor
Retires from AKF Column 4 1 1

Loss of a Global Icon

for RhinoConservation 271-272

Malaysian Orangutans Near Extinction 152

Map Turtles Become 1st Native US Species
Named to Appendix III 71

Marvin Jones Memorial Fund
Established by ZRA/ISIS 363

Mexican Gray Wolf Imperiled by
USFWS Activity 25

Midterm Report on the 109th Congress 242

Millions in Coastal Wetlands
Grants Announced by USFWS 72

Monkey Find May Establish
New Family of Primates 305-306

Moth Threatens China’s ‘Green Olympics' 218
Myanmar Faced with Tiger Extinction Threat 116
Nepals’ Rhinos and Tigers
Show Alarming Decline 305

New Big Game Hunting

Regulations in South Africa 243

New Finch Species Discovered in Andes 542

New Program Hopes to Increase
Tiger Numbers by 50% 405

New Terrestrial Mammal Found in Europe 543
Opportunity for Keepers to Participate in
Grevy’s Zebra Field Conservation 267-268

Park Closure to Protect the Mountain Gorilla 308
Panda Births Set Record 97

Poisoning Suspected in Elephant Deaths 153

Polar Bear Hunting to Commence in Greenland 71
Polar Bears Considered for
ESA Listing as Endangered 216-217

Proposal to Kill Elephants
Splits Wildlife Groups 27

Proposal to Remove Mexican Bobcat from
List of Threatened Species 346

Proposed Regulations to Implement
CITES in U.S. 242

Protection for Puget Sound Orcas Acquired 117
Protection of Endangered Species on U.S. Military
Installations Subject of Agreement 1 1 9

Protection Sought for Desert Bald Eagles 241

The Ratite TAG Needs You 483

Report of Last Male Columbia Basin
Pygmy Rabbit Death in Error 306

Reproductive World First forAustralian Zoo 544
Researchers Receive $1.4 Million From
Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund 406-407

Review of 108th Congress

Animal-Related Legislation 25

Rocky Mountain Population of Gray Wolves
Proposed for Delisting 116

Rwanda: ‘Gorilla Wall”

to be Completed Soon 347-348

San Diego Zoo Rescues Bushmeat’ Monkeys 306-307
Settlement Agreement Protects
Against Pesticides 543

Smuggled Birds Taste Freedom Again 217

Animal Keepers 'Forum, Vol 34 No. 1 4'^

Conservation/Legislation/Zoo News (Cont’d)

Socializing Helped Ebola

Wipe Out Gorillas 406

Spain has First Beluga Born in European Zoo 544
Stingray Kills Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin 445
Study Endangered Cats in Mexico 87, 363

Study Finds Global Warming is
Killing Frogs 117-118

Study Reveals Male Monkeys Prefer Toy Cars,
Females Like Dolls 119

Study Shows Global Warming May Be Causing
Cannibalism in Polar Bears 346-347

Sumatran Rhinos Believed Poached 7

Suspect Science Defeats

Protection of Miami Blue Butterfly 24

Swedish Storsjoodjuret Loses
Endangered Species Status 24

“Taiping Four” Gorillas to
Return to Cameroon 493-494

Test-tube Koala Joeys Produced 542

Thai Coup Delays Indonesia
Orangutan Return 495

Uganda’s Effort to Curb Ivory
Trade Receives Boost 217

UN Calls for Closures to Protect Sea Turtles 26

Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW)
Wild Animal Welfare Award 2007 460

U.S. to Study Polar Bear Habitat/

Global Warming Connection 153-154

USFWS Finds Listing of Polar Bears as
Threatened May be Warranted 118

Video Cam Features Bald Eagle Chicks 243

West African Black Rhinos
Feared Extinct 405-406

Whale Song a Criteria for Mate Selection 153

What Do We Lose if We Lose the Frogs? 492-493
Why Zoos and Aquariums Matter 504

World’s Oldest Tortoise Dies at 176 317

Yangtse Dolphin Becomes a
Victim of China’s Success 218

Zoo Atlanta’s Lun Lun Gives Birth 494

Zookeeper Internships at the
Cheetah Conservation Fund 107-108

Enrichment Options

2005 Lee Houts Environmental
Enrichment Reward Recipient 435

Buoy Enrichment at Lincoln Park Zoo 190

Call for Submissions 68, 165, 253, 344, 478

Chimp Haven’s Integrated Enrichment Program 251
Community Involvement in Behavioral Enrichment
at the Phoenix Zoo 12-16

Enrichment Day Success -
Beyond our Expectations 100-102

Enrichment is Dead! 162-164

Environmental Enrichment for
Amphibians and Reptiles 374-384

Examples of Text from Enrichment Graphics
at Folsom Zoo 477-478

Get the Ball Rolling! How to Create theFramework
for a Successful Enrichment Program 65-67

liana Rosenberg’s Goeldi’s
Monkey Puzzle Feeder 288-289

Shorebird Enrichment at the
Milwaukee County Zoo 342-343

TREE Award Program: Growing New Ideas for
Motivating Staff in Training and
Enrichment Programs 5 1 9-52 1

Leather Elves Enrichment Device Contest 68, 165
Lee Houts Enrichment Excellence Award 68

Miscellaneous

2005 Index 38-44

2006 Conservation Endowment Fund 121

2006 Debbie McGuire Gorilla Keeper

Grant Recipient Announced 459

AKF Seeks Legislative Advisor 459, 504

Gorilla Gazette Available as E-Newsletter 179
HerpDigest is Back - Gratis 476

Keeper Alert 450

Roadside and Riparian Rigers 411

People Skills for Animal People

Career Advancement in the Zoological Industry Part I
Skill Development and the Job Search 326-330
Career Advancement in the Zoological Industry Part II
Cover Letters and Resumes 430-434

Career Advancement in the Zoological Industry Part III
Interviews 514-518

Performance Evaluations 8-10

Understanding Diversity in Personality and Work
Styles - Part I 69-70

Understanding Diversity in Personality and Work
Styles- Part II 140-141

Understanding Diversity in Personality and Work
Styles - Part III 245-246

Reactions

Crisis Incident Levels in Zoos 531-532

Education Animals and Safety 446-448

Exhibit Landsacping and Animal Safety 279-280
Maintenance Personnel and Safety 479-481

Master Plans and Safety Part I 142-144

Master Plans and Safety Part II 197-199

Master Plans and Safety Part III 234-236

Medical Concerns while Traveling Abroad 391-393
Recommendations for Winter Operations 79-81

Refining Dive Operations Policies 18-19

Stress and Fatigue in the

Workplace - Revisited 359-360

Utilization of Unscented Products 103-104

Website/Listserves

2006 AAZK Conference Website 4

AAZK Animal Data Transfer
Forms Available On-line 231, 298

All Aboard the Digital Ark 443

Center for North American Herpetology
Announces PDF Library 481

New Addition to Australasian
Zookeeping Website 460

On-line Newsletters 411

Ratite TAG Opens Listserve,

Premiers New Logo 108

Zoo Moms Support Group 503

44 Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 34 No. 1

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

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

■ Full-time Keepers

□

1 $35.00 Affiliate

■ Other staff & volunteers

1 $35.00 Associate

1 Those not connected with

■ an animal facility

□

□

1 $65.00 or up - Individuals

1 Contributing/U.S.

□

1 $125.00 or up

1 Institutional/U.S.

□

□

□

Organizations/Institutions
(requires Board approval)

$125.00 Commercial Members

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

□

International MemMrs

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

PRINTED IN U.S.A.
© 2007 AAZK, INC.

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