au 74 >A59B [./y2.P ANIMAL KEEPERS’ FORUM. 3601 S.W. 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614-2054 Phone: (785) 273-9149 FAX (785) 273-1980 March 2007 Vol. 34, No. 3 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 Co-Coordinators: Becky Rickendollar, North Carolina Zoo and Greg McKinney, Philadelphia, PA • 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 COMMITTEES/COORDINATORS By-laws Chair - Gisela A. Wiggins, North Carolina Zoo Grants Committee Chair - Shelly Roach, Columbus Zoo Enrichment Committee Co-Chairs - Dawn Neptune, Utah’s Hogle Zoo and Amy Burgess, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Annual Conferences Coordinator - Ed Hansen, AAZK, Inc. Professional Development Chair - Tammy Schmidt, Peoria Zoo International Outreach VACANT Interim Contact - Shane Good, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Ethics Chair - Denise Wagner, Phoenix Zoo Awards Chair - Janet McCoy, The Oregon Zoo Marketing Resources Chair - Kristen Wolfe, Disney’ s Animal Kingdom Animal Training Committee Co-Chairs - Angela Binney, Disney’s Animal Kingdom & Kim Kezer, Zoo New England Bowling for Rhinos - Coordinator - Patty Pearthree, Cary, NC ICZ Coordinators Shane Good, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Norah Farnham, Woodland Park Zoo MEMBERSHIP SERVICES APT, EDT and ATP Forms AAZK Administrative Offices/Topeka AAZK Website - Liaison to Webmaster Denise Wagner, The Phoenix Zoo and Kevin Shelton, Tampa, FL AAZK Historian Mark Levin, Plymouth Meeting, PA AAZK Publications/Logo Products AAZK Administrative Offices/Topeka AAZK PUBLICATIONS - CONTINUING DATA COLLECTION Resources for Crisis Management in Zoos & Other Animal Care Facilities, Vol. 2 - Susan D. Chan, Topeka, KS; William K. Baker, Little Rock Zoo, AR; Diana Guerrero, ArkAnimals, Big Bear Lake, CA o printed on Recycled Paper Table of Contents About the Cover/Information for Contributors 86 Scoops & Scuttlebutt.... 87 - 89 2007 AAZK National Conference Update 88 Coming Events 90 From the President 92 AAZK Announces New Members 93 Notice om Electronic Election Format for ‘07 Board of Directors’ Election 94 AAZK Award Nominations Are Now Being Accepted for 2007 95 - 97 Letter to the Editor 98 - 99 Bowling for RJiinos 2007 Sign-up Form 100 Reactions (Signs of Animal Aggression) 101 - 103 Dart Poison Frog Info Available as PDF Download 103 Would You Like to Know Your Trees? 104 - 105 Three AAZK Animal Data Transfer Forms Available Online 105 ATC Column {Unrestrained Blood Collection of Masai Giraffe) 106 - 109 Training Tales Invites Submissions 109 Book Review {Diseases of Amphibians & Reptiles) 110 The Tall Birth. Ill - 115 Notice of Discontinuation of 800# 115 BIERZS 2007 Symnposium for Bear Keepers 116 Conservation/Legislative Update 117 - 120 Chapter News Notes 121 - 122 Abilene Zoo’s Management of an Ageing Female African Elephant 123 - 124 V. 33rd Anniversary 1974 - 2007 S^bout tfw Cover This month’s cover features Gemina, a Baringo Giraffe (Giraffa Camelopardalis rothschildi) also known as Rothschild’s Giraffe. She was born in 1986 at the San Diego Zoo and arrived at the Santa Barbara Zoo in 1987. At age two her neck began to developed a crook which has been progressive since. Nonetheless, she’s a normal giraffe and has had one offspring, born on Mother’s Day 1999. Her interaction with the other giraffe is normal. Baringos are found from western Kenya to Uganda. There are two other species of giraffes, Masai or Kilimanjaro Giraffe (Giraffa Camelopardalis) and Reticulated or Somali (Giraffa Camelopardalis reticulata). The patterns on their skin is unqiue to each giraffe just like fingerprints are to humans. These unqiue patterns help researchers in the field identify individual giraffes. Gemina and the three other giraffes at the Santa Barbara Zoo have a million dollar view overlooking the Pacific Ocean from their hilltop yard. Gemina has garnered worldwide attention with her unique neck and is a celebrity in her own right. The cover artist is Anthony Galvan, an Animal Care Aide volunteer at the Santa Barbara Zoo. He assists the animal keepers with mammals and birds at the zoo. He is active in wildlife rescue with the Santa Barbara Wildlife Network and is also a wildlife illustrator and member of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators. His work can be seen at www.dosgatos.com/naturalhistory . This portrait of Gemina was done using the stipple technique. Thanks, Tony! 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 seiwe 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 pemiission 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 86 Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 34, No. 3 Scoops & Scuttlebutt Nominations for 2008 Indianapolis Prize Now Open Online Nominations for $100,000 Prize for Animal Conservation Due by April 30, 2007 Nominations are now open for the 2008 biennial Indianapolis Prize for animal conservation. The Indianapolis Prize is awarded to an individual who has accomplished a significant achievement or achievements in the conservation of an animal species or group of species resulting in an advance in long-term survivability and sustainability. Nominations can be made online at indianapolisprize.org and are due by April 30, 2007. The $100,000 Prize and the accompanying Lilly Medal are awarded every other year by the Indianapolis Zoo at a gala ceremony in late September. The Prize is given to an individual and is unrestricted. The Prize Nominating Committee of conservation experts will select six finalists from among the nominees, and the Prize Jury will select the winner. In addition to the award, the recipient receives a lecture series, special educational programs and multiple opportunities to promote the work for which the recipient was nominated. The next Indianapolis Prize will be presented on September 27, 2008. The inaugural Indianapolis Prize was awarded to Dr. George W. Archibald, Co-Founder and Senior Conservationist of the International Crane Foundation, in September 2006, at a gala presented by AES Corporation and hosted by award-winning actress and conservation supporter Jane Alexander. Archibald co-founded the International Crane Foundation, located in Baraboo, Wisconsin, in 1973 when cranes were in a perilous situation and many of the 15 remaining species were on the brink of extinction. Archibald has pioneered several techniques to rear cranes in human care, including having human handlers wear crane costumes to avoid human imprinting and using ultra-light aircraft to lead cranes on migration. Today, several species have made remarkable turnarounds, most notably the North American Whooping Crane. Down to their last 10 to 15 birds in the 1940s, now the population numbers in the hundreds. The other finalists for the 2006 Prize included Dr. Iain Douglas-Hamilton (one of the world’s foremost authorities on elephant conservation). Dr. Holly Dublin (chair of the lUCN’s largest and most important network of scientists and researchers working to preserve endangered species). Dr. David Mech (the world’s leading authority on wolf conservation). Dr. Roger Payne (a pioneer in the study of whale songs and father of the Save the Whales movement) and Dr. Simon Stuart (champion in the preservation of threatened species and senior advisor for the Biodiversity Assessment Initiative). Special thanks goes to Eli Lilly and Company, which provided the initial funding for the Indianapolis Prize. The Indianapolis Prize was initiated by the Indianapolis Zoo as a significant component of its mission to inspire local and global communities to celebrate, protect, and preserve our natural world through conservation, education and research. This biennial award will bring the world’s attention to the cause of animal conservation and the brave, talented and dedicated men and women who spend their lives saving the Earth’s endangered animal species. Chapter Website Addresses Sought Does your AAZK Chapter have its own website? If so, we want to know abvout it! We would love to link your Chapter website to the National AAZK website (www.aazk.org). This way, visitors to the national website can also take a look at your local web page and find out more about your Chapter and your activities. So, if your Chapter does have a website, send it to Susan Chan at akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com< Your website link and Chapter logo would then be displayed under Chapter Links on the AAZK website. Currently we only have the following Chapter’s webpages linked to the national website: Detroit, Galveston, North Carolina and San Diego. Animal Keepers 'Forum, Vol. 34 No. 3 87 Conference 2007 Updote Dive into something WILD! Join us on the Texas gulf coast 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. Want to help support your annual conference? Chapter Challenge information, www.goodsearch.com information, our animal artwork merchandise sale, and AAZK’s 40“’ Birthday Party are detailed on our website under the “Want to help?” link in the 2007 Conference section. Please check it out because we can’t put this on without you! 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 APRIL! 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 or drop us an email at conference@gcaazk.org We hope to see you in September! AAZK Grant Programs! Deadline for Application is l June 2007 If you are interested in applying for one of the several grants offered by AAZK, you need to be aware that the deadline for receipt of applications is 1 June 2007. Below is a listing of the available grants. Forms are available on the AAZK website at www.aazk.org< AAZK offers the following grants: 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. 88 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 34 No. 3 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 website or by contacting the Grants Committee Chair at: shelly.roach@columbuszoo.org or (614) 724-3667. Help AAZK Earn Extra Income via AmazQjn.(mnmndJ3?imd^ 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! Have You Sent AO Your E-mail Address Yet? In order to better communicate with our members, and also save the Association the rising costs of mailings/postage, we are working to establish an AAZK member e-mail database. With such a database we would be able to send out electronic membership renewal notices, information about upcoming conferences, and other Association news. In order to make this work, we need your help. Please send an e-mail to Barbara Manspeaker at aazkoffice@zk.kscoxmail.com with the words “AAZK Email Database” in the subject line. Please be assured that your e-mail address will not be shared with any other group or individual without your express permission. We are simply looking for ways to stay in touch with you as a member and to also help cut the costs of mailings and postage for the organization. Thanks in advance for helping us achieve this cost-cutting goal. Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 34 No. 3 89 Coming Events 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.ne.t 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 ://w ww.flmnh.ufl.edu/herpetolQgy/ herpcQDference/afhc.htm Qkapi Keeper Workshop 10-12 April 2007 - Hosted by the Dallas Zoo. The first of its kind, this workshop will feature round table discussions on a variety of okapi husbandry topics from operant conditioning to calf rearing. For more information, call 214-670-6833 or visit our website: www.dallaszoo.Qrg/okapi Amphiban Biology and Management - 14-19 April 2007 - Toledo,OH - provides a solid background in amphibian biology as it relates to husbandry, breeding, conservation and coperative programs. Topics covered incude general bilogy, classification, diversity, and practical aspects of husbandry, veterinary care, conservatin, and visitor education. For more info visit www.aza.org/prodev/: emai latAZATraining@aza.org; or call Geri Noland at 301-562-0777 ext 238. Training Connection Animal Training Seminar - 7-10 May 2007 - Duck Key, FL -. This three and a half day interactive animal training seminar connects participants to the principles of operant conditioning through the use of live animal demonstrations, classroom sessions, group activities, and evening workshops. For more information visit www.dolphinconnection.com or you may also email Cheryi@dQlphincQnnectiQn.Qrg. 2007 Rhino Keepers Workshop -7-11 May, 2007 - at Werribee Open Range Zoo, Melbourne Zoo - Australia. For further info contact Brooke Squires; email - rhinoworkshop07@yahoo.com.au; website - www.rhinQ.wQrkshQpOJ^C-Qm 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 Society olZookeeping (ASZK) Annual Conference - 18-20 May 2007 - Alice Springs , NT , Australia; E-mail: slrQmer@b.igp-Q-iid..c,Q.m Web: www.aszk org.au 31st Annual International Herpetological Symposium 20-23 June 2007 in Toronto, Ont., Canada. Hosted by the Toronto Zoo. All details are online at http://www.kingsnake.com.ihs The Chimpanzee Care and Management 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 soeial 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 rQSS@lpzQQ.Qrg MIE: Macropod Information Exchange - 27-29 July 2007. Tq be held in Kansas City, MO. For more information visit: www.macropodinfo.com or contact Jacque Blessington at: Jacsprat65@aQl.CQm International Conference on Environmental Enrichment - 5-10 August 2007. Hosted by Schoenbrunn Zoo, Vienna, Austria. Theme is “Enrichment - key for successful animal management”, further info available at the conference website www.ZQQvienna.at/icee2QQ7 AZAD National Confereiicg - 25 - 30 September 2007 in St.Louis, MO. Hosted by the Saint Louis Zoo Docents. Conferecne capacity is 700 people. For infromation contact Louise Rovak, lrQvak@s.b.cglQbal.net or see Step 6: Trainer: Ask animal to “hold.” Collector: Remove vet wrap. All: Reinforce for good behavior. 108 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 34 No. 3 Picture 3: Steps 4, 5 and 6. (Photo by N. Cerrato) The training staff felt that it was important for all involved in the process to reward Beau’s good behavior during the blood draws so that he would not associate the annoyance of the needle stick with any one certain person. To date, this method has proven very successful as he has remained gregarious with all of his keepers and trainers; and has continued to allow bi-monthly blood draws This process has allowed both the veterinary and animal care staff to appropriately treat Beau’s condition over the past year. As a result, Beau’s behavioral repertoire has grown, as have his appetite and body mass. He is currently in good body condition and has shown interest in breeding with our female giraffe. While we continue to monitor Beau’s progress, the ability to adapt to his needs both in and out of the restraint chute has been an invaluable tool in his treatment. The Animal Training Committee Presents 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 33 1 . 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! Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 34 No. 3 109 Diseases of Amphibians and Reptiles By Gunther Kohler Krieger Publishing Company, P.O. Box 9542,Melbume, FL 32902-9542 www.Krieger-Publishing.cQ.m ISBN# 1-57524-255-9 English edition 2006 . . , . ® Review by Randal Berry 184 pgs. $37.50 Herpetology Section Little Rock Zoological Gardens Little Rock. AR Gunther Kohler’s Diseases of Amphibians and Reptiles was originally published under the title of “Krankheiten der Amphibien and Reptilien” in 1996. The popularity of the book by European hobbyists made it a candidate to be translated into a English language edition published in 2006 by Krieger Publishing Company, Malabar, FL. This hardback edition has 184 pages, including 134 color photographs, 57 black and white photographs, plus 13 tables which includes references. A few of the photo’s are mislabeled , but it is obvious to the reader, which caption goes where. This book offers a wealth of information on amphibian and reptilian maladies and includes diagnostics and various treatment procedures. The book is basically broken down to general examination of the animal, including parasitological, bacteriological, virological, and mycological disorders. Preventative measures, first aid and care of animals is discussed in detail. Common ailments are described with simple solutions for correction of the problem. Animal refusal of food items are usually remedied by correcting husbandry protocols. For example, temperature, proper humidity, proper food item play into correcting an animal’s refusal to feed. Proper housing, use of “hides” to make animals feel secure also figure into the equation. Once this is achieved and the animal’s diet intake doesn’t improve, then you must investigate other options. These include fecal examinations, blood work, physical appearance and X-rays to determine the problem. Infectious diseases in snakes such as lung worms, bacterial pneumonia, paramyxovirus and blister disease are presented with symptoms and treatment options. Also included are recommendations on Metabolic Bone Disease and its treatment are discussed in detail. The Appendices section of this book is well worth the purchase price alone as it is comprehensive and complete with an overview of viruses isolated from amphibians and reptiles, plus an excellent nutritional analysis of food items suitable for snakes, lizards, amphibians, turtles and tortoises. Dr. Kohler has presented an easy to understand treatise of basic diagnostics and treatment options, and it is invaluable for the professional or hobbyist keeper. Overall I believe this book should be in everyone’s library, whether the professional herpetologist, Zoo Veterinary Technician , or private hobbyist. 110 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 34 No. 3 “The Tall Birth” By Joel E. Fleming, Wildlife Keeper III, Lion Country Safari, Inc., Loxahatchee, FL One of the greatest privileges in my life has been during the last few years working with a large herd of giraffe {Giraffa Camelopardalis) at Lion Country Safari, Inc. The giraffe’s enormous size and unique physical characteristics are obviously what sets them apart from the rest of the animal kingdom, but their growth and behavior within a large social herd is impressive and intricate as well Currently, we have a breeding herd of 10.9 giraffe. Aside from giraffe that are exhibited in a separate public feeding area, the remaining 6.8 are released daily from a night holding area, through a chute, and into a - 20 acre (-8 hectares) field. In this setting, the giraffe herd provides great insights into their natural behaviors and social lives. Upon my first few challenging months as the primary keeper for the giraffe herd, I observed and was astonished by a giraffe birth. Seeing the actual drop of the calf to the earth, for the first time hearing the sound of the 'splaf , seeing the dam’s attentiveness, the calf’s attempts to stand, its first steps, and the successful nursing of mother’s milk was quite an awe inspiring event. The rapid increase in the calf’s abilities, physically and mentally, amazed me. Within one hour of being bom, the newborn male calf had nursed for several minutes and had viewed the landscape from a vantage point higher than some humans ever do. From averaging the heights and weights of several giraffe births I have witnessed, a giraffe calf is bom at approximately 5 feet and 7 inches tall (1.70 m), and weighs 140 lbs. (63 kg.). Seeing the instant bond that was naturally formed between mother and calf was quite an experience. Whenever there was a disturbance or a distraction near the maternity holding pen, the young calf would return between the mother’s tall and sturdy legs for security. The dam usually would gently survey the calf and the situation, and if necessary, move to a more comforting location. She would then reinforce the calf by gently nudging him, encouraging him to nurse. More often than not, the disturbance(s) was never any sort of a serious threat, but more likely a loud visitor or a mckus amongst the giraffe or zebra herds that were always nearby. The dam’s natural ability to assess the scene and act accordingly was always adequate. In our facility at LCS, the giraffe herd share a 20-acre exhibit field with ten zebra {Equus burchelli). It is obviously necessary for us as their caretakers to safely contain the new giraffe calves and their mothers to avoid aggressive confrontations from the troublesome zebra. The zebra tend to single out and pick on young giraffe calves, taking advantage of their smaller size and vulnerability while they can. Zebra can yield extremely powerful kicks and bites (male zebra have sharp canines behind upper incisors that can cut deeply). Adult male giraffe can also cause dangerous interference which Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 34 No. 3 111 can lead to trouble for a wobbly-legged calf Plus, when it comes to a newborn, we try to minimize distractions that could disrupt the mother from bonding properly with her new ealf Typically, the dam and calf are in the maternity holding pen for about three months. This span of time allows the bond between mother and calf to become well established and grow with minimal eomplications. Their separation also allows us to closely monitor their conditions and behaviors. After a few months passed, I felt much more confident and eomfortable with the giraffe herd and their daily behaviors. There had been another birth into the herd, a female, and I was anxiously awaiting the next calf to be bom from a very flighty adult female named Nukta. Her preceding birth, which had been her first, was a stillborn. Knowing Nukta’s history, we were determined to see a successful birth with a healthy and vibrant ealf this time around. As days passed with expectant mother in the maternity holding pen, I was able to form quite a close bond with her. In itself, this was quite a task to accomplish considering that she was one of the most unapproachable and leery giraffe of the whole herd. In my first several weeks as their primary caretaker, Nukta would deliberately and quickly avoid my presence, but in the last few weeks of her pregnancy she seemed to accept me and, at times, even relied upon my presence. The relationship that developed was undoubtedly due to the more confined space of the maternity holding area. Her appetite and dietary intake increased steadily, as did her confidence in my presence. Weeks passed and the due date was quickly approaching. A giraffe’s average gestation period is 15 months, give or take a couple weeks (each individual is just that, and individual with unique possibilities and outcomes). I stuck to a consistent routine and predictable movements when around her. Eventually, I could directly approach (always safely through a fence, or from my work truek) and feed her browse or produce which allowed me to more elosely observe her and monitor changes in her general physical condition. Nearing the final days before labor and birth, significant changes can be observed in an expeetant giraffe’s behavior, abdomen, udder, and vaginal area. The ventral abdomen dramatically distends downwards, increasing in girth as the calf is moving into position to pass through the birth canal. The udder ‘bags up’, filling to provide milk for the impending new arrival. The vulva swells and develops a flaccid appearance preceding the onset of birth. The expectant mother’s behavior changes as well. She will usually distance herself from others, possibly searching for a safe place to give birth. Her dietary consumption tends to decrease as labor nears and/or begins. These changes in physical condition and behavior can be vitally important signals for animal keeping professionals to look for and monitor.. One morning in partieular, as I observed and routinely cared for Nukta in the maternity holding area (two days before due date), she was clearly about to start labor. Her behavior was nervous, unrestful, and uneomfortable with lack of interest in food of any type. Her udder was full with each teat obviously separated and filled individually. Yet with all these tell-tale signs of birth, her abdomen did not seem to have the adequate size necessary to yield a full term giraffe calf Knowing it was out of my control, and with many other duties and responsibilities to uphold, I radioed the situation to the curator. Quite simply, I had to leave the scene to fulfill the other obligations of my husbandry routine. All the while, my thoughts were on the impending birth which motivated me to carry out my duties efficiently so that I could return to Nukta as soon as possible. As the day quiekly progressed, so did my eoneems as I continued to re-cheek Nukta. By late afternoon, I had coneluded that she would either give birth overnight or the next morning. As I was finishing up with the last of my routine in another section of the faeility, my conclusion was proven wrong by a radio call from the curator. Nukta had finally begun the beginning stages of visible labor. As the sun was lowering on the western horizon, I raced to the scene and was surprised to see the calf’s hooves were already visible. With patient monitoring I determined that her contractions were five to seven minutes apart. This was ascertained by observant monitoring of her respiration rates and by watching the movements of her abdomen. The calf’s legs and soft hooves would rise 112 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 34 No. 3 and fall with each contractions. Nukta would also occasionally turn her head towards her hind quarters to inspect herself and the new life that was forthcoming. Once in labor, a giraffe usually gives birth within an hour or so of the water breaking. Yet, an individual is just that, an individual. No two births are exactly the same and should not be assumed to be so. As I restlessly observed, the curator, veterinarian, and other keepers arrived to survey, assess, and discuss the situation. It was agreed that nothing was to be done but to continue to closely monitor, record notes, hope for the best, and to simply wait. Allow this course of nature to play out itself Finally, after a seemingly infinite hour or more since my radioed notification, the calf was expelled in one quick movement and dropped the five-foot fall to the hard earth below. Normally, a newborn calf will stand anywhere from ten minutes to a couple of hours of hitting the earth. The last giraffe birth I had witnessed transpired much differently. It had stood within 30 minutes of hitting the ground and Keeper with Angaza during neonatai exam nursed for the first time directly after standing. Obviously, nursing is essential within the first few hours of life and is crucial for a healthy calf’s survival. This latest newborn was quite small in size and was not as active on the ground. The apparently relieved Nukta was tending to her calf attentively with licks and subtle nudges with her large head. My regular shift had long ended, as had the sun’s light, but the new calf did not appear to be close to being able to stand. We had to continue observations until the calf had successfully stood to her feet and nursed. As I looked around from my perspective in the field, I realized the whole giraffe herd was surrounding the area, studying the events of the newborn as well. Those memories are unmatchable and indescribable. The whole herd seemed to have as much anticipation as I did for the young one to stand up and begin life on four hooves. At times, eight to ten giraffe were lined up in a straight row observing the scene, with me in their company on the top of my truck. Nukta and Angaza Time again proved itself unstoppable and the curator prepared me with equipment for the night, as I was to stay and monitor the situation. Left alone in my truck with a cell phone, keys, flashlight, and my wits, as well as a field full of giraffe and zebra, the seriousness of the situation became evident. I fought against worry and negativity by visualizing the calf’s success at standing while spotlighting the calf every few minutes. Its wobbly neck seemed to strengthen and straighten before my eyes, yet the weight of the calf’s head continually fought to balance with gravity. As 2100hrs approached, Nukta passed the afterbirth and the calf laid still on the ground. I decided to save the flashlight batteries and allowed my eyes to adjust to the darkness. The calf’s head seemed to be more unstable when it was raised. Efforts and attempts to stand were decreasing, which created more Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 34 No. 3 113 concern. Lack of mother’s milk can rapidly lead to demise for a newborn. I left my truck and carefully approached the fence, quietly calling out to Nukta and calf. Nukta responded instantly by lowering her head to the calf, then actually made attempts to partially lift the calf’s head with astounding skill and grace. Eventually, the calf reacted and tried to stand, but kept tipping over one direction and then the other. After several failed attempts and hard falls, it simply stayed on the ground with legs halfway curled underneath and with head and neck down flat on the chilled ground. The curator phoned me and I updated her to the recent events. Time was of the essence, for if the calf did not stand and nurse, we would have to intervene. As the moon rose high, I was beginning to grow weary, as was Nukta. Several more failed attempts to stand occurred and I was seriously losing faith in the new calf’s abilities. As 2200hrs approached, the curator phoned again. After my grim update, she decided to return to the scene herself. While I waited for her to return, I visited with the mother and calf from outside the fence. The calf was sitting in the grass with its back end propped up against the fence. Nukta was calmly standing nearby. I hoped that my presence might gently inspire the calf to attempt to stand. While I whispered and squatted outside the fence, the calf simply looked at me square in the eye with no surprise in the wrinkled face. Nukta’s maternal instincts continued as she gently nuzzled the calf, but it just rocked from side to side making no effort to stand. I turned away with despair and confusion running in my mind. As I retreated to my truck, headlights could be seen in the distance as the curator returned. When I walked to the gate to meet her, I looked back over my shoulder for one last assessment of the situation. Just as my eyes focused on the calf, I was greatly relieved to see the calf jump to her feet in one fluid motion, then stand firmly. By the time the curator arrived, our calf was slowly and wobbly walking towards Nukta. We stood and watched with utter relief and joy. Witnessing such an event first-hand brought forth emotions of true elation and renewed my faith in nature’s ability to prevail without human intervention. Having much more knowledge and experience than myself, the curator soon felt confident in the calf’s stability and position to nurse. With her prompting, we left the scene for some much needed rest of our own. At 2230hrs I parked my truck and walked away, knowing that a span of more than five hours had elapsed before this calf had stood. Even though this seemed irregular, there are no definitive rules for exotic species, in either zoos or in the wild. This is why our animal- keeping positions are so vitally important. It is up to us to assess the individual situations of the animals 114 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 34 No. 3 we care for and to take appropriate actions. There are often variables that lead to exceptions from the norm which makes the importance of our positions all that more evident. As I drove home I was already waiting for the next morning’s sun to rise. The next morning at work, 1 was excited and overjoyed to see the young calf still standing strong by Nukta, seemingly in perfect health. After a couple of days with close monitoring, we entered the maternity pen and caught up the calf. We confirmed her sex (female) then weighed, measured, and microchipped her as the veterinarian performed a neonatal exam. Her height was 5 feet and 7 inches (1.7 m), but her weight was light at 124 lbs. (55.8 kg.). Although petite and thin, she grew and flourished quickly as the days passed. It was a pleasure to see her thin physique fill out and grow. The mother’s condition was excellent as well. In the days following her birth, Nukta allowed me to rinse away remnants of the afterbirth and blood from under her tail using a water hose and a diluted antiseptic solution. The calf was named Angaza and has since grown considerably. She is now a part of our public feeding group. Angaza greets and eats from the visitors every day, and has become a great educational ambassador for all animals in general. I do look forward to seeing her mature and one day have calves of her own. It is truly a privilege and honor to work in my current position. If this story did nothing else, I hope it makes us all appreciate the unique experiences and great opportunities we get to be a part of every day. Remember this: for every one of us in a paid animal husbandry position, there are dozens of people willing to fulfill our duties voluntarily. (Photos provided by Lion Country Safari, 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. Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 34 No. 3 115 BIERZS 2007, Tke Stjinposium Bear Information Exchange for Rehahilitators, Z Announcement an d Call for Papers oos an d Sanctuaries Bearkeepers.net wants to invite you to participate in BIERZS 2007, The Symposium hosted by Western University of Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine (http://www.westemu.edu/ xp/edu/veterinary/home.xml ) in Pomona, CA. The conference will be held on Friday, 24 August to Sunday, 26 August 2007 , inclusive at Western University of Health Sciences, the Los Angeles Zoo (http://www.lazoo.org/condorall/ ), and a local sanctuary. The future of bear conservation is contingent upon building bridges of communication and cooperation between bear care professionals. This symposium will bring together bear caregivers interested in sharing information on bear behavior, husbandry, enrichment, training and preventive medicine to enhance captive bear care and global bear conservation efforts. The registration fee ($170/$ 150) includes all paper/poster sessions, lunches/dinners. Coffee & Dessert Icebreaker and Farewell Lunch, field trip transportation, facility entrance fees, and BIERZS 2007 Proceedings. The Enrichment and Training Workshops are an additional fee of $ 1 0 each. The Animal Photography & Art Market is a special feature on Sunday afternoon for you to ‘show & self your animal photography or other art to your colleagues. There is no entrance or vendor fee. Presentations Presentations will focus on captive bear care specific to the efforts of rehabilitators, zoos and sanctuaries. Research, as well as technical and pragmatic work will be accepted in both oral and poster presentation style. Every effort will be made to incorporate as many presenters as possible. Topics can range from rehabilitation techniques used to maximize release potential to training sanctuary /zoo residents for blood draws. BIERZS 2007 Proceedings will be given to each delegate upon registration. BIERZS 2007 Final Proceedings will be posted on www.bearkeepers.net. If you wish to make a presentation please email your abstract (on/before Sunday, 15 June 2007) to: Gail Hedberg, Agenda Coordinator, gailh@sfzoo.org; Fax (510) 795-0538 priorto registering for BIERZS 2007. Your Abstract Confirmation will entitle you to the Presenters Discount. Enrichment and Bear Training Workshops On Friday, 24 August 2007, two practical workshops will be run alternately and concurrently so all delegates can attend. The Enrichment Workshop is developed and presented by Valerie Hare and Karen Worley, Founders of The Shape of Enrichment (http://www.enrichment.org/ ). The Training Workshop is developed and presented by Jason Pratte, Giant Panda Keeper at the Zoo Atlanta (http:/ /www.zooatlanta.org/home.htm ). Registration/Accommodations Registration Forms may be downloaded from www.bearkeepers.net < A block of rooms is reserved at Shilo Inns Suites Hotel Hilltop (http://www.shiloinns.com/Califomia/pomona_hilltop.html) for ^ BIERZS 2007. When making your reservation, please mention that you are ^ attending BIERZS 2007 to get discounted rates. This rate entitles you to the j free breakfast buffet daily, plus shuttle service to/from Ontario Airport and ^ il Western University. Keynote Speaker Jill Robinson, Founder of Animals Asia (http://www.animalsasia.org/) will be giving the keynote address entitled: “China Bear Rescue Centre - Much More Than a Sanctuary”. Additional Questions Any additional questions can be directed to: Dr. Jordan Schaul, BIERZS 2007 Co-Chair Planning Group - jcschaul@aim.com OR Else M.B. Poulsen, BIERZS 2007 Co-Chair Planning Group 116 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 34 No. 3 Con^fervatixyyijfLe^'i^^ LLpdcitey Editor *s Note: This issue we are pleased to announce two new coordinators for this column: Becky Rickendollar and Greg McKinney. They will be alternating months on covering conservation and legislative news items for this section of AKF Becky graduated from Warren Welson College and attended Michigan State University. She has been a keeper at the North Carolina Zoo in the African Pavilion for three years and has been a member of AAZK since 2003. She works with a variety of birds, mammals and reptiles and especially enjoys working with her meerkats and doing bird training. Greg’s membership in AAZK precedes his employment as a keeper in a zoo. When Greg’s hopes during college of becoming a field researcher became unrealistic, he went to work for a small zoo in North Carolina. After a year he returned to his hometown in Philadelphia and worked at the Philadelphia Zoo for ten years. Currently, Greg is involved in writing code and instructional manuals for financial and other business applications. Occasionally he forgets he is no longer a keeper and discovers himself absent-mindedly throwing empty cereal boxes into his kid ’s playroom as items that, until recently, did actualy serve as enrichment but now are usually unappreciatively returned. This first installment of the Conservation/Legislative Update under our new coordinators was put together by Becky Rickendollar. We welcome both Becky and Greg and thank them for their willingness to volunteer their time and talents for this column. Governor of Idaho Supports Gray Wolf Hunt By the end of February the Fish and Wildlife Service planed to stop protecting gray wolves (Canis lupus) in Idaho and Montana. During a rally for approximately 300 hunters, Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter stated, “I’m prepared to bid for that first ticket to shoot a wolf myself’. The governor said he would like the public to kill all but 100. of Idaho’s gray wolves after they are removed from the Endangered Species List. Killing about 550 of the animals would leave about ten packs, according to state wildlife officials. Governor Otter is concerned that the wolves are harming Idaho’s multimillion-dollar hunting industry by rapidly killing elk and other animals for food. John & Karen Hollingsworth, photographers A decade ago, the gray wolves were reintroduced to the area after being hunted to near-extinction. Now more than 1,200 live in the region. Idaho’s wildlife agency is calling for a minimum of 15 packs, which would be higher than Otter’s proposal of ten packs. The state Office of Species Conservation said that 15 packs would be enough wolves to avoid the species being put on the Endangered Species List once again. Source: the Associated Press January 12, 2007 Vulture on the Verge of Extinction Bred in Captivity The white-backed vulture (Gypus africanus), one of nine vulture species found in India, has been successfully bred in captivity for the first time. This encouraging event took place at the Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre of the Bombay Natural Flistory Society and the Forest Department of Harvana at Pinjore. The eggs were laid in November 2006 and hatched in 54 days, which matches the incubation period in the wild. This success was reached two years before the center’s target date of2008. The Centre plans to release 100 pairs of three critically endangered vulture species back into the wild. Critically endangered is the classification given to those species that are closest to extinction. However, before their release a ban on the drug Diclofenac® must be enforced. After several years Photo: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 34 No. 3 117 of seemingly mysterious vulture disappearances, scientists concluded that the anti-inflammatory veterinary drug Diclofenac® was responsible. This drug is used as a painkiller in livestock, and if an animal receiving the drug dies and the vultures feed on its carcass, the vulture would suffer kidney failure. The Centre is urging Indian citizens to join in enforcing a ban on the drug. Source: Gulf News January 9, 2007 Manatees May Be Downgraded Despite Record Deaths The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, FWC, has proposed to change the status of the Florida manatee {Trichechus manatus latircstrus) from endangered to threatened despite record deaths for the animal in 2006. There were 416 manatee deaths in Florida waters in 2006, up from 396 deaths in 2005. Scientists point to red tide algae blooms and propeller accidents as the main culprits in manatee mortality. In June the FWC voted to downgrade the animals’ status to threatened, a position they continue to defend. Commission spokeswoman Mary Scott Gilbert said, “We’re wary about trying to make any trends out of the data”. There are about 2,310 manatees living in Florida state waters. Environmentalists claim that manmade threats to manatees are increasing and therefore the animals should not have been downlisted. Pat Rose, executive director of the Save the Manatee Club said, “If 50 percent of adult deaths are caused by watercraft, that’s extremely serious”. Source: Greenwire January 10, 2007 Jim Reid, photographer Chile Creating Endangered Species Protection The Chilean National Environmental Commission (CONAMA) published the results of a study in December that classified native Chilean plants and animals according to their level of endangerment. This process, which was a first for the country, focused on 35 species and urged that 20 of those species face extinction. CONAMA now plans to look into the plight of an additional 150 species. Executive Director Ana Lya Uriarte said, “Rather than speculate, it’s vital to have hard data on the state of our species. With this initial group that we’ve now classified we’ll be better able to come up with public policies and resources to protect the most endangered species.” The report did have good news. A particular subspecies of sea lion that was once thought to be extinct has been found to have a population of about 7,000 living in the Juan Fernandez archipelago. Source: The Santiago Times January 13, 2007 Trading Spaces: The Human Zoo Adelaide Zoo in Australia has found an innovative way to improve the lives of animals both inside and outside the zoo. The Human Zoo, which took place for the entire month of January, was an experiment which involves six adult humans living in an unused orangutan exhibit at the Adelaide Zoo. Each week six different people were on display during normal zoo operating hours, getting the chance to go home each evening. The groups of six were joined by Carla Litchfield, a great ape expert and psychologist. She did not interact with the other humans, but observed their behavior. “Part of what I do at the zoo is to come up with activities for great apes and other animals, to stimulate them behaviourally and keep their brains occupied,” Litchfield said. “I never know what it feels like, so a month in there gave me a good idea of the smells and sounds and what it’s like to be stared at by thousands of people every day.” The purpose of this science experiment/publicity stunt was to raise money for conservation and to increase awareness of the experiences of zoo animals. The activity increased attendance at the zoo. In addition, the public could vote for their favorite human zoo participant. The person with the most votes each week won a prize. Each vote costs $2 which went towards conservation and towards 118 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 34 No. 3 building a new chimpanzee exhibit for the Monarto Zoo in South Australia, Source: http:// www humanzoo.com.au/ and ABC News Online, January 2, 2007 Illegally Grown Coffee Sold Around the World Starbucks, Nestle, and Kraft Foods are just some of the companies that may have sold illegally- grown coffee from the southern tip of Indonesia’s Sumatra Island. The coffee was found to have been grown in the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, which is a refuge for endangered Sumatran tigers (Togris sumatranas) and Sumatran elephants (Elephas sumatranas). World Wildlife Fund reported that almost a fifth of the park’s land was being used to grow illegal coffee. “About 17% of the national park area is being cultivated for ■ coffee,” said Nazir Foead from WWF Indonesia. “If current trends continue, in ten years’ time the area could double, causing significant impacts to the [endangered] species’ habitats,” he said. " According to WWF officials, local coffee traders had been mixing illegally grown beans with legal beans before shipping them out, Indonesia is the fourth largest exporter of coffee in the world and several corporations have purchased the illegally-grown beans. WWF officials said the companies were probably unaware of the coffee’s origins, due to a lack of regulations in the area. Source: Greenwire, January 17, 2007 Polar Bear One Step Closer to Receiving National Protection The Alaska Regional Fish and Wildlife Service has opened up the 90-day comment period after deciding that a proposal to list the polar bear (Ursus maritimus) as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act is warranted. On 27 December 2006, Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthome issued a press release and had a press conference announcing the intent to propose the listing. Scientific evidence of loss of sea ice habitat, continued losses projected into the future, and the consequences that would mean for the polar bear populations were the basis for the proposed listing under the Endangered Species Act. After the 90-day comment period is closed, the Fish and Wildlife Service will analyze all of the data and publish a Final Rule within one year, determining whether or not the polar bear will begin to receive protection under the Endangered Species Act. Source: US Fish & Wildlife Service News Release January 11, 2007 Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Mountain Gorillas Taken For Food Conservationists in eastern Congo report that rebel fighters have killed and eaten two silverback mountain gorillas {Gorilla beringei beringei). Two dismembered gorilla corpses were found in early January in a pit latrine in Congo’s Virunga National Park, a few hundred yards from a park patrol post that was abandoned because of rebel attacks, according to the London-based Africa Conservation Fund. Senior park warden Paulin Ngobobo wrote an Internet blog about finding the latest remains. “We’ve learned a lot: the gorilla had in fact been eaten for meat. His name was Karema, another solitary silverback that had been born into a habituated group — meaning that he had grown to trust humans enough to let them come to within touching distance,” Ngobobo wrote. “We learned that the remaining gorillas are extremely vulnerable — the rebels are after the meat, and it’s not difficult for them to find and kill the few gorillas that remain.” Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 34 No. 3 119 The last remaining hippo (ncncncncncncncncncncnc) populations in Congo are also on the verge of being wiped out. Conservationists say more than 400 were killed last year, mostly for food. Only 900 hippos remain, a huge drop from the 22,000 reported there in 1998. The job of protecting the country’s parks falls on local rangers, and the job is very dangerous. In Virunga alone, some 97 rangers have died on duty since 1996, the Africa Conservation Fund said. Richard Leakey, a conservationist credited with helping end the slaughter of elephants in Kenya during the 1980s, said: “The survival of these last remaining mountain gorillas should be one of humanity’s greatest priorities. Their future lies with a small number of very brave rangers risking their lives with very little support from the outside world.” Source: The Associated Press, January 18, 2007 Newly Discovered Species Unique to East Africa Studies published in the January edition of the scientific journal Biological Conservation list over 1 000 species that are unique to an area slightly larger than Rhode Island. This area is in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania and Kenya. One study found that at least 96 animals, 832 plants, and 43 butterflies live only in the Eastern Arc Mountains and nowhere else on the planet. An additional 71 species are found only in the Eastern Arc Mountains and other small areas surrounding the mountains. Seventy-one of these species are classi- fled as threatened by extinction by the lUCN Red List. "Homed" Chameleon (Chamaeleo mellen) Photo: Neil Burgess, WWF More species will likely be discovered in the mountains as scientists continue to explore the region. A new genus of monkey, the Highland Mangabey (Lophocebus kipunji) is one of tbe recent discoveries. While some of the area is already protected, conservation organizations are pushing to protect an additional 153, 205 acres of wilderness. This mountain range lies in one of the poorest countries in the world, with most of the population dependent on farming. The desperate need for food and farm land sometimes forces humans across boundaries and into reserves. However, the Eastern Arc Mountains also provide drinking water for at least 60% of Tanzania and generate over 90% of the country’s hydroelectricity capacity. This may benefit the protection of the area, as World Wildlife Fund and its partners are looking into a way to charge water users, which would then fund the communities surrounding the mountains. Source: WWF Press Release, January 16, 2007 Whooping Cranes on Rebound in Texas Once down to about 15, the world’s only naturally migrating flock of whooping cranes {Grus americana) has continued its comeback, now numbering a record 237 birds in wintering grounds along Texas’ Gulf Coast. USFWS biologist Tom Stehn, who tracks the flock, said 45 cranes were born last year, including a rare set of twins. He credited the increase to mild weather at their nesting site in Wood Buffalo National Park in northern Canada’s boreal forest. It is there the birds begin their 2,500-mile migration route from the summering grounds in Texas. Stehn flies at low altitudes over a 35-mile stretch of Texas coastline where the birds feast on blue crab and wolfberries. Stehn, who plots the groups on photocopied maps of the area, counted 220 of the endangered species in 2005. While far from rearching the kinds of numbers enjoyed by gray whales and American peregrine falcon on the Servie’s list of recovered species, the crane’s numbers have slowly increased since countring beganin 1938. Government action also helped. A 1916 treaty between the U.S. and Canada — later expanded to include Mexico, Russia and Japan — made it illegal to shoot birds outside of established hunting season. The whooping crane was one of the first species listed under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Source: CTV.CA.com January 6, 2007 120 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 34 No. 3 Chapter News Notes AAZK, Inc. is pleased to welcome a new Chapter to the association. The Scovill Zoo AAZK Chapter is located at the Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Road, Decatur, IL 62521. They currently have six Professional members. Officers for the new Chapter are: President Amanda Hall Vice President Heather Thompson S ecretary. .... Alan Lamb Treasurer Kimberly Downey Historian Nyan McFadden Conservation Officer..... Nicole Zinn Chapter Liaison Heather Thompson and Kim Downey We wish them every success in their conservation and continuing education efforts. Brookfield AAZK Chapter Here is a fundraising idea from Holly Richards, Vice Presicent and Acting Treasurer for the Brookfield AAZK Chapter Recycle Brass as a Fundraiser The Brookfield AAZK Chapter would like to share an easy conservation-minded way to raise money. Keepers at Brookfield Zoo use numerous brass hose fittings, nozzles, shut-off valves and quick release attachments. Although we do our best to repair them, some can not be repaired and must be replaced. Instead of throwing the old brass parts away, the AAZK group collects them and brings them to a scrap metal recycling center. Brass prices vary, but usually can be sold to scrap metal recyclers for $.70 - $.90 per pound. Broken brass locks and brass keys can also be recycled this way. (Lock cylinders are removed or destroyed by drilling into them before they leave the zoo for security reasons.) Contact your local scrap metal recycling center for details regarding prices and what type of brass is accepted. We hope this easy idea works for many other Chapters. Good luck! Ozarks Chapter of AAZK Two-thousand-six was an awesome year for our AAZK Chapter! Last year we were able to purchase a 60’ x 20’ x 10’ flight cage for our Raptor Rehab Program here at Dickerson Park Zoo. The cage was assembled mid-summer and has been a great asset to the program. All releasable raptors now have the opportunity for longer free flight for muscle development before their release back into the wild. We were also able to donate money to help with the updating of our Raptor Rehab Building and for another multi-species off exhibit holding building. ^^ZARKS Chapter of the American Association of Zookeepers Last year we also assembled a Missouri Stream Team and ventured out to a local stream to monitor its invertebrate biological diversity throughout the summer. Currently our Chapter is working on increasing our enrichment program at Dickerson Park Zoo by working with volunteers, designing toys, and developing an enrichment website. Our Chapter hopes to complete its own website this year as well. Officers for 2007 are: President Tracy Campbell Vice President Kesha Schreiber Secretary Andrea Kendrick Treasurer..... Dave Illig Liaison Angela Gibson Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 34 No. 3 121 St. LquI&AAZK Chapter St. Louis AAZK had a busy and successful year in 2006. In May we held our 5th annual Bowling for Rhinos and had our biggest turnout so far, raising $10, 491.00. Our cell phone recycling program continues to be a success. Boxes for cell phone collection are displayed at each of our visitor desks. Thanks to the help of our visitor service and distribution center, we were able to recycle 882 phones and accessories. We also sold artwork created by our animals through our Chapter’s website at special events and monthly science lectures put on by the zoo. Funds raised by these two projects were used for conservation and AAZK projects. Website address is http://www.stlzoo.org/ animals/soyouwanttobeazookeeper/ americanassociationofzooke/ Five members of our Chapter presented posters/ papers at the national AAZK conference in Chicago. Sarah Christeson and Rosalie Rust’s paper has inspired an online discussion board for pregnant zookeepers/zookeepers with children. We did, however, lose two valuable members in 2006. Melissa Pritchett left to pursue her other passion, being a full-time mom, and Tammy Schmidt made a career move to Peoria Zoo. We would like to thank them for all of their hard work and wish them the best of luck in the future. The year 2007 is looking just as bright for us! We have hit the ground running and are very excited about this years Bowling for Rhinos which is scheduled for May 17th. Finally, the 2007 officers have been elected and are ready to lead the way: President Christy Poelker Vice President Erin Connett Treasurer Lily Civili Secretary Rick Smith Liaison Kate Reed Puget Sound AAZK Chapter During March we plan to hold our 3rd Annual International Earth Day PSAAZK Book and Bake Sale. During the Earth Day event we will also be holding our first AAZK membership sale. For one day only the PSAAZK Chapter will pay $10 of the total membership amount of all new members who sign up. Proceeds from our current fundraising activities will be going towards hosting the 2009 AAZK and ICZ joint conference. The dates have been set for 24 Sept 2009 thru 29 Sept 2009. Ice breaker on the 24th and banquet on the 29th. Conference will be at the Red Lion Hotel on 5th Ave, Seattle. Check out our website for updating information and mark your calendars! Also check out our website for details about our local Chapter T-shirt Sale! We have a unique design that many of you will just need to have. Show your support and visit us at www.pugetsoundaazk.org and stay tuned for more news about our greatest undertaking yet! —Peter McLane, Chapter Liaison What’s your Chapter been up to? Let us know about your successful fundraisers, guest speakers, conservation projects, new officers, new logos, etc. Do you have a new logo you want to show the membership? We want to hear from you! Send your Chapter News to the AKF Editor at: akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail . com 122 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 34 No. 3 Atil ene Zoos Management of an Ageing F ema leAf rican Elephant By Kate Hatton, Keeper I Abilene Zoological Gardens, Abilene, TX (Editor ’s Note: This paper was originally to be presented at the 2005 AAZK Conference in New Orleans, LA that was cancelled due to Hurricane Katrina.) Tanzy is the oldest female African Elephant (Loxodonta africana) residing at the Abilene Zoological Gardens. She was bom in Tanganyika in approximately 1958 making her 49-years-old and the third oldest African Elephant in the North American stud book population. Tanzy spent the majority of her 49 years at the Oklahoma City Zoo with a female Asian Elephant {Elephas maximus) named Judy. In October of 1998 following the death of Judy, Tanzy was loaned to the Abilene Zoological Gardens to join their existing 19-year-old female African elephant who had also recently lost her exhibit mate. In her years at the Abilene Zoological Gardens, Tanzy was observed to show behaviors that led staff to believe she had become arthritic in her old age. In May of 2003 Tanzy was put on a maintenance dose of Glyco-Flex® (manufactured by Vetri-Science®) to help control her arthritis. In October of 2004 keepers began desensitizing Tanzy to stopping in an elephant restraint device (ERD). Tanzy was eventually stopped and locked in the ERD for about 10 minutes on two consecutive days. She showed no severe stress and was rewarded for the duration of the session. On 22 October of 2004, for one reason or another Tanzy refused to leave the bam. Keepers tried at various times throughout the day to coax Tanzy out of the bam. She responded to all of her normal let out commands given by keepers and as soon as she was released she would walk to the edge of her stall but she would not step into the ERD to exit the bam. With Tanzy refusing to leave Tanya, Tanzy’s exhibit mate, was stuck in the bam as her only way out was through Tanzy’s stall. However, on 23 October Tanya did move past Tanzy to exit the bam but was very nervous in doing so. After coaxing her back in later that day she never again attempted to exit the barn through Tanzy’s stall. On 23 October, Tanzy was given lOg of Phenylbutazone tablets (manufactured by vedco) in case her refusal to leave the bam was arthritis-related. On 26 October of 2004, we began making adjustments at the bam to aid in the management of the situation. On the 26 October we acquired a fire hose from our local fire department to aid in cleaning the bam around the elephants. After a few days of Tanzy’s refusal to leave the barn, feces began to pile up in both elephant’s stalls. With keeper access to only the front of the stalls we were able to use the high pressure of the fire hose to “blast” feces out the back and side door of the bam. This technique, while time-consuming, worked very well for us and didn’t seem to stress either of the elephants out to any degree. On 28 October we were able to cut a bolt from the gate at the back entrance to the bam allowing us to swing the gate open. By doing so we could now give Tanya access to the yard without having to go through Tanzy’s stall. We eventually replaced the gate with a hydraulic door which made letting Tanya out more efficient as well as keeping the barn warmer as winter approached. On 27 October, 2004, we began using “special” treats and enrichment to coax Tanzy out of bam. Throughout Tanzy’s stay in the bam a wide variety of techniques and enrichment items were used to entice her to exit the bam. We initially tried to coax her out with some of her favorite treats which included various produce, whole pumpkin and watermelon, chocolate bars, marshmallows, and coke. We would also put browse and hay within sight but just out of reach to encourage her to move a little further out of the bam. Also, because she was still reacting to all of her commands we tried backing her out of the bam and had her target at various points in the ERD to lure her outside. We contacted nearby zoos and had bull elephant feces shipped to us which we scattered in the yard in hopes that she would go out to investigate a new smell. We also tried playing elephant vocalizations over a loud speaker and, in our most desperate hour, we drove a remote control car through the ERD to see if she would chase it outside. On 2 January 2005, Tanzy exited the bam. Throughout the day Tanzy would stand all the way in the Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 34 No. 3 123 ERD with only her back feet still in the bam. On the morning of 2 January, Tanya had made a loud noise in the yard which spooked Tanzy causing her back feet to slip out of the bam and she ran into the yard through the ERD. However, on 3 January Tanzy once again refused to exit the bam. Then again on 7 January Tanzy exited the bam. Around IbOOhrs, we heard trumpeting and upon arriving at the elephant exhibit found Tanzy in the yard. Our excitement was once again short-lived as Tanzy refused to leave the bam the next day. On both of these instances Tanzy did not appear stressed while in the yard, responded to her let in commands, and entered the bam through the ERD with no hesitation. On 1 8 January, 2005, Tanzy’s health began to deteriorate. That morning we noticed that Tanzy’s left side appeared to be bloated. Her appetite for hay had decreased but she was still having normal bowl movements. We also noticed at this time that we could hear her joints “creaking” when she would move. Tanzy was given 45cc Banamine® (Flunixin Meglumine manufactured by Schering- Plough Animal Health) and lOg of Phenylbutazone Tabs to help aid any pain associated with arthritis or her apparent bloat. On 25 January 2005, we began to get a better grasp on Tanzy’s health. After noticing that Tanzy’s feces were beginning to contain quite a bit of undigested hay we were able to obtain a good look at her teeth, and noticed that they had become extremely worn, which is normal for an elephant of her age. At this time it was decided to begin chopping Tanzy’s hay with a wood chipper to aid her in breaking down the hay. We began noticing almost immediately an increase in her appetite and a change in the consistency of her feces. It was also decided at this time the best way to get a grasp on Tanzy’s health was to obtain a blood sample. Dr. Dennis Schmitt, a veterinarian specializing in elephant care, was called in to assist in and teach us how to collect blood from the femoral vein. Thankfully, Tanzy was a trooper and the blood draw was a success. Blood tests showed Tanzy had an elevated white blood cell count, and presence of eosinophils. As a result of Dr. Schmitt’s visit, major medical decisions were made in the management of Tanzy’s health as an aging elephant. We increased her daily Glyco-Flex® intake, began giving her 30,000 mg ibuprofen (manufactured by equate®), and began looking into an anti-anxiety medication to help her exit the bam. On 4 March, 2005 Tanzy began taking Xanax® Alprazolam Tablets (manufactured by Pfizer®). We had initially discussed using some type of mild tranquilizer to help take the edge off. However, we did not know Tanzy’s exact weight and therefore could not properly calculate a dosage that would only take the edge off and not sedate her too much. Also, we were leery about using a tranquilizer as certain cases have revealed animals to have a reverse reaction to particular dmgs. With all of this information in hand, our consulting veterinarian Dr. Clay Hilton recommended using Xanax® which is primarily used in humans to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Tanzy was started at a low dose of lOOmg and offered access to the yard all day and night to see her reaction. When she hadn’t gone out in six days, her dosage was increased to 150mg. On 11 March 2005, Tanzy exited the bam for good! Tanzy remained on 150mg of Xanax® till 14 March when she was reduced to 1 OOmg. Since she continued to go outside without any problems it was decided to reduce her dosage. On the 20 March she was reduced to 75mg and on the 24 March reduced to 50mg. However, when she was reduced to 50mg she once again refused to go outside so an additional 25mg was given to her and she went out fine. From that point on her medication was decreased at a much slower rate (4mg every four days). Tanzy continued to go outside without hesitation. Upon being reduced to 40mg her attitude seemed to become more aggressive and she was not as quick to respond to commands, but she continued to go outside so her dosage continued to be decreased. The first day that Tanzy was completely off Xanax® she once again refused to leave the bam. As a result, she was given 40mg and then an additional 30mg when she still refused to go outside. That afternoon she was given an additional 30mg and finally went out of the bam. The next day we decided to begin her at lOOmg and she once again went out fine. Since then we have been decreasing her 4mg every eight days with the intent of dropping her down to a management dosage which has yet to be determined. 124 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 34 No. 3 AAZK 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 Afniiation (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. 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