F O R u :ivi The Journal of the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. ANIMAL KEEPERS’ FORUM. 3601 S.W. 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614-2054 Phone:(785)273-9149 FAX (785) 273-1980 February 2008 Vol. 35, No. 2 AKF Managing Editor: Susan D. Chan • Associate Editors • Kayla Grams, Lovell, WY; Mark de Denus, Winnipeg, MB; Jolene Hamrick, Tucson, AZ • Enrichment Options Coordinator: Rachel Daneault, Disney’s Animal Kingdom • Legislative/Conservation Outlook Column Co-Coordinators: Becky Richendollar, North Carolina Zoo and Greg McKinney, Philadelphia, PA • Reactions Column Coordinator: William K. Baker, Jr., Abilene Zoo, Abilene, TX • ATC Column Coordinators: Angela Binney, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Kim Kezer, Zoo New England • Proofreader: Barbara Manspeaker, AAZK Administrative Office. 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 Shane Good, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH 44109 President Denise Wagner, The Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix, AZ 85008 Vice President Jacque Blessington, Kansas City Zoo, Kansas City, MO 64132-4200 Tammy Root, Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis, IN 46222 Bob Cisneros, San Diego Zoo, San Diego, CA 92112-0551 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 ICZ Coordinators Shane Good, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Norah Famham, Woodland Park Zoo MEMBERSHIP SERVICES APT. EDT and ATP Forms AAZK Administrative Offices/Topeka AAZK Website - Liaison to Webmaster Denise Wagner, The Phoenix Zoo Ethics Chair - Denise Wagner, The 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 Conservation Committee Amanda Kamradt, Houston Zoo and Penny Jolly, Disney’s Animal Kingdom AAZK Historian Mark Levin, Plymouth Meeting, PA AAZK Publications/Logo Products AAZK Administrative Offices/Topeka printed on Recycled Paper Table of Contents About the Cover/Inforaiation for Contributors............... .42 Scoops & Scuttlebutt. ................................................................................................................... .....43 From the Executive Director.......................... 44 AAZK Announces New Members..................... ...........................................................................45 Coming Events................... ................................................................................................................ 46 Conference 2008 - Third Call for Papers....................................................................... 48 AAZK Award Nominations Now Being Accepted for 2008........... ...49 - 53 Now Available - Crisis Management in Zoos -■ Info and Order Form.................... .............54 - 55 Enrichment Options {Aquatic and Herptile Enrichment)...... ........................56 - 57 The Visibility-Activity Project: Viewing Our Animals Through Our Visitors’ Eyes. ....... ........58 - 62 Bowling for Rhinos 2008 Notice................................ .......................63 Keeper Profiles DVD - Ordering Information..... ..................................................................64 Notes from the Field: Sri Lanka, an Earthwatch Odyssey ....65 - 68 Assisted Rearing of an Infant Mandrill........ .........................69 - 71 Attention Photographers!! AKF Seeks Color Photos..................... .71 Chinese Police Dog to Teach Pandas to Fight ..............................................71 Zoo Support for Elephant Conservation Hits Record Levels ................72 - 73 ATC Column {Using Natural Behaviors to Create Training Protocols: Advances in Matschie’s Tree Kangaroo Behavioral Conditioning at Zoo New England)....... ..........74 - 77 Arcari Enrichment..................................... ...78 - 79 Conservation/Legislative Update ...80 - 84 33rd Anniversary - 1974 - 2007 MISSION STA TEMENT American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. To provide a resource and a forum of continuing education for the animal care professional and to support zoo and aquarium personnel in their roles as animal care givers, scientific researchers, public educators and conservationists. To promote zoos and aquariums as cultural establishments dedicated to the enrichment of human and natural resources; to foster the exchange of research materials, enrichment options and husbandry information through publications and conferences which will lead to a greater understanding of the needs and requirements of all animals. This month s cover features the North American Wood duck (Aix sponsa) drawn by Debi Talbott, a Keeper at the Smithsonian ’s National Zoological Park in Washington, DC. The N.A. Wood duck is considered by many to be the most beautiful duck in North America. The colorful male is unmistakable, with a green iridescent crest and brown and white checkerboard pattern on his breast. They frequent wooded waterways, ponds, and swamps and feed primarily on vegetation such as aquatic plants, nuts and fruit as well as on insects and small fish. This species is the only North American duck that regularly produces two broods per year. The female nests in hollow trees or in manmade nestboxes and lays 9-15 cream-colored eggs that hatch after an incubation period of28- 32 days. This species is also known regionally as the Carolina duck, swamp duck, woody, squealer and summer duck. Reduced hunting pressure and placement of nestboxes has caused the possible increase in their population. Thanks, Debi! 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< If you have questions about submission guidelines, please contact the Editor. 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. Regular 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< Mailing Address: AAZK, Inc., 3601 SW 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614-2054 AAZK website Address: www.aazk.org BFR Website: http://aazkbfr.org 42 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 35, No. 2 Scoops & Scuttlebutt Chapter Reminded of Recharter Deadline All AAZK Chapters are reminded that the deadline for turning in your 2008 Recharter Packets to the Administrative Office is February 15th. A late fee of $200 will be assessed for those Chapters that do not return their materials by March 1st. Rechartering of all AAZK Chapters, including completion of the financial forms, is a requirement of the Association and is necessary for the reporting AAZK, Inc. must do to the Internal Revenue Service. All Chapters were sent the electronic Recharter Packet the first week in January to the email address they had indicated on their 2007 rechartering information. Chapters specifically requesting it were sent a hard copy of the forms. Keep in mind that in order for your recharter packet to be complete, all signing officers for the Chapter MUST been current members of the national organization. Also, the returned recharter packet MUST include payment of recharter fees in order to be complete. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated in getting the 2008 recharter process completed in a timely manner. If you have questions or need help in completing any of the forms, please contact Administrative Secretary Barbara Manspeaker at 785-273-9149 or email at aazkoffice@zk.kscoxmail.com< Donation Honors Project M.A.R.C. Coordinator Many AAZK members will certainly remember Kathy Kelly, the long-time Coordinator for Project M.A.R.C. (Making A Realistic Contribution). As coordinator Kathy was responsible for gathering books, magazines and research data for distribution to needy keepers and institutions. She collected, catalogued and mailed zoological publications to facilities around the world. Through her efforts zoo libraries in 42 countries were initiated and thousands of zoo keepers were able to access information they would not have otherwise been able to attain. In 2001 the Association presented Kathy with the Award of Excellence for Service and Dedication to the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. Unfortunetaly ill health prevented Kathy from continuing with the project after 200 1 , but the impact she was able to make on keepers worldwide is still being felt today. We were recently notified that friends of Kathy’s, William Wardlaw and Patricia Arnold of Takoma Park, MD, have made a very generous $500.00 contribution to AAZK, Inc. in honor of Kathy’s work and the continuing work of AAZK in building bridges of understanding, cooperation and connection with zoos and zoo keepers worldwide. The Board of Directors, on behalf of the staff and all AAZK members, thank them for their donation and support of our mission. Endangered Species Recovery Course Announced A short-course for anyone with an active interest in animal conservation and a desire to learn how species can be saved will take place 7th- 25th July 2008 at the Durrell Wildlife Preservation Trust Training Centre. Lectures will be given by world-class conservationists. Practical activities and behind-the scenes-experiences in Durrell’s animal collection will provide participants with first- hand exposure to the realities of endangered species recovery. On completion participants will be equipped with a fuller appreciation of the complexities of animal eonservation and an ability to develop their personal or professional interests in the field. For further information please visit http://www.durrell. org/ (Get Involved menu, select Training) Or contact Catherine Burrows at: catherine.burrows@ durrell. org< Postal addressiDurrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, International Training Centre, Les Auges Manor, Trinity, Jersey JE3 5BP; Tel: +44 (0)1534 860037; Fax: +44 (0)1534 860002. Closing date for applications: 28th February 2008. Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 35, No. 2 43 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION F pom tile Executive Director On Christmas Day the San Francisco Zoo staff experienced what may approach the utmost tragedy in the zoo and aquarium business - a dangerous animal escape, fatal injuries to a visitor and the tragic loss of the tiger. Compounding the tragedy were the elements of visitor behavior prior to the animal escape, the tiger’s ability to compromise an exhibit barrier that, while below the recommended height, has contained large cats for decades, and the loss of animal life at the hands of emergency responders. of ZOO KEEPERS There is an indelible stigma that is placed on facilities where tragic events occur. From curiosity seekers and animal activists, to the manic visitor and the revenge seeking individuals, zoo staff will have to suffer the comments and questions, answering the accusations both spoken and unspoken, forever. My thoughts and those of the members of this Association are with you now and into the future when the legal circus begins, the media reappears, and you will again relive the event. It can be guaranteed that in every zoological facility around the country housing large cats, a survey of the exhibit barriers was conducted by staff within days following the San Francisco Zoo incident. It hopefully goes without saying that the Emergency Response Plans for every facility were taken from the shelf, the dust blown off, and the response plans reviewed, with emphasis that every incident reported to staff be investigated before being discounted. Maybe some facilities even conducted an Animal Escape Drill. For me, three issues came clearly into focus as the result of the incident: Try as we may, we can never control the behavior of the visitor and understanding that fact, staffing levels, even on the most visible holiday of the year, must never be compromised; As part of the AZA accreditation process, exhibit barrier descriptions and dimensions should be documented and submitted by every facility prior to every inspection and then qualified by the inspecting team; Facilities must interact with emergency responders to ensure that in the event of animal escapes specific response roles for the zoo and the emergency responders are delineated, and lines of communication between zoo and responders in an emergency event are fluid. I’m interested in your opinions on the subject, how you feel about the events in San Francisco and how your facility responded. Send me an email: ed.hansen@aazk.org Ed Hansen Executive Director American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. 44 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 35, No. 2 AAZK Announces New Members JoAnne Kowalski, Philadelphia Zoo (PA); Debra Dial, National Aquarium (MD); Linda Stallings, The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore (MD); Richard Wilson, no zoo listed*, Orlando, FL; MarySue Hebeisen, Michael Malden and Jody Hackman, Busch Gardens (FL); Corey Neatrous, Seth Clem, Sonia Schnitzius, Janel Jankowski and Kelly Blakley, Naples Zoo (FL); James Locke, Disney’s Animal Kingdom (FL); Lonis Garden, Nashville Zoo at Grassmere (TN); Amanda O’Donoughue, Knoxville Zoo (TN); Barbara Dennis, Bryan Summerford, Sara Hasenstab, Amber Hoehn and Magen Sier, Memphis Zoo (TN); Laurie A. Talakowski, Milwaukee County Zoo (WI); Cydney Peterson, Racine Zoo (WI); Lisa E. Cullnan, Scovill Zoo (IL); Amelia Nusbaum, Houston Zoo (TX); Kashia Stragey, no zoo listed*, Houston, TX; Michelle Penick, America’s Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College (CA); Kelli Rockafellow, no zoo listed*, San Leandro, CA; Julie Christie, Oregon Zoo (OR). * Beginning with the March 2008 issue oiAKF, we will no longer list the names of those Professional Members who do not list their facility on their application and/or renewal card. New Contributing Members Gwendolyn J. Johnson Starkville, MS New Institutional Members Jackson Zoo, Jackson, MS Beth Poff, Director Abilene Zoological Gardens, Abilene, TX William K. Baker, Jr., Director Renewing Institutional Members Santa Fe Community College Teaching Zoo Gainesville, FL Jack Brown, Director Lubee Bat Conservancy Gainesville, FL Dr. Allyson Walsh, Director Indianapolis Zoo Indianapolis, IN Mike Crowther, President Cedar Cove Feline Conservation Park Louisburg, KS Larry Fries, Director El Paso Zoo, El Paso,TX Steve Marshall, Director Wild Wonders Bonsall, CA Jackie Navarro, Executive Director California Wolf Center Julian, CA Kim Miller, Director Fresno’s Chaffee Zoo Fresno, CA Lewis Greene, Director New Commercial Member PetAg, Inc. Hampshire, IL THE GOURMET RODENT, INC." RATS AND MICE Bill & Marcia Brant I292I SW 1st Rd., Ste 107, PBM #434 Jonesville, FL 32669 (352) 495-9024 Fax: (352) 495-9781 e-mail: GrmtRodent@aol.com Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 35, No. 2 45 Coming Events 2008 lAATE Annual Conference - March 5-8, 2008 - In Holland, The Netherlands. Join lAATE on An International Migration. It’s not too early to start planning to attend the 16th annual lAATE Conference hosted by Voglepark Avifauna in Holland, The Netherlands. Will provide opportunity to learn more about strides in avian training, show content, educational messaging, equipment making, enrichment, animal management, avian health and welfare. Pre- and Post-Conference Trips to several European facilities and tourist destinations including Artis Zoo, Falconiformes breeding center, Blijdorp- Rotterdam Zoo, Bird Park Walsrode, Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank house. For more information visit www.IAATE.org Training and Enrichment Workshop for Zoo and AquariumAnimais - April 14- 18, 2008. Presented by Active Environments and Shape of Enrichment. Hosted by Moody Gardens Rainforest and Aquarium, Galveston, TX, USA. Instructors: Gail Laule, Margaret Whittaker, and Val Hare. Active Environments is proud to present the second Training and Enrichment Workshop hosted by Moody Gardens. This unique five- day workshop will present an array of topics relating to behavioral management with particular emphasis on positive reinforcement training techniques (PRT) and environmental enrichment (EE). The workshop is designed for keepers, aquarists, managers, supervisors, curators, and veterinarians working with a wide array of animals held in zoos and aquariums. This workshop emphasizes the behavioral management approach to caring for captive animals, with focus on environmental enrichment, positive reinforcement training, and the problem-solving process. The registration fee of $850.00 includes the following:Six nights stay in the Moody Gardens Resort Hotel; All workshop materials, including a copy of Don ’t Shoot the Dog; All lunches and snacks during the workshop; Three dinners: Icebreaker, one dinner, and closing banquet; Transportation to and from local attractions; and Commemorative Workshop tote bag. For further information contact: Active Environments, Inc., 7651 Santos Road Lompoc, CA 93436 -Tel: 805-737-3700 - E-mail: info@activeenvironments.org: Or: Shape of Enrichment (www.enrichment.org); Or: Diane Olsen (Moody Gardens): dQ.ls.en@mQQdygardens.com OR Margaret Whittaker (Active Environments): indu22@.earthlink.net lil International Wildlife Reintroduction Conference - April 15-16, 2008 - In Chicago, IL. To be hosted by the lUCN/SSC Reintroduction Specialist Group (RSG) and Lincoln Park Zoo. The theme of the conference will be “Reintroduction Programs: Applying Science to Conservation”. Registration is limited to 275 participants. More information about the conference theme and topics is available at the website http://www.reintroduction.org Animal Behavior Management Alliance (ABMA) Conference - April 27 - May 3, 2008 - In Phoenix, AZ. Hosted by the Phoenix Zoo, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Reid Park Zoo, and Wildlife World Zoo. The mission of the ABMA is to advance animal behavior management, including training and enrichment, in order to enhance the husbandry and welfare of animals. The 2008 conference keynote speaker is Dr. Temple Grandin, and the conference includes paper and poster presentations, discussion groups, and workshops on topics including Animal Training 101, Behavioral Enrichment, and Advanced Training Concepts. Remember that AAZK members can receive the discounted members registration rate for the ABMA conference! For more information please visit www.theabma.org or contact ABMA 1st Vice President Raquel Gardner at rgardner@thephxzoo.com Australasian Society of Zoo Keepers(ASZK) Conference - May 23-25, 2008 - At Sydney Academy of Sports, Narrabeen, Sydney, NSW Australia. Contact www.aszk.org.au or eo@aszk.org.au International Primatological Society XXII Congress - August 3-8, 2008 - Edinburgh, Scotland. Online registration is now live. Please click on http:// www.ips2008.co.uk/Registration.html to register to attend this exciting congress. 2QQ8 AAZK^ational Conference - September 24- 28, 2008. Hosted by ther Utah AAZK Chapter and Utah’s Hogle Zoo. For more information watch for announcements in the AKF, on the AAZK website (www.aazk.org) or contact utahaazk@hoglezoo.org< Otter Keeper Workshop - October 9-12, 2008 - Hosted by the Oakland Zoo in Oakland, CA. The focus of the workshop will be North American river otters and Asian small-clawed otters. Keepers of other species are welcome to attend. Topics will include: captive management issues, enrichment, training, water quality, health care, nutrition, diet, hand- raising, exhibit design, lots of sharing of information between keepers. Registration deadline is February 15, 2008. Class size is limited to 20. For more information, contact David Hamilton- call 585-336- 2502 or emaildhamilton@monroecounty,gov< Seventh International Aquarium Congress - October 19-24, 2008 - To be held in Shanghai, China. The theme is “Progress & Conservation: The Role of Aquariums in Protecting the Aquatic Environment”. Main discussion sections include: Conservation and Education, Husbandry and Management, and Progress and Advances. For further information, please contact the lAC Secretariat Office: email - Secretariat@iac2008.cn Phone: 86-21-54065152; Fax 86-21-54065150. See the conference website at www.iac2008.cn Post Your Coming Events Here email to: akfeditor@zk.kscoxmaiLcom 46 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 35, No. 2 I9(if§ 4\§ 0IlViR§i 4§ THE 4MiDM4i Working in partnership with zoos and aquariums, MAZURI® PhD nutritionists develop industry leading products specifically for each species. From aardvarks to zebras, we work hard to give your animals the most of what they need. For more information on MAZtlRI* products-including nutritional analyses and research findings-visit www.mazuri.com or call 1-800-H27-8941 for the location of your nearest dealer. Because when it comes to great nutrition, we’re committed to the health and longevity of every animal. Matisri The Exotic Animal Feedii^ Resource www.mazuri.com Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 35, No. 2 47 Third Call For Papers & Posters Deadline for abstracts: 1 May 2008 Deadline for papers: 15 July 2008 Our guiding theme for the 2008 conference, “Elevating Animal Care”, will focus on concepts that highlight professionalism, creativity and initiative in the realm of conservation, education and animal husbandry. Animal care professionals from all related fields are encouraged to submit high quality, original topics for consideration. Abstracts will be accepted for three presentation types: • Papers Standard papers typically represent a summary of innovative techniques, achievements or approaches to animal care, welfare, conservation, education or research. Authors will be expected to give a 15 minute presentation on the relevance and practical application of their topic. • Posters Accepted posters will be displayed during the conference, therefore the topic should be suitable for visual presentation. Authors will discuss their work with conference delegates during the designated poster presentation session. • Workshops Workshops allow practical presentation and discussion of concepts relevant to animal care professionals. Workshop organizers should outline a list of group leaders, a summary of the theme &. significance, format of discussion, expected number of participants and length of workshop. Abstracts should be no longer than 300 words and should include in detail the significance of the topic being presented along with results, conclusions and benefits of the work described. Poorly written abstracts, those that do not contain proper information or do not otherwise meet submission criteria will not be considered. All abstracts should include the following information: • Full name of presenter & co-authors • Institution/Affiliation • Position or title • Title (specify paper, poster or workshop) • Short bio of yourself for introduction • A/V needs • Contact information, including email address Submit abstract by 1 May 2008 in Microsoft Word via email to utahaazk@hoglezoo.org. Authors will receive an email confirmation upon receipt of their abstract. Authors will then be notified regarding acceptance by 1 June 2008. All final and complete papers must be received by 15 July 2008 in order to be included in the program. For more information, please visit our website www.utahaazk.org You can also contact us at:tUtah Chapter AAZK 2600 Sunnyside Avenue Salt Lake City, UT. 84108 (801)584-1784 Email: utahaazk@hoglezoo.org 48 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 35, No. 2 A AZK Award Nominations Are Now Being Accepted for 2008 The AAZK Awards Committee is accepting nominations for the Lifetime Achievement Award (LA), the Lee Houts EnrkhmenLExc^Llence (LHEE) Award , T_h£_C£rtificate of Merit for Zookeeper Edcuation (CMZE). The Certificate of Excelknce in Exhibit Renovation (CEER), and the Mazuri Animal Nutrition Award (MANA). Nomination criteria for these five awards are listed below. These awards will be presented at the 2008 AAZK National Conference in Salt Lake City,UT. The NEW deadline for all award nominations is 1 May 2008. Information concerning the qualifications, nomination procedure, selection procedure and an explanation of the awards may be obtained by contacting Janet McCoy, Chair, AAZK Awards Committee, Oregon Zoo, 400 1 S. W. Canyon Rd., Portland, OR 97221; email - mccoyj@metro.dst.or.us< Award info is also available on the AAZK website (www.aazk.org) under “Committees” on left-hand menu bar. T.ifetime Achievement (T A) Award The American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. (AAZK) is the administering organization of the Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the AAZK Awards Committee. This award is to be given at the end (retirement) of a keeper’s carerer. The purpose of the award is to recognize outstanding commitment to professionalism as a zoo keeper over a long period of time, and significant contributions to the community. The Lifetime Achievement Award was established by the 1993 Awards Committee, Janet McCoy, Chair. Rachel Rogers proposed the award to the AAZK Board of Directors. The award is presented at the annual AAZK National Conference. 1. The nominee must be a full-time keeper retiring from a career of zoo keeping and employed in any North American zoological institution, aquarium or related facility. 2. The nominee must have been employed at least twenty years on permanent status at a zoo, aquarium or related facility. 3. The nominee must be nominated by two of his or her peers who have also been employed at that same zoo, aquarium or related facility. Supporting nominations may be submitted by management personnel from the same institution. Nomination Procedure: 1. List name, position, institution’s name, address, phone and Director, years of service in the field and the recommendation of peers or colleagues. 2. List and document outstanding achievements: exhibits, breeding, education, project participation, papers, etc. Verification of these facts must be signed by the zoo director, curator, or immediate supervisor of the individual being nominated. 3. Describe extra activities outside of zoo, aquarium or related facility work: working with conservation groups, animal related youth groups, rehabilitation wildlife officials, etc. 4. Paragraph of why the nominee fits the criteria. 5. Provide 3-5 references. 6. Deadline for nominations is MAY 1st of each year. Selection Procedure: The Awards Committee, consisting of five keepers, will independently review each nominee. Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 3J, No. 2 49 Lee Houts Enrichment Excellence (LHEE) Award The American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. (AAZK) is the administering organization of the Lee Houts Enrichment Excellence (LHEE) Award presented by the AAZK Awards Committee. The purpose of the award is to recognize outstanding keeper-initiated contributions to the art and science of environmental enrichment. It is hoped that recognition of outstanding efforts by keepers to improve animal care and welfare through environmental enrichment will provide incentive to keepers to continue to be leaders in this important endeavor. The Lee Houts Enrichment Excellence Award was established in 2001 by the AAZK Enrichment Committee. Lee Houts proposed the award to the AAZK Board of Directors. The award was renamed in Lee’s memory, and to honor her many contributions to the field of enrichment, following her death in 2005. The award is presented at the annual AAZK National Conference. Qualifications: 1 . The nominee may be an individual, group, project or program that has improved the well- being of an animal or group of animals through outstanding keeper-initiated enrichment techniques. 2. Nominees must have excelled in one or more of the following categories: -Innovative techniques developed, implemented and evaluated. -Creative fundraising efforts implemented which increased the availability of enrichment items fot staff to utilize. -Motivation of staff, volunteers and peers through development of an enrichment infrastructure that increased participation in in-house programs or disseminated information to the zoo community to advance the art and science of environmental enrichment. 3. The nominee must be nominated by a keeper. NominationProcedure; 1. List name of keeper(s) who initiated the enrichment, institution’s name, address, phone and Director. 2. List and document outstanding achievements in one or more of the categories listed under qualifications. Verification of these facts must be signed by the zoo director, curator, or immediate supervisor of the nominee. 3. The deadline for nominations is MAY 1st of each year. Selection Procedure: The Awards Committee, consisting of five keepers, will independently review each nominee. Award Nominations should be submitted to: Janet McCoy, Awards Chair, The Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Road, Portland, OR 97221. REMEMBER THE NEW DEADLINE FOR 2008 NOMINATIONS IS May 1st ! 50 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 35, No. 2 Certificate of Merit for Zookeeper Education (CMZE) The American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. (AAZK) is the administering organization of the Certificate of Merit for Zookeeper Education (CMZE) presented by the AAZK Awards Committee. The purpose of the award is to recognize individuals, institutions and organizations in the zoological community most actively promoting educational programs for zookeepers. Examples of such support are: reimbursements for formal education, keeper training courses and staff seminars. The CMZE was founded by Jeff Roberts, 1976-1978 CHAIR, in 1978, to compliment the work of the AAZK Education Committee that had been formed at that time. The award is presented at the annual AAZK National Conference. Qualifications; 1. Any staff individual, institution or organization from a North American zoo, aquarium or related facility is eligible. 2. The keeper training program must have been in existance for at least one (1) year. Nomination Procedure: 1. If you feel that your institution, organization or a staff individual merits such an award, please submit a letter of nomination which mentions specifically the educational programs that are offered. 2. Claims made should be backed up with documentation for the committee to review. 3. List the institution or organization’s name, address, phone and Director. 4. The deadline for nominations is MAY 1st of each year. Selection Procedure: The Awards Committee, consisting of five (5) keepers, will independently review each nominee. Certificate of Excellence in Exhibit Design Renovation (CEER) The American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. (AAZK) is the administering organization of the Certificate of Excellence in Exhibit Renovation (CEER) presented by the AAZK Awards Committee. The purpose of the award is to recognize institutions or organizations in the zoological community for the design and renovation of existing animal facilities which involved active keeper participation in the process. The CEER was established by Janet McCoy, 1990 CHAIR. Bill Whittaker proposed the award to the AAZK Board of Directors. The award is presented at the annual AAZK National Conference. Qualifications: 1. Any North American zoological institution or organization is eligible. 2. The renovated exhibit must be in full operation for at least two (2) years. 3. The exhibit must be nominated by a keeper at that same institution or organization. Supporting nominations may be submitted by management personnel from the same institution. Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 35, No. 2 51 Nomination Pro_ced_iir£: 1. List institution or organization’s name, address, phone and Director. 2. Document local awards or commendations for exhibit, drawings, 8X10 color photos - no slides (2 before and 8 after), and renovated exhibit type: single or multispecies, and size. 3. Document keeper participation in the design and why the existing facility was renovated. 4. Document interface with other zoo divisions; and maintenance of exhibit after completion. 5. The deadline for nominations is MAY 1st of each year. NOTE: Materials will not be returned. Selection Procedure: The Awards Committee, consisting of five (5) keepers, will independently review each nominee. Nominee Evaluation: The evaluation of each nomination is broken down into four categories based on the general guidelines outlined for the award. The four categories are: Keeper Involvement, Exhibit Functionality, Exhibit Management and Visitor Point of View/ Other Information. Items the committee is looking for are the following: A. KEEPER INVOLVEMENT: a) degree of keeper involvement with conceptual development of exhibit b) degree of keeper involvement with facilitation of completion of exhibit, (fundraising, promotion, assist with construction) c) contribution to educational experience (graphics, conservation message) d) originality - is it something new and different, or has it been tried before? B. EXHIBIT FUNCTIONALITY: a) versatility - indoor/outdoor, four seasons, protection from elements b) accommodates and encourages animal’s natural behavior - climbing structures, land area, height, water c) hard (gunite, concrete) vs soft (grass, dirt) environments - as to animal needs d) sight lines valuable to animal as well as visitor - important to some animals (polar bear, chimps) e) physical and visual barriers for animal’s use, animal safety f) flexible entrance/exits (hoofstock - more than one entrance) g) ability to exhibit natural social grouping h) breeding success C. EXHIBIT MANAGEMENT: a) how management of exhibit interfaces with other zoo divisions (grounds, maintenance - simple repair, paint) b) keeper serviceability, overall maintenance of exhibit and surroundings c) adequate drains and properly located d) quality and versatily of holding areas - ease of separating animals, moving, breeding, sick e) keeper sight lines - can you see animal when they come into holding or when shifting them between areas, keeper safety 52 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 35, No. 2 f) ease of providing time change items (browse, logs, feed, novel objects) g) environmental control (ease of seasonal adjustments - ventilation, heat) D. VISITOR POINT OF VIEW/OTHER INFORMATION: a) educational experience (conservation message) b) immediate and sustained viewer interest c) sight lines - not see doors, drains, fencing - does it have esthetics d) bonus point - local awards, commendation, “wow” factor e) include anything else pertinent to the renovated exhibit that you think is important Mazuri Animal Nutrition Award (MANA) The American Assocition of Zoo Keepers, Inc. (AAZK) is the administering organization of the Mazuri Animal Nutrition Award (MANA) presented by the AAZK Awards Committee. The purpose of this award is to recognize individuals in the zoological community who have been actively involved in projects/studies/research concerning zoo/aquarium nutrition. The award will carry a cash award of $500.00 funded by the Mazuri® Foods Division. The MANA was established in 2005. Mazuri proposed the award to the AAZK Board of Directors. Bruce Elkins, Curator of Waters at the Indianapolis Zoo, and Heidi Bissel, nutritionist at the Memphis Zoo, assisted in the development of the judging criteria for this award. The award is presented at the annual AAZK National Conference. Qualifications: 1. The nominee must be a full-time keeper/aquarist in any North American zoological institution or aquarium who has been actively involved in projects/studies/research concerning zoo/aquarium nutrition. 2. The award candidate shall be a professional member of AAZK. 3. Supporting nominations may be submitted by management personnel from the same institution. Nomination Procedure: 1. List name, position, institution’s name, address, phone and Director. 2. List and document keeper/aquarist project initiation and design, research, project involvement, and usage of new nutritional information. Verification of these facts must be signed by the zoo director, curator, or immediate supervisor of the individual being nominated. 3. The deadline for nomination is MAY 1st of each year. Selection Procedure; The Awards Committee, consisting of five keepers, will independently review each nominee. The character of the AAZK awards includes either a plaque or certificate, letter of notification to the institution’s director and national recognition by professional journals. Such journals include: the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) and the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) Newsletters and Animal Keepers’ Forum (AAZK). Award recipients are also posted on the AAZK website (www.aazk.org). Some categories may include monetary awards. Next month we will include information on making nominations for the Jean M. Hromadka AAZK Excellence in Animal Cure Award, The Lutz Ruhe Menfo»“^ous Achievement - AAZK Professional of the Year Award and The AAZK Chapter of the Year Award. Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 35, No. 2 53 ANIMAL KEEPERS’ FORUM Special Dedicated Issue on Crisis Management in Zoos Noyember/December 2007 The Journal of the ZimerJcan Association of Zoo Keepei-s, Inc. NOW AVAILABLE Crisis Management in Zoos Special 136-page issue of Animal Keepers^ Forum dedicated to Crisis Management in Zoos. This special issue contains papers designed to help animal-care facilities supplement their own crisis management protocols and provide information on how various plans have worked at other facilities. Table of Contents Acknowledgements - Susan D. Chan, Managing Editor, Animal Keepers ’Forum • Preface - Ed Hansen, Executive Director, AAZK, Inc. • Forward Kris Vehrs, Executive Director, Association of Zoos & Aquariums • Introduction - W.K. Baker, Jr., Director, Abilene Zoological Gardens, Abilene, TX • Crisis Management Planning in Zoological Institutions - Geoff Underwood, Stirling, South Australia • Disease Risk Communication and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza - Robyn Barbiers, D. V.M., Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL • Developing a Weapons Team for Dangerous Animal Emergencies: Organization and Training. - Norm Piwonka, Departmental Technical Analyst and Ken Kaemmerer, Curator of Mammals, Dallas Zoo, Dallas, TX • Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? Dealing with a long-term, high-profile animal escape - Jennifer Barnett, Director of Wildlife Management, Binder Park Zoo, Battle Creek, MI • Chemical Restraint of Exotic Animals in an Emergency Situation. - Marilynn M. Baeyens, DVM, Veterinarian, Little Rock Zoo, Little Rock, AR • The Veterinary Role as First Responders to a Medical Emergency in a Crisis Management Situation. - W.K Baker, Jr, Director, Abilene Zoological Gardens, Abilene, TX • Critical Incident Stress Management: A Proven Tool for Addressing Staff Needs After a Traumatic Event - Lisa Fitzgerald and Gary Sanchez, Dallas Zoo, Dallas, TX and Jay Pratte, Zoo Atlanta, Atlanta, GA • Developing a Program for Dangerous Animal Emergencies: Procedures for Animal Escape, Unauthorized Person in with Dangerous Animals, and Unified Command System - Ken Kaemmerer, Curator of Mammals, and Norm Piwonka, Departmental Technical Analyst, Dallas Zoo, Dallas, TX • Dive Safety in Zoos and Aquariums - Gil Falcone, Senior Dive Safety Officer, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA • Wildlfire! One Facility’s Response and Lessons Learned - Chuck Brinkman IV, Professor, Moorpark College, the Staff of America ’s Teaching Zoo and the Students from the Classes of 2004 and 2005 • Keep Commmunication Equipment Powered in an Emergency, Part IWhat to Put in Your Emergency Power Kit - Thomas Shaddack, TechSoup.com • Keep Commmunication Equipment Powered in an Emergency, Part 2 How to Convert Your Devices to Run Off Batteries - Thomas Shaddack, TechSoup.com • The Terrorist Threat to Zoological Institutions - W.K. Baker, Jr, Director, Abilene Zoological Gardens, Abilene, TX and Commander WS. Graves, U.S. Navy, Retired • Hurricane Preparedness: Lessons Learned from Hurricane Katrina - Elizabeth E. Hammond, DVM, Lion Country Safari, Loxahatchee, FL and Daniel K. Maloney, General Curator/Life Sciences, Zoos Victoria, Parkville, VIC, Australia * Training Dangerous Animals Safely is No Accident - Gary M. Priest, Curator-Applied Animal Behavior, San Diego Zoo/San Diego Wild Animal Park/ Zoological Society of San Diego, San Diego, CA • Firearms Use and Training in AZA Institutions - Dan Beetem, Director of Animal Management, The Wilds, Cumberland, OH • Aspects of a Safety Program for Zoos and Aquarium Facilities in the United States - Ed Hansen, Risk Management Coordinator, City of Tucson, Tucson, AZ 54 Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 35, No. 2 Crisis Management in Zoos Order Form (Please type or print clearly) I wish to order copy (ies) of the Crisis Management in Zoos dedicated issue of Animal Keepers ^ Forum. AAZK Member $25.00 Non-Member $50.00 #copies X price $ Price includes Domestic media rate postage and Canadian airmail postage. Total for Order $ Name. Address Apt. #_ City. State/Province Zip/Postal Code. Country. Payment Options: check enclosed Mastercard. (checks payable to AAZK, Inc. U.S. Funds ONLY) VISA Credit Card # Exp. Date Name on Credit Card Signature Phone # Email (please print clearly) Mail completed Order Form and payment or authorization to: AAZK, Inc., 3601 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka, Kansas 66614-2054 USA ATTN: CMZ Order. North American phone orders using a Mastercard or VISA credit card may be placed by calling 785-273- 9149/ Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 35, No. 2 55 EO Editor - Rachel Daneault, Disney s Animal Kingdom A Challenge: Aquatic and Herptile Enrichment By Tammy Root, Senior Aquarist Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis, IN Sometimes coming up with aquatic and herptile enrichment can be difficult. However, thanks to a great roundtable discussion at the Lincoln Park Conference in 2006, we came up with some great ideas. First, we had to identify our goals: **** How to get the most “bang for your buck” How to make staff understand that these animals need enrichment Second, we had to discuss the challenges: Sometimes these animals are offered too much too soon, which can pose a health threat and/or be too much stress. Can be difficult to come up with naturalistic items for aquatics *1^ At times, we are limited to what items we can use Training can be done, but can be challenging ♦t* Having the time to provide enrichment Lastly, the group came up with several solutions and ideas to help our critters out: Exhibit item enrichment- *** Mirrors ♦t* Changes of light cycle Changes of decor *X* Random addition of novel items (shells, plants, rocks) Various substrates Novel shift areas ♦t* Tanks or exercise areas, enrichment playgrounds Addition or removal of water features (misting, shallow pools, etc) Addition or removal of perching *** Cover (plants,Jiide boxes, caves from rocks) *1* Cardboard exploration tubes ♦t* Water and temperature changes 56 Animal Keepers ’ Eorum, Vol. 35, No. 2 Exhibit feeding enrichment- ♦♦♦ Feed different times/day *1* Feed different plaees Add currents during feed Insect dispensers ♦♦♦ Variety of insect prey ♦♦♦ Live prey (goldfish, feeder fish, insects) ♦t* Browse P VC/cardboard treat tubes Cricket/fruit fly feeders Training enrichment- Change swim patterns ♦t* Move from A to B ♦t* Station training Shift training <♦ Stretcher training ♦t* Leash training (iguanas) Olfactory enrichment- ♦t* Banana peels Scent items for reptiles and amphibians Sunken treasures ♦t* Mammal hair, wool, fur Bird nests, feathers Items scented by other animals Auditory enrichment- Recordings of insects, birds, frogs, baby sounds *1* Running water Novel/Social enrichment- Snake sheds ♦♦♦ Rotation of animals, homes *X* Training Mirrors O o o O (Ideas appearing in this column have not necessarily been tested by the editors for safety considerations. Always think ahead and use good judgement when trying new ideas. You are invited to submit material for the Enrichment Options Column. Look in the January 2004 issue of AKF for guidelines for articles acceptable for this column ’s format or contact the editor at akfeditor@zk.kscoxmail.com for a copy of the guidelines. Drawings and photos of enrichment are encouraged. Send to: AKF/Enrichment, 3601 SfV 29th St., Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614-2054, USA. Eds.) Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 35, No. 2 57 The Visibility-Activity Project: Viewing Our Animals Through Our Visitors’ Eyes By Rosalie Rust, Ungulate Keeper Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis, MO Introduction Have you ever walked by a habitat at your zoo and overheard a visitor comment, “Where are all the animals?” or “These animals are boring; they don’t do anything!” Although it is easy to get defensive about these disheartening comments, they can help us realize how our habitats sometimes look through our visitor’s eyes. Even though we may not think of our zoos as being businesses, visitor satisfaction can make an impact on the fiscal health of a zoo. Visitors who are happy with their experiences will likely visit more often, spend more money, and perhaps be more likely to support the conservation programs of the zoo. In this spirit, the Saint Louis Zoo’s management team determined in 2005 that it would be valuable to quantify our visitors’ experiences in a new way. Previous visitor surveys and animal visibility observations had been done by volunteers; however this information was sometimes difficult to interpret and more detailed information was desired. We wished to find a measurable way to evaluate our habitats and animals the way that visitors do. How can we match the visitors’ zoo experiences with their expectations? To achieve this goal, the Antelope Area keeper staff took on the objective to develop and implement a system to assess the quality of our habitats with respect to how visible and active the animals are from the visitor perspective. Developing the Visibility-Activity System The Antelope Area team discussed possible ways to measure visitor satisfaction. We assumed two things. First, to a visitor, a visible animal - one that is present and tangible - is preferred to one that is partly or entirely out of view. If animals are out of view, there is no way for visitors to enjoy them. To the visitor, the reason for the animal being out of view is unimportant; the visitor expects to see animals while visiting the zoo, and when animals are not visible it detracts from their overall experience. Even animals in view may be missed by visitors if the animals have a tendency to hide or if visitors don’t spend enough time looking for them. Secondly, an active animal is preferred to a sedentary one. Visitors gasp in amazement when our Somali wild asses {Equus asinus somaliensis) or Grevy’s Zebras {Equus grevyi) are galloping through their habitats. On the other hand, I have heard visitors comment on our “lazy” or “boring” kangaroos {Megaleia rufa) which tend to be fairly sedentary. (See Figures 1 and 2) In order to address these issues, we developed a system to track our animals’ visibility and their activity. We observed each species one time a day. The keepers assigned each species in a habitat a Visibility-Activity Rank, and record that value on an easy-to-carry clipboard, 58 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 35, No. 2 Figure 1. (Photo by John Kelly) during their routine animal checks at 1 000, 1 200 or 1 500 hrs; the observation times were scheduled on a rotating basis. The animals were ranked between 0-4 based on predetermined criteria which took into account how visible they were from the viewing area, their location within the habitat and their activity within the habitat. (See Figure 3.) Figure 2. (Photo by John Kelly) Figure 3. Example of Visibility Activity Ranks Rank Description 0 No animals are visible, visitor has no way to see the animal in habitat 1 Animal is partially obscured or visible from only 1 angle. 2 Animal is visible in habitat in the moat or back of yard. 3 Animal is visible in center of yard but is sedentary. 4 Animal is visible in center of yard and is active. The data collected was entered into in a Microsoft Excel® spreadsheet. The average rank was determined for each species for each three-month period, as well as a year end average by using formulas already built into Excel. At the year end, we determined the percentage of our animals’ numerical scores that fell into the upper, middle and lower ranks. The Zoo management team felt this approach was a good one, and the following year it was implemented in all animal departments Zoo-wide. Implementing a Visibility-Activity Assessment Project at Your Zoo Why would you want to take the time and energy to implement a project like this at your zoo? One answer would be to take advantage of information which can be gleaned from this type of data. As mentioned above, this can be a good method to evaluate visitor satisfaction. However, there is a wide range of other uses as well, and the parameters of the project can be changed easily to fit these other needs. Evaluating Animal Health Many geriatric animals require additional care and close attention to insure that they remain healthy and strong. The data analyzed from the Visibility and Activity Project can be helpful in monitoring the behavior and activity levels of our older animals, or any animals with health concerns. If any changes occur in an animal’s activity' this data can help us to quantify that change. In order to do so, the keepers expand the number of times observations are done. Additionally, they record the specific activity the animal was doing at that time. A chart is created to show how each animal is spending its time, essentially an activity budget. If any changes occur in its activity, the activity budget will Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. JS, No. 2 59 reflect those changes. Our keepers will continue to monitor the health of our elderly animals in this way. Animal Care Animal care is the most important part of our jobs as zookeepers. The data analyzed from the Visibility-Activity Assessment provides us with valuable information when making animal-care related decisions. Knowing, quantitatively, the times of day an animal is most and least active, and the habitat-mates with which an animal interacts, aids us in assessing the success of new ideas we implement with regards to animal behavior, mixed-species habitats, and modifications to animal habitats, just to name a few. If challenges are present, solutions can be developed. By tracking changes using visibility-activity assessment after the implementation of a new idea, we can identify which changes most positively impact our animal care. Our animals’ responses to different types of enrichment may also be monitored by adopting this project. For instance, if an enrichment fixture is installed in the animals’ habitat, an increase in activity and visibility following its placement would indicate that it successfully achieved its goal. However, if enrichment was given and no change is seen, it had little or no affect in increasing the natural behaviors in that animal. This project can then be used to evaluate different types of enrichment quantitatively. Evaluation by the Management Team Visibility-Activity Assessment can help the management team at your zoo as well. We find this data can be helpful in making decisions related to collection and strategic planning. The data also helps us with decisions to transfer animals to a different habitat or consider a mixed species habitat to incorporate species that have lower ranks with more prominent species. This data can, also be kept in the back of zoo managers’ minds for uses when designing new animal habitats. Topography of the yard, activity level of the species, and denseness of the plantings all play a role in how visibly accessible the animals are to visitors. Designing Your Visibility Activity Project The actual implementation of your project should be fairly easy. It is helpful, but not necessary, to have a single individual coordinate the project for your unit, and experience working with Excel or a similar spreadsheet program is beneficial. An initial meeting with your unit or supervisor can help you determine which animals you will be evaluating, how often and at what times data will be collected and recorded, who is responsible for assessing the animals, and who is responsible for recording the data, etc. You will also want to define your own Visibility Activity Ranks. In certain settings, especially smaller habitats, an animal may almost always be visible, however, there may be ways in which you can increase its activity, or promote the animal’s natural behaviors. The Visibility Activity Ranks should be tailored to your animals, habitat type and type of information you would like to glean. One thing that should be stressed in this meeting is that you should be trying to look at your animals in the way your visitors do. You will likely know where the animals are in your habitats. Thinking about it in a fresh way, you may realize that they might be difficult for the average person to spot. Once a plan of action has been created, you can set up your spreadsheet file. The first column of the spreadsheet lists all the species you are evaluating; dates and times of evaluation are along the top rows. By minimizing the size of each cell, a scaled down version of the sheet is printed for the keepers to fill in as they do the daily observations of the animals. Because an entire year of data typically will not fit into a single Excel spreadsheet, you may want to have separate spreadsheets for every 3 or 6 months. These can be kept in the same spreadsheet file. (See Figure 4.) 60 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 35, No. 2 Figure 4. Example of an Excel® worksheet in which data is entered. 1 -Jan-2006 2-Jan-2006 3-Jan.2006 4-Jan-2006 5-Jan-2006 1000 Hrs 1200 Hrs 1500 Hrs 1000 Hrs 1200 Hrs Speke's Gazelles (Gazella spekei) 3 2 3 4 4 Grevy's Zebras (Equus ^revyi) 4 3 3 4 4 Somali Wild Asses (Equus asinus somaliensis) 2 3 4 4 4 Addax (Addax nasomaculatus) 3 3 3 4 3 Banteng (Bos javanicus) 3 2 3 3 2 Giraffe {Giraffa Camelopardalis) 4 4 4 4 4 Steenbok (Raphicerus campestris) 2 1 0 4 3 Once all of the data is entered into the spreadsheet, analysis can be done. Averages can be figured for any period of dates. We evaluated the data for two time periods separately: Data from our summer peak season and data from the entire year. Once averages were calculated, data was sorted from highest to lowest ranked species. The animals were then placed into categories depending on the value of their average Visibility-Activity Ranks. Percentages of the species which fell into each category were calculated. These percentages could then be represented as a pie or bar chart. (See Figure 5) Figure 5. Example of analysis and graph for example data above. Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 35, No. 2 61 Of course, if you are familiar with statistics, you will know that this is an easy, but rough, way of looking at this data. Averages have given us enough information for our purposes, such as simple comparisons. For more precision, as well as gleaning information for publication, other statistical tests might be used. Once the data is collected, a variety of different statistical tools are available. An ANCOVA test could be used to compare scores and see if any are significantly different. Also, a BACI analysis could be used to see if there have been changes to the Visibility-Activity Ranks after a specifie event, such as an installation of an enrichment item. Software is also available now which make these tests easier, such as JMR For more information on statistical tests, the text Biometry (Sokal and Rohlf, 1994) is recommended. Conclusion The Visibility-Activity Assessment project will provide you with numerical data to assess your habitats and you may also learn new things about your animals. We did! It is fairly easy and does not require a lot of extra time or energy. We hope your zoo will benefit from your own Visibility- Activity Assessment project! Definitions Spreadsheet A software tool for easily managing data Cell A single block inside the spreadsheet, it can contain text or number's. Formula Tells the program to automatically calculate information you need. Visibility-Activity Predetennined by your unit, it lets you place your animals’ activities Rank into defined categories. Address Each cell has an address which is am combination of letters and numbers, this can be referred to in a formula. References Sokal, R.R., Rohlf, F.J., 1994. Biometry. W.H. Freeman. 880 pgs. 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. It’s all part of AAZK’s continuing push to be more “green” in our administration. Thanks in advance for helping us achieve this cost-cutting goal. 62 Animal Keepers’ Forum, VoL 35, No. 2 Bowling for Rhinos 2008 {Feel free to photocopy this form to submit to Patty Pearthree) It’s time to start planning for “Bowling For Rhinos 2008”. Please send in your information ASAP. There is a $25 administrative fee for each event. Send check made out to AAZK, Inc. to Patty Pearthree, c/o BFR, 318 Montibello Dr., Cary, NC 27513. Remember, if you want to be eligible to win any of the trips being offered, all money must be sent to Patty Pearthree by 1 September 2008 and you must be a national AAZK member in good standing to qualify. If bowling isn’t your thing, try “Rock’n for Rhinos”, “Run For Rhinos” or send a Chapter or individual donation. Every penny counts toward saving rhinos worldwide! Questions? (919) 678-0449 or ppear3@pear3.org website: http://aazkbfr.org Please Print Clearly Contact person: Zoo/Organization: Address: City:^ State/Province: Zip/Postal Code: Phone: Day- Night- Email: Will you be hosting a Bowling for Rhinos Event this year? YES NO When? Where? How many Sponsor Forms do you anticipate needing? If you like sample BFR letters/flyers/posters, they are available at the BFR website - http://aazkbfr.org Mail to: Patty Pearthree c/o Bowling for Rhinos 318 Montibello Dr. Cary, NC 27513 Questions? (919) 678-0449 ppear3@pear3.org website: http://aazkbfr.org Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 35, No. 2 63 You've Heard About It! You've been looking for it! Here it is! Keeper Prof Hes - The hilarious DVD that combines the original film clips that dissect the personalities of your fellow keepers with outakes and other footage. Produced by the Southern Ontario AAZK Chapter, all profits from the sale of this DVD go to support AAZK, Inc. and its projects and programs. $15.00 U.S. and Canada (includes shipping and handling) $17.00 International (includes shipping and handling) Order from the AAZK website at www.aazk.org (under New Merchandise) OR purchase with Visa or Mastercard by calling the AAZK Administrative Offices at 785-273-9149. 64 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 35, No. 2 Notes from the Field SRI LANKA - an Earthwatch Odyssey By Linda Reifschneider, Docent Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis, MO Had anyone told me in October 2004 that a trip to Sri Lanka was in my future, I would have just grinned, shook my head and said ‘don’t think so’. However, I do a fair amount of my traveling through Earthwatch Institute and a month later during a conversation with my contact there, I mention that Earthwatch really needs to be funding at least one Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) project in view of how dramatically this species’ population is dropping in numbers. I was both surprised and delighted when she responded that one was in the pipeline in Sri Lanka. Then in December, at an International Elephant Foundation symposium in Texas, I met Ravi Corea, President of the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society. He told me I needed to see elephants in Sri Lanka and I told him, 1 was in fact going to be doing just that as Earthwatch had a new project in the pipeline. I still smile when I remember the look on his face as he asked, “What do you know about MY project?’’ When the project is finally announced in July 2005 I make sure I am the first to sign up for the first team. Since I have participated in several Earthwatch projects, I figure I might be able to offer some constructive advice as the first team takes place. I have been laughing at myself for that thought since Day One of Sri Lanka’s Elephants & Elusive Leopards because this is a well-organized project with excellent staff The rendezvous location at Ranweli Holiday Village is worth a couple of days on the excuse of needing to recuperate from the international flights. This is an eco-friendly resort offering many activities and excellent meals with a wonderful ocean backdrop. (Just don’t expect much luck in getting an Internet connection!) The drive from Ranweli to our research camp at Wasgamuwa provides an excellent opportunity to become familiar with the countryside in which we will be working and includes a truly delightful lunch stop. With an elephant population of around 4,000 to 5,000 and a human population now over 2 1 ,000,000 in a country the size of West Virginia, it is easy to see how human/elephant conflict (HEC) is becoming an ever more serious issue.. .for both the elephants and the people. Among other activities, we helped monitor the electric fences installed around two villages to keep elephants out of the villagers’ paddies as well as homes, visited with people who have recently experienced crop or home damage by raiding elephants, and did transects to establish use of areas by elephants. While always on the look-out for signs of leopard presence when out in the field, our most direct activity was helping to set up and then monitor a camera trap, which is a vital tool when dealing with these very elusive creatures. Our camp is quite comfortable and 1 personally give a six-star rating to any place I stay that offers open-to-the-stars showers! A nice diversity of trees allows us to improve our flora knowledge as well as seeing the source of some of the fresh ingredients in our meals, which are simply delightful. Sri Lankan cuisine is wonderful. With teammates from several different countries, you know the food is good when everyone eats heartily! I am still trying to figure out some of the card games I participated in after dinner. All I know for sure is we had a very good time. Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 35, No. 2 65 A typical day would begin with breakfast offering both traditional and western foods and by 7:30 a.m., we would be off in small groups of three or four volunteers with two or more staff members to do our particular activity for that day. One day we would monitor the electric fence, checking for any downed posts or broken wires or places where brush needed clearing. These were always good walks, usually offering chances to get our feet wet and to see the rural people at work in their paddies and the children returning home from school. Another day our monitoring session ended with the path coming to a big round log “bridge” that the staff people nonchalantly crossed. We had a choice: walk the log, which was about eight feet above the ground, or traipse down the hill, wade the creek and climb up the other side. Was it the feeling of one foot on the rounded log or the fact that a group of some dozen or so people was gathered at the bus stop nearby watching, that made me opt to traipse, wade and climb? Somehow, I just could not bear the thought of possibly ending up crawling across that log to such an audience. I am sure they would have laughed with, not at, me... but 1 also feared at that point, I would have giggled myself right off the log! Another day we would either bike or drive to local villages where visitors would show us crops damaged by raiding elephants the night before. This is a true learning experience, as even when the damage was minimal (to us) we had to realize that the loss of just a few plants meant less dinner on the table for that family. I totally flunked my first biodiversity expedition (the late afternoon birding expedition) when two elephants crossed the readjust before the lake and then settled in with two more elephants on the far side of the lake for their evening bath. While 1 did spot one feathered beauty for the group, the elephants bobbing and spraying in the water kept demanding my eyes’ attention. On our day off, small groups fanned out to visit various nearby sites. 1 headed for Kandy and a beautiful drive through the Knuckles Mountains. Those who may want to see more of Sri Lanka while there should definitely get in contact with Escape Tourism, the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society’s travel arm. They put together an itinerary perfect both as to what I wanted to see and spend. We each spent two nights in the tree platform, high up out of the reach of any elephant trunk. This is how the farmers spend many nights guarding their crops from raiding elephants. Although the harvest was over and no elephants came our way, waking to see the young children heading down the road to school... the same road the elephants crossed the afternoon of my first biodiversity outing... brought home just how important it is that safe ways of living together must be found, for people and elephants. Our road transects in Wasgamuwa National Park turned us into elephant poop experts. We counted and aged dung piles in an effort to track the movement of the elephants through the park. This also was a day of real ‘safari’ as we stayed alert for sightings of leopard, sloth bear, spotted deer and other inhabitants as well as Asian elephants. A picnic lunch at the river with a chance to enjoy the cool water made this a very popular workday for all volunteers. When I think of Sri Lanka, 1 will always remember the rice harvesting which was just finishing as we arrived. Tractors rigged with what to us looked like a big table fan working in the fields and later hauling not only crops but also people up and down the rural roads. Sri Lankan farming depends largely on irrigation and the rural people use these irrigation waterways for bathing as well. As we’d be heading home from a long day and anticipating that wonderful shower under the stars (or maybe still the sunshine!), our neighbors would be finishing their bathing, already be free of the day’s sweat and grime and the children would wave and send splashes our way. 66 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 35, No. 2 Sri Lankan Photo Album Above right: Elephants along the road in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife park. At left: The author, Ravi and Chandeep (also SLWCS staff) riding in Habarana. A popular mode of transport in rural Sri Lanka: paddy thrashing machine pulling a wagon. ..can be loaded with supplies, crops and your family! Part of our Earthwatch team with SLWCS staff interviewing a family who reported crop damage by elephants the day before. and the author enjoy thambili, a coconut-like fruit with a pleasant liquid and thin coating of sweet fiber... the “Pepsi” of rural Sri Lanka. Measuring and “aging” elephant dung piles to track the animals’ movements. Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 35, No. 2 67 Elephant conservation is what drives most of my travel destinations. However, I always come home counting the blessings of new friends and an understanding of, to me, a culture and way of life to which I possibly would have never been introduced. Through the Earthwatch projects I participate in, I am learning just how big and wonderful this world is. An additional week of travel visiting wonderful places such as Yala National Park and Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, confirmed that Sri Lanka is truly a jewel: a beautiful country, lovely and friendly people and an exciting diversity of wildlife with a healthy and easily visible elephant population. The issues addressed in this project are serious. Dead serious for too many people and elephants each year. As the Asian elephant population continues to decline, research and efforts to reduce HEC are of utmost importance. Sri Lanka’s Elephants & Elusive Leopards is an exquisite opportunity to learn, to help and to care. ..about these majestic giants and the people who must share their land with them. Give Sri Lanka’s Elephants & Elusive Leopards a good look and please feel free to contact me at lwreifschneider@sbcglobal.net if you want to visit further about Sri Lanka’s elephants. Additional websites are Earthwatch Institute: www.earthwatchinstitute.org. Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society: www.slwcs.org and Escape Tourism: www.escapetourism.com< (About the author: Linda Reifschneider is a docent at the Saint Louis Zoo and attended the Riddles International School for Elephant Management in 2003. She travels regularly to Thailand as a volunteer and supporter of Elephant Nature Park and participates both as a field representative of and active participant in conservation-related projects (most elephant and rhino related) sponsored by Earthwatch Institute.) Sri Lanka’s burgeoning population often puts humans and elephants in conflict as seen above as a large elephant steps onto the road used by the local people. All photos provided by the author. 68 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 35, No. 2 Assisted Rearing of Infant Mandrill {Mandrillus sphinx) By Sabrina Giannetto, Mammal Keeper Tracy Williams, Supervisor of Mammals Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens, Jacksonville, FL The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has housed mandrills since the late 1930’s. The most recent breeding male, Mayumba, was bom in Jacksonville in August of 1990. Two females, Tammie and Deanna, arrived in August of 1999 with the goal of fulfilling an SSP recommendation to breed Deanna and Mayumba. Deanna had a history of poor socialization which was cause for concern. She was bom in November of 1995 and was peer-reared with another female mandrill of similar age, but did not have contact with any other mandrills until she was one and a half years of age. Abnormal social interactions had been regularly observed at her previous institution. Upon introduction to her new group at Jacksonville, it was evident that she was socially challenged. Deanna was the most subordinate individual, engaged in self-plucking, and always seemed to be on the outskirts of the group. The keeper staff was concerned that if Deanna ever had an infant of her own, it too would have to be hand-reared. In an attempt to encourage proper maternal skills in Deanna, Tammie and Mayumba were allowed to breed and produced a male offspring in March of 2002. This birth brought the group size to 2.2. We anticipated that Deanna would learn by watching Tammie take care of her infant. Deanna’s genetic importance to the SSP® population led to the decision to breed her, despite continued concerns about her social and maternal skills. Deanna was taken off contraceptives in 2003, yet she did not become pregnant despite regularly observed estrous cycles and copulation with Mayumba. By 2006, the staff began to worry that Deanna may be physically non-reproductive. In July of 2006, she was immobilized for a reproductive assessment, including a hysterosalpingogram. The specialists conducting the examination stated that the hysterosalpingogram usually increases fertility in humans for a few months following the procedure. Deanna did not go into estrous; indicating that she had became pregnant immediately following the procedure. On 12 January 2007 at 2215hrs, Deanna gave birth to her first offspring, a female. The infant, later named Mandisa, appeared healthy and alert. Deanna cleaned the infant initially and was very responsive to it. She did not, however, hold or nurse it. When the infant cried, Deanna would respond by sitting on, pressing, or squeezing it until the crying stopped. At 1600hrs on 13 January 2007, the baby was pulled from Deanna for bottle-feeding due to concerns for the infant’s health and safety. A physical exam at the hospital revealed bruising on Mandisa’s head, chin, eyelid, legs, and toe, at least three bite wounds, and numerous cuts and scratches. It is believed that these wounds were unintentionally inflicted by Deanna. Mandisa was kept in an incubator and had around the clock care by the hospital staff She was fed human infant formula, Similac® with iron. Animal Keepers' Forum, Vol. 35, No. 2 69 Our staff was determined to stop the hand-rearing cycle and produce a socially competent mandrill. With hopes of reintroducing the infant to Deanna, metaclopramide hydrochloride was used to continue lactation. At the same time, potential surrogates were being identified at Jacksonville Zoo and other facilities. On 15 January, Mandisa was taken back to the exhibit to visit the other mandrills. A keeper held her near the enclosure and allowed both Tammie and Deanna to observe. Although Tammie, a potential surrogate, showed no interest in Mandisa, Deanna made it clear that she wanted the infant back. She displayed aggression toward the keeper holding the infant and affiliative behavior toward the infant when it was placed alone on a blanket near the enclosure. Deanna paced along the caging and reached through trying to get to the infant, which was out of her reach. When a keeper approached to retrieve the infant, she again threatened the keeper. This strong interest and protective demeanor toward the infant lead to the decision to give Deanna another chance at raising the infant, starting the next day. On 16 January, Deanna was immobilized for treatment of physical trauma that had occurred during delivery. Staff members felt that this would be an opportune time to put the infant back with her mother. Mandisa was placed on Deanna during the procedure and encouraged to nurse. The infant was left with Deanna as she woke up from anesthesia and staff began around the clock observations. After her recovery, Deanna was very attentive toward the infant; however she still did not carry or nurse her. She responded to the infant’s cries, but in the same way as observed the night of the birth. Although it appeared that Deanna was only trying to comfort the crying infant, staff was bothered by the amount of weight Deanna was placing on Mandisa. By the second day, her response to the infant’s crying changed. She would still apply pressure and press on her body, but it was immediately followed by grooming. This would then calm them both. Over the next few days Deanna began applying pressure to the infant’s body less frequently until the behavior ceased completely on its own. At the time of reintroduction, Mandisa was surprisingly strong and mobile for a four-day-old infant. She had become very tractable due to human contact during her stay at the hospital, and this allowed keepers to continue bottle feedings without separating her from her mother. Deanna was offered a bottle of juice by one keeper while the infant was offered her bottle of formula by another keeper. This worked well for us and within a few days it became a one keeper job. Deanna still was not carrying the infant, but was always close to her. By the second day, 18 January, Deanna began carrying the infant around on her belly. No nursing had been observed yet, so the baby was still getting bottles six times a day and drinking about 40-45 ml of formula at each feeding. On 22 January, keepers observed nursing for the first time and Mandisa began rejecting bottle feedings on the 24 January. In the following days, keepers observed regular nursing and Mandisa would only sporadically consume formula offered by keepers. Bottle feedings were decreased by one per day until 2 February. From that point on, Mandisa was completely in the care of her mother with absolutely no assistance from keeper staff. 70 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 35, No. 2 Deanna and Mandisa Photo by Shannon McGrew This is the first time, to our knowledge, that this method of reintroduction and assisted rearing has been used in mandrills or similar species. Our goal was to insure the survival of this particular infant and at the same time stop the potential multi-generational hand-rearing cycle. The experience has allowed Deanna to develop maternal skills that she lacked before and also improved her social status in the group. We are confident that both Deanna and Mandisa will be able to successfully raise their own offspring in the future because of the time and effort invested by their caretakers during this phase of their lives. ATTENTION PHOTOGRAPHERS ! ! We would like to begin putting together a library of photographs to be utilized in Animal Keepers ’Forum either as an occasional four-color cover or in conjunction with material inside the journal. We plan to gather this photo library electronically in jpg or tif formats. Past President Denise Wagner will be gathering and organizing this photo archive and photographers interested in submitting photos should send them to her at denise.wagner@.aazk.org< Photos should be high resolution and in either jpg or tif format. When sending, please include common and scientific name of species featured in photo. Each photo must be accompanied by a Photo Release Form that is available on the AAZK website. You may submit the form electronically to Denise or print it out, obtain required signatures and send by regular mail to Susan Chan, AAZK, Inc., 3601 SW 29“’ St., Suite 133, Topeka, KS 66614-2054 Attn: photo release. AAZK, Inc. does not pay for photographs, but will give appropriate photo credit to individual photographers and/or institutions whenever a photo is utilized and a copy of the AKF issue in which the photograph appears will be sent to the photographer. Chinese Police Dog May Teach Pandas to Fight Scientists in China may use a police dog to teach pandas to fight after the first artificially bred panda released into the wild was apparently killed after a battle with other animals. The world’s first artificially bred panda to be released, a five-year-old male named Xiang Xiang, was found dead in the snow early this year after less than 12 months out of captivity. Scientists believe he fell from a high place after getting into a fight with wild pandas or other animals over food or territory. The Wolong Giant Panda Breeding Centre plans to have four pandas raised in captivity live with a specially trained police dog or other animals, the Chengdu Daily quoted reserve officials as saying. The pandas would learn how to protect themselves by observing the dog, increasing their chances of survival when they were eventually released into the mountainous wilds of the far western province of Sichuan. China is now preparing to release a second batch of up to four artificially bred pandas. Many or all would be females, which may be less prone to becoming involved in fights. Breeding pandas through artificial insemination and introducing them to the wild is an important part of China’s efforts to save the species, which is now estimated to number between 1,000 and 2,000 in the wild. Pandas chosen for release undergo years of training. Adult pandas need to spend up to 16 hours a day foraging and eating bamboo and almost all the remaining time resting or sleeping, making them vulnerable in harsh environments. To boost captive pandas’ low fertility rates and weak sexual desire, China has even resorted to showing them videos of other pandas mating. (Source: Reuters UK News 12/23/07) Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 35, No. 2 71 Zoo Support for Elephant Conservation Hits Record Levels The International Elephant Foundation (lEF) and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) have jointly announced their support for 15 new elephant conservation projects for 2008, marking a record level of support. “Elephants all over the world need our help,” said lEF President Michael Fouraker. “The grants made today by the International Elephant Foundation support critical elephant conservation programs.” “Conservation projects supported by accredited zoos are essential to the survival of elephants,” said AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy. “AZA-accredited zoos support a thriving elephant population. These elephants inspire conservation action and play an essential role in the survival of the species.” lEF is a non-profit organization that supports and operates elephant conservation and education programs both in managed facilities and in the wild, with emphasis on management, protection and scientific research. lEF receives the majority of its funding from members of the AZA. “Without the support of AZA-accredited zoos and their elephant programs, we would not be able to generate a record $1.5 million for elephant conservation,” Fouraker added. For 2008, lEF will support the following elephant conservation projects: Habitat Protection • Kalama Community Wildlife Conservancy: Community Conservation of Elephants in Northern Kenya • Prey Proseth Elephant Conservation Community, Cambodia Anti-poaching • Enforcement of Poaching Control and Bush Meat Trade In and Around WAZA National Park, Cameroon • Lake George Marine Ranger Station: the Waterways Project, Uganda Reduction of Human-Elephant Conflict • Movement, Population Distribution and Social Dynamics of African Elephants in Kunene and Omusati Region of Namibia • Support for the core activities of Save The Elephants • Mahouts and Their Elephants Working as Conservation Response Units in Sumatra • Saving Elephants By Helping People, Sri Lanka • Building Capacities for Mitigating HEC in Buxa-Jaldapara Landscape, Northern West Bengal, India 72 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 35, No. 2 Ecotourism/Environmental Education • Children and Elephants of Boromo Region, Burkina Faso • Direct Action Education: Cambodian Wild Elephant Conservation Materials, Cambodia • Support for GAJAH the publication of the lUCN/SSC Asian Elephant Specialist Group (AsESG) Veterinary Medicine • Lao Elephant Care and Management Program, Laos • Ultrasonographic and Endocrinological Characterization of Luteogenesis in Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Asian Elephants • Study to reduce elephant deaths caused by Endotheliotropic Elephant Herpes Virus (EEHV) As a non-profit organization dedicated to elephant conservation, lEF solicits donations to fund worthy conservation and research projects worldwide. To learn more about lEF , visit lEF’s website at www.elephantconservation.org. With minimal administrative costs, lEF is able to dedicate more than 90% of its budget directly toward elephant conservation programs worldwide. Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. To learn more, please visit www.aza.org/elephantconservation. Source: Joint lEF/AZA Press Release 1/9/08 Big Cat Internships Available Join us in “Saving Tigers One by One” TiGFsi I REEK O** Animal Planet® yj “Growing Up Tiger” Leam about Big Cat Management. Internship involves Animal Care Apprentice and Public Education. We offer experience that counts towards employment. TIGER MISSING LINK FOUNDATION / TIGER CREEK WILDLIFE REFUGE Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 35, No. 2 73 Animal Training Committee AAZK, Inc. Using Natural Behaviors to Create Training Protocols: Advances in Matschie’s Tree Kangaroo (Dendrolagus matschiei) Behavioral Conditioning at Zoo New England By Alexandra Zelazo-Kessler, Kimberly J.D. Kezer (AAZK ATC Co-Chair) Zoo New England, Franklin Park Zoo, Boston, MA I. Introduction Training in zoos is often used to faeilitate husbandry praetices and medieal proeedures. For example, animals are often trained to move from one side of an enclosure to another for cleaning, to accept injections, and to allow oral examinations. Such behaviors are often trained in ways that are most convenient for both keeper and animal. At Zoo New England (ZNE), a training program for our Matschie’s tree kangaroos was created based on their natural behavioral tendencies. This program has proved more effective for us than one using more traditional training methods. II. Natural History and Captive Management of Tree Kangaroos Matschie’s tree kangaroos {Dendrolagus matschiei) are currently considered to be seriously endangered by the World Conservation Union (lUCN). According to International Species Information System (ISIS), the North American captive population consists of 23 males, 30 females, and three individuals of unknown gender (23.30.3). According to the 2007 Matschie’s tree kangaroo population master plan, the captive population is aging and successful reproduction of these animals is essential to the survival of the species. Tree kangaroos are solitary animals; pairs come together for breeding purposes only. The female tree kangaroo estrous cycle ranges from 52 to 57 days, an average of 55 days. At this time a female may be more active and exude a strong body odor. Breeding occurs on the ground. The tree kangaroo husbandry manual cites evidence of breeding as being a seminal plug seen on the ground or on the female, spiky and roughed-up fur on the female’s back, and tail marks in the substrate. In captivity, females who are not separated from con-specifics prior to birth have a much greater chance of ejecting the joey from the pouch or having the joey pulled from the pouch. Additionally, any disturbance of the female during birth can decrease the chance of the joey successfully completing its journey from cloaca to pouch. A pouch check should be conducted at approximately 50 days after any evidence of copulation. If no joey is seen the female should be reintroduced for breeding. Captive management of tree kangaroos poses several challenges as well. Manual restraint of tree kangaroos is stressful for both animal and keeper due to their extreme strength. Anesthesia is a potential risk for any animal. For these reasons it became ZNE’s goal to create a training program to facilitate pouch checks as well as other husbandry behaviors. 74 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 35, No. 2 III. Initial Training To enhance ZNE’s “Australian Outback” a pair of breeding tree kangaroos was acquired - a 10- year-old female in the spring of 2003 and an eight-year old male in 2004. Neither roo had successfully reared young though the female had given birth three times. Each time, the joey was found dead outside of the pouch three to four months after parturition. Additionally, no previous training had been recorded for either animal. The male had been noted to eat wheat bread, which was used as his first reward. The female had no such notes in her record. She was offered bread, as well as varieties of produce items including, but not limited to, sweet potato, banana, kale, and celery. She eventually responded to cooked oatmeal sprinkled with cinnamon. The oatmeal must be Quaker Oats®; she will not stand for generic substitutions. Oatmeal with cinnamon is now used with both kangaroos. A clicker was used as a bridge and once conditioned, targeting and stationing on a platform were the first behaviors trained. Crate and scale were trained next, followed by stationing at a t-bar placed on the platform where they already stationed. The t-bar consisted of a square base, part of a broom handle and a small piece of wood that served as a “barre” (See Figure T). The barre also served as a barrier between the keeper and the tree kangaroos’ hands. Both roos were easily trained to put their hands on the barre while the keeper touched various body parts, gave injections, and performed pouch checks. A flashlight was needed to get the best view possible of the pouch area. This meant two keepers were required to perform a pouch check - one to feed the roo and one to hold the flashlight and check the pouch. This was an awkward arrangement and required a great amount of keeper coordination and time. Additionally, the female roo became agitated when two keepers worked with her and would often swipe at the keepers under the barre. Just weeks after the implementation of the two- keeper pouch check method, the tree kangaroos were moved to the zoo’s hospital due to a heating malfunction in their enclosure. While in the hospital they were housed in a large cage with metal meshed doors. It was noted that the roos spent a lot of time climbing up the doors and, when on the doors, staff could touch the female roo’s pouch area and nails easily and safely through the mesh. IV. Creation of Climbing Wall and Training The door of the tree roos temporary home was too large to move into their permanent enclosure. Therefore, a smaller free-standing version was created (see Figures 2. and 3.). To habituate the roos to the climbing wall, it was left in their enclosure while a keeper observed the roos from outside the exhibit. Both roos immediately climbed onto the wall. The roos were then trained to station in front of the climbing wall while the keeper sat on the opposite side. Using oatmeal as reinforcement, the roos were encouraged to climb up the wall so that all four appendages were occupied. The male roo responded well to the training. Just weeks after the wall was created the keeper needed only to bring the wall into the enclosure and he would climb it. Currently, the keeper can trim the Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 35, No. 2 75 Figure 1. Training platform with barre. (photo by A. Zelazo-Kessler) male’s nails, use a flashlight to examine his eyes, and administer injeetions. It should be noted that the back nails are easily trimmed while the tree roo has all four paws on the wall (see Figure 4.) and the front nails are easily trimmed when the roo has just his front paws on the wall. The female roo also responded well to the climbing wall. However, she would not fully climb the wall during training sessions. She was observed doing so during the habituation process, but during training sessions she simply held on to the bars of the climbing wall and hung with her back feet off the floor. After several months, it was decided that getting the female to hold the bars and position Figure 2. Climbing wall (front view) (photo by A. Zelazo-Kessler) herself so her pouch area was against the bars while her feet were on the floor would be sufficient for pouch checks. When conducting a pouch check it is important to visually examine all four teats and the bottom of the pouch. Later, a bar was removed from the climbing wall to allow for easier access to the pouch (see Figure 2.). V. Conclusion The need to anesthetize our pair of Matschie’s Tree Kangaroos for nail trims and routine medical checks has been almost completely eliminated and pouch checking the female tree kangaroo has become an easy and accurate process. Future training goals include: stationing the roos on the training wall for general physical examination including auscultation of the heart and lungs, examination of ears and tail, and to admin- (photo by A. Zelazo-Kessler) 76 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 35, No. 2 ister oral meds from a syringe. By pairing the tree kangaroo’s natural desire to climb with a successful training program, we have created an invaluable tool to enhance the care of our tree kangaroos. Figure 4. Male on climbing wall. (photo by A. Zelazo-Kessler) 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 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! Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 35, No. 2 11 A racari i Enricinment By Audra Byram, Keeper York Wild Kingdom, York Beach, ME For animals in the wild, mental stimulation is everywhere. There are predators to avoid, or prey to hunt, inter- and intraspeeies competitions, and food to forage for, just to name a few. However, as humans encroach upon and destroy natural habitats, species become endangered, and the need arises for representatives to be placed in habitats where they are protected from becoming extinct, such as zoos or wildlife preserves. Being in captivity eliminates many environmental pressures, which means animals may have less mental stimulation than they would in the wild. Since mental stimulation is the cornerstone of mental health, it is the keeper’s responsibility to provide it as part of the overall health of an animal. For many species, the natural answer is to capitalize on what the animal would be spending the majority of time doing in its wild environment-foraging. Animals are genetically programmed to spend time finding food each day; it is an instinct as important as breathing. If animals do not spend time foraging, there is a large portion of the day when they have nothing they are “supposed” to be doing- this often is the reason behind self-destructive or non-natural behaviors such as overgrooming. In many man-made environments, animals are simply given a dish full of their daily nutrition, thereby effectively eliminating an entire day’s work. Primates in the wild average 65%-85% of their time foraging. Highly frugivorious bird species such as parrots can be expected to spend up to 75% of their day foraging for food as well. Due to this, and also to their high level of intelligence, it is widely accepted that animals such as primates and psittacines require extra mental stimulation in non-natural environments. But what of other animals who also have species specific foraging methods and could benefit from additional mental activity? For years, our facility has used foraging units originally designed for use by primates and psittaciscenes by Fauna-Tek® (http://www.fauna-tek.netT Each type of foraging unit has the same basic idea - a cavity or cavities filled with food that can only be reached by manipulating a blocking piece (see Figs. 1, 2, 3, & 4). One such unit (Figs. 1 & 2) was provided for two Callithrix jaccus (common marmosets) in our recently built butterfly exhibit, which also contains several additional animal enclosures. Fig. 1 Marmoset unit (top view) Fig. 2 Marmoset unit (side view) 78 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 35, No. 2 Fig. 3 Large arcari unit Fig. 4 Small arcari unit This particular enclosure is a multi-species display also featuring Pteroglossus torquatus (black- necked aracari- a toucanette), and Cyanocorax chrysops (Plush-crested jay). I frequently observed the aracari attempting to use the foraging unit intended for the marmosets, which was difficult because the disks on this unit were designed to be manipulated by primate digits. The aracari ’s long, slender bill originally evolved for the ability to eat fruits that other bird species may be unable to, but is not suited for using this foraging device. Since the aracari had shown an ability and willingness to use a unit, I decided to find something more appropriate for its morphology. Given its level of intelligence, I chose a unit originally designed for cockatiels (Fig. 4). This unit consists of a circular bottom that has three round channels each 1cm deep, and a removable top disc that is solid except for three 1cm diameter holes drilled in the top, one lining up with each channel. The original design of the top disc was modified to accommodate the aracari ’s sizable bill with larger 2cm diameter, kidney-shaped holes. In order to remove all of the food from each channel of the unit, the aracari would be required to turn this disc all the way around with its bill. At first I offered it this unit in addition to a dish, both filled with the normal diet. It was hung inside the cage so it would be accessible from a perch, at a comfortable length for use. As the aracari became more proficient at using the unit, it received the regular small device in addition to a very similar but larger one (Figs. 3 & 5) so it would obtain the entire daily nutrition solely from these units. Each day, the small unit would be nearly empty, except for a few least favored bits of food, but because the larger unit has a heavier top, it is more difficult to turn. Twice a week, I would forgo the larger unit for a dish to ensure the aracari was getting all the nutrition it needed. Fig. 5 Arcari looking at unit Overall, 65% of the diet was emptied from these two units, as opposed to 83% (much of which was dropped on the floor) from a dish alone. When given a dish alone, the aracari may spend three minutes eating out of every hour or two during the day, but that is all that is needed to obtain proper nutrition. When given a foraging unit, the amount of time and mental activity required to obtain the same amount of nutrition triples or even quadruples. This parallels the wild, where foraging for food is an all-day activity. Foraging is an extremely useful behavior for humans to capitalize on in order to encourage mental activity. As long as you can be creative, and keep a species’ natural behavior and physical abilities in mind, it is possible to employ a suitable device for almost any animal. In this way, we can attempt to provide animals with an additional piece of the mental health puzzle, which each and every one deserves. Animal Keepers ’Forum, Vol. 55, No. 2 79 LLpd^cutey Column Coordinators: Becky Richendollar, North Carolina Zoo and Greg McKinney, Philadelphia PA This month s column was put together by column co-coordinator Becky Richendollar German Zoo to Raise New Polar Bear Cub The Berlin Zoo’s polar bear, Knut — who garnered worldwide fame by being hand-raised by his keepers from a pint-sized fluffball to adulthood — now has company. The Nuremberg Zoo announced Tuesday that it would also begin bottle-feeding a newborn polar bear (Ursus maritimus) cub, which was taken away from its mother over fears she might harm it. The zoo made the decision to remove the cub from its mother, Vera, after another polar bear at the zoo apparently ate her two newborn cubs. “The safety of the young animal is the first priority,” said deputy zoo director Helmut Maegdefrau. Though Vera has not tried to harm her own cub so far, it was taken away from her when she carried it out of her cave and appeared to try and hide it elsewhere in the polar bear compound, Maegdefrau said. “She is absolutely nervous,” he added. Vera’s cub, which was bom in mid-December and has not yet been named, seems healthy and the chances of raising it by hand are good, Maegdefrau said. He added that the other polar bear, Vilma, most likely killed her cubs because they were sick. The zoo keepers have not yet been able to enter Vilma’s cave, however, so are not 100 % certain the cubs have been eaten. Knut, who celebrated his first birthday on Dec. 5, was rejected by his mother after birth and hand- raised by zookeepers. So potent was his appeal as a cute cub that zoo attendance went up by 20% since his first public debut in March 2007, officials said. He has his own blog and TV show and has appeared on the cover of Vanity Fair, not to mention scores of German newspapers and other publications. Now weighing more than 265 pounds, the boisterous bear no longer plays with his keeper Thomas Doerflein and has an enclosure all to himself Source: Associated Press 1/3/08 World’s Rarest Gorillas Studied The world’s most endangered gorillas, the Cross River gorillas {Gorilla gorilla diehli), are the subjects of a new study being conducted by the Wildlife Conservation Society. The gorillas, which live only in Nigeria and Cameroon, have dwindled to only around 300 individuals. In 2005, it was the Wildlife Conservation Society that first documented tool use in gorillas, after witnessing gorillas using sticks to test the depth of streams before crossing them. Late last year a report was released documenting these gorillas’ use of “weapons”. When threatened by humans, the gorillas would throw sticks and clumps of grass to try and drive the humans away. The new study seeks to catalog all potential gorilla habitat in the area. Source: ScienceDaily, December II, 2007 Study Measures Impact of Humans on Wildlife According to a new study, less than 21% of the earth’s terrestrial surface contains all of the same large mammals that lived there 500 years ago. The study, written by scientists at Princeton University and the World Wildlife Fund, shows 109 places that have the same list of large mammals now as they did in 1500. These areas are all small, well-managed reserves, or else places of extremes that do not support most human activity. Scientists compared current ranges of the largest 263 terrestrial mammals with their distributions in 1500. Large mammals were defined as those with a body mass of over 20 kilograms (44 pounds), the mass at which carnivores typically switch from invertebrates to larger prey. The year 1500 was 80 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 35, No. 2 chosen as the baseline date because colonization began to increase significantly around this year, and with the Industrial Revolution, the most profound influences of human beings on nature started. Additionally, only seven large mammal species have become extinct since 1500. The number of species which have suffered the greatest range loss are habitat generalists and include tigers (Panthera tigris), elk (Cervus elaphus) American bison {Bison bison), leopards {Panthera pardus), lions {Panthera leo) and wolves {Canis lupus). The species that has undergone the greatest loss of habitat is, rather surprisingly, the elk; the elk’s range is historically greater than any other species. The study, entitled “Persistence of Large Mammal Faunas As Indicators of Global Human Impact,” is published in the December 2007 issue of ihQ Journal of Mammalogy, Volume 88, Issue 6. Source: ScienceDaily, January 4, 2008 Environmental Education Through Virtual Reality A new video game, “WolfQuesf ’, allows players to adopt the persona of a wolf living in Yellowstone National Park. “You have to learn how to hunt, survive, defend your territory and ultimately find a mate and establish your own pack,” said project director Grant Spickelmier, assistant education director at Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley. The Minnesota Zoo developed “WolfQuest” with Eduweb, an educational software development company using a grant from the National Science Foundation. Other institutions partnering on the project include the National Zoo, the Phoenix Zoo, Yellowstone, and the International Wolf Center in Ely. The first episode of the game, “Amethyst Mountain” was released as a free download at www.wolfquest.org. The game is aimed at kids ages 10-15 because kids that age have stopped going to zoos and are more interested in video games, according to Spickelmier. He added that the Minnesota Zoo also hopes to interest kids in wolf conservation and biology. “WolfQuesf’ will have additional episodes out this year that will explore other areas of Yellowstone and allow players to establish territory and defend their elk carcasses against hungry grizzly bears, raise pups and even kill sheep on nearby ranches. ?>ource: Associated Press, January 1, 2008 Squirrels Use Snake Smell to Fool Predators According to a new study, California ground squirrels {Spermophilus beecheyi) and rock squirrels (Spermophilus variegatus) chew on snake sheds and smear the sheds on their fur. This act is believed to be an anti-predator strategy as it seems to convince snakes that another snake, not a squirrel, is nearby. “To our knowledge this is the first case where [this idea] has been tested systematically and shown to have an anti-predator function — protecting the squirrel from rattlesnake predation,” said study lead author Barbara Clucas. She saw rock squirrels at Caballo Lake State Park in New Mexico licking themselves to apply chewed snake skin to their flanks, tails, and rear ends, which gave them the scent of a rattlesnake. Adult squirrels are immune to snake venom, but pups aren’t big enough to resist the venom. Researchers believe that adult female squirrels spend more time applying snake scent to themselves because they are the ones that actively protect the pups. Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol 35, No. 2 81 This is not the squirrels’ only defense strategy. Previous studies have found that ground squirrels heat up their tails by as much as nine degrees Fahrenheit to send warning signals to rattlesnakes. Source: National Geographic News, December 21, 2007 Polar Bears’ Status in Doubt In January, the United States Government again postponed a decision about whether or not to list the polar bear (Ursus maritimus) as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service claims the delay is due to officials being overworked, and not the pending lease sale for oil and gas development in key polar bear habitat. As the deadline passed, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said it would make its formal recommendation within 30 days, but failed to set a firm deadline. Late last year, the U.S. Geological Survey reported that two- thirds of the world’s polar bears could go extinct by 2050. Several environmental groups state that they intend to file a lawsuit to enforce the deadline. These groups fear the delay may be political. For example, the U.S. Mineral Management Service will hold a final lease sale for oil and gas development in the Chukchi Sea, which is polar bear habitat. That sale is planned for early February. Enrivonmentalists suggest that the delay in polar bear listing may be due to pending sales such as these. Source: National Geographic News, January 7, 2008 Zoo Conservation Achievements in 2007 The American Zoo and Aquarium Association has released its annual list detailing significant contributions made by zoos in 2007. Several species were assisted last year by the hard work of zoos and zoo keepers. • The Detroit Zoo, Central Park Zoo, and Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo have been breeding Wyoming toads {Bufo hemiophrys baxteri), one of the most endangered amphibians in the U.S. These zoos have successfully released more than 6,000 tadpoles, toads, and toadlets in Wyoming since the program began 12 years ago. In 2007 in a monitored, protected area, conservationists discovered the first clutch of Wyoming toad eggs found in the wild in ten years. • The Santa Fe Community College Teaching Zoo, Brevard Zoo, Florida Aquarium, and Palm Beach Zoo have been caring for and studying Perdido Key beach mice {Peromyscus polionotus trissylepsis). There are only a few hundred of these mice left in the wild on one island off the coast of Pensacola. Scientists worry about the affect that a hurricane may have on the population. Breeding studies at the above zoos have begun in an attempt to keep the mice population stable. • The New England Aquarium recently developed a hormone test to learn more about the reproductive rates of the North Atlantic right whale {Eubalaena glacialis). Fewer than 400 of these right whales exist in the world, and they are threatened by ship collisions, fishing gear, pollution, and disease. • The Duke Lemur Center, Salt Lake City’s Hogle Zoo, the Los Angeles Zoo, and the Santa Ana Zoo have partnered with the Madagascar Fauna Group in eastern Madagascar where they are reintroducing zoo-bred lemurs into the wild. The released individuals are dong well and three of the reintroduced lemurs have produced offspring. • The Gladys Porter Zoo have been working to keep the nesting sites of the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle {Lepidochelys kempii) safe. The zoo, along with Mexican conservation workers, have proteeted the turtle’s nesting sites on beaches in the US and Mexico. 82 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 35, No. 2 • The Saint Louis Zoo has partnered with several Kenyan non-profit agencies and other zoos to raise awareness about the plight of the Grevy’s zebra (Equus grevyi). The Grevy’s zebra is threatened by competition from livestock, but the zoo’s efforts have paid off and several communities have created livestock-free conservation zones. • The Monterey Bay Aquarium has placed a young white shark {Carcharodon carcharias) that was caught in commercial fishing gear on exhibit. The Aquarium’s White Shark Researach Project has tagged and tracked 10 juvenile white sharks since 2002 and their hope is that in exhibiting a white shark they can help change public attitudes towards the white shark, and create greater protection for these amazing creatures. • The Florida Butterfly Monitoring Network, which includes Brevard Zoo, Central Florida Zoo, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Jacksonville Zoo, Lowry Park Zoo, and Miami MetroZoo, is working to survey butterfly populations throughout Florida. Volunteers trained by the zoos conduct monthly surveys of butterflies on zoo grounds, helping researchers to monitor populations and study potential threats to butterfly species. • The Tortonto Zoo and the Calgary Zoo have been working to breed the endangered Vancouver Island marmot {Marmota vancouverensis), and the Calgary Zoo produced five litters in 2007. The zoos will be reintroducing the pups. • In 2007 the bald eagle {Haliaeetus leucocephalus) was removed from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Endangered Species List. The San Francisco Zoo has played a major role in breeding and releasing captive eagles and has reintroduced more than 100 bald eagles over the last 22 years. Great news and congratulations to all the zoos and zoo keepers who work so hard to ensure the survival of many of our planets’ species. Source: www.aza.org, January 7, 2008 New Chorus Frog Discovered in South-Central U.S. Complete Title: A New North American Chorus Frog Species (Pseudacris: Hylidae: Amphibia) from the South-Central United States Authors: Emily M. Lemmon, Alan R. Lemmon, Joseph T. Collins, and David C. Cannatella Journal where published: Zootaxa 1675: 1-30 (2008) A new North American chorus frog has been discovered and officially described in the journal Zootaxa. Dubbed the Cajun Chorus frog by its discoverers, the small one-inch amphibian is known from western Mississippi, all of Louisiana and Arkansas, eastern Texas and Oklahoma, and extreme southern Missouri (Ripley County). It ranges to within a few miles of the Kansas border in eastern Oklahoma. The new species has a distinct call, distinct ___ appearance, and is distinct genetically based on analysis of DNA evidence. The scientific name of this new chorus frog is Pseudacris fouquettei, named for Martin J. Fouquette, a retired professor of biology at Arizona State University and well-known herpetologist, whose earlier research on these amphibians paved the way for those who followed. The last new species of frog diseovered in the United States was the Florida Bog Frog {Rana okaloosae), officially described as new to science in 1985 by Paul E. Moler. Photo: Suzanne L. Collins, CNAH A color image of the new Cajun Chorus Frog may be viewed at http://www.cnah.org/ dgiail,asp?id— 1374 Source: New Release, The Center for North American Herpetology, Lawrence, Kansas http://www. cnah. org January 10, 2008 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 35, No. 2 83 U.S. Zoo Works with Mongolia to Save Endangered Vulture A U.S. zoo, working in cooperation with Mongolia, has reported success in hatching and raising an endangered cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus). The vulture chick was bom 14 May at the Denver Zoo. Zoo staff members had to assist the chick in breaking out of its shell. Weighing only one-half pound, the bird had to be hand-fed for its first seven weeks. To assure the bird would adapt to a wildlife habitat, zoo staff fed the bird using a hand puppet vulture to prevent the chick from associating its being fed with human contact. The cinereous vulture population in the world has been decimated through illegal hunting, poisoning and the general encroachment by human communities. It is estimated that only 7,000 to 10,000 cinereous vulture couples exist today. The Denver Zoo has worked with Mongolian officials to tag and track the vultures within the country. The information has allowed officials to develop a conservation program for the birds. The Denver Zoo has also begun a program of artificial insemination to increase the number of vultures in the wild. Source: 2007 Mongolia Web News 9/18/07 Study Shows North American Reptiles Doing Better Than Expected A newly completed assessment of the conservation status of North American reptiles(Class Reptilia) shows that most of the group is faring better than expected, with relatively few species at severe risk of extinction. The comprehensive international assessment was carried out by zoologists from NatureServe, working in partnership with reptile experts from universities, the World Conservation Union (lUCN), and Conservation International. The study covers 721 species of lizards and snakes found in Mexico, the United States, and Canada. About one in eight lizards and snakes (84 species) was found to be threatened with extinction, with another 23 species labeled Near Threatened. For 121 lizards and snakes, the data are insufficient to allow a confident estimate of their extinction risk, while 493 species (about two-thirds of the total) are at present relatively secure. When viewed in comparison with the perils facing other animals, this is reasonably good news for North America’s snakes and lizards (and amphibians). A comparable recent global assessment of amphibians, for example, found nearly one-third of the planet’s amphibians to be at risk of extinction. The results of the two-year assessment were announced today as a key component of the 2007 lUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Widely recognized as the most definitive tally of the planet’s threatened wildlife, the Red List is a joint effort led by lUCN and its Species Survival Commission, working with official Red List partners BirdLife International, Conservation International, NatureServe, and the Zoological Society of London. Publication of the conservation status assessments for North American reptiles is a major step towards completion of the first-ever Global Reptile Assessment, an ongoing effort by the Red List Consortium to assess the status of all reptiles worldwide. The North American effort was funded primarily by the Regina Bauer Frankenberg Foundation for Animal Welfare, a New York-based foundation dedicated to the care and conservation of the world’s animals. For additional information, contact Rob Riordan, NatureServe Director of Communications, 703- 908- 1831 or by email at rob_riordan@natureserve.org Source:News Release from The Center for North American Herpetology Lawrence, Kansas http://www. cnah.org Are You Moving? Make sure to notify AAZK of your change of address. Don’t miss a single AKF issue! Call: 785-273-9149 or you can email change of address information to: aazkoffice@zk.kscoxmail.com< Please put “Address Change” in the subject line. You may also send in a change of address from the AAZK website (www.aazk.org) 84 Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 35, No. 2 Resource Publications Available from the AAZK Website ~ www.aazk.org The following resource publications and dedicated issues of Animal Keepers ’ Forum are available for purchase from the AAZK website: Biological Information on Selected Mammals 4th Edition CD-ROM Version The 1,396 page Biological Information on Selected Mammal Species CD covers a wide range from general, breeding, and young-rearing behavior to diet and physical descriptions of 590 species. The volume is in a PDF format allowing searches by Species (Common or Latin name); or Key words using the Find function; or by Species (Common or Latin name). Family; or Order using the Bookmarks. Table of Contents are given for Orders, Families, Species by Common Name, Species by Scientific Name, and Species by Order and Family. The Appendices cover a variety of information from behavioral patterns common to families (Bovid displays) to taxonomy (Primates). References are listed by Order and Family. Prices: AAZK Members $15 Nonmembers $40 - Price includes Domestic and Canadian First Class Postage. Overseas orders should add $5.00 per CD for Air Mail Postage. AAZK Enrichment Notebook, Third Edition CDROM Version This 455-page publication includes many facets of animal enrichment and is indexed for easy reference. The sections include an Overview of Enrichment, Enrichment Links, Enrichment Suppliers, Suggested Guidelines (Bats, Bears, Birds, Carnivores, Fishes, Primates, Reptiles, and Ungulates), Safety Considerations, Lists of Browse Plants and Toxic Plants, Cookbook Recipes for Enrichment, Enrichment Ideas/Devices (organized by category). Sample Enrichment Forms currently used in zoological facilities, and an extensive Enrichment Bibliography. This is a searchable PDF format document utilizing Acrobat Reader that is included. Prices: AAZK Members $15 Nonmembers $40 - Price includes Domestic and Canadian First Class Postage. Overseas orders should add $5.00 per CD for Air Mail Postage. Zoonotic Diseases - 3rd Edition - CD-ROM Version Searchable PDF Format Hyper-linked Zoonotic Disease List Updated Guidelines for Animal Care Personnel Updated Hygiene and Disinfection Section 82 pages of Information AAZK Member Price $9.50 (includes s/h in U.S. and Canada). Non-member Price $12.00 (includes s/h in U.S. and Canada). Orders outside U.S. and Canada need to add $5.00 postage per CD for Air Mail service. Dedicated Cheetah Issue - The combined July/August 2005 issue of Animal Keepers' Forum is a special 124-page edition dedicated to the cheetah. This issue covers many aspects concerning the cheetah ~ from captive husbandry to conservation efforts in Africa. A limited number of extra copies of this special issue are available for purchase from the AAZK Administrative Office. Cost is $10.00US per copy; domestic postage is included. Overseas orders are $20.00US and includes airmail delivery. Dedicated Polar Bear Issue - The August 2007 issue of Animal Keepers' Forum is a special 80-page edition dedicated to the Polar Bear. This issue covers many aspects concerning the polar bear ~ from captive husbandry to conservation efforts, to the impacts of global warming on this species. AAZK worked cooperatively with Polar Bears International in the production of this special issue. A limited number of extra copies of this special issue are available for purchase from the AAZK Administrative Office. Cost is $10.00US per copy; domestic postage is included. Overseas orders are $20.00US and includes airmail delivery. 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